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THE LIFE OF
SIR AGLOVALE DE GALIS

CLEMENCE HOUSMAN

METHUEN & CO.

36 ESSEX STREET W.C.

LONDON

fiLB(>''^'^

First Published in 1905

ROBERT HOLDEN HOUSMAN

" TTkmJU it (a G«d for My good inOitr, vhe kai Hated UUt
^t 0/ mitu.-'-C.H.

" TITTHEN a man truly perceiveth and considereth himself
\^ who and what he is, and findeth himself utterly vile
and wicked and unworthy, he falleth into such a deep
abasement that it seemeth to him reasonable that all creatures
in heaven and earth should rise up against him. And therefore
he will not and dare not desire any consolation and release,
but he is willing to be unconsoled and unreleased; and he
doth not grieve over his sufferings, for they are right in his
eyes, and he hath nothing to say against them. This is what
is meant by true repentance for sin, and he who in this present
time entereth into this hell, none may console him. Now, God
hath not forsaken a man in this hell, but He is laying His hand
upon him that the man may not desire nor regard anything
but the Eternal Good only. And then, when the man neither
careth nor desireth anything but the Eternal Good alone, and
seeketh not himself nor his own things, but the honour of God
only, he is made a partaker of all manner of joy, bliss, grace,
rest, and consolation, and so the man is henceforth in the
kingdom of heaven. This hell and this heaven are two good
safe ways for a man, and happy is he who truly findeth them.'*
— Theohgia Germattka.

THE LIFE OF

SIR AGLOVALE DE GALIS

(^ CHAPTER I

THE first tecord of Aglovale shows him in boyhood
tilting among others with his younger brother Lamoiak.
Under conduct of old squires the boys trained on
the castle green, watched from above by fair, kind critics,
damsels and dames, one a queen, Aglovale, then in early
teens, held his own with sufficient address among his fellows
to take the lead that was fitting his birth. Young Lamorak
in due time hurled against him ; and Aglovale, the elder by
a year, the taller by a head, went shocked over his horse's
tail. Loud sprang cheen from the rest, and on high white
hands fluttered applause.

When later the boys ranked for the mellay, King Pellinore,
with an honoured guest, young King Arthur, came out to watch,
and the Queen, descending, stood with them under the gateway.
Throu^out the tough game the names of the rival brothers
were calling. " Lamotak, Lamorak," rang like the beat of steel j
less strong for a rallying cry tossed the name of Aglovale.

Behind his leader, little Dumor rollicked along heedless of
darker, was rescued by Aglovale, was spared by Lamorak, till
he and his cob tumbled perilously, and he was led away perforce,
despite his valiant laughter and tears.

Fortune went with Lamorak, for his emulation was a
contagious ardour ; while Aglovale, nervous and dour, did little
to stay defeat

2 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Then the Queen, proud of her dearest son Lamorak, told
how he had forejustei his elder; thereupon King Pellinore,
well pleased also^ called the pair out to run a course before
King Arthur.

" You are fit enough, bojrs ? **

" Yes, yes, sire ! " shouted Lamorak, passing fain and eager.

Aglovale said nothing ; he was badly bruised, but he would
not plead. So matched with his younger he could get no
credit, Lamorak could get no shame. Deep, then, bit the snake
that poisoned his life thereafter. He set his teeth and wheeled
for position. " Lamorak, Lamorak," hammered heavy on his
heart, and his own name scarcely could he hear as their young
fellows shouted.

Down went Lamorak. No &ult was his, for his girths were
rotten and broke. He rose fierce and clamorous, and sprang
to the first horse that offered, eager to dispute his brother's
nominal advantage. Aglovale claimed none. ''Though a
back should break," swore Lamorak, '' 'tis not I shall quit the
saddle." Again they ran ; and Aglovale, the elder by a year,
the taller by a head, went shocked over his horse's tail. How
" Lamorak, Lamorak " rang !

Away pranced the gallant boy ; he saluted the Kbgs, the
Queen ; he flung off and sprang up to the mother, bareheaded
for her kiss.

Aglovale stood up mute as death, came on foot, leading his
horse, saluted, and passed. Arthur spoke kindly, commending
both. The Queen looked after her son with tardy compunc-
tion, and when she saw him standing apart, stepped down and
crossed to him over the green, pacing slow with folded arms ;
for in those days she went heavily with a double burden that
proved to be Percivale and his sister Saint.

" Are you hurt, my son ? "

He lied, saying, " No."

Her kind, grave eyes questioned his sombre countenance.

" By this is a noble knight shown : that he rises with no
rancour from a fair overthrow ; that he admires the force that
can bring him down ; that he knows no base envy."

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 3

A^ovale breathed patiently. He dared not out with
another word lest the shame of weeping should attend. In
his heart he cried, " Does he love you more than I, that you
should lore him more than me ? "

"Ah, Aglovale," said the Queen, wistfully, "a degree of
excellence you might have brought from the ground, though
Lamorak from the selle brought more. Then had I been a
happier mother and proud of both my sons."

