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diff --git a/old/44433-0.txt b/old/44433-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a334d0f..0000000 --- a/old/44433-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3753 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Jaufry the Knight and the Fair Brunissende, by Mary Lafon - -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: Jaufry the Knight and the Fair Brunissende - A Tale of the Times of King Arthur - -Author: Mary Lafon - -Illustrator: Gustave Doré - -Translator: Alfred Elwes - -Release Date: December 14, 2013 [EBook #44433] -Last Updated: February 28, 2018 - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JAUFRY THE KNIGHT *** - - - - -Produced by David Widger - - - - - - -JAUFRY THE KNIGHT AND THE FAIR BRUNISSENDE - -A TALE OF THE TIMES OF KING ARTHUR - -By Mary Lafon - -Translated From The French Version by Alfred Elwes. - -Illustrated With Twenty Engravings By Gustave Dore - -Addey And Co. - -MDCCCLVI - - -[Illustration: frontispiece] - -[Illustration: titlepage] - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS. - -They reached the lofty rock, where, at the summit, they beheld the king -hanging thus helpless from the monster's horns..........Frontispiece. - -“Knight,” then cried Jaufry to the corpse, “it grieves me not to know -thy slayer, or whether thou wert wrong or whether right: thou now art -dead; but if I can, I even will learn why, and by whose hand”.....035 - -“Knight,” said Sir Jaufry, “thou dost press me sore”..............043 - -The wood and iron, for a cubit's length, pierced through the shoulder. -..................................................................053 - -“Good Mend,” he then apostrophised the knight, “the passage now may be -considered safe”..................................................054 - -“Halt, knight,” he cried; “I'll have a word with thee”............060 - -A fierce wind, in passing, swept away the last memorial of the magic -work..............................................................082 - -Knights and burghers, minstrels, jugglers from all countries, hither -trooping came.....................................................088 - -His troop returned, bearing him faint and bleeding................094 - -The wood was gloomy, intricate, and dense; and at the first cross-road -before him, he beheld, squatted beneath a pine, a hag, whose aspect -struck him with surprise..........................................100 - -“Heaven!” Sir Jaufry cried, “in thee I trust; what figure have we -here?”............................................................110 - -Back returned the sable knight, hissing and growling as the thunder -doth when tempests vex the air....................................112 - -Jaufry with Augier's daughter rode away...........................117 - -No wonder, then, if Jaufry were surprised to see her come thus lovely, -full of grace, and smiling as the queen of the sweet south........131 - -I leave you to surmise the games and joy which at the castle on that -day were seen.....................................................134 - -They sat them down in the great hall of the castle................136 - -He his efforts used to save her with the butt-end of his lance....140 - -Sir Jaufry found himself with two dames in a delicious land.......143 - -Then was the convent-church most richly decked, to which the king in -pomp conducted him with the fair Brunissende......................155 - -All the train which called Sir Melyan lord escorted back in triumph -to Montbran that happy pair.......................................157 - - - - -TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. - -The description given by one of the authors of _Jauvfry_ about the -origin of the romance, and the evidence afforded by the French adapter -concerning the Mss. wherein it is contained, make it unnecessary for me -to dwell upon these particulars. - -The veneration in which King Arthur's name is held by all lovers of -the early romantic history of Britain will give the tale a strong -recommendation in such eyes; while the personages with which it deals -render the appearance of its characters in an English dress the more -pleasing and appropriate. - -As answerable for the fashion and material of the costume, I may be -permitted to say a few words concerning the rule which has guided me -in producing it. Keeping in view that the original romance is a poem in -form and composition, I have endeavoured, in my translation, still to -preserve the poetic character; and though compelled to base my work upon -a prose version, I have tried, within certain limits, rather to restore -its original shape, than allow it, by the second ordeal to which it is -thus subjected, to lose it altogether. Whether such attempt, however -honestly conceived, has been properly carried out, must be determined by -my readers. - -A.E. - -King's Arms, - -Moorgate Street, London. - - - - -PREFACE TO THE FRENCH VERSION. - -The literary world of France scarce knows the extent of its own riches. -In the catacombs of its libraries and archives there is a heap of -unknown jewels which would give a new and brighter lustre to its poetic -wreath. The “great age” did not even suspect their existence; the -eighteenth century passed over without bestowing on them, a glance; and -if, in our days, a few of our learned brethren have conceived the idea -of drawing them to light, the rumour of their labours, which moreover -were both superficial and incomplete, never got beyond the doors of the -Institute. - -There still remains, then, more especially as regards the south, to open -up the lode of this mine of gold,--a virgin mine as yet, inasmuch as -Sainte-Palaye, Rochegude, Raynouard, and Fauriel, have but scraped Upon -its surface,--and reanimate, in a poetic point of view, the middle ages, -too easily sacrificed at the period of the _renaissance_, too severely -proscribed by the University. Fed, in truth, from our entry into college -with the literature of Greece and Rome, which, however admirable in -form, is but sober in invention, we can have no conception of those -works wherein the imagination of France, youthful, vigorous, and gay, -blossomed in full freshness like a rose in spring. Some judgment may -be formed of the value of the poems rhymed by the troubadours in the -twelfth and thirteenth centuries by the romance which is now presented -to the public. Dragged from the dust beneath which it has lain buried -for six hundred years, the romance of _Jaufry_ is translated for the -first time; and when we consider the merit of the story, we may add, -without fear of contradiction, that it deserved such honour long ago. - -Let the reader call up in his mind a pavilion of Smyrna or Granada, with -columns of white marble light and graceful as those of the Alhambra, -with elegant trellis-work, glass of varied hues, and filled with a -pervading tone of warmth,--the warmth of a May sun,--and he will have -some notion of the romance of _Jaufry and the fair Brunissende_:--few -things being more piquant, more fresh, more fanciful, or which better -reflect the charming caprices of a southern imagination in the middle -ages. Feudal society revives therein entire, with all its fairy doings, -its knightly fictions, its manners, and its grand lance-thrusts; and -such is the interest of the tale, that we allow ourselves to be carried -away by it with as much pleasure as our ancestors must have felt, -when it was told to the sounds of the minstrers viol in the great -castle-hall, or beneath the shadow of the tent. - -Two peculiarities, which are not matter of indifference to history, -enhance the value of this poetic gem: one is, the influence of Arabic -ideas, of which it has a distant savour like the balmy oases of -the East; and the other, the inspiration which it evidently lent to -Cervantes. If, for instance, we discover therein the roc, the wishes, -and the tent of the Fairy Paribanou, as traces of the _Arabian Nights_, -we behold, on the other hand, that this romance of _Jaufry_ has -furnished the one-handed genius of Alcala with the first idea of the -adventure of the galley-slaves (_desdichados galeotes_), the cavalier -in green (_cavallero del verde gavan_), the braying of the regidors -(_rebuzno de los dos regidores_), the Princess Micomicona, and the -enchanted head. And in this respect we may be permitted to remark, that -the romance of _Jaufry_ offers matter of a piquant comparison with the -work of Miguel Cervantes. Is it not strange, after the ingenious _Don -Quixote_, to find ourselves reading with pleasure the adventures of a -knight-errant? - -We should still have much to say concerning this poem and our system of -translating it; but as we are averse to useless dissertations, we will -confine our further remarks within short space. This romance, which is -written in the _Provençal_ tongue of the twelfth century, is composed -of eleven thousand one hundred and sixty verses of eight syllables. * -It was begun by a troubadour, who heard the tale related at the court of -the king of Aragon, and finished by a poet whose modesty caused him to -conceal his own name and that of his colleague. In order to render the -reading of their work more pleasant, while using our efforts to retain -the southern character and genuine tone of colour, we have pared away -some of the verbosity and tautologies which at times encumber while they -retard the progress of the action. May this flower of the genius of our -fathers retain in our modern tongue a part of that freshness and perfume -which were its attributes in former days! - - * The Imperial Library possesses two manuscript copies: one - in small folio, written in a minute round Italian hand, with - double columns of forty-five verses,--124 pages, classed - under No. 291, 2d French supplement; the other, a small - quarto, which will be found under No. 7988. - - - - -AUTHOR'S PREFACE. - -Now of a tale of chivalry, of proper fashion, great allurement, full -of-wise and courteous instances, and wherein abound acts of great -prowess, strange adventures, assaults, encounters, and dread battles, -you may list the telling. An it amuse you, I will relate thereof all -that I do know, or that it please you to give ear unto. Let me know only -that which ye desire, and if ye be inclined to listen in good sooth. -When the minstrel doth indeed recite, neither should hearers buy nor -sell, nor in low voice hold council; for thus the recital is lost to -him who speaketh, and they methinks who listen cannot find therein great -pleasure. - -I come, then, to recount to you tidings of the court of good King -Arthur; he who was so worthy, so valiant, and so wise, that his name -shall never die, but whereof shall eternally be spoken the mighty things -he did; and the good knights, all for their prowess known, whom he did -gather at his famed Round Table. In that court, the fairest and most -loyal that ever shone beneath the stars, all men did find that counsel -and that aid of which they stood in need. There triumphed right, and -there were wrongs redressed. - -There dames and damsels, widows and orphans attacked unjustly, or -disinherited by force, ne'er failed to meet with champions. The -oppressed of all conditions there did find a refuge, and none e'er -sought protection there in vain. Give, then, sweet welcome to a poem the -fruit of such good place, and deign to listen unto it in peace. - -The troubadour who rhymed it never knew King Arthur; but he heard -the entire story told at the court of the king of Aragon, the best of -monarchs in this world. * - - * Don Pedro III., killed in 1213 at the battle of Muret. - -A worthy father and a famous son, lord of goodly fortunes, humble in -heart, and frank in nature as in mind, the king of Aragon loveth God and -feareth Him; he maintaineth faith and loyalty, peace and justice: thus -God protecteth him, giveth him the victory when he raiseth his banner -against the infidel, and placeth him above all those who are alike -worthy and bold. Where shall we seek youthful brows wearing a crown -which emitteth rays of greater splendour? - -He giveth good gifts to minstrels and to knights, and his court is the -resort of all those who are esteemed brave and courteous. It was before -him the troubadour heard related, by a stranger-knight of kin to Arthur -and Sir Gawain, the song he here hath rhymed; and whereof the first -adventure occurred while the king of the Round Table held his court at -Carlisle on the day of Pentecost. - - - - -CHAPTER I. THE ADVENTURE OF THE FOREST. - -'Twas {017}on the day of Pentecost, a feast which to Carlisle had drawn -a host of knights, that Arthur, King of Briton's isle, his crown placed -on his brows, and to the old monastic church proceeded to hear mass. And -with him went a brilliant train, the Knights of the Round Table. There -were Sir Gawain, Lancelot du Lac, Tristrem, and Ivan bold, Eric frank -of heart, and Quex the seneschal, Percival and Calogrant, Cliges the -worthy, Coedis the handsome knight, and Caravis short i' the arm; the -whole of his bright court, indeed, was there, and many more whose names -I have forgot. - -When mass was done, they to the palace home returned 'mid laughter and -loud noise, the thoughts of each on pleasure only bent. Each on arrival -gave his humour play. Some spoke of love, and some of chivalry; {018}and -some of ventures they were going to seek. Quex at this moment came into -the hall, holding a branch of apple in his hand. All made room for him; -for there were few who did not fear his tongue and the hard words which -it was wont to utter. This baron bold held nothing in respect. E'en of -the best he ever said the worst. But this apart, he was a brave stout -knight, in council sage, a valiant man of war, and lord of lineage high; -but this, his humour and his biting words took from him much that was of -right his due. - -He, going straightway to the king, thus said: - -“Sire, an it please you, it is time to dine.” - -“Quex,” replied Arthur, in an angry tone, “sure thou wast born but to -awake my wrath, and out of season ever to discourse. Have I not told -thee, ay, a thousand times, naught should induce me to partake of food, -when thus my court had met, till some adventure had turned up, some -knight were vanquished, or some maid set free. Go sit thee down at -bottom of the hall.” - -Quex went without a word among that joyous throng, where men of all -conditions, knights and lords, minstrels and mountebanks, ceased not -their tricks, their {019}gay discourse, their laughter, till the hour of -noon. At noon, King Arthur called Sir Gawain, and thus spoke: - -“Fair nephew, cause our chargers to be brought; for since adventure -cometh not to us, we must fain seek it in the open field; for should we -longer stay, our knights, indeed, would have a right to think that it -were time to dine.” - -“Your will, my lord,” Sir Gawain said, “shall be obeyed.” - -And at the instant he the squires bade to saddle horses and their armour -bring. Soon were the steeds prepared, the nobles armed. The king then -girded on his famous sword, and at the head of his bold barons placed, -set out for Bressiland, a gloomy wood. Having along its deep and shady -paths awhile proceeded, the good king drew rein, and 'mid the greatest -silence bent his ear. A distant voice was then distinctly heard, calling -at intervals for human help, and turn by turn invoking God and saints! - -“I will ride yonder,” bold King Arthur cried; “but with no company save -my good sword.” - -“An it please you, my lord,” Sir Gawain said, “I fain would ride with -you.” - -“Not {020}so, fair nephew,” the king made reply; “I need no company.” - -“Since such your wish,” said Gawain, “have your will.” - -Arthur called quickly for his shield and lance, and spurred right -eagerly towards the spot whence came the plaintive voice. As he drew -near, the cries the sharper grew. The king pricked on with greater -speed, and stopped before a stream by which a mill was placed. Just at -the door he saw a woman stand, who wept, and screamed, and wrung her -trembling hands, while she her tresses tore in deep despair. The good -king, moved to pity, asked her why she grieved. - -“My lord,” she weepingly replied, “oh! help me, in God's name! a -dreadful beast, come down from yonder mount, is there within devouring -all my corn!” - -Arthur approached, and saw the savage beast, which truly was most -frightful to behold. - -Larger than largest bull, it had a coat of long and russet fur, a -whitish neck and head, which bristled with a pile of horns. Its eyes -were large and round, its teeth of monstrous size; its jaws were -shapeless, legs of massive build; its feet were broad and square. -A giant elk were not of greater bulk. Arthur observed {021}it for a -certain time with wonder in his mind; crossing himself, he then got -off his horse, drew forth his sword, and, covered with his shield, went -straight into the mill. The beast, however, far from being scared, did -not so much as even raise its head, but from the hopper still devoured -the corn. Seeing it motionless, the king believed the beast was lack of -spirit, and, to excite it, struck it on the back: but still the creature -moved not. He then advanced, and standing right in front, lunged at the -beast as though to run it through. It did not even seem to note the act. -Arthur then cautiously laid down his shield, replaced his sword, and, -being stout and strong, he seized it by the horns, and shook it with -great force; natheless he could not make it leave the grain. In rage, -he was about to raise his fist, so as to deal it on the head a blow; but -lo! he could not then remove his hands,--they were as riveted unto its -horns. - -Soon as the beast perceived its foe was caught, it raised its head; and -issued from the mill, bearing, pendant from its horns, the king, aghast, -distracted, and yet wild with rage. It then regained the wood at easy -pace; when Gawain, who, by good fortune, happed to ride before his -Mends, beheld it thus his uncle {022}carrying off,--a sight which -half-deprived him of his wits. - -“Knights!” he exclaimed aloud, “hie hither! help to our good lord! and -may the laggard never sit at his Round Table more! We should indeed -deserve dishonoured names were the king lost for want of timely aid.” As -thus he spoke, he flew towards the beast, not waiting for the rest, and -couched his lance as though to strike at it. - -But the king, fearing harm would come to him, addressed him thus: - -“Fair nephew, thanks; but e'en for my sake halt. If thou do touch it, I -am surely lost; and if thou spare it, saved. I might have slain it, and -yet did not so; something now tells me I held not my hand in vain. Let -it, then, go its course; and keep my men from coming on too near.” - -“My lord,” Sir Gawain answered him with tears, “must I, then, let you -perish without help?” - -“The best of help,” the king rejoined, “will be to do my bidding.” - -Sir Gawain was at this so much incensed, he cast down lance and shield, -he tore his cloak and handfuls from his hair. - -Just {023}at this time Ivan and Tristrem came, with lances lowered, and -at top of speed; Gawain threw up his hands, and loudly cried: - -“Strike not, my lords, for his, King Arthur's sake; he's a dead man if -you but touch the beast.” - -“What, then, are we to do?” inquired they. - -“We'll follow it,” quoth Gawain: “if the king be hurt, the beast shall -die.” - -The monster still kept on its even way, not seeming to remark the -knights, until a rock it reached, lofty and round and high. It scaled -it, as a swallow, rapidly; and Gawain and his friends, who at a distance -followed, sad and full of thought, saw it, when thus the summit -was attained, crawl straight towards a peak which overhung. There, -stretching out its head, it held the king suspended o'er the abyss. -Judge the alarm of Gawain and his friends, who each beside was almost -wild with rage! Hearing their cries, they who remained behind came up -full spur, and reached the lofty rock, where, at the summit, they beheld -the king hanging thus helpless from the monster's horns. They then -gave loose to the most doleful cries that ever had