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diff --git a/44426-0.txt b/44426-0.txt index 5d3aed2..8879a84 100644 --- a/44426-0.txt +++ b/44426-0.txt @@ -1,36 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories of the Days of King Arthur, by -Charles Henry Hanson - -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: Stories of the Days of King Arthur - -Author: Charles Henry Hanson - -Illustrator: Gustave Dore - -Release Date: December 14, 2013 [EBook #44426] -Last Updated: December 13, 2016 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44426 *** STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR @@ -7578,358 +7546,4 @@ THE END. 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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: Stories of the Days of King Arthur - -Author: Charles Henry Hanson - -Illustrator: Gustave Dore - -Release Date: December 14, 2013 [EBook #44426] -Last Updated: December 13, 2016 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - -</pre> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44426 ***</div> <div style="height: 8em;"> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> @@ -8794,379 +8758,6 @@ THE END. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories of the Days of King Arthur, by -Charles Henry Hanson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR *** - -***** This file should be named 44426-h.htm or 44426-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/4/2/44426/ - -Produced by David Widger - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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-Stories of the Days Of King Arthur, by Charles Henry Hanson
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Stories of the Days of King Arthur, by
-Charles Henry Hanson
-
-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: Stories of the Days of King Arthur
-
-Author: Charles Henry Hanson
-
-Illustrator: Gustave Dore
-
-Release Date: December 14, 2013 [EBook #44426]
-Last Updated: December 13, 2016
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-<div style="height: 8em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h1>
-STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR
-</h1>
-<h2>
-By Charles Henry Hanson
-</h2>
-<p>
-<br />
-</p>
-<h2>
-With Illustrations By GUSTAVE DORE
-</h2>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<p>
-<b>CONTENTS</b>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br />
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR.</b> </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. MERLIN THE WIZARD. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. HOW ARTHUR GOT HIS CROWN, HIS QUEEN,
-AND THE ROUND TABLE. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. THE DEEDS AND DEATH OF BALIN </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. THE ADVENTURE OF THE THE HART, THE
-HOUND, AND THE LADY </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. THE EVIL DEVICES OF MORGAN LE FAY.
-</a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE KNIGHTS
-AND THE THREE DAMSELS, </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. LANCELOT DU LAKE </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII SIR GAWAINE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT.
-</a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. SIR BEAUMAINS’ QUEST </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. SIR TRISTRAM. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. GERAINT AND ENID. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. SIR EWAINE AND THE ADVENTURE OF THE
-FOUNTAIN. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. THE TOURNAMENT OF LONAZEP. </a>
-</p>
-<p class="toc">
-<a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. THE END OF THE HISTORY OF THE ROUND
-TABLE, AND THE PASSING OF ARTHUR </a>
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-PREFACE.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>O other merit or importance is claimed for this book than that of a
-compilation; but it is, so far as the writer is aware, the most complete
-epitome of the Arthurian Legends that has yet been prepared for the use of
-young readers. More than one modernized version of the work of Sir Thomas
-Mallory has been published; but every student of the legends will be aware
-that there were many of which Mallory, in the compilation of his
-narrative, took no account; and the substance of several of these has been
-embodied in the present work. For the story of Merlin, recourse has been
-had to the version of the old romance given by Ellis in his “Early English
-Metrical Romances.” The quaint story of Sir Gawaine and the Green Knight
-is adapted from the edition of that legend which is included among the
-publications of the Early English Text Society; while to Lady Charlotte
-Guest’s “Mabinogion” the writer is indebted for the story of Geraint and
-Enid, and also for the romance of Ewaine and the Lady of the Fountain.
-</p>
-<p>
-It is obvious that in a single volume of the bulk of the present there
-could not be included more than a selection from the great mass of legends
-which during several centuries accumulated round the mighty though shadowy
-figure of Arthur. The aim of the writer has been to make choice of such of
-these stories and traditions as were most likely to captivate the
-imagination or excite the attention of the boy-readers of this generation;
-to cast them, so far as possible, into the shape of a connected narrative
-and regular sequence of events; and to preserve so much of the quaint
-style of Mallory as is consistent with perfect clearness. Whether these
-objects have been attained, it must be left for critics and readers to
-pronounce; but the compiler ventures to believe that the book will be
-found a serviceable introduction to the study of the romances themselves,
-and of Mallory’s famous prose version of them; while it will also assist
-young readers in the comprehension and appreciation of the Poet Laureate’s
-noble series of poems on Arthurian Legends. In the romances, both in their
-prose and metrical form, there are occasional allusions and episodes which
-make them unfit to be placed in the hands of juvenile readers. It is
-scarcely necessary to say that in the present work nothing of this kind
-has been retained.
-</p>
-<p>
-The attempt to blend in the same book fragments of the original Cymric
-traditions with others which in the course of ages had received from
-foreign adapters so many changes and modifications that they seem at first
-sight to belong to a totally different stock, is perhaps a bold one. The
-reader will not fail to note that in the stories epitomized from the
-“Mabinogion,” and in “Sir Gawaine and the Green Knight,” personages and
-incidents alike are ruder, simpler, more poetical than in the other
-chapters. There is much more liberal employment of supernatural agencies;
-there are fewer traces of those ideas and institutions of chivalry which
-to the romancers of the Middle Ages were the very refinement of
-civilization, the highest development of the social system. But though
-this contrast be perceptible, it is not so much so, perhaps, as to mar the
-continuity of the book; and it is instructive, because it enables the
-reader to view side by side some legends in a form approximating to that
-in which they were current among the people who claimed Arthur as their
-hero, and others in the shape they assumed under the hands of Norman,
-Breton, and French <i>trouvères</i> and romancers.
-</p>
-<p>
-No schoolboy now-a-days needs to be told that the Arthur of the legends is
-to all intents and purposes a fictitious personage. That there was a great
-chieftain among the Britons of the name of Arthur, who rose to preeminence
-by his military prowess during the sanguinary struggles which resulted in
-the English Conquest, may be regarded as certain; but as to the extent of
-his dominions, the duration of his reign, and even the chief scenes of his
-exploits, all is doubtful. It is partly from an unwillingness to commit
-too great a trespass on historical fact, and partly from a desire to omit
-tedious and monotonous records of fighting, that the compiler has
-dismissed with a brief reference the episode of Arthur’s Continental
-invasion and conquest of the Roman Empire, which occupies considerable
-space in Mallory’s work, and is the subject of more than one of the
-metrical romances. The Quest of the Holy Grail has been briefly treated
-because of the mystical nature of the subject.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h1>
-STORIES OF THE DAYS OF KING ARTHUR.
-</h1>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER I. MERLIN THE WIZARD.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>OME hundred years after the authority of the Roman emperors had finally
-ceased in Britain, a king reigned there whose name was Constans. Wise in
-peace, and skilful and brave in war, this monarch had obliged all the
-lesser chiefs and kings of the island to acknowledge his supremacy, and
-had occupied the throne for many years to his own glory and to the benefit
-of his subjects, when he was attacked by an illness so severe that he
-himself at once perceived death to be at hand. He had three sons.
-Constantius, the eldest, had from childhood shown a liking for the
-cloister, and had for some years been the inmate of a monastery. As,
-however, the king’s other sons, whose names were Aurelius Ambrosius and
-Uther Pendragon, were yet only children, Constans named Constantius the
-monk his successor; and in his dying hour he entreated the sorrowing
-nobles who gathered round his bed to render to his son the same loyal and
-faithful service as they had given to himself. With this request the
-barons, of whom the king’s steward Vortigern was the foremost both in rank
-and in ability, promised to comply; and thus Constans, after a prosperous
-reign, died peacefully and happily.
-</p>
-<p>
-After the funeral of the deceased monarch, Constantius was brought from
-his monastery and duly crowned King of the Britons. But his disposition,
-his abilities, and his previous method of life, all unfitted him for the
-performance of duties which could only be properly discharged by a great
-statesman and warrior. Of this fact the steward Vortigern was very well
-aware. He was an ambitious and unscrupulous man, elated by the distinction
-he had won in King Constants wars with the Danes and the Saxons, and he
-considered himself, in virtue of his experience as a general and in
-matters of government, the only competent successor to his late master. It
-was not long before an opportunity arose for the furtherance of his evil
-designs. A Danish sea-king named Hengist, who had frequently harassed the
-country during the late reign, but had always been driven off by the
-redoubtable Constans, no sooner heard of the death of his old antagonist,
-and the accession of the pacific Constantius, than he assembled an army of
-a hundred thousand men, and invaded Britain. Constantius, quite unfit to
-make headway against such an enemy, entreated Vortigern to conduct the
-campaign on his behalf. But the treacherous minister, pretending that he
-was incapacitated by age and illness, retired to his castle, and left the
-unfortunate king to his own devices. Constantius assembled his forces, and
-led them against the invaders; but he was no match for a veteran warrior
-like Hengist, and in the first battle he was completely defeated.
-</p>
-<p>
-The subordinate British princes, and most of the nobles of the land, had
-responded to Constantius’s summons, and fought under his banner; but they
-were greatly enraged at his defeat, which, with some justice, they
-attributed to his incapacity as a general. The forces of the pagan Hengist
-now spread like locusts over the country, burning and destroying in every
-direction; and the Britons, as Vortigern had calculated, saw no hope of
-getting rid of them except under the leadership of King Constants old
-lieutenant. They therefore sent a deputation to Vortigern, urging him to
-take the command of the army, in order to save the country from ruin. The
-steward, however, refused to engage in such an enterprise merely for the
-sake of winning honour and authority for the monkish king. “If Constantius
-were out of the way,” he said, “I would gladly do my best for you and the
-country; but I will not face all the perils of war to benefit a king who
-cannot defend his own throne.”
- </p>
-<p>
-In this dilemma the princes and nobles of Britain forgot the promises they
-had made to the dying Constans. When they received the answer of
-Vortigern, a number of them proceeded at once in search of the unfortunate
-king, and murdered him in his own hall. The two princes, Aurelius and
-Uther Pendragon, were too young to reign; and even those barons who still
-remained faithful to the family of Constans saw no alternative, in view of
-the havoc that was being wrought by the Saxon invaders, except the
-election of Vortigern to the vacant throne. He was accordingly proclaimed
-king; and his pretended illness at once gave place to the activity he had
-been wont to show in earlier days. His first endeavour, after his
-coronation, was to get possession of the persons of the two princes; but
-in this design he was foiled by the sagacity of some of their friends, who
-had hastened, as soon as the murder of Constantius was made public, to
-convey them over sea to the country which was then called Little Britain,
-and is now known as Brittany.
-</p>
-<p>
-If he had not had his hands full at home, Vortigern would have pursued the
-princes even to their place of refuge; for he was well aware that his
-tenure of the throne must always be uncertain while they were alive. But
-he was also conscious that while the victorious Hengist and his Saxons
-remained in the country, the dignity to which he had been raised was but
-an empty one. He proceeded without delay to reorganize the army which had
-been shattered by the defeat of the ill-fated Constantius. He then led it
-against the invaders, and, displaying all the military skill which he had
-learned in his campaigns under King Constans, gained victory after
-victory, and soon reduced Hengist to such straits that he was glad to
-retire from the kingdom, giving a solemn pledge that he would never again
-invade it.
-</p>
-<p>
-Vortigern had thus given substantial proof of the prudence of the choice
-which had placed him on the throne, and had established a claim to the
-gratitude of his subjects. But the Britons were soon to learn that
-something more than military skill is needed to make a good king, and that
-a man who will only save his country to gratify his own selfish ambition
-will not hesitate to bring it to ruin from the same motive. At a great
-festival held by Vortigern to celebrate the victories he had won, the
-barons who had assassinated Constantius presented themselves, and demanded
-some reward for the deed which had given the crown to Vortigern. The
-latter, however, was of opinion that to comply with their request would be
-to set a premium upon treason; whereas, now that he had attained the
-object of his desire, it would be wise in him to discourage it. So he
-repudiated all participation in the murder of Constantius; and to show his
-abhorrence of the deed, he caused the nobles who had avowed themselves the
-perpetrators to be put to death with great cruelty. It happened, however,
-that the criminals—who, if they deserved their fate, certainly ought
-not to have suffered at the hands of the man who had instigated and
-profited by their crime—were men of rank and great family influence.
-Their many relatives and friends at once rose in revolt to avenge their
-death; and the insurrection very soon became so widespread that Vortigern
-was on the point of losing the crown for which he had so dexterously
-intrigued and fought. In his extremity he resorted to the expedient of
-appealing for help to his old antagonist Hengist, who gladly acceded to
-the request, and once more came over to Britain at the head of a
-formidable army. With this assistance Vortigern succeeded in vanquishing
-the rebels. But he could no longer count on the loyalty of the Britons;
-so, to make himself secure, he married the daughter of Hengist, and
-maintained his authority by means of a Saxon army.
-</p>
-<p>
-The cruelty of his rule, and the favour he showed to his pagan friends and
-supporters, earned for Vortigern such general and intense hatred among the
-Britons, that he determined to erect an impregnable fortress which might
-furnish him with a safe refuge against conspirators and foes. Accordingly,
-having chosen what seemed to him to be a suitable site on Salisbury Plain,
-he gathered together many thousands of workmen and ordered them forthwith
-to begin the erection of his castle. As the tyrant was in the habit of
-punishing disobedience or dilatoriness with remorseless severity, while he
-was also lavish in the rewards he gave for zealous service, the masons set
-to work with a will, and at the close of the first day had made such
-progress that the ground had been excavated, the foundation laid, and a
-wall of immense thickness had risen to the height of some feet. But what
-was the astonishment and awe of the workmen, when on the following morning
-they assembled at the scene of their labours, to find that the wall had
-been levelled with the ground, and all that remained of it was nothing
-more than shapeless piles of stone and mortar! Quite unable to comprehend
-this extraordinary phenomenon, the builders made the best of the business
-by once more setting to work with such energy that at nightfall the wall
-had again risen breast-high. But all their efforts had been expended to no
-purpose, for the next day it was found that the wall had once more been
-overthrown. In vain did they examine the site to discover the cause of the
-mystery. Nothing that could account for it was to be found; so the masons
-proceeded to inform the king of the inexplicable difficulty that had
-arisen in the carrying out of his design.
-</p>
-<p>
-Vortigern hurried to the spot, and investigated the circumstances for
-himself, but departed no wiser than he had come. The mystery, however,
-gave him great anxiety, for he could not help connecting it with the
-treachery by which he had obtained the throne, and the many crimes he had
-since perpetrated. He therefore summoned his astrologers, and informed
-them that they must either discover the reason why his castle-wall fell
-down as soon as it was built up, or be put to death. Incited by this
-unpleasant alternative, the wise men closely studied the aspect of the
-heavens, and then told the king that some few years before a boy had been
-bom in England without an earthly father. If this boy could be found, put
-to death, and the foundations of the castle smeared with his blood, there
-would be no further difficulty about its subsequent progress.
-</p>
-<p>
-Vortigern at once sent emissaries to all parts of the country to find the
-wonderful boy; but to make sure that the astrologers should not escape his
-vengeance if the messengers were unsuccessful in their search, he threw
-them all into prison.
-</p>
-<p>
-Astrology must, however, have been better understood in those days than it
-is now, for the wise men had interpreted the planetary revelations with
-perfect accuracy. The boy for whom the servants of Vortigern were
-searching did in fact exist, and was none other than the afterwards famous
-wizard and prophet Merlin, whose mother was a British maiden, while his
-father was the Arch-fiend, who had hoped through his agency to carry out
-his evil purposes against mankind. This design had, however, been thwarted
-by a pious hermit named Blaize, who had taken the boy’s mother under his
-protection, and had baptized the infant at the moment of his birth, so
-that the supernatural gifts which he inherited from his demon-father were
-enlisted on the side of good, instead of being employed in the service of
-the evil one. Endowed from his birth with the power of foretelling the
-future, and with the knowledge of all mysteries, Merlin had been thus far
-content to lead the life of other children, well knowing that the time was
-at hand when he must play a more important part. He now made himself known
-to one of Vortigern’s messengers, whom he astonished by informing him of
-the object of his search. He added that though the astrologers had rightly
-interpreted the portent of the heavens, his death was not necessary for
-the erection of Vortigern’s castle; for on this point the wise men had
-been misled by the devices of Satan, who, since Merlin was now out of his
-power, was anxious for his destruction. The boy gave the king’s emissary
-to understand that when brought into Vortigern’s presence he would explain
-the whole mystery. The royal officer was naturally well pleased to have
-achieved the object of his mission; and any doubts he might still have
-entertained about the reality of Merlin’s pretensions to supernatural
-powers were dispelled by the extraordinary proofs which the child
-furnished during their journey to Winchester, where Vortigern then held
-his court. The party were making their way through the busy streets of a
-town, when Merlin broke into loud laughter. When asked the reason, he
-pointed out a young man who was bargaining for a pair of shoes, and
-explained that what had aroused his mirth was the extreme eagerness to
-secure substantial foot-gear shown by one who would not live to wear the
-shoes he had bought. As the young man was to all appearance in robust
-health, Merlin’s companions received this statement with incredulity; but
-before they had gone many paces further, they heard an uproar in the
-street behind them, and on inquiry they found that it was due to the fact
-that the man Merlin had shown to them had suddenly-dropped down dead.
-This, and other evidences of the prescience of the young seer, convinced
-Vortigern’s messenger, who hastened to conduct the wonderful boy into the
-presence of the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-Vortigern received Merlin with a pomp which in no wise disturbed the
-philosophical serenity of the child, and in due course conducted him to
-the place selected as the site of the castle, where he described the
-extraordinary failure of the attempts that had thus far been made to build
-it, and inquired the reason.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir King,” answered Merlin, “the reason is this. Below the place where
-your workmen have sought to lay the foundations of the wall there are two
-large and deep pools of water. At the bottom of these lie two huge stones,
-which cover the lairs of two gigantic serpents, the like of which none of
-your subjects have ever before set eyes on. One of these serpents is
-milk-white in hue, the other red as blood. They sleep all through the day;
-but every night they engage in a furious combat, which is without result,
-because they have not sufficient space wherein to move. The walls built by
-your masons were overthrown because the very earth was shaken by the
-struggles of the serpents. But if you cause the water to be drained away,
-and the stones to be raised, the serpents will be able to settle their
-dispute, and there will then be no hindrance to the building of the
-castle.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Overjoyed at this information, Vortigern at once gave the necessary
-orders. His army of workmen was speedily engaged in digging, and presently
-the two pools of water described by Merlin were disclosed. The water
-having been removed, the stones were laid bare; and when, with infinite
-difficulty, they had been uplifted, there lay the two serpents, side by
-side. Both were of enormous size, and covered with shining scales, while
-fire flashed from their mouths. They were not only distinguished by the
-difference of colour of which the young wizard had spoken, but the white
-serpent had two heads. As soon as the light of day fell upon them, they
-awoke from the torpor in which they had been sunk, uncoiled their
-monstrous folds, and, to the terror of the vast multitude assembled—amongst
-whom Merlin was the only unconcerned spectator—they began a furious
-conflict, which lasted till night. The fire which they vomited forth
-against each other flashed through the air like lightning, and their huge
-jaws dripped with their black blood. At first the red serpent seemed to
-gain the advantage; but as the day wore on the white one waxed in
-strength, and at last he beat his antagonist to the ground, and then
-descended upon him with such fury as to crush him into dust. The white
-serpent then himself disappeared, and was never again seen by mortal man.
-</p>
-<p>
-The literal fulfilment of Merlin’s prediction naturally inspired Vortigern
-with the utmost confidence in the wisdom of the prophet, more especially
-as the erection of the castle thenceforth proceeded without let or
-hindrance. He was at once installed as the chief counsellor of the king;
-but this high promotion, which he himself accepted with the taciturn
-indifference which was his ordinary demeanour, raised him many enemies,
-and one of these represented to Vortigern that, as Merlin knew everything,
-he would certainly be able to explain the significance of the terrific,
-fight between the two serpents, which must doubtless have some deep hidden
-meaning. The king, whose conscience was always stinging him, eagerly
-grasped at the idea, and Merlin was forthwith sent for and questioned on
-the subject. He remained persistently silent, however, until Vortigern
-threatened him with instant death if he did not answer.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Know, O King,” said the seer, “that what you threaten is as far beyond
-your power as it was to discover the reason of the overthrow of your
-castle wall. Save by my own will, no man of woman bom can injure me.
-Since, however, you are resolved to know the meaning of the combat between
-the two serpents, I will reveal it. The red dragon which you saw
-overthrown and destroyed represented yourself; the white one symbolized
-the two princes Aurelius and Uther Pendragon, the sons of King Constans,
-who are the rightful rulers of this realm. They are coming from Little
-Britain with a mighty armament; they will utterly defeat you in battle;
-and when, with your family and the Saxon Hengist, you take refuge in the
-strong castle you have built, you will perish there by fire, even as the
-red serpent perished.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this appalling forecast of his fate, Vortigern was overcome by despair.
-But bethinking him of Merlin’s great craft and wisdom, he turned fiercely
-upon him and demanded counsel as to how he should evade the approaching
-ruin.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That which is to be must be,” answered the wizard. “I have no counsel to
-give you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Full of wrath, Vortigern drew his sword; but when he would have smitten
-Merlin with it, the latter had disappeared, and all the king’s efforts to
-find him were unavailing. He had indeed, by the exercise of his magic art,
-transported himself to the distant hermitage of his first friend, the holy
-Blaize, to whom he committed the task of writing his famous Book of
-Prophecies, foretelling the future history of Britain; a work of which,
-unhappily, only a few sentences remain, and these expressed in such
-obscure and figurative language that no man can decipher their meaning.
-</p>
-<p>
-The ruin which Merlin had foretold speedily overtook the wicked Vortigern.
-He received news of the landing of Aurelius and Uther at the head of a
-large army. He mustered his forces, summoned Hengist to his assistance,
-and hastened to meet his enemies. But the Britons would not fight against
-the sons of their old king. Deserted by all but his Saxon allies,
-Vortigern sustained a ruinous defeat. He took refuge with Hengist in his
-stronghold on Salisbury Plain. The princes forthwith besieged it; but
-finding that they could make no impression on its mighty walls, they
-caused wildfire to be cast over the battlements, and in the conflagration
-that followed, the usurper and all his kin, with his heathen ally, were
-utterly consumed. The remnant of the Saxon invaders were permitted to
-leave the country, on giving pledges that they would never return; and
-Aurelius and Uther, who agreed to share the honours and cares of rule,
-were recognized by all the smaller potentates, the barons, and the
-commons, as the kings of Britain.
-</p>
-<p>
-They were not, however, permitted to remain long in peaceable possession.
-Their reign had scarcely begun when Merlin, who, like a loyal Briton, had
-come forward to give the benefit of his wisdom and his counsel to the new
-kings, warned them that a numerous army of pagans from Denmark had landed
-at Bristol. He added the painful news that though the Britons would be
-successful in their encounter with the invaders, one of the royal brothers
-was destined to perish. All fell out as he had predicted: the heathen were
-so utterly overthrown that scarcely one of them escaped alive from the
-field; but Aurelius died nobly in the moment of victory, and Uther
-Pendragon remained the sole and unopposed monarch of Britain.
-</p>
-<p>
-Under the guidance of Merlin, whose counsels he always prudently followed,
-Uther Pendragon reigned gloriously for many years. He completely
-re-established the supremacy which his father had gained over the other
-kings of Britain, and even carried his conquests into other lands,
-worsting Claudas, King of Gaul, and receiving the allegiance of the
-brothers Ban and Bors, two of the most famous knights in Europe, and lords
-respectively of Benwick and Gannes. He also became liege lord of Hoel,
-King of Harman, a country which is no longer to be found on the maps. The
-wife of Hoel was the beautiful Igraine; and being still in the prime of
-life at the death of her husband, she wedded the Duke of Tintagel, a
-powerful baron who held wide lands in Cornwall By her first lord she had
-been the mother of three daughters, of whom the eldest was wedded to King
-Nanters of Gerlot. The second became the wife of King Lot of Orkney, and
-bore to him four sons—Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, and Gareth. The
-third was the famous Morgan le Fay. She received instruction in magic from
-Merlin, and became scarcely less skilled in the black art than the great
-wizard himself.
-</p>
-<p>
-She also became the wife of a king—Urience, lord of the land of
-Gore.
-</p>
-<p>
-At the instigation of Merlin, King Uther set up the Round Table, whereat
-he sought to assemble the best knights of the world. To this table none
-were admitted save such as were of royal or at least noble blood, were
-distinguished for great personal strength, skill in arms, and unfaltering
-valour. All who were so received were obliged to swear a solemn oath to
-give aid to one another, even to the peril of life; to be ever ready to
-undertake dangerous adventures; to be faithful to their liege lord; and to
-be willing on all occasions to defend the weaker sex from wrong. King
-Uther was able to bring together many noble knights as members of the
-company of his Round Table, for his own valour and the wisdom of Merlin
-had made him one of the most puissant monarchs of his time.
-</p>
-<p>
-It chanced that while King Uther was once holding his court at Camelot,
-there came to do homage to him, among other barons, the Duke of Tintagel,
-who brought with him his lady, the fair Igraine; and her beauty made such
-an impression upon the king, who was still unmarried, that he was
-immediately seized with a great desire to have her for his queen. There
-was, however, a serious obstacle in the way, in the shape of the duke her
-husband, who, as soon as he had learned that the king was unduly attentive
-to his wife, retired with her from court, and refused to obey a command by
-the king that he should return. The haughty Uther treated this refusal as
-an act of rebellion, and forthwith proceeded to wage war against the duke,
-who placed his wife in his strong castle of Tintagel, retired himself to
-another fortress named Terabil, and prepared to offer a resolute
-resistance to the royal forces. King Uther laid siege to Terabil; but his
-love for Igraine had become a stronger passion than even his desire to
-assert his authority, and he implored the aid of Merlin, who undertook to
-win him the lady as his queen if it were agreed that their son should be
-placed at his disposal, to be brought up as he saw fit. The king accepted
-the conditions prescribed; and Merlin, by means of a device which the old
-chroniclers relate at length, fulfilled his part of the bargain. The
-unfortunate duke was killed while making a sally from his fortress, just
-at the time when Uther gained entrance into Tintagel and obtained
-possession of Igraine, with whom, after a brief interval, his nuptials
-were celebrated with great splendour. In due time, Igraine gave birth to a
-son, who, according to the compact made by the king, was given over to
-Merlin, who caused him to be baptized by the name of Arthur, and placed
-him in the keeping of a worthy knight named Sir Ector.
-</p>
-<p>
-For many years after this, Uther Pendragon reigned prosperously as King of
-Britain, and ever kept the Saxons stoutly at bay. At last, however, he was
-attacked by a dangerous illness which kept him languishing on his couch,
-and then the heathen began to make head against him, and harassed his
-people sorely. Under Merlin’s direction, therefore, he was carried in a
-horse-litter at the head of his army, who were so encouraged by his
-presence that they inflicted an utter defeat on the enemy, and drove them
-out of the country. Then King Uther was brought back to London; but the
-rejoicings on account of his victory were scarcely over when his disease
-increased so much that his death was manifestly at hand. His subjects were
-filled with consternation: for the birth of Arthur had—for what
-reason it is impossible to say—been kept strictly secret, and it was
-supposed that King Uther would leave no heir behind him. When he had been
-speechless for three days and nights, however, Merlin summoned the great
-barons of the realm and the Archbishop of Canterbury into the chamber of
-the dying king, and in their presence asked him if it were his will that
-his son Arthur should be his successor. Thereupon Uther answered: “I give
-him God’s blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and also that
-righteously and worshipfully he claim the crown, on forfeiture of my
-blessing.” Immediately after speaking thus, Uther Pendragon died.
-</p>
-<p>
-But none of the barons understood, or cared to understand, the meaning of
-his dying declaration. They knew nothing of any son of Uther’s named
-Arthur; and Queen Igraine, having been kept in ignorance of the fate of
-her son, knew not whether he were alive or dead. So great contention arose
-in the realm, and everywhere there were misery and bloodshed; for all the
-vassal kings asserted their independence, and every baron who could muster
-a few thousand followers was ready to put forward his claim to the crown.
-Many of the knights of the Round Table quitted the country to seek
-“worship” in other and happier lands. The Round Table itself, with the
-remnant of its noble company, was placed in charge of Leodegrance, King of
-Cameliard, to whose keeping it had been bequeathed by Uther Pendragon; and
-in the realm of Britain it was, for many years, no more heard of or
-remembered.
-</p>
-<p>
-The ruin of the country seemed to be at hand, when Merlin took measures to
-put an end to the prevailing anarchy by bringing about the accession of
-the rightful king. He induced the Archbishop of Canterbury to summon a
-meeting of all the great barons and nobles at London, on Christmas eve, in
-the hope that at that solemn festival some miracle might be wrought that
-should make manifest to all to whom the throne rightly belonged. The
-assembly was held accordingly, and amongst those who attended it was Sir
-Ector, who had brought up Arthur in ignorance of his birth, but had been
-careful to train him in all the knightly exercises and accomplishments
-which in those days were held to be fitting in a man of rank. Along with
-Sir Ector came his son Kay, who had been knighted at the preceding
-All-hallowmas; and Arthur accompanied Sir Kay in the capacity of his
-squire. A solemn religious service was held in the greatest church of
-London, when the archbishop offered up prayer for the enlightenment of the
-people as to who ought to be their king. When the service was over, it was
-found that in the churchyard there had risen up a huge block of marble,
-and on the top of it was an anvil of solid steel, in which was imbedded,
-pointwise, a sword of marvellous brightness, bearing on its jewelled hilt
-this inscription: “Whoso pulleth me out of this stone and anvil is
-rightwise king born of England.”
- </p>
-<p>
-It may easily be imagined that the appearance of this mysterious sword
-excited much emotion in the assembly of the barons, many of whom
-entertained ambitious hopes of winning the crown of Britain for
-themselves. At the command of the archbishop another mass was said, and
-thereafter all the assembly marched into the churchyard, where, one after
-another, in the order of their rank, they essayed to draw forth the sword.
-First came King Nanters, King Lot, and King Urience, who, as the husbands
-of Queen Igraines daughters, might claim some family connection with the
-late king. Each of the three was a noted warrior; but not one of them
-could move the sword a hair’s-breadth. Then came forward the other
-tributary kings of the realm—King Brandegoris of Latangor, King
-Clarence of Northumberland, King Idres of Cornwall, the King of the
-Hundred Knights, King Anguisance of Ireland, and many more; but they fared
-no better than they who had preceded them. When all in the assembly who
-desired to do so had made the attempt, the mystic sword still remained
-firmly fixed in the anvil.
-</p>
-<p>
-“He is not yet here,” said the archbishop, “who shall achieve the sword;
-but do not doubt that he will yet appear. It seems to me that we should
-appoint ten knights to keep guard round about it, and make proclamation
-that every man who will may essay it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-All was done as the archbishop had said; but day after day passed, and
-most of the nobles and proved knights of the realm had endeavoured in vain
-to draw out the sword from the anvil. Merlin and the archbishop were
-desirous to keep the lords together, and so on New-Year’s Day a tournament
-was held. Among the knights that rode to take part therein was Sir Kay,
-and with him went Arthur as his squire. Now as they went toward the field,
-Sir Kay found that he had left his sword behind him at the lodging where
-he abode with his father Sir Ector and his mother, and Arthur, who passed
-for his brother. He prayed Arthur to ride back for his sword; and Arthur
-obeyed, as was fitting in a squire. When, however, he came to the lodging
-he found it closed, for all who dwelt there had gone to see the jousting.
-Now on his way Arthur had passed by where the sword was standing in the
-anvil in the churchyard; and so he straightway rode thither, for, said he,
-“certainly my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day.” The
-knights that should have guarded it being at the tournament, no one but
-himself was present. He came to the sword, and took it by the hilt, and
-easily drew it forth without reading the words engraven on the hilt, and
-carried it to Sir Kay.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now Sir Kay was a good knight of his hands, but he was exceedingly proud
-and masterful. As soon as he beheld the sword, he knew well whence it had
-come; and so he rode boldly to his father, Sir Ector.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said he, “here have I the sword of the stone; therefore I must be
-chosen king of this land.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Ector, who knew better than his son to whom the throne rightfully
-belonged, would not believe that Sir Kay had drawn forth the sword. He led
-him to the churchyard, Arthur also following, and bade him replace the
-sword and then again remove it. Sir Kay, thinking that the charm was
-broken, promptly obeyed; he put the sword back into the anvil readily
-enough, but when he essayed to pull it out again, his utmost strength did
-not avail to move it.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, son,” said Sir Ector, “I call upon you, in the name of the Most
-High, to tell me truly from whom you had the sword.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Sir Kay abashed, “it was brought to me by my brother
-Arthur.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Ector bade Arthur draw forth the sword, and that he did as easily
-as from a scabbard. Straightway Sir Ector and his son knelt down and
-greeted Arthur as king.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, my dear father and brother,” said Arthur, “why do you call me king,
-and kneel to me?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You are not my son,” replied Sir Ector, “but of better blood than ever
-mine was.” And he told Arthur how Merlin had placed him in his charge; and
-entreated, in reward for the care with which he had been nourished, that
-when he became king he would make Sir Kay his seneschal, a request which
-Arthur readily granted. Then they went to the archbishop, and told him how
-the sword had been achieved, and by whom. On Twelfth Day, another solemn
-service was held, and afterwards, in the presence of all the kings and
-barons, Arthur again drew out the sword from the anvil, though no one else
-could move it.
-</p>
-<p>
-But the great lords were not at all inclined to recognize as their king a
-mere youth, who had hitherto passed as the second son of a knight of no
-great estate. So they put off the decision of the matter till Candlemas;
-but a pavilion was set up over the sword and stone, and five knights
-watched over it by day and five by night. At Candlemas the barons
-assembled again, and again Arthur only could draw out the sword. Still
-there were many of the chief men of the realm that were loath to take him
-as their king, and another delay was agreed upon till Easter. At Easter
-all went as it had gone before; and now the lords agreed to delay the
-matter till Pentecost. But Merlin and the archbishop saw that Arthur’s
-right would not be admitted without bloodshed, and they gathered as many
-as they could of the best knights of the realm, and such as had been
-faithful followers of King Uther, and kept them always about Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-The rest of the wonders that Merlin wrought to give the kingdom to Arthur,
-and to make his reign glorious, may be more properly told in the history
-of the king himself. But for a long time Merlin the Wizard was Arthur’s
-chief adviser; and while the king was guided by his counsels and aided by
-his magic art, all went well with him. When Arthur had been some years on
-the throne, however, the great enchanter disappeared for ever from mortal
-ken, through a calamity which he himself had long ago foreseen. He had
-become deeply enamoured of the lovely Yiviane, who dwelt in the forest of
-Breceliande in Brittany, and is usually, in the ancient chronicles, called
-the Lady of the Lake. Yiviane did not return his love, but she feared his
-supernatural powers, and therefore sought for means of ridding herself of
-him without exciting his wrath. She pretended to be as much devoted to him
-as he was to her, and induced him by her wiles and caresses to reveal to
-her an enchantment by which a man, of whatsoever might or magic skill,
-could be enclosed and imprisoned without a tower, without walls, without
-chains, so securely that of his own skill he could never be released. It
-was only with great reluctance that Merlin intrusted the secret to her,
-for well he knew that it would be used against himself. But, as the old
-proverb has it, “love levels all,” and it made the wisdom of the great
-seer power-less against the arts and the beauty of Viviane. It fell out
-that some little time afterwards Merlin and the lady were wandering in the
-forest of Breceliande, and they came to a white-thorn bush, laden with
-bloom. Underneath this bush they sat down together, and in a while Merlin
-laid his head in Viviane’s lap and fell asleep. Then she rose deftly,
-without waking him, and made a ring round Merlin and the bush, and began
-the enchantment which he himself had taught her; and when she had ended,
-there was, as it were, a cloud about the place, so that Merlin was hidden
-from sight. But to him, when he awoke, it seemed that he was shut up in
-the strongest tower in the world, and laid upon a fair bed. Then he knew
-that the enchantment had been wrought upon him, and that there was no
-escape, for only Viviane could undo the spell. She visited him ofttimes,
-but would never release him, and after many years she died. But Merlin
-still remains a prisoner in the depths of the forest. To him the long
-years and ages have been but as days. He lies in a magic sleep. But the
-day will come when the strong enchantment that bound him will be broken,
-and he will come forth to behold the changes that have been wrought by
-more potent arts than his, and all the wonders of this later time.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER II. HOW ARTHUR GOT HIS CROWN, HIS QUEEN, AND THE ROUND TABLE.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE Feast of Pentecost came, and there was again a great gathering of
-kings, nobles, and knights at London to decide who should be King of
-Britain. Once more a great many competitors came forward and strove to
-draw out the magic sword; but pull and twist as they might, it remained
-immovable in the grasp of all save Arthur, who drew it forth again and
-again in the sight of lords and commons. Most people were by this time
-weary of the long interregnum, and of the terrible evils it had brought
-upon the land. When, therefore, Arthur once more came forth the only
-successful competitor from the miraculous test, the assembly broke out
-into loud cries that he and none other should be king. Thereupon, without
-further ado, he was first knighted by the most distinguished knight
-present, and then solemnly crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
-Forthwith he proceeded to appoint his great officers of the household,
-making Sir Kay his seneschal, according to his promise, Sir Lucas his
-butler, Sir Baldwin his constable, Sir Ulfius—a wise counsellor, as
-well as a brave warrior—his chamberlain, and Sir Brastias warden of
-the northern frontier. For some time King Arthur was busied in redressing
-wrongs that had been committed and in restoring order in the country round
-about London; but after a while he set out for Wales, and appointed a
-great feast to be held at the city of Caerleon, whereat the vassal kings
-and barons who had not yet given in their allegiance might acknowledge him
-as their overlord. At the time agreed upon, King Lot, King Urience, King
-Nanters, and several others of those who had been among the most powerful
-competitors for the crown, arrived in the neighbourhood of Caerleon, each
-bringing a strong following of knights and men-at-arms, and they all
-encamped outside the city. Arthur was glad to hear of their coming,
-supposing that they meant to tender their fealty. He therefore sent out
-heralds to greet them, with costly presents. But the kings had come with
-no amicable purpose. They disdainfully informed the messengers that they
-would receive no gifts from a beardless boy of base parentage, that they
-would not acknowledge such a boy as their king, and that they had come to
-bestow gifts on him in the shape of hard blows betwixt the neck and
-shoulders.
-</p>
-<p>
-On receiving this answer to his friendly advance, Arthur forthwith took
-measures of defence, gathered his knights about him, laid in a stock of
-provisions and munitions, and caused the city gates to be closed. The
-confederate kings thereupon advanced and laid siege to the city. A few
-days after this civil war had begun, Merlin made his appearance in the
-camp of the kings, and some of them, being old acquaintance of his,
-greeted him heartily, and asked him how it was that an unknown youth like
-Arthur had been placed on the throne of Britain. Merlin told them plainly
-that it was because Arthur was the son of King Uther Pendragon, and
-related all the circumstances connected with his birth. His story made
-little impression; but though the confederates, being themselves famed
-knights, and having a much larger army than Arthur, were confident of
-victory, they proposed an interview with him, and sent him by Merlin a
-safe-conduct to and from their camp. Acting on Merlin’s advice, the king
-came out to meet them; but as a very lofty tone was taken on both sides,
-the meeting was productive of nothing but threats and defiances, except,
-indeed, that three hundred of the best knights in the rebel camp were so
-impressed by Arthur’s bearing and language that they came over to him in a
-body. Immediate preparations for battle were made on both sides, and early
-the next morning Arthur and his followers suddenly attacked the
-confederates in their camp. The surprise, as well as the great valour of
-the king and his knights, gave them a considerable advantage; but the
-numerical superiority of the enemy was so great that at last they were
-decidedly gaining ground, when Arthur drew the magic sword he had taken
-from the anvil. It flashed with a radiance equal, as the chronicle says,
-to that of thirty torches, and the slaughter which the king accomplished
-with it was so great that the enemy beat a precipitate retreat, leaving
-numbers of dead upon the field.
-</p>
-<p>
-But this brilliant success, however satisfactory in itself, was only the
-beginning of the war. The confederate kings returned to their own
-countries, induced several neighbouring princes to join their alliance,
-and forthwith took measures to raise a great army. Arthur and his knights,
-on their part, held anxious council as to what it would be most expedient
-to do, and they were assisted by the wisdom and magic craft of Merlin. The
-prophet warned them that unless they obtained help they could not contend
-against the rebels, who counted among them some of the best knights then
-alive; and he suggested that two trusty knights should be sent over sea to
-King Ban of Benwick and King Bors of Gannes, who had been feudatories of
-King Uther Pendragon, and were among the most famous warriors of the time.
-They were, said Merlin, engaged in a desperate war with King Claudas of
-Gaul; but he proposed that they should be invited to give their help to
-King Arthur, on the understanding that when firmly established on the
-British throne he should in return espouse their quarrel against Claudas.
-</p>
-<p>
-The advice being Merlin’s, was of course excellent, and it was immediately
-followed. Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias were selected for the mission. They
-crossed the sea in safety, but while making their way to Benwick were
-assailed by eight of King Claudas’s knights. To Ulfius and Brastias the
-odds of four to one were not at all alarming: they put their spears in
-rest and successively overthrew all the eight, leaving them so badly
-bruised as to be unable to mount their horses. The emissaries then
-proceeded to Benwick, found there both the kings, delivered their letters,
-and received a favourable answer. Ban and Bors promised to come over at
-All-hallowmas with three hundred knights. King Arthur therefore appointed
-a great tournament for that festival. The kings arrived according to their
-promise, and were received with much pomp and show. In company with
-Arthur, they were spectators of the tournament, at which Sir Kay, Sir
-Lucas, and another distinguished knight of the court, Sir Griflet, did
-great feats of arms, and gained the prizes. On the following day, a
-council was held, at which Merlin undertook, on being furnished with
-tokens of authority from the two kings, to bring over their army to
-Britain with secrecy and expedition. This he accomplished—transported
-ten thousand men across the Channel, and conducted them to a concealed
-camp in the great forest of Bede-graine, which at that time covered most
-of the country between the rivers Trent and Humber. The enchanter then
-informed Arthur and his guests of what he had done, and the three kings at
-once marched northward with twenty thousand men, which was the total
-strength of the force that Arthur was able to muster. Having effected a
-junction with the troops of Benwick and Gannes, they waited for the
-advance of the enemy.
-</p>
-<p>
-Their patience was not long tried. The confederate princes had got
-together a formidable host of fifty thousand men, with which they marched
-towards Bedegraine as soon as they had got definite information of
-Arthur’s whereabouts. The battle which ensued was one of the most severe
-and obstinately contested in which the king was ever engaged. The
-confederate kings had a great advantage in numbers, and some of them,
-especially King Lot, were generals of proved skill and experience; but all
-these advantages were more than counterbalanced by the knightly prowess of
-Arthur and his friends, and by the fact that the craft of Merlin was on
-Arthur’s side. The fighting lasted for two days. All the leaders on both
-sides were again and again unhorsed and put in great peril, only to be
-rescued by the valour of their fellows. The slaughter was appalling; but
-at last the confederates were fairly beaten off the field. Though their
-army was reduced to but fifteen thousand, however, they took up a new
-position, and held it with indomitable courage. Merlin now intervened. He
-told Arthur that it was time for him to withdraw. He had won the field,
-and gained great spoils, which he must divide between his own knights and
-his allies; but if he were to persist in carrying on the struggle, fortune
-would begin to incline to the side of his opponents. The wizard added that
-he could undertake that the rebel kings would not molest Arthur for at
-least three years to come, inasmuch as full employment had been found for
-them elsewhere, a great army of Saxons having invaded their territories.
-</p>
-<p>
-The time had not yet come, however, for Arthur to take peaceable
-possession of his dominions. King Leodegrance of Cameliard, who has
-already been mentioned as one of the chief and most loyal feudatories of
-King Uther Pendragon, was at this time sorely pressed by Rience, the Saxon
-King of North Wales, who was besieging him in his capital, Carohaise.
-Merlin informed Arthur of his plight, and advised the king, with Ban and
-Bors and the knights of the household, to go to his relief, while the
-soldiery of Benwick and Gannes might be sent home to defend their master’s
-territory against the troublesome Claudas. This advice was followed.
-Arthur and his companions arrived at Carohaise, and having entered the
-city without being observed by the besiegers, offered their services to
-Leodegrance, on condition that no inquiry should be made as to their name
-or quality. The offer was thankfully accepted, and an opportunity was soon
-afforded them of proving their efficiency. Rience suddenly attacked the
-city at the head of a large body of his troops. Arthur and his companions
-armed themselves and hastened to sally out, headed by Merlin, who carried
-a wonderful standard—a huge dragon, with barbed tail and gaping
-jaws, whence there flashed actual sparks of fire. When the little troop of
-knights, who in all numbered only forty-two, arrived at the gate, they
-found it locked, and the porter refused to give them egress without an
-order from King Leodegrance. There was no time for parleying, so Merlin
-simply stepped forward and lifted the ponderous gate out of its place,
-with all its locks, bolts, and bars, calmly replacing it when the knights
-had passed through. He then resumed his position at their head, and they
-swept down on a detachment of the besiegers who were conducting a convoy
-to their camp, cut them to pieces, and captured the convoy. Meanwhile
-Leodegrance, with the bulk of his army, was fighting gallantly in another
-part of the field; but his troops had not the prowess of Arthur and his
-companions, nor were they supported by the necromancy of Merlin, so, being
-wofully outnumbered, it is not surprising that they were defeated.