Aglovale quivered and hung his head silent; and she
turned away sighing over his evil temper. From the incoherent
conscience of youth he could not declare how the intolerable
bitterness of oveithrow lay in her balancing his loss so lightly
against Lamorak's gain.

Yet then and afterwards, for all the Devil did with Aglovale,
never could, he kindle in him the least spark of hatred against
his brother Lamoiak.

On a day not long after, the Queen sent for Aglovale to
her chamber, and showed him, pacing the court below. King
Pellinore and a stranger, whose hand rested on his shoulder,
whose face was addressed to him as the moon's to her earth,
whose voice and laughter rang the tune of close and familiar
friendship.

" That b Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, a good knight that I
would you should love and honour."

Ilien with her arm round the boy's neck she told how that
friendship sprang ; young Sir Griflet, on the first day of kni^t*
hood, sought to win worship of King Pellinore, who first
refiised him, warning him of his might; and when he would
not be stayed, lightly smote him down j and then the King
took him up nigh slain, gave him wind, and set him on his
horse again, commending him for his great heart. And there-
after, she said. Sir Griflet loved and worshipped him greatly.

Aglovale sighed agauist her heart He understood ; and
he willed to love and worship Sir Griflet.

That good Queen did not herself fail to be gracious and
generous when within her woman's sphere she was tried.
From the wedding of Arthur and Gueoever, King Pellinore

4 A6L0VALE D£ 6ALIS

returned with a goodly young knight, his new-found son Tor,
the love-child he to a peasant girl had given, and she to her
man Aries the cowherd, eighteen years before. Here may not
enter the full tale of how noble blood sent Tor from the low
estate of his mother, with a bold request straight to the presence
of his unguessed father; and how Arthur gave him knighthood
before his own nephew Gawaine, and was justified straightway
by his noble deeds, while Gawaine fell to disgrace. All this is
written in the books of my most dear Master whom I love
so much.

The Queen, large-hearted, greeted her lord's son sweetly,
fiurly, without mi^iving for his peasant mother. She found
for him room in her good grace next her own sons, aye, in
the end above one, and he her firstborn ; for Tor had touches
of his &ther, was gentle, courteous, of good parts, passing true
of his promise ; and he never did outrage.

Aglovale's likeness to his father was but in strong hawk
features and swarthy skin. The stately build inherited by Tor
was not to be his; manhood could hardly redeem the lank
and awkward sprouting of his youth. Lamorak, in the bloom
of boyish grace, preluded the man of perfect strength and
beauty, whose fine force and prowess ranked him equal with
great Launcelot, and Tristram biggest of Arthur's knights.

Still, as the boys grew Lamorak gained over Aglovale;
and Tor — ^the strong, admirable Tor himself— freely owned
that die day would soon come when he, too, would be bettered
of his brother; and Pellinore of himself said the same in his
heart.

From their blunt play the boys went early to the sharp
work of battle. When Danes and Irish landed in hosts against
Arthur and ravaged from North Wales, Pellinore, staying for
larger levies, sent on Tor with a troop of his best knights ;
and Aglovale and Lamorak, as young squires, attended on their
bastard brother.

A horrid foretaste they had when by night the active Irish
rushed the unwary camp where in the midst lay Guenever
withal. From shrouds of destruction Tor cut them out,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 5

and with him the/ beaded a desperate stand to bar the way
that the Queen had gone, with but four to defend her : Arthur,
Kay the foater brother, Gawaine, and Griflet.

Step by itep, itnbbora Tor and his poor few gare bac^
before heavy odds, till the night went blind, and broken and
dispersed through the forest they fought or fled. Aglovale
and Lamorak held tc^ether, swept away from Tor's voice by
a surge of rattling steel. Joining in breathless rallies that
scattered again with loss, wounded, horsed, and unhorsed,
spent with the weight of harness, through that dreadful night
they endured a dark, inglorious struggle.

About dawn as they fell into a broad greenway, a foul
knight came by who spurred upon Aglovale. His weary arm
beat down the spear; it missed his side, pierced his thigh
clean through bore him to earth and broke. Then Lamorak,
savage, houghed the horse without scruple, and stood before
his brother in stout defence. Aglovale on his knees fought
too. Down the greenway came the tramp of riders whose
call was " Stranggore," and some spurred forward to the
boys at bay. Aglovale called for rescue, but Lamorak cried,
" Let be, let be 1 1 will deal in full payment." And even as he
spoke, with a stroke deep through the gorget, he ended his
work.

Fresh come at need here rode King Bagdemagus and his
knights of Stran^ore, with news of Pellinore following up
from the south; with news of Tor whose driven foes they
circled to bead ; but of Guenever and her four without news.
By him the sons of Pellinore were not left horseless to foul
murderers of the wounded ; though scarcely might Aglovale ride
for his hurt wherein the truncheon stack. To stay him from
a fall a young squire of his age came to ride on the one side,
as Lamorak rode on the other ; this was Meliagraunce, son
to King Bagdem^us.