been heard. I cannot -picture to you their despair. Brave knights and pages then you might -have {024}seen tearing their hair and rending their attire, that wood -reviling and the strange adventure which they had come to seek. And Quex -exclaimed, by way of final stroke: - -“Alas! fair chivalry, how hard thy lot! this day to cause the death of -our good king, and lose thy valour when 'twas needed most!” - -Saying these words he sank upon the ground. The king, however, still -remained suspended in mid air, the beast meanwhile not offering to stir. -The monarch feared to drop in that abyss; and in low voice he prayed the -saints and God to save him from this pass. Then Gawain, Tristrem, and I -know not who beside, took counsel how they might heap up their robes, so -as to break the brave King Arthur's fall. Gawain had scarce proposed it -to the crowd than each one doffed his garments speedily. - -In haste they brought their cloaks and mantles gay; stripped off with -eagerness their doublets, hose; and in an instant every knight was bare: -such was the heap of garments 'neath that rock, the king had fallen -without deadly risk. When this the beast beheld, it stirred as though it -would draw back, and slightly shook its head. The crowd below, alarmed, -at {025}once upraised a cry; and on their bended knees prayed Heaven -to guard the king, and bear him safe and sound. The beast with mighty -spring then leaped below; and setting Arthur free, itself it changed -into a handsome knight, in scarlet richly dad from head to heel. This -noble bent his knee before the king, and smiling said: - -“My liege, command your men their garments to resume; they now may dine -in peace; though somewhat late, the adventure has been found.” - -Arthur amazed, nay, half-distraught at this adventure strange, now -recognised the knight,--a courtly guest, esteemed among the brave, the -courteous, and the sage. - -Adroit in arms, gay, graceful, and beloved; among the first in strife, -yet kind and modest too,--this lord was master of the seven arts, and -in all spells was versed. For some time past between him and the king a -compact stood, whereby it was agreed, if he himself transformed when all -the court was met, he should as guerdon three good gifts receive--a cup -of gold, a charger of great price, and from the fairest damsel a sweet -kiss. - -Gawain at once ran up, fearing his uncle in his fell {026}was crushed; -and you may safely judge of his surprise--finding him thus, in high good -humour, stand loud laughing with the beast. - -“In faith, fair friend,” quoth he, “you can indeed enchant poor folks, -and force even barons to throw off their clothes.” - -“You may resume them, good my lord,” said the enchanter in the same gay -tone; “for lo! the king no longer needs their use.” - -They did indeed soon put them on again, nor stayed to pick or choose; -the court at once returned to fair Carlisle, the monarch and Sir Gawain -riding on a-head. The palace-walls soon echoed with their joy. The pages -brought them wherewithal to wash, and soon the knights were placed about -the board. Grand was that court, and rich and brave and good; many a -puissant name, full many a king, and many a duke and count, were seated -there. Gawain the valiant knight and Ivan the well-bred, each holding -the queen's arm, then led her in, where, at the table, sat she 'neath -the king. Gawain then placed himself the other side, and Ivan by the -queen: at once with laughter they began to tell of the enchanter's -skill; and when Queen Guenever, and they, the knights who were {027}not -in the wood, had learned the doings there, they were indeed surprised; -and soon loud laughed and chatted with the rest. Meanwhile Sir Quex -before the king and fair Queen Ghieneyer the golden dishes placed; -he then sat down to eat his own good meal, for he did boast a famous -appetite, while ready pages served the other knights. Nothing was -wanting at that banquet high: the roebuck, kid, and succulent wild-boar; -the crane, the bustard, capons, swans, wild-geese; peacocks, and fine -fat hens and partridges; white bread and purest wine,--of all good -things the best was there beheld. Served by a host of graceful youths -beside, the guests did honour to the feast. - -Eating and drinking then engaged each thought; when straight there -entered, mounting a fleet horse, with spotted robe, a youthful squire, -tall and of noble mien. Never, do I believe, was man more finely-shaped. -His shoulders were at least two cubits broad, his features regular, his -eyes were sparkling, full of love and mirth; his hair was shining as -the brightest gold, his arms were large and square, his teeth as ivory -white. His frame, which tapered at the waist, was well developed, -and displayed his strength. His legs were long and straight, and feet -high-arched. - -His {028}violet and well-cut robe rested in graceful folds on hose of -the same hue. A garland of fresh flowers crowned his brows, to which the -sun had given a deeper tint, heightening the colour of his ruddy cheeks. - -Entering the hall, he alighted from his horse, and came with quick and -joyous step to kneel at the good monarch's feet. He then his purpose -opened with these words: - -“May He who made this world and all it holds; He who no suzerain -hath,--now save the king, and all that 's his!” - -“Friend,” replied Arthur, “thank thee for those words; if thou dost seek -a boon, it shall be thine.” - -“My liege, I am a squire, come from far unto your court, because I knew -so doing I should meet the best of kings; and I conjure you for St. -Mary's sake, if you so please, to arm me now a knight.” - -“Friend,” said the king, “arise, and take thy seat; it shall be done -thee even as thou wilt.” - -“Never, my liege, if you permit, will I uprise from hence till you have -granted me the boon I ask.” - -“It is conceded,” then exclaimed the king. - -The squire arose as these fair words were said, and went {029}to take -his place at that rich board. But scarcely was this done, than lo! the -guests beheld a knight, well armed, and on a charger fleet, come riding -in. Crossing the hall, he with his lance did strike a lord upon the -breast, and stretched him dying just before the queen. He then rode out, -exclaiming as he went: - -“This have I done to shame thee, wicked king. If it do grieve thee, and -thy boasted knights should care to follow, I am Taulat Lord of Rugimon; -and each passing year, on this same day, will I return to do thee the -like scorn.” - -Good Arthur drooped his head, enraged, yet sad; but then the squire -rose, and knelt before the king: - -“Sire,” he said, “now give me knightly arms, that I may follow up that -haughty lord who casts dishonour on this royal court.” - -“Friend,” exclaimed Quex at this, “your courage will be higher when -you're drunk. Sit yourself down again, and drink another bout; the heart -will be the merrier, and you can better floor a knight with wine than -with a sharp-edged sword, however stout!” - -The squire to this responded not a word, out of his duty for the worthy -king; but for such cause, Quex had {030}for his speech paid dear. -Arthur, however, gave his anger vent, and thus exclaimed: - -“Wilt thou, then, Quex, ne'er hold that biting tongue until I've driven -thee from out my court? What has emboldened thee to speak thus vilely, -and to a stranger who a suit prefers? Canst thou not keep within thee -all the spite, the envy, wicked words, and slanderous thoughts with -which thou art swelling o'er?” - -“My lord,” the squire said, “pray let him have his say; little heed -I the flings of his forked tongue, for which I will a noble vengeance -seek. Vile word ne'er sullieth honour. Let me rather have a suit of -arms, to follow him who now has issued hence; for I do feel I shall not -eat at ease till he and I have met in deadly fight.” - -The monarch courteously replied: - -“My friend, I willingly will give thee steed, good arms, and knightly -spurs; for thou dost ask these gifts as squire of gentle birth. But thou -art all too young to fight with him who now has left this hall. Not four -among the knights of my Hound Table can dare to meet his blows, or touch -him in the field. Leave, then, this care to others; I should grieve to -lose at once so stout and brave a squire.” - -“Since, {031}sire, you think me stout, and call me brave, 'tis -wrongfully or but to jeer you wish to stay my fighting; but in that -you'll not succeed save you refuse to grant the boon erewhile you -promised me;--and should a king forget his promise made, gone are his -lustre and his courtesy.” - -The monarch answered: - -“Friend, I yield me to thy ardent wish; thou shalt be armed a knight.” - -He then commanded two attendant squires at once go seek his armour, -lance, a fine and tempered shield, the casque, the sharp-edged sword, -the spurs, and horse of price in full caparison; then, when they brought -the arms and horse, he caused the squire to put the hauberk on, he -buckled his right spur, girded his sword upon the youth's left flank, -and having kissed him gently on the mouth, he asked of him his name. - -“Sire, in the land where I was born my name is Jaufry, son of Dovon.” - -The king, on hearing him speak thus, sighed heavily, and said, while -tears were in his eye: - -“Ah! what a knight and lord of mark was this same Dovon! He was of my -table and my court. A {032}brave knight and a learned: never had he -superior in arms. None were held stouter or more dread in fight. May -God, if He so will it, grant him grace; since for my sake he died! An -archer pierced his heart with a steel bolt, while he a keep held out on -my domain in Normandy.” - -Meanwhile a squire brought Jaufry a bay steed. The young knight placed -his hand upon the bow, and leaped upon the horse, all armed as he then -stood, without the use of stirrup; then called he for his shield and -lance, consigned the king to God, and having taken leave of all the -rest, he galloped from that hall. - - - - -CHAPTER II. ESTOUT DE VERFEIL. - -The {033}charger, which was fleet and fair to view, started off like an -arrow from its bow. So that, as Jaufry left the castle-gates, he hoped -he yet should overtake the knight; and therefore cried aloud to two men -on the way: - -“Good fellows, if you can, tell me the road just taken by the lord who -left the castle yonder even now. If naught prevent you, point me out the -way.” - -One of those men replied: - -“Speak you of him whose armour was so bright?” - -“The same,” quoth Jaufry. - -“He is on before; you start too late, sir knight, to catch him up.” - -“By Heaven!” murmured Jaufry, much aggrieved, “he cannot flee so far, -or sink so deep, but I will reach {034}him. I'll seek him the world -through, where land and sea are found, and will discover his retreat -even beneath the earth!” - -This said, he held his course; and spurring, came to a broad causeway -where fresh prints of horses' hoofs appeared upon the dust. - -“Methinks,” said Jaufry, “that a knight ere-while hath passed this way: -so I will follow up this selfsame road while thus the trail is seen.” - -Putting his horse into an ambling pace, he rode on all that day without -a town or castle being met. At eventide he still continued on, when a -loud cry, followed by din of arms and clash of steel on helm, suddenly -rose from out the heavy shade. - -Jaufry spurred readily towards the spot, and cried: - -“Who are ye, lords, who at this hour do fight? Reply, since eyes of man -cannot behold you.” - -But no one replied; and when, as fits a bold and venturous man, he -reached the place whence came the clashing noise, the fight was over and -the din had ceased. Whilst then he listened, seeing naught, and at the -silence wondering, there rose from out the shade deep sighs and moans; -when, stooping forward, he made out {035}a knight so sadly hurt the soil -was bathed in blood. - -“Knight,” cried Jaufry to the corpse, “it grieves me not to know thy -slayer, or whether thou wert wrong or whether right: thou art now dead; -but if I can, I even will learn why, and by whose hand. - -“Knight,” he exclaimed, “speak, and inform me for what, and by whom, -thou hast been so sorely used.” The wounded man could not e'en stir his -lips or move a limb; his arms grew stiff; and, with two fearful groans, -he yielded up the ghost. - -[Illustration: 051] - -“Knight,” then cried Jaufry to the corpse, “it grieves me not to know -thy slayer, or whether thou wert wrong or whether right: thou now art -dead; but if I can, I even will learn why and by whose hand.” He then -departed, and resumed his way, now on the trot and now at ambling pace, -stopping at intervals to bend his ear and give a look around. For some -time nothing met his ear or eye; but, after having ridden for a space, a -noise of battle once again assailed him. Steel, wood, and iron met with -such dread force, it seemed as though the thunder vexed the air, and -that this din proclaimed the bursting storm. At once, then, to the side -from whence it came Sir Jaufry turned his horse; and, with his shield -about his neck, his lance in rest prepared, he spurred with ardour on, -for, in his mood, it seemed as though he ne'er should learn who slew the -knight and who were they that fought. On, then, to {036}that affray he -hotly came; but to behold, stretched stiff upon the ground, a knight all -armed, whose casque and head beside had by a single blow been cloven -to the teeth, while his steel hauberk was all red with gore. Jaufry his -visor raised, and touched him with his lance; but, seeing no life was -there, exclaimed with grief: - -“Heaven! shall I, then, never know whose hand hath slain these knights?” - -Full of impatience he resumed his course; and when he far had ridden, -lit upon another knight, whose body was so shattered with his hurts that -blood and life were oozing fast away. Moved deeply at his cries and sad -laments, Jaufry drew near, and kindly asked what hand had dealt such -measure to himself and the two others slain, and which side was moreover -in the wrong? - -“Alas!” the wounded man made answer with a sigh, “I will explain to you -the simple truth. It is Estout, the master of Verfeil, who has reduced -us to the state you see, to feed his pride. This knight is known so -quarrelsome and fierce, that without mercy and without a cause he doth -assault all comers far and near.” - -“Tell {037}me,” said Jaufry, “was he wrong in this?” - -“I will, my lord, with Heaven's help, and that without e'en lying by -a word. I and my friends were going to our rest, when Estout to my -castle-gates, hard by, rode up, and bade us high defiance. Had it been -day, we should have tarried long ere venturing forth; for we did know -him master of such skill, that few as yet could e'er make head against -him,--so merciless beside, as never in his lifetime ever known to grant -his foeman grace: seeing him not, the bridge was lowered, and at once -was passed. He, having drawn us far upon the road,--the better for the -treacherous ends he had,--suddenly stopped, and turning, with lance -couched on him who pressed him nearest, stretched him dead upon the -earth. - -“By this time we had recognised Estout, and turned our horses' heads; -but he with threatening words pursued us close, and reaching my -companion, slew him with a blow. He then his rage concentrated on me, -and with such fierceness, thinking my end come, I missed my aim, the -lance just glancing from his shield; but he with one stroke bore me -from my horse, and three times struck me as I helpless lay, so that, -{038}good faith, he little life hath left. This, my good lord, is how -the thing hath happed.” - -“Know you,” asked Jaufry, full of thought, “the road he took, and where -he may be met?” - -“My lord, I cannot tell; but little do I doubt that you will find him -earlier than you wish. Haste, then, to fly such presence; for believe, -you cannot gain thereby aught else but iron: an you take my advice, -you'll change your route.” - -“Change my route, say ye?” quoth Sir Jaufry; “no, by my troth; nay more, -I will but follow him the closer up; and, should I catch this lord, we -part not, he may rest assured, without a struggle; and without learning, -too, which of us twain doth bear the stouter heart, the stronger arm, or -wield the better sword.” - -He took his leave, with these words, of the knight; the latter prayed -him to pass by his keep and send him aid from thence. - -“I will not fail,” said Jaufry. - -Towards the manor of the dying man he took his way, and after some brief -space he saw high towers and two squires well armed, who mounted guard -before a raised drawbridge. - -“Friends,” {039}he exclaimed to them, “God save you both!” - -“And you, my lord, from every harm,” they said. - -“I have sad message for you,” added Jaufry, “and bad news. Your lord is -lying yonder sorely hurt; and his two comrades are both slain. Estout -de Verfeil has misused them thus. So hasten to your lord, who wants your -help.” - -He then commended them to God, and parted in all haste. Jaufry resumed -his way, now trotting hard and now at ambling pace, until he reached a -valley deep and dark. There he beheld the blaze of a great fire, round -which were met a numerous company. Trusting he might get tidings there -of Estout and of Taulat,--for truly counted he on fighting both,--he -straightway rode to where the fire was, and found there figures that -awaked surprise. Lords in rich vestments roasted a wild-boar; meanwhile, -by dwarfs, stunted and out of shape, the spit was turned. - -“Good sirs,” said Jaufry civilly, “could I but learn from some of you -where I may meet a lord I have followed this night through?” - -“Friend,” exclaimed one in answer, “it may be we can tell you when we -know his name.” - -“I {040}seek,” said Jaufry, “Estout de Verfeil, and Taulat called the -Lord of Rugimon.” - -“Friend,” said the knight with courtesy, “from hence depart, and that -with greatest speed; for should Estout but chance to meet you here thus -armed, I would not give a denier for your life. He is so valiant and -so stout of limb, that never yet hath he encountered foe who could make -head against him. All these you see around are knights of proof, and can -meet sturdy blows; natheless he hath subdued us all, and we are forced -to follow him on foot wherever choice or venture leads him on. We're now -engaged preparing him his food; so I advise you to depart at once.” - -“Not so, indeed,” said Jaufry; “I came not here to flee. Before I turn -my face, my shield shall be destroyed, my hauberk riven, and my arm so -bruised it cannot wield a blade.” - -Whilst thus they held discourse, behold Estout arrived full spur, and, -at the sight of Jaufry, cried aloud: “Who art thou, vassal, who thus -dar'st to come and meddle with my men?” - -“And who are you,” said Jaufry in reply, “who use such pleasant words?” - -“Thou shalt know that anon.” - -“Are {041}you Estout?” - -“I am, indeed.” - -“Full long have I been seeking you throughout this weary night, without -e'er stopping in my course or closing eye.” - -“And for what end hast thou thus sought me out?” - -“For that I wish to know why thou hast slain the three knights on the -road; which act I take to be a sin and wrong.” - -“And is it for this that thou art hither come? Thou wouldst have better -done to stay behind, for to thy ruin do I meet thee here; thou shalt -this instant lose that head of thine, or follow me on foot like yonder -knights who patter humbly at my horse's heels. Deliver, therefore, up -to me thy shield, thy breastplate, and thy sword, and the bay horse that -brought thy body here.” - -“My care shall be to guard them with my life,” quoth Jaufry. “'Twas the -good king bestowed this courser on me when he armed me knight. As to the -shield, thou shalt not have it whole; nor e'en the hauberk, without -rent or stain. Thou tak'st me for a child, whom thy poor threats can -frighten: the shield, the hauberk, and the horse, are not yet thine; but -if they {042}please thee, try a bout to win them. As to thy threats, I -scorn them: 'threats,' saith the proverb, 'often cover fear.'” - -Estout drew off his horse at these bold words, and Jaufry nerved him to -sustain the shock; then ran they at each other with their utmost speed. -Estout struck Jaufry on the shield's bright boss, and with such mighty -strength, that through the riven metal went the lance, breaking the -mail which guarded his broad chest, and grazing e'en the skin. Jaufry -meanwhile had struck his foe in turn, and with so just an aim, he lost -at once his stirrups and his seat, and rolled halfstunned upon the -ground. - -He rose again full quickly, pale with rage, and came with upraised sword -towards Jaufry. The latter, wishing his good horse to spare, at once -leapt on the sod and raised his shield. 