-Leodegrance himself was taken prisoner, and was being led off to Rience’s
-camp by an escort of five hundred knights, when Arthur and his little
-squadron made their appearance, dispersed the escort, and rescued the
-king. The battle still continued for some hours, during which Arthur
-distinguished himself by cleaving in twain, by a single stroke of his
-sword, a giant fifteen feet high who had ventured to encounter him in
-single combat. Eventually Rience was utterly routed, and very few of his
-troops escaped extermination. The immense spoils of his camp were given
-up, by order of King Leodegrance, to Arthur, who forthwith divided them
-among the people of Carohaise, and thereby much increased his already
-great popularity. On his return to the city, Arthur was unarmed by the
-fair hands of Guenever, the king’s daughter, whose beauty had already made
-a deep impression on his heart; while the like honour was done to his
-companions by the ladies of the court.
-</p>
-<p>
-While Arthur was thus warring on behalf of King Leode-grance, the
-confederate kings who had given him so much trouble were carrying on a
-desperate struggle with the heathen invaders who had descended in swarms
-upon their territories, and who also carried their ravages into the
-dominions of Arthur himself. Gawaine, Agravaine, and Gaheris, the sons of
-King Lot, with Galachin, the son of King Nanters, having learned from
-their mothers that Arthur was in truth their uncle, and the son of King
-Uther Pendragon, resolved to throw in their fortunes with his, and join
-his company of knights. With this design they collected a small force and
-set out. They were but unproved warriors; but incessantly encountering on
-their journey great bodies of the persevering enemy who was seeking to
-overrun Britain, they performed prodigies of valour, and slaughtered
-thousands of the Saxons. Gawaine especially distinguished himself. His
-strength, always greater than that of ordinary men, became doubled between
-the hours of nine o’clock in the morning and noon, and the same phenomenon
-again took place between three in the afternoon and even-song. He
-generally contrived to engage in battle at those times of the day when his
-prowess was greatest, and of course wrought terrible havoc among the
-heathen, devoting his attention especially to the giants, who were
-numerous in their ranks, and cutting them to pieces in a fashion which
-rivalled the exploits of his uncle at Carohaise.
-</p>
-<p>
-Having at length completely dispersed and overcome all the enemies they
-could find, the young warriors made their way to London, and thence to
-Camelot. In the meantime Arthur was engaged in a final struggle with King
-Rience, who now had the aid of his brother, King Nero, King Lot of Orkney,
-and others of the confederates. King Rience himself was taken prisoner by
-some of ‘Arthur’s knights while on a nocturnal expedition; and on the next
-day another great battle was fought, in which Nero was totally defeated,
-and King Lot fell by the hand of one of Arthur’s most formidable knights,
-King Pellinore—an event which laid the foundation of a blood-feud
-that continued for many years.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the realm of Britain there was now no longer any one who disputed
-Arthurs title or supremacy. So he came to Camelot, and set up his court
-there in great splendour, and many famous knights gathered about him. But
-Sir Ulfius and others of his older counsellors often urged him to take a
-wife, so that the realm might have a queen as well as a king. Arthur was
-not displeased with this counsel, for the love he had felt for Guenever
-when he first saw her at the court of her father King Leodegrance had
-rather grown greater than less. So he sought the advice of Merlin, who
-said he ought to marry, and asked him if there were any lady that he
-loved. He answered frankly that his heart was set upon Guenever.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Merlin, “the lady is one of the fairest that lives; but if
-you did not love her so well, I would find you a queen of no less beauty
-and goodness. Since, however, your heart is set upon her, it is bootless
-to think of any other.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Merlin said this because he was well aware that the king’s choice would
-not be for his happiness; and he would have given him some warning, but
-Arthur’s passion for Guenever was too strong to let him listen. Merlin
-therefore offered no farther opposition, but went to Cameliard and asked
-Leodegrance to give Arthur his daughter to wife, letting him know at the
-same time that the great monarch who now sued for Guenever’s hand was the
-same unknown champion who had rescued him from the sword of King Rience.
-Gratitude alone would have made Leodegrance favour the suit of one who had
-given such decisive proof that he possessed the qualities most esteemed in
-those troublous times; and he was naturally overjoyed on learning that the
-knight who had already won his daughter’s heart, and now sought her hand,
-was none other than his liege lord. Guenever was not less pleased; and
-when Merlin escorted her to Loudon, where her bridegroom was awaiting her,
-he took with him also the Round Table, and as many of its knights as still
-remained, by way of a marriage gift from King Leodegrance. Arthur gave the
-princess a right royal welcome, and avowed that the Round Table and its
-gallant company were more welcome to him than any other dower that
-Leodegrance could have bestowed with his daughter.
-</p>
-<p>
-The number of “sieges” or seats at the Round Table was a hundred and
-fifty, but the knights sent by the King of Cameliard only numbered a
-hundred. Arthur was anxious to have all the seats filled before his
-marriage, and urged Merlin to collect all the knights worthy of the honour
-whom he could find. The necromancer obeyed; but though he used his utmost
-diligence, there were still several vacant seats at the table. Each seat
-was then solemnly consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the
-knights all swore the oath of which the terms were set forth in the first
-chapter of this chronicle. Then Arthur’s nephew, Gawaine, came forward and
-asked a boon of his uncle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ask,” said the king, “and I will grant it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Gawaine, “I beg that you will make me knight on the same
-day that you wed Queen Guenever.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I do with a good will,” Arthur replied; “both because you are
-my sister’s son, and because you have already proved yourself a man of
-valour and worship in the field.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/050s.jpg" alt="050s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/050.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/050m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-But before the day appointed for the marriage, King Arthur held a great
-feast at Camelot, that lasted for eight days; and one time, while the king
-and all his counsellors and knights were gathered in the hall of the
-palace, there came before him a squire leading a horse, on which there sat
-a knight wounded to the death. The squire said that there was a knight in
-the forest who had set up a pavilion by the wayside, and forced every
-knight that passed to joust with him, and that he had now mortally
-stricken the knight before them. At this there was a great outcry in the
-court, and many were eager to undertake the adventure; but Sir Griflet
-besought Arthur, for the sake of all the services he had rendered, to give
-it to him. The king consented,’ though unwillingly, for Griflet was but a
-young knight, and Merlin said that the knight of the pavilion was one of
-the best in the world. Sir Griflet, however, entreated the king, who let
-him go, on a promise that he would return and relate whatever befell him.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Griflet armed himself accordingly, and rode forth in all haste; and
-presently he came to a fountain by the wayside, where he saw a rich
-pavilion, and a strong horse standing under a tree, on which hung a shield
-with a device of many colours, and a great spear. Then Griflet lifted his
-own spear and smote the shield, so that it fell to the ground. With that,
-a knight came out of the pavilion, and said, “Fair knight, why smote you
-down my shield?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Because I will joust with you,” answered Sir Griflet.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It were better you did not,” said the knight, full courteously, “for you
-are but young, and newly made knight, and your might is nothing to mine.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Let that be as it may,” said Griflet, “I will joust with you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is not at my desire,” returned the other; “but since no better may be,
-you shall have your wish.” Then he took his spear and shield, and got on
-his horse, and they rode together. Griflet’s spear was shivered on the
-strange knight’s shield; but the latter smote Griflet through his armour
-and his left side, so that horse and man fell down. When the knight saw
-that, he was sorry; but hee unlaced Griflet’s helm, and, when he was a
-little recovered, helped him on his horse, and bade him farewell, saying
-that he had a mighty heart, and that if he lived he would prove a passing
-good knight. With that Griflet rode to the court, and told his tale as
-well as he could; but he was for long in great danger, and only through
-the skill of the leeches was his life saved.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now King Arthur was exceedingly wroth that Griflet was hurt, and early the
-next morning he armed himself secretly and went forth to seek the
-stranger-knight. As he rode, he saw Merlin running, chased by three
-churls, so he galloped toward them, and when they saw him coming they
-fled.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, Merlin,” exclaimed the king, “here wouldst thou have been slain, in
-spite of all thy craft, had I not come.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not so,” answered Merlin; “I could have saved myself if I would. But you,
-sir, are nearer your death than I, for you are now going to your death if
-God do not befriend you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But the king would not quit the adventure; so he and Merlin rode along,
-till they came to the pavilion by the side of the fountain; and the knight
-was sitting within the pavilion all armed.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” said Arthur, “for what cause abideth thou here, that no
-knight may ride this way but that he joust with thee? I advise thee to
-leave that custom.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That custom,” answered the knight, “I have used, and will use, whoever
-may forbid it; and whoever is grieved by it may amend it if he can.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will amend it,” said the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-“And I shall defend it,” said the knight. He took his shield and spear,
-and mounted his horse, and he and the king ran together with such force
-that both their spears were broken, but neither lost his seat. Then King
-Arthur drew his sword.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/056s.jpg" alt="056s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/056.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/056m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said the knight, “let us try another course with spears.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Right willingly,” answered the king, “if I had another spear.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I have spears enough,” said the knight; and forthwith a squire brought
-two new spears from the pavilion. Again the two knights came together so
-mightily that the spears were broken.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You are,” quoth the stranger, “as good a jouster as ever I met withal.
-For the love of the high order of knighthood let us joust it once again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I assent,” replied the king; so new spears were brought, and they tilted
-for the third time. But now it was only Arthur’s spear that broke
-scathless. The strange knight smote the centre of the king’s shield so
-hard that horse and man went to the ground. Then was King Arthur sore
-angered, and he drew his sword and said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will assay thee, Sir Knight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on
-horseback.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will be on horseback,” answered the stranger. But as the king drew near
-he sprang from his horse lest it should be slain. Then he also drew his
-sword, and they fought furiously together, and struck strong strokes,
-giving each other many wounds; and they both grew at last so wearied that
-they could scarce stand. It chanced that as their swords clashed together,
-Arthur’s sword broke in two pieces. Then said the knight,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Thou art at my mercy, whether I list to spare thee or slay thee, and if
-thou do not yield as recreant, thou shalt die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“As for death,” answered the king, “welcome be it when it cometh; but
-rather than be so shamed as to yield recreant, I had liever die.” Then
-suddenly he leaped upon the other, and took him by the middle, and threw
-him to the ground But the strange knight was of exceeding strength, and he
-got the king under him, and raised his sword to slay him. Then Merlin, who
-had stood by, came up, and said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight, hold thy hand, for if thou slayest this knight thou wilt do
-this kingdom great damage. He is a man of greater rank than thou knowest
-of.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why, who is he?” said the knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is King Arthur,” was the answer.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the stranger raised his sword again to kill the king, for he dreaded
-his wrath; but Merlin cast such an enchantment upon him that he fell
-asleep. After that, Merlin set the king on his horse again, and himself
-took the knight’s horse, and they rode away together.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” cried the king, “what have you done, Merlin? Have you slain that
-good knight by your crafts? He is the best man of his hands that ever I
-met, and I would rather lose a year’s rents than that he should die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fear nothing, sir,” answered Merlin. “He is more whole than you are. He
-is but asleep, and will wake within these three hours.” And he told the
-king that the knight was Sir Pellinore—the same that had slain King
-Lot.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then they rode to a hermitage where dwelt a holy man that was an excellent
-leech, and he searched the king’s wounds, and healed them in three days.
-Then they departed; and as they went Arthur said to Merlin, “I have no
-sword.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No matter,” answered Merlin, “near by there is a sword that shall be
-yours if all go well.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Presently they came to a lake, and in the middle of it the king saw an arm
-thrust out of the water, clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword
-in the hand.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yonder,” said Merlin, “is the sword I spoke of.” Just then they saw a
-damsel walking by the lake.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What damsel is that?” asked the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-Merlin said she was the lady of the lake, and that the sword belonged to
-her; but if he spoke her fair, she would doubtless give it him. Then the
-king saluted the damsel, and asked what sword that was, held up above the
-water, and said he would it were his, for he had none.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir King,” answered the lady, “that sword is mine, and if you will give
-me a gift when I ask you, you shall have it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This the king gladly promised; and then she bade him take a boat that was
-there, and row out to the sword and take it, and she would ask for her
-gift when she saw fit. The king obeyed her direction, and took the sword;
-and when he held it in his hand, he liked it exceedingly. Merlin told him
-that its name was Excalibur, which signifies “cut-steel;” but that the
-scabbard was still more precious than the sword, for while he wore it he
-could lose no blood, no matter how sorely he was wounded.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the king and Merlin returned to Camelot, where all the court greeted
-them joyfully; and when King Arthur’s adventures were told, all the
-knights were happy to be under chief who was as ready to put his person in
-peril as any one of them.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER III. THE DEEDS AND DEATH OF BALIN
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>HILE the king was yet holding high festival in Camelot, before he was
-married to Guenever, there happened another adventure. As Arthur was
-sitting one day in the great hall of the palace, holding council with his
-barons, there came a damsel bearing to him a message from the great Lady
-Lyle of Avallon. She wore a mantle richly furred; and when she let it drop
-from her shoulders, it was seen that at her side she wore a noble sword.
-At this the king marvelled, and said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Damsel, for what cause art thou girt with that sword? Such gear befits
-not a lady.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered the damsel, “this sword I carry not with any good will of
-mine own. It is to me a cause of great sorrow; but I cannot be delivered
-of it save by a good knight, who must be not only strong of his hands, but
-clean of any shame with man or woman. If I can find such a knight, then
-may he draw the sword from the scabbard, and so shall I be rid of the
-enchantment that belongs to it. But never yet have I found any knight that
-could draw the sword. One time I was at the court of King Rience, because
-I had heard that there were many noble knights; but though he and all his
-court essayed it, there was not one that could prevail.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When King Arthur heard this he marvelled still more.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Damsel,” he said, “I will myself essay to draw out the sword, not
-presuming upon myself that I am the best knight, but to give example to my
-barons, that they also may essay it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So the king took the sword by the hilt, and pulled eagerly at it, but it
-came not forth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the damsel, “you need not pull at it half so hard, for he that
-shall draw it forth will be able to do so with little might.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then,” answered Arthur smiling—though in truth he did not well like
-his misadventure—“this achievement is not for me. So now, my barons,
-let all of you essay it; but beware that ye are not defiled with shame,
-treachery, or guile.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will not be enough,” said the damsel; “for he that draweth the sword
-must be mighty of his hands as well as a clean knight, and of noble
-descent, both on the father’s and mother’s side.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then all the knights and barons that were at that time about King Arthur
-essayed the sword; but when all of them had striven, it still remained
-fast in the scabbard. Then the damsel made great moan, saying that she had
-thought in this court to find a good knight that was without defilement.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the king, “by my faith I have here as good knights as any
-that are in the world at this time, but it seems there is not any of them
-that has grace to help you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Now it happened that there was in the hall at that time a poor knight of
-Northumberland, named Balin le Savage, who did not belong to Arthur’s
-court, but had been kept prisoner by the king for some time for having
-slain a knight of his kin. But though he had no estate, yet was he of good
-blood and of great prowess; and some of the barons had obtained his
-pardon, because it was in fair fight that he had killed the knight for
-whose death he was imprisoned. And he stood and watched the king and all
-his barons essay the sword; and when none of them could achieve it, he
-greatly desired to attempt it in his turn, but was ashamed to stand
-forward because, having but just come out of prison, he was in mean
-attire. But at last, when the damsel had made her obeisance to King Arthur
-and the lords, and was about to leave the hall, Balin took heart, and said
-to her,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Damsel, I pray you of your courtesy to suffer me to essay that sword; for
-though I be poorly clothed, yet am I a knight, and it may happen that the
-adventure shall fall to me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the damsel looked at him, and saw that he was a likely man of his
-body; but because of his mean array she could not believe him to be a man
-of high lineage without shame. So she said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir, there is no need to put me to further trouble in this matter, for
-there is scant likelihood that you will speed well where so many great
-lords and brave knights have failed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But Balin answered her that worthiness and manhood were not in raiment,
-but in him that wore it; and again he besought her to essay the sword. So
-without more words she assented, and, lo! when he took the hilt in his
-hand he drew forth the sword easily. The king and all his barons marvelled
-much that Balin should have been able to do that which they could not, and
-some of the knights were passing wroth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” said the damsel, “thou art the best knight that ever I found, and
-the most of worship, without any shame or treachery, and many marvellous
-deeds wilt thou accomplish gentle and courteous knight,” she said, “give
-me the sword again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But Balin found the sword exceedingly fair to look upon, and he would not
-give it up. The damsel entreated him, and warned him that it would bring
-about his destruction; but of that he took no heed, so she left the court,
-sorrowing much that he would not give her the sword again. Then Balin got
-his armour and his horse, and made ready to ride forth. The king begged
-him to stay in his court, promising to make amends for all the harm he had
-done him, and to give him advancement. Balin thanked him for his
-graciousness, but said that at that time he must depart.
-</p>
-<p>
-But while Balin was making ready, there came into the hall that lady of
-the lake who had given to King Arthur his sword Excalibur. She entered on
-horseback, richly clad, and saluted the king, and said she had come to
-claim the boon he had promised her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ask what you will,” answered the king, “and you shall have it, if it be
-in my power to give it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the lady, “I ask the head of that knight who hath won the
-sword, or else the head of the damsel that brought it; and though I have
-both their heads I shall sorrow, for he slew my brother, who was a good
-knight and true, and that damsel was the cause of my father’s death.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” replied King Arthur, “I cannot grant you the head of either of
-them with honour; therefore ask what else you will, and I shall fulfil
-your desire.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But the lady would not ask nor have anything else. And now it chanced that
-Balin saw her, and she was his worst enemy, for she had brought about the
-death of his mother. When it was told him that she had asked his head of
-the king, he was exceedingly wrathful. He went straight up to her, and
-said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Evil be thou found! Thou wouldst have my head, and therefore shalt thou
-lose thine own.” And suddenly he raised the sword and struck off her head
-in presence of the king and all the court.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the king was full of anger against Balin, and reproached him sharply.
-Balin excused himself as well as he could, saying that the lady had, by
-witchcraft, been the destroyer of many good knights, and that she had been
-the means of the death of his mother. But Arthur answered him full
-sternly, “Whatsoever cause of complaint you had against her, you should
-have forborne her in my presence. Such a despite was never before done me
-in my court, and therefore you will do well to begone with what speed you
-may.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So the dead lady was buried with great pomp, and Balin set forth
-sorrowfully because of the king’s anger. Now there was at the court a
-knight named Sir Lanceor, the son of a king in Ireland. He was very proud,
-and counted himself one of the best knights, and he had a spite at Balin
-because of the achievement of the sword Therefore he asked leave of the
-king to ride after Balin and avenge the despite that that knight had done.
-The king granted his request, and bade him do his best, for he wished that
-Balin might be punished for the deed he had wrought.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Lanceor armed himself, and took spear and shield, and rode hotly after
-Balin. After a while he came in sight of him, and called upon him to stop.
-When Balin heard him he turned his horse, and asked him if he desired to
-joust.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes,” answered the knight. “For that cause am I come.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Peradventure,” said Balin, “you had done better to stay at home, for many
-a man who seeks to put his enemy to rebuke is himself put to shame. But
-whence come you?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I come from the court of King Arthur,” said the knight of Ireland, “to
-avenge the insult you have given there this day.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I should be loath to have ado with you,” answered Balin, “for I would not
-give more offence to the king than there is already. Moreover, there is
-not need for you to take up the quarrel of that lady that I slew, for she
-was an enemy to all good knights.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Make you ready,” said Sir Lanceor, “and meet me, for one of us shall
-abide in the field.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/070s.jpg" alt="070s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/070.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/070m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-It befell as he had said; for when the two knights encountered, Sir
-Lanceor broke his spear on Balin’s shield. But Balin gave so fierce a
-thrust that he ran his spear through the other’s armour and the middle of
-his body, and he fell back dead from his horse. Immediately thereafter Sir
-Lanceor’s damsel came up, and when she saw him dead she grieved out of
-measure, and before Balin could prevent it she had killed herself with her
-lover’s sword; at which piteous sight Balin was right sorrowful. While he
-stood there, there came up to him another knight, and when he approached,
-Balin knew from the arms he bore that it was his brother Balan, who was
-well-nigh of as much prowess as himself. They were heartily rejoiced to
-meet; and while they were telling each other their adventures, there
-passed by a knight called King Marke of Cornwall. When he saw Lanceor and
-his damsel lying dead, he made inquiry as to the cause, and Balin told
-him. King Marke was filled with pity that such true lovers should have
-ended thus sadly, and he pitched his tent at that place, and caused his
-squires to put the dead knight and lady in a rich tomb, on the which he
-had this inscription written: “Here lieth Lanceor, a king’s son of
-Ireland, that at his own request was slain by the hands of Balin; and his
-lady Colombe, who slew herself with her lover’s sword out of dole and
-sorrow.” While King Marke was erecting the tomb, Merlin came, and foretold
-that at that place there should hereafter be a great battle betwixt the
-two best knights of the world. Also he warned Balin that, because of the
-death of the lady Colombe, he should strike the most dolorous stroke that
-ever man struck since the death of our Lord, for it would cause three
-kingdoms to be in great poverty, misery, and wretchedness for twelve
-years. Therewith Merlin suddenly vanished; and so Balin and Balan rode on
-their way, and had many adventures together. But after a while they
-separated, and each sought adventures for himself.
-</p>
-<p>
-Within a day or two Balin came where King Arthur, feeling weary of his
-life in court, had set up a pavilion in a meadow, and was lying therein on
-a pallet. Just before Balin came, a knight had passed making great sorrow;
-and when the king had asked him the cause, he had refused to tell it. So
-after Balin had courteously saluted the king, Arthur asked him to go after
-that knight, and make him return either of his own good will or by force.
-This Balin readily undertook, and rode after the knight, whom he found
-with a damsel in a forest. When Balin bade him return, at first he would
-not; but when Balin made ready to fight, he consented, and rode back,
-leaving the damsel behind him. But just as they reached the king’s
-pavilion, suddenly there came one invisible and smote the stranger-knight
-through the body with a spear.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said the knight, “now am I done to death while under your conduct
-and guard. He that has slain me is a traitorous knight named Garlon, that
-goes always invisible. I pray you ride with the damsel, and follow the
-quest that I was in, where she will lead you, and avenge my death when you
-may.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This Balin swore to do, and then departed; and King Arthur caused the
-murdered knight, whose name was Sir Herleus le Berbeus, to be honourably
-buried.
-</p>
-<p>
-Balin rode on with the damsel, and as they journeyed through the forest, a
-worthy knight named Sir Perin de Mountbeliard, who had been hunting, met
-and saluted them, and asked Balin why he seemed so sorrowful. When he had
-heard the story, he proffered to go with them; but as they were all three
-of them riding past a hermitage, the false knight Garlon again came
-invisible and struck down Sir Perin, even as he had slain Sir Berleus.
-Then the hermit and Balin buried him, and placed a tomb over him; and
-after that Balin and the damsel continued their journey. At nightfall they
-came to a castle, and as the gates were open, they went up with intent to
-enter and spend the night there. Balin went first, and as soon as he had
-ridden within the gate, the portcullis was suddenly dropped behind him,
-and at the same time many men rushed out of an ambush and seized the
-damsel. When Balin saw that he could not ride back to her help he
-dismounted, got upon the wall, and leaped down into the ditch. Then he
-drew his sword and rushed upon the men that were about the damsel. But
-they were no more than squires and churls, and they would not fight him,
-but said that they were only observing the custom of the castle. Their
-lady was sick of a disease which had held her many years, and she might
-not be made whole save by a silver dish full of blood taken from a clean
-maid and king’s daughter; and thus no maid was allowed to pass the castle
-without being bled.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Balin, “she may give you as much of her blood as she will,
-but she shall not give more while I have life to defend her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But the damsel of her own free will gave them a silver dish full of her
-blood, and though it did not help the lady, she and Balin were entertained
-in the castle all night, and had right good cheer. The next day they
-continued their journey, and at night rested with a knight that had a
-great castle and kept a rich table. While they sat at supper Balin heard
-some one crying as if in pain, and he asked what was the matter.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will tell you,” said his host. “I was lately at a tournament, and
-jousted twice with a knight who is brother to King Pellam, and twice I
-smote him down. Then he promised to have vengeance on my best friend, and
-he has sore wounded my son, who cannot be healed till I have some of that
-knight’s blood. He often rides invisible, but I do not know his name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“But I know it,” answered Balin. “His name is Garlon, and by his treachery
-he has slain two knights that were with me. I had rather meet with him
-than have all the gold in this realm.” The other then told him that King
-Pellam had appointed to hold a great feast at his city of Listenise, and
-that if they went thither they should see his brother Garlon. At hearing
-this Balin was blithe, and the next day they set out. After a long journey
-they reached Listenise, and were well received at the king’s castle. Balin
-was led to a chamber where they unarmed him, gave him rich robes, and
-would have taken his sword from him, but he would not consent, for he said
-it was the custom in his country for a knight always to keep his sword at
-his side. So he was allowed to keep his sword; and then he went down into
-the great hall with his damsel, and was set at the high table. Soon Balin
-asked a knight if there was not a lord in that court named Garlon. The
-other said yes, and pointed out Garlon where he sat. Balin gazed earnestly
-at him, pondering what he should do; for to set on him before all those
-knights would, he thought, be perilous. But Garlon, when he saw how Balin
-looked at him, went up to him and smote him on the face with the back of
-his hand, saying,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Knight, why dost thou behold me in such fashion? For shame eat thy meat,
-and do that for which thou earnest hither.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou sayest well,” answered Balin. “This is not the first despite thou
-hast done me, and therefore I will do that for which I came.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he rose up and smote Garlon with his sword so fiercely as to cleave
-his head to the shoulders. Then he called the knight who had brought him
-to Listenise, and said he might now get blood enough to heal his son.
-</p>
-<p>
-But all the knights rose up from the table to smite Balin, and King Pellam
-cried, “Knight, why hast thou slain my brother? For this deed shalt thou
-die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Balin, “do thou thyself slay me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yes,” the king cried fiercely, “none other but myself shall have to do
-with thee, for my brother’s sake.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So all the other knights stood back, and King Pellam came right fiercely
-at Balin with an iron mace. Balin warded the blow with his sword, but the
-heavy mace shivered the sword to pieces in his hand. Then he turned about,
-and ran about the chamber seeking a weapon, but could find none. So he
-fled into another chamber, still looking for a weapon, and King Pellam
-followed after; and at last Balin came to a great chamber that was
-splendidly garnished, and in it stood a bed arrayed with cloth of gold of
-the richest sort. By the bed was a table of pure gold standing on four
-silver pillars, and on the table stood a marvellous spear, strangely
-wrought. Balin seized it without regarding aught but the peril he was in.
-Then he turned on King Pellam, who was following hard after him, and smote
-him with the spear. Immediately the king sank down in a swoon as though he
-had been dead, and the castle walls were riven and fell in ruins. Few of
-all the great company that were within them escaped; for the spear with
-which Balin had wounded King Pellam was the same with which our Lord was
-wounded on the cross, and now Balin had struck the dolorous stroke of
-which Merlin had forewarned him. For three days Balin lay insensible
-within the ruins; and then Merlin came to him and restored him, and got
-him a good horse, and bade him ride out of that country. Balin would have
-taken his damsel with him, but she had perished in the falling of the
-castle. For twelve years King Pellam suffered grievously from the wound
-Balin had given him, and could never be healed till the good prince
-Galahad healed him in the quest of the Holy Grail; and through this same
-stroke all King Pellams countries were suddenly reduced to great misery.
-</p>
-<p>
-As for Balin, he rode on his way with a heavy heart, and had some other
-adventures, the which need not be recounted here; for as it had been
-aforetime, ever since he took the sword from the damsel in King Arthur’s
-court, he brought nothing but woe to all that had to do with him, albeit
-he was ever pure in his life and did all knightly. At last he came to a
-castle where there were many knights and ladies, and they greeted him
-right nobly. But after he had been thus entertained, the chief lady of the
-castle told him that he must joust with a knight who kept an island close
-by, for it was a custom of the castle that no man might pass except he
-jousted.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is an unhappy custom,” said Balin, “that I must joust whether I be
-willing or not. However, since so it is, I am ready. Though my horse be
-weary with travel, my heart is not weary; but I should grieve little if I
-were going to my death,” For he saw that the curse of the sword he had
-taken abode ever with him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said one of the knights of the castle, “methinks your shield is not
-good. I will lend you a better.” And he gave Balin a shield with a strange
-device, and Balin left behind him his own shield, which bore his arms.
-Then he rode to meet the knight with whom he was to joust, who came forth
-armed all in red. This was none other than his brother Balan, but he knew
-not Balin because of the strange device on his shield. So the two knights
-ran together with such might that both were overthrown. After that they
-drew their swords and fought for a long time with such might and hardihood
-as had never before been seen, and each gave the other mortal wounds. At
-last Balan withdrew a little and lay down on the ground, that was all wet
-with the blood of both.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What knight art thou?” said Balin. “Never before now found I any knight
-that matched me as thou hast done.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The other answered him, “I am Balan, brother to the good knight Balin le
-Savage.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said Balin, “that ever I should see this day.” And he fell back in
-a swoon.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then Balan crept to him and unloosed his helmet, and found that it was his
-brother. When Balin came to himself again, both lamented sorely, and Balin
-told how a knight of the castle had changed shields with him, so that
-Balan should not know him. Within a little while both of them died, and
-the chief lady of the castle caused both to be buried in one tomb. On the
-morrow Merlin came, and wrote on the tomb an inscription in letters of
-gold, telling how Balin le Savage, that had achieved the sword and struck
-the dolorous stroke, lay there with his brother, the two having met in
-mortal combat without knowing each other. Merlin also wrought many
-marvellous enchantments at the tomb, and predicted that Balin’s sword
-should come into the hands of the best knight of the world.
-</p>
-<p>
-Thus piteously died Balin le Savage, who was as good a knight as any that
-lived in his days, and a man of great nobleness, but who ever brought
-sorrow to others and to himself after he had kept the sword which he
-achieved before King Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER IV. THE ADVENTURE OF THE THE HART, THE HOUND, AND THE LADY
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE lady Guenever having come to Camelot, the king was wedded to her with
-great solemnity at the Church of St. Stephen there. He had caused it to be
-proclaimed through all the land that on the day of his marriage he would
-give to any man any gift that he might ask that was within his means and
-not unreasonable. When the high feast was spread before the king and
-queen, and all the Knights of the Round Table were in their places, there
-entered the hall a poor man in mean attire, and with him a young man,
-whose clothing also was mean, but he was tall and straight, with a comely
-and noble countenance. The old man went up to the king, and craved a boon
-at his hands; and King Arthur said he would grant him anything that did
-not impair his realm or his honour.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the old man, “I ask nothing but that you should make my son
-here a knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is a great thing which thou askest of me,” said the king. “What is
-thy name?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My name is Aries the cowherd,” answered the man. And when the king
-questioned him further, he said that his son’s name was Tor, and that the
-lad would never labour in the field as his younger brethren would, but was
-always throwing darts, or watching jousts, and that it was because Tor had
-entreated him that he had now come to ask this boon of the king. So, after
-some further question, King Arthur made Tor a knight, and then asked
-Merlin if he would prove a good knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“He ought to be,” answered Merlin, “for he is come of as good a knight as
-any that now lives. He is the son of King Pellinore.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At first the cowherd would not believe this; but when inquiry was made, it
-was found that Merlin had spoken the truth. Even then King Pellinore came
-into the hall, and when he learned that the new knight was his own son, he
-was passing glad. Then Merlin led King Pellinore to one of the highest
-seats at the Round Table, and said that he was more worthy to sit therein
-than any other that was there. At this Gawaine and his brothers were
-exceedingly angry, for they hated Pellinore, because he had slain their
-father, King Lot, and they plotted together how they might take vengeance
-upon him, but agreed that they could not accomplish it at that time. Then,
-in fulfilment of the promise he had given, King Arthur made his nephew
-Gawaine a knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-Afterwards the king and queen and all the knights went to dinner; and as
-they sat, a white hart came running into the hall, and close after him a
-white hound, and behind, thirty couples of black hounds that made a great
-cry. The hart ran round the tables, and as he came near the door again the
-white hound leaped up at him and bit him sorely. Then the hart gave a
-great bound, and overthrew a knight that sat near the door, and so escaped
-out of the hall. Immediately the knight arose, took the white hound in his
-arms, mounted his horse, and rode away with it. Then a lady mounted on a
-white palfrey came into the hall, and cried aloud to the king—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir, suffer me not to have this despite, for the white hound that was
-taken by that knight is mine.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will not meddle in the matter,” said King Arthur. Then suddenly a
-knight well armed rode into the hall, and seized the lady, and carried her
-away, albeit she made a great outcry. When she was gone, Merlin said that
-unless these adventures were taken up, it would be a great dishonour; and
-at his advice Sir Gawaine was appointed to follow the hart, and bring it
-to the court; Sir Tor, the knight with the hound; and King Pellinore, the
-knight with the lady. Each of the three knights, at the king’s command,
-undertook the quest that was given him; and they armed themselves, and set
-forth without delay.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Gawaine followed at a hard pace after the hart, and his brother
-Gaheris, who was not yet made knight, went with him as his squire. When
-they had gone some little way, they came to where two knights were
-fighting very stoutly on horseback. Sir Gawaine rode between them, and
-asked what their quarrel was.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is in truth a simple matter,” answered one of the knights, “the more
-as we are brothers bom; but it happened that as we were riding forth this
-morning we saw a white hart pass, with a white hound in full cry after
-him. Both of us desired to go after them, to take up the adventure. I
-claimed it because I am the elder; but my brother said it should belong to
-him, because he was the better knight; and thereupon we fought, to
-determine whether he or I was the better.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is not a quarrel on which two brothers ought to fight,” said
-Gawaine. “But you must understand that the quest of the hart has been
-given to me by King Arthur; and if you will not yield to me, and do
-according to my ordinance, you shall have to do with me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the brothers yielded to him, for they were wearied with fighting, and
-had lost much blood. And Gawaine bade them go and yield themselves to King
-Arthur, and tell him that they had been sent by the knight who followed
-the quest of the white hart. Their names were Sir Surluse and Sir Brian of
-the Forest.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Gawaine and Gaheris went on their way, and presently they came within
-sight of the white hart, that ran but slowly, because the hound had
-wounded him; and the black hounds were still following him in full cry. In
-front there was a great river, and the hart sprang into it, and swam
-across. Gawaine was preparing to follow; but on the other side of the
-river there stood an armed knight, who called out to Sir Gawaine that if
-he came over the river after the hart, he must needs joust with him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“As for that,” answered Gawaine, “I will not fail to undertake whatever
-may befall in the quest I am in.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So he and Gaheris swam their horses over the river, and on the farther
-side the knight and Gawaine met in full course, and Gawaine smote the
-other off his horse. Then he bade him yield; but the knight drew his
-sword, and dared him to fight on foot. Gawaine got off his horse, and both
-fought together furiously; but Gawaine struck the stranger so hard on the
-helm that the sword edge pierced even to his brain, and he fell down dead.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah!” said Gaheris, “that was a mighty stroke for a young knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Gawaine and his brother left the knight, whose name was Allardin of the
-Isles, lying there dead on the sward, and followed after the white hart;
-and presently they saw it take refuge in the court of a castle, of which
-the gate stood wide open. They rode in after the hart, and Gaheris let
-slip at it three couples of greyhounds that they had brought with them,
-and these dogs pulled down the hart, and slew it. Straightway there came a
-knight out of a chamber, with a sword in his hand, and he killed two of
-the hounds in sight of Sir Gawaine, and chased the others out of the
-castle. Then he took up the hart, and lamented over it, for his lady had
-given it to him, and he swore that he would avenge its death. So he went
-in and armed himself, and came forth fiercely to Gawaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Why have you slain my hounds?” said Gawaine. “They only did after their
-kind. I had rather you had wreaked your wrath on me than on the dumb
-beasts.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” answered the knight, “I have avenged me on your hounds, and so I
-will on you ere long.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Down sprang Sir Gawaine from his horse, nothing loath, and they fought
-together with their swords a great while, and both had many wounds. But at
-last Gawaine struck down the other knight, whose name was Sir Ablemore of
-the Morass, and then he yielded, and cried for mercy, and begged Sir
-Gawaine, as he was a knight and a gentleman, to save his life. But Gawaine
-answered him, “Thou shalt die for slaying my hounds.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The knight again entreated him, offering to make ample amends. Sir Gawaine
-would not listen, and unlaced Ablemore’s helmet, with intent to strike off
-his head. Suddenly Sir Ablemore’s lady came out of her chamber, and threw
-herself over her lord to shield him, and Gawaine, who had not seen her,
-struck off her head by misadventure instead of the knight’s.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said Gaheris, “that was foully and shamefully done. The shame of
-that blow will not soon quit you. Moreover, you should give mercy to those
-who ask it; for a knight without mercy is without worship.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Gawaine was so bewildered at his unhappy deed that he could not for
-the moment either speak or move; but then he said to Ablemore, “Arise; I
-will give thee mercy.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I care not for mercy now,” answered the conquered knight, “for thou hast
-slain her whom I loved more than all else on earth.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I repent it,” said Gawaine; “but I struck not at her but at thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he charged the knight to go to King Arthur, and confess how it was
-that he was sent. Sir Ablemore said that he cared not whether he lived or
-died; nevertheless, for dread of death he swore to do according to Sir
-Gawaines will, and to bear one of the dead greyhounds before him on his
-horse, and the other behind him.
-</p>
-<p>
-Gawaine and Gaheris went into the castle and prepared to rest there, but
-all at once four well-armed knights came in and assailed them fiercely,
-giving Gawaine many bitter reproaches for having slain the lady. Gawaine
-and Gaheris withstood them as well as they could; but the knights were
-dangerous fighters on foot, and one of them with a bow gave Gawaine a
-wound through the arm, so that at last the two were in great peril of
-their lives. Then four ladies came, and begged the four knights to spare
-Gawaine and Gaheris; and to this the knights assented, only the brothers
-were obliged to yield themselves prisoners. Afterwards, when the knights
-knew that Gawaine was nephew to King Arthur, they permitted him to go
-free, out of love for the king, and gave him the head of the white hart,
-because that was in his quest. But they made him swear also to bear the
-dead lady with him, her head hanging at his neck, and her body before him
-on his horse. In this guise Gawaine returned to Camelot, and Gaheris with
-him. When he arrived he was sworn to tell all his adventures truthfully,
-and this he did. King Arthur and Queen Guenever were greatly displeased
-that he had refused mercy to the knight Sir Ablemore, and through that had
-killed the lady; and the queen gave sentence that ever while he lived
-Gawaine should be an especial champion of ladies, and undertake their
-quarrels, and also that he should never refuse mercy to him that asked it.
-This Gawaine swore to perform, on the books of the Four Evangelists.
-</p>
-<p>
-The second of the three knights to whom a quest had been assigned was Sir
-Tor, who was appointed to follow the knight with the hound After he had
-ridden fast till he was a long way from Camelot, he came to a place where
-there were two pavilions set up by the road-side, and two great spears
-leaning against the pavilions. Sir Tor was riding on, intent only to
-follow his quest, when suddenly a dwarf started up from underneath a tree,
-and smote his horse on the head with a staff, so that it reared up and
-went backward a full spear’s length.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Why dost thou smite my horse?” asked Tor.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Because thou must not pass this way before jousting with the two knights
-that are in these pavilions.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I have no time for jousting,” said Sir Tor. “I am in a quest which I must
-follow.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou shalt not pass otherwise,” answered the dwarf, and then he blew
-loudly on a horn. Forthwith an armed knight came, and got on his horse
-that was standing near, took a spear, and rode at Sir Tor, who met him
-with such force that he smote him from his horse. Then the knight yielded,
-but said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir, I have a companion in yon pavilion who will assuredly have to do
-with you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He shall be welcome,” answered Tor. And when this knight came, he
-overthrew him also, as he had done the other. And he made both of them
-swear to go to King Arthur at Camelot, and say they were sent by the
-knight that went after the hound. Their names were Sir Felot of Languedoc
-and Sir Petipace of Winchelsea. But the dwarf said he would serve no more
-recreant knights, and begged Sir Tor to let him go with him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I know,” he said, “that you are seeking the knight that took the white
-hound, and I can bring you where he is.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Tor was glad to hear this, and bade the dwarf take a horse and follow
-him. The dwarf led him to an open glade in the forest, close by a priory;
-and in the glade were standing two pavilions, at one of which hung a white
-and at the other a red shield. In one of the pavilions three damsels were
-lying asleep; in the other was a fair lady, also sleeping, with the white
-hound at her feet. When the hound saw Sir Tor it bayed so lustily that the
-lady awoke; but the knight took it in his arms, and gave it in charge of
-the dwarf.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” said the lady, “you will not take my hound from me?’
-</p>
-<p>
-“That must I do,” answered Tor. “For no other cause am I come from King
-Arthur’s court to this place.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said she, “take her if you will; but you will not go far ere you
-are overtaken by one that will give you evil handling.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I shall abide whatever adventure cometh,” replied Sir Tor; and he rode
-away.
-</p>
-<p>
-It was now even-song, and he and the dwarf abode for the night in a
-hermitage, where they had but rough lodging. On the morrow they rode
-toward Camelot, but soon they heard one calling loudly on them:—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Knight, yield me the hound which you took from my lady.” Sir Tor turned
-his horse, and saw a seemly knight riding to him, well armed, with his
-spear in rest. The two came together so fiercely that they went to the
-ground, man and horse. Then they drew their swords, and rushed on each
-other like lions; and they smote many heavy strokes, till the armour of
-both was cut in many places, and both were wounded. But at the last the
-strange knight began to weary, and so Tor pressed him still harder, and at
-last smote him to the earth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yield thee to my mercy, Sir Knight,” quoth Tor.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That will I never do while life lasteth and the soul is in my body,” said
-the other, “unless thou give me up my lady’s hound.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That I will not grant thee,” answered Sir Tor; “for I am sworn to bring
-to King Arthur the hound and thee, or else slay thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Even as he spoke there came a damsel riding hard on a palfrey, and she
-cried with a loud voice on Sir Tor to grant her a boon. He answered that
-he would.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Then,” said the damsel, “I ask the head of this false knight Abellius,
-for he is the worst knight that liveth, and the greatest murderer.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is a gift that I should be loath to grant,” replied Tor. “If this
-knight has committed any trespass against you, let him make amends.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” she said, “he cannot make amends, even if he would. Lately he
-fought with my brother, who was a good knight and a gentle, and got the
-better of him; and though I kneeled half an hour in the mire, entreating
-him to spare my brother’s life, he would have no mercy, but struck off his
-head. Therefore, as thou art a true knight, I require thee to give me my
-gift, for he is the man of most cruelty living, and a destroyer of good
-knights.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When the damsel had spoken thus, Abellius was afraid, and he yielded, and
-began to beg for mercy. But Tor said that he could not now grant it, after
-his pledge to the damsel, more especially as Abellius had refused mercy
-before when he might have had it. So he unlaced his helmet and took it
-off; and then Abellius rose up suddenly and fled. But Sir Tor ran after
-him quickly, and struck off his head from behind. After that, the damsel
-made much of Sir Tor, and took him to her husband’s castle hard by, where
-he had good entertainment till the next day. Then he rode to Camelot,
-where he was joyfully received; and when he told his adventures, the king
-and all the court gave him great praise. But said Merlin—
-</p>
-<p>
-“These things are nothing to what he shall do; he will prove as noble a
-knight as any now living, and gentle, and courteous, and full of good
-parts, and passing true of his promise, and he shall never do any
-outrage.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When King Arthur heard this, he gave Sir Tor an earldom of lands that had
-fallen to him. And so ended the quest of the hound.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meanwhile, King Pellinore had followed the knight that carried away
-the lady. As he was passing through a forest, he saw a damsel sitting by a
-well, and a wounded knight lying in her arms. When she saw Pellinore, she
-cried to him, “Help me, Knight, for Christ’s sake!” But he was so eager in
-his quest that he would not stay. And when the lady saw that, she prayed
-that God might yet send him as much need of help as she had. Presently the
-wounded knight died, and the lady, for pure sorrow, slew herself with his
-sword.
-</p>
-<p>
-King Pellinore rode on, and presently he came to a valley where were two
-pavilions. One of the knights of the pavilions was fighting with him that
-had carried off the lady; for he said she was his kinswoman, and she
-should not be carried off against her will The lady was standing the while
-in charge of two squires. Pellinore went to her and said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair lady, you must come with me to King Arthur’s court.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” said one of the squires, “those two knights are fighting for
-this lady. I pray you go to them and tell your errand, and you may have
-the lady if they be agreed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-King Pellinore assented, and he went between the two knights, and asked
-them why they fought.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” said one of them, “I will tell you. Even now this knight,
-that is called Sir Ontzlake of Westland, was passing by, carrying away the
-lady you see yonder. She is my near kinswoman; and when I heard her
-complain that she was with him against her will, I fought with him to
-release her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the other, “the lady is mine, for I won her this day by force
-of arms in King Arthur’s court.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fie, Knight!” answered Pellinore, “that is untruly said. You came in all
-suddenly as we were at the feast, and took away the lady before any man
-could make him ready. But it is my quest to take her back again, and you
-also, unless one of us abide in the field. If, therefore, you choose to
-fight for her, you must fight with me, and I will defend her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the knight, “make you ready, and I shall strive with you to
-the uttermost.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Now Sir Ontzlake was on foot; so King Pellinore was getting off his horse
-to meet him evenly in the field, when Ontzlake came up craftily and ran
-the horse through with his sword, saying,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now thou art on foot as well as we.”