On they rode under sky-dawn for the edge of the forest
And as the broad Humber opened ahead, flashing to the tide's
uprush, helms golden in the first sun moved forward down
a silver glade. Here shone lost Arthur and his fellows with a

6 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

gathering troop; he, Gawame, and Griflet each bore token of
a kmg he had slain, while Kay bore two.

Forth into die open swung the joint force, and lo! on
Humber's tide far out steered a dark blot, where Guenever
went safe on a ferry barge ; and on Humber's bank glittered
the thousands of the Danes and their allies, rank on rank,
well ordered, pricking forward.

*' Can our hundreds face these ? '' said Bagdemagus.

"Aye,** answered Arthur, "for see, now they find their
dead."

Even Guenever, &r off, must have heard and shuddered
at the dreadful cry of rage and lamentation that went up from
the desolated hosts ; and close after may have heard, too, the
first great crash of battle ; for while yet the foe reeled and
suiged and thronged, Arthur bore down upon them and began
to slay.

In that battle Aglovale had no part. Lamorak shot away
to the chaige, and he was following insanely when Griflet
saw him, reeling, loose-reined, clinging to the saddle peak.
He cursed him roundly for a fool, guided him clear of the
rush, brought him to a stand, and bade him go back. Where
Griflet left him he stayed, nor went back nor forward.

The heart of Denmark was broken for its king ; and Tor
drove in on the rear the shattered strength of Ireland; and
the allies, men of the Vale and of Soleise, between the Humber
and backward pressure, turned frantic and fought friend and
foe alike. That day there was fearful slaughter of the dense
hosts of the invaders.

After the field was won. Tor found his brother fainting on
his horse's neck. Weeping for joy, he lifted him down and
cared for him ; from the stiffened wound he drew out the spear
head, and staunched the fresh blood that sprang free, comfort-
ing, praising, regarding naught else, refusing to leave him until
Arthur summoned.

Then Aglovale, looking after, saw not far off King Arthur
and his knights gathered red from the field; and Queen
Guenever was come again and stood near between Kay and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS T

G^waine. Fair gold was her haii. Fair gold was the hair or
his mother, Pelliiioie'i queen.

The King stood there with his sword bare in his hand to
give knighthood. Aglovale spnuig to bis feet : the first to
come and kneel was youi^ Lamorak. More he could not stand
to see. His wound broke out streaming aftesh ; foi pure envy
also lus nostrils gushed blood ; so fierce, then, was the stress of
the master passion of bis youth.

After Lamorak came Gawaine's two brothers, Gaheris and
Agravaine, and many another ; among the rest, Meliagraunce.
And when the last stood up a knight, Arthur questioned after
one more. Tor answered him ; Lamorak, Bagdemagus, Giiflet
answered him.

Across the greensward ran Tor ; in all his harness he ran.
He lifted Aglovale.

" I cannot stand or go," said the boy, feebly.

" You shall I Aglovale, it is for knighthood of King Arthur ! "

He drew his young brother's arm round his neck and lifted
him along. Lamorak came too, and between them they took
him and helped him to his knees before Arthur. Excalibur
touched his shoulder, and his famishing spirit was satisfied.

Tor set him on his feet " Keep up," said Lamorak, low,
" for we go before Queen Guenever."

" Keep up," said Tor, low, " for we pass by Sir Gawaine
and his brethren."

Sweet salutation the fairest of women gave, and gracious
thanks to each, and praise namely to Sir Tor. Fair gold was
her hair. On Lamorak her eyes rested, because of his boyish
grace and beauty. She said in her heart, and afterwards to
Arthur, " An angel, a man, and a devil."

" A man indeed," said Arthur, " but no devil, and on my
faith no angel. Good knights all they will prove."

Gawaine and his brethren eyed hard the sons of Fellinore,
for blood feud was unfinished, and these sons of Lot were pass-
mg good haters. Gawaine and Tor saluted coldly. Yet sooth
that day had cancelled an old misdeed recorded in the books
of him I love so much, restoring to Gawaine the fair place long

A6L0VALE DE GAUS

withheld him in Queen Guenever's regard. Let it be said of
him that then, and always, faithful and blameless was his worship
of Arthur's queen ; and for the oath she had imposed on him in
his day of disgrace ever was he gentle and courteous to all
ladies, and to all men who asked he showed mercy. The blood
of Pellinoie would ask none of him ; nor would Dinadan, nor
Bagdemagus.

One envied Aglovale. Said Meliagraunce, "For your
night of defence, Sir Aglovale, would I give my day of onslaught ;
for to me dearer than knighthood were such £Eur and particular
greeting from Queen Guenever."

Aglovale wondered, and liked the youth, nor thought ill of
the words. Alas I he so speaking was at first dawn of a passion
that afterwards drove him to rape and treason, and brought
him to so evil an end that Guenever denied him life and
Arthur begrudged him burial.