'Twas just in time: Estout, in -his fierce rage, brandished his sword with both his hands, and made it -thunder down with such effect the shield was cloven to the arm. - -“St. Peter!” murmured Jaufry, “thou dost covet this poor shield; still, -if naught stay me, it shall cost thee dear.” - -Suiting to such words the act, upon Estout's bright casque {043}he then -let fly so fierce a downward stroke, that fire issued therefrom. But the -good helm of proof was not a whit the worse. With gathering fury Estout -came again, and with one stroke pared from Sir Jaufry's shield the -double rim, full half a palm of mail, and the left spur, which was cut -through as the blade reached the ground. - -Wondering at the vigour of his dreadful foe, Jaufry, on his side, struck -a second time his burnished helm; and with such force, his sword -in twain was broken, yet left it not upon the trusty steel even the -slightest dent. - -“Heaven!” thought Jaufry, “what doth this portend? confounded be the -hand that helmet wrought, whereon my blade hath spent itself in vain!” - -Then Estout, uttering a fearful cry as he beheld Sir Jaufry's sword in -two, flew straight towards him, and in his turn struck the son of Dovon -on the helm, smashing the visor as the blow came down. Had he not -raised in time the remnant of his shield, which that fell stroke for aye -destroyed, the combat had been done. - -[Illustration: 061] - -“Knight,” said Sir Jaufry, “thou dost press me sore; and I, good sooth, -must be indeed bewitched; strike {044}as I will upon that helm of thine, -I cannot crack its shell.” - -As thus he spoke, he launched a desperate blow with what was left him of -his blade; which, falling on the casque of his stout foe like hammer on -an anvil, for the time deprived him both of sight and sound. With dizzy -eye and tottering step, Estout, thinking to strike at Jaufry, whom he -would have cloven to the heel had he received the blow, let fall his -sword with such unbounded rage, it struck into the ground, and buried -half its blade. Before he could withdraw it, the young knight, casting -aside the battered shield and broken sword, seized with both arms Estout -about the waist, and that with such good-will, his very ribs were heard -to crack within. To cast him to the ground, undo his helm, and seize his -sword to strike off his foe's head, were but an instant's work. - -Estout, who moved not, cried with feeble voice: - -“Mercy, good knight! O, slay me not, but take of me such ransom as thou -wilt; I own that thou hast vanquished me.” - -“Thou shalt have mercy,” Jaufry then replied, “an thou do'st that which -I shall now command.” - -“It {045}shall be done most willingly, my lord; thou canst not ask a -thing I will not do.” - -“In the first place,” said Jaufry, “thou shalt go and yield thyself -a captive to King Arthur, with all these knights, to whom thou must -restore what thou hast ta'en from them; and thou shalt then relate to -that good king how I have thus o'ercome thee in the fight.” - -“I will do so full willingly, by Heaven!” Estout replied. - -“And now,” said Jaufry, “give to me thine arms; for mine have been all -hacked and hewed by thee.” - -“Agreed, my lord. Give me your hand: the bargain shall be kept; and well -can I aver, without a lie, that ne'er did knight boast armour such -as mine. Many's the blow may fall upon this helm, yet never pass it -through; no lance can dim this shield or pierce this mail; and for this -sword, so hard is it of temper, iron nor bronze nor steel resists its -edge.” - -Jaufry then donned these valuable arms; and whilst he buckled on -the shining helm and burnished shield and girded the good sword, the -captives of Estout came up to do him homage. They were two score in -number, all of price and lofty lineage, who addressed him, 'mid warm -smiles of joy: - -“Fair {046}lord, what answer will ye that we make when good King Arthur -asks the name of him who sets us free?” - -“You will reply that Jaufry is his name,--Jaufry the son of Dovon.” - -This said, he ordered that his horse be led; for still he burned to -overtake Taulat. And though Estout and all the knights pressed him -awhile to tarry, yet he stayed neither to eat nor take the least repose: -from squires' hands receiving shield and lance, he took his leave, and -wandered on his way. - -The day came on both clear and beautiful; a bright sun rose on fields -humect with dew; charmed with the spring-tide and the matin hour, the -birds sang merrily beneath the verdant shade and conned their latin -notes. * Jaufry, natheless, went straight upon his road, still bent on -finding Taulat; for to him nor peace nor rest nor pleasure can e'er come -till that proud lord be met. - - * E l'jom e clars e bel gentz - E l'solelz leva respondents - Lo matin que span la rosada, - E l's auzels per la matinada - E per lo temps qn'es en dousor, - Chantan desobre la verdor - E s'alegron en or latin.... - - - - -CHAPTER III. THE DWARF AND THE LANCE. - -After {047}Sir Jaufry had rode on his way, Estout his promise kept, and -to each knight restored both horse and arms. That evening he set out for -Arthur's court, which he resolved to reach before the jousts and games -and banquetings were o'er. Eight days had they been holden in those -halls when he arrived there with his company. 'Twas after dinner, as the -king was seated with his lords, lending an ear to minstrels' tales and -the discourse of knights, who told of acts of lofty prowess done, that -Estout came with that armed troop of knights. Having alighted at the -palace-gates, they soon were led before the worthy king; when, kneeling -at his feet, Estout expressed himself in terms like these: - -“Sure, may that high King who made and fashioned {048}all things, He, -the Lord of every sovereign, who hath nor peer nor mate, now save us in -your company!” - -“Friend,” the king replied, “God save you, and your friends beside! Who -are ye, and what come ye here to seek?” - -“My lord, I will recount you the whole truth: from Jaufry, son of Dovon, -come we, to proclaim ourselves your captives, and submit to your just -law. Sir Jaufry hath delivered all these knights, whom I had captured -one by one, and who were bound to follow me on foot,--for they had mercy -only on such terms; now he hath conquered me by force of arms.” - -“And when thou last beheldst him,” asked the king, “by that true faith -thou ow'st to gracious Heaven, say, was he well in health?” - -“Yea, sire, by the troth I owe to you, believe, that eight days since, -arise to-morrow's sun, I left him sound, robust, and full of fire. He -would not even tarry to break bread; for he declared no food should pass -his lips, no joy, no pleasure, no repose be his, until the knight named -Taulat he had found. He now is on his track; and I engage, that if he -meet him, and a chance do get to measure sword with sword, it will be -strange {049}an he not force him to cry grace; for I do not believe the -world doth own a braver knight, or one more strong in arms. I speak from -proof, who dearly know his force.” - -“O Heaven, in which I trust,” cried Arthur, as he clasped his hands, -“grant me my prayer, that Jaufry fry safe and sound may back return! -Already is he known a doughty knight, and noble are the gifts he hither -sends.” - -Leave we now bold Estout to tell his tale, and turn we to our knight. I -have related how Sir Jaufry still went on seeking his foe by valley and -by mount; yet neither spied nor heard he living man to give him tidings. -He rode on thus, nor met he man or beast till the high noon was passed. -The sun had now become intensely hot, and hardly could he bear its -burning ray; still, neither sun, nor hunger, thirst, nor aught beside, -could cow his spirit. Determined not to stop upon his road till he had -Taulat met, he still progressed, though ne'er a soul was seen. - -As he pressed hotly on, some hours' riding found the youthful knight -close by a gentle hill shaded by one of nature's finest trees. Pendent -there hung from an outstretching bough a fair white lance of ash with -point {050}of burnished steel. Thinking a knight perchance was resting -near, Jaufry in that direction turned his horse, and galloped towards -the spot. When he had reached the bottom of the hill, he nimbly leapt -him down, and walked to the high tree; but, to his great surprise, -no soul was there, naught save the lance suspended to the bough. With -wonder then--asking of himself why arm so stout and good, the point of -which like virgin silver shone, should there be placed--he took it down, -and his own resting gainst the mossy trunk, handled and brandished this -new dainty lance, which he discovered to be good as fair. - -“Good faith,” quoth he, “I will e'en keep this arm, and leave mine own -behind.” - -Whilst making this exchange, a dwarf of frightful shape suddenly rushed -from out a neighbouring grove. Stunted and broad and fat, he had a -monstrous head, from which straight hair streamed down and crossed his -back; long eyebrows hid his eyes; his nose was large and shapeless; -nostrils so immense they would have held your fists; and thick and -bluish lips rested on large and crooked fangs; a stiff moustache -surrounded this huge mouth; and to his very girdle flowed {051}his -beard; he measured scarce a foot from waist to heel; his head was sunken -in his shoulders high; and his arms seemed so short, that useless would -have been the attempt to bind them at his back. As to his hands, they -were like paws of toads, so broad and webbed. - -“Knight,” cried this monster, “woe befals the man who meddles with that -lance! Thou wilt receive thy dues, and dangle on our tree; come, then, -give up thy shield.” - -Sir Jaufry eyed the dwarf, and angrily replied: - -“What mean you by such tale, misshapen wretch?” At this the dwarf set -up so loud a cry that all the vale resounded; and at once a knight well -armed, mounted upon a steed in iron cased, came, with high threats upon -his lips exclaiming: - -“Woe to the man who hath dared touch the lance!” - -Having the hill attained, he Jaufry saw; and thereupon he said: - -“By Heaven, sir knight! to do what thou hast done is proof thou carest -little for thy life.” - -“And why so, lord?” Sir Jaufry calmly asked. - -“Thou shalt soon learn. No man doth touch that lance {052}and get him -hence without a fight with me. If I unhorse the knight so bold as dare -to touch it, and conquer him by arms, no ransom saves his life,--I -hang him by the neck; and on my gallows which thou seest from here full -three-and-thirty dangle in mid air.” - -“Tell me now faithfully,” Sir Jaufry said,--“can he who sues for mercy -gain it at thy hands?” - -“Yea, but on one condition I have firmly fixed; which is, that never in -his life he cross a horse; ne'er cut his hair or pare his nails; ne'er -eat of wheaten bread, or taste of wine; and never on his back wear other -dress than what his hands have woven. Should he such terms accept before -the fight, he may perchance find grace; but naught can save the man who -once hath fought.” - -“And if he know not how to weave such dress?” asked Jaufry. - -“The art to weave, to shape the doth, and sew, must then be learned,” - the knight replied. “Say, then, if thou consent; or if thou choose this -hour to be thy last.” - -“I'll not do so,” quoth Jaufry; “for too hard the labour seems.” - -“Thou'lt do it well before five years are fled; for thou art tall and -strong.” - -“No, {053}by my troth, I'd rather chance the fight, since 'twould appear -I've no alternative.” - -“Take my defiance, then!” cried out the knight; “and bear in mind, the -combat 's to the death.” - -“So be it!” said Sir Jaufry; “I'll defend myself.” - -They drew apart some space with such-like words, each thinking on his -side a victim soon would fall. Then the knight came and thundered at his -foe. In shivers flew the lance; but Jaufry bore the shock unmoved. Not -so the knight; for Jaufry, his weapon planting at his shield, broke it -right through; the hauberk too beside, and wood and iron, for a cubit's -length, pierced through the shoulder. - -[Illustration: 073] - -He fell: Jaufry with naked blade was by his side; but as he saw him -thus, so poorly sped,-- - -“Knight,” he exclaimed, “methinks thy hanging-trade is done.” - -“Lord,” cried the wounded man, “unhappily 'tis true. Thou hast too well -performed thy work for safety henceforth to be banished hence.” - -“I will not trust to that,” quoth Jaufry; “or at least, it shan't -prevent my hanging thee.” - -“In Heaven's name, my lord, I crave thy grace!” - -“And by what claim canst thou obtain it, thou who {054}never yet hast -granted it to man? Thou shalt find pity, such as those yonder found who -once begged grace of thee.” - -“If, good my lord, my head have erred, my heart been black and habits -villanous, guard thee from following in my steps. I ask for mercy--that -should I receive. Wilt thou, a man of lofty virtue, choose that ever the -reproach should come to thee of hanging up a brave and courteous knight, -such as I once did bear the title of?” - -“Thou liest in thy throat,” Sir Jaufry said; “never couldst thou be -prized a proper knight, but rather, I believe, an arrant knave. Who doth -a villain's act doth forfeit rank and chivalry alike. In vain thy suit; -no pardon shalt thou find.” - -Undoing his steel helmet as he spoke, he seized a rope and placed it -round his neck; then, dragging him beneath the dismal tree, he well and -fairly hung him up thereto. - -“Good friend,” he then apostrophised the knight, “the passage now may be -considered safe, and travellers need fear little more from thee.” - -[Illustration: 076] - -Leaving him hanging upon such adieu, he rode towards the dwarf, as with -intent to kill. But when the latter {055}saw him thus return, crossing -his arms full quickly on his breast,-- - -“Fair sir,” he cried, “I yield to you and Heaven; but grant me, pray, -your pity. Of myself no evil have I done; since, had I disobeyed the -knight, I should have lost my life. Maugre myself, for fourteen years -I've watched this lance, which twice a-day I burnished. Woe had betided -me if I had bilked such task, or failed by signal to advise my lord when -it was touched by knight. This, fair my lord, hath been my only crime.” - -“Thou mayst have mercy,” Jaufry said, “an thou dost that which I shall -now command.” - -“Speak, good my lord; and God confound me if I lose a word!” - -“Rise, then, and hie thee to King Arthur's court. Tell to that king the -son of Dovon sends thee, and presents this lance which he hath won, the -fairest weapon eye hath e'er beheld. Recount to him beside thy lord's -ill-deeds, how that so many worthy knights he'd hung, and how in his -turn like meed was given unto him.” - -“My lord,” exclaimed the dwarf, “all this I promise you.” - -And Jaufry made reply, “Well then, begone!” - -It {056}was one Monday eye that this fell out, just at the setting sun. -The night came shortly on serene and fair, and the full moon shone out -as bright as day. Jaufry pursued his road,--for naught could change his -purpose,--and the dwarf prepared to execute his trust. At peep of morn -he started for Carlisle, where, after certain time, he safely came. The -king was breaking up his court, which for two weeks he there had held, -and knights and barons all were going their way content and glad, -bearing rich guerdons from their noble lord, when curiosity their steps -detained at sight of a strange dwarf, who in his hand a handsome lance -did hold. This dwarf pushed forward to the palace-hall, where each with -eager eye observed his shape; for never till that day had they beheld -such wondrous man; but he, passing the gaping crowd without remark, -straight to the monarch's throne his steps pursued; and there he said: - -“May God, most noble sire, grant you weal! Albeit my form is strange, -yet, please you, hear, for I do come a messenger from far.” - -“Dwarf,” said the king, “God save thee too! for thou methinks art -honest. Speak without fear, and do thy message featly.” - -The {057}dwarf preluded with a sigh, and thus began: - -“Sire, from Dovon's son I bear to you this lance, which has been cause -of mourning dire and great. Proud of his valour and his strength, a -knight had hung it to a tree upon a hill, where I have watched it, -burnished it beside twice every day, for fourteen weary years. If a -knight touched it, I by my cry aroused my lord, who then, all armed, -would rush upon the stranger; being vanquished, he was quickly seized -and by the neck incontinently hung. 'Twas thus that three-and-thirty met -their fate; when that the knight, whose messenger I am, conquered this -lord and won the lance, hanging in turn its owner for his deeds. This is -the lance that now he sends to you; and here am I, your vassal and your -slave.” - -“'Tis well,” the king replied; “but, dwarf, now give me, on thy faith, -some news of brave Sir Jaufry: without a lie, say when thou saw'st him -last.” - -“'Twas Monday evening, please you, my good lord; I left him when the -fray was o'er and he had finished hanging up the knight.” - -“And was his health then good?” - -“Yea, sire, with God's help, and well disposed and gay.” - -“Good {058}Lord divine and full of glory,” cried the king with clasped -hands, “grant of your grace that I behold him safe; for scant my -pleasure and my joys will be till I have held him in these arms again!” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. THE YEOMAN. - -We {059}now return to Jaufry, who still wanders on, resolving not to -stay for food or sleep before he meets with Taulat; for in his ears -incessantly do ring the biting words of Quex: “_Your courage will be -higher when you're drunk,_”--and he yet trusts to prove that lord did -lie by beating Taulat fasting. Onward he therefore pricked till midnight -hour, when he attained a narrow and dark gorge shut in on either side by -mountains high. No other passage was there but this one. Sir Jaufry gave -his horse the spur; when, at the very mouth of the defile, before him -stood a yeoman, active, of stout build and large of limb, who held -within his grasp three pointed darts that were as razors {060}sharp. A -large knife pended from his girdle, which enclosed an outer garment of -good form and fashion. - -“Halt, knight,” he cried; “I'll have a word with thee.” - -[Illustration: 084] - -Jaufry drew rein, and said: - -“And what's thy quest, good friend?” - -“Thou must give up thy horse and knightly arms; for upon such condition -only mayst thou pass.” - -“Indeed,” quoth Jaufry; “dost thou mean to say an armed and mounted -knight must not pass through this strait?” - -“He might do so, but for the toll I've levied.” - -“To the foul fiend such toll! Never will I give up my horse or arms, -till strength's denied me to defend them both.” - -“An that thou yield'st them not with gentle grace,” the yeoman said, “I -must use force to take them.” - -“And wherefore so? what harm have I e'er wrought thee?' - -“Dost thou not wish to pass this gorge, and bilk the toll that's due -save I use force to get it?” - -“And what's the force thou'lt use?” - -“That {061}thou shalt briefly see; meantime I bid thee 'ware my hand!” - -“I will do so,” quoth Jaufry. - -The yeoman now prepared himself for fight, and seized his dart as though -in act to strike; but Jaufry, fearing for his horse, awaited not the -blow, but gal-loped off amain. As o'er the road he sped, the man let -fly the missile with just aim; it hit the shield, and that with force -so great, red fire and flame forth issued at the stroke, which did not -pierce it through. The sharpened point curled upwards on the steel, and -the wood flew in shivers. - -Sir Jaufry turned his steed at once and bore down on his foe, counting -full surely that the fight was done; but, lo, at that instant he had -leapt aside, and in the act discharged a second dart, which lighted on -his helm; so fierce the stroke, the casque seemed all on fire; yet it -resisted, though its lord was stunned. - -The yeoman, seeing his second blow had failed, was as a man possessed; -so dread his rage as neither to have hurt the knight or broken his -bright arms. Jaufry, whose senses had now back returned, thought only of -his horse, which he rode here and there to guard it from the blow of the -third dart. Not this, however, was his foe's {062}intent, for he still -thought to take the beast alive; like lightning swift he came, and -whirling round the dart, launched the fell weapon with these haughty -words: - -“By Heaven, slave, thou now shalt leave the horse, nor shall thy -hauberk, helm, or shield protect thyself!” Jaufry wheeled round his -horse at this stem threat; and as the dart came hissing to its prey, he -deftly bowed him down; it harmed him not, but striking on his mail, tore -from the goodly arms a palm away, then bounded out of view. - -“And now,” cried Jaufry, the third dart being flung, “my lance's point -shall give me my revenge.” With lowered lance he flew towards the man, -trusting this time to pierce him through and through; but he was nimble -as a roe or deer, and leapt from place to place to such effect, that -Jaufry missed his aim; and as he passed, the yeoman seized a rock and -hurled it at the knight, who, but for his shield, must fain have bit the -ground. The mass in atoms flew; but such the force with which the blow -was struck, it battered-in the shield. Jaufry, enraged at following such -a foe, now doubly maddened at this fresh attack, in wrath exclaimed: - -“God, {063}thou all-glorious King! how shall I meet this fiend? The -world I'll hold not at a denier's price till he doth sue for grace!” - -Then wielding his long lance,-- - -“This time,” he loudly to the yeoman cried, “or thou or I shall fall.” - -The yeoman from his girdle plucked his knife, and made reply: - -“Ere that thou leave this spot thou'lt pay the toll!” - -“Ay, that will I,” quoth Jaufry, “take my promise on't; before we part, -thou shalt have toll enough!” - -He once again renewed a brisk attack, but still the other dodged; and -ere that Jaufry could draw-in the rein, with mighty spring upon the -horse he leapt and round Sir Jaufry's body twined his arms. - -“Stir not, sir knight,” he cried, “unless thou wish for death.” - -When Jaufry felt himself thus rudely seized, his mind was in a maze, and -for a time incapable of thought. The yeoman held him with such strait -embrace he could not stir a limb, while in his ear he hissed his future -fate: how that a prison should his {060}body hold, where tortures, -griefs, unheard-of pains, should vex him evermore. Till break of day his -arms were round him clasped; but when the stars were gone, then Jaufry -communed with himself and said: - -“Better to die for God, who made this earth, than let my body be a -dungeon's prey. We'll see what can be done.” - -Reflecting thus, he let his lance drop down, and as the yeoman's -right arm pressed him most with energy he clutched it in his grasp; so -vigorous the attack, so nerved his strength, he forced the hand to loose -the gleaming knife: then, when he saw the arm was paralysed and drooped -inertly down, he fixed with both hands on the yeoman's left, which he -then twisted till he caused such pain, its owner reeled in groaning to -the ground. Dismounting from his horse, Jaufry drew near his foe, who -lay quite motionless crying for mercy in his agony. - -“By Heaven! which I adore,” quoth Jaufry, “ne'er will I pity show to -wretch like thee.” - -And at the words he cut off both his feet. - -“I prithee, now,” he said, “run not, nor leap, nor battle more with -knights. Take to another trade; for far too long hath this one been thy -choice.” - -He {065}gathered up his lance and shield, and, mounting on his horse, -prepared him quietly to go his way. - -'Twas on a Tuesday, early in the morn, that Jaufry held this speech; but -as he turned him from his footless foe,-- - -“I have not yet inquired,” he observed, “if thou perchance hold'st -knights within thy walls?” - -“My lord,” the man replied, “full five-and-twenty are there held in -chains beyond the mount where stands my dwelling-place.” - -“O, O!” said Jaufry, “these I must set free; it likes me not that thou -shouldst guard such prize.” Without delay he hied him to the house, -whose massive portals were thrown open wide; and to a dwarf who stood -before the gates he cried: - -“Where lie the imprison'd knights?” - -Replied the dwarf: - -“Methinks you're all too rash to venture here. 'Tis more indeed than -rashness,--downright folly. You wake my pity; therefore take advice, and -get you gone before my lord returns, save that you covet an inglorious -death, or torments even worse.” - -Jaufry with smiles replied: - -“Nay, {066}friend, I want the knights; quickly lead on, that I may break -their chains.” - -“An I mistake not, you will join their ranks ere you deliver them; and -I must hold you as a fool distraught, not to have hied you hence; for -should my lord chance meet you by the way, deeply you'll grieve that -e'er you ventured here.” - -“Thy lord will ne'er return; I have deprived him of his nimble feet, -and near his end he lies. The knights shall now be free, and thou, my -prisoner, their place shalt take, save that thou goest where my bidding -sends; then peradventure brief shall be thy thrall.” - -“Sir knight,” the dwarf replied, “since, then, my lord is thus so poorly -sped, I, by my faith, will follow your commands, and from great pain -will draw those suffering knights, whose language is but moans; this -featly will I do, who by constraint and fear was here detained. Truly, -to God and you we should give thanks, and joyfully obey what you -ordain.” - -“First, then,” said Jaufry, “lead me to the knights.” - -The dwarf most gladly acted as his guide; and pacing on before, conveyed -him to a hall where five-and-twenty knights were rudely chained, as each -by turns {067}had been the yeoman's prey. Jaufry on entering made them a -salute, to which not one replied; nay, they began to weep, and mutter in -their teeth: - -“Accurs'd the day that yeoman was e'er born, who thus hath overcome so -good a knight!” - -But Jaufry, as he gaily drew him nigh: - -“Why weep, fair knights?” he said, with courtesy. “Go, madman, go,” did -one of them reply; “for sure thy senses must have left thee quite, to -ask us why we weep, when walls like these rise up on ev'ry side. There -is not one of us who doth not grieve to see the yeoman's prisoner in -thee. Unhappy was the day that saw thy birth. In person thou art tall -and fair to view, yet soon like ours will torments be thy lot.” Quoth -Jaufry, “Great is God; easy to Him can your deliverance be. Through Him -my sword hath 'venged you on your foe, and now the yeoman lies deprived -of feet. If, then, you see me in this weary spot, 'tis but to break your -chains.” - -Scarce had the words escaped from out his mouth, when loudly did they -call: - -“Happy the day which dawned upon thy birth; for thou hast saved us all, -and swept our pain and martyrdom away!” - -Then {068}Jaufry bade the dwarf set free the knights; the manikin -obeyed, and with a hammer broke in bits their chains. They all arose, -and bowed their heads in token of submission, whilst they said: - -“Lord, we are thy serfs; do with us as thou please, be it for good or -evil, as is fit.” - -“Good knights,” Sir Jaufry said, “whate'er of evil may henceforth betide -you, none shall come from me. All that I ask of you is simply this, that -ye betake you to King Arthur's court, and tell him all you know.” - -“My lord,” they all exclaimed, “full willingly shall thy behest be done; -but to the service rendered, add one more by telling us thy name.” - -“Barons,” said Jaufry then, “tell him the son of Dovon burst your -chains. Now quickly set ye out; and, mark, my friendship ne'er shall be -bestowed, if that ye fail to tell the king each word.” - -The dwarf meanwhile had gone to seek the arms and fetch the steeds to -furnish forth the knights. Each donned his hauberk, mounted his good -horse, and then with Jaufry parted from that spot. He led them to the -great highway, and in their company rode full a league. In passing by, -he pointed to the place where, cold and motionless, the yeoman lay: they -stayed an instant {069}to observe their foe, then went upon their road. -A little further Jaufry got him down, and tightened more his goodly -charger's girths; then, his impatience to fall in with Taulat reviving -in full force: - -“God speed you, sirs,” he said; “I can delay no more; already have I -wasted too much time.” - -“My lord,” replied the knights, as they presented him his shield and -lance, “accept again our thanks: where'er we be, the service thou hast -done in this great fight shall widely be proclaimed.” - -When that the band had watched him out of sight, they went their way -until they reached Carlisle. They found King Arthur in his flowery mead -with five-and-twenty of his primest knights. There, kneeling at -his feet, one of the troop was spokesman for the rest; and thus he -fearlessly and sagely said: - -“Sire, so please it the true God, who knoweth all that every creature -doth, give you good luck, and guard from pain and ill the greatest king -this world doth now contain!” - -“Friend,” the good king replied, “God and St. Mary keep thee and thy -mates! Speak without fear, and tell me what thou wilt.” - -“Sire, {070}we come to yield ourselves to thee, from Jaufry, Dovon's -son; he hath delivered us from durance vile.” - -“Good sir, give me at once your tidings. Is't long since you and he have -parted company?” - -“We left him, sire, on Tuesday morning last, both safe and sound, ardent -and full of strength, tracking a lord with whom he seeks to fight, and -to avenge thy cause.” - -“O Lord, thou glorious Sire,” said the king, with joined hands, “grant -I may Jaufry see unchecked, unscathed; for, an I hold him not within six -months, I'll prize my fortunes as of nothing worth!” - -Whilst that the dwarf in turn begins his speech, to tell the king how -this adventure happed, we will go back to follow Jaufry's steps, who -still, unwearied, presses stoutly on. - - - - -CHAPTER V. THE CASTLE OF THE LEPER. - -The {071}knight had rode for great part of the day beneath the rays of -a most burning sun, and horse and rider both alike fatigued, when he -beheld a young and handsome squire running towards him at his greatest -speed. Rent was his garment even to his waist; and on he came, with -madness in his looks, tearing by handfuls his fair curling hair. - -Scarce did he make out Jaufry from afar when he exclaimed: - -“Fly, fly, brave knight, fly quickly from this spot, an that thou -choosest not to lose thy life!” - -“And wherefore so, fair friend?” asked Dovon's son. - -“Fly, for the love of God, say I; nor lose thou further time.” - -“Art {072}thou, then, shorn of sense,” exclaimed the knight, “such -counsel to propose, when I behold no foe?” - -“Ah!” cried the squire then, “he comes; he's there; nor think I in -a year to cure the fright that he hath caused me! He hath slain my -lord,--a knight of price, who was conducting to his castle-home his -lady-wife, a Norman count's most noble daughter. This wretch hath seized -the bride; and to myself has caused such dire fear, that ev'ry limb -still trembles at the shock.” - -“And is't because _thou_ fearest,” asked Sir Jaufry, red with rage, -“thou counsell'st flight to _me?_ By holy faith, I hold thee fool, and -worse.” - -As he spoke thus, a leper came in sight, who sped along, a child within -his arms. Its wretched mother, with dishevelled hair, followed with -piercing cries. When she beheld the knight, she knelt down at his feet, -and in a tone of agony exclaimed: - -“Mercy, my lord; O, mercy! For the love of Heaven, grant me help, and -get me back the child yon leper bears.” - -“Woman,” responded Jaufry, “wherefore takes he it?” - -“My {073}lord, because it is his wicked will.” - -“Had he no other cause?” - -“No, by your glorious sire!” - -“Since it is thus,” quoth Jaufry, “he is wrong; and I will try to win it -back for you.” - -He spurred at once his horse, she following; and cried aloud, with all -the strength he had: - -“Halt, leprous, wicked wretch! and bring thou back the child!” - -The leper turned his head and raised his hand, making the mark of scorn; -which so enraged the knight, he swore the insult deeply to avenge. The -hideous leper answered with a laugh; for he had reached the threshold of -his door. He darted in for refuge, followed full speed by Jaufry; who, -dismounting from his horse, which with his lance he left to the poor -dame, dashed through the castle-gate with sword in hand and shield upon -his arm. - -As he was traversing the castle through, which he found vast and -sumptuous to the view, he came into a hall where a huge leper, frightful -to behold, had cast upon a couch a damsel in first youth, whose beauty -in that age could scarce be matched. Her cheek was fresher than an -opening rose at break of day, and her torn {074}vesture half-betrayed -a bosom snowy white. Her eyes were bathed in tears; her words, despair, -and sobs, moved Jaufry's soul: but when the leper rose and seized his -club, such feelings changed to horror and surprise. - -He was in height more tall than knightly lance, and at the shoulders was -two fathoms broad: his arms and hands were huge, his fingers crookt and -full of knots, his cheeks were spread with pustules and with scales; a -broken pupil, eyes without lids but with vermilion edged, blue lips, and -yellow teeth, made up the portrait of this monster dread. Fiercer than -living coal he flew on Jaufry, bidding him straight to yield. - -“No, certes,' the knight replied. - -“Say, who in evil hour sent thee here?” - -“No one.” - -“And pray what seekest thou?” - -“A child, that from its mother hath been torn by lep'rous hands, which -must give up their prey.” - -“Vain fool, 'tis _I_ forbid,--I, by whose mace thy fate shall now be -sealed; better for thee thou hadst not risen the morn, since thou shalt -now for ever lay thee down.” - -His club he raised in uttering these words, and on the {075}shield of -Jaufry then let fall so fierce a blow, the knight went reeling to the -ground. Again that club was raised; but Jaufry rose and fled. Certes -he had cause to flee the stroke he saw impending; for that huge mass -of iron as it fell made the vast hall to tremble. Then Jaufry, with a -bound, before the leper stood, and with firm hand dealt him in turn a -blow which took a palm from off his raiment and the flesh behind. Seeing -his blood, which fast began to stream, the giant uttered first a fearful -cry, then ran at Jaufry, raising his knotted club with both his hands. - -Scarce could the youthful knight evade the stroke and leap behind a -column; the monster struck it with such dire strength, the massive iron -crushed the marble plinth, and all the castle groaned. - -Meanwhile the damsel fervently prayed Heaven, as humbly on the -blood-stained stones she knelt: - -“O, mighty Lord, who in Thy image didst great Adam make; Thou who hast -done so much to save us all,--now save me from this wretch, and let yon -knight withdraw me from his hands!” - -Her orison scarce o'er, Jaufry stepped out, and ere the giant could -again his heavy club let fall, he with his trenchant blade had severed -his right arm. Being thus {076}lopped, the monster in his wrath and -agony so loudly groaned, the palace trembled to its very base and shook -the outer air. In vain did Jaufry dodge his falling mace, it struck him -to the ground; so that from nostrils, eyes, and mouth, the purple stream -burst forth. The mace, in falling on the marble flags, now brake in -twain, which Jaufry seeing, he uprose in haste, and newly struck the -leper; at the knee-joint he aimed; the monster reeled, then fell like -some great tree. - -Prone as the leper lay, Jaufry ran up, his sword in air, and said: - -“Methinks that peace will soon be made 'twixt you and me.” - -Then letting fall his sword with both his hands, he clove the monster's -head e'en to the teeth. In the convulsions of his agony still fiercely -strove the wretch, and with his foot hurled him so madly 'gainst the -distant wall, Sir Jaufry fell deprived of sound and sight. His trembling -hand no longer clutched his sword; like ruby wine, from nostrils and -from mouth burst forth his blood, and motion made he none.* - - * E l'mezel a si repennat, - Que tal cop l'a del pe donat, - -For {077}an instant's space the damsel thought her champion was gone. In -grief she hastened to undo the straps which bound his polished casque. -The freshness drawing from his breast a sigh, she ran for water, and -his face she bathed. His senses half-re-turned, he staggered up, and -thinking still to hold his trusty blade, he struck the damsel,--deeming -her the foe,--to such effect that both rolled on the ground. Like madman -then he sped around the hall, and ran behind a column, where he crouched -and trembled 'neath his shield. - -'Twas there the damsel came; and in a voice of dulcet tone, she said: - -“Brave knight, come, ope again those manly eyes, and see who 'tis that -speaks. Forget ye what is due to chivalry, of which you are a lord? your -courage and your fame? Recall yourself, and lower that bright shield; -behold, the leper's dead!” - - C'a ana part, lo fas anar - E si ab la paret urtar - Que l'auzer li tolc e l'vezer - Et anet à terra cazer - E l'sanc tot yin clar e vermeil - I eis per lo nas e la bocha..... - - Ms. fol. 28 verso, verse 2461. - -Jaufry {078}recovered at this heart'ning speech, and finding his head -bare,-- - -“Damsel,” he asked, “who hath removed my casque, and taken my good -sword?” - -“Myself, good lord, whilst you were in a swoon.” - -“The giant, what doth he?” - -“Bathed in his blood and at your feet he lies.” Jaufry looked up, and -when the corpse he saw thus shattered and quite still, he slowly rose, -and sat him on a bench until his senses were again restored; then, when -the dizziness had fled his brain, he thought upon the mother and the -child, and straightway ran from hall to hall to search the infant out. -But though he sought and ran and called aloud, neither the leper nor the -child appeared. - -“I will yet search and search,” he then exclaimed; “or here or out the -door they must be found; for I'll not hold me at a denier's worth till -to the mother her poor child's restored, and I've had vengeance for that -leper's scorn.” - -With such resolve, he strode towards the door; but though the portal was -thrown open wide, he could not pass it through. Spite of his will, his -efforts, and his strength, {079}his feet seemed stopped before an unseen -bar. - -“Good Heaven,” he said, “what! am I then entranced?” - -He drew him back, and gathering for a spring, with wond'rous force he -bounded to the door. Still all was vain, he could not cross the sill. -Again and yet again he tried, till deep discouragement iced o'er his -heart. Then tears broke from his eyes, and murmuring: - -“Alas, good Lord,” he said, “Thou gav'st me strength to kill yon wicked -wretch; what boots it, if I here must captive be?” - -'Twas as he thus bemoaned his adverse fate, there broke upon his ear -from some nigh place a sound of infant tongues, which sadly cried: - -“Save us, O, save us, mighty lord!” - -Swift at the sound he roused his spirit up, and running, found at one -end of a hall a close-shut door fast bolted from within. Jaufry called -out, and struck it with great noise; yet answer none was made: enraged -at this, he burst it in with force, and with his naked blade entered a -gloomy vault. There was the leper found, with knife in hand, who -seven infants had just put {080}to death. Some thirty more there still -remained alive, whose bitter cries went through the softened soul. - -Touched at the frightful sight, Jaufry struck down the wretch, who -called his master's help; and then in wrath exclaimed: - -“Thy master, villain, can no answer make; his soul this