- </p>
-<p>
-King Pellinore was exceedingly angry at this, for the horse was a good
-one. He drew his sword, put his shield before him, and cried,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Knight, keep well thy head, for thou shalt have a buffet for slaying my
-horse.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The other was ready, and they fought; but it was not for long, for
-Pellinore gave Sir Ontzlake so stern a stroke on the helmet that he clove
-his head to the chin, and he fell dead to the earth. When the other knight
-saw that, he would not fight, but yielded to Pellinore’s mercy, only
-asking that his kinswoman should be put to no shame. This Pellinore
-promised, and the knight entertained him in his pavilion till the next
-day, and then gave him a good horse in place of that which Ontzlake had
-killed. So Pellinore and the lady rode toward Camelot. When they passed by
-the place where the wounded knight and the lady had been, both their
-bodies had been eaten by wild beasts, all save the lady’s head. At this
-Pellinore mourned, for he knew that he might have saved them if he would.
-When they came to the court, they were heartily welcomed, and King
-Pellinore told his adventures, as the other two knights had done. Then
-Pellinore was greatly blamed because he had not stayed to help the wounded
-knight and the lady, and he confessed that he repented sorely that he had
-been too eager in his quest to do so. Thereupon Merlin told him that he
-had good reason to repent, for the lady that had called to him was his own
-daughter; and he warned Pellinore that even as he had failed that knight
-and lady, his own nearest friend should fail him in the hour of his
-greatest need.
-</p>
-<p>
-And thus ended the three quests of the hart, and the hound, and the lady,
-which were the first adventures that befell in King Arthur’s court after
-he was married to the Lady Guenever.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER V. THE EVIL DEVICES OF MORGAN LE FAY.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">K</span>ING ARTHUR was now firmly established in his kingdom. He ruled wisely and
-lived nobly, so that there was a great concourse about him of men of good
-condition, and in the island of Britain at that time were gathered the
-strongest and bravest knights of Christendom. To such of the Knights of
-the Round Table and others of his court as were of poor estate the king
-gave lands, that they might the better perform all that to which they were
-pledged by the oaths they took when they were made knights. Castles and
-fair towns arose in the land ; and knights were ever riding about, seeking
-adventures, of which there was no lack, for evil men who had gotten rich
-and strong in the stormy times of Vortigern and Uther Pendragon were still
-many, and ever they held themselves against King Arthur and his rule.
-There were also enchanters, and some of them used their supernatural
-powers for evil, who were fearful of his power and jealous of his
-greatness, entered into an alliance against him, and they led a great host
-into his lands, and burned, and slew, and plundered on every side. When
-King Arthur heard this news he was wrathful. He appointed King Pellinore
-to bring the main body of his army as soon as might be; and he himself,
-with Queen Guenever and such knights and men-at-arms as were at that time
-in the court, set out to meet the five kings, who were lying with their
-host in a wide forest near the river Humber. But it chanced that as King
-Arthur, with the queen, Sir Kay, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Griflet, was riding
-out by the river side, they met the five kings, that were also riding out
-without any following; and those four fell upon the five kings with such
-might that they killed them all. When the followers of the kings found
-them dead, they lost heart and courage, and would have fled; but Arthur
-and his little army came upon them, and slew so many that scarcely any
-escaped back to their own lands. So the war was ended before King
-Pellinore and the main host could come near the place. To show his
-thankfulness to God for this great victory, Arthur founded a rich abbey on
-the spot where the battle had been. Then he returned with his knights to
-Camelot, and again abode there in peace.
-</p>
-<p>
-For some years the realm was at peace; but then it befell that Merlin came
-under the spell of Viviane, as it has been told in the first chapter of
-this book. When it was noised abroad that King Arthur had lost his best
-counsellor, five kings of the north and in the island of Britain at that
-time were gathered the strongest and bravest knights of Christendom. To
-such of the Knights of the Round Table and others of his court as were of
-poor estate the king gave lands, that they might the better perform all
-that to which they were pledged by the oaths they took when they were made
-knights. Castles and fair towns arose in the land; and knights were ever
-riding about, seeking adventures, of which there was no lack, for evil men
-who had gotten rich and strong in the stormy times of Vortigern and Uther
-Pen-dragon were still many, and ever they held themselves against King
-Arthur and his rule. There were also enchanters, and some of them used
-their supernatural powers for evil.
-</p>
-<p>
-Of the king’s sisters by the mother’s side, the daughters of Queen
-Igraine, Arthur chiefly loved Morgan le Fay, who was the wife of Urience,
-King of Gore. She had learned necromancy from Merlin, and was scarcely
-less skilled in magic arts than he. But she hated King Arthur, and was
-ever watching to find an opportunity to destroy him. While Merlin was with
-him, she could do him no ill; but afterwards, because Arthur loved her and
-trusted her, he placed his sword Excalibur and the scabbard in her
-keeping, and then Morgan thought the time had come when she might
-accomplish his ruin. She loved not her husband, King Urience, who was a
-good knight and loyal to King Arthur, but she chiefly esteemed a knight
-named Sir Accolon of Gaul.
-</p>
-<p>
-It befell that King Arthur, with many of his knights, one day rode out
-from Camelot to hunt in the forest. They followed a great hart; and King
-Arthur, King Urience, and Sir Accolon, being the best mounted, rode away
-from the others, and chased the hart so mightily that their horses fell
-dead under them. Then they did not know what to do, for they were a great
-way from Camelot, in the midst of the thick wood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Let us go on foot,” said King Urience, “till we come to some lodging.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Before them lay a great water, and suddenly they saw upon it a little
-ship, all gilt, with sails of silk, and it was coming straight toward
-them, and ran on to the sands. King Arthur went near it, and looked in;
-but there was no living thing on board.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sirs,” said Arthur, “let us go into this ship, and see what there is in
-it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they went on board, and found it full richly garnished, with a fair
-cabin all hung with doth of silk; and while they were gazing upon it, the
-ship suddenly left the land again, and went into the middle of the water.
-By this time it was dusk, and all at once there were a hundred torches
-about the sides of the ship that gave forth a great light. Then suddenly
-twelve beautiful damsels appeared, and they saluted King Arthur on their
-knees, calling him by his name, and bade him welcome, telling him he
-should have the best cheer they could give. They led the king and his two
-companions into the cabin, where was a table richly appointed with all
-kinds of meats and wines. King Arthur and King Urience and Sir Accolon
-fared sumptuously, for they were very hungry after the chase. When the
-supper was over, all three were sleepy, and the damsels conducted each to
-a sleeping chamber that was nobly arrayed, where they lay on soft pallets,
-and soon were buried in deep slumber.
-</p>
-<p>
-When King Urience awoke, he found himself, to his great marvel, in the
-chamber of his wife Morgan le Fay at Camelot. How this could be he
-understood not, for when he had fallen asleep he had been full two days’
-journey from Camelot. But Arthur did not fare so well, for when he awoke
-he discovered that he was in a dark prison, and heard all about him the
-groans and complaints of woful knights. Then he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Who are ye that thus complain?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“We are,” answered one of them, “twenty good knights that are here
-prisoners. Some of us have lain here seven years, and even more, and some
-for less time.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“For what cause?” asked King Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the knights told him that the lord of the castle was a rich baron
-named Sir Damas, who was one of the falsest knights alive, full of
-treason, and an arrant coward. He had a younger brother named Sir
-Ontzlake, who was a good and honourable knight, and a man of great
-prowess. But Sir Damas, by means of his riches and the men-at-arms he
-kept, had deprived Sir Ontzlake of much of his heritage, so that there was
-always a great warfare between them. Damas would never meet his brother in
-the field; and Ontzlake had offered to fight him, or any knight he could
-find in his stead, to settle their dispute in that fashion. But Damas
-would not fight himself, and he was everywhere so hated that he could get
-no knight to undertake his quarrel. So he lay ever in wait with his
-servants, and laid hold by treachery of every errant knight that came into
-his lands to seek adventures. Then he kept them in prison, till one of
-them should agree to fight Sir Ontzlake on his behalf; but thus far, not
-one had ever consented to do it.
-</p>
-<p>
-When King Arthur heard this he was ill at ease; but he thought that he
-would rather undertake the battle, albeit it were in an unjust cause, than
-lie hungering in prison. As he sat there, a damsel came to him and asked
-him, “What cheer?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I cannot tell,” said King Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” she said, “if you will fight for my lord, you shall be delivered
-out of prison; but if not, you shall not escape hence all your life long.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is a hard case,” answered Arthur. “But I would rather undertake the
-adventure than die in prison; so I will fight for thy lord, on condition
-that he will release all these knights as well as myself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This the damsel promised, and she said that he should also have horse and
-armour. When the king looked at her, it seemed to him that he had seen her
-before, and he asked her if she had not been in King Arthur’s court. She
-answered that she had never been there; but she spoke false, for she was
-one of the damsels that served Morgan le Fay. She knew Arthur well enough,
-and had come to that place at her mistress’s bidding, to contrive that he
-should undertake the battle on behalf of Sir Damas. Now she went to Sir
-Damas, and told him how she had found a knight for him. He sent for King
-Arthur, and saw that he was a strong man, well-made, and knightly in his
-carriage, and so was well content to have him for his champion. Then
-Arthur swore to Sir Damas to do his battle to the uttermost; and Damas
-straightway released all the knights that had been his prisoners. They,
-however, waited to see the battle.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now we must tell of Sir Accolon of Gaul, the knight who had been in the
-ship with King Arthur and King Urience. When he awoke from his sleep, he
-found himself lying by the side of a beautiful fountain. Even while he yet
-wondered how he had been brought thither, there came to him a dwarf, who
-said, “Sir, I am sent hither by Queen Morgan le Fay, who greets you well,
-and bids you be strong of heart, for you are to fight to-morrow morning
-early with a knight. Therefore, I have brought you King Arthur’s sword
-Excalibur, and its scabbard; and Queen Morgan desires you, as you love
-her, to do the battle to the uttermost, as you promised her when she and
-you talked privately together.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I understand well what she means,” answered Accolon; “and now that I have
-the sword, I will make good what I promised.” So he sent loving messages
-to Queen Morgan; and he now knew that the enchantment of the ship, and the
-means whereby he had been transported to the side of the fountain, were of
-her contrivance. And now also by her means was Sir Accolon conducted to
-the manor of Sir Ontzlake, Damas’s brother, where he was well entertained.
-But Sir Ontzlake was lying on a couch; for, a little while before, he had
-been wounded through both thighs with a spear. Soon after Sir Accolon came
-to him, Sir Damas sent him word that he had found a knight to undertake
-his battle, and that’ Sir Ontzlake must be ready by the next morning. Sir
-Ontzlake wist not what to do, for he was so badly hurt that he could not
-stand on his feet; but his guest, Sir Accolon, when he knew what the
-matter was, offered to fight in his stead, as Morgan le Fay had sent him
-word to do; and Sir Ontzlake was very thankful, and sent word to Sir Damas
-that he would have a knight ready.
-</p>
-<p>
-On the morrow King Arthur heard mass; and after that, he armed himself and
-mounted his horse, and went to the place appointed for the battle, where
-there was a great gathering of the gentle folk and commons of the country.
-While Arthur was waiting, there came to him a damsel from Morgan le Fay,
-and brought a sword and scabbard, like Excalibur and its scabbard, saying,
-“Morgan le Fay sends you here your sword for great love.” For this he was
-thankful; but both the sword and the scabbard were only counterfeit,
-brittle, and false.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Accolon came into the field, and as both their vizors were down,
-neither of the knights knew the other. So they rode together with such
-force that both were unhorsed; and then they drew their swords, and fought
-on foot, giving each other many heavy strokes. But Sir Accolon wounded the
-king with almost every blow, and shed much of his blood; while he himself
-lost no blood at all, because he had the scabbard of Excalibur at his
-side. When King Arthur felt himself so wounded, and saw his own blood on
-the ground, he was dismayed, for he began to understand that the sword
-which he had could not be Excali-bur, and it seemed to him that the other
-knight’s sword was very like Excalibur. For all that he held himself full
-knightly, and defended himself so well that all the people there said they
-had never seen a knight fight better. However, with loss of blood he grew
-so feeble that he withdrew a little to rest. But Sir Accolon was bold
-because he knew that he had Excalibur, and he called out, “It is no time
-for me to suffer thee to rest.” Then he came fiercely on, and King Arthur
-met him and smote him so mightily on the helm that he nearly fell to the
-earth. But with that stroke Arthur’s sword broke at the cross, and left
-only the pommel and the handle in his hand.
-</p>
-<p>
-When Accolon saw that, he said, “Knight, thou art weaponless, and may no
-longer endure. I am loath to slay thee, therefore yield thee as recreant.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” answered Arthur, “I may not yield, for I have sworn to do this
-battle to the uttermost. Moreover, I would rather die with honour than
-live with shame; and if you slay me, being weaponless, the shame will be
-with you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“For that I care not,” answered Accolon; and then he came fiercely on, and
-struck Arthur a blow that well-nigh sent him to the earth. But the king
-pressed against Accolon with his shield, and smote him with the pommel in
-his hand so that he went three strides back. Sir Accolon came on again all
-eagerly; but at the next stroke he gave, the sword Excalibur slipped from
-his hand and fell to the earth, and Arthur leaped to it and got it in his
-hand. Forthwith he perceived clearly that it was in truth his good sword
-Excalibur. “Ah!” he cried, “thou hast been too long from me, and much
-damage thou hast done me.” Then he suddenly sprang to Sir Accolon and
-snatched the scabbard from where it hung by his side, and threw it far
-away from him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, Knight,” said King Arthur, “you have done me much hurt with this
-sword, but ere we part I shall reward you with it as well as you have
-rewarded me.” So he rushed upon Accolon with all his might, and pulled him
-to the earth, took off his helmet, and smote him such a buffet on the head
-that the blood gushed out of his ears, nose, and mouth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now will I slay thee,” said King Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Slay me you may,” answered Accolon, “if it please you; for you are the
-best knight that ever I met, and I see well that God is with you. But I
-promised to fight this battle to the uttermost, and so I cannot yield to
-you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then it seemed to King Arthur that he knew the knight, so he asked him his
-name.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Accolon, “I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is
-Accolon of Gaul.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this Arthur was sore troubled, for he remembered that Accolon was
-favoured by his sister Morgan le Fay.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” said he, “I pray you tell me who gave you this sword.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Accursed be the sword,” answered Accolon, “for it has given me my death.”
- Then he confessed that the sword had been sent him by Morgan le Fay, with
-the intent that he should kill King Arthur with it; and that when that was
-accomplished she would compass the death of her husband King Urience, so
-that Accolon and she might be king and queen. When he had made this
-confession, Accolon asked Arthur who he was.
-</p>
-<p>
-“O Sir Accolon,” answered the king, “now know thou that I am King Arthur,
-to whom thou hast done great damage.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Accolon heard this, he cried out, “My gracious lord, have mercy on
-me, for I knew you not!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Mercy shalt thou have,” answered Arthur, “for I believe thou didst not
-know me; but none the less hast thou plotted my death, and art therefore a
-traitor. Still I blame not thee so much as my sister Morgan le Fay; for
-she, by her false arts, has made thee agree and consent to her evil
-purposes. But I will be so avenged on her, if I live, that all Christendom
-shall hear of it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the keepers of the field and all who had watched the battle drew
-nigh, and Sir Accolon told them that the knight with whom he had done
-battle was none other than King Arthur. All the people knelt and made
-their submission to the king. He, on his part, ordered Sir Damas to give
-Sir Ontzlake his rightful inheritance, and charged him, on penalty of
-death, to atone to the knights he had kept in prison for the hurt he had
-done them, and never more to meddle with knights-errant that might come
-into his country. Sir Ontzlake he charged to come to his court, because he
-was a good knight, and promised him honour and advancement. Then the king
-and Sir Accolon were removed to a rich abbey of nuns a few miles away,
-where their wounds were dressed, and within four days King Arthur was
-healed; but Sir Accolon had lost so much blood that he might not be
-recovered. When he was dead, Arthur bade six of his knights bear his body
-to Morgan le Fay, and charged them to say that the king sent him to her
-for a present, and that he had got back his sword Excalibur and the
-scabbard.
-</p>
-<p>
-When the tidings came to Morgan le Fay by one of her damsels that Accolon
-was dead, and that King Arthur had got back his sword and scabbard, she
-was full of sorrow and anger; so she got leave from Queen Guenever to
-return to her own country. As she and her attendants journeyed, they
-passed by the very abbey where King Arthur was still lying. Knowing that
-he was there, Morgan went into the abbey and asked where the king was. She
-was answered that he was asleep in his chamber; so she said she would go
-in and wake him herself. As she was his sister, and a queen, none dare say
-her nay; so she went into the chamber, intending to steal from him
-Excalibur. But the king, though he was asleep, had the sword fast in his
-right hand, so she could not get it. However, she took the scabbard, and
-then went on her way. When the king woke and missed the scabbard, he was
-passing wroth, and still more so when he knew who had taken it. So he and
-Sir Ontzlake armed themselves hastily, and rode after Queen Morgan, and
-after a while they came in sight of her. When she saw that King Arthur was
-pursuing, she rode as fast as she could; but ever he drew nearer and
-nearer. Then she went to the shore of a lake that was there, and threw the
-scabbard into it, saying, “Whatever may become of me, my brother shall not
-have the scabbard.” After that she rode with her knights into a valley,
-and there by her enchantments turned herself and them into marble statues.
-</p>
-<p>
-When King Arthur and Ontzlake came up, they saw the statues, and thought
-the change had been wrought by a judgment of God. They could not find the
-scabbard, and so rode back to the abbey. As soon as they were gone, Morgan
-and her knights returned to flesh and blood, and went on their way to the
-country of Gore. There Morgan made her castles strong, and garrisoned
-them, for she greatly dreaded her brother’s wrath. But she sent him word
-that, while she could change herself and her men into the likeness of
-stones, she had no cause to fear him.
-</p>
-<p>
-However, though Accolon was dead, Morgan abated no whit of her hatred to
-the king, nor of her evil designs against him. But she pretended to be
-sorrowful because of her deeds, and offered him amends. And she sent a
-damsel to the court with a mantle, the richest that ever was seen in the
-world, for it was so covered with precious stones that there was not space
-to put on another. The damsel said to the king, “Your sister sends you
-this mantle, and desires that you will take this gift of her; and in what
-she has offended you, she will amend it at your own pleasure.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The king was greatly pleased with the mantle, but he did not put much
-trust in his sister. While he was considering what he should say, there
-came to him the Lady Viviane, who had ever loved him, and she counselled
-him on no account to put on the mantle, or let it be worn by any in his
-court, until it had been put on by the damsel who had brought it. King
-Arthur said he would follow her counsel, and so he called the damsel to
-him, and bade her put on the mantle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said she, “it will not beseem me to wear a knight’s garment.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“By my head,” answered the king, “you shall wear it before it come on my
-back or that of any other that is here.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When she saw that no better might be, the damsel put on the mantle full
-sorrowfully; and lo! straightway she fell down dead, and was burned to
-ashes. Then King Arthur saw how great was the treason of his sister Morgan
-le Fay.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER VI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE THREE KNIGHTS AND THE THREE DAMSELS,
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">K</span>ING ARTHUR was exceedingly wrathful against his sister Morgan le Fay, and
-because he suspected that her son, Sir Ewaine, was aware of her plots, he
-banished him from the court. In this he was wrong, for Sir Ewaine ever
-held by his father and King Arthur, and hated his mother’s treachery. When
-Sir Gawaine heard that his cousin Ewaine was to be banished, he made ready
-to go with him, for he said, “Whoso banisheth my cousin, banisheth me
-also.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So the two set out together, and they rode till they came to a great
-forest, and presently they saw a tower in a valley. By the tower were two
-knights, armed and on horseback, and twelve fair damsels, who kept going
-to and fro by a tree. Gawaine and Ewaine went nearer, and then they saw
-that the damsels were throwing mire on a white shield that was hanging on
-the tree “Wherefore do you thus offer despite to the shield?” said Ewaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sirs,” answered one of the damsels, “there is a knight in this country
-that is the owner of this shield, and he is a very good knight of his
-hands, but he hates all ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore do we defile
-his shield. His name is Sir Marhaus, and he is brother to the wife of King
-Anguisance of Ireland.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I know him well,” said Sir Ewaine; “he is one of the best knights
-living.”
- </p>
-<p>
-While they spoke, they saw Sir Marhaus riding toward them. Then all the
-damsels fled into the tower; but one of the knights of the tower put his
-spear in rest, and cried aloud, “Sir Marhaus, defend thee.” Then they ran
-together, and Sir Marhaus smote that knight so hard that he hurled him
-from his horse and broke his neck. Thereupon the other knight of the tower
-came on, and him also Sir Marhaus overthrew. After that he took down the
-white shield from the tree and put in its place the one he had carried
-before. Then he rode up to Sir Gawaine and Sir Ewaine, and asked them what
-they did there. They answered that they came from King Arthur’s court to
-seek adventures.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Marhaus, “here am I ready to fulfil any adventure that you
-require of me;” and he rode back a little way, to get space to run a
-course with them. Sir Ewaine did not wish that they should joust with him,
-but Gawaine said they should be shamed if they did not assay him. Then
-said Ewaine, “I will meet him first, for I am weaker than you; and if he
-smite me down, then you may perchance avenge me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Sir Marhaus and Sir Ewaine came together, and Sir Marhaus smote down
-Ewaine, horse and man, and hurt him in the side. Then he turned to
-Gawaine, who met him fiercely, but when they came together Gawaine’s spear
-broke, and Sir Marhaus overthrew him also. Sir Gawaine sprang lightly to
-his feet, and drew his sword, bidding Sir Marhaus alight, or he would slay
-his horse. Marhaus dismounted, and tied his horse to a tree; then he also
-pulled out his sword, and they fought eagerly together, giving each other
-many sore strokes. As it was after nine o’clock in the morning, Gawaine’s
-strength ever increased, and Sir Marhaus marvelled at it. But he was a
-knight of great prowess, and he withstood Sir Gawaine mightily. At noon
-they were still fighting, and then Gawaine began to grow more feeble, till
-at last he could no longer endure.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Marhaus, “I have well felt that you are a passing good knight,
-and a man of marvellous might as ever I met. Our quarrel is not so great
-that it need be fought to the death, and I should be loath to do you hurt,
-for I perceive you are very feeble.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah, gentle knight,” said Gawaine, “you are more courteous than I.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then they took off their helmets, and kissed one another, and swore that
-they would henceforth be as brethren. Then Marhaus asked Gawaine and
-Ewaine to lodge with him that night, and he took them to a good lodging he
-had near by. As they rode, Gawaine asked him why, being so valiant a
-knight, he hated all ladies. But Sir Marhaus said he did not hate all, but
-only the damsels of the tower, and such as they, who were nothing but
-witches and enchantresses. The two knights lodged with him for a week,
-till their wounds were well healed; but when he knew that they were King
-Arthur’s nephews, he gave them the best entertainment he could. When they
-were whole again, he said he would ride with them through the forest. So
-the three travelled for seven days, till they came to a country that was
-called Arroy, which was always full of strange adventures. And as they
-were riding along, they came to a fair fountain, at the side of which sat
-three damsels. One was threescore years of age, and the second thirty, and
-the third but fifteen years of age. The knights saluted them, and asked
-them why they were sitting there.
-</p>
-<p>
-“We are here,” said the eldest damsel, “to show strange adventures to
-errant knights. As ye are seeking adventures, each of you must choose one
-of us, and go forth by a separate way; and this day twelvemonth we will
-all meet here again to tell our adventures.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To this the knights assented; and Sir Ewaine, because he was the youngest
-and the least experienced, chose the eldest damsel. Sir Marhaus took the
-second, as her age was the most fitting to his; so the youngest and
-fairest was left to Gawaine, of which he was well pleased. Then each
-knight took his damsel, and Sir Ewaine took a way that went west, and Sir
-Marhaus a way that went south, and Sir Gawaine went north. As he and his
-damsel rode, they came to a cross by the wayside, and while they were
-there a knight passed them, the fairest and comeliest they had ever seen,
-making great moan and sorrow. He saluted Gawaine courteously and wished
-him much worship, and Gawaine returned him the like wish.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” answered the knight, “that may not be for me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then, as he went on, there came against him ten knights, one after the
-other, and he smote them all down with one spear. When they were all on
-foot, they went to him, and he sat still as a stone, and suffered them to
-pull him off his horse, bind him hand and foot, tie him under his horse’s
-belly, and so lead him away.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Surely,” said Gawaine, “that is a doleful sight, to see that knight so
-treated.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said his damsel, “it would be to your worship and honour to help
-that dolorous knight, for he is one of the best knights that ever I saw.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I would be glad to help him,” answered Sir Gawaine, “but it seems to me
-that he would not have my help.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But the damsel said sharply, “It seems to me that you have no heart to
-help him.” And she was wroth with Gawaine. While they talked there came
-two knights armed at all points, one of whom cried out, “Sir Gawaine,
-knight of King Arthur, make thou ready to joust with me.” So they ran
-together so mightily that both were overthrown. Then they drew their
-swords and fought hard together. In the meanwhile, the other knight came
-to Gawaine’s damsel, and asked her to abide with him, promising to be her
-faithful knight. She said she would go with him, for she liked not Sir
-Gawaine, because he would not strive for the knight that was led away by
-the ten knights he had overthrown. So while Gawaine was fighting, the
-damsel went away with her new companion.
-</p>
-<p>
-Gawaine and the other knight fought together a long time, and then they
-agreed together, and the knight took Gawaine to his manor that was near
-by. As they went, Gawaine asked what knight that was who smote down the
-ten knights, and afterwards suffered himself to be so shamefully led away.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah,” said the other, “that is the best knight I ever saw, and I do not
-believe there is a better in the world. His name is Sir Pelles, and he
-loves a great lady in this country that is called Ettarde. He first beheld
-her at a tournament which was held near this place, at which were many
-ladies and five hundred knights. He who proved to be the best knight was
-to have a good sword, and a circlet of gold to give to the lady present at
-the tournament whom he held to be the fairest. Sir Pelles was by far the
-best that was there; no man could withstand him, and each of the three
-days the tournament lasted he struck down more than twenty knights. So he
-won the prize, and forthwith he laid the circlet at the feet of the Lady
-Ettarde, and said openly that she was the fairest, and he would prove it
-on the body of any knight that gainsaid him. So he chose her for his
-sovereign lady, and loved her exceedingly. But she is very proud, and she
-made scorn of Sir Pelles, and said she would never love him. But he
-followed her to her own manor, and now he is lodged at a priory near her.
-Every day she sends knights to fight with him; but he always puts them to
-the worse, and then suffers them to take him prisoner and lead him to her
-unworthily, because in no other way can he gain a sight of his lady-love.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Gawaine heard this, he was full sorry for the knight Sir Pelles, and
-said that the next day he would seek him, and offer him what help he
-could. In the morning he took leave of his host, and sought Sir Pelles,
-whom he found sorrowing in the forest. Then had they much talk together,
-and Sir Pelles told Gawaine all that the other knight had told him the day
-before.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now,” said Sir Gawaine, “leave off your mourning, and I promise you by
-the faith of my body that I will do all that lies in my power to get you
-the love of your lady.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah, my good friend,” said Pelles, “I pray you tell me who you are.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This Gawaine told him, and Sir Pelles entreated him to do as he had
-promised, and not to betray him. To that Gawaine made oath; and then said
-he would take Pelles’s horse and armour, and ride to the Lady Ettarde,
-saying he had slain Pelles. In this way he would gain access to her, and
-would then strive all he could to win her love for his friend. So they
-changed horses and armour, and Gawaine rode to Ettarde’s castle. When he
-told her that he had slain Pelles, she received him cordially, the more
-when he told her his name, and that he was King Arthurs nephew. She said
-it was a pity that Pelles was slain, for he was a good knight, but that
-while he lived she could never have peace; so she entertained Gawaine with
-the best cheer she had.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now the Lady Ettarde was exceedingly fair, and when Gawaine saw her he
-loved her sorely, so that he no longer heeded the oath he had sworn to Sir
-Pelles, but wooed the lady for himself, and she was gracious to him. They
-lived together in a pavilion outside the castle, for Ettarde no longer
-feared Pelles, thinking that he was dead. For three days and nights they
-stayed there; and then Sir Pelles, who had been waiting for Gawaine at his
-lodging, could endure no longer, but armed himself, and mounted his horse
-and rode to the castle. When he came to the pavilion, both Gawaine and the
-lady were asleep; and when Pelles saw them, his heart was like to burst
-for grief, and also because Gawaine had betrayed him and forsworn himself.
-At first he thought to slay them, and drew his sword; but he could not
-bring himself to slay them sleeping, so he laid his naked sword across the
-lady’s throat, and rode away making great sorrow. When Ettarde woke and
-saw the naked sword at her throat, she knew it was Pelless, and then she
-perceived that Gawaine had betrayed her. She gave him many reproaches, and
-Gawaine could say nothing for himself, but armed himself and rode away
-into the forest, well knowing that he had stained his knightly honour.
-</p>
-<p>
-But one of the damsels of the lake, named Nimue, met a knight of Sir
-Pelles in the forest, and learned all that had passed, and also that
-Pelles was lying in his bed, dying out of pure sorrow because he had been
-betrayed. So she undertook to heal him, and the knight brought her to Sir
-Pelles, and by her enchantments she wrought so that he loved Ettarde no
-longer. Also, she brought Ettarde to him, and made her love him out of
-measure. When Pelles awoke and saw Ettarde, all the love had gone out of
-his heart, and he hated her more than any woman alive, and said, “Go thy
-way hence, thou traitress; come no more in my sight.” So she wept
-bitterly, and implored him for his love; but he would have nothing to do
-with her, and gave his love to the Lady Nimue, who loved him faithfully in
-return. And afterwards Ettarde died of grief, but Pelles lived happily
-with the lady of the lake.
-</p>
-<p>
-Of what befell Sir Gawaine after this till the year was out no mention is
-made in the old chronicles.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Marhaus, it will be remembered, went with the damsel of thirty years
-by a way that led south. The road took them into a thick forest, and when
-night fell they knew not where they were. At last they came to a small
-lodge in the wood, but the man that dwelt there would not give them
-shelter at any price. At last he said, “If you will take the adventure of
-your lodging, I will bring you where you will be lodged.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What is the adventure?” asked Sir Marhaus.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That you will know when you come to the place,” answered the other.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Whatever it may be, do thou show us the place,” said the knight; “for my
-lady and I and my horse are all weary, and rest we must have.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the man took them a little way farther to a fair castle, and he
-called the porter, and bid him tell his lord that a knight-errant and a
-fair damsel were waiting without, and would lodge with him. “Let them come
-in,” answered the lord, “but it may happen that they will repent it.” So
-then Sir Marhaus and his damsel were shown into a great hall, where the
-lord of the castle was, with many young men about him. The lord asked Sir
-Marhaus who he was and whence he came.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Marhaus, “I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and I was born in
-Ireland.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will be the worse for thee,” answered the other grimly, “for I love
-not thy lord nor the company of the Round Table. Make what cheer thou
-canst to-night, for to-morrow thou wilt have to meet me and my six sons.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Is there no other choice but that I must have to do with you and your six
-sons all at once?” asked Sir Marhaus.
-</p>
-<p>
-“No,” answered the lord; “and for this reason, that Sir Gawaine once slew
-seven of my sons in an encounter, and I vowed to have my revenge on any
-knight of King Arthur’s that might come into my power.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Marhaus asked him his name, and he said he was called the Duke of
-the South Marches. “Ah,” said Sir Marhaus, “I have heard of you ere this
-as a great foe to King Arthur and all his knights.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That shall you feel to-morrow,” said the duke.
-</p>
-<p>
-So that night Sir Marhaus and his damsel were well lodged, and the next
-morning the knight armed himself, and met the duke and his six sons in the
-courtyard of the castle. He let them all break a spear upon him, and never
-moved; and then with one spear he smote them all from their saddles. Then
-he went to the duke, and called on him to yield; but some of the sons
-began to recover themselves, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus. “Bid
-your sons stand back,” said Sir Marhaus to the duke, “or I will do the
-uttermost to you all.” So when the duke saw that otherwise he could not
-escape death, he yielded, and bade his sons do the like. And Sir Marhaus
-bound them all never more to be foes to King Arthur or his knights, and at
-the next Feast of Pentecost to present themselves at the court and make
-submission to the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-After that Sir Marhaus departed, and two days afterwards his damsel
-brought him to a place where a great tournament was held. The prize for
-the best knight was a circlet of gold worth a thousand byzants. At this
-tournament Sir Marhaus did right nobly, and smote down forty knights, so
-the prize was awarded to him. Then he and his damsel again rode forth, and
-after a long journey they reached the castle of a rich earl named Fergus.
-Near by there dwelt a giant called Taulurd, who wrought much evil against
-the earl and wasted his lands, and Fergus complained of him to Sir
-Marhaus.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Does he fight on foot or on horseback?” asked the knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“On foot,” answered Earl Fergus, “for he is so large that no horse could
-bear him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then will I fight him on foot,” answered Marhaus. And the next day he
-went to seek for the giant, and found him sitting under a tree, with great
-clubs of iron lying about him. When the giant saw Marhaus coming he sprang
-up, seized a club, and rushed against him. His first blow was so mighty
-that it crushed Marhaus’s shield to pieces; and thereafter the knight was
-in great peril, for the giant was both strong and a wily fighter. At last,
-however, Sir Marhaus smote off his right arm above the elbow; and then he
-fled away, and ran into a pool of water that was so deep the knight could
-not follow him. Then Marhaus made the earl’s men bring him heavy stones,
-and with these he pelted the giant till he knocked him down in the water
-and drowned him. Then Sir Marhaus went to the giant’s castle, where he
-found many knights and ladies, whom he delivered, and so much riches that
-he was never afterwards in need of wealth to the end of his life.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Marhaus dwelt a long time with the Earl Fergus to recover from his
-wounds, for he had been sorely bruised by the giant. When he was whole, he
-and his damsel set out, and reached the fountain that was their
-trysting-place on the appointed day.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Ewaine, who had ridden westward with his damsel of threescore years,
-went first to a tournament that was held in a place near the marches of
-Wales. There he did great deeds, and smote down thirty knights, so that he
-took the prize, which was a gerfalcon and a white steed with trappings of
-cloth of gold. After that his damsel brought him to the castle of a great
-lady in that country, called the Lady of the Rock. Now there were two
-perilous knights that dwelt nigh the Lady of the Rock, named Sir Edward
-and Sir Hue of the Red Castle, and they had despoiled the lady of much of
-her lands. So she complained to Sir Ewaine; and he blamed the knights that
-they had done that which was contrary to their oaths. He said he would
-first entreat them to restore to her that which was her right; and if they
-were not to be persuaded, then he would do battle with them. The knights
-were sent for accordingly, and they came to the castle with a hundred
-horsemen. But they cared nothing for Sir Ewaine’s reproaches, and said
-they would keep what they had.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Sir Ewaine, “then will I fight with either of you, and prove
-upon his body that you do wrong to this lady.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That we will not assent to,” answered the brothers, “for if we do battle,
-we will both fight with one knight at once; and if thou wilt meet us both,
-and can conquer us, the lady shall have her lands again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To that Sir Ewaine agreed, and the battle was appointed for the next day.
-When the knights met, both Sir Edward and Sir Hue broke their spears on
-Sir Ewaine without unhorsing him; but he smote them both down, the one
-after the other. Then he alighted on foot, and fought them with his sword.
-They gave him many sore wounds, but at last he struck Sir Edward so hard
-on the helm that he clove his head to the shoulders, and then he forced
-Sir Hue to yield. So the lady was restored to her lands, and Sir Hue was
-sworn to make his submission to King Arthur at the ensuing Feast of
-Pentecost. But in this battle Sir Ewaine was so much hurt that he could
-undertake no other adventure before the time appointed for the three
-knights and the damsels to meet at the fountain.
-</p>
-<p>
-But on that day all the knights were there, and all the damsels, only Sir
-Gawaine did not bring his damsel, nor had she much worship to say of him.
-Then the knights bade farewell to the ladies, and rode again into the
-forest; but they were met by messengers from King Arthur commanding them
-to return to the court. When they came there, the king and all else made
-them heartily welcome, and they were sworn to tell all their adventures.
-At the Feast of Pentecost came the Lady Nimue, and brought with her Sir
-Pelles; and King Arthur held a great tournament, where Sir Pelles won the
-first prize, and Sir Marhaus the second, so they were both made Knights of
-the Round Table in room of two that had been slain during the twelvemonth.
-King Arthur was glad that he had got two such good knights; but Sir Pelles
-never afterwards loved Sir Gawaine, and though he spared him for the
-king’s sake, ofttimes he overthrew him at jousts and tournaments. And Sir
-Pelles was ever a knight of great worship; for when Sir Lancelot grew to
-be the knight of most prowess, the Lady Nimue so contrived that Sir Pelles
-never had to do with him, and she would not suffer him to be at any
-tournament where Sir Lancelot was, unless it were to fight on the same
-side.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER VII. LANCELOT DU LAKE
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T will be remembered that King Ban of Benwick and King Bors of Gannes had
-given right good help to King Arthur when he was fighting for his kingdom.
-Afterwards they went back to their own country, and carried on their wars
-against King Claudas of Gaul; but he, having wide lands and many knights
-at his command, ever put them to the worse, and despoiled them of their
-territory before Arthur could come or send to help them. So it befell that
-they both died of grief—King Ban leaving behind him one son, who was
-named Lancelot, and two younger, called Lionel and Ector de Maris; while
-King Bors left three sons, named Bleoberis, Blamor, and Bors. After the
-two kings were dead, Arthur, being eased from his wars at home, sent over
-to Gaul knights and men-at-arms that beat back King Claudas, and recovered
-from him the lands of Benwick and of Gannes. Arthur also took charge of
-the sons of the two dead kings, all save Lancelot, and had them trained in
-all manner of knightly exercises, so that when they grew to manhood they
-were all men of great might and valour, and they became Knights of the
-Round Table. But Lancelot fell to the charge of Viviane the enchantress,
-who was known as the Lady of the Lake, so that afterwards he got the name
-of Lancelot du Lake. She nourished and reared him till he was eighteen
-years of age, and then brought him to the court to receive knighthood at
-the hands of King Arthur. Even then few knights could withstand him, so
-strong was he, and so skilled with sword and spear; and when he grew to
-his full prowess and manhood, he passed all the other knights that ever
-were in Arthur’s court, or in the whole world, so that never was he put to
-the worse altogether. King Arthur had great joy of Sir Lancelot. But his
-coming to the court was not in the end for the king’s worship, for he grew
-to love Queen Guenever, and to care for no other lady; and she, since he
-was not less comely than valiant, loved him also, and forgot her duty to
-her lord and king, from which cause at the last there arose great sorrow.
-</p>
-<p>
-Just after Lancelot came to the court, King Arthur had a great war with
-the Emperor of the Romans. This emperor, whose name was Lucius, had sent
-ambassadors to Britain demanding tribute, with many haughty threats if it
-were not given. At this the king was wrathful, and returned for answer
-that he owed no tribute, nor would pay any, but that he claimed the empire
-as successor to Constantine, and would shortly come to take possession of
-it. Accordingly, he went over sea with a great army and most of his
-knights, leaving the kingdom in charge of Sir Baldwin and his cousin and
-next heir Sir Constantine. When he came to Brittany, the king heard of a
-monstrous giant that lived in a mount there and ravaged all the country,
-feeding on the flesh of men and children; and Arthur sought out this
-giant, and after a terrible fight he slew him. Then he and his knights had
-many-great battles with the mighty armies that had been gathered by the
-Emperor Lucius, in the which there were many fierce heathen and giants.
-But always the Britons put their enemies to the worse, and killed
-thousands of them; and at the last Lucius himself was slain, and Arthur
-marched to Rome, where, with much pomp and solemnity, he was crowned
-emperor. Then he came back with his knights to Britain, where the queen
-and all the people received him with great joy.
-</p>
-<p>
-In this war Sir Lancelot, though yet but a young knight, did great
-service; but afterwards, when the knights began again their joustings and
-tournaments, and sought adventures over Britain, his worship increased
-marvellously, so that most other knights began to hold him in dread. It
-happened that one time, after he had long rested him from knightly sports,
-he went to his brother Sir Lionel, and bade him make ready, for they two
-would seek adventures. So they armed, mounted their horses, and set forth.
-</p>
-<p>
-The day was very hot, and Sir Lancelot had a strong desire to sleep; so he
-lay down under an apple-tree, and fell into a deep slumber. Sir Lionel
-watched the while; and as he was so sitting, he saw three knights come
-riding as fast as they were able, and behind them there followed only a
-single knight. But Lionel thought he had never beheld one that seemed so
-mighty. Within a little he overtook all the three knights that fled, and
-smote them down, one after another; then he bound them all fast with the
-bridles of their own horses, and led them away. When Sir Lionel saw that,
-he determined to assay that knight himself; so he got on horseback without
-wakening his brother Sir Lancelot, and followed the strong knight. When he
-had overtaken him, he bade him turn. Forthwith the other turned and met
-Sir Lionel, and smote him down as he had done the three knights. Then he
-bound him fast, threw him across his own horse, and took him, along with
-the others, to his castle. There the strong knight unarmed his four
-captives, beat them while naked with thorns, and thrust them into a gloomy
-prison, where they found many other knights, who made a great lamentation.
-</p>
-<p>
-It so happened that Sir Ector de Maris, brother to Sir Lancelot and Sir
-Lionel, when he found that they had gone to seek adventures, was wroth
-that he did not accompany them, and set out to seek them. As he rode
-through the forest, he came to a strong castle which stood by a stream. At
-the ford of the stream, close by the castle, grew a tall tree, on which
-Sir Ector saw hanging a great many knights’ shields, and among them the
-shield of his brother Sir Lionel. At the bole of the tree hung a great
-copper basin. Sir Ector raised his spear, and struck the basin thrice with
-all his might, so that it sounded like a church-bell. Forthwith there came
-out of the castle the same knight that had smitten down Sir Lionel, and he
-bade Sir Ector make ready. So they ran together, and Sir Ector smote the
-strange knight so hard that he turned his horse thrice about, but still he
-kept his saddle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That was well done,” said the other, “and full knightly hast thou
-stricken me.” Then he rushed on Sir Ector, caught him under his right arm,
-bore him clean out of his saddle, and so rode with him into the hall of
-the castle, where he threw him down in the middle of the floor. Then said
-this strong knight, whose name was Sir Turquine, unto Sir Ector,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Because you have done more to me this day than has been done by any
-knight these twelve years, I will grant you your life, if you will be
-sworn to be my prisoner all your life.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I never promise,” said Ector.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You will suffer the more for it,” answered the other. So he unarmed Sir
-Ector, and beat him with thorns, as he had done the other knights, and
-threw him into his dungeon, where were many knights his fellows, and
-especially Sir Lionel. The two brothers made great sorrow together, and
-Sir Ector asked Lionel where Sir Lancelot was.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair brother,” answered Sir Lionel, “I left him asleep under an
-apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then all the knights that were prisoners said if Sir Lancelot came not to
-help them, they could not be delivered, for they knew no other knight but
-he who could match Sir Turquine.
-</p>
-<p>
-Meanwhile Sir Lancelot slept long under the apple-tree, and while he lay
-there, King Arthur’s sister, Morgan le Fay, and three other queens, passed
-by. They saw the knight sleeping, and knew him for Sir Lancelot; and then
-Morgan put an enchantment on him that he should sleep for six hours, and
-they had him borne to a castle of hers near at hand. By night-time the
-enchantment was past, and he awoke; and a fair damsel brought his supper,
-and told him that he was in the power of an enchantress, but if he kept up
-his heart she would aid him. The next day the four queens came to him, and
-Morgan le Fay told him he must choose one of them for his true love, and
-forget his lady Queen Guenever, or else stay in prison there till he died.
-He answered boldly that he would be true to his lady, and would have none
-of them, so they left him. Afterwards the damsel again came to him, and
-said she was the daughter of King Bagdemagus, and that she would effect
-his escape on condition that he would promise to go and help her father in
-a tournament he and his knights were holding against the King of
-Northgalis. There had been another tournament some days before between the
-same parties, and King Bagdemagus was put to the worse because there were
-three knights of King Arthur’s court that helped the King of Northgalis;
-therefore the damsel wanted Sir Lancelot’s help for her father. Sir
-Lancelot knew King Bagdemagus for a good knight, so cheerfully he promised
-to help him in the tournament. The next day, early in the morning, the
-damsel helped him out of his prison, and got him his horse and his armour,
-and told him where he should find her and her father.
-</p>
-<p>
-So Sir Lancelot rode away, glad at heart, and after some adventures he
-came to an abbey where King Bagdemagus was. The damsel was there already,
-and she gave him a hearty greeting. Nor was Bagdemagus himself behind in
-that. Lancelot told him how he had been betrayed by the four queens, and
-how his brother Sir Lionel had left him. “And,” said he, “because your
-daughter delivered me out of my prison, I shall, while I live, do her
-service, and all her friends and kindred.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then am I sure of your help at the tournament,” said King Bagdemagus.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Certainly I will not fail you,” answered Lancelot; and he asked what
-knights of King Arthur’s had been on the side of the King of Northgalis.
-The king said they were Sir Mador de la Port, and Sir Mordred, King
-Arthur’s nephew, and Sir Gahalatine.
-</p>
-<p>
-The tournament was appointed to take place within three miles of the
-abbey; and on the day before, King Bagdemagus sent to Sir Lancelot, by his
-direction, three of his best knights, each with a white shield bare of any
-device, and a like shield for Sir Lancelot himself. On the morrow the four
-knights ambushed themselves in a little wood close by the field where the
-tournament was to be held. Then the King of Northgalis and his knights
-came into the field on the one side, and King Bagdemagus and his knights
-on the other, and the three knights of King Arthur’s stood by themselves.