Fuller reward awaited Sir Tor at Camelot ; he, Gawaine,
Griflet, and Kay were chosen in place of knights of the Round
Table fallen by the Humber. My most dear Master has told
at length how the vacant sieges weie filled ; and also of the
strict fairness of Pellinore, and of the resentment of King
Bagdemagus. Of Aglovale in boyhood there is no more
to tell.

CHAPTER n

TOR, the firstborn of King Fellinore, came to be the best
beloved of all his sons. Sown in the waste, left to
grow nntended, he, in the flower of youth, approved the
father generously, nor bnn^t him any reproadi for long
neglect Well n^t joy and pride in the heart of Fellinore
rise up to claim him, and love swell stronger by delay. So,
too, in other fathers sprang a like devotion at sight of their
stranger sons : in Bois when he toolc White Helin ; in Launce-
lot when Galahad came. The names of three other sons stand
in daik contrast, three who forfeited their fathers' love, and
carried curses : Aglovale, son to King Fellinore ; Meliagraunce,
son to King Bagdemagus ; Mordred, son and nephew to King
Arthur,

Yet even in early blameless years Aglovale, the heir, came
to know that bis father for Tor's sake, and his mother for
Lamorak's sake, begrudged him his birthright. He knew, too,
that Tor felt with tbe Queen, Lamorak with the King. As for
Dumor, he held Dumor of slight account — Dumor !

Howbeit at that time all four brethren were named for high
promise, approved of tried knights, well esteemed of their
young fellows. And later, spite of all defect, three houses
won to matchless fame in Logris : Arthur with his nephews,
Launcelot with his brethren, Fellinore with his sons.

Rot at the core showed suddenly in Aglovale. Great justs
wete held at Cardiff in the presence of Arthur and his Queen,
what time be bestowed an earldom upon Sir Tor, then of full
age. There Tor won the degree on tbe first day ; and on tbe

10 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

second day Lamorak won it ; and on the third day a strange
knight came in, who smote down Aglovale and Dumor and
many more and won the degree : his name, Sir Bagdemagus,
King of Stranggore. Then Aglovale plucked up his horse and
rode straight away north. Darkness covers here the ways he
went

Days went by, and weeks, and months, without any tidings,
good or ill. With the new year came King Bagdemagus again,
seeking after his lost son Meliagraunce. Sir Aglovale, he said,
had come into Stranggore when justs were holding, and there
he had smitten down Sir Agravaine and many others ; and so
brim and merry was he, that his son Meliagraunce would fellow-
ship with him, and had gone in his company leaving no trace.

More days, weeks, months, went by. Lamorak and Dumor
went and came, Tor came and went and came again, but
Aglovale did not come.

From the Marches of Northgalis blew rumour of evil deeds :
of lands harried, travellers and pilgrims robbed, knights
murdered, and ladies misused My most dear Master tells how
there, at a later day, foul love and foul war prevailed, until Sir
Launcelot came to make an end of Sir Turquine the murderer,
and Sir Peris the ravisher.

A riding damsel came through Cardiff, a fair, fierce, reckless
creature, who, though young she was, had led an adventurous
life, with easy love and deadly hate, revel and hardship, quick
laughter and desperate cries, some soft memory enshrined, and
some hot malice unspent. Out of such a store she could weave
many marvellous tales of adventure, never two alike. She, too,
spoke ill of the Marches, and told of the infamous practice of
two whom she named the Savage and the Sinister ; how unfairly
and barbarously they had slain a noble young knight; and
how unfairly and barbarously they would have used his damsel,
but that she wisely and wittily feigned and played to set them
one against the o^er, till they fell to fighting, and she by good
fortune escaped them both.

With touches of art she embellished her tale, yet her voice
and eye showed that for once something was suppressed, and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 11

that this adventuie was more neat heiself than others of which
•he feigned.

When she departed Domor tan after. " Why called you
diatone Sinister?"

" He fought left-handed," she answered.

It was a trick that Aglovale practised.

Dumor went back, armed, and took horse. As he rode
out Tor and Lamorak tnet him and questioned.

" I go to look up brother Sir Aglovale," he said carelessly,
and passed.

The two looked at each other.

"I shaU follow," said Tor.

" I also," said I^morak.

So they armed quickly, took hone, and went after Dumor.

Northward ihe three rode together. And many days they
spent questing through the Waste Lands, and the Marches ^
North{^lis and Goie, at that time the most lawless wilds in
Logris, for there two wanton queens fostered misrule out of
hatred and treason to King Arthur. Some rt^ber knights
they fought and slew by the way, bnt neither Sir Peris nor Sir
Turquine did they chance to meet.

They came at last upon one who was pitilessly robbing a
gentlewoman of her fair young daughter. Lightly he set down
his prize at Lamorak's challenge, rode against him full knightly,
l»oke a spear and got a fall. Up he rose, pulled out his
sword, and caught it in the left hand. He saw that the three
bore the arms of Galis,and turned to flee. Tbey hemmed him
in, all but sure of him,

Lamorak sprang down. " I require you of your knighthood
to tell me your name ? " He would not, and struck. " Stay
your hand," said Lamorak, " till I be better appointed." His
shield he cast aside ; he. plucked off also gorget and helm and
cast them down. With nai^ht to defend his head but his
sword, he advanced, and struck, and struck again.