earth hath fled: -and thou, for erstwhile making mock of me, shalt now thy meed receive.” - -Raising meanwhile his arm, the leper's hand he severed at a blow. The -wretch upon the blood-stained pavement rolled; then crawling to his -feet, he humbly cried: - -“Mercy, good knight; in God's name, pity me, and take not quite my life! -'Twas by constraint and force I killed these babes. My lord, who sought -to cure his leprosy, bade me, with awful threats, each day prepare a -bath of human blood.” - -“Thy life I'll grant,” quoth Jaufry to him then, “an that thou give me -means to leave this place.” - -“I can,” the leper said; “but had you now deprived me of my life, not -knowing of the spell, a hundred thousand years had rolled their course, -and yet not seen you free.” - -“Haste {081}thee, then, now,” quoth Jaufry, eagerly. “Sir knight,” the -man with shining face replied, “you still have much to bear. Such is the -fashion of this castle's spell, my lord alone could power grant to such -as hither came to cross the threshold; but never did they pass it in -return save dead or maimed.” - -“How, then, wilt thou succeed?” said Jaufry. - -“Spy you, on top of yonder casement high, a marble head?” - -“Yea, by my faith! And then?” - -“Lo, reach it down; and break it fair in twain; you'll thus destroy the -charm: but first your armour carefully put on; for when the spell is -o'er, these castle-walls will crumble into dust.” - -Trusting not wholly to the lep'rous wretch, Jaufry then bound him by the -feet and arms, and to the damsel thus confided him: - -“If he hath lied,” said he, “spare not his life.” Then he resumed his -helm, took down the marble head, whose shape was fair and cunningly -devised, and setting it near him on a wooden bench, discharged on't -with his sword so great a blow, he clove it dean in twain. Sudden -it shrieked, it moaned, it bounded up, hissing and growling as a -thunderbolt; whilst the vexed {082}elements at once unchained, and beam -and stone at war with frightful din came crushing over Jaufry. Vainly -his shield was raised to guard his head; Heaven's face was darkened -o'er; an awful storm, where wind and lightning strove, bursting with -ruin, 'mid the ambient air had borne the knight away, but for his orison -to heaven's King. Huge clouds of dust rose upwards to the skies; while a -fierce wind, in passing, swept away the last memorial of the magic work: -of castle naught remained. - -[Illustration: 108] - -Bowed down, and scarce himself, did Jaufry move his limbs. Bowed down -and bruised and tottering, dragged he some steps, then fell. The maid, -the slave, and mother with her child, who had sought refuge 'neath a -huge rock's vault, found him at length outstretched upon the turf, his -strength exhausted and quite motionless. - -“Say, then, good knight,” the damsel smiling spoke, “how fares it with -you now?” - -“I have no bruise that's perilous, nor mortal wound,” replied the -knight; “but such this latter strife, I find, indeed, I sadly lack -repose.” - -The damsel then embraced him with her arms, and pressed her lips upon -his eyes and mouth. When Jaufry saw the mother,-- - -“Woman,” {083}he said, “hast thou regained thy child?” - -“I have, my lord; thanks, be it told, to you.” - -“An it be so, proceed then to Carlisle, with this fair damsel, babes, -and leper,--all. There I must beg you go, King Arthur thank, from -Jaufry, Dovon's son, and tell him of this fight.” - -Thus speaking, he uprose; drew to his fancy his good horse's girths; -and having consigned his friends to Heaven's care, resumed his quest of -Taulat: albeit 'twas now with measured steps and slow; for this dread -battle had worn out his strength. - -Having obtained her mantle and her horse, the maid set out from thence -at the like hour, and with her went the leper and the rest; nor stayed -she on the way, but only stopped when she had reached fair Carlisle's -lofty towers. - -There all regarded her with wonderment. - -“Whence can proceed,” they said, “this strange cortège? whence come -these people? and what want they here?” The curious crowd followed that -damsel fair up to the castle-gates, and there the knights, who noble -escort made, led her with all her troop before the king. - -There {084}bended she her knee, and as a dame of gentle breeding spoke: - -“May He, the Lord of all and of all things, who in His hands doth justly -hold the keys of good and ill, increase your fame, and keep in glory the -knights of your Round Table!” - -“And,” said the worthy king, “may Heaven save you, sweet damsel, who are -fair and good as courteous and well-bred!” - -“Sire, from Jaufry, Dovon's son, I come, to thank you for my life; which -to his mighty valour do I owe. I am the daughter of the Count Passant, -whose name perchance hath reached your royal ear. A knight of high -esteem, who sought adventure to display his worth, brought me from -Normandy to these fair shores. For seven long months, by valley and by -hill we wandered on, full many a snare escaping, and without check full -many a weary fight. This land did hold, alas, a giant dread, of hideous -aspect, and of awful strength, eaten with leprosy and fearful sores, -whose thought doth make my very soul to heave. Before us suddenly this -wretch appeared; and taking from his neck a monstrous club, struck at -my lord with force so terrible, he stunned him with the blow. Like as a -child {085}then, clutching at his arm, against a rock he fractured every -bone; whilst me he seized from off my palfrey's back, and to his magic -castle quickly bore. There I had lost my life, yea, more than life, but -that high Heaven, whose justice I implored, in mercy sent Sir Jaufry to -my aid. This doughty knight at length the monster slew; but ne'er can -I with greater truth aver, such battle never did these eyes behold, or -blows so great e'er given and received.” - -The mother and the handless leper told their tale in turn. But whilst -they thus their message each relates, we will to Jaufry go, who onward -still his course doth slowly take, without he yet a single soul descried -who could give tidings of the man he sought. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. THE ORCHARD OF BRUNISSENDE. - -Harassed, {087}fatigued, and sore with many a bruise, Jaufry was sinking -too for food and drink; and yet the want of sleep,--of all our wants -the most imperious,--so weighed him down, he scarce could keep his seat. -Still he went on a quarter of the night with limbs benumbed and eyelids -partly closed, taking such course his charger pleased to lead. - -Serene and lovely was the atmosphere, and by the light the stars in -shining gave he by adventure a large orchard saw, shut in with marble -walls and skirt with trees of umbrage such as earth scarce saw before. -Flowers and fragrant herbs abounded there; and with each {088}puff of -wind there issued out a sweet and balmy breath like paradise. 'Twas thus -that, as night fell, the birds for leagues around did hither flock, -and perching on the leafy boughs, warbled their dulcet notes till matin -prime. - -This orchard appertained to a great dame known as fair Brunissende. -Within the castle of Montbrun she lived; and father, mother, husband, -had she none; fine was her court and rich, of breeding high; and knights -and burghers, minstrels, jugglers from all countries, hither trooping -came. The palace, built of hewn and massive stone whereon the sculptor -had employed his art, was flanked with towers blackened o'er by time. -'Twas in the centre Brunissende was lodged; and to it seven gates a -passage gave, whereof the keepers could each one lead forth a thousand -men. - -[Illustration: 116] - -Five hundred damsels waited her commands; but though 'twere rare to see -such beauty met, yet Brunissende held empire over all in loveliness and -grace: one might have sought throughout the realms of earth, and yet not -found such high and gentle dame, or one so fine in form. Her eyes and -her sweet face swept from the mind of those who gazed on her all thought -of {089}former charms. She was more fresh, more fair, more purely white -than snow that lies upon the frosted dew, and rose that opens on a -lily's breast. * - - * Car plus es fresca e bella e blanca - Que neus gelada sus en branca - Ni que rosas ab flor de lis.... - Que cant hom auria cercat, - Totas cellas que son nascudas..... - Non auria hom una trobada - Tan bella ni tan gen formada; - Que sos oueils e sa bella cara - Fai oblidar qui ben l'esgara - Totas cellas que vistas a. - - Ms. fol. 36, w. 3062 and 3159. - -But, ah, felicity did not attend her charms. Yielding to some deep -grief, four times a day she sadly wept and mourned; and thrice she rose -at night to mourn again. Her sole delight was listening to the notes -of those sweet birds which filled her orchard near; which, when she -had heard, she got some brief repose,--soon to awake again to weep and -mourn; and all her vassals, of each age and sex, little and great, at -that same hour of woe uttered the self-same moans, and shed like tears. - -Arrived, as we already said, before her orchard fair, Jaufry got down; -and seeing an open gate, he ventured in, removed the bridle from his -charger's mouth, so that {090}he grazed at ease, and his shield placing -'neath his weary head, his limbs outstretching on the flowery turf, he -soon most soundly slept. Just then did Brunissende her footsteps take -towards her chamber, followed by her maids. Surprised the birds no -longer tuned their notes, she straightway bade the seneschal appear, to -whom she said with wrath: - -“Some creature surely must have passed the gates, and scared my gentle -birds. Go, quickly find it out; and if perchance a man it prove to be, -he must be hither brought, alive or dead.” - -“Lady,” the seneschal at once replied, “I go with speed.” - -Two squires preceding him, each with a lighted torch, his horse he -mounted, and rode down in haste, and in the orchard found the weary -knight, wrapt in profoundest sleep. He called him frequently, then shook -him hard; but for a time in vain. His eyes at length with effort he -unclosed, when, raising up his head,-- - -“Fair knight,” quoth he most courteously, “by thine attainments and thy -gentle birth, I do entreat thee, in God's name, to let me here abide and -sleep my fill.” - -“Sleep {091}must you now no more,” replied the chief, “but come before -my lady; she'll not rest until avenged on him who scares her birds.” - -Quoth Jaufry: - -“God permit, thou shalt not take me off without a fight!” - -The seneschal, on hearing such resolve, called to his squire to bring -him out his arms. Meanwhile the son of Dovon slept again; so that the -seneschal, when fall equipped, was forced a second time to wake him up, -and roughly as at first. - -“Knight,” exclaimed Jaufry, as he then arose, “'tis a great sin to -trouble my repose, for I am wearied out; but since thou hast chosen to -accept the fight, wilt thou allow me to sleep on in peace if I do thee -unhorse?” - -“By Heaven's faith, I swear't!” laughing, the other said. - -Jaufry then hastened to his horse's side; replaced the bit, and tightly -drew the girths. Mounted, he galloped at the seneschal; who, having -drawn him back a space, on rushing drove his lance at Jaufry's shield, -but never harmed the knight. He, on the contrary, with happy stroke -unhorsed the seneschal; who, full {092}of shame, with head bowed down, -and slow and thoughtful step, regained the castle and his lady's room. - -“What is't,” asked Brunissende, “that there doth lurk?” - -“A knight all armed, whose peer the world not holds, sleeping so soundly -he would scarce awake.” - -“Why broughtst thou him not here? I wish him hither led; for, with God's -help, no food shall pass these lips till that bold knight be hanged.” - -“Lady,” replied the seneschal, “he would not come; nor could I wake him -up.” - -“Indeed,” quoth she; “then bid the tocsin sound, and rouse me up my -knights.” - -The seneschal obeyed; the sound was heard, and straightway flocking came -five hundred knights. The hall they entered, where their lady stood with -spite and anger pale. - -“Barons,” she said, “a bold and wicked knight my grounds hath passed, and -will not quit the walls; now if his head pay not this insolence, I never -will hold land or honour more.” - -“Lady,” replied a tall and proper knight of great renown,--Simon the Red -by name,--“I will go seek him {093}out, if such your wish; and trust, -alive or dead, to bring him here.” - -“So be it,” said Brunissende. - -Added the seneschal: - -“My troth, good friend, I bid thee shield thyself. He can most sturdily -defend his sconce; and brave indeed I'll hold the happy knight who takes -it off by force.” - -Simon, without a word, went on his way, and Jaufry found still sleeping; -rudely he cried: - -“Up, up, sir knight; arouse!” - -Jaufry, who moved not more than any rock, received from Simon then so -strong a kick, it woke him up in haste. - -“Nathless, thou promisedst to let me sleep,” he then exclaimed; “and -'tis a villain's act to break thy faith, when thus I'm overcome.” - -“Come, speak then to my lady,” Simon said; “or I by force must take thee -to the hall.” - -“We first will see who's strongest,--thou or I,” said Jaufry in low -tone; when, springing on his horse, he ran at Simon, who like haste -displayed. - -Bold Simon's lance was split on Jaufry's shield; but he was borne by -that of his brave foe so swift to earth, {094}it nearly cost his life. -Jaufry ran up, as though to make it sure, when loud he called for grace. - -“Wilt thou annoy me further in my sleep, if I do grant it?” - -“No, lord, I promise thee.” - -“Go, then,” said Jaufry, who again lay down, and quick reclosed his -eyes. - -Simon the Red, with flush upon his face and shame at heart, slowly -retraced his steps. Certes, did he make but half the noise he made on -setting out; so that the seneschal, who watched him come, could not -withhold his smiles. - -“Lady,” he said, “behold your champion; but with him comes no knight. -I'd wage my spurs, like me, he has taken oath.” - -“Maugre this pleasantry,” the dame replied, “ere I have rest, this -naughty knight shall hang.” - -Hearing the words, one of the keepers of the seven gates descended to -the orchard; but soon his troop returned, bearing him faint and bleeding -on his shield. At such a spectacle, fair Brunissende could scarce -contain her rage,-- - -[Illustration: 124] - -“What! have I round me naught but coward folk,” she loudly cried, “and -knights without a heart? Go {095}fifty; if it need, go thrice that -number still; but bring this vassal, or no more return!” - -At this reproach, the knights rushed off in troop, and to the garden -hied with dash and din. When there, they Jaufry seized,--some by the -arm, and others by the leg; while some his shoulders held, and some his -head, and brought him thus into that lordly hall without his being able -to stir limb. On seeing them arrive, the dame impatient came with hasty -step and bade them set him free. They loosed their hold, and Jaufry -stood upright; nor could he think, as round his glance was thrown, 'twas -sport that brought him 'mong such iron folk. Tall and well-shaped, his -natural manly grace, set off with hauberk rich and burnished casque, -struck Brunissende, who eyed him curiously. - -“'Tis you,” at length she said, “who all this ill have wrought.” - -“Fair lady,” he replied, “so far am I from doing what you say, or -causing you annoy, I would defend you with my utmost strength 'gainst -all of mother born.” - -“In that you say not truth; for you erewhile have so misused my knight, -that he may chance to die.” - -“I {096}own it, lady fair, but he was in the wrong; having by oath -engaged to let me sleep, he thrice returned to wake me up, and struck me -with his lance. Still, had I known him feoffee to you, never on him had -risen this knightly hand, e'en for a greater cause.” - -“No matter! I can see,” replied the dame, “we 'll find in you,--and that -ere morning sun,--a proper subject for the cord, or worse.” - -Whilst thus she spoke, Jaufry regarded her; and ne'er had tired admiring -her brow, her neck, her fair and sweet fresh face, her rosy mouth, and -blue and loving eyes. - -“Lady,” quoth he, love gliding o'er his soul, “do with me what you will; -for with no other arms than that rich robe, you would have vanquished -me with greater ease than ten knights clad in mail. If, 'gainst my -knowledge, I have caused you pain, wreak now your own revenge; and never -'gainst you shall uprise my sword, or lance or shield be used.” - -Hearing him reason thus so courteously, the dame forgets her wrath. Love -with his golden shaft hath pierced her heart, and now she pardons all. -Those lips still bear a menace to the ear; but those sweet eyes belie't. - -Grown {097}bold, the knight, who still did on her gaze, begged her to -grant a boon. - -“Let me,” he said, “but slumber at my ease; then do what justice bids. -Fear not that I shall hence seek means to fly; for, Heaven preserve -me, you have somehow gained such power o'er my soul, that you alone are -better guard than are ten hundred of your men with arms in hand.” - -Fair Brunissende retired with a sigh, leaving for sole adieu a look -so sweet, that, spite of his dull sense, it filled his heart with joy. -Meantime the seneschal, whose care it was, bade the attendants then -prepare a couch in middle of the hall: he there conducted Jaufry, and -then asked his name and country. - -“I'm of King Arthur's court,” quoth Dovon's son; “now prithee ask no -more, but, in God's name, let me in quiet rest.” - -Full armed as he then was, he laid him down, and sleep his eyelids -closed. Not so fair Brunissende. Love in her chamber had renewed -the assault, and banished sleep away; and thus she mused, until the -city-watch gave forth the accustomed sound. At that trumpet's call, each -in the castle and the city rose; and all at once gave loose to tears -and groans. High dames {098}and damsels, Brunissende in chief, clasping -their hands in sign of deepest woe, beat their fair breasts and face; -while the knights who guarded Jaufry made such dreadful din, it woke him -up, and made him ask the cause. - -All at the word rushed forward to the couch, and struck with lance and -sword and iron mace. Well 'twas for him his hauberk was of proof; -for the blows came just like to a storm of hail. Nor did they cease, -thinking the knight was dead, until the doleful cries had died away. -Then each resumed his post, and silence fell o'er all. Again, at mid of -night, those cries uprose; but Jaufry, whom no sleep again had blessed, -and whose cleared thoughts were fixed on Brunissende, took careful note -to guard his curious tongue; holding his breath, he said within himself: - -“Certes are these men no folk of flesh and blood, but demons hither -sent to pester earth. With Heaven's help, to-morrow's blessed sun shan't -light upon me here.” - -Persuaded he was dead after that storm of blows, the knights relaxed -their watch, and slumbered at their posts; Jaufry then seized the -chance, and noiselessly uprose. With shield and lance in hand, he left -the castle-halls {099}on tip of toe; by good luck found his horse, and -mounting quick, at fullest speed set out. Had he but dreamt the love -fair Brunissende conceived, not all her men-at-arms would from Montbrun -have chased him but with slaughter. Little deemed he, as hill and dale -he crossed with breathless speed, she at that hour was in her fancy -musing how she might make him hers. - -Who shall depict, as rose the sun next mom, fair Brunissende's dismay, -when, of the first who to the hall came down, she heard of Jaufry's -flight? As one deprived of sense, those hundred knights she loudly did -accuse of treason to their faith; their negligence she banned; and -to the seneschal in wrath exclaimed, that, if he found not Jaufry, he -should by fire or cord full surely die, even if torments yet unheard -were hers. - -Whilst that this scene was passing at Montbrun, Jaufry already was well -on his road. And shortly after rising of the sun, he met a neatherd, -driving of a car laden with bread and wine and other things. This man -invited him, by holy charity, to eat with him; and used such kindly -words, that Jaufry yielded to his hearty wish, frankly avowing that for -three whole days he {100}had not tasted food. The neatherd therefore -took his shield and lance, drew from his car good wheaten bread and -wine, two roasted capons, three grilled partridges, and part of a -wild-boar; then, spreading on the turf beneath a leafy tree a fair white -cloth, a brook just bubbling by, he served the knight, and paid him -great respect. - -When they had eat their fill, and in their thirst emptied two bowls of -wine, Jaufry prepared to go, thanking the neatherd for his welcome meal. -This man was vassal to fair Brunissende, the lady of high worth; and as -the knight was turning to depart, he drew the charger's rein and gently -said: - -“Good friend, one thing I fain would ask of you, which I had -half-forgot: why do the people of this fair domain so weep and loudly -moan?” - -“Ah, rascal, wretch, thou traitor, and thou fool!” exclaimed the -neatherd, bursting forth with rage, “thy wretched life shall answer for -those words.” - -With all his strength he then at Jaufry cast the pond'rous axe he bore, -which struck his shield and brought out fire and flame. The knight -spurred on his horse and got clear off; but mid a storm of stones. The -neatherd then, enraged at missing him, shivered his car {101}to bits, -and with his axe struck both his oxen dead. * - - * Cervantes has wittily parodied this adventure by that of - the braying of the ass, which sets two villages of La Mancha - at strife with each other (Aventura del rebuzno, parte ii. - lib. vi. cap. xxv.). - -In ignorance of the cause of all this rage, Jaufry at length relaxed his -horse's speed; still as he went exclaiming, that he'd hold as naught -all that he yet had done till he had met a creature who could tell -the reason of that wailing. Busied with such-like thoughts and the -remembrance of fair Brunissende, he rode the live-long day, spite of -fatigue and heat. When daylight waned, two youths well-horsed, with -falcon on the fist, and hounds and terriers running at their feet, -came up to him; and after slight discourse, invited him to share their -evening meal,--and that so courteously, he could not make denial. The -three young men then gaily went along, talking of love and battle's iron -strife; when, as 'twas sunset, rose again that cry, at which the youths -like madmen howled and wept. - -“Good youths,” quoth Jaufry, with astonishment, “what means this grief? -What heard you, sirs, I pray; and why such noise?” - -“_Why?