-Then the two parties met with a great dash, and at the first encounter
-there fell twelve knights of King Bagdemagus, and six of the King of
-Northgalis, and King Bagdemagus was put much to the worse. Then in came
-Sir Lancelot with the white shield, and the three knights with him. He
-thrust into the thickest of the press, and with one spear he smote down
-five knights. Then he overthrew the King of Northgalis himself, that was a
-good knight, and broke his thigh. The three knights of King Arthur saw
-this, and marvelled who it might be.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yonder is a shrewd guest,” quoth Sir Mador de la Port, “therefore will I
-have at him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they encountered, and Sir Lancelot bore him down, horse and man, so
-that his shoulder was put out. “Now befalleth it to me to joust,” said Sir
-Mordred, “for Sir Mador has had a great fall.” But he fared no better, for
-Sir Lancelot smote him out of his saddle with such might that his neck was
-well-nigh broken, and he lay long in a swoon. Then came in Sir Gahalatine,
-and he and Lancelot ran together, and both broke their spears; but when
-they took to their swords, Sir Lancelot smote Sir Gahalatine so hard on
-the helm that blood came from his nose and mouth, and he fell stunned from
-his horse. Thereafter Sir Lancelot got another great spear, and before it
-broke he had struck down with it sixteen knights, and with another he
-unhorsed twelve knights more, so that the King of Northgalis’s knights
-would joust no more, and the prize was given to King Bagdemagus.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Lancelot rode with Bagdemagus to his castle, and there he was well
-entertained by the king and his daughter. The next day he departed to seek
-his brother Sir Lionel, and came to the same forest where he had parted
-from him. As he rode, he met a damsel, and asked her if she knew of any
-adventures.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes,” she answered, “here are adventures near at hand, if thou darest to
-prove them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“For that cause came I hither,” said Lancelot. Then the damsel undertook,
-if he would tell her his name, to bring him where was the strongest knight
-he had ever met. So he told her his name. Then said she, “Sir, here is an
-adventure that well befits thee. Hard by dwells a knight that can
-overmatch any other I ever heard of, except it be thee; and I understand
-that he keeps in his prison more than threescore of King Arthur’s knights
-that he has conquered with his own hands. But when you have accomplished
-that adventure, you must promise me, as you are a true knight, to go with
-me and help me and other damsels that are distressed by a false knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Lancelot promised as she desired, and she brought him to Sir
-Turquine’s castle, and bid him beat on the copper basin. He smote it so
-hard and so long that the bottom fell out, but no one answered. Then he
-rode by the gate of the castle nearly half an hour, and presently he saw
-coming a great knight, driving before him a horse, on which lay an armed
-knight bound, and that knight Sir Lancelot presently saw was Sir Gaheris,
-Sir Gawaines brother.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Lancelot rode out to meet them, and the great knight, who was Sir
-Turquine, got his spear in readiness. Without many words, they ran
-together with so much force that both their horses’ backs broke. So soon
-as they could get to their feet, they drew their swords, and smote each
-other many terrible blows, so that in no long time each was sorely
-wounded. Thus they fought for more than two hours, till at last both were
-breathless, and they stood leaning on their swords.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, fellow,” quoth Sir Turquine, “hold thy hand awhile, and tell me what
-I shall ask thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Say on,” said Sir Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Thou art,” said Turquine, “the biggest man I ever met, and the best
-breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all others. If thou be not
-he, I will gladly accord with thee, and for thy love will deliver all the
-prisoners I have; and if thou wilt tell me thy name, thou and I will be
-friends together, and I will never fail thee while I live.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Lancelot, “who is that knight whom thou hatest above all
-others?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” said Sir Turquine, “it is Sir Lancelot du Lake, for he slew my
-brother Sir Carados of the Dolorous Tower, who was one of the best knights
-then living. Him, therefore, I except; and if I ever meet him, one of us
-shall make an end of the other, for to that I have made a vow. And because
-of what Sir Lancelot did to my brother have I slain a hundred good
-knights, and maimed many others; and still have I in my dungeon threescore
-and four. But all these shall be delivered, if thou wilt tell me thy name,
-and thou art not Sir Lancelot.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” answered Lancelot, “wit thou well and know that I am
-Lancelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Benwick, and Knight of the Round
-Table; and now I defy thee to do thy worst.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah,” said Turquine, “thou art more welcome to me, Lancelot, than ever
-knight was before, for we shall not part till one of us be dead.” So they
-rushed together like two wild bulls, lashing at each other with their
-swords, and fought for two hours more, and either gave the other many deep
-wounds. But at last Turquine grew very faint, and could scarce hold up his
-shield for weariness. That saw Sir Lancelot, and rushed on him more
-fiercely than ever, and got him down on his knees; then he loosed off his
-helm and smote off his head. After that Lancelot released Sir Gaheris, and
-begged him to go into Turquine’s castle and deliver all the knights that
-were there prisoners; and he begged Gaheris to lend him his horse—for
-his own was killed—so that he might ride with the damsel and fulfil
-his promise. Gaheris assented joyfully, for said he, “Fair lord, you have
-saved both me and my horse; and surely you are the best knight of the
-world, for you have slain the best knight except yourself that ever I
-saw.” And he begged Lancelot to tell him his name; and Lancelot did so,
-and promised to return to the court at the Feast of Pentecost. So then he
-departed with his damsel.
-</p>
-<p>
-Gaheris went into the castle, and found there a porter with many keys. So
-he threw the porter on the ground so hard that his eyes started out of his
-head, and then he took the keys, and let out all the prisoners. They
-thanked Gaheris much, for when they saw that he was wounded they thought
-he had overcome Turquine. But he told them it was Sir Lancelot who had
-slain him, and that he had left word for them to await his coming at the
-court. However, Sir Kay, who was also among the prisoners, with Sir Lionel
-and Sir Ector, said they would not do so, but would go and seek Sir
-Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-Meanwhile Lancelot rode with the damsel, and she told him that on the road
-they were going there was a false knight called Sir Peers du Forest
-Savage, who lay in wait for all ladies, and robbed and distressed them. So
-Sir Lancelot bade her ride on in front, and when that felon knight came
-out upon her he would be ready. It fell out as they had planned. Sir Peers
-seized the damsel, and then Sir Lancelot came and rebuked him. Sir Peers
-drew his sword, and rode to Lancelot, who smote him on the helmet so that
-he clove him to the throat. Then Lancelot asked the damsel if she required
-any more service at his hands. She answered him that she did not; but she
-wished him good fortune in all that he undertook, for he was the
-courtliest knight and the meekest to all ladies and gentlewomen that she
-had ever known.
-</p>
-<p>
-After that they parted; and Lancelot rode on for two days through a thick
-wood, and had to sleep as well as he could beneath the trees. On the third
-day he came to a broad river that was crossed by a long narrow bridge. As
-he was going over the bridge there sprang out all of a sudden a
-foul-looking churl, who smote his horse on the nose so that it turned
-about, and then he asked the knight why he came over that bridge without
-license.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Why should I not ride this way?” said Lancelot. “There is no other way.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou must find another,” said the churl, and straightway struck at him
-with a great club stuck full of pins of iron. The knight warded the blow
-with his sword, and dealt such a buffet in return that he cut the churl
-almost in twain. So he passed on over the bridge, and at the farther side
-was a fair village, with a castle in the midst. Many people cried out to
-him that he had done an evil deed for himself, for he had slain the chief
-porter of the castle. Of all this Lancelot took no heed, but went straight
-into the castle, of which the gate was open, and within he found a green
-courtyard. Immediately there set upon him two huge giants; well armed
-except their heads, carrying heavy clubs. One of them rushed at him, but
-Sir Lancelot put off the club with his shield, and with his sword he clave
-the giant’s head down to the breast. When the other saw that, he turned to
-flee; but Sir Lancelot followed hard after him, and smote him on the
-shoulder, so that he died on the spot. Then he went into the castle, and a
-great number of ladies and damsels came and thanked him for having rescued
-them from the giants, who had kept them in bondage for many years.
-</p>
-<p>
-So Lancelot again rode forth, and passed through many wild countries. One
-night he lodged in a small house with an old gentlewoman, who gave him a
-bed in her upper chamber. While he lay there asleep he was awakened by a
-sound of one riding hard, and presently there came a knocking at the door.
-Lancelot rose and looked out of the window. It was bright moonlight, and
-he saw one knight defending himself against three. Forthwith he put on his
-armour, and got out of the window; then he called out loud, “Turn, you
-knights, to me, and leave fighting with that knight,” As soon as he said
-that they all three dismounted, and rushed upon Lancelot on foot with
-their swords, and there began a great battle. The knight whom they had
-chased would have helped Sir Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Nay, Sir Kay,” said Lancelot, who knew him by the device on his shield,
-“I ask none of your help; leave them to me.” So Sir Kay stood back, and
-very soon Sir Lancelot had stricken all of them to the earth. They cried
-out, “Sir Knight, we yield to thee as a man of might.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will not have you yield to me,” answered Lancelot. “If you will yield
-to Sir Kay the Seneschal, I will spare your lives, but not otherwise.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair Knight,” said they, “we are loath to do that, for we should have
-overcome Sir Kay had not you been here; therefore to yield to him we have
-no reason.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“As for that,” said Lancelot, “make your own choice whether you live or
-die; but if you yield, it must be to Sir Kay.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So, to save their lives, they did as he commanded, and he swore them to go
-to King Arthur’s court on the next Whitsunday, and put themselves at the
-grace and mercy of Queen Guenever, saying that Sir Kay had sent them. Then
-Lancelot suffered them to depart; and he and Sir Kay went into the
-lodging. Then Sir Kay saw who it was, and he knelt down and thanked him
-for having twice saved his life.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I have done no more than I ought to do,” answered Sir Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-When Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked for meat; and as he was sore hungered,
-he ate heartily. He was lodged in the same chamber with Sir Lancelot; but
-he slept very sound, and in the morning Lancelot rose, leaving him still
-asleep, took Sir Kay’s armour and shield, mounted his horse, and rode
-away. When Sir Kay arose, and saw that Sir Lancelot had got his armour and
-left him his own, he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, by my faith, I know well that he will grieve some of King Arthur’s
-knights, for they will think that it is I, and they will be bold with him;
-and because of his armour and shield, I am sure that I shall ride in
-peace.” So then he thanked his hostess, and departed.
-</p>
-<p>
-Meanwhile Sir Lancelot rode on through the forest till he came to a fair
-open country full of rivers and green meadows. On the roadside he saw
-three pavilions, with white shields hanging before them and great spears
-leaning beside. The knights who lodged in the pavilions were sitting
-beside them; and Sir Lancelot rode past, and spoke not a word. Then the
-knights said to one another, “It is the proud Sir Kay; he thinketh no
-knight is as good as he, but the contrary is often proved.” Then one of
-the knights, who was named Sir Gaunter, said, “By my faith I will ride
-after him, and assay him for all his pride, and you may see how I shall
-speed.” With that he armed him, took his spear and shield, and rode hard
-after Sir Lancelot. And when he came near him he called out, “Abide, thou
-proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not pass quietly.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Sir Lancelot turned, and when they encountered, Sir Gaunter’s spear
-broke on his shield, but he smote down Sir Gaunter, horse and man. Then
-one of the other knights, whose name was Sir Gilmere, said, “Yonder knight
-is not Sir Kay; he is far mightier.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I dare lay my head,” said the third brother, that was called Sir Reynold,
-“he has slain Sir Kay, and taken his horse and harness.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Whether it be so or not,” said Sir Gilmere, “it behoves us to take our
-horses and rescue our brother Sir Gaunter, though methinks we shall all
-have enough to do to match that knight.” So they rode to the place as hard
-as they could; and first Sir Gilmere put forth his spear, and Sir Lancelot
-smote him down, so that he lay in a swoon. Then came Sir Reynold, and he
-and Sir Lancelot broke their spears on one another, and then began a hard
-battle with their swords. The other two brothers rose, and recovered
-themselves a little, and came to help Sir Reynold. When Lancelot saw that,
-he first smote Sir Reynold so sorely that he fell from his saddle, and
-then he served the other two in like manner. So the three knights had to
-yield; but they asked him to tell them his name, for they were sure he was
-not Sir Kay.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Let that be as it may,” said Lancelot, “I charge ye to come to King
-Arthur’s court on Whitsunday and yield ye to Queen Guenever, and say that
-Sir Kay sent you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This they swore to perform, and then Lancelot rode away from them. In a
-while he came to a forest, where he saw four Knights of the Round Table
-sitting on their horses under an oak tree. There were his own brother Sir
-Ector de Maris, Sir Sagramour le Desirous that was a good knight, Sir
-Gawaine, and Sir Ewaine. As Sir Lancelot passed, they thought by the
-device on his shield that it was Sir Kay, and Sir Sagramour said he would
-prove Sir Kay’s might. Thereupon he rode against Sir Lancelot, who met
-him, and smote him to the ground, horse and man.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Lo, my fellows!” quoth Sir Ector, “yonder you may see what a buffet he
-has got. That knight is much bigger than ever was Sir Kay.” Then he got
-his spear in his hand, and rode toward Sir Lancelot, who served him as he
-had done the other, and still his spear held.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By my faith,” said Ewaine, “that is a strong knight. I am sure he has
-slain Sir Kay, and I see by his great strength it will be hard to match
-him.” So in his turn he rode against Sir Lancelot, but fared no better
-than those who had gone before. “Now,” said Gawaine, “I see that I must
-needs encounter with that knight.” So he took his spear in his hand, and
-rode hard against Sir Lancelot, and each smote the other in the middle of
-the shield; but Gawaine’s spear broke, and Sir Lancelot’s thrust was so
-strong that Gawaine’s horse reared up and fell over with him. Sir Lancelot
-passed on smiling, and said, “God give him joy that made this spear; for a
-better held I never in my hand.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the four knights went to one another, and helped each other as best
-they might. “What say ye to this jest,” said Gawaine, “that one spear hath
-felled us four?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“We would he had been elsewhere,” answered the others; “for he is a man of
-great might.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You may well say that,” quoth Gawaine, “for I dare lay my life it is Sir
-Lancelot. I know him by his riding. Howbeit we shall know when we come to
-the court.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Lancelot still rode on his way, and encountered many strange
-adventures. At last he came to a castle, and there he saw a falcon that
-was caught by the legs, and hung to the bough of a great tree in peril of
-its life. Then came a lady out of the castle, and said, “O Lancelot, as
-thou art the flower of all the knights in the world, help me to get my
-hawk; for if it be lost, my lord will slay me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What is your lord’s name?” asked Sir Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” she answered, “it is Sir Phelot, a knight of the King of
-Northgalis.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair lady,” said Lancelot, “since you know my name, and require me on my
-knighthood to help you, I will do what I may to get your hawk, though I am
-but an ill climber.” So he alighted, tied his horse to the tree, and
-prayed the lady to unarm him. When he was unarmed, he put off all his
-clothes save his shirt and breeches, and then climbed the tree, and
-rescued the falcon, the which he tied to a rotten branch and threw it down
-to the lady. Suddenly the lady’s husband, Sir Phelot, came out of the
-castle all armed, and said, “Now, Sir Lancelot, I have found thee as I
-would have thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah, lady,” said Lancelot, “why have you betrayed me?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“She hath done as I commanded her,” answered Sir Phelot. “There is no
-escape for thee; thine hour hath come when thou must die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Lancelot entreated him to let him at least have his sword, and then he
-would encounter him, even without armour. But Sir Phelot answered, “I know
-thee too well for that; thou shalt get no weapon, if I can prevent it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas,” said Lancelot, “that ever knight should die weaponless!” So he
-looked about him, and saw over his head a great bough of the tree that was
-leafless. This he broke off by pure might, and then suddenly sprang from
-the tree, so that his horse stood between him and Sir Phelot. Then Sir
-Phelot came round the horse, and struck at him, meaning to have slain him.
-But Lancelot cunningly warded the blow with the bough, and then struck the
-knight so mightily on the side of the head with it that he stunned him.
-Then Lancelot took the sword from his hand, and struck his head from his
-body. When the lady saw that her husband was dead, she cried out and
-swooned away. But Lancelot got on his armour as fast as he could, for he
-feared lest more enemies should come from the knight’s castle. Then he got
-on his horse and rode away, and thanked God that he had escaped unscathed
-from that adventure.
-</p>
-<p>
-So after this Sir Lancelot arrived at the court, two days before the Feast
-of Pentecost; and King Arthur and all the court were glad of his coming.
-And all the knights that he had rescued from Sir Turquine came and gave
-him honour and praise. And those knights whom he had stricken down while
-he wore Sir Kay’s armour were passing glad when they knew it was Sir
-Lancelot that had put them to the worse. So at that time Sir Lancelot had
-the greatest name of any knight in the world, and was the most honoured,
-both by high and low.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER VIII SIR GAWAINE AND THE GREEN KNIGHT.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T befell that once when King Arthur held his Christmas feast at Camelot,
-some of the best of his knights, as Sir Lancelot and his kin, Sir Marhaus,
-Sir Pelles, and the sons of King Pellinore, were absent, wandering in
-search of adventures. Still there were many good Knights of the Round
-Table in their places, and no lack of barons and ladies to uphold the high
-revels. The king kept New-Year’s Day with great splendour, bestowing rich
-gifts on all his knights and ladies. But when the banquet was spread at
-noontide, Arthur, as his custom was, would not sit at the table until some
-wondrous adventure should have happened.
-</p>
-<p>
-He was not long kept waiting, for suddenly there rode into the great hall
-the tallest knight that had ever been seen by any of the court. His
-stature was that of a giant, and he had the bulk of four ordinary men. He
-was clad entirely in green, save that he wore spurs of bright gold. His
-long hair was green, and a bushy beard of the same colour flowed over his
-breast. The mighty steed on which he sat was also green, but its mane was
-decked with gold threads. This strange-looking knight carried neither
-spear nor shield, but in one hand he bore a holly bough, and in the other
-a great axe with an edge like a razor and a massive handle of solid iron.
-He entered without making any salutation; and the marvellous apparition of
-so huge a man and horse, all as green as grass, awed for the moment the
-boldest knight there, so that no one spoke to him. At last, in a rough
-voice, he asked, “Where is the governor of this company?”
- </p>
-<p>
-At that King Arthur roused himself, saluted the Green Knight courteously,
-and invited him to sit down at the banquet.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That will I not do,” answered the other. “I come not here to feast, but
-to seek the most valiant man of thy court, that I may prove him; but
-methinks here are only beardless children, for I see no man who is worthy
-to match me. If any one of you be bold enough to strike one stroke for
-another, this axe shall be his, and I will abide his blow, but he shall
-receive a stroke in return from me within twelve months and a day.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To this strange challenge none of the knights present was eager to make
-reply, for all of them felt that after a single blow from so strong an arm
-and so formidable a weapon as those of the Green Knight, no man would be
-in condition either to receive or give another. When all were thus silent,
-the Green Knight rolled about his red eyes, and tauntingly exclaimed that
-the famous Knights of the Round Table were no better than a pack of
-cowards. Then was King Arthur wrathful, and he sprang to his feet and said
-that he at least feared neither the Green Knight nor his axe, and that he
-would himself undertake the adventure. So he seized the axe, and the
-knight, placidly stroking his beard, drew down his garments, bared his
-neck, and awaited the blow.
-</p>
-<p>
-When Sir Gawaine saw that, he came from his seat and entreated King Arthur
-not to hazard his own sacred person in that adventure, but to let him
-undertake it instead. To this the king was loath to assent, but all the
-court so entreated him that at last he resigned the axe to Gawaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Who, then, art thou?” said the Green Knight, eying scornfully his new
-opponent.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Wit thou well,” answered Gawaine, “that I am Gawaine, son of King Lot of
-Orkney, Knight of the Round Table, and nephew unto our gracious lord King
-Arthur.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The Green Knight smiled grimly. “It pleases me well,” said he, “to receive
-a blow from thee; but thou must swear that within a year and a day thou
-wilt seek me to receive a blow in return.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Where shall I seek thee?” asked Gawaine. “Tell me thy name and abode.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“When thou hast smitten me,” answered the knight, “then will I tell thee;
-and if I cannot speak at all, it will be so much the better for thee. Take
-now the axe, and let me see how thou canst smite.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Gawaine gripped the axe, and the knight, throwing aside his long hair,
-again bared and bent his neck. Sir Gawaine, lifting the axe on high, smote
-with all his might, and so great a blow did he give that the knight’s
-brawny neck was smitten clean through, as if it had been a twig, and his
-huge head rolled on the floor of the hall, Deeming that now there was an
-end of their strange visitor, some of the knights pushed it with their
-feet as it went past them. But they had reckoned without knowing the
-marvellous vitality of the Green Knight. He received Gawaine’s stroke and
-the loss of his head as though nothing had befallen him. Striding down the
-hall, he picked up his head. Then stepping back again to his horse, he
-mounted, and held up his head at arm’s length, the which, raising its
-eyelids and gazing sternly at Gawaine, said, “Well and mightily hast thou
-stricken me. Now be thou ready to go forth according to thy promise, and
-seek till thou find me. Get thee to the Green Chapel, there to receive
-from me a blow on New-Year’s mom; and if thou fail, then art thou
-recreant.” So saying, the knight, still carrying his head in his
-outstretched hand, put spurs to his horse and dashed out of the hall.
-Undismayed either by this fearsome sight or by the warning words which the
-head had spoken, Gawaine burst out into great laughter, in which the king
-and his knights presently joined, though Queen Guenever and the ladies
-were still, in truth, too much afeard to do so. And the banquet proceeded
-without further thought of the Green Knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-The year wore round till All-hallowmas, when Sir Gawaine began to think of
-his ghastly tryst with the headless knight, and prepared him for his
-journey. King Arthur held a feast in honour of his nephew, and thereafter
-Gawaine set out amid great lamentations, for there were few that expected
-to see him again in life, since it was certain that if the Green Knight
-smote off his head, he would not be able to rise and take it in his hand.
-But he rode forth showing no sign of fear; and after a long and tedious
-journey through a wild and desolate country, during which he had many
-perilous adventures with serpents, wolves, bulls, bears, and wild men, he
-found himself, on Christmas morning, in a deep forest of ancient oaks.
-Looking around him, he saw at a little distance the noblest castle he had
-ever beheld, with walls that rose to a great height, and massive towers of
-gray stone. Riding up to the gate, he found it shut fast, and the
-drawbridge raised. Lifting up his voice, Gawaine summoned the castle, and
-there appeared at the gate a porter, who asked his errand. The knight
-answered that he sought a lodging. Then answered the porter that he should
-be welcome to dwell there as long as he would.
-</p>
-<p>
-Straightway the drawbridge was let down, the gate flew open, and Gawaine
-entered. When he dismounted from his horse it was well stabled; while many
-knights and squires came forward to receive the rider, conducted him into
-the great hall of the castle, and relieved him of his helmet and armour.
-Then the lord of the castle came forward, courteously bade Gawaine
-welcome, and embraced him. He was a man of vast stature and great
-strength, with a stem but noble countenance. He led Gawaine into a
-splendid chamber, and assigned him a page to wait upon him.
-</p>
-<p>
-Having donned the rich robes that were provided for him, the knight
-returned to the hall, where he sat down with his host and the numerous
-guests to a noble banquet. In answer to the questions which were
-courteously asked him, Sir Gawaine informed his entertainer that he was a
-knight of King Arthur’s court, whereat there was joy in the hall, and
-every one in the company made much of him. After dinner all the party went
-to the chapel to hear even-song. There Sir Gawaine sat by the lord-and his
-lady, who was young and sprightly, and surpassed even Queen Guenever in
-beauty. Gawaine, at the bidding of her lord, saluted her with a kiss,
-whereat she blushed rosy red, and he begged permission to be her knight
-and servant. When evensong had been said, all returned to the hall, where
-they were served with wine and spices, and there was much pleasant
-converse. The lord took off his hood—the which was adorned with gold
-and precious stones—placed it on a spear, and said that he who made
-the most mirth should have it for his guerdon. It was won by Sir Gawaine,
-who told many stories that he had heard in King Arthur’s court; but he
-bestowed the hood upon the page that served him.
-</p>
-<p>
-After three days had been pleasantly passed in feasting and merry-making,
-the guests began to depart, and Gawaine bethought him of the quest he was
-sworn to follow. But the lord of the castle sought to detain him, and
-asked him how it happened that he was away from Arthur’s court at
-Christmas-tide. Gawaine answered that he had a tryst at the Green Chapel
-on New-Year’s mom. The lord said he would show him the place, for it was
-only two miles distant from his castle; and to hear this Gawaine was well
-pleased. Then the lord said he was going out to the chase. He asked the
-knight to stay within and keep his lady company the while. “Whatever,” he
-said, “I win in the chase shall be thine, and whatever thou mayst achieve
-while I am absent thou shalt give to me.” To this mirthful bargain Gawaine
-cheerfully assented. The knight of the castle went forth accordingly into
-the forest with huntsmen and hounds, and Gawaine in the meanwhile
-entertained the lady. Very soon she gave him to understand that if he
-would he might have her love; but he, being mindful of his duty to his
-host, answered only that he would ever be her knight and faithful servant,
-nor could she gain more from him even when she kissed him with her rosy
-lips. At night her lord returned, and gave to Gawaine a deer which he had
-slain in the chase; and thereupon Gawaine gave him in return the kiss
-which the lady had bestowed upon him. The lord smiled, and asked him if
-that were all he had gained; but to that Gawaine made no answer.
-</p>
-<p>
-The next day the lord again went forth with his men and hounds, and the
-lady once more sought Gawaine, to whom she again spoke tender words, and
-bestowed on him a second kiss, to no more purpose than the first. At night
-the master of the castle brought back with him a wolf’s skin for Gawaine,
-who had only the kiss to give in exchange. On the third day the fair dame
-openly and eagerly professed her love for the knight; and so marvellous
-was her beauty, that only by dint of great efforts did Gawaine remain true
-to his knightly vows. When the lady found that he would in nowise respond
-to her blandishments save by such courtesies as it was proper for a knight
-to offer, she drew from her finger a rich ring, and begged him to accept
-it as a keepsake; but he excused himself. Then she took off the green
-girdle she wore, and proffered that to him; but it also he refused.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, Sir Knight,” quoth she, “surely thou wouldst not refuse the girdle
-didst thou but know its worth. Whoso weareth that girdle bound about his
-body can by no means be wounded or slain.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Gawaine heard that, he remembered that on the next day he was sworn
-to receive a stroke from the Green Knight, and he thought that the girdle
-would then be very welcome to him. So he assented to receive it from the
-lady. Then said she, “I will not give it thee unless thou promise on thy
-knightly word to keep the gift secret from my lord.” And Sir Gawaine had
-by this time become so eager for the girdle that he promised as she
-desired. Then she bestowed it upon him, and three kisses also. In no long
-time after this his host came back with a great boar that he had slain,
-the which he gave to Gawaine, who in return kissed him thrice, but,
-according to his pledge, said nothing about the girdle.
-</p>
-<p>
-On the following day Gawaine armed himself, having first wrapped the
-lady’s girdle about his body, mounted his good horse, and set out for the
-Green Chapel, having taken an affectionate leave of the lord and lady of
-the castle. The lord had appointed one of his men to guide him to the
-place, who led him through the oak-wood, and past huge mountains with
-their tops all shrouded in mist, till they came to the mouth of a valley
-all dark and desolate. Therein, said the squire, was the Green Chapel; but
-he himself would go no farther, for it was the most perilous place in the
-world. “He who dwells there,” he said, “is full stiff and stern, and
-bigger than any four knights in King Arthur’s court. No man hath ever yet
-been to the Green Chapel whom he did not slay by a single blow of his
-hand. I counsel thee therefore, Sir Knight, to quit this perilous quest,
-and withdraw thee; and if thou dost, I swear to thee that I will never
-reveal it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/148s.jpg" alt="148s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/148.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/148m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-But Gawaine, bearing in mind his promise to the Green Knight, and
-comforted also in heart by knowing the magic power of the girdle, would
-not hearken to the squire, but bade him farewell, and rode on into the
-ravine. Long time he rode by a wild and rugged path, amid beetling rocks
-and huge leafless trees, but saw nothing, till at last he came where there
-was a great cave in the rock, and he was aware of a horrible sound, like
-to the sharpening of a steel blade on a grindstone, but far louder.
-Nothing dismayed, the knight called out, “Who dwelleth here, with whom I
-may hold discourse?”
- </p>
-<p>
-A rough voice answered, bidding him abide where he was; and presently
-forth from the cave strode the Green Knight, with his grim head again on
-his shoulders, and carrying in his hand a new axe with a blade full bright
-and keen.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Give thee good-morrow, Knight,” quoth he to Gawaine. “Well and truly hast
-thou kept thy time. Have now thy helm off, and take thy pay at once.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“By my faith,” answered Gawaine, “I do not begrudge thee thy will.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he took off his helm and bared his neck, and calmly awaited the blow.
-The Green Knight raised the axe, and brought it down with so much might
-that it hissed as it swept through the air; but he made it pass just by
-Gawaine, who shrank a little as it came by him. The Green Knight laughed
-scornfully.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Behold,” he said, “thou art a Knight of the Table Round, and yet showest
-fear before thou hast felt harm. So did not I when thou didst strike me,
-and therefore must I be the better man.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is true,” said Gawaine, “that I have shrunk once, but I will not
-again. Therefore strike thou, and speedily.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Again the Green Knight brought down the axe close by his neck, but Gawaine
-moved not at all nor changed countenance. So the third time the knight
-smote him full on the neck, and the axe just drew blood, but no more. Then
-Gawaine drew his sword.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Have a care,” said he, “that thou strike not again, for my covenant with
-thee was only to receive one blow.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the other laughed loud, and when Gawaine looked at him, behold, he
-was no longer the Green Knight, but his late host, the lord of the castle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Know thou,” said he, “that I sent my lady to thee to try thee, and in the
-main I found thee true; but thou sinnedst a little for love of thy life
-when thou didst take the girdle and spoke nothing of it to me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then was Gawaine sore abashed, and he denounced bitterly his own cowardice
-and covetousness, and took off the girdle and threw it to the lord of the
-castle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said the other, “now that thou art repentant, I hold thee to be as
-clean as if thou hadst never sinned.”
- </p>
-<p>
-And he gave him the girdle as a token of his adventure, and invited him to
-return again with him to the castle. This, however, Gawaine, who was still
-exceedingly ashamed, would not do, but he desired to be remembered to the
-fair lady that had beguiled him. He thanked the lord for the girdle, and
-said he would wear it in memory of his fault. Then he asked the other for
-his name, and the knight said he was called Bemlak de Hautdesert, and that
-he served Morgan le Fay. She it was who had caused him to go in the guise
-of the Green Knight to Camelot, to test the renown of the Round Table,
-hoping to grieve Arthur and Guenever. Then the two parted, and Gawaine
-rode back to Camelot, where he was joyfully welcomed, and told all his
-adventures even as they have been here set down.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER IX. SIR BEAUMAINS’ QUEST
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>OON after this, it befell that King Arthur chose to keep the Feast of
-Pentecost at a fair city and castle of his, named Kinkenadon, that was on
-the sea-side near the Welsh border. And about noon on the Day of
-Pentecost, as the king and all his knights were going to their meat, there
-came into the hall two men richly attired, and between them, leaning on
-their shoulders, there walked a young man, tall and well made, with very
-broad shoulders and a comely countenance, and the fairest and largest
-hands that ever man saw. Room was made for him to go up to the high dais
-where sat King Arthur and Queen Guenever, and when he stood there he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“God bless thee, O King, and all thy fellowship, and in especial the
-fellowship of the Round Table. For this cause am I come hither—to
-pray that thou wilt give me three gifts, the which shall not be
-unreasonable, but such as may be worshipfully and honourably granted. And
-as for the first gift, I will ask it now, and the other two on this day
-twelve months.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Now ask,” said King Arthur, “and you shall have your request.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then, sir,” said the young man, “this is now my petition—that you
-will give me meat and drink sufficient during these twelve months.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ask better, my fair son, I counsel thee,” quoth the king, “for this is
-but a simple request, and my heart giveth to thee greatly; for, if I be
-not greatly mistaken, thou art come of men of worship, and wilt thyself
-prove a worshipful knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered the other, “let that be as it may; I have asked all that I
-will ask.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Arthur, “you shall have meat and drink enough; that I never
-refused to friend or foe. But what is thy name?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That I cannot tell you,” he answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I marvel greatly at thee,” said the king, “that thou knowest not thy
-name; and yet thou art one of the goodliest young men that ever I saw.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he called up Sir Kay the Seneschal, and charged him to give the youth
-meat and drink of the best, and to treat him in all respects as though he
-were a lord’s son.
-</p>
-<p>
-“There is little need to go to such cost for him,” said Kay, “for I dare
-undertake that he is a villein born, and will never be a good man. Had he
-come of gentle blood, he would have asked for horse and harness; but even
-as he is, so hath he asked. Since he has no name, I will give him one, and
-that is Beaumains, because he hath such fair hands. Into the kitchen I
-will bring him, and there he shall have good meat and broth every day, so
-that by the twelvemonth’s end he will be as fat as a pork hog.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the two squires that had brought the young man departed, and left him
-with Sir Kay, who scorned and mocked him. At this was Sir Gawaine wroth;
-and so was Sir Lancelot, who bade Sir Kay leave his mocking, for, said he,
-“I dare lay my head he will prove a man of great worship.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That cannot be,” said Sir Kay, “else he would not have asked for bread
-and drink. Pain of my life, he hath been brought up in some abbey, where
-they have fallen short of sustenance; so he has come for it hither.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the king and all the court sat down to the banquet, and Beaumains
-went to the bottom of the table among the squires and boys, and there he
-ate sadly. Afterwards both Lancelot and Gawaine invited him to their
-chambers, and would have made much of him; but he refused them, and would
-do nothing save as Sir Kay commanded. So he was put into the kitchen, and
-lay every night as the scullions did; and so he endured for the whole
-year, and never displeased any, but was always gentle and mild. But
-whenever there was jousting, he would be there to see it if he could; and
-when there were sports for the servants of the court, he always took part,
-and none might cast the stone or the bar so far as he by full two yards.
-Then would Sir Kay say, “How like you my boy of the kitchen?”
- </p>
-<p>
-The next Feast of Pentecost the king held at Caerleon in great state; and
-when he and his knights went in to meat, there came a damsel and saluted
-him, and prayed him for succour.
-</p>
-<p>
-“For whom?” asked the king. “What is the adventure?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said she, “there is a lady of great worship who is besieged by a
-tyrant, so that she may not go out of her castle; and because it is
-reported that here in your court are the noblest knights of the world, I
-am come to pray you for succour.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What call you the lady?” again asked the king. “Where dwelleth she, and
-what is his name that besieges her?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir King,” answered the damsel, “as for my lady’s name, that I may not
-tell you at this time. But she hath high rank and great estate; and the
-tyrant that besiegeth her and destroyeth her lands is called the Red
-Knight of the Red Lands.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I know him not,” said King Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Gawaine, “I know him well. He is one of the most perilous
-knights in the world; it is said he has seven men’s strength, and from him
-I once escaped very narrowly with my life.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair damsel,” said the king, “there be knights here that would undertake
-to rescue your lady, but because you will not tell her name, nor where she
-dwelleth, none of my knights shall go with you by my will.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then must I seek further,” quoth the damsel.
-</p>
-<p>
-But while she was making ready to depart, Beaumains came before the king
-and said, “Sir King, God thank you, I have been these twelve months in
-your kitchen, and have had my full sustenance; and now I will ask my two
-gifts that I spoke of before.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ask upon my peril,” said the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Then, sir, these shall be my two gifts: first, that you grant me the
-adventure of this damsel.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou shalt have it,” said the king; “I grant it thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And, secondly, that ye bid Sir Lancelot du Lake to make me knight; for of
-him and no other will I be made knight. And when I am gone, I pray you let
-him ride after me, and make me knight when I require him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“All this shall be done,” said Arthur.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fie on you, Sir King!” said the damsel wrathfully; “shall I have none but
-your kitchen-boy to undertake my adventure-?” So she took her horse and
-departed. And just then there came a dwarf, who brought to Beaumains a
-noble horse and armour, and all else that was fitting. When he was armed,
-there were few in that court who were so goodly as he to look upon. He
-took his leave of the king and Sir Gawaine, and prayed Sir Lancelot to
-ride after him; and then he took his horse and rode after the damsel.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then said Sir Kay, “I will ride after my boy of the kitchen, to find out
-whether he will know me for his better.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You would do better to abide at home,” said Gawaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-But Sir Kay took his horse and spear, and rode after Beaumains, and
-presently overtook him as he rode with the damsel. He called out, “What,
-Sir Beaumains, know you not me?”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Beaumains turned his horse, and saw that it was Sir Kay.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yes,” he said; “I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and
-therefore beware of me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Thereupon Sir Kay put his spear in rest, and ran upon him. But Beaumains
-turned aside the spear with his sword, and smote Sir Kay so hard on the
-side that he fell as though he had been dead. Then Beaumains alighted, and
-took Sir Kay’s spear and shield; and then he got on his horse again, and
-continued his way, bidding his dwarf ride Sir Kay’s horse. Then came Sir
-Lancelot, and Beaumains proffered him to joust. They ran together so
-mightily that both were borne to the earth and much bruised. When they
-rose, Beaumains put his shield before him, and asked Sir Lancelot to fight
-with him on foot; and this they did for well-nigh an hour. Sir Lancelot
-found Beaumains so strong that he marvelled, for he fought more like a
-giant than a man. Then Lancelot began to dread lest he should be shamed;
-so he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Beaumains, fight not so sore; your quarrel and mine is not so great but
-we may leave off.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is true,” said Beaumains; “but it doth me good to feel your might.
-And yet, my lord, I have not shown the uttermost.” Then he asked Sir
-Lancelot to give him the order of knighthood.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You must first tell me your name,” said Lancelot, “and of what kin you
-are born.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir, if you will not discover it, I will tell you,” said Beaumains.
-</p>
-<p>
-This Sir Lancelot promised; and then Beaumains disclosed that he was
-Gareth of Orkney, the youngest son of King Lot and brother to Sir Gawaine.
-Of this Lancelot was glad, and so made him a knight. Then Beaumains
-departed with the damsel, and Sir Lancelot came back to Sir Kay, and had
-him borne back to Caerleon on a shield. He was long disabled by his wound,
-and escaped narrowly with his life; and all men scorned him, because he
-had been overthrown by him whom he had so mocked.
-</p>
-<p>
-But when Beaumains overtook the damsel, she gave him nothing but hard
-words.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What do you here?” she said. “You smell of the kitchen. Your clothes are
-defiled with the grease and tallow you got in King Arthur’s scullery.
-Think you I hold you any the better for what you did to that knight? Not
-so, for you overthrew him unhappily and cowardly. Therefore, prithee,
-return, poor kitchen-knave. I know thee well, for Sir Kay named thee
-Beaumains. What art thou but a turner of spits and a washer of dishes!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Damsel,” he answered, “say to me what you choose, I shall not quit you;
-for King Arthur has given me your adventure, and I will fulfil it to the
-end, or else die in it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou finish my adventure!” she said “Talk not of it; for thou wilt be met
-presently by one of such sort that, for all the broth thou hast ever
-supped, thou wouldst not look him in the face.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That shall be seen,” said Beaumains. And as they rode through the wood,
-there came one on horseback, fleeing in great fear.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What is the matter?” asked Beaumains.
-</p>
-<p>
-“O Knight, help me!” cried the other. “Hereby have six thieves taken my
-lord and bound him, and I fear they will slay him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Take me thither,” said Beaumains, and presently they came to where the
-thieves were with the knight bound. Beaumains rode upon them, and with his
-first three strokes he slew three of them, and the other three fled. He
-followed, whereupon they turned on him, and assailed him hard with swords
-and clubs; but it was to no purpose, for he slew them all, and then
-returned and unbound the knight, who thanked him greatly, and begged him
-to come to his castle, where he would give him rich rewards. “Sir,” said
-Beaumains, “I will have no reward, and I must follow this damsel.” But
-when he came near her she bade him ride farther off, because he smelt of
-the kitchen. Then the knight that Beaumains had released rode after the
-damsel, and prayed her to lodge with him that night, and because it was
-nearly dark she assented. But when at supper the knight set Beaumains
-beside the damsel, she reproached him for placing a common kitchen-knave
-at the same table with a lady of high parentage. Then the knight was
-ashamed of her words, and he and Beaumains sat down at another table.
-</p>
-<p>
-The next morning the damsel and Beaumains thanked the knight, and rode
-forth again. Presently they came to a great river, where there was but one
-ford, and on the farther side were two knights that kept the passage.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What say est thou?” said the damsel. ‘“Wilt thou match yonder two
-knights, or shall we return again?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said Beaumains, “I would not return again if there were six more.”
- So he rushed into the water, and encountered one of the knights in the
-middle of the ford. The spears of both broke in their hands; and then they
-fought angrily with their swords, till at last Beaumains smote the other
-so hard on the helm that he fell stunned into the water and was drowned.
-Then he spurred his horse to the land, where the other knight fell upon
-him and broke his spear also, and then again they fought together with
-their swords, till Beaumains clove the knight’s head to his shoulders.
-When the damsel saw that, she crossed over the ford.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas,” said she, “that ever a kitchen-boy should have the fortune to
-destroy two such doughty knights! Think not thou hast done well; for the
-first knight’s horse stumbled, and he was drowned in the water, and not
-conquered by thy might; and as for the other, it was by mishap that thou
-slewest him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Damsel,” said he, “you may say what you will, but with whomsoever I have
-to do, I trust in God to match him ere we part.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fie! fie! foul kitchen-knave,” she answered. “Ere long thou shalt see a
-knight that will abate thy boast.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So then they rode on together till even-song, and ever she chid him and
-scoffed at him, and would not cease. So they came to a land that was all
-black, and there was a black hawthorn by the way-side, on the which hung a
-black banner, and by its side a black shield. Near by stood a black spear
-and a great black horse with silk trappings, and close at hand sat a
-knight, all armed in black harness, who was named the Knight of the Black
-Lands. When the damsel saw him she bade Beaumains flee down the valley,
-for the horse was not saddled.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I thank you,” said Beaumains; “ever you would make me a coward.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the black knight came to the damsel and said, “Fair lady, have you
-brought this knight from King Arthur’s court to be your champion?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay, sir,” she answered; “this is but a kitchen-knave that hath been fed
-in the king’s kitchen for alms.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why comes he in such an array?” asked the knight. “It is a great shame
-that he bears you company.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir, I cannot be delivered of him,” said the damsel, “for he rides with
-me against my will. I would that you put him from me, or else slay him;
-for he is an unhappy knave, and hath done unhappily to-day through pure
-misadventure, for he hath slain two knights at the passage of the water.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I wonder,” said the black knight, “that any man of worship would have to
-do with him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir, they know him not,” she answered; “and because he rides with me,
-they think he is some knight of good blood.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That may well be,” said the black knight, “especially as he seems a full
-likely person, and worthy to be a strong man. But this much will I do for
-you, that I shall put him down on his feet, and his horse and armour shall
-he leave with me, for it were shame for me to do him any more harm.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” quoth Beaumains, “thou art full large of my horse and my
-armour. I let thee to wit it cost thee naught; and whether thou like it or
-not, this land will I pass in spite of thee. Neither horse nor armour wilt
-thou get of me, except thou win it with thy hands.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Say you so?” said the black knight, smiling. “Now, yield thy lady to me
-without more words, for it beseems not a kitchen-knave to ride with such a
-lady.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou liest,” answered Beaumains. “I am a gentleman born, and of higher
-lineage than thou, and that will I prove upon thy body.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then in great wrath they drew apart with their horses, and ran together
-with a crash like thunder. The black knight broke his spear to no purpose,
-but Beaumains’ spear thrust through the other’s side, and broke in his
-body. Nevertheless, he drew his sword, and smote hard at Beaumains,
-hurting him sorely, and Sir Beaumains struck again at him; but in no long
-time the black knight fell down in a swoon on the ground, and immediately
-afterwards he died there. When Beaumains saw that his horse and armour
-were so good, he alighted and armed himself in the black knight’s armour,
-and took his horse, and then rode after the damsel. But ever she gave him
-many reproaches, and said that he had slain the black knight through
-mischance; and she warned him that there was a knight near by who would
-give him full payment, therefore had he better flee. But Beaumains
-answered that he would not leave her for all that she might say.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then as they rode together they saw a knight riding by that was all armed
-and dressed in green, and his horse had green trappings. When he came nigh
-the damsel he said to her, “Is that my brother the black knight that you
-have with you?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” she answered; “this is an unhappy kitchen-knave that hath slain
-your brother through mischance.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said the green knight, “it is a great pity that so noble a knight
-should be slain by a knave’s hand.—Ah, traitor!” said he to
-Beaumains, “thou shalt die for slaying my brother.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I defy thee,” answered Beaumains; “for I let thee to wit that I slew him
-knightly, and not shamefully.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then they came together furiously, and the spears of both broke in their
-hands. So they drew their swords, and fought a full hard battle, and the
-green knight dealt Beaumains many sore strokes; but at the last, for all
-he could do, Beaumains got the better of him. So then the green knight
-yielded to Beaumains, and prayed him to grant him his life.