So like St. George he looked, that a very stranger might
have faltered, loth to strike upon that br^ht head. Aglovale
sobbed, Sung away his sword, and to Lamorak's distress kneeled

14 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

and Tor and Lamorak were as right hand and left to him in
their loyal support, gladly admitting his right and worth. His
was not brilliant work and fortunate, like Sir Gawaine's, whose
star ascendant at that time outshone all others ; but what he
did King Arthur marked well and approved, for he, the great
leader, could best of all appraise die young knight's sound
instinct in methods of war. So when the year closed on him
victorious at Rome, crowned Emperor by the Pope, when he
summoned his Round Table there and filled up the sieges. Sir
Aglovale de Galis was duly called and placed.

Knights of highest worship sat hard by the Siege Perilous
that awaited the coming of the best knight in the world. To
the right of it sat King Pellinore, then Sir Lamorak, then Sir
Marhaus, the best knight of Ireland ; to the left sat Sir Bors
the Good, with Sir Launcelot and his brother Sir Ector; Sir
Tor was not far, with Sir Gawaine for his opposite. Distant
by many degrees from that zenith. Sir Aglovale had his place,
for dearer to Arthur was the stout heart and arm than the good
head. And the mind of Aglovale inclined the same way ; he
would gladly abandon all the credit won in command, but once
to have in his ears such a roar of welcome and acclaim as rose
from fighting ranks when Lamorak rode in.

On that high day Dumor, riding behind his brothers, saw a
hard-featured man thrust through the crowd and catch at Sir
Aglovale's knee, calling him by a strange name. Aglovale
struck his hand aside, tossed him a piece of gold, and passed.
The man, a seafarer by his dress, fell back and plucked at a
Welshman with a question ; Aglovale, with a stony countenance,
rode on ignoring salutations. His day was darkly overcast.
Dumor was ashamed to watch or to question; he went on
wondering.

At the day's end the same stranger entered as a suitor
before King Pellinore and his sons, and got leave to speak.

" My lord Sir Aglovale," he said, *' is it sooth that to-day,
for the honour of the Round Table, you will grant any man his
suit except it be unreasonable ? "

Aglovale eyed him sternly and answered, '' Aye."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 15

" Then, my lord, I desiie and prajr that you take me to
serve you."

An angiy red mounted to Aglovale*! brow. Tlie stranger
spoke on hurriedly.

" I ask to be no more than your groom, your henchman,
your varlet, albeit I am not more meanly bom than some who
are squires. And I will premise you very faithful service for
the sake of one I shall nevei meet again, because, my lord Sir
Aglovale, of the resemblance you bear him."

Said Dumor, whose tongue was more ready than his wits,
" Hey, brother, you knew him not, and he mistook you ! "

Said the stranger quickly, with his eyes still on Sir Aglovale,
"Before to-day never has my lord your brother set eyes on
me."

Aglovale strode forward and struck him on the mouth.
" Brose, you lie t " he ssud.

Confounded stood the suitor, savage but cowed. He got
bis voice, and said thickly, " My lord, if I live you shall repent
(rfthis."

Said Aglovale, wickedly, " Get you gone, would you go to
bell in your own time."

Said Brose, " At your heels, my lord, will be time enot^
for me."

Kii% Pellinore spoke, seeing Aglovale finger at his sword.
" Fair son, he staitds a suitor on yout honour to-day." And at
that his son ground bis teeth and laughed harshly.

Said the King to Brose, "By my counsel you and your
suit withdraw."

The man spoke up resolutely, though his hard-favoured
cmmtenance twitched.

*' Truly sir, my lord your son may hold my suit unreason-
able, since he does not please to foiget that when he saw me
before, for my sins I was a galley-slave."

Still, as he spoke he kept his eyes upon Sir Aglovale, who
ttuned his to watch his father's &ce. Both drew the breath of
hard conflict.

" Ai>d yet is my stut not unreasonable, «nce who would

16 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

serve him more truly and faithfully than one he delivered out
of that hell."

" Hear, you dog ! " cried Aglovale, in a black rage» " for the
honour of the day and because of my word you shall have
your asking. But, by God ! " he added through his teeth, ** you
shall sweat for it hereafter."

Again King Pellinore warned Brose off his dangerous
ground, guessing heavily at ugly concerns behind his son's
truculence.

** His man am I," came the answer, " at what service and
what wage he wills. He knows I am able enough. I was die
first he made free. Me he set to loose Christians while he
went killing Saracens ; and not one was left alive ; and it was
a great galley ; and we, slaves with our chains, were all my lord
Sir Aglovale had to back him. Moreover, he stood to fight
unarmed, and so fought and won."

Aglovale cursed and flung out his sword, beside himself
with rage. His brothers by force stayed him, and got Brose
away and stowed safe till that madness should be past.