_ {102}ask'st thou, foolish, treacherous serf? that word shall -cost thy life!” - -And as one cast at him his startled bird, the other plucked his cap from -off his head and threw it madly 'gainst bold Jaufry's shield. Their fury -and hard words finished as ceased that cry; when, quickly following the -wond'ring knight, with honeyed phrase they charmed away his wrath, and -to their habitation led the way. - -This was a châtelet of graceful form, girded by lofty walls and outer -fosse, through which a living stream for ever ran. Beside the bridge -there sat an aged knight, listing a minstrel's song,--_The Lay of the -Two Lovers_. * It was the father of the two young men: beholding Jaufry, -he in haste arose, and came to give him welcome; saying, with joyful -tone: ** - - * Of Marie of France. - - ** This knight in Cervantes' hands is the nobleman clad in - green (Cavaliero vestido en gavan de pano fino verde, parte - ii. lib. v. cap. xvi.). - -“I am beholden, lord, to those who've brought you: seven long years have -flown since stranger-guest hath this my threshold crossed whose aspect -pleased me so: God save you, sir!” - -Thus speaking, by the arm the knight escorted Jaufry {103}to the hall, -where the two youths removed his armour bright. Soon there came in a -damsel fair, of fresh and smiling look, who brought him a rich mantle, -which when he had put on, she, on a cushion placed beside him, sat. Then -they discoursed on various pleasant things until 'twas time for water to -be brought. A well-bred page did pour it o'er his hands, while the fair -damsel held the ready bowl; at which Sir Jaufry said: - -“Maiden, I'll not this kindly act refuse; for should you e'er need -service at my hands, whate'er the hour or place, you may full surely -call me to your aid.” - -They then at table sat; and when the meal was o'er, the cloth removed, -the damsel went the couches to prepare, and left her father and the -knight alone. The old man asked his name, and wept for joy to learn the -son of Dovon was his guest,--his ancient friend in arms. He would have -fain a month detained him there; but Jaufry cleverly excuses made, and -at the point of day he in his saddle found himself again. The maid had -given him his shield and lance, and he his leave was then about to -take, when it occurred to him to ask his host about that wailing cry. -Scarcely, however, was the question put when the old man and his two -{104}sons alike assailed him with hard names: they called him knave and -wretch and villain's son; they hair in that unseemly rage. - -Jaufry by dint of spur escaped their wrath; and wond'ring saw them on -each other turn their fitful ire, and tear their clothes to rags. Their -fury spent, they called him back again; and Jaufry, wishing to have news -of Taulat, consented to return. As it fell out, no man could give him -more. The aged knight well knew that champion fierce, and in these terms -did tell him what he sought: - -“Follow,” he said, “all day this very road; it leads across a tract of -desert space, where ne'er are found or house or town, or bread or wine, -or man of mother born. If you should wish in passing to repose, naught -but the turf can be your host or tent. Go onward thus until to-morrow's -sun. Before the noon you will have reached a plain, wherein is set -a high and rugged mount. There, at its foot, a castle you'll behold, -pleasant and finely built; and round its moats a crowd of tents and -huts, where harbour knights and lords of high descent. Pass stoutly on, -nor speak a word to man; go to the castle without stop or stay, whatever -tried to strike at him with sturdy dubs, and tore their may {105}befall, -and enter boldly in, leaving without your lance, and eke your shield. -There will you find two dames,--one old, one young,--who watch a wounded -knight. Go to the ancient dame, and to her say, that Augier de Cliart -sends you there, that she may tell you why the people groan, and give -you news of Taulat.” - - - - -CHAPTER VII. THE BLACK KNIGHT. - -Well {107}pleased at Augier's words, which seemed to raise his heart by -full a span, Jaufry spurred bravely on, and by the morrow safely reached -the spot his host had named. While he was passing through the scattered -tents, the knights, who stared at him, exclaimed aloud: - -“Behold a man who has ridden the night long, and hastens forward, but to -seek his loss.” - -Seeming as though he never heard the words, he to the noble castle -straightway hied; which seemed most rich, and sculptured with fine art. -Seeing a portal set with marble leaves and tinged of various hues, he -there got down, secured his horse, and near him placing both his lance -and shield, he passed within the door. At first {108}his eyes no other -forms beheld than those which omed the walls; but as he wandered on from -room to room, he came at length where lay the wounded knight, and at his -couch two dames in robes of woe, and tears upon their cheeks. As he was -counselled by good Augier, then he to the elder went, and prayed her -courteously, in Heaven's name, to tell him where was Taulat, and why the -people of that land he left did day and night so weep. - -Charmed with his breeding and his knightly words, the lady then -explained that Taulat, whose brutality and pride exceeded bounds, would -in eight days return. - -“He comes,” she said, “to glut his cruelty upon the wretched man who -yonder lies. Seven years agone he with his lance did wound him cruelly; -and when that wound is healed, each year, upon the feast-day of St. -John, he has him fastened to a stake hard by, and beaten with a scourge -until the wounds are opened once again. For this the vassals of the -neighbouring land of Brunissende,--whereof this knight is lord,--weep -and lament, and e'en do put to death those who would spy into their -cause of grief.” - -“Lady,” Sir Jaufry said, “pride slays its lord; and by {109}that pride, -I trust, will Taulat fall. In eight days' time to seek him I will come; -and I can truly say that term will seem a year.” - -Commending her to Heaven, he left those halls, mounted again his horse, -and took his way towards a neighbouring wood, where he did trust some -man to meet to lodge him in his hut. The wood was gloomy, intricate, -and dense; and at the first cross-road before him, he beheld, squatted -beneath a pine, a hag, whose aspect struck him with surprise. - -[Illustration: 141] - -Her head was larger than a portal's arch; her eyes were small as -deniers, bleared besides and blue, misshapen, and deep-sunk beneath -projecting brows. Her lips were black; teeth red as orpiment, which -jutted out unseemly from her jaw. Her arms were sinewy, and her hands -all knots; her face was colourless and wrinkled o'er; her body puffed; -her shoulders round and high; her legs were skinny and of brownish hue; -her knees were pointed; her toe-nails so long, no shoe could ever have -enclosed her feet. A verdant wreath encircled her white hair, which -stiffly stood on end. Her under-garment was of linen fine; her robe of -ruddy silk; and over all a scarlet mantle fell, with ermine lined. - -Jaufry saluted her; meanwhile with awe he gazed upon {110}her figure -strange, and ugly face. She turned her head, and without moving from her -darksome seat, exclaimed: - -“Retrace thy steps, sir knight, and that at once.” - -“Not so, indeed,” quoth Jaufry, “till I learn why thou dost tell me thus -to flee away.” - -“Thou wilt repent it, then,” the hag replied; “and death or dungeon -shalt thou surely find.” - -“And wherefore so?” - -“Go on, and thou wilt learn.” - -“Tell me at least with whom I'll have to strive.” - -“Those thou shalt meet will say.” - -“And thou, too; what art thou?” - -“What thou beholdst!” the hag exclaimed, as, rising, she unfolded her -huge length, tall as a knightly lance. - -“Heaven!” Sir Jaufry cried, “in thee I trust; what figure have we here?” - -[Illustration: 144] - -“Dare to pass onwards,” growled the wretched hag, “and thou shalt meet -with worse.” - -“Nathless they stay not me: as to thy threats,” he said, “I hold them as -the wind, or nothingness.” Pricking his charger as he spoke the words, -he passed along the path. - -The hag, {111}however, had but told the truth. For as he reached a -chapel small, a holy hermit served, a knight of sable hue, mounting -a sable horse, with sable arms, assailed him with such strength and -unawares, that horse and knight were on the turf o'er-thrown. Jaufry, -all red with shame, at once upsprang, and, sword in hand, wished to -avenge his fall; but, lo, no foe was there. He looked about, above, -around, below, but horse and knight had vanished quite away. Again he -mounted on his charger's back, when, at the instant, his strange foe -returned, with lowered lance to strike at him again. Jaufry, prepared, -now flew at him in turn; they midway met with shock so terrible, each -rolled upon the earth. Half-wild with anger then, quick as the lightning -Jaufry was afoot, with shield on guard and ready for the fight; but -ne'er a foe was there. - -[Illustration: 148] - -“I will yet find him out,” Sir Jaufry said, as in his saddle he again -did leap. But scarce was foot in stirrup firmly set when back returned -the sable knight, hissing and growling as the thunder doth when tempests -vex the air, and for the third time bore him to the ground. Jaufry, on -his side, had so aimed his lance, it pierced his foe right through, -and cast him on the turf. But when {112}he wished to give the -_coup-de-grace_, in vain he sought the knight, he neither saw nor heard. - -“Good Heaven!” Jaufry cried, “where hath this recreant, this demon, -fled? I drive my lance a fathom through his breast, I hurl him to the -ground; and yet he flies, and doth escape my wrath! O gracious Lord, in -Thee I put my trust!” - -Again he mounted as he spoke these words; when the invisible once more -appeared, unhorsing him anew. Why re-describe the scene? While daylight -lasted, still this game went on. When off his horse, no creature did he -see; but as he sat him on his charger's back the sable knight appeared -to strike and hew. Weary of fight, Sir Jaufry then resolved to go on -foot into the chapel-gate; but as he took his way, the spectre then his -onward footsteps barred, so that the battle did again commence, and in -the darkness without pause went on. - -For half that night their swords and lances clashed, so that bright -sparks of fire upward flew; fatigued at length to hear such din of arms, -the hermit rose, and with his stole and cross and holy water, chanting -a psalm, forth issued from his cell. The sable knight did not attend -his coming; shrieking aloud, at once he disappeared, albeit behind him -leaving such a storm as {113}suffered no allay, until the chapel-bell -rang out the matin hour. - -Sheltered by this good man, Sir Jaufry asked, and thus obtained from -him, the secret of the knight with whom he had fought so long. - -“Friend, what thou ask'st I'll tell thee in few words: this knight in -sable armour is a fiend, evoked from realms of darkness by a hag, whom -thou perchance hast met upon thy way. This hideous wretch once boasted -as her spouse a monstrous giant, whose most wicked acts for twenty -leagues around had spoiled the earth. As mortal, all-ferocious though he -be, is ne'er without his peer, it happed this giant did return one night -so grievously ill-used, that, at the end of three short days, he died. -The hag, then, fearing for her own sad life and that of her two sons, -called by her magic from the lower world that evil spirit who, for -thirty years, these lands hath vexed. Meantime her sons have waxed in -years and strength, and closely followed in their father's steps. Grown -leprous, one, he dwelt within a house, built by his mother by the -force of spells, whither his brother hath set out in haste, enraged and -tost,--for that the rumour saith a knight of Arthur's court the wretch -hath slain. An it {114}be true, may Heaven, all powerful, defend that -knight!” - -“He will endeavour to defend himself,” quoth Jaufry smiling; “and the -raged giant, if he held the wish, need not have gone so far to find him -out: I am the man who did his brother slay, and by whose hand the wicked -spell was burst.” - -Eight days being fled, the hermit chanted mass, and at the altar prayed -the holy saints to guide Sir Jaufry, and protect his life against the -monster's wrath. Having devoutly joined him in the prayer, the son -of Dovon, like a valiant knight, did joyously set out; and scarce -had ridden for an hour's space when he beheld the giant swiftly come, -bearing beneath his arm,--with the same ease as he had done a child,--a -damsel, who did utter doleful cries. Her voice was hoarse from screaming -out for help; her yellow hair, which sparkled in the sun, upon her -shoulders all dishevelled fell like molten gold; her robe was tom, her -eyes were swollen with tears; scarce, by Saint Mary! had she strength -remaining to implore help of Jaufry. - -The knight, with pity touched, heard not in vain the prayer. His shield -advanced, his lance within the rest, {115}he at the giant rode, and -called aloud that he should loose the maid. - -Letting her truly for an instant go, the giant ran towards the nearest -tree, and pulling at the trunk, unearthed it, roots and all. Before, -however, he had done so quite, Jaufry had plunged his lance into his -side. Checked by the stroke, and trembling in the hand, the giant's blow -lost half of its effect, yet ne'er the less it bore to mother earth both -Jaufry and his steed. The knight full quickly leapt upon his feet; and -with his ready sword struck at the monster with such vigorous hand, he -sliced from off his flank a palm of flesh; and through the gaping wound -one might behold his beating heart, whilst streams of blood poured -through. Exhausted, tottering, still the giant overthrew the knight by -striking with his fist upon his helm; but though his sword escaped from -Jaufry's grasp, it was too late for harm,--the giant fainting fell. On -this, the knight hewed off his monstrous feet; when, in all gentleness, -the maid he raised, for she had kneeled at her preserver's side, and -thus did say: - -“Accept, my lord, a thousand grateful thanks; for more than life have -you preserved for me, in saving me from him!” - -“Damsel,” {116}Sir Jaufry answered, “God for ever aid you! But explain -how is't I find you here?” - -“My lord, 'tis easy to relate the tale: but yesterday I in an orchard -strayed, to which my mother had conducted me; it was our usual walk; -when, as we left the gates, behold, yon giant suddenly appeared, seized -me at once, and to his castle now was bearing me away, when you, sir -knight, so happily stepped in.” - -“I thank great Heaven, it was just in time! But where, I pray you, was -your worthy sire, and where your brothers, when this giant came?” - -“Hunting within the forest, good my lord: but you surprise me, asking -me of them. One fain would say that you did know them all; and yet, -methinks, I ne'er have seen yourself.” - -“Sweet damsel, yea, and that few days agone. 'Twas at your father's, -Augier's good house, where I, at need, so courteously was served by you -and all of yours.” - -“Blest be the hour, gentle lord and knight, you harboured 'neath our -roof; and we, how happy to have you for guest!” - -“By this you see, my fair and courteous maid, how meet it is that we -should service do, even to those unknown. {117}One knows not who shall -go or who shall come, they who do hold or they who hold them not, or -what the future keeps for us in store. Well it becomes us, then, to -render help where help we can; welcome with courtesy, and honour guests -with shelter and with food, whom chance may send us as they onward go.” - -“And where, Sir Jaufry,” then inquired the maid, “if I may ask, do you -direct your steps?” - -“I will explain as we do ride along. But I must haste: time presses; and -e'en now I greatly fear me I shall come too late.” - -[Illustration: 155] - -Remounting quickly as these words were said, he then good Augier's -daughter lifted up and placed upon his horse; for he resolved she should -not quit his sight until he put her in her father's arms: this done he -rode apace towards the spot where lay the wounded knight. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. TAULAT DE RUGUMON. - -Never {119}did help come more in time of need. Returned that very morn, -Taulat had bound his prisoner to a stake; and four stout ploughmen, each -armed with a strap, already raised their brawny arms to strike and ope -the closed wounds. But as Jaufry came, they stayed their hand to -gaze awhile at him; nor less surprised than they, Taulat, who on the -castle-terrace stood, descended in hot haste and thus accosted Jaufry: -“Sir knight, I fain would learn what madness or what pride hath thus -conducted thee into my lands. Dismount and doff thine arms, for thou art -prisoner henceforth for ay.” - -“My lord,” the knight replied, “methinks you practise an unseemly haste. -Give me, I beg, the time to {120}tell my errand. I come to speak in -favour of the knight your knaves were going to strike; and I entreat -you, for the sake of me, to grant unto him grace.” - -“May Heaven help me!” Taulat answered him, “but sure thou art -distraught: such words deserve the rope,--a peasant's death.” - -“'Twould be a grievous wrong, my lord, the words being good and wise; -again I do repeat them, praying grace for yonder knight, who seven long -years hath groaned.” - -“Go, churl; too long I've listed; go and disarm thyself, if thou wilt -live, and to my squires give up the girl with thee.” - -“If she's dishonoured and I put to shame, this arm, by Heaven, must -indeed be weak.” - -“What! wouldst thou fight with me?” - -“E'en unto death, before I suffer shame.” - -“Vain fool, beware; when on my neck I've put my shield, thoult find but -little grace.” - -“Mine ear,” quoth Jaufry, “hath been oft assailed by higher threats than -these. I do reply, that, by the faith of Him who built this world, you -shall set free yon knight, and to the court of good King Arthur go, to -pay the felony you there have done; or you shall {121}fight with me, -till you or I be vanquished and slain.” - -“Know'st thou then not, I've fought and conquered full five hundred -knights, all better men than thou?” - -“It may be so,” quoth Jaufry; “now for proof: go get your arms, and -God's high will be done!” - -“No other armour,” proudly Taulat said, “do I require than my good lance -and shield: seven of thy strength might then come on, and I'd defy you -all.” - -“'Tis madness,” did Sir Jaufry make reply, “to enter fight unarmed. But -since your pride doth blind your senses so, e'en have it as you will.” - -Furious at the words, Taulat addressed a squire: “Go to the castle, -quickly as thou canst; bring me my lance and shield, and tell the -knights I've conquered one by one to meet me here, that they may witness -a base peasant's death, as with a single blow I do intend, through -shield and hauberk, to find out his heart. And at the instant should -this not be done, may I lose arms and chivalry and lady's love!” - -The squire ran quickly to the scattered camp, where lodged the captive -knights,--who all were grieving for the wounded man, bound to the stake -and waiting for the scourge,--to them he briefly said: - -“Barons, {122}my lord attends you there beyond, that you may see him -battle with a fool, who comes to seek his death.” - -Mounting then speedily the castle-stair,--amid the tears and murmurs of -the dames who ceaseless mourned,--he took him down the shield and lance -suspended to the rack, and bore them to his lord, who, vaulting on his -horse, nor stopping to don breastplate or aught else, cried in a haughty -tone: - -“Come to thy death, thou churl, whose sight offends me!” - -Sir Jaufry, angered at the insult, then dashed at full speed upon the -haughty knight, who like a lion came: so fearful was the shock, no -saddle, girth, or art, availed Sir Jaufry. Down to the earth he rolled -beneath the stroke. But not alone; for Taulat on his side, by blow as -vigorous and deftly put, at the same instant fell, his shield pierced -through, and Jaufry's lance within his side. - -A shout of joy upsprang from those good knights: - -“Good Heaven, but this day thou chast'nest Taulat, and dost break that -pride which long hath vexed the land!”' - -Jaufry meanwhile, his sword within his grasp, ran to {123}fierce -Rugimon, fast pinned to earth, as though some snake he were; but as he -came, Taulat in humble tone exclaimed: - -“For God's love, knight, O do not end thy work; for 'tis my folly that -hath brought my death.” - -“Thy folly, true, was great,” Sir Jaufry said; “but ere we part, I count -on curing thee. Too long this pride endured, it now must have an end. -Thou deem'st this morn no knight was in the world who in address and -strength could vie with thee. Most brave no doubt thou wast; but thy -consuming and most wicked pride exceeded far thy valour, and 'tis a -vice God neither loves nor bears. Thou now canst learn that, but for -His resolve to chasten thee, this youthful arm,--certes less robust than -thine,--would ne'er have cast thee down. 'Tis but the punishment for thy -fierce pride, the outrage thou to good King Arthur didst,--that flower -of chivalry, whose uprightness God loves. And thus it fares with those -who seek his shame: sooner or later will the knights, who sit at his -Round Table famed, mete out their punishment, save 'neath the earth they -hide. What they can do in fight, thou mayst surmise by me, a novice, -scarcely two months armed, and who have sought thee day and night until -this {124}hour, when thou dost find the guerdon of thy deeds.” - -“All that thou sayst, sir knight, is but too true,” Taulat replied in -weak and failing voice; “but mercy grant me, as thy conquered foe, as -dying man, and who doth yield to thee.” - -“The mercy that thou prayst for, thou shalt have,” Sir Jaufry said; “but -upon certain terms: first, thou shalt go to good King Arthur's court, -there yield thyself a prisoner; he will take such vengeance on thee as -his honour claims.” - -“That will I do; but now, for Heaven's sake, permit the leech to bind me -up this wound.” - -“No leech shall come, nor e'er shalt thou uprise, till, by St. Thomas, -thou hast let go free the knight who's bound to yonder cruel stake, and -all the captives thou hast ever made.” - -“Do as thou wilt, my lord, with them and me.” Jaufry at once did sheathe -his own good blade and take the sword of Taulat. Then he allowed the -squire to fetch the leech, who probed his master's hurt and washed the -wound with water and white wine, when on a couch he had him gently laid, -and borne within the gates. - -Jaufry {125}meanwhile set free the wounded knight; and having extorted -from the captive lords their promise that they'd hasten to Carlisle, and -to King Arthur this affair relate, he was about to leave them to -God's care, when the wounded knight,--lord paramount of all those -gentlemen,--most humbly to him said: - -“Good sir, to you I yield, and with my person offer men and lands. Most -nobly have you won all this and more, in freeing me from all the pangs -I've borne for seven weary years. So great those pangs, so cruel was my -lot, better for me had death relieved my woes. Taulat, without a cause -of enmity, hath tortured me full long; but now, by God's grace, and, sir -knight, by yours, at length his reign is o'er.” - -“Good lord,” responded Jaufry, “pray retain your having; naught do I -wish for your deliverance, save that, with these brave knights, you do -proceed to good King Arthur's throne, and there explain you owe your -liberty to Dovon's son.” - -The knight such promise gave; when Jaufry, calling for his horse, which -all prepared they brought, while Augier's daughter mounted by his side, -he took of all farewell, and then set out for the fair damsel's home; -{126}his thoughts, in sooth, turning to Brunissende, towards whom he -felt his heart most sweetly drawn. - -When he had gone, Taulat returned the knights their steeds and arms, -and, by the compact made, departed in their train for fair Carlisle. -There they arrived upon the eleventh day. The worthy king gave audience -to a dame, who, bathed in tears, her castle was to lose within a week, -if she no champion found to meet her foe. When he had listed to her -dolorous words, the king aggrieved replied: - -“Lady, were Gawain here, most willingly would he defend your cause; but -he is not: nor have I Dovon's son, nor Ivan bold, nor any of the braves -of my Round Table. If of the knights who here surround my throne, -there's standing one who'll venture your defence, great is the honour -that shall be his meed.” - -But no one made reply. In vain the dame, turning to spurred heels, with -warmth exclaimed: - -“'Fore Heaven, brave knights, shall it be said a woman came to seek in -this high court for aid, yet found it not?” - -Still no one made reply. - -'Twas at this moment Taulat's troop appeared; himself upon a gilded -litter laid, covered with sumptuous {127}cloth, and gently by two snowy -palfries borne. Five hundred knights he had in fight overthrown, armed -_cap-à-pie_, followed in his train, each mounted on a charger richly -decked. Their lord was at their head, who, as they reached the king, -knelt humbly down before that monarch's throne, and thus addressed him: - -“Sire, may He who for our weal came down on earth, which eke His blood -bedewed, now grant you joy, and double your renown!” - -“And you, friend, may He save!” the king replied. “But what, I pray, are -these, who seem so stout and good? And what the wounded man that litter -holds?” - -“My lord, that man is Taulat.” - -“Taulat de Rugimon?” - -“My lord, the same; Jaufry, the son of Dovon, bravely vanquished him, -and hither sends him to the queen and you; so that you may, my lord, -such vengeance take as in your wisdom you consider fit, for that same -outrage, now two months agone, he did to you.” - -“Heaven and earth,” King Arthur then exclaimed, “how well hath Jaufry -served me! Friend, tell me truth: when last you left him, was he safe -and sound?” - -“Great {128}lord, he was, as doth comport such honoured and brave -knight, who hath nor grief nor fear. Naught else but good can harbour -with his name; and it were sweet to laud, if that his acts did not -upraise him more than words can ever reach. When you shall know from -what most cruel fate his valour hath snatched _me_, you will indeed be -full of wonderment. But this recital must before the queen and all her -dames be made.” - -The king at once commanded unto Quex to go and seek the queen; the -seneschal obeyed, when meeting her,-- - -“Lady,” said he, “if it so meet your wish, the king, your lord and mine, -bids you to come and list a message brought by valiant knight who heads -a great escort.” - -The queen at once proceeded to the hall with all her dames and damsels; -and when she placed herself beside her spouse, Melyan, the worthy -knight, addressed them thus: - -“Lady, from brave Sir Jaufry, Dovon's son, I bring high reparation to -yourself and all your train. I bring you Taulat, hight of Rugimon, -that you may vengeance take for the affront that he hath done to you, -{129}and for the cruelty he's heaped on me. Learn, without motive he my -father slew, and me he wounded with such grievous hurt, that ne'er shall -I be healed. I was his captive in his castle kept; and when my wound -had closed, he to a stake did have me bound, and scourged by cruel hands -until the wound again was open laid. Each month did I this martyrdom -endure; which caused such dire despair throughout my lands, that, thrice -by day and thrice again by night, they gave aloose to tears and doleful -cries.” - -“By Heaven,” exclaimed the worthy king at this, “what felon act!” - -“By all the saints of heaven,” said the queen, “this was the reign of -haughty pride run wild!” - -“Yea,” from the litter did Taulat respond, “I had, good sooth, most -wicked, foolish pride; but I have lost it all. A leech appeared, who in -a space most brief did work a cure. I sought in vain a knight who could -make head against me, and I've found my match. Never did better jouster -wield a lance: modest as brave, and generous as good, spite of my -insults,--which did merit death,--Sir Jaufry gave me grace, and granted -pardon. You, noble sire, who are the best of kings, deign but to imitate -his clemency, find {130}pardon give for that most foolish crime I here -did madly do.” - -The worthy king, alway to good inclined, his pardon freely granted -to the knight; nay more, he used such reasons with the queen, that -Guenever, as generous, noble dame, her pardon likewise gave. Melyan -alone remained inflexible. Rejecting all entreaty, he resolved, as was -his right, since his was _corporal shame_, that Taulat should be judged -by legal court. - -At once they called a hundred legists in, who, when they'd heard the -cause, the following sentence did at once proclaim: - -“Taulat to Melyan shall be given up; who, month by month, shall bind -him to like stake, and by like hands on him inflict like punishment. The -court doth grant this power unto Melyan for seven years; with liberty -albeit in him to set his prisoner free whene'er he feel inclined to -grant him grace.” - -At {131}the same hour the legists sentence passed, Sir Jaufry, riding -quickly with the maid, before the towers of Augier arrived. Warned of -his coming by the vassals' cries, who gave him joyful welcome and warm -thanks for having set their lord and suzerain free, Augier mounted -quickly on his horse, and with his sons came out to meet the knight. -Beside Sir Jaufry he perceived the maid, guiding with sweeter grace than -I can tell her gentle palfrey; but he knew her not, for she was veiled. -Descending from his horse as he approached the knight, who eke alighted -as he saw him come, he seized his hand, and with a trembling voice,--“My -lord,” he said, “within my castle come, as you did promise me. We will -most gladly there a welcome give, albeit my heart is melting with its -woe. Since {132}last we two did meet, a monster hath my daughter carried -off, and with her all my joys.” - -“You did not guard her with sufficient care,” Sir Jaufry mildly said, -“since she is gone. What now remains to do? It was to be. None can avert -his fate; so be consoled, and dry at once your tears. Some days agone -I won a maid in fight, gentle and lovely as a maid can be; and if you -will, to you I'll give her up, that she may take the place of her that's -lost.” - -“Alas, my lord,” good Augier replied, “where is the damsel or the dame -that can compete with her in grace, in gentle manners, gaiety, and love? -Her like is still unborn; and for my rest of days this world to me can -naught, alas, afford of happiness or ease.” - -“And I do still the contrary affirm; and more than that, declare that -you this damsel shall her equal find in beauty and in love.” - -In speaking thus Sir Jaufry raised her veil; and Augier looking, his -sweet daughter knew. When he had pressed her often in his arms, a -thousand grateful thanks bestowed on Jaufry, and listed to the tale of -his exploits with Taulat and the giant, he to the castle led the way, -the serfs and vassals following in troops. - -Great {133}was the honour they there showed the knight: the brothers -poured the water for his use, the damsel served him with her own fair -hands a roasted peacock nobly bedecked, and Augier fain had kept him -there a month; but Jaufry, frankly owning that his heart allured him to -Montbrun, set out the morrow mom. Escorted by his host and his two sons -he took his way, musing on Brunissende; when, at the hour of noon, he -met her seneschal, just then returned from fair Carlisle, where he had -Taulat seen and Melyan and the five hundred knights from bondage freed. - -He still was seeking by his dame's command brave Dovon's son; but -half-despaired success. Scarcely, however, did he learn the truth, that -Melyan's saviour and the weary knight who in the orchard slumbered were -the same, when, urging his horse, ne'er did he stop until Montbrun was -reached, where travel-soiled he came to Brunissende. - -“Where is the knight?” asked she before the man could e'en unclose his -lips. “Cometh he on? shall I soon see him here?” - -“He follows me, fair lady,” he replied; “but such his deeds, whereof -the saving of our lord from pain and torment is but one, that I do think -'twere well you met {134}the knight, and with a hundred damsels formed -escort.” - -The thought pleased Brunissende. She orders gave to deck the roads with -green, to hang rich stuffs and silk, damask and doth-of-gold, upon the -castle-walls; while she herself, mounting her palfrey white, with all -her court and knights and damsels fair, went out to meet Sir Jaufry. -Arrayed most richly in a silken robe with trimmings of pure gold, she -had upon her blondin tresses placed a gorgeous wreath, where peacock's -feathers shone; while in her hand she bore the choicest flowers from her -garden culled. No wonder, then, if Jaufry were surprised to see her come -thus lovely, full of grace, and smiling as the queen of the sweet south. -With courteous words they met, and side by side to Montbrun's lordly -halls together they returned. - -[Illustration: 171] - -I leave you to surmise the games and joy which at the castle on that day -were seen. - -[Illustration: 176] - -Jaufry and Brunissende the fair alone nor ate nor oped their lips. The -lady glanced at Jaufry with a sigh, and each sweet glance shot through -his softened eyes and fell into his heart; while Jaufry, on his side, at -every moment blushed, and through the very marrow of his bones by -dart {135}invisible did feel that he was pierced. Musing of love, the -live-long night they watched till rosy morning came. In her chamber the -fair lady, and Jaufry on his gorgeous couch, thought but of the gentle -speeches they would make the morrow mom; and, when once the sun had -risen, they were up and quickly clad; and when mass at length was over, -side by side they sat them down in the great hall of the castle, where -they oped their swelling hearts. - -'Twas Brunissende who first the silence broke; for, dazzled by her -beauty, Jaufry lost in gazing on her face the pretty speeches he had -framed o'ernight. - -“My lord,” she said, in voice of sweetest tone, “your coming brings -us joy and happiness; no service could be higher than the one you've -rendered us; and bless we good King Arthur in his knight, bless we the -land which claims so brave a man, and--bless we too the lady for whose -sake such noble acts are done.” - -“Alas,” sighed Jaufry, at this latter phrase, “no lady cares for me.” - -“You speak in jest,” said then fair Brunissende; “your sense and valour -raise you up too high for noble lady not to care for you.” - -“_I_ care perhaps for _her_; not she for me.” - -“Knows {136}she at least of this your love for her?” - -“I cannot say, fair lady, if she guess; but I ne'er told my love.” - -“No blame can then at least alight on her: if you ne'er seek where lies -the remedy of that same evil whereof you complain, who is in the wrong?” - -“'Tis I, sweet lady, I. Her greatness curbs me, fills me with strange -fears; I cannot ask her love, for ne'er an emperor who trod this earth -but by that love were honoured;--such is the height, above all other -dames, to which she's raised by sovereign grace and wealth.” - -“What you now say is folly, gallant knight; emperors and kings ne'er won -in true love's lists a greater prize than brave and courteous man: such -love holds not to riches; noble heart and gentle grace have in his court -more power than lands and titles. How many, folks there are of high -descent whose worth is valued highly at a groat! How many others rolling -in bright gold whose value would not buy a coat of mail! Hide, then, -no longer in your single heart the thought with which it's filled; your -valour and your deeds give you a claim to match upon this earth with the -most fair, most high.” - -[Illustration: 180] - -Sir {137}Jaufry heaved a sigh, and thus, much moved, replied: - -“Lady, forgive, I pray you, the avowal which you, forsooth, are destined -now to hear,--avowal that no torture e'er had drawn, but which is due -to those sweet words of yours. You, then, are she for whom my heart doth -melt; she whom I love and fear and I implore; she who doth hold the -keys of all my joys, my pains, and who can make of me, even at her will, -foolish or wise, a coward or a brave.” - -At length had Brunissende the fair attained the sum of her desire; yet -she her joy concealed, and in a tone of playfulness exclaimed: - -“Sir Jaufry, you are pleased to banter me; ne'er can I think I have the -power you say.” - -“A thousand times more power, you may believe, than I can ever tell.” - -“That we shall prove right soon,” she made reply. “The age is spoiled -by wicked usages: true courtesy is lost, and he who warmly vows that he -doth love too oft but utters lies. If you full truly wish to have _my_ -love, I must be wed as well as wooed, my lord.” - -Sir Jaufry cared not, you may well believe, such offer to refuse. He had -just vowed by Peter and St. - -Paul {138}naught upon earth such joy could give to him, when a knight -entered, heating on his shield, to announce the coming of the Lord of -Brunissende. - -“To horse, good knights, to horse!” the lady cried; when lords and -damsels, mounting in hot haste, went out to meet their suzerain. - -As thus the cavalcade rode gaily off, headed by Jaufry and fair -Brunissende, they saw approach two ladies dressed in black, with eyes -all red and swimming with fresh tears. Jaufry saluted them, and then -inquired for tidings of Lord Melyan; but one of them in under-tone -replied, and with a sigh, that of Lord Melyan nothing did she know; she -thought but of her woes. * - - * This is the original of Cervantes' Princess Micomicona: - - “Es matar a un gigantazo que lo pide es la alta princesa - Micomicona, reyna del gran reyno Micomicon” (D. Quijote, - parte i. lib. iv. cap. xxix.). - -“Tell us,” said Jaufry, “why you shed these tears.” - -“Since you do wish to know, my lord, I'll speak the truth. A knight, -misshapen, and ill-bred to boot, wishes to force on me his odious love; -and I in grief have left King Arthur's court, where I have neither found -advice nor aid.” - -“You {139}do astonish me,” Sir Jaufry cried; “where was Sir Gawain then? -Ivan the courteous, Coedis that brave knight, Tristrem and Calogrant, -Lancelot du Lac, Eric and Caravis, and bitter Quex,--pray, where were -they?” - -“I know it not, by Heaven, good my lord; nor have I any trust but in Sir -Jaufry, that most famous knight, whom now I seek, that he may turn my -fate, and my good right maintain.” - -“I will maintain it, certes,” then Jaufry said; “for I am he, the Jaufry -whom you seek; but I must first conclude a matter here which before all -things claims my every thought.” - -The mourning lady wept and urged her suit, spite of the angry looks of -Brunissende. Sir Jaufry would not yield, but to Montbrun with Melyan -straight returned. The lady there, giving all cause to think that to her -suzerain she bowed her will, was for long time entreated she her hand -should give to Dovon's son; then they set out for Carlisle's gallant -court, and in their train were twice twelve hundred maids, and full -three thousand knights in brilliant arms. - -The three first days of travel naught occurred; but on the fourth, -having pitched their tents in a green {140}mead, balmy with flowers, and -shut in with trees, Jaufry and Melyan suddenly did hear a voice which -help implored in piercing tone. The son of Dovon called for horse and -arms, and would alone go seek this cause of wail. He thus arrived upon -the borders of a pond of some extent and limpid water, where a damsel -stood tearing her hair and robe, and, in her grief, her face. - -“My lord,” she cried, as Jaufry hastened up, “have pity, for St. Mary's -sake, upon a dame who in this pond is drowning; she was the best, the -wisest of her sex.” - -Jaufry advanced; and there, in truth, he saw, within the waters battling -with death, a dame, who now appeared, now slid beneath the wave. He -soon alighted, and his efforts used to save her with the butt-end of -his lance; but whilst his arm was thus outstretched, and he stood by the -brink, the damsel pushed him with such hearty will, at once he toppled -in, which she perceiving, leapt in after him. - -[Illustration: 186] - -Drawn downward by the great weight of his arms, Sir Jaufry disappeared -with those two dames. The neighing and the rage of his good horse, which -pawed the ground and madly bit the earth about the {141}pond, announced -this dire mischance to Melyan. He hastened there; and finding Jaufry -drowned, he swooned away. 