-</p>
-<p>
-“All this is in vain,” said Beaumains, “for thou shalt die, except my
-damsel pray me to spare thy life and therewith he began to unlace his
-helm, as though he would have slain him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fie upon thee, kitchen-page!” said the damsel; “I will never pray thee to
-spare his life, for I will never be so much in thy debt.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then shall he die,” quoth Beaumains.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said the green knight, “suffer me not to die when a fair word
-would save my life.—O fair Knight,” he said to Beaumains, “do thou
-spare me, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother, and ever will
-be thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me shall be at thy
-commandment.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou art mad,” said the damsel, “to talk of a dirty kitchen-knave having
-thirty knights’ service.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” answered Beaumains, “nothing shall avail you, unless my
-damsel speak with me for thy life so he raised his sword as if to slay
-him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Let be,” said the damsel, “thou base scullion; slay not that knight, or
-else thou wilt repent it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Damsel,” said Beaumains, “your charge is to me a pleasure, and at your
-commandment I will spare his life.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the green knight knelt down and did homage to Beaumains, and after
-that he conducted them both to his castle, for by this time it was dark
-night. But even as before, the damsel would not suffer Beaumains to sit at
-the same table with her, so the green knight sat with him at a side-table.
-“I marvel,” said he to the damsel, “that you rebuke this noble knight as
-you do, for I know no knight able to match him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is a shame,” she answered, “that you should say such worship of him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” quoth the green knight, “it would be shameful of me to say any
-disworship of him, for he has proved himself a better knight than I am.”
- </p>
-<p>
-On the morrow they rose early, and after they had broken their fast, the
-green knight, with the thirty knights that served him, escorted them
-through a perilous forest; and at parting he said that he and his thirty
-knights would ever be at Sir Beau-mains’ command. So the knight and damsel
-pursued their way; and still she chid him as sorely as ever, and bade him
-flee, for they were coming to a place where he would otherwise be put to
-shame. But of this Beaumains took no heed. And as they rode they came to a
-great tower, with battlements, as white as snow, and over its gate there
-hung fifty shields of different colours. By the tower was a fair meadow,
-on which were standing many pavilions, and thereabout were knights and
-squires, for on the next day there was appointed to be a tournament at
-that castle. The lord of it was called the red knight, because he went all
-in red Looking out of the window, he saw Sir Beaumains where he rode with
-his damsel and his dwarf. “With that knight,” said he, “will I joust, for
-I see that he is a knight-errant.” So he armed him hastily, and mounted
-his horse; and when he drew near Sir Beaumains, and saw his black armour,
-he thought it was his brother the black knight, and said, “Brother, what
-do you in these marches?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said the damsel; “this is not your brother, but an unhappy
-kitchen-knave that hath overcome your brother, and taken his horse and
-armour; and I saw him also overcome your other brother, the green knight.
-Now you may be avenged upon him, for I cannot get quit of him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So without more words the two knights took their distance, and came
-together with such force that both their horses fell to the earth. Then
-they took to their swords, and fought sternly therewith for well-nigh two
-hours. The damsel, who stood by and watched them, at last cried out,
-“Alas, thou noble red knight, think what worship hath followed thee, and
-let not a kitchen-knave endure before thee as this one doth.” Then the red
-knight was wroth, and redoubled his strokes, hurting Beaumains so sore
-that his blood ran down to the ground; but Beaumains answered him full
-fiercely, and in a little while smote him to the earth. So the red knight
-cried for mercy, and said, “Noble Knight, slay me not, and I will yield to
-thee with fifty knights that be at my command.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“This will avail thee naught,” said Beaumains, “unless my damsel pray me
-to save thy life.” And he made semblance to strike off his head.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Let be, thou Beaumains,” said the damsel; “slay him not, for he is a
-noble knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Beaumains bade the knight stand up and thank the damsel for his life.
-And the red knight entertained them that night at his castle, where they
-had merry cheer, except that the damsel still spoke many foul words to Sir
-Beaumains. On the morrow, before they departed, the red knight came with
-his fifty knights to proffer their homage to Sir Beaumains, who thanked
-him courteously. And then he and the damsel rode away together; and when
-she chid him again he said, “Damsel, you are uncourteous to rebuke me as
-you do. I have done you great service; and though ever you threaten me
-that I shall be beaten by the knights we meet, yet hitherto they have all
-had to lie in the mire. When you see me beaten, or yielding recreant, then
-may you bid me go from you shamefully; but till then, I tell you plainly,
-I will not depart from you, for I should be worse than a fool were I to
-leave you while I win worship.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then was she somewhat abashed, but she said, “Well, right soon shalt thou
-meet with a knight that will pay thee all thy wages, for he is the man of
-most worship in the world, except Lancelot.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“The more worship he has,” answered Beaumains, “the more worship will it
-be to me to have to do with him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-In a little while they came in sight of a fair city, and between them and
-the city was a great meadow that was newly mown, whereon were many
-pavilions. The damsel told Beaumains that the lord of that city was a
-goodly knight called Sir Persaunt of Ind, whose custom it was in fair
-weather to dwell in that meadow to joust and tourney, and that he had ever
-about him five hundred knights and gentlemen. The damsel would have had
-Beaumains avoid Sir Persaunt, lest he should get some hurt; for they were
-now near the castle where the Bed Knight of the Bed Lands laid siege to
-her lady, and Sir Persaunt, she said, though a strong knight, was as
-nothing to him. But Beaumains answered her fairly and softly that he
-should think it shame not to prove Sir Persaunt, now they had come so near
-him. Then said the damsel, “I marvel what manner of man you be. You must
-surely come of noble blood, for more foully or shamefully did lady never
-rule or rebuke a knight than I have done to you, and yet you have borne
-all patiently.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Damsel,” said Beaumains, “a knight is worth little that cannot endure a
-woman’s tongue; but, in truth, the more you said the more you angered me,
-and I wreaked my wrath on those with whom I had to do, so that all your
-hard words only furthered me in my battles. As to my blood, though it is
-true I had meat in King Arthur’s kitchen, yet if I had willed I might have
-had meat elsewhere, and all I did there was but to prove my friends.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas! fair Beaumains,” said she, “forgive me all that I have missaid and
-misdone against you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“With all my heart,” answered Beaumains.
-</p>
-<p>
-While thus they spoke together Sir Persaunt of Ind had seen them, and he
-sent to know whether Beaumains came in war or in peace. “Say unto thy
-lord,” said Beaumains, “that I care not; it is as he himself may choose.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then,” said Sir Persaunt, when this answer came to him, “will I have ado
-with him to the uttermost.” So he armed himself, and rode toward
-Beaumains. Then they met together so hard that both their spears were
-broken, and their horses fell dead to the earth. So they drew their
-swords, and fought for more than two hours, and both were sore wounded and
-their armour cut in many places; but at the last Sir Beaumains smote Sir
-Persaunt on the helm so that he fell grovelling to the ground, and leaped
-upon him, and unlaced his helm to have slain him. Then Sir Persaunt
-yielded, and cried for mercy, and the damsel came and asked for his life,
-which Beaumains readily granted. Then said Sir Persaunt, “Certes, Sir
-Knight, you must be he that slew my brother Sir Periard the black knight,
-and conquered my other brothers, Sir Pertolope the green knight and Sir
-Perimones the red knight. And now, sir, you shall have homage and fealty
-of me, and a hundred knights to be always at your command.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they went to Sir Persaunt’s pavilion, where they supped merrily
-together, and afterwards retired to rest. When they had broken their fast
-the next day, Sir Persaunt asked whither they were going. “Sir,” said the
-damsel, “we are going to the siege of my sister at the Castle Dangerous.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah,” said Sir Persaunt, “there is the Red Knight of the Red Lands, who is
-the most perilous knight that I know, and a man that is without mercy, and
-it is said he hath seven men’s strength. He doth great wrong to the lady,
-and that is a pity, for she is one of the fairest in the world. If thou
-art her sister, is not thy name Lynette?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yes,” she said; “and my sister’s name is Dame Lyons.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they had more talk together, and under promise that they would not
-reveal it, Sir Beaumains disclosed to them his real name and lineage.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the damsel Lynette sent word to Dame Lyons of her coming, and how she
-had brought with her a knight that had passed all the perilous passages;
-and when she heard how he had slain the two knights at the ford, and the
-black knight, and had overthrown the green knight, the red knight, and the
-blue knight, which was Sir Persaunt, she was very glad, for she said that
-he must be one of the best knights of the world. Therefore she sent rich
-food and wine to a hermitage that was near at hand, and by the dwarf she
-sent a courteous message to Sir Beaumains. This the dwarf bore, and as he
-was again returning to the castle, he met with the Red Knight of the Red
-Lands, who asked him whence he came, and where he had been.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said he, “I have been with the lady’s sister of this castle, and
-she has been to King Arthur’s court, and has brought a knight with her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the knight, “though she had brought Sir Lancelot or Sir
-Gawaine, I would think myself good enough for them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It may well be,” said the dwarf; “but this knight has passed all the
-perilous places;” and he told the red knight all that Beaumains had done.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Then,” said the red knight, “he is one of those I have named.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He is none of those,” answered the dwarf, “but he is a king’s son.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What is his name?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I not tell you,” said the dwarf; “but Sir Kay in scorn called
-him Beaumains.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I care not for him,” said the red knight. “What knight soever he be, I
-shall soon deal with him; and if I win him, he shall have a shameful
-death, as many others have had.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That were a pity,” said the dwarf, and so they parted.
-</p>
-<p>
-That night Sir Beaumains and the damsel Lynette remained at the hermitage.
-The next morning they took their horses, and rode through a forest, and
-came to a plain, where they saw many pavilions and tents, and beyond them
-a great castle. As they came near the siege, Beaumains saw that upon great
-trees to the right and to the left hung by the necks more than forty
-knights, with their shields and swords fastened about them. Then Sir
-Beaumains abated his countenance, and said, “What is this?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair sir,” said Lynette, “do not be discouraged by this sight. All these
-knights came hither to this siege to rescue my sister; and when the Red
-Knight of the Red Lands had overcome them, he put them to this shameful
-death without mercy or pity, and in the same way will he serve you, unless
-you prove yourself the better.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Jesu defend me,” cried Beaumains, “from such a villanous death! Rather
-than I should fare thus, I would be slain in the battle.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You need not trust in him,” said the damsel, “for he hath no courtesy,
-but all that he overcomes are shamefully murdered. And that is a great
-pity, for he is a full likely man, and of great prowess, and hath wide
-lands and possessions.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“He may be a noble knight,” said Beaumains, “but he useth shameful
-customs; and it is marvellous that none of the good knights of my lord
-King Arthur have dealt with him before now.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Now were they come to a tall sycamore tree, on which hung the greatest
-horn they ever saw, made of elephant’s bone; and Lynette told Beaumains
-that if he would meet the Red Knight of the Red Lands he must blow that
-horn. “But, sir, I pray you,” she said, “blow it not till noon; for it is
-now but prime, and it is said that his strength increases till at noon he
-has seven men’s strength.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fie for shame, fair damsel,” said Beaumains; “say no more as to that. If
-he were the best knight that ever was, I would meet him in his most
-might;” and with that he spurred his horse to the sycamore, and blew the
-horn so eagerly that all the place rang with the noise. Then came knights
-from the tents and pavilions to look, and they that were in the castle
-looked from the walls. As for the red knight, he armed himself hastily,
-and took a red spear in his hand, and rode out to a place where all that
-were in the castle and at the siege might see the battle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Lynette to Beaumains, “now be merry, for yonder comes your
-deadly enemy, and there is my sister;” and she showed him where Dame Lyons
-was looking from a window in the castle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By my head,” said Beaumains, “she is the fairest lady that ever I looked
-upon, and I ask nothing better than to do battle in her quarrel, for she
-shall be my lady, and for her will I fight;” and as he looked at her, Dame
-Lyons made him a courtesy. With that came the Red Knight of the Red Lands,
-that called to Beaumains,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Leave thy looking, Sir Knight, and behold me; for I warn thee that is my
-lady, and for her have I done many strong battles.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If thou hast,” answered Beaumains, “it seems to me it was but waste
-labour, for she loveth thee not. If I were advised that she were not glad
-of my coming, I would not do battle for her; but wit thou well, Knight,
-that now I love her, and will rescue her, or else die in the quarrel.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Say you so,” said the red knight. “Methinks you ought to beware, on
-account of those knights that you see hanging on yonder great elms.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“For shame,” answered Beaumains, “that you should ever say or do such
-evil, in the which you shame yourself and the order of knighthood. Think
-you that the sight of those hanged knights causes me to fear? Truly it is
-not so: that shameful sight causes me to have more courage and hardihood
-against you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If thou be a well-ruled knight,” said the other, “make thou ready, and
-talk no longer.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they dashed together with all the might they had, and smote each other
-in the middle of the shield, so that their spears broke, and both fell to
-the ground, where they lay for some time stunned; and all that were
-watching said the strange knight must be a noble jouster, for never before
-had the Red Knight of the Red Lands been so matched. Then they drew their
-swords, and rushed at each other like fierce lions, dealing great buffets,
-till they hewed large pieces from their shields and their armour. And so
-they fought, hour after hour, till it was past noon, and neither would
-stint, and then they rested awhile. When they went to battle again, they
-fought more fiercely than ever, and dashed against each other so hard that
-often both fell to the ground. Thus they endured till eventide, and none
-could tell which was the likelier to win the battle. Their armour was so
-hewn that in many places were they naked, but ever they defended those
-places. The red knight was a wily fighter, and his cunning taught
-Beaumains to be wise, but he bought his wisdom full dearly. Then they
-agreed to rest again, and took off their helms to catch the cool air. When
-Beaumains’ helm was off, he looked up at the window and saw Dame Lyons,
-and she gave him such a look that his heart was light and joyful. So
-suddenly he started up, and bade the red knight make ready. “I am full
-willing,” said the red knight. So they got their helms on again, and the
-stern combat began once more. But the red knight smote Beaumains on the
-arm, so that his sword fell out of his hand, and gave him thereafter such
-a buffet on the helm that he fell on the earth, and the red knight fell
-over him to hold him down. Then cried the damsel Lynette, “O Beaumains!
-where is thy courage? Alas! my sister beholds thee, and sobs and weeps so
-that it makes my heart heavy.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Beaumains heard that, he rose with great might, and leaped lightly to
-his sword, caught it in his hand, and rushed upon the red knight, dealing
-his blows so thick and fast as to smite the sword out of his hand. Then he
-hurled him to the ground, and unlaced his helm to slay him.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the red knight yielded, and cried for mercy; but Beaumains thought of
-the knights that had been so shamefully hanged, and answered, “I may not
-with worship spare thy life, because of the shameful deaths thou hast
-caused so many good knights to die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the red knight, “hold your hand, and you shall know why I put
-them to such a death.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Say on,” said Beaumains.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir, I once loved a lady, and she had a brother slain. She said it was by
-Sir Lancelot du Lake or Sir Gawaine, and she made me swear, as I loved
-her, to labour daily in arms till I met one of them, and that all I
-overcame I should put to a villanous death.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Now there came many earls and barons and noble knights, and fell on their
-knees before Sir Beaumains, and prayed him to give the red knight his
-life.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair lords,” said Beaumains, “I am full loath to slay this knight, for
-though he has done very shamefully, it was all at at lady’s request, so he
-is the less to be blamed. So I will release him upon this covenant, that
-he shall go within the castle and yield there to my lady, and ask her
-forgiveness. He must also make her amends for all the trespasses he has
-done upon her lands. And when that is done, he must go to the court of
-King Arthur, and crave pardon of Sir Lancelot du Lake and of Sir Gawaine
-for the ill-will he has borne against them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the Red Knight of the Red Lands, “all this will I do as you
-command.” Then he and all his barons did homage and fealty to Sir
-Beaumains. After that the damsel Lynette, who was a right skilled leech,
-came and searched the wounds of both. For ten days they sojourned in the
-tents, and when they were healed, the Red Knight of the Red Lands went
-into the castle and made his peace with Dame Lyons, making amends to her
-for all the wrong he had done her. After that he departed, and rode to the
-court of King Arthur, where he craved pardon of Sir Lancelot and Sir
-Gawaine, and told how he had been overcome, and of all Sir Beaumains’
-battles.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By my head,” said King Arthur, “I marvel much of what blood he hath come,
-for he is a passing good knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Be assured,” said Lancelot, “that he is come of right noble blood; and as
-for his might, there are few knights now living that are so good as he.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“From your manner of speech,” quoth the king, “you know his name, and of
-what kin he is.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I suppose I do,” said Lancelot, “else would I not have given him the
-order of knighthood; but he gave me at that time a charge that I should
-not disclose it till he required me, or till otherwise it were openly made
-known.”
- </p>
-<p>
-In the meanwhile Beaumains, being whole of his wounds, greatly desired to
-see his lady, Dame Lyons, so he armed himself, took his spear, and rode to
-the castle; but when he came to the gate, he found it shut. He marvelled
-why they would not suffer him to enter; and as he looked up at the castle,
-he saw there the lady herself, who said to him,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not wholly have my love
-till thou be called one of the number of worthy knights. Therefore go and
-labour worshipfully in arms these twelve months, and then shalt thou hear
-new tidings.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah, fair lady,” said Beaumains, “I have not deserved that you should show
-me this strangeness. I thought to have had good cheer with you, and sure
-am I that I have bought your love with part of the best blood in my body.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair knight,” answered Dame Lyons, “be not displeased, nor over hasty,
-but believe me that what I have ordered is for the best. A twelvemonth
-will soon be over, and I promise you that I will not betray you, but unto
-my death I will love you and none other.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Beaumains went away from the castle very sad at heart, for his love for
-Dame Lyons was exceedingly great. He rode hither and thither without
-heeding where he went, and his dwarf followed him. That night he lodged at
-a poor man’s house, but could get no rest for thinking of his lady; so the
-next day about noon he was very sleepy, and he lay down on the grass with
-his head on his shield, bidding the dwarf watch his horse. Now no sooner
-had he gone from the castle than Dame Lyons, who loved him no less sorely
-than he her, began to repent her that she had sent him away, and the next
-morning she sent for her brother, Sir Gringamor, that was a good knight,
-and entreated him to follow Beaumains and watch an opportunity to get his
-dwarf from him. And she asked him to carry the dwarf to his own castle,
-whither she would herself go, and then they might, by questioning the
-dwarf, learn who Beaumains really was. Sir Gringamor undertook to do all
-as she desired; so he followed Beaumains, and came where he was asleep,
-with the dwarf watching. Then suddenly he came behind the dwarf, and
-carried him off in his arms to his castle; but as they rode away, the
-dwarf cried out on his master. At this Beaumains awoke, and saw Gringamor,
-whose armour was all black, carrying away his dwarf. So he sprang up
-lightly, mounted his horse, and followed as hard as he could; but he knew
-not the way, and so lost sight of him that he pursued. However, as he rode
-he met a countryman, and asked him whether he had not seen a knight in
-black armour, bearing a dwarf in his arms.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the man, “here passed by me a knight called Sir Gringamor,
-with a dwarf that mourned and complained, and he went to his castle, which
-is near by. But I counsel you to follow him not unless you owe him
-good-will, for he is a very perilous knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This counsel Beaumains regarded not, but rode toward the castle, whither
-Gringamor had already come with the dwarf. There Dame Lyons and her sister
-questioned him so sharply that he told them his master was the son of King
-Lot and brother to Sir Gawaine, and that his name was Sir Gareth of
-Orkney. At this Dame Lyons was greatly rejoiced. “Truly, madam,” said
-Lynette, “he may well be a king’s son, for he is the most courteous and
-long-suffering man I ever met. I dare say there was never gentlewoman that
-reviled a man as I reviled him; and at all times he gave me goodly and
-meek answers again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-As they thus sat talking, there came Sir Gareth to the gate, with an angry
-countenance and his drawn sword in his hand, and cried aloud, “Thou
-traitor, Sir Gringamor, give me my dwarf, or, by the faith I owe to the
-order of knighthood, I shall do you all the harm I can.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Gringamor looked out at a window, and said, “Sir Gareth of
-Orkney, cease thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thy dwarf again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou coward knight,” returned Sir Gareth, “bring him with thee and do
-battle with me, and win him if you can.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“So will I do if I choose,” answered Gringamor; “but for all thy angry
-words, thou wilt not get him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah, brother,” said Dame Lyons, “I would he had his dwarf again, for I do
-not wish that he should be wroth. Know you that I love him before all
-others; and now I wish you would bring him here within that I may speak
-with him, but do not let him know who I am.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Gringamor went down to Sir Gareth, and said, “Sir, I cry you mercy, and
-all that I have misdone against you I will amend at your pleasure.
-Therefore, I beg you to alight and take such cheer as I can give you in
-this castle.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“But shall I have my dwarf again?” said Sir Gareth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Yea, sir,” answered Gringamor; “for as soon as your dwarf told me who you
-were, and what noble deeds you had done in these marches, I repented of
-what I had done.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Gareth alighted, and Gringamor led him into the castle. And in
-the hall Dame Lyons met him, arrayed like a princess, and gave him a
-hearty welcome. When Sir Gareth beheld her he was greatly struck with her
-beauty, and said to himself, “Would that the lady of the Castle Dangerous
-were as fair as she.” So ever his love grew hotter, and he could not keep
-his eyes from her. This Sir Gringamor noted, and he took his sister aside,
-and asked her whether she willed to marry Sir Gareth, for his love for her
-was plain. And she answered that she loved him better than any other man
-in the world, and deemed no better than to have him for a husband. This
-told Gringamor to Sir Gareth, who was right glad; and thereafter he went
-to Dame Lyons, and either made great joy of the other. Then she told him
-she was the lady for whom he had done battle, and also how she had caused
-her brother to take away his dwarf that she might certainly know who he
-was. And she brought to him the damsel Lynette. At this Sir Gareth was
-more glad than before, and they were agreed to be married as soon as might
-be.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meanwhile, the Feast of Pentecost came round, and King Arthur held
-his court at Camelot. Then came the green knight with thirty knights, and
-they yielded to the king; and also the red knight with fifty knights; and
-Sir Persaunt the blue knight with a hundred knights. They all told King
-Arthur how they had been overcome by Sir Beaumains, and had come to court
-at his bidding. There also came the Red Knight of the Red Lands, that was
-named Sir Ironside, with five hundred knights. And all of them could never
-say enough in praise of the might and gentleness of Sir Beaumains. So the
-king and all his court went in to their meat, and presently there entered
-the Queen of Orkney with a great number of knights and ladies. She said to
-her brother King Arthur, “What have you done with my young son Sir Gareth?
-He was here with you a twelvemonth, and you made of him a kitchen-knave,
-which is a great shame to you all. Alas! what hath become of my dear son,
-who was my joy and bliss?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Oh, dear mother,” said Gawaine, “I knew him not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nor I,” said the king, “which I sorely repent. But, God be thanked, he
-has proved himself a worshipful knight as any now living of his years, and
-I shall not be glad till I find him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they devised means to find him, and the king sent a messenger to Dame
-Lyons to summon her to court. She sent word back that she would come as
-soon as might be; and Sir Gareth advised her not to reveal where he was,
-but to give her advice that the best way to find him would be to appoint a
-tournament, at which the knight who was proved the best should take her
-and her lands. Then Dame Lyons went to King Arthur, and was full royally
-received. But always she would not tell where Sir Gareth was, but said
-that she would hold a tournament at her castle, where her knights should
-be against King Arthur’s, and then she was sure they should hear of Sir
-Gareth.
-</p>
-<p>
-So great preparations were made for the tournament, and Sir Gareth
-summoned to Dame Lyons’ castle Sir Ironside and Sir Persaunt, and the
-green and red knights with their following. Also many other noble knights
-came to take part against King Arthur’s. Among them were Sir Epinogris,
-son of the King of Northumberland, Sir Palomides the Saracen, and his
-brothers Sir Safre and Sir Legwarides that were christened, Sir Brian of
-the Isles, a noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummorsum, a good knight of
-Scotland. There came also Sir Tristram de Lyons—who by this time was
-reckoned the best knight of the world after Sir Lancelot, but was not yet
-a Knight of the Round Table—and many more. But there came with King
-Arthur to the tournament most of the Knights of the Round Table. There
-were Sir Gawaine and his brethren Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris; Sir Tor,
-Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Lamoracke de Galis, sons of King Pellinore,
-and all of them, especially the last, passing good knights; Sir Lancelot,
-with all his kin; Sir Sagramour, Sir Dinadan, King Anguisance of Ireland,
-King Carados of Scotland, King Urience of Gore, King Bagdemagus and his
-son Sir Meleagans; and Sir Galahaut the high prince, with other good
-knights whose names need not be here given. And great provision was made
-in and about the castle for the lodging of all the knights.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now Sir Gareth begged all the knights that were on his side that they
-should not make him known; and his lady, Dame Lyons, gave him a magical
-ring, that had the virtue of changing the colours of him who wore it every
-time he chose, and also the knight who wore it could lose no blood. Of
-this ring Sir Gareth was very glad, because it would prevent him from
-being known.
-</p>
-<p>
-When the tournament began on the first day, there came from the castle Sir
-Epinogris, and Sir Sagramour met him on King Arthur’s part, and both broke
-their spears. Then Sir Palomides, a knight of the castle, encountered Sir
-Gawaine, and both were overthrown. Then the knights on either part rescued
-their fellows, and remounted them. And soon there was a great concourse of
-knights. Sir Aglovale and Sir Tor, Knights of the Round Table, smote down
-Sir Brian and Sir Grummore. Sir Tristram, Sir Sadocke, and Sir Dinas,
-knights of the castle, encountered Sir Bedivere, Sir Petipace, and Sir
-Ewaine. Sir Tristram overthrew Sir Bedivere, but Sir Sadocke and Sir Dinas
-had the worse. Then came in Sir Persaunt of Ind; but with him met Sir
-Lancelot, and smote him down, horse and man. Sir Pertolope the green
-knight encountered Sir Lionel, and smote him out of his saddle; and Sir
-Perimones the red knight ran against Sir Ector de Maris in such wise that
-both were unhorsed. Then came in Sir Ironside and Sir Gareth from the
-castle, and against them were Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, cousins to Sir
-Lancelot. Sir Bors and Sir Ironside struck each other so hard that both
-their spears broke and their horses fell to the earth; but Sir Gareth
-overturned Sir Bleoberis, and with the same spear he smote down Sir
-Galihodin, Sir Galihud, Sir Dinadan, Sir Brewnor, and Sir Sagramour. When
-King Anguisance saw Sir Gareth do this, he marvelled who it might be, for
-at every course Sir Gareth changed his colours, and at one time he was in
-green, at another in red, and again in blue. Then King Anguisance
-encountered Sir Gareth, who smote him down, horse and man; and in the same
-wise he served King Carados, King Urience, King Bagdemagus and his son Sir
-Meleagans. Thereafter came in Sir Galahaut the high prince, who cried,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Knight of the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee ready,
-that I may joust with thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Sir Gareth heard that, he took a new spear, and the two ran together.
-The prince broke his spear, but Sir Gareth smote him on the left side so
-that he reeled in his saddle, and would have fallen had not his men come
-round him and recovered him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“So God me help,” said King Arthur, “that knight with the many colours is
-a good knight;” and he prayed Sir Lancelot to joust with him. But Sir
-Lancelot, who was ever courteous and noble, said that the knight had had
-travail enough for that day, and ought to have the honour. “Though it lay
-in my power to put him from it,” he said, “yet would I not do so.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then followed a great tournament with swords, wherein Sir Lancelot did
-marvellously. Between Sir Lamoracke de Galis and Sir Ironside there was a
-strong battle, and also between Sir Palomides and Sir Bleoberis. Sir
-Gawaine encountered with Sir Tristram; but there he had the worse, for Sir
-Tristram pulled him off his horse. Sir Lancelot encountered with two
-strong knights of the castle at once, and fought right worshipfully with
-both; but Sir Gareth came between and put them asunder, and would strike
-no blow against Sir Lancelot, wherefore Sir Lancelot suspected who he was.
-Shortly after, Sir Gareth met his brother Sir Gawaine, and unhorsed him;
-and so he did to five or six other knights, so that all who beheld said
-that he did better than any. Then Sir Tristram, who had seen how well he
-had done, went to Sir Ironside and Sir Persaunt and asked them who that
-knight was that went in so many different colours. So they told him, and
-related the great deeds he had done when he rode with the damsel Lynette.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By my head,” said Sir Tristram, “he is a good knight and a big man of
-arms; and if he be young, he will yet prove a full noble knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir Persaunt, and Sir Perimones rode
-together to help Sir Gareth, who went on one side to repair his helm and
-drink water. And he gave his dwarf his ring to hold while he drank, and
-then forgot to get it again; of which the dwarf was glad, because he
-desired that Sir Gareth should be known. So then Sir Gareth went always in
-yellow colours, and King Arthur sent a herald to espy who he was. The
-herald went close to him, and saw written round his helm, in letters of
-gold, “This is Sir Gareth of Orkney.” So at King Arthur’s command all the
-heralds proclaimed aloud that the knight in yellow colours was Sir Gareth
-of Orkney. When Sir Gareth saw that he was known, he was wroth, and
-redoubled his strokes, and he smote down his brother Sir Gawaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“O brother,” said Gawaine, “I thought not you would have stricken me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At that Sir Gareth got out of the press, and came to his dwarf, and took
-his ring, and changed his colours again. But Gawaine saw where he had
-ridden, and followed him. Thereupon Gareth rode far into the wood, so that
-Gawaine knew not whither he had gone. Then Gareth sent back her ring to
-his lady, Dame Lyons, and let her know that he would come to her soon; and
-he rode forth, and had many perilous adventures. After three days, he met
-with an armed knight whom he did not know, and they fought fiercely
-together more than two hours, and hurt each other sore. Presently there
-came riding the damsel Lynette, and she called out, “Sir Gawaine, Sir
-Gawaine! leave fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then they knew each other, and rejoiced greatly. And Lynette rode to King
-Arthur, who was within two miles, and brought him and all his court to the
-place. And the joy that King Arthur and Sir Lancelot had when they saw Sir
-Gareth cannot be told.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/186s.jpg" alt="186s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/186.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/186m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-In no long time after this were Dame Lyons and Sir Gareth married at
-Kinkenadon, and at the same time the damsel Lynette was married to his
-brother Sir Gaheris. Great was the splendour of the marriage, and there
-was much rejoicing. A three days’ tournament was held; but Sir Gareth and
-Sir Gaheris did not joust, because they were newly married. On the first
-day, Sir Lamoracke de Galis overthrew thirty knights, and won the prize;
-and on that day were Sir Persaunt of Ind and his two brethren made Knights
-of the Round Table. On the second day Sir Tristram overthrew forty
-knights, and won the prize; and then was Sir Ironside made a Knight of the
-Round Table. On the third day Sir Lancelot du Lake came in, and he
-overthrew fifty knights, so the prize was given to him. But the feast was
-kept up for forty days, because King Arthur was wishful to do honour to
-his nephew Sir Gareth.
-</p>
-<p>
-And thus ends the story of the quest that was undertaken by. Sir Gareth,
-who was always a good knight; for he was mighty in the field, and would do
-nothing that was shameful, and was always courteous and gentle to ladies.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER X. SIR TRISTRAM.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span>T is now time that something should be told of Sir Tristram de Lyons, one
-of the best knights that ever were in Britain, and one who in his time
-gained scarcely less worship than Sir Lancelot himself.
-</p>
-<p>
-South of Cornwall there was in King Arthur’s days a rich and fair country
-called Lyonesse or Lyons, which is now all sunk under the sea. The king of
-this country was named Meliodas, a good knight and a wise king. He was
-wedded to a fair and virtuous lady, the sister of King Marke of Cornwall.
-It befell that one time, while King Meliodas was abroad hunting, he was
-taken prisoner by an enchantress that had long loved him. When he did not
-return, the queen his wife, who loved him exceedingly, became very sick
-with sorrow; and at the last she died, after giving birth to a son, who at
-her request was christened Tristram, because he was born in her time of
-sadness. A little while after, the king escaped from his prison; and when
-he found that his queen was dead with grief, his heart was passing heavy.
-He named his son as the queen had wished, and the boy grew apace, and
-seemed likely to be a comely man. When Tristram was seven years old, the
-king took for a second wife a princess of Brittany; and when she had born
-him children, she began to hate Tristram, because that after his father’s
-death he would be lord of the country. So at last she plotted to poison
-him, and put a silver cup with a poisoned draught in the room where he and
-her children were together, so that when he was athirst he might drink of
-it. But it befell that her own son drank of the cup, and very soon died.
-Notwithstanding, the queen would not leave her wicked intent, but again
-she put a cup with poison in Tristram’s way. This time her husband the
-king took up the cup, and was going to drink, when suddenly she snatched
-it out of his hand. Then the king remembered how his child had died
-suddenly after drinking, and he drew his sword and swore that if she did
-not tell him what was in the cup he would slay her. She, being afraid,
-confessed all her intent, and what she had done. The king loved Tristram
-exceedingly; so he declared that she should be punished. Therefore was the
-queen brought to trial before the barons, and condemned to be burned. But
-when she had been led out to the stake, Tristram kneeled down before his
-father, and besought him to grant him a boon; and when King Meliodas
-promised him, he asked for the queen’s life. To that the king was full
-loath to assent, but he could not go back from his word. Thus Tristram
-saved his stepmother from the fire; and afterwards he contrived to
-reconcile her to the king. But Meliodas would not then suffer his son to
-remain at the court; so he appointed a gentleman named Governale to be his
-tutor, who was very learned, and also a great master of the arts of
-hunting and hawking, and sent him with this gentleman into France. So
-Tristram was abroad with Governale for seven years, and learned all that
-he could teach him, and was also well skilled in all knightly sports and
-exercises of arms. When he was nineteen years of age he returned home, and
-was joyfully welcomed by his father, and also by the queen his stepmother,
-who had loved him as much as any mother could, after he saved her from the
-fire.
-</p>
-<p>
-Soon after his return it befell that King Anguisance of Ireland sent over
-to Cornwall to demand from King Marke a tribute that had long been paid,
-but had not been asked for seven years. But King Marke refused to pay the
-tribute, and said that if King Anguisance would send over a knight to
-fight for his right, he would find another to defend the right of
-Cornwall. To this King Anguisance readily assented, because he had in his
-court Sir Marhaus, who was his wife’s brother, and was at that time
-reckoned one of the noblest of the Knights of the Round Table, while the
-Cornish knights were of little might or worship. So Sir Marhaus undertook
-the adventure, and came over to Cornwall to do battle for his
-brother-in-law. When King Marke and his barons heard of his coming, they
-were greatly discouraged, for there was not one among them that would meet
-Sir Marhaus; and well knew they that it would be of no purpose to seek for
-a knight at King Arthur’s court, because Sir Marhaus belonged to the Round
-Table, and none of his fellows would fight against him.
-</p>
-<p>
-When the news came to King Meliodas’ country that Sir Marhaus was come to
-Cornwall to fight for the tribute, and that King Marke could get no knight
-to meet him, Tristram was sore wroth and ashamed, and he got leave of his
-father to undertake the adventure. So he went to his uncle King Marke, who
-knew him not, and said that if he would make him knight, he would
-encounter Sir Marhaus. King Marke saw that he was strong and well made,
-and a likely man, so he assented, and made him knight, and then sent word
-to Sir Marhaus that he had found a champion.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That is well,” said Marhaus; “but let King Marke know that I will fight
-with no knight that is not of royal blood.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This King Marke told to Sir Tristram; who answered, “Since he says so, let
-him know that I am come of better blood than himself; for now shall you
-know that I am the son of King Meliodas and of your own sister.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When King Marke heard that, he made great joy of Sir Tristram, and sent
-word to Sir Marhaus who it was that would meet with him. It was agreed
-that the battle should be on a small island near where Sir Marhaus’ ships
-were lying; and thither went Tristram with his horse and armour, and all
-else that he needed. When Sir Marhaus saw him he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Young knight Sir Tristram, what dost thou here? I am sorry of thy too
-great courage, for I have matched with some of the best knights of the
-world. Therefore I counsel thee to return again to thy ship.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But Tristram answered him courteously that he could not do that, for he
-had undertaken on his own request to fight in his uncle’s quarrel to the
-uttermost. Moreover, as that was his first battle, he was glad that it was
-to be with a well-proved knight, for he hoped to win worship.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well, fair knight,” said Marhaus, “if you seek to win worship on me, I
-will tell you that you will lose no worship if you can withstand but three
-strokes from me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then they set their spears in rest, and ran together so fiercely that both
-went to the ground, horse and man; but Marhaus gave Tristram a sore wound
-in the side with his spear. Then they drew their swords and fought full
-hard for more than half the day, giving each other many great wounds. But
-at the last Sir Tristram waxed fresher and better winded than Sir Marhaus,
-and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus so hard on the helm that the
-sword edge went through and stuck in the brain-pan. Then Sir Marhaus fell
-on his knees, and Tristram pulled thrice at his sword ere he could
-withdraw it, and even then a piece was broken out of the edge and remained
-in the wound. Suddenly Sir Marhaus rose, threw his sword and shield from
-him, and fled to his ships. But Tristram cried,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah! Sir Knight of the Round Table, dost thou withdraw? Thou dost thyself
-and thy kin great shame. I am but a young knight, and never fought till
-now; but rather than withdraw, I would be hewn into a hundred pieces.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To that Sir Marhaus answered nothing, but went his way groaning; and as
-soon as he was on board his ship, he caused her to set sail for Ireland.
-When he reached King Anguisance’ court his wounds were searched, but the
-piece of Sir Tristram’s sword could not be got out of his skull; so he
-died. Then the queen, his sister, kept the piece of the sword always by
-her, for she meant to have vengeance for her brother’s death, if ever she
-might.
-</p>
-<p>
-Though Sir Tristram had won the battle, yet he was very badly hurt, and he
-lay in bed for more than a month. Then all his wounds were healed save
-that which Sir Marhaus had given him in the side with his spear; and this
-could not be made whole, because the point of the spear had been in some
-manner envenomed. King Marke sorrowed greatly, because he began to fear
-that his nephew would die, so he sent for all the skilled leeches and
-surgeons he could hear of; but none of them could do anything. Then at
-last a wise woman told the king that Sir Tristram could not be healed save
-in the country whence came the poison that was in the wound. Thereupon
-King Marke fitted up a fair vessel, and sent Tristram over to Ireland,
-with his tutor Govemale to attend him. By chance he came to land close by
-a castle where King Anguisance and his queen were; and then Tristram, who
-was a very skilful harper, took his harp and sang and played in such
-fashion as never before had been heard in Ireland. This was told to the
-king, who sent for Tristram to his court, and asked him his name, and why
-he came there. Tristram said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am of the country of Lyonesse, and my name is Tramtrist. I have been
-sore wounded in a battle I fought for a lady’s right, and am come hither
-to, be healed if I may.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the king, “you shall have all the help I can give you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So he gave Tramtrist in charge to his daughter, who was a very fair lady,
-and was called La Beale Isoude, and she was one of the most skilful
-leeches in the world. When she had searched his wound, she found the
-poison at the bottom of it, and in a little while she had healed it.
-Tristram soon began to cast great love to Isoude, and he taught her to
-harp, so that she grew also to love him. But at that time there was in
-Ireland Sir Palomides, a Saracen knight, who was a man of great worship,
-and he was much cherished both by the king and the queen. Now Sir
-Palomides also loved Isoude, and gave her many great gifts; and between
-him and Tristram there rose much jealousy and envy,—the more as
-Isoude told Tristram that Palomides was willing to be christened for her
-sake.
-</p>
-<p>
-It happened that King Anguisance gave a great tournament, to which knights
-came from all parts of Britain. La Beale Isoude came to Tristram and told
-him of it; and when he said that he was yet but feeble, and might not
-joust, she asked him to do so for her sake, lest Sir Palomides should win
-the prize. Then he assented, on the condition that she would not let any
-one know of it. On the first day of the tournament, Sir Palomides came
-into the field with a black shield, and he won great worship; for he
-overthrew Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, King Bagdemagus, Sir Sagramore, Sir
-Dodinas le Savage, and many other good knights. Then came King Anguisance
-to Tristram and said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Tramtrist, why will you not joust?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said he, “I was but late hurt, and dare not adventure.” While they
-spoke together, there came a squire named Hebes that had known Sir
-Tristram in Cornwall, and made a low reverence to him. Sir Tristram begged
-him not to discover his name, and that Hebes promised. But Isoude had seen
-him bow to Tristram, and therefore she thought he must be some great
-knight, and was much comforted. On the morrow Sir Palomides again went
-into the field, and did as well as he had done before.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then Isoude armed Tristram in white armour with a white shield, and let
-him into the field by a private postern. Anon Sir Palomides saw him, and
-rode at him with a great spear; but there Sir Tristram smote him to the
-ground, horse and man. So there arose a great cry all over the field that
-Sir Palomides had had a fall; and then was Isoude exceedingly glad. After
-that none of the other knights would meddle with Sir Tristram. But
-Palomides was sore wrathful and ashamed, and withdrew out of the field.
-That Sir Tristram saw, and he rode after him and bade him turn, for they
-would be better proved ere they parted. When Palomides heard that, he
-turned angrily, and they fought together with their swords; but very soon
-Sir Tristram smote him so mighty a stroke on the helm that he fell on the
-ground.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now yield thee,” said Tristram, “or else will I slay thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Palomides yielded, and Tristram charged him, on pain of his life, to
-forsake La Beale Isoude; and also for twelve months and a day to bear no
-armour. This Sir Palomides was sworn to perform.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said he, “now am I utterly shamed;” and in his great despite and
-anger he took off his armour and flung it away.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Tristram returned to the castle by the same secret postern by which he
-had left it, and found there La Beale Isoude, who gave him a full tender
-greeting. But in a while it became known that Sir Tramtrist, as he was
-called, was the knight that had overthrown Sir Palomides; so then he was
-still more honoured than before.
-</p>
-<p>
-But, unhappily, one day it befell that the queen happened to take up Sir
-Tristram’s sword, and she drew it from the scabbard; and there, within a
-foot and a half of the point, was a great piece broken out of the edge. As
-soon as the queen saw that, she remembered the piece of a sword that was
-taken out of the head of her brother Sir Marhaus.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By Heaven!” said she to Isoude, “this is the same traitorous knight that
-slew my brother, thine uncle.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the queen hastened to her own chamber, and took out of a coffer the
-piece of the sword, which she had kept by her ever since Sir Marhaus’
-death; and when she put it to Sir Tristram’s sword, she found it fitted
-exactly. So she went to King Anguisance, her husband, and made her
-complaint. King Anguisance was much grieved, for he liked Tristram well;
-but he went to seek him, and found him all armed and on horseback, because
-Isoude had already told him what her mother had discovered.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said the king, “if I chose to have thee slain, resistance would not
-avail thee. But I will give thee leave to depart from this court in
-safety, if thou wilt tell me who thou art, and if thou slew my brother Sir
-Marhaus.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Tristram, “now will I tell you all the truth. My father is
-King Meliodas of Lyonesse, and my name is Tristram. It was I that did
-battle with Sir Marhaus, for love of my uncle King Marke; and before I
-encountered with him had I never fought with any knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said the king, “I cannot but say that you did as a good knight
-should; but I cannot maintain you in this country, lest I should displease
-my wife and her kin.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Tristram thanked him for all the goodness he and his daughter had
-shown, and promised him that if ever he needed a friend in England he
-would serve him. Then he asked leave to say farewell to Isoude; and the
-king assented. Tristram went to Isoude, and told her who he was, and why
-he had come into Ireland They parted full tenderly, and Isoude swore that
-for the next seven years she would not be married save with his consent.
-Then Tristram went into the court, and took his leave of all the knights
-and barons; and he offered, if he had done wrong to any, to make amends,
-and said that if any had a quarrel with him, he was ready to make it good
-in open field. But though some of the knights were of Sir Marhaus’ blood,
-not one of them dared to meddle with him.
-</p>
-<p>
-So Sir Tristram with his tutor Governale and the squire Hebes, whom he had
-made knight, returned to England; and for a while he lived with his
-father, King Meliodas, who was right glad to see him. Then he went again
-to the court of King Marke, and lived there a long time in much honour.
-But at last it chanced that both the king and Tristram loved the same
-lady, who was the wife of a knight named Segwarides; and King Marke was
-from that time jealous of Sir Tristram, and grew to hate him. Now, one day
-there came to the court the good knight Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, cousin to
-Sir Lancelot du Lake, and asked King Marke for a boon. King Marke
-assented, and then Sir Bleoberis said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will have the fairest lady of your court, the one whom I may choose.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The king had given his promise, and so could not refuse; and then Sir
-Bleoberis chose Sir Segwarides’ wife, and led her away with him. When Sir
-Segwarides saw that, he armed himself to rescue his wife, and rode after
-Bleoberis. The ladies of the court knew that Tristram had loved that lady,
-and rebuked him because he had suffered her to be taken away.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said Tristram, “it was not my part to have to do in the matter,
-while her lord and husband was there. But if Sir Segwarides do not fare
-well, it may happen that I will speak with that knight before he quit the
-country.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Presently came Sir Segwarides’ squire, and reported that his lord had been
-overthrown and sore wounded by Sir Bleoberis. Then Sir Tristram took his
-armour and his horse, and rode forth to rescue the lady. As he went, he
-met his cousin, Sir Andret, who had been out to meet two knights of King
-Arthur’s that were going through the country seeking adventures. Sir
-Tristram asked him what tidings.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Never worse with me than now,” said Andret; “for King Marke sent me to
-bring to him two of King Arthur’s knights, and one of them overthrew and
-wounded me, and they set naught by my message.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Sir Tristram, “if I meet with them, I may happen to avenge
-you.” So he rode on after the two knights, who were Sir Sagramore le
-Desirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage. In a little while he overtook them,
-and asked them whence they came, and what they were doing in that country.