Be it known forthwith that master and man kept each his
word. Aglovale stinted not by harsh and brutal usage to
tempt the man to his worst ; and Brose endured, steadily and
patiently biding his time to be approved, until his master
recognized with wonder that this dog was the faithfuUest of his
kind, following him out of real devotion. Straight he acknow-
ledged, "Brose, I do repent," and never thenceforth had a
doubt of him till came the time of double parting when broke
the unhappy heart of Aglovale. Brose, in an after day, when,
as shall be told, he followed Perdvale, professed what secret
virtue in his master had drawn him to all^iance. '' Never
have I heard him complain," he said No man, save Nacien
the Hermit, did ever so truly as Brose read the worth of that
distorted nature at its worst

Now, as to the conclusion of this passage, had Aglovale
chosen to hold his peace, the truth might not have come to
light, for Brose told no more, refusing to answer any question
but m his master's presence ; and, drunk or sober, he never

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 17

let loose hia tongue till the end came. But Aglovale, when
tus brothers turned to him with new worship, and his father
with kind reproach, because be had despised the approval of
tbeir love, felt his load more heavy to bear than any deserved
disgrace. So, as they would not cease and let him go, " I was
one of them," said he ; " I, too, was a galley-slave."

That was not enough, though bis voice and bis face were
frightful. So gross an outrage to him but moved tbeir common
blood with indignation.

Said Lamorak under his breath, "I rather would have
died."

Aglovale heard. " I, too," he said, " even as due by a
baiter."

Dumor gaped and gasped, '* As due I " Aghast stared King
Pellinore and Tor and Lamorak. His few words were enough
to set their guesses; and he watched the leap and run, ^e
pause and flow of apprehension in their looks. Now they
knew why he at one time, before they came to Rome, had
avoided die coast ; there at Genoa their eyes had seen rotten
bodies da"gl'"g above the tide-marii ; they bad heard tell of a
well-dreaded corsair barque, decoyed and betrayed there by
means of a Saracen emir. Yes, they knew j only Dumor did
not understand. Dumor was a dense fool.

King Pellinore broke silence. " And yet you live ! "

His unworthy son came to him, followed after him, kneeled
to him, and held his knees in mute entreaty.

" You felon proclaimed 1 Why had you not your dues ? "

"Paidon, sire, because there is that in me that is due
to you."

King Pellinore cut him short with a heavy curse, and in his
passion turned and struck the woeful mask, that was his living
disgrace.

" Oh, you lie — you lie ! " he cried.

At that Aglovale stood up and pulled out his sword ; taking
it by the point, he presented the hilts to King Pellinore.

" Prove that upon my body, sire, an you please," be said
despendely.

18 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

The King gripped with a will.

" Stand aside, Sir Tor," cried Aglovale ; " as for this matter
you shall not come between me and my father."

But Tor said, ''Ah, sire, are all the good strokes of that
sword dean gone from remembrance?"

" Answer I Why had you not your dues ? "

He writhed and faltered. ''I was not so well worth a
halter as some others ; and — ^and I was valued to ransom as
a king's son."

" Ah, wretched blabber ! "

Again Tor came between. ** Speak again, brother — say you
never acknowledged your birth ! "

''Yes, bastard, I did. I acknowledged my birth, unawares,
even as you did among your mother-brethren. Ah, sire,
pardon me that at least ! "

" What more have you to tell, felon?"

" Sire," said Aglovale, " boots it to know more of what I
did, or what others did with this sinful body of mine, since my
name and my lineage went not with it ? "

" Unhappy fool ! Does not your rascal fellow know you ? "

Aglovale answered knightly, " My fellows now are knights
of the Round Table ; and excepting you, sire, and my fair
brothers, and my lord King Arthur, none of them that bear life
shall charge disworship against my name and lineage but I will
prove upon his body that he lies."

King Pellinore went up and down thinking a great while.
Then he put back Aglovale's sword into his hands and said
heavily, "See you fail not When your gallows deeds be
known, or keep you body alive in the Devil's name— or God
have mercy on your soul ! "

In this he reckoned amiss, for Brose proved close and sure,
and Aglovale lived longer than the devil in him, and died the
last of his mother's sons.

Now, it is recorded that after these wars with Rome, Pelli-
nore set his son Aglovale as warden at Cardigan. Maybe this
in a manner was banishment till he should have earned full
forgiveness, although later the lordship of Cardigan is called

AGLOVALE DE 6AUS 19

bis appanage. Here Aglovale sped tU; for, after a turn of
suid aod strict govenunent, he fell to ways of misrule. For a
brief space he made a fine show of it, merry and brim in living
and fighting. He lured Dumor to him, and despised him diat
he came. Many drew to biro at that time ; and any vriio had
earned the King's displeasure could find with him countenance
and welcoroe. So, though riot and misrule were doubtless all
bis sins, he gave large cause for the count of treason.

After remonstrance and a threat. King Pellinore made short
work. He rode in on surprise with a great plump of spears,
and Aglovale, surrendering without a stroke, was deprived of
land and rule, and imprisoned with undue rigour.