'Twas then the rest, 'mong whom the news had -flown, galloped frill speed towards that fatal pond. Force was required -to drag Lord Melyan off; for, when restored, he tried to drown himself; -and, for fair Brunissende, she by her seneschal was barely saved, since, -Jaufry lost, she would not him survive. - -Joining her cries to dames' and damsels' moans and to the lamentations -of her lords,-- - -“O Jaufry, Jaufry!” sobbed she wildly out, “frank, generous knight, -all-powerful at arms, who then hath ta'en thy life? Some traitor-blow -hath struck thee by surprise; for living man could ne'er have fairly -won. O Jaufry! lone on earth, what good am I? Worthless is life, which -keeps me far from thee. I pray for death, which comes not at my call. -Where shall I seek this truant senseless death, which will not reunite -me to my love? There 'neath yon water doth his body lie, which calls me, -waits in vain.” - -Then suddenly upspringing, lost, and mad with grief, she to the -treach'rous water wildly flew; and 'twas by dint of strength they -dragg'd her back. Then she {142}her tresses tore, her lovely face, till -in a swoon her woe and sense were numbed. - -Good Augier had her carried to her tent, where on her couch the damsels -laid her down; then he returned, and with the other knights around the -fatal wave did weep and groan. Such were their tears, their mourning, -and their cries, that the archbishop learnt the fatal news, and to -console that doleful train proceeded to the mead. - -With wisdom there he preached, and in his sermon said: - -“My friends, the Scripture teacheth us that God is master of all things, -and when He pleaseth can again resume those gifts He hath bestowed. If, -then, Sir Jaufry hath been ta'en by Him, He, as His work, might freely -call him back; and it were sin to find such judgment ill, and felony -towards our Sovereign Lord. They among you who held this brave knight -dear, should now to heaven pray he may be saved; and should at once give -o'er these cries of woe, as vain rebuke towards your Heavenly King.” - - - - -CHAPTER X. THE GIANT. - -While the archbishop preached beside the pond, Sir Jaufry found himself -with those two dames in a delicious land. Valley and plain, water and -shady grove, city and castle,--all was charming there. - -[Illustration: 191] - -Before he well recovered his surprise, the lovelier of his two -companions said: - -“I now, sir knight, do hold you in my power; perchance this time you'll -not refuse to do the service which with tears I begged of you some so -short days agone.” - -“Lady,” Sir Jaufry wondering replied, “methinks I ne'er set eyes on you -before.” - -“I am that weeping dame who did entreat you to defend her rights 'gainst -Felon d'Albaru, a wicked wretch, {144}whom God confound! This monster, -who doth not deserve the name of knight, since he doth naught but plan -most villain acts and set vile snares, bears on his shoulders more the -head of horse or bull than that of living man. His eyes are large as -eggs; his features horrible; his lips are thick and black; his fangs -project from out his mouth, which is itself huge as a leopard's jaw; and -against nature are his frightful shape, distended body, and misshapen -legs. - -“'Tis not to fright you, good my lord, I draw this portrait of my -foe,--your heart ne'er harboured fear: but true it is, he doth all men -alarm; so that his aspect, at a distance seen, doth scare away all such -as would defend my cause. As yet in fight invincible, he hath despoiled -my lands and all the country round; I but my castle now have left to -me, and that tomorrow must be given up, if God and you oppose not such -decree. But I would rather suffer torture, death, than fall into his -power.” - -“Is all this true?” asked Jaufry. - -“Yea, lord, by the faith!” - -“Since yours' the right, I'll battle with this foe; but you have wrong'd -me, and fair Brunissende hath certes her thoughts on death.” - -“She,” {145}said the lady, “fear not, will not die; and you will me have -saved.” - -As thus discoursing, they the castle reached; a building strong, -surrounded by good walls, with fosses, cut from out the solid rock, -filled with a living stream. Jaufry was there most grandly entertained -by that fair lady's vassals; and mom come, when he had dressed and -armour buckled on, bathed well his face and hands, and prayed to Heaven -to give him grace that day and strength to uphold the right of the -oppressed, he with humility attended mass, and gave seven marks of -silver. - -When mass was done, he to the terrace mounted with the dame and with -her damsels, and watched for Felon's coming. Short space elapsed during -their stopping there, he suffering in his heart for Brunissende's just -grief, ere a bright band of knights appeared upon the plain. - -“Lady,” he then inquired, “is this our foe?” - -“'Tis he, my lord, with all his train. He rides ahead of them.” - -“Let him then come, and we will hear his cause.” Felon came gently on, -bearing upon his fist a hawk most rare as it was beautiful. It had a -slender neck, a {146}large beak sharper than a razor's edge, long wings, -a tail a palm at least in length, a sinewy leg, and strong and shapely -foot. - -Just as he came beneath the castle-walls, Felon perceived some hundred -cranes all grouped about the grass of a small verdant close; at once he -loosed the hawk, which flying off, began to wheel about the grassy spot, -then rose up in the air to such vast height, scarce could the eye detect -his presence there. Some time elapsed, then straightway down he shot, -and pounced upon the cranes with cry so dread, that, fluttering and -hiding in the grass, they let themselves by Felon's men be caught -without attempting to escape away. - -When they had thus some dozens of them ta'en, Felon recalled the bird, -which on his fist again returned to perch. - -“By Heaven!” quoth Jaufry, muttering half-aloud, “that man possesseth a -right precious bird; never was finer seen or one more stanch; and could -I win it, and return above, 'twould be a worthy present for the king.” - -“You shall return full soon, my gentle lord,” the lady smiling said, -“and shall bear with you, I have little doubt, both Felon's bird and -arms.” - -During {147}this time the giant had drawn near; and when he stood before -the castle-bridge, with all his strength he cried: - -“Come down, all you who there above do stand; and with you bring along -that idle jade, whom I will make the servant of my squires.” - -“My lord,” said Jaufry calmly in reply, “if you left here the jade -whereof you speak, pray you to point her out, and none will strive such -person to detain.” - -“You know full well the meaning of my words. Give up the dame and -castle, as agreed.” - -“All covenant is sacred.” - -“So give up the dame.” - -“But if you please, my lord,” Sir Jaufry said, “where is the right by -which you claim such prize?” - -“The right of my good pleasure, signor knave; who soon shall dangle on a -hempen rope.” - -“'Tis an ill answer, savouring great pride. But all injustice doth not -win its end. You would abuse your strength against a woman having no -defence. Go arm yourself; for Heaven hath sent her one who will maintain -her right.” - -“An the saints help me,” Felon then replied, “you shall pay dearly for -those words of yours.” - -Giving {148}his squire the hawk without delay, he donned his hauberk and -his armour rich, buckled his helm, and seized his lance and shield; when -out he cried: - -“Let that pert knave descend who wants to fight: we soon shall see upon -this very spot how he doth wield his arms.” - -Sir Jaufry went to put his armour on, and as he did so, made to God his -prayer; crossed he the drawbridge without noise or vaunt, while the fair -lady and her vassals knelt and made this orison: - -“Thou, Lord, who didst Thy hands upon the cross permit Thy foes to nail, -and let an infidel pierce through Thy side, now grant to Jaufry strength -to conquer Felon!” - -The champions met within the verdant close where the hawk chased the -cranes. And when the giant did Sir Jaufry see, fiercely he cried: - -“Hast thou thy senses, fool, to dare meet such as I?--I, who could -vanquish full a score like thee?” - -“High vaunts like these,” Sir Jaufry calmly said, “I hold as little -worth; for idle words are but as empty wind. Now list: if thou wilt -render back unto the dame who owns yon castle even the smallest thing -thou {149}hast unjustly filched from her away, thou mayst depart without -a scratch or wound.” - -“Fine bargain, on my faith,” the giant said; “thou dost pretend to grant -me thy good grace: and I affirm I will not quit this spot till with this -hand I've torn thee limb from limb.” - -“Now I no more can list; pride blinds thy sense. Henceforth, then, -beware of me!” - -And Jaufry at these words wheeled round his horse to give him a broad -field, when at full gallop he did rush at Felon. Seeing him come, the -latter grasped his shield, and flew to strike him with such dire shock, -both horse and knight were thrown. But in the encounter Jau-fry's steady -lance had broken his shield and pierced the arm right through. Like -lightning Dovon's son was on his feet, his good sword firmly grasped. -Mad with his wound, Felon came running up, and loudly cried: - -“'Eore Heaven, villain, thy last hour is come, and without mercy shall -thy carcass swing!” - -It was his thought to pin him to the earth; but Jaufry dealt his horse -so true a blow, it clean shaved off his head. So both were now afoot, -and front to front with the same arms: now we shall shortly learn which -is the better knight. - -Felon, {150}all pale, with foam upon his lips, struck with his sword -upon Sir Jaufry's helm a blow so strong, it pared the visor off; the -latter dealt him in his turn a stroke which made his shield-arm droop. -But such the force with which he gained this point his sword escaped -his hand. This Felon seeing, he his foot placed on't, so that the -knight might not resume the blade; then he again assailed him with such -strength, fire flew from out his helm. - -“Yield thee, sir knight!” the giant fiercely cried, “since thou art now -disarmed.” - -Sir Jaufry answered not, but raised his shield to ward a blow that -seemed intended to conclude the fight; for Felon's sword fell on it with -such force, it shivered it in bits, and full two feet the blade struck -in the earth. - -Quick as the lightning's flash the youthful knight darted to raise his -own, which when he held, he turned again on Felon. He, humbled in his -pride, exclaimed aloud: - -“Mercy, sir knight; O, mercy! pray restrain thine hand, and hold me at a -ransom!” - -“Since you speak thus,” Sir Jaufry made reply, dragging the giant's -sword from out the ground, “render {151}yourself to _her_ you have so -oppressed. As for myself, no ransom do I wish saving yon hawk which -chased erewhile the cranes.” - -Felon then called about him all his knights, who bore him to the castle. -There, when the leech had bound his gaping wounds, they laid him on -a couch borne by two quiet steeds; whilst the fair dames, followed by -numerous train, led Jaufry back to where they brought him from. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. THE COURT OF CARLISLE. - -Lord Melyan {153}and his troop were still encamped upon the borders of -the magic pond. Judge their surprise, their shouts, their whirl of joy, -when, 'mid a numerous train, Sir Jaufry rose! - -As for fair Brunissende, so great the emotion which such change -produced, it found no vent in words, but in a swoon she fell into his -arms. Jaufry related how the fairy's art had to her country led him -through the deep and darksome waters; how he had vanquished her great -giant foe, and gained the wondrous hawk for the good king. Then, the -recital o'er, they gaily took their way, and at the peep of the next -following morn they saw fair Carlisle's towers. Leaving their train a -little way behind, Jaufry and Melyan, clad in armour bright, pranced -on the glacis with eight chosen knights. {154}Such a brarado at King -Arthur's court could not unnoticed pass. Quex, the high seneschal, soon -crossed the bridge, and meeting Jaufry, cried: - -“Good sooth, sir knight, thou shalt repent thy coming.” - -“'Tis thou shalt feel repentance more than I,” responded Jaufry, who -divined the man, and meeting him full speed, did with such strength and -art assail Sir Quex, he hurled him to the ground. - -As he essayed to struggle to his feet, he reeled a pace, then fell, -while Jaufry cried: - -“Why how now, jolly Quex? what say'st, art drunk?” - -Gawain had now appeared upon the field, spurring his horse to join in -the affray. Sir Jaufry went to meet the worthy lord, and as he yielded -up Sir Quex's horse: - -“To you alone, good knight,” he said, “I yield.” - -Gawain then knew the voice of Dovon's son, and pressed him in his arms; -which, when his squire had learnt, he flew to take the tidings to the -king. Good Arthur overjoyed then left his halls, and with a gallant -host of knights and lords came forth to honour Taulat's vanquisher. Fair -Brunissende he courteously did greet with all her train; then, smiling, -said to Jaufry: - -“Hath, then, our seneschal on you his horse thus gen'rously bestowed?” - -“My lord,” the son of Dovon made reply, “perchance you may remember, on -the day I begged you arms to follow Taulat's track, Sir Quex exclaimed, -I'd fight him better drunk. 'Twas then my wish to teach him, good my -lord, how I can strike when fasting.” - -“He is well struck, methinks,” the king replied; “and may the lesson -stead him!” - -Saying the words, he led Sir Jaufry in to good Queen Guenever, who, -as she tended him her rosy cheek, thanked him with warmth for having -'venged her cause on Taulat. King Arthur on his side did give him thanks -for all the precious gifts he there had sent,--the fair white ashen -lance, the yeoman's dwarf and e'en the leper's too, Estout de Verfeil -and the captive knights, Melyan, and Taulat's numerous prisoners, with -Eclon d'Albaru; then was the convent-church most richly decked, to which -the king in pomp conducted him with the fair Brunissende. - -[Illustration: 205] - -More than a score of thousand gallant knights the fair betrothed -accompanied. The good archbishop, who had {156}chanted mass, before the -altar joined the happy pair; then to the palace back again they came, -and the great feast began. At trumpet sound, Lucas the royal steward, -with twenty thousand pages clad in vests of scarlet silk, bearing fine -snowy cloths, vases of silver and rich cups of gold, flocked to the hall -to furnish forth the boards. Already harps had tinkled, minstrels tried -to charm their hearers with the gay romance, when straight into the hall -a squire rushed, crying aloud: - -“To arms! good lords, to arms; defend your lives!” - -“What hast thou seen, good Mend?” King Arthur said. - -“O sire, I've seen a bird, a wond'rous bird, which never man of mother -born described. He hath a beak at least ten palms in length, and a huge -head large as a fisher's boat; his eyes like carbuncles or diamonds -shine; and then his feet, good sooth, without a lie they are as big--as -big as yonder door. I know not how I did escape his maw; but ne'er -methinks was I so near my death.” - -“Bring me my arms,” exclaimed the gallant king, “that I may learn -whether this squire hath lied.” - -Gawain, {157}Sir Jaufry, and Lord Melyan, fain would follow him to -help; but he forbade, and thus alone did quit the castle. Scarce had -he crossed the bridge, when he beheld this marvellous great bird. He -quietly drew nigh, his shield on arm, his sword within his hand. But, -spreading its grand wings, the bird escaped a blow full promptly aimed; -and by both arms embracing tight the king, rose with its prey full -swiftly in the air. Ladies and knights despairingly rushed out, and o'er -the country spread with rending cries. The bird still rose; and when -in bulk it seemed no bigger than a crane, it then the king let go. The -crowd, all breathless, hastened to the spot, where they expected that -their king would fall crushed from that dizzy height. Not so! ere that -he reached the ground the bird had deftly seized on him again, and to -the summit of a lofty tower borne him in ease away. Reposing there a -space, with rapid wing it flew towards the wood, wheeled with a graceful -flight, then to the palace brought the king again; itself returning to -a human shape, that of the fair enchanter, whom Arthur pardoned, as he'd -done at Pentecost, the fright his trick had caused. And thus did close -the joyous nuptial feast of brave Sir Jaufry and fair Brunissende. -{158}The morrow-morn they left the merry court; and all the train, which -called Sir Melyan lord, escorted back in triumph to Montbrun that happy -pair, meeting upon their way the lady of the pond (she was in fact the -fairy of Gibel), who there had come to bless their life and love. - -[Illustration: 209] - -THE END. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jaufry the Knight and the Fair -Brunissende, by Mary Lafon - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JAUFRY THE KNIGHT *** - -***** This file should be named 44433-0.txt or 44433-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/4/3/44433/ - -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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