-They looked scornfully on Sir Tristram, and Sir Sagramore said:
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair knight, are you a knight of Cornwall?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why do you ask?” said Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Because it is seldom seen,” answered Sagramore, “that you Cornish men are
-valiant with arms. Within these two hours there met us a Cornish knight,
-and great words he spake, but anon with little might was he laid on the
-earth; and I trow you shall have the same hansel that he had.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair knights,” answered Sir Tristram, “it may happen that I shall
-withstand you better than he did; and whether you will or not I will have
-to do with you for it was my cousin that you overthrew.” When Sir Dodinas
-heard that, he took his spear and cried, “Knight, keep well thyself.” So
-they rode together, and Sir Dodinas’ spear broke, but Sir Tristram smote
-him clean over his crupper, and well-nigh broke his neck. When Sir
-Sagramore saw his fellow have such a fall, he marvelled who the strange
-knight might be, and he put his spear in rest, and rode at Sir Tristram
-with all his might; but Sir Tristram bore him also to the earth, and in
-the fall he broke his thigh. Then said Tristram: “Fair knights, will you
-have any more? Are there no stronger knights in King Arthur’s court? It is
-a shame to speak disworship of Cornish knights, for here has one knight of
-Cornwall matched you both.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This they had to confess; and then they asked him his name. When he told
-them they were glad, and begged him to remain in their fellowship; but he
-said he must follow Sir Bleoberis. So they bade him farewell, and in a
-little while he overtook Sir Bleoberis riding in a fair valley, with Sir
-Segwarides’ wife riding behind his squire on a palfrey.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Abide, Sir Knight,” said Tristram; “bring back that lady, or deliver her
-to me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will not,” answered Bleoberis, “for I dread no Cornish knight so sorely
-that I need to obey him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why,” said Tristram, “may not a Cornish knight do as well as another?
-Within three miles of this place, there were two knights of King Arthur’s
-met me but now, and ere we parted they found one Cornish knight good
-enough for them both.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What were their names?” asked Sir Bleoberis; and when Sir Tristram told
-him, he said, “They are two good knights, and if you have beaten them both
-you must needs be a man of great worship. Still, for all that, ere you get
-this lady you must beat me also.” Then they met together like thunder, and
-either bore the other down to the earth. Thereafter they took to their
-swords, and fought eagerly and mightily for near two hours. At last Sir
-Bleoberis asked Sir Tristram to hold his hand and tell him his name.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I fear not to tell you my name,” answered Tristram. “I am Tristram, the
-son of King Meliodas of Lyonesse.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” said Bleoberis, “I am right glad to meet with you. Are you not
-the same knight that slew Sir Marhaus, and overthrew Sir Palomides at a
-tournament in Ireland?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yea,” quoth Tristram. “And now tell me your name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“With a good will. I am Bleoberis de Ganis, cousin to Sir Lancelot, who is
-called one of the best knights of the world.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is truth,” said Sir Tristram, “for Sir Lancelot is peerless of
-courtesy and of knighthood; and for his sake I would fight no more with
-you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Bleoberis thanked him for his courtesy, and proposed that the lady
-should choose with which of them she would go. Sir Tristram assented, for
-he thought she would come to him. But the lady was angered because he had
-not at the first undertaken to rescue her, and she reproached him sharply,
-and begged Sir Bleoberis to take her to her lord. Sir Tristram was
-wondrous wroth, and answered that if her lord had been away he would have
-been the first to ride after her. So Bleoberis took the lady to her
-husband Segwarides, and she told him that Sir Tristram had rescued her, at
-which Sir Segwarides was well pleased.
-</p>
-<p>
-After this King Marke ever plotted to destroy Sir Tristram, and he
-bethought him to send him into Ireland to ask for La Beale Isoude to be
-given to King Marke for his queen, for he was unwedded. But King Marke
-hoped that Sir Tristram would fall into some peril and be destroyed on the
-journey. However, Tristram undertook the adventure, for he knew nothing of
-his uncle’s malice against him. Accordingly he set sail, but a tempest
-drove him back on the coast of England, not far from Camelot; and there he
-set up a pavilion, and hung his shield over the entrance. Anon there came
-by two of King Arthur’s knights, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Gringamor, and
-they touched the shield, and bade him come forth and joust. Sir Tristram
-made ready, and smote both of them down with one spear, bruising them
-sorely. Then they asked him whence he came. “Fair knights,” said Tristram,
-“I am of Cornwall.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said Sir Ector, “now am I ashamed that any Cornish knight should
-overcome me.” And in his mortification he put off his armour, went on
-foot, and would not ride.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now it chanced that at that time Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and his brother
-Sir Blamor had accused King Anguisance of Ireland of treason before King
-Arthur, and he was summoned to come to Camelot by a given day and make
-answer, on forfeiture of all his lands. King Arthur was at that time with
-Sir Lancelot, at his castle of Joyous Gard; but he had appointed King
-Carados of Scotland and another king to be the judges. When the day came,
-King Anguisance was there before the judges, and Sir Blamor came forward
-and charged him with having murdered a cousin of his by treasonable means.
-King Anguisance was much abashed, for he understood that he must meet Sir
-Blamor in open field to disprove his charge, or find a knight to meet him;
-because in those times all such accusations were determined by the ordeal
-of battle. Now the king knew that Sir Blamor was a noble knight, and he
-did not know where to find one to meet him. But the judges gave him three
-days wherein to make ready, and he went to his lodgings greatly cast down.
-</p>
-<p>
-All this heard Govemale, who was riding near Camelot, and he told
-Tristram. “By my faith,” said Sir Tristram, “that is the best news I have
-heard this seven years; for now will the King of Ireland be in need of my
-help, and for his love will I undertake the battle.” So he sought King
-Anguisance, and told him that in gratitude for the kindness he had shown
-him in Ireland, and for La Beale Isoude’s sake, he would take the battle
-in hand for him on two conditions—namely, that King Anguisance would
-swear the accusation was unjust, and would promise him after the battle to
-give him what boon he might ask. To all this the king gladly assented, and
-sent word to the judges that he had found a champion. On the day set the
-two knights met in the field, and when they withdrew to make ready, Sir
-Bleoberis said to Sir Blamor: “Brother, you will find that knight the
-mightiest you ever had to do with. I know him right well, for I have had
-to do with him. But do thou remember of what kin we are come, and that
-none of our kindred was ever shamed in battle, but would rather suffer
-death than be shamed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Brother,” answered Sir Blamor, “you need have no doubt of me. I know that
-knight, Sir Tristram, is one of the best in the world; but though he may
-overcome me, he shall not shame me, for rather than yield recreant will I
-die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then each took his horse to an opposite end of the lists, and they met
-together with great force in the midst; and there Sir Tristram smote Sir
-Blamor from his horse. After that they did a great battle with their
-swords; but at the last Sir Tristram struck Sir Blamor so heavy a blow on
-the helm that he fell down, and might not rise again. As soon as Sir
-Blamor could speak, he said: “Sir Tristram, I require thee, as thou art a
-noble knight, and the best that ever I met, to slay me out of hand; for
-yield will I never, and I would not live shamed to be lord of all the
-world.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Tristram knew not what to do, for he remembered of what blood Sir
-Blamor was come, and for Sir Lancelot’s sake he was right loath to slay
-him; but yet Sir Blamor would not yield, and so King Anguisance would not
-be acquitted. With that Sir Tristram went to the judges, and besought them
-to take the matter into their hands. “For,” said he, “it were pity that
-that noble knight should be slain, and you hear that shamed he will not
-be; and I pray to God that he never be slain or shamed by me.” And he
-asked King Anguisance, for whom he fought the battle, to have mercy on Sir
-Blamor. To that King Anguisance assented gladly; and after further talk,
-Sir Bleoberis and Sir Tristram took up Sir Blamor, and the two brethren
-were accorded with King Anguisance, and swore friendship with him for
-ever. And for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Lancelot loved Sir
-Tristram ever after.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then King Anguisance sailed with Sir Tristram into Ireland; and when it
-was known what Sir Tristram had done for the king, the queen and all the
-barons received him with great joy, and especially La Beale Isoude. So
-there Sir Tristram asked for the boon the king had promised him, and that
-was that Isoude should be given for wife to his uncle King Marke; for so
-he had sworn to him. King Anguisance assented, though he said he had
-rather Tristram had asked her for himself. However, in a little while a
-ship was got ready, and Isoude went into it with Tristram; and she took
-with her as waiting-woman an ancient lady named Bragwaine. To this lady,
-just before they set sail, the queen, Isoudes mother, gave a flask
-containing a potion, and charged her to let Isoude and King Marke drink of
-it on the day they were married. “And then I undertake,” said the queen,
-“that they will love each other all their life long.” But as they sailed
-in the ship, it chanced that Tristram saw the flask standing in the cabin.
-“Madam,” said he to Isoude, “here is choice wine which your servant
-Bragwaine and my servant Govemale have put on one side for themselves; but
-we will disappoint them.” So they drank to each other merrily, thinking no
-evil; but from that time they loved each other, and their love never
-changed in weal or woe.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now the ship put into a harbour by a castle that was named Pluere, and Sir
-Tristram and Isoude went on shore to refresh themselves. But as soon as
-they came within the castle they were taken prisoners; for the custom of
-the castle was that whatever knight came there with a lady must fight with
-the lord, who was named Sir Brewnor, and his lady must be shown against
-Sir Brewnors lady. If Sir Brewnor overcame the strange knight, then was
-the other put to death; and if Sir Brewnor’s lady were the fairer, then
-must the other lady lose her head. That custom had been kept up for many
-winters, and therefore was the castle called Pluere; that is, the Castle
-of Tears.
-</p>
-<p>
-When Sir Tristram was told of the custom, he said it was a right foul and
-shameful one. “But,” said he, “one advantage have I, that my lady is the
-fairest I ever saw, and I do not fear that for lack of beauty she will
-lose her head; and as for me, rather than lose my head, I will fight for
-it on a fair field.”
- </p>
-<p>
-On the morrow Sir Tristram got his horse and armour brought him, and was
-led with Isoude to an open place within the castle, where was a great
-assemblage to see what should take place. Then came Sir Brewnor with his
-lady all veiled, and said to Tristram: “If thy lady be fairer than mine,
-with thy sword smite off her head; and if my lady be fairer than thine, I
-will do the like by thy lady. And if I win thee, then shalt thou lose thy
-head.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Tristram, “this is a foul and horrible custom that you
-use. Rather than that my lady should lose her head, I would choose to lose
-mine own.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not so,” said Brewnor; “the ladies shall first be shown and judged.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I fear me that there are none here who will give rightful judgment,”
- quoth Tristram. “Howbeit, I doubt not that my lady is fairer than yours,
-and whoever may say the contrary, I will prove it upon his body.”
- Thereupon Sir Tristram unveiled La Beale Isoude, and turned her round
-thrice, so that all might see her, the while he held his naked sword in
-his other hand. Sir Brewnor did the like with his lady; but as soon as he
-had beheld Isoude, he thought he had never seen a fairer lady, and all the
-people that were present gave judgment that she was the fairer.
-</p>
-<p>
-“How now?” said Sir Tristram. “Because you and your lady have long used
-this wicked custom, and have caused the destruction of many good knights
-and ladies, it were no great damage to destroy you both.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Brewnor, “it is true that thy lady is fairer than mine; and
-if thou slay mine, I doubt not I shall slay thee, and so win thy lady.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou shalt win her dearer than ever lady was won,” answered Tristram;
-“and because of thine evil custom give me thy lady.” So he took the lady
-from him, and she bent her neck, and without more words he smote off her
-head.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well, knight,” said Brewnor, “thou hast done me a despite.” Then they
-took their horses, and ran together; and Sir Tristram unhorsed Sir
-Brewnor, who thereupon drew his sword, and thrust Sir Tristram’s horse
-through the shoulders, so that he fell dead to the earth. And Sir Brewnor
-strove to slay Tristram as the horse fell; but Tristram was too nimble for
-him, and got out his sword before the other could give him more than one
-or two strokes. So they fought a long time, for this Sir Brewnor was a
-proved and wily knight; but at last he was getting the worse, when he
-rushed on Sir Tristram and took him in his arms with intent to throw him
-on the ground, for he trusted much in his strength. But at that time
-Tristram was reckoned the strongest knight in the world, for he was
-stronger than even Sir Lancelot, though Lancelot was the better winded. He
-thrust Sir Brewnor on the earth, undid his helm, and struck off his head.
-</p>
-<p>
-Most of those that belonged to the castle came now and did homage to Sir
-Tristram, and asked him to abide there a little while; and he assented.
-But one of the knights of the castle rode to Sir Galahaut the high prince,
-Sir Brewnor’s son, who was near by with the King of the Hundred Knights,
-and told him what had happened. So they came forthwith to the castle with
-a great fellowship of knights. Sir Galahaut challenged Sir Tristram to
-fight, and they had a long tussle, but in the end Tristram got the better;
-and then all the knights fell fiercely upon him, so he yielded to Sir
-Galahaut, but told him that he had done unknightly to suffer his men to
-meddle. The King of the Hundred Knights would have had Sir Galahaut kill
-Sir Tristram because he had slain Sir Brewnor; but Sir Galahaut would not,
-and said he could not blame Sir Tristram, because of the shameful custom
-that his father had used. And when the King of the Hundred Knights heard
-what the custom was, he also said it was an evil one. Then Sir Tristram
-told his name and the errand he was on to Sir Galahaut, who set him at
-liberty on a pledge that as soon as he might he would go in fellowship
-with Sir Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-After that, Tristram brought La Beale Isoude to Cornwall, where she and
-King Marke were married with much ceremony; but ever she gave all her love
-to Sir Tristram. Now it befell that some of Queen Isoude’s ladies were
-jealous of Dame Bragwaine, who had come with her from Ireland, and they
-got some churls to set upon her while she was gathering herbs in a forest,
-and bind her to a tree. There she was three days, and then by chance Sir
-Palomides found her, and saved her from death, and took her to a nunnery
-near by to be recovered. Queen Isoude greatly loved Bragwaine, and much
-lamented her absence; and one day she was walking in the forest and
-lamenting, when Sir Palomides overheard her. So he came to her, and said,
-“Madam, if you will grant me a boon, I will undertake to bring you Dame
-Bragwaine safe and sound.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To hear this Isoude was so glad that, without thinking, she agreed to his
-offer; and straightway he went to the nunnery, and brought out Bragwaine
-to her. Then he reminded her of her promise; and she said, “Sir Palomides,
-I know not what your desire is, but though I promised you largely, I
-thought no ill, nor will I consent to any.” Palomides said he would make
-his request before her husband King Marke. Then Isoude went back to the
-court, and Palomides soon followed. He laid his case before the king, and
-told him what the queen had promised; and she had to confess that she had
-promised to give him any boon he might ask.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well, madam,” said the king, “if you were hasty to make such a bargain, I
-must still see that you hold to your word.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then,” said Palomides, “I will have the queen, to lead and govern her as
-I will.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this King Marke was dismayed; but he bethought him of Sir Tristram, and
-deemed that he would rescue her, so he answered hurriedly, “Take her with
-the adventures that may befall, for I suppose thou wilt not long keep
-her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“As for that,” said Palomides, “I dare well abide the adventure.” And he
-took Queen Isoude by the hand, and led her away. Anon King Marke sent for
-Sir Tristram; but he could not be found, for he was hunting in the forest.
-Then a knight of Sir Tristram’s named Sir Lambegus proffered to go and
-essay the rescue of the queen. He followed after Palomides, and challenged
-him, and they fought a strong battle; but at the last Sir Palomides smote
-down Sir Lambegus, so that he lay as if dead. But while they were
-fighting, the queen had run away into the forest. She came to a well, and
-was going to drown herself in it; but a knight named Sir Andret that had a
-castle thereby prevented her, and took her into his castle. When he knew
-what had happened, he armed him, and went out to seek Sir Palomides, to
-avenge the queen. So he met Palomides, who fought with him, wounded him
-well-nigh to death, and forced him to say where the queen was. So
-Palomides rode to the castle; but Isoude saw him coming, and caused all
-the gates to be shut fast. When Palomides found that he could not gain
-entrance, he put his horse to pasture, and sat down at the gate raging
-like a man that had lost his wits.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meanwhile, Sir Tristram had come home from hunting, and learned how
-Sir Palomides had taken away the queen. “Alas!” he cried, “this day am I
-shamed, for well I know that Sir Lambegus hath not might to withstand Sir
-Palomides.” He armed as quickly as he might, and followed after them. From
-Sir Andret, whom he found sore wounded, he learned all that had happened,
-and that Isoude was safe within his castle. So he thanked that knight
-much, and rode on till he came to the castle, and there he saw Palomides
-sleeping at the gate. So he sent Govemale to say that his mortal enemy,
-Tristram, was there. When Govemale had delivered that message, Sir
-Palomides arose without saying a word, took his horse and his spear, and
-ran at Sir Tristram, who smote him over his horse’s tail. Then they took
-to their swords, and both fought eagerly, for it was for the love of the
-same lady; and Isoude sat within, and watched them fight. But ever
-Palomides got the worse, and Queen Isoude said to herself, “Well, I know
-that by the end Sir Palomides will be but a dead knight, and because he is
-not yet christened I am loath that he should die a Saracen.” So she came
-out of the castle, and implored Sir Tristram to fight no more.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Madam,” he cried, “what mean you? Will you have me shamed? You know well
-I will be ruled by you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I wish not your dishonour,” answered the queen; “but I ask that for my
-sake you spare this unhappy Saracen Sir Palomides.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Madam,” said Tristram, “at your bidding I will leave fighting for this
-time.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“This,” she said to Palomides, “shall be your charge, that you quit this
-country while I am within it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will obey your bidding,” answered Palomides, “but sorely against my
-will.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Take then thy way to the court of King Arthur,” said the queen, “and
-commend me to Queen Guenever, and tell her I send her word that there are
-in this land but four true lovers—Lancelot du Lake and Guenever and
-Tristram and Isoude.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Sir Palomides departed sadly, and Sir Tristram took home the queen, who
-was joyfully received by King Marke. Then for a while Tristram was much
-honoured and cherished at court; but ere long the king grew very
-suspicious of his love for Queen Isoude; and one day, as they were talking
-in a window-place, he suddenly drew his sword, and ran at Tristram to take
-his life, calling him a false traitor. Tristram caught the sword from him,
-and smote him five or six times on the back with the flat of it, so that
-he fell on his face. Then he and his knights went into the forest, and
-waged such warfare against King Marke’s knights that the king was glad to
-make friendship with him again. So for a time all went smoothly; and the
-king held a jousting in the forest, to the which came Sir Lamoracke de
-Galis, who was one of the best knights of the world, and he did mightily,
-overthrowing thirty knights. Then King Marke asked Sir Tristram to joust
-with Sir Lamoracke. That he was loath to do, because, he said, both the
-knight and his horse were tired, and it would be shame to rob him of the
-worship he had gained. The king, however, required him to joust; so with
-no good will he rode forth. Sir Lamoracke met him mightily, but his horse
-was so wearied that with the force of their meeting it fell to the ground,
-Sir Lamoracke still keeping his seat in the saddle. Then Lamoracke was
-wroth, and required Sir Tristram to fight on foot; but Sir Tristram would
-not, and said he had only jousted with him because he was so commanded.
-But his refusal only made Sir Lamoracke the more angry, and he swore to be
-quits with Sir Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-Shortly afterward Sir Lamoracke met a knight of Morgan le Fay that was
-going to King Arthur’s court with a magic drinkinghorn that Morgan had
-contrived to shame Queen Guenever and Sir Lancelot; for it was of such
-kind that any wife who did not love her husband best could not drink from
-it without spilling. When Sir Lamoracke understood the virtue of the horn,
-he made the knight bear it to King Marke’s court to spite Sir Tristram.
-The king made his queen Isoude and a hundred ladies of his court drink
-from it, and very few of them drank clean. Then was the king angered, and
-swore that the queen and the ladies who had failed should be burned. But
-his barons plainly said they would not suffer it. Sir Tristram was wroth
-at Sir Lamoracke because he had sent the horn. And he had cause, for soon
-fresh quarrels arose between him and the king; and at the last he was
-driven from the country, and Queen Isoude shut in a close prison. Sir
-Tristram went to Brittany, and fought in the wars there, and had many
-adventures; but after a while he returned to Britain to seek Isoude. There
-he met Sir Lamoracke sitting by a well, and they had a great battle
-together; but neither could prevail, so they swore friendship together,
-and that neither of them should fight against the other. Then both of them
-chanced to meet Sir Palomides, who at that time had taken up the quest of
-following a strange and dreadful beast that was called the questing-beast.
-It had a head and neck like a serpent, a body like a leopard, and legs and
-feet like a deer, and the noise it made was like the cry or questing of
-thirty couples of hounds. It was while he was seeking this beast that Sir
-Palomides met Sir Lamoracke and Sir Tristram; and there with one spear he
-smote them both down; which shows that sometimes the worse knight may put
-the better knight to reproach.
-</p>
-<p>
-After that, Sir Tristram and Sir Lamoracke parted; and as Sir Tristram
-rode he fell in with Sir Kay, who asked him of what country he was come.
-Sir Tristram answered that he was a knight of Cornwall. “It may well be,”
- said Sir Kay, “for I never yet heard that any good knight came out of
-Cornwall.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is evil said,” quoth Tristram; “but if it please you to tell me your
-name, I require it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir, wit you well that I am Sir Kay the seneschal.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Is that your name?” said Tristram. “You are called the shamefullest
-knight of your tongue that is now living; howbeit it is said that you are
-a good knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-In a while there joined fellowship with them Sir Tor, the half-brother of
-Sir Lamorâcke, and Sir Brandiles. These two and Sir Kay spoke much shame
-of Cornish knights; and Sir Tristram sat by and said nothing, but he
-thought the more. In a while Sir Brandiles asked him to joust; and Sir
-Tristram smote him down, and afterwards served Sir Tor in the same manner.
-Then he rode on his way, and the three knights followed till they overtook
-him. He proffered them to joust; but they said they had had enough of
-that, and they required him to tell them his name. This he did, and they
-were right glad, and said that he ought to be a Knight of the Round Table,
-all the fellowship of which desired his company. Sir Tristram said he was
-not worthy to be of that fellowship; but they all said he was the knight
-of most power alive, except Sir Lancelot. After much conversation they
-parted.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now King Arthur had at this time fallen into the crafts of an enchantress
-named the Lady Annowre, that had brought him into a place called the
-Forest Perilous with intent to have his love; and when she could not get
-that, she sought to destroy him. But the Lady of the Lake, called Nimue,
-that was ever friendly, to King Arthur, came into the forest where Sir
-Tristram was, to seek him or Sir Lancelot, to rescue the king; for she
-knew that unless she got the aid of one or other of them he would be
-slain. As she rode she met Sir Tristram, and cried, “Oh, my lord Sir
-Tristram, well be we met, for within these two hours, unless you prevent
-it, will be done the foulest deed that ever was wrought in this land.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair damsel,” said Tristram, “can I amend it?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Come with me,” quoth she, “and make what haste you may; for you shall see
-the man of most worship in the world sorely bestead. It is none other than
-King Arthur himself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“God forbid that he should be in such peril,” said Sir Tristram. And they
-rode together at a great pace till they came to a castle, and at its base
-there was a knight fighting on foot against two others. Even as Sir
-Tristram came up, the two had smitten down the one knight, which was King
-Arthur, and were unlacing his helm to slay him, while the enchantress
-Annowre had got the king’s sword in her hand to have stricken off his
-head. Then Tristram cried out, “Traitress! traitress! leave that!” and he
-smote first one of the knights and then the other, so that they both fell
-dead. In the meanwhile the damsel of the Lake cried out to King Arthur,
-“Let not that untrue lady escape.” So King Arthur overtook her, and,
-having got his sword again, he smote off her head with it, and the damsel
-took it up, and hung it on her saddle-bow.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur again and rode with him. The king
-thanked him most heartily, and begged for his name; but Sir Tristram would
-not give it, saying only that he was a poor knight adventurer, and would
-bear the king company till he came to some of his own knights. In a little
-they met Sir Ector de Maris, and he, not knowing King Arthur or Sir
-Tristram, desired to joust with one of them. Sir Tristram rode to him and
-smote him off his horse. When he had done that, he said to King Arthur:
-“My lord, yonder is one of your own knights, so I will depart; but I trust
-you will believe that I shall always be ready to do you service.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas! good knight,” said King Arthur, “will you not tell me your name?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not at this time,” answered Tristram, and so departed.
-</p>
-<p>
-Soon after this, Sir Tristram found means to meet again with Queen Isoude—who
-had returned to her husband’s court—to the great joy of both of
-them. But by mishap Sir Tristram was led mistakenly to believe that Isoude
-had proved false to him, and he grieved so sorely that he went out of his
-mind, and ran wild in a wood among herdmen, where he remained a long time.
-And there he soused Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, in a well; and also
-slew a great giant named Taüleas and rescued a knight whom Taüleas had
-conquered. When King Marke heard of the wild man that did such deeds, he
-had him brought to his castle. There Sir Tristram came to his wits again;
-and when King Marke knew who it was, he would have had him put to death.
-But this the barons would not agree to, and so at last it was agreed that
-he should be banished from Cornwall for ten years. As he went to the ship
-there came to him a knight of King Arthur’s named Sir Dinadan, who had
-travelled to Cornwall to seek fellowship with him, and this knight asked
-leave to go with him. Sir Tristram assented, for Dinadan was a good
-knight, and ever full of mirth. Then he and Sir Dinadan went into the ship
-together, and Sir Tristram sent back a message of defiance to King Marke,
-that he would come again when he chose.
-</p>
-<p>
-After he and Sir Dinadan had landed in King Arthur’s realm, there came to
-them a damsel that was seeking good knights to defend Sir Lancelot against
-the treason of Morgan le Fay, who had ordained thirty knights to lie in
-wait for him. The damsel knew of this plot, and sought for knights to
-hinder it. When she told Sir Tristram, he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair damsel, bring me to the place where they are to meet Sir Lancelot.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Why!” cried Dinadan, “what will you do? It is not for us to fight with
-thirty knights. I am ready enough to deal with one or two, but to fight
-with fifteen will I never undertake.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fie for shame,” said Tristram; “surely you will do your part?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” answered Sir Dinadan, “I will meddle not. But if you will go, lend
-me your shield, for it bears Cornish arms, and yon knights of Cornwall
-have such a name for cowardice that you are forborne, so I shall be left
-in peace.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No,” said Tristram, “I will not part with my shield, for her sake that
-gave it me. But if you will not go with me, I swear that I will slay you;
-for I only ask of you to answer one knight, and if that be too much, then
-stand by and look on.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Dinadan, “I promise to do what I can to save myself, but I
-heartily wish I had never met with you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then were they aware of the thirty knights that passed by to lie in wait
-for Sir Lancelot. Sir Tristram cried out, “Lo! here is a knight against
-you for the love of Sir Lancelot;” and he slew two with his spear and ten
-with his sword. Thereafter came in Sir Dinadan, and he did passing well;
-and in the end, of the thirty knights there went but ten away, and they
-fled. So Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode on and sought lodging, and they
-came to a castle where it was the custom that any who wanted lodging must
-joust with two knights that dwelt there. Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan
-smote them both down, and then they went within and had good cheer. But
-just as they were about to take their rest, came Sir Palomides and Sir
-Gaheris requiring to have the custom of the castle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What is this?” said Sir Dinadan; “I would have my rest.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That may not be,” said Tristram. “We must needs defend the custom of the
-castle now that we have got the better of the lord of the castle, so you
-must even make you ready.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“In an evil hour came I into your company,” answered Dinadan, and with
-much grumbling he made him ready. When they encountered, Sir Tristram met
-Sir Gaheris and gave him a fall, but Sir Palomides unhorsed Sir Dinadan
-and bruised him much. Then they were for fighting on foot, and Sir
-Tristram was ready enough, but Sir Dinadan would not. “You fare like a
-madman,” said he to Tristram; “and I may curse the hour when I saw you.
-There are not in the world two knights that crave after fighting as do you
-and Sir Lancelot. Once I fell in his company, and he set me work that kept
-me in bed for a quarter of a year.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then will I fight them both,” said Tristram; but to this the others would
-not agree, so he encountered Sir Palomides alone, and in a while he drove
-Palomides backward, and then the two other knights parted them. After
-that, Sir Tristram desired that all four should lodge together; but
-Dinadan would stay no more in that place, and took his horse and harness
-and departed. The others followed, and found him in a priory, where they
-had good cheer.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the morning Sir Tristram rode forth; but Sir Dinadan was so bruised
-that he could not ride, and he remained behind. There was a knight at the
-priory named Sir Pellinore, and he desired to know Sir Tristram’s name;
-but he would not tell it. When Sir Tristram had departed, this knight said
-he would follow him, to make him tell his name. “Beware, Sir Knight,” said
-Dinadan; “for if you follow him, I warn you you will repent it.” The other
-took no heed, but went after Sir Tristram and required him to joust. Then
-Sir Tristram smote him down, and gave him a great wound in the shoulder.
-And so he went his way.
-</p>
-<p>
-About this time the King of Northgalis and King Carados of Scotland agreed
-to hold a tournament against each other at a great castle called the
-Castle of Maidens, and Sir Tristram bethought him to go to that
-tournament. On the way he met with Sir Gawaine, and they had many
-adventures together. The tournament lasted three days, and on each day Sir
-Tristram smote down so many knights that the prize was given to him. But
-on the third day Sir Lancelot, by misadventure, hurt Sir Tristram badly
-with a spear, and Sir Tristram left the field, because he would not be
-known by King Arthur. When his wound was healed, he rode forth again and
-encountered many knights; and at last he rescued Sir Palomides from a
-felon knight named Sir Breuse sans Pitie that had set upon him with a
-great fellowship. When Sir Tristram found who it was he had rescued, he
-appointed a day to meet Sir Palomides in mortal combat, because there was
-ever enmity between them on account of the love that both bore to Queen
-Isoude. A solemn compact was made that they should fight at the tomb of
-Sir Lanceor, the knight of Ireland that was slain long before by Balin le
-Savage. On the day set, Sir Tristram came to the tomb, and there was he
-aware of a seemly knight that came riding in white armour, with a covered
-shield. When he came near Sir Tristram he cried out, “You are welcome, Sir
-Knight, and well and truly have you kept your promise.” So they rode
-together with all their might, and both were overthrown. After that they
-fought on foot for more than four hours, and each dealt the other many
-sore strokes. At the last, the strange knight said, “Sir Knight, you fight
-wondrous well, as ever I saw knight; therefore I require you, if it please
-you, tell me your name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Tristram, who knew by this time that the stranger could not be Palomides—for
-he was too mighty—answered, “I am loath to tell thee my name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” answered the other, “when I am required I am never loath to tell
-any man my name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then,” quoth Tristram, “I require thee to tell me thy name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said he, “my name is Lancelot du Lake.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” cried Sir Tristram, “what have I done? You are the man in all the
-world that I most love.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair knight,” said Sir Lancelot, “tell me now thy name.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly, I am Sir Tristram de Lyons.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said Lancelot, “what an adventure hath befallen me.” So they both
-sat on the stone, took off their helms, and kissed each other, and they
-had great joy at their meeting. And so was the prediction of Merlin
-fulfilled, that at that tomb the two best knights of the world should do
-battle.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Lancelot conducted Sir Tristram to Gamelot, where King Arthur, who had
-long desired him, and all the Knights of the Round Table, received him
-with the greatest honour. And forthwith he was made Knight of the Round
-Table, and the seat that was given him was that of Sir Marhaus, whom he
-himself had slain. So he abode a while at King Arthur’s court, and then
-again he went into Cornwall for the love of Queen Isoude, and after many
-hardships and perils he brought her with him to England. There they fell
-in with Sir Lancelot, who took them to his castle of Joyous Gard, and put
-it in their governance as if it had been their own. So they lived at
-Joyous Gard very happily together; and there for the present we will leave
-them.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XI. GERAINT AND ENID.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>NE Whitsuntide King Arthur held his court at Caerleon upon Usk, and he
-had with him Queen Guenever and most of his knights. While he was holding
-high feast in his hall, there came to him one of his foresters from the
-Forest of Dean, and reported to him that he had seen there a white stag of
-wondrous size and beauty. King Arthur resolved to hunt that stag on the
-following day; and Queen Guenever craved leave to ride with him and see
-the chase, which Arthur granted her with a good will. But on the morrow
-the king and his huntsmen rose full early, and the queen overslept
-herself, so when she awoke they were all gone. She took her horse as soon
-as she might, and rode forth with her maidens to follow the hunt.
-Presently there met her a good knight of the court, Sir Geraint, the son
-of Erbin, who was lord of the country of Devon. While they held converse
-together, they saw a dwarf riding along on a great horse, and behind him a
-knight and a lady riding together. The knight was fully armed, and seemed
-to be a man of much prowess.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Geraint,” said the queen, “knowest thou the name of that knight?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I know him not,” answered Geraint; “and because of his helm I cannot see
-his face.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the queen bade one of her maidens go and ask the dwarf who the knight
-was. She obeyed; but when she asked the dwarf he would not tell her.
-“Since,” she said, “thou art so churlish, I will go and ask him myself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou shalt not ask him, by my faith,” said he.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Wherefore?” asked the maiden.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Because thou art not of honour sufficient to befit thee to speak to my
-lord.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the maiden turned her horse’s head towards the knight, upon which the
-dwarf struck her across the face with a whip that he carried in his hand,
-so that the blood flowed forth, and the maiden returned to Guenever
-complaining of the hurt she had received.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Very rudely has the dwarf treated thee,” said Geraint. “I will myself go
-to ask who the knight is.” So he went to the dwarf, who, however, said and
-did to him as he had done to the damsel Very wroth was Geraint, and he put
-his hand to his sword; but he considered that it would be no vengeance to
-him to slay the dwarf and be attacked unarmed by the armed knight, so he
-returned to the queen, who said he had acted wisely and discreetly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Madam,” said Geraint, “I will follow them yet; and in time they will come
-to some inhabited place where I may get arms, so that I can encounter the
-knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To this the queen assented, but cautioned him not to attack the knight
-until he got arms; and she said she should be anxious concerning him till
-she got good news of him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“If I am alive,” quoth Geraint, “by to-morrow afternoon, madam, you shall
-hear tidings of me;” and so he departed, and followed the knight, the
-lady, and the dwarf. They rode past Caerleon, and over the ford of the
-Usk, and then went up a lofty ridge of ground till they came to the top of
-it. There stood a fair town, and on the other side of it a great castle.
-As the knight passed through the town all the people in it saluted him and
-the lady. The three rode on and went into the castle, where Geraint saw
-many people welcome them. He himself looked into every house in the town,
-to see if there were any that he knew, from whom he might borrow a suit of
-armour; but he had never seen any of the people before. Every house he saw
-was full of men and arms and horses; and the people were polishing
-shields, and burnishing swords, and washing armour, and shoeing horses.
-</p>
-<p>
-Geraint looked about him, to see where he should lodge, and he perceived
-at a little distance from the town an old palace that once had been full
-nobble, but now was falling into decay. He went toward it, and found that
-it was approached by a bridge of marble. On the bridge he saw sitting an
-old man, clad in poor and tattered garments. Upon him Geraint gazed
-steadfastly for a long time.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Young man,” said he, “wherefore art thou thoughtful?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am thoughtful,” answered Geraint, “because I know not where to go
-to-night.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Wilt thou abide with me?” said the old man, “and thou shalt have of the
-best that I can give thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So he led the way into the hall, and Geraint followed him. In the hall
-Geraint dismounted and left his horse, and his host took him into an upper
-chamber where were two women. One was old and decrepit, but it seemed to
-Geraint that when she was young she must have been exceedingly fair. The
-other was a young damsel, and he thought he had never seen a maiden more
-full of comeliness, grace, and beauty than she. But both of the women were
-attired in old and worn-out garments. The old man bade the girl attend to
-their guest; and she disarrayed him, and then unsaddled his horse and gave
-it straw and com. After that the old man bade her go to the town and bring
-the best she could find, both of food and liquor. While she was away, the
-old people conversed pleasantly with Geraint. In a while she returned,
-bringing with her a youth who bore a flagon of mead and the quarter of a
-young bullock. In her hands and in her veil she carried a quantity of
-bread “I could not obtain better than this,” she said, “nor with better
-would I have been trusted.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Surely it is good enough,” said Geraint. So the food was made ready, and
-Geraint and the old people sat down to the table, while the maiden waited
-upon them.
-</p>
-<p>
-When they had finished eating, Geraint talked with the old man, and asked
-him to whom the palace belonged “Truly,” answered the other, “it was I
-that built it, and to me also belonged the town and the castle you have
-seen.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said Geraint, “how comes it that you have lost them?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I lost a great earldom as well as these,” answered the other, “and it was
-in this wise. I had a nephew, the son of my brother, and I took his
-possessions to myself; and when he came to his strength he demanded his
-property of me, but I withheld it from him. Thereupon he waged war against
-me, and took from me all that I possessed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Good sir,” said Geraint, “will you tell me wherefore came the knight,
-lady, and dwarf that I just now saw go into the castle; and also why there
-is such preparation and furbishing of arms going forward in the town?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“The preparations,” answered the old earl, whose name was Uniel, “are for
-a tournament that is to be held to-morrow by the young earl, my nephew. In
-a meadow hard by will be hung a silver sparrow-hawk on a silver rod, and
-that is the prize. Any man may joust for it if he have with him the lady
-that he loves the best. The knight you saw has won the sparrow-hawk these
-two years, and if he win it to-morrow it will then be sent to him every
-year, and he will no more come-for it himself; but he will thenceforth be
-called the Knight of the Sparrow-Hawk.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Geraint told Earl Uniel of the quest he was on, and of the insult
-which the knight’s dwarf had given to him and to Queen Guenever; and he
-asked what it were best for him to do.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It is not easy to counsel thee,” said the earl, “because thou hast
-neither dame nor maiden with thee for whom thou couldst joust. Yet have I
-arms here which thou mightst have.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah, sir.” said Geraint, “may Heaven reward you! And if you will permit me
-to-morrow to challenge for this fair maiden your daughter, I will engage,
-if I come alive from the tournament, to love her ever after; and if I do
-not escape she will be nothing the worse.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To this the old earl gladly assented; nor was the maiden sorry, for
-Geraint was a right comely and noble man, and was ever courteous to
-ladies. So the next morning they all went forth to the meadow. And the
-knight that had previously won the sparrow-hawk came forth with great
-pride, because he deemed that none would, dare to encounter him. He bade
-his lady to take the sparrow-hawk, because she was the fairest, and if any
-denied her, by force would he defend it for her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Touch it not,” said Geraint; “for there is here a maiden who is fairer,
-and more noble, and more comely, and has a better claim to it than thou
-hast.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then said the knight scornfully, “If thou maintainest the sparrow-hawk to
-be due to thy lady, come forward and do battle for it with me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Geraint came forward accordingly. He and his horse were arrayed in the
-Earl Uniers old armour, which was heavy and rusty, and of uncouth shape;
-so that few thought he would be likely to keep his ground against that
-strong knight. Then three or four times the two ran together and broke
-their spears on each other without doing any hurt. Then said the old earl
-to Geraint, “O knight, since no other lance will hold, here is the good
-spear which I took in my hand on the day when first I was knighted, and a
-better never held I in my hand.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Geraint thanked him and took the spear. Then the dwarf also brought a
-lance to his lord, and said, “Bethink thee that no knight has ever
-withstood thee so long as this one.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I vow by Our Lady,” quoth Geraint, “that if I be not slain and this spear
-hold, he shall fare none the better for thy service.” So again they rushed
-together, and this time Geraint by pure might broke the other knight’s
-shield in twain and burst his saddle-girths, so that he fell back to the
-ground. Then quickly Geraint dismounted and drew his sword, and the other
-knight also rose and pulled out his sword; and they fought fiercely on
-foot, striking each other such heavy blows that the fire flashed like
-stars from their armour, and their vision was obscured with blood and
-sweat. After a while the stranger knight seemed as though he would
-prevail, at which the young earl and all his party rejoiced; but Earl
-Uniel and his wife and the maiden were heavy of heart. So Earl Uniel went
-near to Geraint and cried, “O knight, bethink thee of the insult that thou
-and Queen Guenever had from the dwarf.” At that Geraint put forth all his
-might, and struck his enemy so mightily on the helm that it broke, and the
-sword cut through to the skull.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the knight fell on his knees, yielded, and craved mercy of Geraint.
-“I will grant thee grace,” answered Geraint, “on one condition—that
-thou go to King Arthur’s court and make amends to Queen Guenever for the
-insult that was offered her by thy dwarf. As for the insult he gave to me,
-for that I have myself taken amends.” The knight promised to obey; and in
-reply to Geraint he said his name was Edeym, the son of Nudd. So he got on
-his horse and rode sadly toward Caerleon, and his lady and dwarf went with
-him.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meantime the young earl came and greeted Geraint, and asked him to
-come to his castle; but Geraint said he would lodge that night where he
-had lodged before, and so returned with Earl Uniel and his wife and
-daughter to the old palace. But the young earl sent thither a great many
-servants, who put the house in order, and brought large store of
-provision, and set out the feast in the great hall. Also they brought fine
-garments for Uniel and the two women; but Geraint entreated that the
-maiden should wear no other array than the old worn vest and veil in which
-he had seen her first. Then a great company sat down to the feast, and in
-the highest places were Geraint, the young earl, the old earl, his wife,
-and the maiden, who was called Enid. So they feasted, and afterwards they
-talked together. Geraint said plainly that if he lived Earl Uniel should
-not be long without his possessions.
-</p>
-<p>
-“As to that,” answered the young earl, “it is not my fault that he lost
-them; and with regard to the disagreement between us, I will gladly abide
-by thy decision, and agree to what thou judgest right.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I but ask thee,” said Geraint, “to restore to him what was his.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This the young earl did, and Uniel received back his town and castle and
-all that he had lost. Then said he to Geraint, “O knight, here is the
-maiden for whom thou didst challenge at the tournament. Well hast thou won
-her, and I gladly give her to thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“She shall go with me,” said Geraint, “to the court of King Arthur; and
-she shall wear still the raiment in which I first saw her, till for my
-sake Queen Guenever arrays her in richer garments.” And he looked on Enid
-with joy, for his heart was full of love toward her. The next day,
-accordingly, Geraint and Enid rode forth toward Caerleon.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meantime King Arthur had killed the white stag he hunted; and at
-the queen’s wish he agreed not to decide to whom its head should be given
-till Geraint returned from the quest he was on, because if he were
-successful the queen wished that some mark of honour should be bestowed
-upon him. So the next day Guenever caused a watch to be set on the
-battlements of the palace to tell when Geraint might appear. A little
-after mid-day, the porter who was without came and informed the queen that
-at the gate was a knight who said his errand was to her; that his armour
-was all broken and blood-stained, and his whole aspect pitiful.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Knowest thou his name?” asked the queen.
-</p>
-<p>
-“He says,” answered the porter, “that his name is Edeym, the son of Nudd.”
- So the knight was brought in, and Guenever saw that it was the knight whom
-Geraint had followed; and she could not but pity him, even although the
-churlish dwarf was with him. So he told Guenever all that had befallen
-him, and what Geraint had done; and it was settled that he should be put
-in charge of the leeches, and, when he was recovered, should give such
-satisfaction to the queen as the Knights of the Round Table might judge
-fitting. The next day Geraint came to Caerleon with Enid, and both of them
-were nobly received. Queen Guenever attired the maiden in some of her own
-rich raiment, and then all said that they had never seen any one who was
-more beautiful. Before long she and Geraint were wedded, and Geraint abode
-with her at the court, and won great honour in joustings and in the hunt.
-</p>
-<p>
-But after three years Erbin, because he was grown old and feeble, sent for
-his son to take charge of his territories. King Arthur was loath to let
-him go, and Guenever was sorry to part with Enid; but inasmuch as the
-parting was unavoidable, they sent them away with a noble following of
-knights and ladies. So Geraint went into Devon, and ruled in his father’s
-place. He governed the country well and wisely, and at tournaments there
-was no knight of that country strong enough to withstand him. But after a
-while he grew to love Enid so much that he neglected knightly sports, and
-spent all his time with her in the palace; and in this way he began to
-lose the love of his people, and his fame was no longer great in the land.
-This became known to Enid, and she sorrowed much on account of it. One
-morning in summer they were lying on the couch in their chamber, and Enid
-was awake, but Geraint slept. The clothing had fallen off his arms and
-breast, and as she gazed on him she exclaimed, “Alas! and am I the cause
-that these arms and this breast have lost their glory and the warlike fame
-which once they so richly enjoyed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-As she spoke thus, the tears dropped from her eyes and fell on her
-husband’s breast, so that he awoke; and hearing her words imperfectly, the
-thought entered his mind that she loved some other man more than him, and
-wished for other society. So Geraint was sore troubled, and he sprang
-quickly from his couch, and calling his squire, bade him get ready his
-horse and arms. “And do thou arise,” he said sternly to Enid, “and apparel
-thyself in the worst riding-dress thou hast in thy possession, and cause
-thy horse to be got ready. Evil betide me if we return here till thou
-knowest whether I have lost my strength so completely as thou didst say.