He never complained, for, indeed, the odd good in bim lent
biro a patience and submission rare to find among wrongdoers.
The intercession of his mother and his brethren, and namely
of Sir Tor, restored bim to freedom and grace.

But too soon bis better self went to the winds as before.
This time Lamorak was pardy to blame. The words he used
enter here not indeed in time and place as recorded by my most
dear Master, who for his part kept not strictly to the order of
events, as can be shown on his telling of the justs at Avilion
and at Kinkenadon by the Sands.

Justs were called beside the Isle of Avilion for the proving of
Arthur's young nephew Gareth, then newly sprung from the
scullery into sudden fame and the well-earned love of his lady
Liones. Thither came his mother, Morgause, Queen of
Orkney, Still with bet fatal beauty as keen as when Arthur, her
unknown brother, wooed her to guilty love. On Lamorak she
locdced, and Lamorak looked on her, and for their bane love
■prang.

Marvellous deeds of arms Laroorak did that day, out of
measure fain to vrin worship before her. Fighting was like a
revel to him, till in the midst of bis ecstasy he chanced to see
bis two brothers, Aglovale and Dumor, overthrown. That
turned him to rage; four knigbts went down to bis spear;
more to his sword; otheis fled. Aglovale and Dumor be
horsed again, but in bis beat be did not spare them words.

20 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

Shame on them! cried Lamorak, to £b11 so off their
horses. Knights that were knights indeed, he said, should
fight on horseback; fighting afoot, he said, was but meant
for spoilers and felons. So he spoke heedless in his heat.
" Sit fast upon your horses," he cried at parting, " or else fight
never more afore me."

Dumor emptied language and protest after him ; but as for
Aglovale, his blood rose and broke forth, so that it ran from
the ventails of his helm and he had to lift the vizard.

"How, brother," said Dumor, "fell you so hard?" But
when he viewed a &ce pallid and hard-set^ even he could read
and understand.

"Nay, nay," he said in clumsy kindness, "Aglovale, he
never meant it so i Oh, he had clean forgot all that, or never
had he spoken so !"

" By your leave, fair brother," returned Aglovale, " I can
hear as I list ; and, if I list, gainsay."

Dumor looked after him as starkly he rode into the fray.
"When he goes to work with his lips white, he kills. Now
God have mercy on some man's souL"

His cast was true enough. Aglovale that day was curst and
forebore none. After that he was lost again for many a day,
and with him Brose.

Tidings came of him retumed and dwelling at Cardigan.
Thither rode Tor and Dumor, and bore back good report of
him, as they found him sober, just, wise, and knightly in all
ways. But Tor owned to King Pellinore that their welcome
had not been brotherly. Sir Aglovale, cold and reserved, show-
ing with a manner of precise courtesy a mind inclined to
quarrel. Dumor laughed and made excuse, in that he was
assotted on. a passing fair wench, and an exigent. So had he
mistaken sweet Gilleis, Aglovale's last and only true love.

AVhen King Pellinore afterwards passed to Cardigan^ Aglo-
vale had flown, none knew whither, and sweet Gilleis lay in
the tomb.

CHAPTER III

NACIEN the Hermit, gadiering worts high up cm
Wenlock Edge, saw a knight come riding below,
followed far behind by one afoot, ninniog, stoop-
ing, shmming Hx open. Over roug^ and smooth rode
the knight spurring hard. The jaded horse stumbling on
broken ground, fell and did not rise ; whereat suddenly he
pulled out his sword, and rove that good beast through the
body. Forward on his feet he started in a hasty aimless
fashion; his shield he Sui^ away, then his helm; piece by
piece he stripped off his harness, and cast it from him.

" Now see I," said Nacien, *' that a fiend rides him." And
he went down to meet him till the sound of groaning came to
his ears and words of blasphemy. The secret follower came
nearer, saw the old man ahead, and stood up with a gesture of
warning. Ri^t so the knight caught sight of him.

BrMe turned to flee, for Aglovale made fiercely after him
with his sword drawn. Brief was the chase; Brose missed
footing, fell, rose up lamed, faced round on his master, and
held up entreating bands. In vain : deep into his side bit the
relentless sword. For a moment Aglovale looked on the
Eallen man, then his reddened blade he flung afar, and kneeling
he tried to staunch the bleeding life.

** It was foully done," said Nacien. " Go you, murderer,
and bring wattr," And Aglovale went like a bidden child.

Even with that first look on the two men Nacien knew
that his work lay rather with the soul of the one than the body
ol the other.

22 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

But for Aglovale he could do nothing till Brose had taken
good hold of life. Neither day nor night would that unhappy
master quit his man; scarcely would he speak or eat, and
sleep he did not till on the third night Nacien beguiled him
with a drink.

Then said Brose weakly, " For the love of God help my
master lest he die of his shut heart." And when Nacien com-
mended his devotion so evilly rewarded : '' Nay," said Brose,
*'he had threatened and I had promised. In following I
broke my word ; his my master kept."