-If that be so, then will it be easy for thee to seek the society of him
-whom thou desirest.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Enid arose, and clothed herself in her meanest garments; but she said, “My
-lord, I know nothing of your meaning.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Neither will you know at this time,” he answered roughly. Then Geraint
-went to Erbin, and told him he was going on a quest, and it was uncertain
-when he would return. After that he rode forth with Enid, and charged her
-to ride before him, and, whatever she might hear or see, not to turn back,
-or to speak to him unless he spoke first to her. And he chose a road that
-was wild and beset by thieves and robbers. In a while they came to a great
-forest; and Enid saw four armed horsemen lying in wait, of whom one said
-to the others, “Here is a good opportunity for us to capture this lady and
-the horses and armour; for we can easily master yonder knight, who hangs
-his head so heavily.” When Enid heard this, she knew not what to do, for
-Geraint had charged her not to speak to him. “Yet,” she said to herself,
-“I would rather have my death from his hand than from that of any other;
-and though he slay me, yet will I speak to him, lest I endure the misery
-of seeing him slain.” So she waited for Geraint till he came near.
-</p>
-<p>
-“My lord,” she said kindly, “did you hear the words of those men
-concerning you?”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he raised his eyes, and looked at her angrily.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Did I not bid thee hold thy peace?” he said. “I only wished for silence,
-not for warning. And thou—thou shouldst desire to see me slain by
-these men; yet do I feel no dread.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the foremost of the robbers couched his spear, and rushed at Geraint,
-who received the stroke on his shield, and thrust his own lance through
-the other’s body. And so he served the other three. After that he
-dismounted, took the arms of the dead men, fastened them on their saddles,
-and tied all the bridles of the horses together. Then he bade Enid ride
-before, and drive the horses; and again he forbade her to speak to him
-unless he first spoke to her. In that manner they went through the forest,
-and then came out on a vast plain, across which Enid saw three armed
-knights coming toward them; and she heard them say that it would be easy
-to take all that spoil from one dolorous knight. Again was she terrified
-for Geraint, because she thought he was wearied with his former combat; so
-she warned him of the purpose of the three knights.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I declare to Heaven,” he said, “that all they can do is less grievous to
-me than that thou wilt not be silent as I bid thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My lord,” she answered meekly, “I feared lest they should surprise thee
-unawares.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Hold thy peace, then,” replied Geraint. “Do not I desire silence?”
- </p>
-<p>
-Straightway the three knights attacked Geraint, but they fared no better
-than the others had done before; for he slew them all, and added their
-arms and horses to the other spoil which was in Enid’s charge. Yet again,
-when they were nearly across the plain, did Enid break silence to warn her
-lord of five horsemen who were preparing to attack him; and he was
-exceedingly wrathful, and rebuked her sorely. But he slew all the five
-robbers, and added their arms and horsey to the others. Then they rode
-toward a wood, there to pass the night, and even in his anger Geraint was
-troubled at heart to see so fair and tender a woman as Enid toiling to
-guide so many horses. In the wood Geraint slept all night; but he bade
-Enid watch, and she obeyed him.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the morning they came to a fair city, and there Geraint hired a
-lodging, and had all his horses stabled. He commanded Enid to sit on the
-side of the chamber opposite to where he sat. Then both of them slept; and
-when they awoke, the earl to whom the city belonged, and who had been told
-of the arrival of this stranger knight with a passing fair lady and many
-horses and much spoil, came to visit Geraint, bringing with him twelve
-knights; and his name was the Earl Doorm. He asked Geraint the object of
-his journey. “I have none,” said he, “but to seek adventures and follow my
-own inclination.” Then the earl saw Enid where she sat apart, and he
-thought he had never seen so comely a maiden as she. So he said to
-Geraint, “Have I thy permission to go and converse with yonder maiden?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou hast it gladly,” he answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the earl went to her, and said, “Fair maiden, it cannot be pleasant
-to thee to travel thus with yonder knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is not unpleasant to me to journey with him,” she answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will give thee good counsel,” he said; for her beauty inflamed him
-exceedingly. “All my earldom shall be at thy disposal if thou wilt dwell
-with me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I not,” she replied. “Am I to be faithless to my lord?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou art foolish,” quoth he. “If I slay thy lord, I can take thee with me
-in thine own despite, and turn thee away when I please. But if thou wilt
-go with me of thine own goodwill, I swear that I will remain true to thee
-as long as I may live.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Enid took counsel with herself how she might save her lord. So she
-said to the earl, “Then must you, to save me from any needless shame,
-come, here to-morrow, and take me away as though I knew nothing of the
-matter.”
- </p>
-<p>
-To that he assented gladly, and went away. She and Geraint retired early,
-but about midnight she woke him and told him all that had passed between
-herself and Earl Doorm, and said it would be well that they should flee.
-He was wroth with her for speaking, but did as she advised; and in payment
-to his host gave him all the horses and armour he had taken from the
-robbers, asking only of the man that he should guide them out of the town
-by a different way from that by which they had entered. To this the man
-agreed readily; but when he returned, he found Earl Doorm at his house
-with many knights. The earl was wrathful to find that Geraint and Enid
-were gone, and rode hard after them with his knights. Enid was uneasy as
-she rode along, and ever she looked behind her. Some time after dawn she
-saw a great cloud of dust behind them, that came nearer, and in a while
-she perceived a knight coming through the mist. So she could not refrain
-from warning Geraint, who was wrathful, and reproached her because she
-would not keep silence in obedience to his orders. However, he turned his
-horse, and every knight that came up he overthrew. The earl assailed him
-the last, and they fought long together; but Geraint compelled him to sue
-for mercy, the which he granted him.
-</p>
-<p>
-So Geraint and Enid pursued their journey till they came to a passing fair
-valley, with a river running through it. Over the river was a bridge, and
-on the other side a walled town. As they rode, they met a knight, and
-Geraint asked him to whom the valley and town belonged. He answered that
-they were in the hands of a perilous knight that was called the Little
-King.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Can I go by yonder bridge and the highway that runs past the town?” asked
-Geraint.
-</p>
-<p>
-“You cannot go that way,” answered the knight, “unless you intend to
-combat with the Little King; for it is his custom to combat with every
-knight that comes upon his lands.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nevertheless,” said Geraint, “I shall pursue my journey that way.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“If you do,” said the knight, “you will probably meet with shame and
-disgrace in reward for your daring.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Geraint rode on over the bridge, and Enid with him. And on the other
-side he saw a knight, that was very small of stature, mounted on a great
-war-horse.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Tell me, knight,” said he, “whether it is through ignorance or
-presumption that you seek to insult my dignity and infringe my rules? Come
-with me now to my court, and give me satisfaction.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I not,” answered Geraint.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Then will I have satisfaction, or receive my overthrow at thy hands,”
- returned the Little King. So they fought together a long time on their
-horses, and it was exceedingly difficult for Geraint to strike the Little
-King, because he was so small of stature; but at the last he threw him
-headlong on the ground. Then they encountered on foot, and each gave the
-other painful wounds. At length Geraint grew enraged, and struck the other
-so fierce a blow that it shattered his helmet and wounded him on the head,
-even to the bone. Then the Little King dropped his sword, and entreated
-for mercy; which Geraint granted on condition that the Little King should
-always be his ally, and engage to come to his assistance if ever it were
-needed. To this the Little King pledged himself: and then he begged
-Geraint to come with him to his court, so that he might recover from his
-fatigue; but to this Geraint would not assent for all his entreaty, and
-insisted on continuing his journey, wounded as he was.
-</p>
-<p>
-The heat of the sun was very great, and so when Geraint and Enid had
-ridden a little further, his wounds began to pain him more than they had
-done at first, and to escape the sun’s rays he went into a wood and stood
-under a tree. Enid followed after, and stood under another tree. Suddenly
-they heard a great noise, the reason of which was that King Arthur and
-many knights and ladies of his court were come into the wood. A foot-page
-of Sir Kay the seneschal saw the knight and lady standing silent under the
-trees, and he hastened to tell his master, who took his spear and shield,
-and rode to where Geraint was.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, knight,” said Sir Kay, “what dost thou here?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am standing under a tree to avoid the rays of the sun.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Wherefore is thy journey, and who art thou?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I seek adventures, and go where I list.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Indeed,” quoth Kay. “Then come with me to King Arthur, who is near at
-hand.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I not,” answered Geraint curtly. He knew Sir Kay well, but Sir
-Kay knew him not.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Thou must needs come,” said Kay; and therewith he couched his spear and
-attacked Geraint, who, becoming angry, smote him with the shaft of his
-lance, and rolled him headlong on the ground. Sir Kay got on his feet
-again as well as he could, and rode back to the tents, where he met Sir
-Gawaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“There is yonder in the wood,” said he, “a wounded knight, with battered
-armour. Will you go and ascertain who he is?”
- </p>
-<p>
-Gawaine assented, but Kay warned him to take his spear and armour, because
-the knight was not over courteous. This Gawaine did, and then he went to
-Geraint, and asked him who he was, and whether he would go with him to
-King Arthur; but Geraint would not tell his name, and refused to go to the
-king. “I will not leave thee,” said Gawaine, “till I know who thou art.”
- Then he charged Geraint with his spear, and it splintered on his shield,
-and their horses stood front to front. Gawaine gazed fixedly at the other,
-and saw who he was.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, Geraint,” he cried, “art thou here?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am not Geraint,” said the knight, who, what with the pain of his wounds
-and the agony of his mind, divided between jealousy of Enid and sorrow and
-love, was well-nigh out of his wits.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Geraint thou art, I know well,” answered Gawaine, “and a wretched and
-insane expedition is this.” Then he looked round, and saw Enid, and
-welcomed her gladly. Again he entreated Geraint to come to the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I will not,” he answered; “for I am not in a fit state to see any one.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Gawaine contrived that King Arthur should be brought to the place; and
-when he came, he commanded that Geraint should not be allowed to go forth
-till he was healed, and committed him to the charge of his physicians. A
-whole month they abode in that place; and Queen Guenever took charge of
-Enid, and tended her lovingly. But ever Enid was sorrowful, for still she
-knew not why her lord had so utterly changed to her; and as for him,
-though his body was healed, he remained sad and silent.
-</p>
-<p>
-At last Geraint went to the king, saying that he was whole, and asked
-leave again to go forth, which Arthur unwillingly granted. So he and Enid
-once more set out, and Geraint desired her to ride before him, as she had
-formerly done. As they journeyed along the road, they heard loud wailing;
-and there, in an open glade of the wood, they saw a lady, young and fair,
-standing by a dead knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What hath befallen thee, lady?” asked Geraint.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” she answered weeping, “I was journeying here with my beloved
-husband, when there came upon us three giants, and without any provocation
-they slew him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Which way went they hence?” said Geraint. She pointed out the way, and he
-bade Enid stay with the lady, and rode after the giants. Presently he
-overtook them. Each was as great in stature as three men, and carried in
-his hand a huge club. Geraint rushed upon them, and thrust his lance
-through the body of one, then drew it forth and slew another in the same
-way. But the third turned upon him, and struck him with his dub, so that
-the blow crushed his shoulder, and opened all his wounds anew. Then
-Geraint drew his sword, and smote the giant so fiercely on the crown of
-the head that it was split down to his shoulders, and he fell dead in that
-place. So Geraint left him thus, and returned to Enid; and as soon as he
-came to her he sank down at her feet as though he were dead. Then Enid
-uttered a cry, piercing and loud and thrilling; and it chanced that a wild
-earl called Limours, with a great company, was travelling on the highroad,
-and he heard the cry, and turned aside to see what was the cause of it.
-The earl said to Enid, “Fair lady, what hath befallen thee?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” she answered, “the only man I ever loved, or shall love, is
-slain.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he asked the other the cause of her grief.
-</p>
-<p>
-“They have slain my dear husband also.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Who was it that slew them?” asked the earl.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Some giants,” she answered, “slew my best beloved; and the other knight
-went in pursuit of them, and came back as thou seest.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The earl caused the dead knight to be buried; but it seemed to him that
-there was still some life left in Geraint, so he had him carried along on
-a shield. And the two women followed. When they came to the earl’s
-mansion, Geraint was placed on a couch in the hall, and Enid sat by his
-side. The earl and his companions changed their travelling dress; and he
-came and asked Enid to do likewise, but she refused.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do not be sorrowful for this matter,” said he, “and take no heed whether
-yonder knight live or die. Behold, a good earldom, together with myself,
-will I bestow upon thee. Be therefore happy and joyful.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I shall never henceforth be happy while I live,” said Enid.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Come, then, and eat,” quoth the earl.
-</p>
-<p>
-“No, I will not,” she answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By our Lady thou shalt,” he cried, and forced her to come to the table,
-where he many times bade her eat. Then said Enid, “I call all here to
-witness that I will not eat till he that is on yonder couch eateth
-likewise.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou canst not fulfil that pledge,” said the earl, “for the man is
-already dead.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Still will I abide by what I have said.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then he offered her a goblet of wine, and bade her drink, and then she
-would change her mind.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Evil betide me,” she replied, “if I drink aught till he drink also.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the earl grew angry. “Truly,” said he, “it is of no more avail for me
-to be gentle with thee than ungentle;” and, un-knightly, he struck her
-with his hand on the face. And Enid raised an exceedingly loud and bitter
-cry;—not so much, indeed, because of the pain of the blow, as
-because it reminded her more strongly of the calamity that had befallen
-her, since she felt that if Geraint had been alive no man dared have
-smitten her. But all at once, at the sound of her cry, Geraint rose up
-from the couch. His sword was still in his hand as it had been when he
-swooned, and with it he rushed to the earl, and gave him so stern a blow
-that it clove him in twain till the sword was stayed by the table.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then, at the sight of that terrible stroke, all who were there fled away
-with loud outcries. Geraint was sore grieved when he looked upon Enid, for
-her face was pale, and she wept bitterly.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Lady,” said he, “knowest thou where our horses are?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I know where thy horse is, my lord,” she answered, “but I know not where
-the other may be.” She showed him where his horse was, and he mounted, and
-took up Enid and placed her before him, and so they rode forth. Presently
-something was heard like the sound of a host approaching, and Geraint put
-Enid on the other side of a hedge by the wayside, and made him ready.
-Immediately a knight rode forward and couched his lance. Then Enid could
-not restrain herself, but sprang to her feet, and cried. “O knight!
-whoever thou art, what renown wilt thou gain by slaying one that is
-already well-nigh dead?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“O Heaven!” cried he, “is it Geraint?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Yes, in truth,” she answered; “and who art thou?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I am the Little King. I heard you were in trouble, and was coming to your
-assistance.—And if thou, Geraint, had followed my advice, none of
-these hardships would have befallen thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nothing can happen,” said Geraint, “without the will of Heaven, though
-much good results from counsel.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So he and Enid went with the Little King to the house of a baron that was
-the son of his sister, and there Geraint abode till he was perfectly well.
-After that, the Little King said to Geraint, “Now will we go to my court,
-to rest and amuse ourselves.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“No,” said Geraint; “I will journey first for one day more and return
-again.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So they set forth together, and presently came to a place where the road
-divided into two. There they met a man walking on foot, and the Little
-King asked him which was the best road to follow. “This,” said he,
-pointing to the one by which he had come, “is the best to follow; for if
-you go by the other you will never return. It leads to a hedge of mist,
-within which are enchanted games, and no one who has gone thither has ever
-come back. The court of the Earl Owain is there, and he permits no one to
-lodge in the town except he will go to his court.”
- </p>
-<p>
-But Geraint said they would go by that road; and they travelled till they
-came to the town, whence the Earl Owain sent for them to his court,
-whither they went willingly; and when Geraint said he wished to go to the
-games, the earl assented. After they had eaten, Geraint took his arms and
-his horse and rode forth, the earl and all the company going with him.
-When they came to the hedge of mist, it was so high that no one could see
-the top. “Which way may I enter?” asked Geraint.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I know not,” answered Owain, “but enter by the way that seems easiest.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then fearlessly Geraint dashed through the mist; and beyond it he found a
-fair orchard, within which was a pavilion of red satin. In front of it was
-a great apple tree, to one branch of which hung a hunting-horn. Geraint
-dismounted, and entered the tent. Within there was only a maiden, sitting
-in a golden chair; and opposite to her was another like chair that was
-empty. Geraint went and sat down in it.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, knight,” said the maiden, “I would not counsel thee to sit in that
-chair.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Wherefore?” said Geraint.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Because he to whom it belongs has never suffered another to sit in it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I care not,” answered Geraint, “though it displease him that I sit in the
-chair.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Thereupon there arose a mighty tumult about the pavilion; and Geraint
-looked to see what was the cause of it, and he saw a great knight, fully
-armed, mounted on a mettlesome war-horse.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Tell me, knight,” said he, “who was it bade thee sit on that chair?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Myself,” quoth Geraint.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It was wrong of thee,” said the other, “to do me this shame and
-insolence. Arise now, and give me satisfaction.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Geraint went forth, mounted his horse, and encountered him. Again and
-again they rushed at each other and broke spears; but at last Geraint cast
-him on the ground, a whole spear’s length beyond his horse’s crupper.
-Thereupon he sued for mercy, and promised to grant all that Geraint asked.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I only desire,” he answered, “that this enchantment shall cease.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sound yonder horn,” said the knight, “and the hedge of mist will
-immediately disappear; but it will not go hence unless the horn be sounded
-by the knight by whom I have been vanquished.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Geraint went and sounded the horn, and at the first blast the hedge
-of mist vanished; and there Geraint was visible to Enid, who had been
-sorrowful with anxiety concerning him, and to all the others. So on the
-morrow Geraint returned with his wife to his own dominions. All the
-distrust and grief between them had gone like the hedge of mist, because
-he had proved her to be faithful and loving to him beyond all women.
-Thenceforth he reigned prosperously, and his warlike fame and splendour
-lasted thereafter as long as he lived.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XII. SIR EWAINE AND THE ADVENTURE OF THE FOUNTAIN.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span>NE time, as King Arthur was at Caerleon, it befell that though, because
-it was not the time of any high festival, most of the Knights of the Round
-Table were absent seeking adventures, yet there were in the palace Sir
-Kay, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Ewaine his cousin, the son of Morgan le Fay,
-and Sir Konon, a good knight of the kings household, and some other
-knights. They were sitting one night about the fire in Sir Kay’s chamber
-relating adventures; and Sir Konon told a marvellous story, how, some time
-before, he had found his way to a strange fountain—seeing many
-wonderful sights by the road—and had there been overthrown by a
-knight in black armour. To this story Ewaine especially listened with
-close attention, and when it was ended he asked Sir Konon which way he had
-taken to go to the fountain. Konon described it to him; and the next day
-Ewaine took his horse and armour and a great spear in his hand, and rode
-forth determined to pursue the adventure.
-</p>
-<p>
-In a while he came to a beautiful valley, with green meadows on either
-side and a river in the midst. By the side of the river was a path, and
-Sir Ewaine followed this path till evening. Then he came to an immense and
-stately castle, the largest he had ever seen; and in front of it were two
-fair youths, with yellow curling hair, and wearing garments of yellow
-satin, shooting with bows made of ivory and arrows of whalebone, pointed
-with gold. Standing by was a stately knight, richly dressed. Ewaine
-advanced and saluted him; and he courteously returned the greeting, and
-led him into the castle. There, in a splendid hall, were four and twenty
-damsels working at embroidery and tapestry, and they were the fairest
-women Ewaine had ever beheld. As soon as the lord and his guest entered,
-six of the damsels advanced and took charge of Ewaine’s horse; six others
-relieved him of his armour, which they proceeded to clean; the third six
-prepared a banquet; while the others brought to the guest rich attire in
-place of his travel-soiled garments. Then all sat down to the banquet,
-which was the most splendid that Ewaine had ever partaken of. After they
-had eaten, the knight informed the lord of the castle that he had come to
-achieve the adventure of a certain wonderful fountain, where was a knight
-in black armour. The lord smiled, and said that the quest would not end to
-his advantage; but as Sir Ewaine persisted, he said:—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sleep here to-night, and to-morrow rise early, and take the road upward
-through the valley till you come to a wood. A little way within the wood
-you will find a road branching off to the right; and this you must follow
-till you come to a great glade with a mound in the centre. On the top of
-the mound you will see a black man of great stature, who will show you the
-way to the fountain.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Ewaine thanked the lord for his courtesy, and on the next day he set out
-according to the instruction which had been given him. In due time he
-arrived at the wood, which he found to be swarming with all kinds of wild
-animals, in such numbers as he had never before beheld. When he came to
-the mound, there sat the black man on the top of it. He was of vast bulk,
-and exceedingly ill-favoured, for he had but one eye in the middle of his
-forehead. In his hand he held an iron club, which would have been a burden
-for four strong knights. He said nothing to Ewaine, but looked at him
-steadfastly. Then said Ewaine, “Hast thou any power over all these animals
-that I see about thee?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That shalt thou soon see, little man,” answered the black; and he raised
-his club and smote a stag that was feeding near him, so that it cried out
-vehemently. Immediately all the animals in the wood crowded round the
-black man, in such numbers that Ewaine could scarce find room to stand in
-the glade. Then their master bade them go and feed; and straightway they
-bowed their heads to him in homage and dispersed. Ewaine now asked of him
-the way to the fountain.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Take,” he answered, “the path that leads to the head of the glade, and
-ascend the wooded steep to its summit. There thou wilt find a large open
-space, and in the midst a tall tree with thick spreading branches. Under
-this tree is the fountain; and by its side a marble slab, on which is a
-silver bowl fastened by a chain of silver. If thou wouldst prove the
-adventure of the fountain, take the bowl and throw some water on the
-slab.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Ewaine went up the steep as the black man had told him, and came to the
-fountain. There he took the bowl and cast some water on the slab; and
-immediately there came the loudest burst of thunder he had ever heard, as
-though heaven and earth were meeting. Then followed a terrible shower of
-hail, the stones of which were so large and so many that no man nor beast
-could have endured them unprotected and lived. Ewaine sheltered himself
-and his horse as well as he could under the tree with his shield. When he
-looked on the tree, not a leaf was left upon it; but the sky became clear,
-and a flight of birds came to the tree and sang a strain of such ravishing
-sweetness as the knight had never heard before. While he was listening to
-it, he heard a voice that cried to him, “O knight, what has brought thee
-hither? What evil have I done to thee, that thou shouldst act toward me
-and my possessions as thou hast done to-day? Dost thou not know that the
-shower has left in my dominions neither man nor beast alive that was
-exposed to it?” Then Ewaine looked forth and beheld approaching a knight
-dad in black velvet, armed in black armour, and riding a coal-black horse.
-The two encountered with great force, and both broke their spears without
-losing their saddles. Then they drew their swords and fought some time,
-till at last Ewaine smote the black knight so hard on the helm that the
-sword cut through his skull to the very brain. The black knight felt that
-he had received a mortal wound, and fled; and Ewaine followed hard after
-him. Presently they came to a great castle. The fleeing knight entered
-through the gate, but the portcullis was let fall upon Ewaine, and it
-struck his horse just behind the saddle, cutting him in two, and striking
-off the rowels of the knight’s spurs. Then was Ewaine shut in between the
-two gates, and he knew not what to do. But through an aperture in the gate
-he could see a street with a row of houses on each side. There came to the
-gate a maiden, richly clad, who desired him to open it.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Heaven knows, fair lady,” said he, “it is no more possible for me to open
-the gate than it is for thee to set me free.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” she answered, “I will do what I can to release thee, for thou art
-a full gallant knight.” She passed to him through the aperture a ring, and
-said, “Take this ring, and put it on thy finger with the stone inside thy
-hand; and so long as thou concealest it, it will conceal thee. When they
-have consulted together, they will come forward to seize thee in order to
-put thee to death; but they will not be able to find thee. I will wait
-within, and thou wilt be able to see me, though I cannot see thee;
-therefore come and place thy hand on my shoulder, and accompany me where I
-shall go.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Ewaine did all as the damsel had told him. The people of the castle came
-presently and opened the gate to seize him; and when they could find
-nothing but the half of his horse, they were sorely grieved. But Ewaine
-went to the maiden and put his hand on her shoulder, and she led him to a
-large and beautiful chamber that was richly adorned. There she served him
-with delicious food in vessels of gold and silver. While Ewaine was
-eating, he heard a great clamour in the castle, and asked the cause of it.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The lord of this castle has just died,” answered the maiden. Then she
-prepared for him a noble couch, on which he lay down and slept all night.
-In the morning he was awakened by a loud sound of wailing. “Wherefore is
-this outcry?” he asked.
-</p>
-<p>
-“They are carrying the body of the dead lord to the place of burial,”
- answered the damsel. Then Ewaine rose and looked out of the window. In the
-street he beheld an immense crowd of armed men and of women in rich
-attire, and in the midst of the throng was a bier, on which lay the body
-of the knight he had slain. Behind it walked a lady with long yellow hair
-that fell over her shoulders, and her dress of yellow satin was all rent;
-she smote her hands together, and wailed bitterly. She was the fairest
-lady Ewaine had ever seen, and as soon as he beheld her he became inflamed
-with love for her. He inquired of the maiden who the lady was.
-</p>
-<p>
-“She is my mistress, and one of the fairest and most noble of women. She
-is called the Countess of the Fountain; and the knight whom thou didst
-slay yesterday was her husband.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Verily,” said Ewaine, “she is the woman that I love best in all the
-world.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then,” said the damsel, “she shall also love thee not a little.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So after she had waited on Ewaine when he broke his fast, she bade him lie
-on the couch and sleep and she would go and woo for him. Then she shut the
-door of the chamber after her and went straight to the castle. There was
-nothing but mourning and sorrow, and the countess in her chamber could not
-bear the sight of any one through grief. The damsel, whose name was Luned,
-and who was a favourite attendant of the countess, went in and saluted
-her; but the countess sharply reproached her for not mourning as all the
-rest did.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” said Luned, “I thought thy good sense was greater than I find it
-to be. Is it well for thee to mourn for that good man, or for anything
-else that thou canst not have?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I declare solemnly,” said the countess, “that in the whole world there is
-not a man equal to him!”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Not so,” answered Luned; “an ill-favoured man that is alive is now as
-good as or better than he.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this the countess was exceedingly wrathful, and declared to Luned that
-she would banish her. Luned replied that the only cause for it was her
-desire to render her a service of which she stood in need; and she was
-going away affecting great anger, when the countess called her back.
-</p>
-<p>
-“In truth,” said she, “evil is thy disposition; but if thou knowest what
-is to my advantage, declare it to me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I,” quoth Luned. “Thou knowest that unless thou canst defend
-the fountain thou canst not maintain thy dominions; and no one can defend
-the fountain except a knight of King Arthur’s court. Now will I go
-thither, and ill betide me if I return hence without a warrior who can
-guard the fountain as well or better than he who kept it formerly.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will be hard to perform,” said the countess. “Go, however, and make
-proof of that which thou hast promised.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Luned accordingly set out under pretence of going to the court; but in
-reality she only returned to the chamber where she had left Ewaine, and
-remained there with him as long as it would have taken her to go to
-Caerleon and return again. Then she went again to the countess, who asked
-her what news she brought from the court.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I bring you the best of news,” said Luned, “for I have compassed the
-object of my mission. When shall I present to you the knight who has
-accompanied me hither?”
- </p>
-<p>
-The countess appointed the next day at noon for the interview; and at that
-time, accordingly, Luned conducted Ewaine, for whom she had provided
-suitable attire, to the chamber of the lady, who gazed steadfastly upon
-him, and said, “Luned, this knight has not the look of a traveller.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What harm is there in that, lady?” answered Luned boldly, as was her
-wont.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am certain that he it was, and no other, who conquered and slew my
-lord.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“So much the better for thee,” returned Luned; “for had he not been
-stronger than thy lord he could not have slain him. For what is past there
-is no remedy.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Ewaine feared for what would come next, for as he gazed on the countess
-his passion had grown greater than before. But not unmoved had she herself
-looked upon the comely knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Go back to thine abode,” she said to Luned, “and I will take counsel.”
- </p>
-<p>
-The next day she assembled all the chief men among her subjects, and
-showed them that her dominions could not be defended except by some knight
-of great prowess. “Therefore,” she said, “if you can choose such an one
-from among yourselves, let him take me; and if not, give your consent that
-I should take a husband from elsewhere to defend my dominions.”
- </p>
-<p>
-They came to the determination that it would be better for the countess to
-marry some one from elsewhere; and thereupon she caused her nuptials with
-Ewaine to be straightway solemnized; and the men of the earldom did him
-homage. He defended the fountain against all comers, and for three years
-he reigned in that country, and was much beloved by his subjects.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/256s.jpg" alt="256s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/256.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/256m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-At the end of that time King Arthur, who had grown very uneasy because of
-Ewaines protracted absence, set out with many knights to the Valley of the
-Fountain to find what had become of him. They were all entertained as
-nobly as Ewaine himself had been by the knight who dwelt in the stately
-castle with the twenty-four damsels. The next day they went forward to the
-place of the fountain; and there Sir Kay, with the king’s permission;
-undertook the adventure, and threw the water on the marble slab. After the
-thunder and the hail-storm, came a knight in black armour, who encountered
-Sir Kay and easily overthrew him. Then Arthur and his company encamped on
-the plain, and the next day Sir Kay, who was not satisfied with his first
-repulse, again challenged the knight, who this time not only unhorsed him,
-but wounded him severely. Thereafter all the knights the king had brought
-with him, except Sir Gawaine, successively encountered the black knight,
-and were all overthrown one after another. Then at last Gawaine met him,
-but he did not carry his own shield. For two days the two met and fought
-on horseback with spears, and neither could gain the advantage. On the
-third day they fought with increased fury, and both were unseated. Then
-they fell to with their swords, and struck many terrible blows. At last a
-blow from Ewaine turned Sir Gawaines helm on one side, so that his face
-could be seen. “Ah!” cried Ewaine, “I knew thee not for my cousin, because
-thou hadst not thine own shield. Take my sword, for thou hast conquered.”
- But Gawaine said that Ewaine was the victor, and they disputed this till
-the king decided that neither had vanquished the other. Then they
-embraced, and Arthur and his knights were exceedingly rejoiced to see Sir
-Ewaine once more. He led them all to the Castle of the Fountain, where
-they were splendidly entertained for three months.
-</p>
-<p>
-After that King Arthur returned to his own dominions, and he entreated the
-countess to permit Ewaine to go with him for three months. She assented,
-though it was very painful to her. But when Ewaine was once more among his
-kindred and friends, he forgot all about his lady and his territory, and
-remained about three years instead of three months!
-</p>
-<p>
-Now one day, as Ewaine was sitting in the hall of the king’s palace at
-Caerleon, there came in a damsel riding on a bay horse; and she dismounted
-and went up to him, and took the ring off his finger. “Thus,” said she,
-“should be treated the deceiver, the traitor, the faithless, the
-disgraced.” Then she got on her horse again and departed. But Ewaine
-suddenly remembered the countess, and how he had deserted her; and his
-mind was so filled with shame and sorrow that he well-nigh lost his
-reason. He wandered away from Caerleon into wild and desert places, and
-remained there till his apparel wore out, and his hair and beard grew
-long, and his body was sore wasted. And as he wandered, he came to a fair
-park belonging to the countess whom he had deserted. There he lay down by
-a small lake; and he was so weak that he became insensible. It happened
-that the countess came forth with her maidens to walk in the park, and
-they saw him lying there. They saw that life was still in him; and the
-countess went back to her palace, and gave to one of her maidens a flask
-containing precious ointment. “Go,” said she, “with this balsam and a
-horse and clothing to that man who lieth in the park, and anoint him with
-the balsam near the heart. If there is life in him, he will arise; and
-then watch what he will do.”
- </p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a>
-</p>
-<div class="fig" style="width:35%;">
-<img src="images/262s.jpg" alt="262s " width="100%" /><br />
-</div>
-<h4>
-<a href="images/262.jpg"><i>FULL-SIZE</i></a> -- <a href="images/262m.jpg"><i>Medium-Size</i></a>
-</h4>
-<p>
-The maiden obeyed, and poured the whole of the balsam upon Ewaine; then
-she withdrew a little-and watched. Soon he rose up and looked at his
-person, and became ashamed of the unseemliness of his appearance; so he
-clothed himself, and with some difficulty mounted on the horse. Then the
-damsel saluted him; and he asked her what land that was. “Truly,” she
-said, “it belongs to a widowed countess. At the death of her husband she
-had two earldoms, but now this park and castle are all that are left to
-her, the rest having been taken from her by a young earl, her neighbour,
-because she refused to become his wife.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is pity,” said Ewaine. Then she led him to the castle, and took him
-to a pleasant chamber, where she waited on him till he was quite
-recovered; and in three months he had become more mighty and more comely
-than ever he was before. One day he heard a great tumult outside the
-castle walls, and he asked the maiden what was the cause.
-</p>
-<p>
-“The earl of whom I spoke to thee,” she said, “has come before the castle
-with a numerous army to subdue the countess.” Then Ewaine asked her to
-obtain for him from the countess the loan of a horse and arms; and when he
-had got them he went forth, and penetrated the hostile army till he came
-to the earl himself, whom he dragged out of his saddle, and carried him
-off, in spite of all the efforts of his knights, to the castle. Then he
-took him to the countess, and threw him down before her, and said,
-“Behold, here is a gift in requital for thy precious balsam.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the earl restored to the countess all that he had taken from her; and
-as a ransom for his life he gave her the half of his own dominions, and
-much gold and silver. After that Ewaine took his departure; and as he rode
-through a wood he heard a loud yelling, which was repeated a second and
-third time. He went to the spot whence the sound proceeded, and came to a
-huge craggy mound, whereon a black lion and a horrible serpent were
-fighting. Ewaine drew his sword and smote the serpent in twain. Then he
-continued on his way; but the lion followed him, and played about him as
-though it had been a hound. Thus they journeyed on together. When it was
-time to rest for the night, Ewaine dismounted, turned his horse loose to
-graze, and kindled a fire; and the lion, having left him, presently
-returned with a large roebuck, which it threw down before him. Ewaine
-roasted some of the flesh for himself, and the rest of it he gave to the
-lion. While he was eating, he heard a deep sigh that seemed to come from
-within a rock near at hand. He called out to know whether the sigh
-proceeded from a mortal; and a voice answered that it did. “Who art thou?”
- asked Ewaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am,” said the voice, “Luned, the handmaiden to the Countess of the
-Fountain. I am imprisoned here on account of the knight that came from
-King Arthur’s court and married the countess. He was the friend I loved
-most in the world; and after he had departed, two of the knights of the
-court traduced him. I told them that they two were not a match for him
-alone. So they have imprisoned me in this stone vault; and I am to be put
-to death if he come not to deliver me by a certain day, which is no
-further off than the day after to-morrow. I have no one to seek him for
-me. His name is Ewaine, the son of King Urience.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Art thou certain that if he knew all this the knight would come to rescue
-thee?” asked Ewaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I am most certain of it,” she answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the morning Ewaine asked the damsel if there were any place near where
-he could get lodging. She directed him to an earl’s castle near. Thither
-he went, and the lion with him; and at the castle was he right nobly
-entertained. But he found the earl and everybody else in the castle
-exceedingly sorrowful; so he asked the reason.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I have two sons,” said the earl, “and yesterday they went to the
-mountains to hunt. Now there is on the mountain a horrible giant that
-kills men and devours them, and he seized my sons. To-morrow he has fixed
-an hour to be here; and he threatens that he will then slay my sons before
-my eyes, unless I will deliver into his hands my only daughter, whom you
-see here.” The maiden sat beside her father; and she was exceedingly fair,
-but very sorrowful.
-</p>
-<p>
-Ewaine said that was very lamentable, and then talked of other matters.
-The next morning there was a great clamour, which was caused by the coming
-of the giant with the two youths. Then Ewaine put on his armour, and went
-forth to attack the giant; and his lion went with him. When the giant saw
-that Ewaine was armed, he rushed fiercely upon him; and the lion fought
-against the giant more strongly even than Ewaine did “Truly,” said the
-giant, “I could deal easily with thee were it not for this lion that is
-with thee.” Upon that, Ewaine took the lion back to the castle and shut
-the gate upon him, and then returned to fight the giant as before. The
-lion roared furiously, and climbed up till he got to the top of the
-castle, and then sprung down from the wall, and rushed again upon the
-giant, giving him a stroke with his paw that tore him from the shoulder to
-the hip, so that he fell down dead. Then Ewaine restored the two youths to
-their father.
-</p>
-<p>
-The earl besought Ewaine to remain with him, but he would not, and set
-forth to the place where Luned was imprisoned in the stone vault. When he
-came there he found a great fire kindled, and the two knights were leading
-the maiden to cast her into it. Ewaine asked what charge they had against
-her; and they told him of the compact that there was between-them. Then,
-without making himself known, he proffered himself to do battle for her in
-place of Ewaine; and the knights assented. They attacked Ewaine, and,
-inasmuch as he had not his usual strength, he was sore beset by them; but
-his lion fell upon them and put them to the worse. So thus was Luned saved
-from being burned. And Ewaine returned with her to the dominions of the
-Countess of the Fountain; and thence he took the countess with him to the
-court of King Arthur, where they lived afterwards in great happiness and
-renown.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XIII. THE TOURNAMENT OF LONAZEP.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>HILE Tristram was with La Beale Isoude at Joyous Gard, he often rode
-hunting, of which pastime he was exceedingly fond; and by Isoude’s advice
-he always rode armed. One day as he was returning from the chase, with his
-helm on, he met Sir Dinadan, who had come into that country to seek him.
-Sir Dinadan told his name; but Sir Tristram would not, at which Sir
-Dinadan was angry, and reproached him; and at last said that he must
-either tell his name or do battle. Tristram would do neither; so then
-Dinadan chid him for a coward. As they talked there came by a knight, Sir
-Epinogris, and Dinadan challenged him to joust. Sir Epinogris was nothing
-loath, and when they ran together he smote Sir Dinadan out of his saddle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“How is it with you now?” said Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fie upon thee, coward,” cried Dinadan. “If thou be anything of a knight,
-avenge my shame.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” answered Sir Tristram. “I will not joust at this time; but take
-your horse and let us go from hence.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“God defend me,” said Dinadan, “from thy fellowship, for I have not sped
-well since I met thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Tristram, “peradventure I could give you tidings of Sir
-Tristram.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I will not believe,” answered Dinadan, “that Sir Tristram would ever be
-in thy company; if he were, he were so much the worse.”
- </p>
-<p>
-And so they parted; and Tristram rode home to Joyous Gard, where he
-alighted and unarmed him. He told Isoude of his meeting with Sir Dinadan,
-and how he was full of mirth, and the best companion among all knights.
-“Why have you not brought him with you?” asked Isoude.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do not be afraid,” said Sir Tristram. “He has only come here to seek me,
-and I guess we shall soon hear of him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Even as he spoke, one of the servants in the castle came to tell Sir
-Tristram that an errant-knight had come to the castle seeking lodging; and
-by the device of his shield Tristram knew it was Sir Dinadan. So Tristram
-bade Isoude send for him, saying that he would himself keep out of sight;
-and he told his lady that if she spoke in praise of lovers, against whom
-Sir Dinadan ever railed, she would have great diversion. Dinadan was
-accordingly welcomed to the castle, and when he was brought to Isoude, she
-questioned him as to his name, and whence he came, and wherefore he rode
-in that country. He told her all she would know. Then she led the talk to
-lovers, and he railed greatly against them. “Now, I pray you,” said she,
-“to tell me, will you fight for my love against three knights that have
-done me great wrong? Inasmuch as you be a knight of King Arthur’s court, I
-require you to undertake this battle for me.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Madam,” answered Dinadan, “I will say plainly to you that though you are
-the fairest lady I ever saw, and much fairer than is my lady Queen
-Guenever, yet will I not fight for you or for any other against three
-knights.” So Isoude laughed heartily at him; and they had pleasant
-diversion together. In the morning Tristram armed him early, to ride to
-Lonazep, where a great tournament had been appointed, to which knights
-were coming from all parts; and he promised to meet with Sir Dinadan on
-the way, and ride with him. Afterwards Sir Dinadan departed, and in a
-while he overtook Sir Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah!” said he, “art thou that coward knight with whom I met yesterday?
-Make ready; for thou shalt joust with me whether thou wilt or not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“To that I am loath,” answered Tristram; and so they ran together. But
-Tristram missed him purposely, and he broke his spear on Tristram. Then he
-drew out his sword; but Tristram refused to fight with swords.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Well,” cried Dinadan, “thou art as goodly and large a man as ever I saw;
-but a greater coward I never met. What wilt thou do with those great
-spears thou hast with thee?”—for Tristram’s squires were bearing
-spears for his use at the tournament.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I shall give them,” said Tristram, “to some good knight when I come to
-the tournament; and if I see you do the best, I will give them to you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-As they rode on together and talked, they saw in the way a knight that
-stood ready to joust.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Do thou meet him,” said Tristram. “I will not, for he seems to me to be a
-shrewish knight.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Shame on thee!” answered Dinadan.
-</p>
-<p>
-However, he encountered with the knight, who smote him clean out of his
-saddle. Then Sir Dinadan rose to his feet very angry, and challenged the
-other to fight on foot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What is thy name?” asked the knight.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Wit you well, I am Sir Dinadan.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And I am Sir Gareth, brother to Sir Gawaine.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then were both glad of the meeting, for Sir Gareth was the best knight of
-his kin, and was greatly loved of all true knights; so there was no more
-talk of fighting. But as Dinadan and Gareth rode together, they spoke of
-Tristram, and of his great cowardice (for they knew him not); and he heard
-all they said, but only laughed at them. Presently they overtook another
-knight, who wished to joust.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Let one of you encounter with that knight,” said Tristram, “for I will
-not have to deal with him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then I will,” said Gareth.
-</p>
-<p>
-So they ran together, and the stranger knight smote Sir Gareth over his
-horse’s croup.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now,” quoth Tristram to Sir Dinadan, “do thou avenge that good knight Sir
-Gareth.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That will I not,” answered Dinadan; “for the stranger hath stricken down
-a much stronger knight than I am.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah,” said Sir Tristram, “now, Sir Dinadan, I perceive that your heart
-begins to fail you; so you shall see what I can do.” Then he rode to the
-other knight, and, when they met, smote him clean out of his saddle. Then
-Sir Dinadan marvelled who this man might be that he thought such a coward.
-But the knight that was overthrown drew his sword, and demanded to fight
-on foot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What is your name?” asked Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered the other, “my name is Palomides.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What knight do you most hate?” then said Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir Knight,” said Sir Palomides, “I hate Sir Tristram to the death; and
-if we meet, then one of us shall die.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then,” answered Tristram, “you may know that I am Sir Tristram; and so
-now do your worst.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Sir Palomides heard that, he was astonished; and he begged Sir
-Tristram to forgive his evil words, and promised ever to serve him
-knightly. So they were friends, and all four rode on together; but Sir
-Dinadan complained of the manner in which Sir Tristram had mocked him. As
-they went, Sir Palomides told of a shameful deed that had been wrought by
-Sir Gawaine and his brothers Gaheris, Agravaine, and Mordred. They had
-ever had ill-will to King Pellinore and all his kin, because King
-Pellinore had killed in battle their father King Lot, and they had many
-years before compassed the death of King Pellinore. But even this
-vengeance had not satisfied them; and they had lately beset Sir Lamoracke
-de Galis, his son, as he was riding alone from a tournament, and had
-killed him feloniously, giving him his death-wound from behind. Of this
-deed Sir Tristram and the others spoke strongly in blame; and Sir Gareth,
-though he was the brother of those who had done it, said as much as any of
-the others, declaring that because of that murder he should never love his
-brethren or keep fellowship with them.
-</p>
-<p>
-The four knights went back again together to Joyous Gard, because the day
-of the tournament was not yet come, and there they had good cheer
-together. After some days they set out for Lonazep, and Queen Isoude rode
-with them, richly attired, to see the tournament. As they went along they
-saw a large body of knights: it was Sir Galihodin, who had twenty knights
-with him. When Sir Galihodin beheld Tristram and his party, he said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair fellows, yonder ride four knights and a beautiful lady. I am
-disposed to take their lady from them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So he sent a squire to Sir Tristram to ask whether he and his fellows
-would joust or deliver up their lady.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Tell your lord,” answered Tristram, “to come with as many as he will, and
-win her and take her.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Palomides, “I pray you to let me have this adventure.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“With all my heart,” said Sir Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Galihodin and three of his fellows approached them; but Sir
-Palomides, with one spear, unhorsed all of them. When the rest of Sir
-Galihodin’s knights saw his downfall, six more of them came, and would
-have set on Sir Palomides; but he stood still and awaited them; and Sir
-Galihodin forbade them to meddle with him; so, as Sir Palomides saw that
-they would joust no more, he returned to Tristram and the others.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Right well and worshipfully have you done,” said Tristram, “as a good
-knight should.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Presently they fell in with four knights more—Sir Gawaine, Sir
-Ewaine, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage. Now, Sir
-Palomides was eager to prove himself a good knight before Queen Isoude,
-and he begged Sir Tristram that if these knights sought to joust they also
-might be left to him. Sir Tristram again assented. So Sir Palomides rode
-forward, encountered the four knights one after another, and smote them
-all to the ground. After that, they rode on quietly to Lonazep; and there
-Sir Tristram had two pavilions pitched beside a well and he and his
-company abode in them.
-</p>
-<p>
-At and about the castle of Lonazep were gathered a noble assembly of
-knights and kings. King Arthur was there, with the most of the Knights of
-the Round Table; and on the other side the kings of Scotland, Ireland,
-Surluse, Northumberland, Listenoise, Northgalis, and others, with their
-knights.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Tristram and the three knights who were with him went in green
-colours; and when the pavilions had been pitched, Sir Tristram and Sir
-Dinadan rode into Lonazep to hear what might be doing there, and Sir
-Tristram rode Sir Palomides’ horse, which was white. Sir Gawaine and Sir
-Galihodin saw him, and they thought it was the same knight who had
-stricken them down; and so they told King Arthur that that knight on the
-white horse had unhorsed them and six of their fellows. Thereupon King
-Arthur sent for Sir Tristram, and asked him his name; but Tristram would
-not tell it.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Upon what side will you be in the tournament?” asked the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Truly,” replied Sir Tristram, “I cannot tell that till I come to the
-field, and then I will go on the side to which my heart inclineth.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So then he and Sir Dinadan rode again to their pavilions.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Now, upon what party,” said Sir Tristram, “shall we be to-morrow?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Palomides, “if you will take my advice, we shall be against
-King Arthur, for on his part will be Sir Lancelot and many other good
-knights; and the more worshipful they, the more worship shall we win.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That is full knightly spoken,” said Tristram; “and we will do according
-to your counsel.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So the next morning the four knights rode into the field, arrayed with
-trappings, shields, and spears of green; and Queen Isoude sat at a high
-window where she could see the jousts. The knights went straight to the
-party of the King of Scotland. When King Arthur saw them do that, he asked
-Sir Lancelot who they were.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I do not certainly know,” answered Lancelot; “but I should guess that Sir
-Tristram and Sir Palomides are among them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Two knights that were brothers, named Sir Edward and Sir Sadocke, asked
-leave of King Arthur to have the first jousts; and straightway they met
-the kings of Scotland and Northgalis, and smote them from their saddles.
-At that was Sir Palomides wroth, and he rode first against Sir Edward and
-then against Sir Sadocke, and with the same spear he overthrew them both.
-Then came in Sir Tristram on a black horse, and ere he stinted he smote
-down with one spear four good knights; and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan
-supported him manfully.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By my head!” cried King Arthur, “that knight on the black horse does
-marvellously well.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Wait a little,” said Gawaine; “that knight has scarcely yet begun.”
- </p>
-<p>
-And Sir Tristram remounted the kings of Scotland and North-galis, and then
-he pressed in among the knights of the opposite party, and smote with his
-spear and his sword to the right and left, till he had struck down thirty
-knights, and Sir Palomides twenty; and most of these were proved knights
-of King Arthur’s court.
-</p>
-<p>
-“As I live,” said the king to Lancelot, “it is a great shame to see those
-two smite down so many knights of mine. Therefore make you ready, for we
-will have to do with them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Sir Lancelot, “they are two passing good knights, and it will
-be little worship to us to have to do with them now, for they have this
-day had sore travail.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nevertheless,” answered King Arthur, “I will be avenged. Therefore take
-Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector, and I will be the fourth, to do with them and
-the other two that ride with them.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Lancelot, “you shall find us ready.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So the four rode into the field; and there Sir Lancelot smote down Sir
-Tristram, and Sir Bleoberis Sir Palomides, and Sir Ector Sir Gareth, and
-King Arthur overthrew Sir Dinadan. Then there was a great cry that the
-four green knights had a fall; and the King of Northgalis, remembering how
-Sir Tristram had helped him, rode straight to him and said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Noble knight, I know not who thou art; but for the great deeds thou hast
-done this day take now my horse, and I will help myself as well as I can;
-for God knows thou art better worthy to have my horse than I myself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Tristram, “I thank you; and mayhap I shall be able to requite
-your courtesy.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Tristram mounted and rode to King Arthur, and gave him with his
-sword such a buffet on the helm that he fell from his saddle. Then Sir
-Tristram gave the king’s horse to the King of Northgalis. There was a
-great press about King Arthur to horse him again; but Sir Palomides would
-not suffer it, but smote with his sword to the right and left mightily.
-Then, leaving Sir Palomides still on foot, Sir Tristram rode through the
-thickest of the press, smiting down many knights as he went, and passed to
-his pavilion. There he changed his horse, and put on red harness; and then
-he dashed lightly into the field again, and overthrew five knights with a
-single spear. Very soon he had again horsed Sir Palomides, Sir Gareth, and
-Sir Dinadan; and they again began to do marvellous deeds of arms; but they
-knew not who had succoured them, because Tristram had changed his armour.
-Now La Beale Isoude, who had watched Sir Tristram quit the field and
-return again, was well pleased when she saw him doing such great deeds,
-and she smiled as she sat at the window. It chanced that Sir Palomides
-looked up and saw her, and he was so rejoiced—because his love for
-her was still unabated—that he felt as though he could have overcome
-any knight, even Sir Lancelot or Sir Tristram himself. And he did so
-mightily that all men marvelled at his deeds; for he fared like a lion,
-and no knight could withstand him.
-</p>
-<p>
-“By our Lady,” quoth Sir Tristram to Sir Dinadan, “I always knew Sir
-Palomides for a good knight, but never before have I seen him do so well.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It is his day,” answered Dinadan.
-</p>
-<p>
-But he had seen how Palomides looked up at Isoude, and he said to himself
-that if Tristram knew for whose love he wrought these great achievements
-he would not be so well pleased. But all that were in the field gave Sir
-Palomides the prize. Just then came in Sir Lancelot, and when he heard the
-cry that Sir Palomides had done best, he got a great spear and rode
-against him. But Sir Palomides smote the spear with his sword and struck
-it in twain; and then, as he rode past Sir Lancelot, he struck at his
-horse and slew it, so that Sir Lancelot fell to the ground.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then was there a loud outcry, and many knights said that Sir Palomides had
-acted contrary to the rules of the tournament. When Sir Ector de Maris saw
-how his brother Sir Lancelot had fared, he rode eagerly against Sir
-Palomides, and smote him out of his saddle. Then came Sir Lancelot with
-his sword to Sir Palomides and cried,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Thou hast this day done me the greatest despite that ever was done me in
-tournament or joust. Therefore defend thee, for I will be avenged.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So Sir Palomides entreated him to forgive his unkindness, and to spare
-him; “for,” said he, “I know well I have not might to withstand you; and
-if you put me from my worship now, you put me from the greatest worship I
-ever had or shall have.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” said Lancelot, “it is true that you have done marvellously well
-this day; and I have a guess for whose love it is. If my lady were here,
-you should not have borne away the worship; but as she is not here, you
-shall have it for me, and I will forbear you. But beware that your love be
-not discovered, for if Sir Tristram knew it, you would have cause to
-repent.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So he, of his great nobleness, suffered Palomides to depart. Then Sir
-Lancelot was remounted, in spite of all the knights of the other side, and
-did great feats on King Arthur’s part, as Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides
-did on the other. But Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram always spared one
-another. But when the tournament was ended for the day, King Arthur and
-all the kings gave Sir Palomides the prize, for he had begun at the first
-and had endured to the end. When King Arthur was praising Sir Palomides,
-Sir Lancelot said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir, as for Palomides, he has this day well deserved the prize; and yet,
-there was on the field a far better knight than he, and that will be
-proved before the tournament is over.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Sir Tristram and his fellows returned to their pavilions, Sir Dinadan
-was angry because Sir Tristram had let Sir Palomides carry off the prize,
-and he reproached him with intent to provoke him, so that he might the
-next day put forth all his powers. Early the next morning Sir Tristram,
-Sir Palomides, Sir Gareth, and Queen Isoude rode out into the forest to
-take the fresh air; and as they went, it chanced that King Arthur and Sir
-Lancelot came near them. “Yonder,” said Sir Lancelot, “rideth the fairest
-lady in all the world except my lady Queen Guenever.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Who is it?” asked King Arthur: and when Lancelot told him, he said he
-would go nearer and greet Queen Isoude.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Lancelot, “it is not wise to go too near, for there are with
-her two as good knights as any now living, and if we come suddenly upon
-them, they may be displeased.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“As for that,” replied the king, “I will greet her, for I care not who may
-be displeased.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Lancelot, “you put yourself in great jeopardy.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Well,” quoth the king, “we will take the adventure.” So he rode straight
-to Queen Isoude, and saluted her, and said, “God save you, gracious lady.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” she answered, “you are welcome.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then the king looked at her steadfastly, and admired her beauty. With that
-came Sir Palomides, and said, “Thou uncourteous knight, what seekest thou
-here? Thou art uncourteous to come upon a lady so suddenly; therefore
-withdraw thee.” King Arthur took no heed of his words, but still looked on
-Queen Isoude. Then was Sir Palomides wroth, and he rode against King
-Arthur with his spear, and smote him from his horse. When Sir Lancelot saw
-that, he said to himself, “I am loath to have to do with yonder knight,
-not for his own sake, but because of Sir Tristram; for if I smite down Sir
-Palomides, I must encounter Sir Tristram, and I cannot match them both.
-Still, whether I live or die, needs must I avenge my lord.” And then he
-bade Sir Palomides make ready, and when they rode together, he gave him a
-great fall. That saw Sir Tristram, and cried to Lancelot, “Sir Knight,
-keep thee, for I must joust with thee.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I have no fear to joust with thee,” answered Lancelot, “but I am loath to
-do it. I was compelled to avenge my lord, when he was unhorsed unwarily
-and unknightly; but though I have done so, you should take no displeasure,
-for he is such a friend to me that I could not see him shamed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Tristram understood that it was Sir Lancelot who spoke, and he
-suspected that it was King Arthur whom Palomides had struck down. So he
-put down his spear, and suffered Lancelot and the king to withdraw; and he
-chid Sir Palomides sharply for having shown such discourtesy to King
-Arthur. Sir Palomides was sore grieved at his words; and when the
-tournament began, he forsook Sir Tristram, and went against him to the
-opposite party. There he did great deeds of arms, and Sir Tristram
-marvelled that he had gone against him, and said to Gareth, “He is weary
-of my company.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Gareth, “he desires to win worship and honour from you.
-That Sir Dinadan saw yesterday, and it was for that reason that he
-reproached you yesternight; for he loveth you better than any other knight
-in the world, and he wished to stir you up to win worship.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“I may well believe you,” said Tristram; “and since I now understand
-Palomides’ evil will and envy, you shall see how long his worship shall
-endure.” With that he went into the press, and did so mightily that all
-the cry forsook Sir Palomides and followed Sir Tristram; for he smote down
-forty knights with his spear, and many others with his sword.
-</p>
-<p>
-“How now?” said Sir Lancelot to King Arthur. “I told you that this day a
-better knight than Sir Palomides should play his part. See how well yonder
-knight is doing; he has both strength and wind.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“You say truth,” answered the king: “I never saw a better knight. He far
-surpasses Palomides.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It needs must be so,” said Lancelot, “for it is the noble knight Sir
-Tristram himself.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Palomides saw Sir Tristram doing so well, he wept from pure anger,
-for he knew that if Sir Tristram put forth his might he himself should get
-little worship. In a while Sir Tristram left the field, and went to his
-pavilions, where he found Sir Dinadan still sleeping in his bed; and he
-woke him up, and bade him come to the field. Sir Dinadan rose up and armed
-him; but when he looked on Tristram’s shield and helm, and saw there the
-dints of many blows, he said, “Well was it for me that I slept; for had I
-been with you, I must for shame have followed you, and I see by the marks
-on your shield that I should have been well beaten.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Leave your japes,” said Tristram, “and come with me.” Then he changed his
-harness, and put on black armour.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah,” said Dinadan; “have you plucked up your spirits? You are not in the
-same mood you were in yesterday.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Tristram only smiled, and bade Dinadan come with him.
-</p>
-<p>
-Now Sir Palomides saw Tristram change his armour, and so did Queen Isoude.
-And Palomides thought to do Tristram a shame. So he changed his own armour
-with a wounded knight that was sitting by a well near the field, and then
-returned again to the tournament. This also Queen Isoude saw, but none of
-the knights in the field knew of it. Then Sir Palomides met Tristram, and
-both broke their spears, and after that they fought with their swords. Sir
-Tristram wondered who the other knight might be, for he felt that he was
-passing strong; and each gave the other many sore strokes. Then came in
-Sir Lancelot; and there came knights to him, and begged him to undertake
-the battle with the knight in black armour, because he had almost overcome
-the good knight with the silver shield,—which was Sir Palomides. Sir
-Lancelot knew not Sir Tristram, because he had changed his armour; so he
-rode between Tristram and Palomides, and said to Palomides, “Sir, let me
-have the battle, because you have need of rest.” Sir Palomides assented
-gladly, for he knew Sir Lancelot well, and hoped that he might beat or
-shame Sir Tristram. Sir Tristram also knew Sir Lancelot, but he met him
-full knightly, and they fought long and sorely together; and Queen Isoude
-well-nigh swooned for sorrow. Then said Sir Dinadan to Sir Gareth,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“That knight in the black harness is Sir Tristram, and Sir Lancelot must
-needs get the better of him, for Sir Tristram hath had sore travail this
-day.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then let us smite him down,” said Sir Gareth.
-</p>
-<p>
-“It were better we should do so than that Sir Tristram should be shamed,”
- answered Dinadan, “for yonder there waits the strong knight with the
-silver shield, ready to fall on Sir Tristram if need be.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then forthwith Sir Gareth rushed on Sir Lancelot, and gave him such a
-stroke on the helm that he was well-nigh stunned; and immediately Sir
-Dinadan came upon him from the other side with a great spear, and smote
-him such a buffet that he fell to the ground, horse and all.
-</p>
-<p>
-“For shame!” cried Tristram to Gareth and Dinadan; “why have you smitten
-down that good knight while he was fighting with me?” Then came in Sir
-Palomides, and struck Sir Dinadan from his horse; and Sir Lancelot,
-because Dinadan had smitten him down before, assailed him with his sword.
-Then Sir Palomides came fresh on Sir Tristram, who, being wishful to help
-Sir Dinadan, gave Palomides a mighty buffet, and then pulled him from his
-horse; and he himself leaped lightly down, and went between Lancelot and
-Dinadan, so that he and Lancelot again did battle together. Straightway
-Sir Dinadan got Tristram’s horse and brought it to him, and said aloud, so
-that Lancelot might hear, “My lord Sir Tristram, take your horse.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Ah!” cried Sir Lancelot, “what have I done? Now am I dishonoured. Ah, my
-lord Sir Tristram! why are you disguised? You have put yourself in great
-peril. But I pray you, noble knight, pardon me; for if I had known you, we
-should not have done this battle.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Tristram, “this is not the first kindness you have shown
-me.” Then were they both horsed again; and all the people on King Arthur’s
-side said that Sir Lancelot had that day done the best, and on the other
-side that Sir Tristram had done the best. But said Sir Lancelot, “I have
-no right to the honour, for Sir Tristram has been longer in the field than
-I, and has smitten down many more knights; and therefore he has won the
-degree.” And so was it proclaimed.
-</p>
-<p>
-Then the tournament ended for that day, and Queen Isoude returned to the
-pavilions, wroth out of measure with Sir Palomides, for she had seen all
-that he had done; and as Sir Tristram rode to the pavilions with Gareth
-and Dinadan, Sir Palomides came with them, still disguised in the armour
-of the wounded knight, and bearing the silver shield. Sir Tristram knew
-him not for Palomides, and therefore said they had no need of his
-fellowship; and thereupon Palomides made himself known. Sir Tristram
-reproached him sorely for what he had done, but he swore that he had not
-known him because of the changed armour. This excuse Sir Tristram
-received; but when they came to the tents, and Queen Isoude saw Palomides,
-she changed colour for anger.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Madam, wherefore look you so angrily?” asked Sir Tristram.
-</p>
-<p>
-“My dear lord,” she answered, “how can I be otherwise, when I saw this day
-how you were betrayed, and well-nigh brought to your death? I will not
-suffer in my presence such a felon and traitor as this Sir Palomides; for
-I saw how he watched you quit the field, and then, when he beheld you
-return, he changed armour with a wounded knight and came against you. For
-what he could do I was not greatly afraid, but I dreaded because of Sir
-Lancelot that knew you not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Madam,” said Palomides, “you may say what you will. I must not contradict
-you, but by my knighthood, I knew not Sir Tristram.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Palomides,” said Tristram, “I will hold you excused; and though you
-spared me not, all is pardoned on my part.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then La Beale Isoude hung down her head, and said no more. But while they
-sat at their meat, two armed knights came into the pavilion. “Sirs,” said
-Tristram, “you do not well to come upon us armed at all points.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Nay,” said one of them, “we come not with any evil intent, but as
-friends. I am come to see thee, Sir Tristram, and this knight to see Queen
-Isoude.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Sir Tristram requested them to take off their helms; and when they
-did so, they were Sir Lancelot and King Arthur. So they were joyfully
-welcomed, and there was much merry talk about the tournament and other
-things.
-</p>
-<p>
-“For what cause,” said King Arthur, “are you, Sir Tristram, against us?
-You are a Knight of the Round Table, and of right should be with us.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My lord,” said Sir Tristram, “here are Sir Dinadan and your own nephew,
-Sir Gareth, that have made me be against you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My lord,” quoth Sir Gareth, “though I have the blame, it was Sir
-Tristram’s own will.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“And that have we cause to repent,” said Dinadan; “for this unhappy Sir
-Tristram brought us to the tournament, and many great buffets hath he
-since earned us.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At that all laughed mightily. Then said King Arthur to Tristram, “What
-knight was it that fought so sturdily with you—he with the silver
-shield?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Tristram, “he is sitting at this table.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What?” cried the king. “Was it Sir Palomides?—Ah, sir, that was
-unknightly of you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” answered Palomides, “I knew not Sir Tristram, because he was so
-disguised.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“That might well be,” said Lancelot, “for I knew him not.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“It matters not,” said Tristram, “for I have pardoned him, and I should be
-sorry to lose his fellowship, for I love his company.”
- </p>
-<p>
-After that they had much pleasant converse together, and not until night
-did King Arthur and Sir Lancelot take their leave. On the following day,
-in the tournament, Sir Tristram and Palomides at first went together
-against King Arthur’s knights, as before, and did passing well. Sir
-Lancelot came in on King Arthur’s side, and great deeds he wrought; but he
-and his fellows were too few against the other party. When Tristram saw
-how nobly Arthur’s knights bore them, he called Palomides, Gareth, and
-Dinadan to him, and proposed that they should turn to King Arthur’s side.
-Gareth and Dinadan assented, but Sir Palo-mides said he would not depart
-from the side on which he came in.
-</p>
-<p>
-“That is for my sake,” quoth Tristram; and so Sir Palomides left them. And
-Tristram and the other two went to King Arthur’s side, and then they smote
-down all they met, so that none could withstand them; and King Arthur
-himself gave Sir Palomides a fall. So the kings who held against King
-Arthur’s were fain to withdraw their knights.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” cried Palomides, “now have I lost all the worship I had won;” and
-he rode to a well, and there put off his armour, and wept and wailed like
-a woman.
-</p>
-<p>
-So the tournament was ended, and Sir Tristram would have given the chief
-prize to Sir Lancelot, and Sir Lancelot to Sir Tristram; but by the award
-of King Arthur it was divided between them.
-</p>
-<p>
-Sir Tristram returned with his companions to his pavilions; but as Sir
-Palomides sat by the well, the kings of Scotland and Northgalis came by,
-and they got him to put on his armour again, and to ride with them. It
-chanced that they passed by Sir Tristram’s tents, and Sir Palomides rode
-to the entrance, and cried out, “Sir Tristram de Lyons, where art thou?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What, Sir Palomides!” answered Tristram; “will you not come in among us?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fie on thee, traitor!” said Palomides. “If it were daylight, now would I
-slay thee with mine own hands; and if ever I meet thee, thou shalt die for
-this day’s deed.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir Palomides,” replied Tristram, “you blame me wrongly. Had you done as
-I did, you would have had worship: but since you give me warning,
-henceforth will I beware of you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fie on thee, traitor,” again said Palomides, and then he departed. So he
-went with the two kings, and Sir Tristram took his way with La Beale
-Isoude to Joyous Gard.
-</p>
-<p>
-<br /><br />
-</p>
-<hr />
-<p>
-<a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a>
-</p>
-<div style="height: 4em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-<h2>
-CHAPTER XIV. THE END OF THE HISTORY OF THE ROUND TABLE, AND THE PASSING OF ARTHUR.
-</h2>
-<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>HE Tournament of Lonazep was the last great gathering of the chivalry of
-Britain. In no long time after, the good knight Sir Tristram was slain by
-the crafts of his uncle and old enemy, King Marke of Cornwall. As for the
-Knights of the Round Table, they were dispersed in the quest of the Holy
-Grail; which was a vessel that had been brought to Britain a long time
-before by Joseph of Arimathea with some of the blood of our Lord therein,
-and had been left in charge of King Pellam, Joseph’s descendant. Whoever
-could partake thereof was made whole of all wounds; but it might not be
-seen except by a knight that was absolutely pure and clean. Most of the
-Knights of the Round Table took part in the quest, and some of them,
-especially Sir Lancelot, Sir Bors, and Sir Percival de Galis, met with
-marvellous adventures in it; but it was achieved at last by Sir Galahad,
-the son of Sir Lancelot by Elaine the daughter of King Pellam. As soon as
-he had achieved the Grail he died, and thereupon the sacred vessel
-disappeared from this world for ever. Of the other knights that went in
-the quest, many perished; but afterwards the remnant gathered again about
-King Arthur, and maintained the Round Table with might, for Sir Lancelot,
-Sir Gawaine, and other good knights were still left. And Sir Lancelot
-loved Queen Guenever more than before, and she him; but it chanced that
-there came some disagreement between them, and she bade him withdraw from
-the court. So he departed, and went to a hermitage near Windsor, and none
-save his cousin Sir Bors knew whither he had gone.
-</p>
-<p>
-Soon afterward Queen Guenever gave a banquet to certain of the Knights of
-the Round Table, and especially to Sir Gawaine. Now Sir Gawaine was
-exceedingly fond of all kinds of fruit, and especially of apples and
-pears, so of these the queen had made large provision. But a knight of the
-court, named Sir Pinell, hated Sir Gawaine; for he was cousin to Sir
-Lamoracke de Galis, whom Gawaine and his brethren had slain. With intent
-to avenge him on Sir Gawaine, he put poison into some of the fairest of
-the fruit; but it fell out that no one ate the apples he had poisoned save
-a knight named Sir Patrice, cousin to Sir Mador de la Port; and as soon as
-he had eaten, the poison was so strong that he died forthwith. Then was
-there a great stir among all the knights at the table, for as Queen
-Guenever had provided the banquet every one had suspicion of her; and she
-herself was sore abashed, for she did not understand the matter. But Sir
-Mador de la Port, who was one of the guests, rose up and accused the queen
-of the death of Sir Patrice; and forasmuch as all the other knights
-believed her to be guilty, none of them would take up the quarrel on her
-behalf. Then Guenever burst into weeping, and at last she fell down in a
-swoon.
-</p>
-<p>
-News of the matter was soon brought to King Arthur, and he was sore
-troubled; but being bound by the oaths of knighthood, he appointed a day,
-fifteen days after that, on which Sir Mador was to be ready, armed, in the
-meadow beside Winchester, to make good his accusation against the queen;
-and if no knight appeared on her behalf, or if a knight did appear and was
-vanquished, then should she be burned in that place. With this Sir Mador
-was content, and departed. When King Arthur and the queen were alone
-together, he asked her how the matter had come about.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said she, “as God me help, I know nothing of it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Where is Sir Lancelot?” asked Arthur. “If he were here, he would
-undertake the battle for you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said the queen sorrowfully, for well she knew that she had sent him
-away from the court, “I cannot tell you where he is, but his kinsmen
-believe that he is not within this realm.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Of that am I sorry,” said the king. “But I counsel you to go to Sir Bors,
-and pray him to undertake the battle for you for Sir Lancelot’s sake, and
-I dare affirm that he will not refuse you.” So the queen went to Sir Bors,
-and entreated him as King Arthur had bidden her. “Ah, madam,” said he, “I
-may not with any worship have to do in this matter; for I was at the
-banquet, and if I undertake the battle on your behalf, all the other
-knights my fellows will suspect me of guilt. Now stand you in need of Sir
-Lancelot, who would not have failed you, whether in right or wrong. I
-wonder how you can for very shame require anything of me, after you have
-so discourteously treated that good knight my cousin.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” cried the queen, and she fell on her knees to Sir Bors, and
-implored him to have mercy on her; “for,” said she, “if you will not, I
-must die a shameful death, and I have not deserved it.” Just then came
-King Arthur, and he also required Sir Bors to undertake the battle for Sir
-Lancelot’s sake. So then Sir Bors consented to be the queen’s champion, if
-on the appointed day a better knight than himself did not undertake the
-battle. The king and queen were greatly comforted; but Sir Bors
-straightway rode in secret to Sir Lancelot, and told him what had
-happened. Said Lancelot: “This has happily come as I would have it. Do you
-make you ready on the day fixed to do the battle, but delay as long as you
-can till I come.”
- </p>
-<p>
-This Sir Bors undertook; and on the day set, the king and all the court
-were gathered in the meadow beside Winchester, where the battle was
-appointed to be fought. The queen was brought into the place as a
-prisoner, and there was an iron stake set up, so that if Sir Mador had the
-better she should be burned forthwith, according to the king’s judgment.
-Then came Sir Mador de la Port, and made oath before the King that Queen
-Guenever had treasonably slain his cousin Sir Patrice; and that he would
-maintain with his body against any one that should say the contrary.
-Forthwith there entered Sir Bors, and he said that Queen Guenever was
-innocent, and he would prove with his body that she was not guilty of the
-treason charged against her.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Then make thee ready,” said Sir Mador, “and we shall soon prove whether
-thou or I be in the right.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Sir,” said Bors, “though I know you for a good knight, I have no doubt
-that I can withstand you; but I have only undertaken to do this battle if
-there come not a better knight than I and discharge me of it.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Thou must either meet me forthwith,” said Mador angrily, “or say nay and
-withdraw.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Take your horse,” said Bors, “and you shall not have to wait long.” Then
-both of them went to their tents, and made them ready; but Sir Bors
-delayed as long as he could, till Sir Mador rode about the field crying to
-the queen, “Bid your champion come forth if he dare.” Then was Sir Bors
-ashamed, and took his horse, and came into the lists; but just then he was
-aware of a strong knight that came fast out of a wood near by on a white
-horse with a shield of strange device; and this knight requested Sir Bors
-to retire and let him take the battle. Sir Bors knew well who it was, and
-so willingly withdrew. Then the king asked the stranger knight if he were
-willing to undertake the battle.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Therefore,” said he, “came I hither; and it seems to me a shame and
-dishonour to all you Knights of the Round Table that you should have
-suffered so noble a lady and courteous a queen as Queen Guenever to be
-rebuked and shamed among you.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then all the knights marvelled who the stranger could be; but Sir Mador
-was impatient, and so he and the other encountered in the midst of the
-lists, and Sir Mador’s spear broke, but Sir Lancelot’s held and bore Sir
-Mador to the ground. Then he drew his sword and challenged the stranger to
-fight him on foot; and quickly Sir Lancelot descended. So met they foot to
-foot, and fought a great battle for more than an hour, for Sir Mador was a
-passing good knight. But at the last Sir Lancelot smote him down, and then
-he yielded, and withdrew his accusation against the queen. So was she
-delivered; and then King Arthur prayed the stranger to take off his
-helmet. This he did, and all present knew that it was Sir Lancelot. Full
-joyfully was he greeted, especially by Queen Guenever, who repented her
-sorely of her unkindness to him. Afterwards, through the contrivance of
-the damsel of the lake, Nimue, it became known that Sir Pinell had done
-the deed of which Queen Guenever had been accused, and he fled to his own
-country; so then Sir Mador prayed the queen to forgive him, and peace was
-made between them.
-</p>
-<p>
-On the following Lady-day, King Arthur proclaimed a tournament at Camelot;
-and thereto was a great gathering of knights from all parts, though many
-of the best of those who had been at Lonazep were now dead. Queen Guenever
-would not go, because she said she was sick; and at first Sir Lancelot
-also excused himself, but the queen told him it were better for him to go,
-lest there should be suspicion that he stayed behind for her sake. So then
-he departed, but in ill-humour, and declared that he would be against King
-Arthur and his fellowship. Now as Sir Lancelot rode, he rested on his way
-at a castle which was named Astolat, and the knight that dwelt there was
-called Sir Bernard. He entertained Lancelot courteously, though he knew
-not his name, but saw by his manner and his many scars that he was a great
-lord and a well-proved knight. Sir Lancelot said to his host, “Sir, can
-you lend me a shield with a device which is not known? I would go to the
-tournament disguised, and my shield is too well known.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Bernard answered, “Sir, you shall have your desire, for you seem a
-full likely knight. I have two sons, of whom the elder was hurt on the
-same day he was made knight, so that never since has he been able to ride.
-His shield shall you bear; and his brother, Sir Lavaine, shall attend you
-in the field.”
- </p>
-<p>
-At this Sir Lancelot was well pleased. Now the old knight had a daughter
-that was exceedingly beautiful, so that she was called the Fair Maid of
-Astolat; and when she saw Sir Lancelot she loved him exceedingly; but his
-heart was ever set on Queen Guenever, and he returned not the maiden’s
-love. Still, being courteous to all ladies, he was ever gentle with her;
-and she was so emboldened that she entreated him to wear her token at the
-tournament.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair damsel,” said he, “if I grant you that, I shall have done more for
-you than I did ever for any lady before.” Then he bethought him that he
-did not wish to be known at the tournament, and that if he bore the
-damsel’s token none would think it was he; so he granted her request. And
-she brought him a sleeve of red cloth embroidered with pearls; and he put
-it on his helm, and gave her his shield to keep for him till he came again
-for it.
-</p>
-<p>
-So Lancelot departed to the tournament, and there he did great deeds
-against King Arthur’s knights, and he put back all the fellowship of the
-Round Table; and Sir Lavaine supported him mightily. But by mischance Sir
-Bors hurt Sir Lancelot sore with a spear, which went into his side and
-broke, and the spearhead remained in the wound. Then the tournament ended
-for the day; and because Sir Lancelot’s name was not known, the prize was
-adjudicated to the knight who wore the red sleeve. But Sir Lancelot
-suffered so sorely from his wound that he withdrew secretly from the crowd
-with Sir Lavaine; and when they were come to a quiet place he bade Sir
-Lavaine draw out the spear-head When that was done, he bled so much that
-he swooned away; but at last he recovered so far as to be able to ride to
-a hermitage near by, where the hermit tended him carefully, and having in
-old days been himself a knight, he knew him for Sir Lancelot. In the
-meantime, there was great grief with King Arthur and the knights at
-Camelot that they could not find the knight with the red sleeve, and all
-of them dispersed to seek for him. Now it chanced that in the search Sir
-Gawaine lodged with Sir Bernard at Astolat, and the damsel Elaine asked
-him how the tournament had gone. Then he told her of the great exploits
-that had been achieved by the knight with the red sleeve.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Right thankful am I,” quoth Elaine, “that the good knight sped so well;
-for he is the man that I first loved, and the only man that ever I shall
-love.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Fair lady,” said Gawaine, “is that knight your love?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Certainly,” she answered, “he is my love.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Do you know his name?” asked Gawaine.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I know not his name,” said Elaine, “for he would never tell it; but he
-left here his shield in my keeping, and took my brother’s in its stead, so
-that he might not be known.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Gawaine asked to look at the shield; and when he saw it, he knew it
-for Sir Lancelot’s. Then he marvelled, because before that time he had
-never known Lancelot bear any lady’s token; and he told Elaine who the
-knight was, and that he had been sore wounded. Thereupon she asked leave
-of her father to go forth and seek him and her brother Sir Lavaine. But
-Sir Gawaine went to London, and there openly he declared all that he had
-learned concerning Lancelot and the maid of Astolat. Thereat was Queen
-Guenever greatly angered, and she declared to Sir Bors that Lancelot was a
-false traitor. But Sir Bors set forth to seek him.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meanwhile the damsel Elaine rode to Camelot, and there she saw her
-brother Sir Lavaine that had come out to exercise his horse. So she caused
-him to bring her to the hermitage where Sir Lancelot lay; and when she saw
-him lying all pale and wasted on his bed, she swooned for sorrow. When she
-came to herself, he comforted her, and asked her how she came to know his
-name. And she told him how Sir Gawaine had seen his shield. “Alas!” said
-Lancelot, “I repent sorely that my name is known, for that will lead to
-trouble.” Then Elaine never left Lancelot, but nursed him night and day.
-After a long while he was whole of his wound, and made ready to depart. So
-Elaine said to him, “My lord Sir Lancelot, as you are a fair and courteous
-knight, have mercy on me, and suffer me not to die for your love.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“What would you that I did?” asked Lancelot.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I would have you for my husband,” she answered.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Fair damsel,” said he, “I am purposed never to be married.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Then must I die for your love,” she said. He spoke to her full tenderly,
-and promised, if she could give her love to another, to be his good
-friend. But all was to no purpose; for after he had departed, she never
-slept nor ate, and after ten days she felt that her days were done, but
-still she spoke and thought only of Lancelot. The priest that was with her
-bade her leave such thoughts. Then said she, “Why should I leave such
-thoughts? Is it any sin to love a noble knight? I take God to witness that
-I was never greater offender against his laws than that I loved the noble
-knight Sir Lancelot out of all measure, whereof I have my death.” And she
-had a letter written to Sir Lancelot, and requested that when she was dead
-the letter might be put in her hand, and she be laid in a fair bed with
-all the richest clothing she had about her; and then that the bed should
-be laid in a barge covered with black, and sent into the river Thames. All
-this was done, and the barge with the maid’s body floated down the Thames
-to Westminster, where the court was at that time. The king saw it floating
-on the river, and sent three knights to find out what it might be. When
-they saw so fair a corpse lying in the richest bed they had ever beheld,
-they caused the barge to be drawn to the shore, and told the king; who
-came to it, and took the letter from the dead maid’s hand. It set forth
-that she who writ it had died for love of Sir Lancelot du Lake, and
-entreated the knight to pray for her soul. At this Sir Lancelot was sorry,
-and the queen repented of all the hard words she had said against him.
-</p>
-<p>
-So Sir Lancelot was at that time the knight of by far the most worship
-living. Whenever there was a jousting, and he might be there, he carried
-away the palm; and he was ever ready to uphold the honour of King Arthur
-and of his court against all comers. Therefore was he well cherished of
-the King, while Queen Guenever loved him more and more, especially after
-he rescued her from Sir Meleagans, the son of King Bagdemagus, who had
-laid hold of her by treacherous means. But this same guilty love between
-Lancelot and the queen now most unhappily was the cause of the total
-destruction of the Round Table, and the end of Arthur’s glorious reign.
-Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred had ever hated Sir Lancelot; and now,
-against the will and counsel of Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Gareth,
-their brethren, they revealed the love of Lancelot and the queen to King
-Arthur. The king was cut to the heart, for much he loved Sir Lancelot, but
-he refused to believe that such wrong had been done unless he had proof.
-This was obtained by the contrivances of Agravaine and Mordred; but
-Lancelot slew Agravaine, and sorely wounded Mordred. Then he gathered
-together all the knights of his kin, and all others that would follow him,
-and prepared to rescue the queen, for she was sentenced by King Arthur to
-be burned. Against this Sir Gawaine pleaded earnestly, but in vain; but
-when the king bade him be one of those to lead the queen to her execution,
-he openly refused; and though Gareth and Gaheris consented to be there,
-they would not put on their armour. Then the queen was led forth to her
-death, clad only in a single white garment; but Sir Lancelot had word of
-it, and he and his company came suddenly, and overpowered them that
-guarded her, and rescued her. By ill-hap, Sir Lancelot slew Gaheris and
-Gareth, not knowing them; for they had gone unarmed among those who were
-leading the queen to the stake. Then he took Queen Guenever to his castle
-of Joyous Gard, and made ready to defend her there.
-</p>
-<p>
-When King Arthur heard how the queen had been rescued, and especially of
-the death of Gaheris and Gareth, he was full of sorrow; but when Sir
-Gawaine knew that his brethren had fallen by the hand of Sir Lancelot,
-whom they had always loved, he well-nigh went out of his mind. Then he
-took a great oath to be revenged against Sir Lancelot. And he and King
-Arthur raised a large army, and besieged Joyous Gard. But it was a very
-strong place, and well stored with provision, so that nothing could be
-done against it. Then King Arthur and Gawaine, with many reproaches and
-angry words, taunted Sir Lancelot to come out of the castle and meet them
-in the open field. He was loath to do so, for he wished not to hurt King
-Arthur or Gawaine; but at the last he consented, and there were great
-battles fought outside the castle. Many times Sir Lancelot might have
-slain the king, but he forbore him; but Sir Lancelot’s knights, though not
-so many as those on the other side, were the most perilous at that time
-living, and they did great execution against those of the king. The rumour
-of this unhappy war spread all through Christendom; and the Pope sent a
-bishop to King Arthur, charging him to make peace with Sir Lancelot and
-take his queen again. So at last it was agreed that Sir Lancelot should
-deliver up Queen Guenever, and no harm be done her; and that Sir Lancelot
-should withdraw him to his realm beyond the sea. This was done, and not
-only Sir Lancelot’s own kin but many more of the best knights of Britain
-went with him to his own country of Benwick, where he gave them lands and
-made ready for war.
-</p>
-<p>
-In no long time King Arthur and Sir Gawaine followed after with a great
-host, leaving the realm of Britain in keeping of the kings nephew, Sir
-Mordred; and they besieged Sir Lancelot in his strong city of Benwick.
-There Sir Gawaine came every day before the walls, and defied Sir Lancelot
-to combat; and at the last Sir Lancelot met him in the field, and after a
-long fight wounded him sorely on the head. As soon as Gawaine was healed,
-he came forth and challenged Sir Lancelot again; and again Sir Lancelot
-struck him down, but would not slay him. Before he could be fully
-recovered from this second wound, there came news that Sir Mordred had
-spread a report that King Arthur was slain in battle against Sir Lancelot,
-and had seized the kingdom. Then Arthur and all his host returned with
-what speed they might, and landed at Dover. There Mordred met him with a
-great army; but in the battle King Arthur was victorious, and Mordred
-fled. On that day Sir Gawaine received a mortal wound, and then he
-repented that he had waged such bitter war against Sir Lancelot: so he
-wrote him a letter, in which he begged his forgiveness, and besought him
-to pray at his tomb; and he also requested that Lancelot would come over
-and help King Arthur against the traitor Mordred. Then Gawaine died, and
-King Arthur mourned over him, and caused him to be buried in the chapel of
-Dover Castle.
-</p>
-<p>
-It was now reported to the king that Sir Mordred had gathered a great host
-at Barendown; and King Arthur went forward to meet him. There was another
-great battle; but again King Arthur won the field, and Mordred and his
-party fled toward Salisbury. The king followed him, and many people
-flocked to his army; and he made ready to fight another battle on
-Salisbury Plain. But while Arthur was in his camp, he dreamed one night
-that Sir Gawaine came to him, and warned him not to fight against Mordred
-the next day, for if he did he should have his death; but that if he would
-treat with Mordred and delay for a month, then would come over Sir
-Lancelot and his host, and put the traitor and his party altogether to the
-worse. When the king woke, he took measures to treat with Mordred; so it
-was agreed that the king and his false nephew should meet between the two
-armies, with fourteen attendants each, to make the treaty. So the armies
-were drawn out, and King Arthur warned his men that if they saw any sword
-drawn or other sign of battle they should come on fiercely, because he did
-not trust Mordred. But Mordred gave a like warning to his men. While the
-two armies were standing face to face, it befell that an adder crept out
-of a bush of heather, and stung a knight on the foot. Forthwith he drew
-his sword to slay it, and thought of no other harm; but immediately the
-two hosts advanced fiercely against one another, and fought with all the
-greater fury because each party thought that the other had designed
-treachery. King Arthur rode at the head of his knights, and smote down on
-every hand, and Mordred on his part fought better than he had done in all
-his life before. At the last the king looked around him, and of all his
-host there were none left but Sir Lucas and Sir Bedivere, while on the
-other side there was none but Mordred himself, that stood leaning grimly
-on his sword. When Arthur saw him, he took his spear in his hand, and ran
-toward him, crying, “Traitor, now is thy death-day come.”
- </p>
-<p>
-When Mordred heard that, he waited for King Arthur with his sword ready in
-his hand; but the king avoided his blow, and thrust his spear clean
-through his body. Then Mordred felt that he had his death-wound, and he
-thrust himself up the spear, and smote King Arthur on the helm with his
-sword, that it pierced to the brain-pan. Mordred fell stark dead, and the
-king sank down in a swoon. But Sir Bedivere and Sir Lucas, though both of
-them were sore wounded, contrived to bring him to a little chapel by the
-seaside; and there Sir Lucas, that had sustained a mortal wound, fell down
-and died at the king’s feet. Then Sir Bedivere wept for Sir Lucas’ death,
-for he was his brother.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Leave this weeping and mourning,” said King Arthur, “for it will not
-avail. Now my time is full short; therefore take thou my good sword
-Excalibur, and go to the water-side and throw it into the water.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then went Sir Bedivere with the sword; and as he looked upon it, and saw
-how the pommel and haft were all ornamented with precious stones, he
-thought it would be a pity that so noble a sword should be wasted So he
-hid it under a bush, and came back to the king, and told him that he had
-thrown the sword into the water.
-</p>
-<p>
-“What sawest thou there?” asked the king.
-</p>
-<p>
-“I saw nothing but the waves caused by the wind,” answered Bedivere.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Thou hast said untruly,” said Arthur; “therefore as thou art true and
-dear to me, go and obey my command.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Sir Bedivere returned, and took the sword in his hand, but he could not
-bring himself to throw it into the water. So once more he hid it, and went
-back to the king, telling him that he had done according to his bidding,
-but had seen nothing.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, traitor,” cried the king, “twice now hast thou betrayed me for the
-rich sword; but go yet and do my bidding, and if thou doest it not, then
-will I slay thee with mine own hands.”
- </p>
-<p>
-So then Bedivere went and took the sword, and wrapped the belts about the
-hilt, and flung it as far as he might into the sea; and lo! there came a
-hand above the water, and caught the sword, and brandished it thrice, and
-then vanished with it beneath the water. Then Bedivere returned to the
-king and told him what he had seen.
-</p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” said Arthur, “help me from hence, for I fear I have tarried over
-long.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Then Bedivere took the king on his back, and carried him to the
-water-side; and there was a barge with many fair ladies in it, all wearing
-black hoods. “Now put me into the barge,” said Arthur; and Bedivere did
-so, and three queens received the king, with great mourning and wailing,
-and one of them said,—
-</p>
-<p>
-“Ah, my dear brother, why hast thou tarried so long?” Then the barge went
-away, and Bedivere lost sight of it. So he departed, weeping and wailing,
-and wandered all night in the forest. In the morning he found himself by a
-hermitage and a chapel. When he went into the chapel, he saw a hermit
-praying by a tomb newly made. “Sir,” said Bedivere, “what man is there
-buried that you pray for?”
- </p>
-<p>
-“My fair son,” answered the hermit, “I know not; but last night, about
-midnight, there came here a great number of ladies which brought the body
-of a knight, and they prayed me to bury him.”
- </p>
-<p>
-“Alas!” cried Bedivere, “then it is my lord King Arthur that lies buried
-in this chapel.” And he swooned by the side of the tomb. When he came to
-himself, he vowed that henceforth he would abide with the hermit, and
-become a holy man. Of the death of King Arthur, and whether he was buried
-in that tomb, nothing more was certainly known; but many people believed
-that he was not dead at all, but remained in the Isle of Avallon, with the
-Lady of the Lake, and would yet come again to recover his kingdom.
-</p>
-<p>
-In the meanwhile Sir Lancelot heard of the treason of Mordred and the
-death of Gawaine; and he received Gawaine’s letter, which made him very
-doleful. So he gathered a great host, and came over into England, but
-there he heard the evil news of Arthur’s death; and it was told him that
-Queen Guenever had gone into a nunnery at Almesbury. Thither he went and
-saw her; and they had a sad meeting, for she bade him an eternal farewell,
-and told him he must never see her again, for she had dedicated herself to
-the service of Heaven. And she bade him return to his own kingdom, and
-rule it fitly, and take to himself a wife. But this Sir Lancelot denied
-her; for he said that as she had become a nun, so would he also take a
-religious habit. And this he did, at the same place where was Sir Bedivere
-and the tomb of King Arthur; and with him abode six knights of his kin,
-that also became hermits. Six years they dwelt there in great piety and
-penitence. Then it was made known to Lancelot in a vision that Guenever
-was dead at Almesbury; and he was bid to bring her to Glastonbury, and
-bury her by the side of her lord. So the next day he and his six fellows
-set out for Almesbury, and there they found the queen dead; and they bore
-her body to Glastonbury, and buried her with great solemnity in the same
-tomb as King Arthur. And from that time forth Lancelot scarce ever ate or
-slept, but was always praying by the tomb, so that in six weeks he also
-waxed very sick and died. He had bidden his fellows to bury him at Joyous
-Gard, and thither he was borne; and before he was laid in his grave, Sir
-Bors cried, weeping, “Ah, Sir Lancelot, there thou liest, that wert never
-matched of any earthly knight’s hands; and thou wert the courtliest knight
-that ever bare shield; and thou wert the truest friend that ever bestrode
-horse; and thou wert the truest lover that ever loved woman; and thou wert
-the kindest man that ever struck with sword; and thou wert the goodliest
-person that ever came among peers or knights; and thou wert the meekest
-man, and the gentlest, that ever ate in hall among ladies; and thou wert
-the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in rest.”
- </p>
-<p>
-Such is the end of the history of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round
-Table. After Arthur, his kinsman Constantine, the son of Sir Cador of
-Cornwall, was chosen King of Britain, and full nobly and worshipfully he
-ruled the realm. But of the goodly company of the Knights of the Round
-Table there was no remnant left.
-</p>
-<p>
-THE END.
-</p>
-<div style="height: 6em;">
-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
-</div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
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