But of counsel and consolation Aglovale took as little heed
as of admonition and rebuke, till the day came when Nacien
told him Brose was sure of recovery. Then he was moved to
blessings and thankings and promises for gratitude, and the
good man, seeing his time, widi grave authority called on him
to confess his sins.

Aglovale looked at him darkly. " I want no absolution,"
he said.

"My son," said Nacien, ''I bid you to penance in
confession."

" Yea, that I want," said Aglovale, after long silence.

" In the name of God I " said Nacien.

Aglovale did not kneel. He stood up and bore the light
of day and Nacien's eyes through all. His tongue CEuled him
at first. " Gilleis 1 " he said, and stopped dumb, struggling.

" In the name of God I " repeated Nacien.

Once more the wretched man said " Gilleis 1" And
further, *' Her I did not ravish.

''Two men knocked at midnight and asked her pity on
one sore wounded; and she being a lone maid feared to unbar.
Yet because of their need and the bitter frost, and because
they swore steadily her maidenhood should get no hurt, her
pity was so wrought upon that she gave them entrance. And
she did also all service she could for him wotmded; for he
asked her to ransack his wounds in knee and breast So first
she unbound his knee and salved and dressed it, and greatly
he complained the while of the wound in his breast. So very

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS ftS

sofUy she handled the bindings ; but u she drew off the last
fold there was no blood, and on the breast uncovered there
was no wound. Whole he was but for a prick in the knee.
Like a bird she went to the door as Brose shot in the outside
bolts. She stood and put her hands over hei face, and I
watched her and never stiired. And after a while she said,
Why had I done so ? I ssud, for want of her pity on the great
wound in my breast, and greatly I comfdained.

"She had eyes like a heifer's that could not show anger.
Her hair was wheat-brown. Her skin was like lime blossom,
and as sweet was the scent she gave. God never made
woman-flesh more quick and tender to the influence of man.
Though I never touched her I troubled her, and she writhed
and drew her mantle around.

" She put me in mind of my oaths, and I said until they
were broken I was not forsworn. Yet she lamented for hit
good name; and then I reached out my sword to her, and
bade her make it good on me if she chose. Yet I played with
her then, knowing that she could not. And when she put the
pommel between her feet and felt the point with her hands, I
laughed, knowing this also ^le could not do. And at that she
wept, and her tears — Gilleis — even for her tears I never
stirred. But she had to hear, and she could not hide.

" So I told her how, lying hurt, I had looked down from
a wmdow, and had seen her kiss given to a tall squire, as never
had a kiss been given to me. And I told her how I would
have had her by force, had I loved her but as I had loved
others. She answered that her squire was now a knight ; and
was I so base, she said, as to shun knightly contest, when she
doubted not he would prove upon me that he was the better
man of his hands. I said I had done enough with woman on
the grave of lord or lover to know that not so ever would
sweet kmdness freely given touch my lips ; that way came only
light love or heavy curses. I said I could not boast to be
better of my hands than he, as I had not tried him. Yea, he
had good looks for her eye, a good name for her ear, while I
was swart and halt, and I was he called Sinister. But he bad

24 A6L0VALE DE 6AUS

no force to love her as I loved ; and I would for one night so
possess her eye and her ear that she could not choose but
know I loved her better than he. And that was true. She
looked at me and covered her face and held her peace.
Though by falsity I won her, that was true.

" She had to hear, and she could not hide. But in the end
I grew ashamed and repented; and before dawn I confessed
all : how her solitude that night had been contrived by force
and fraud ; and how by means of Brose I had ensured that my
going should be spied to defame her ; and how I hoped after
to carry on the game. But I told her that now the bolts had
been long withdrawn, and while dawn was far I would take
myself away to prevent my own mischief. ' God amend all,'
said Gilleis, as I went.

" Now when I issued to the night all the world was white
with snow. Then I hardened my heart as I left my tracks
upon it. And the skies had no ruth. At dawn a boatman
found me fallen, and lifted me down to the river ; and I left
amends to God and went with the stream.

'' Her knight, Sir Berel, lay in Ireland held at ransom. A
poor man he was, and Gilleis la Orpheline, in ward of an
old knight his father, had been living meanly to buy him free.
Now when after many days Brose traced me out, he brought
word how my footprints had undone her, for her tale was
incredible to the old man, and he cursed her for his son and
departed. And soon after he died. I turned again, and
vowed to her I would do anything she should require. She
was so gentle I never heard a hard word, but then she did
require a hard penance. For slander she cared little, except
at the ears of the two most dear to her^ of whom one was now
dead ; and her request was that I should pass to Ireland, and
acknowledge my treason to her knight under oath, and abide
by his ruling. I said this was not according to the course of
knightly usage. She urged no further and asked no more, so
I swore to it and went

*'Methought as I went I heard devils laughing at what
should come ; but lo ! when I had told him all, he believed

AGLOVALE DE GAUS S6

me t Knowing my name and my ill-iame, yet he believed me I
A good knight be was and courteous ; but I came away soie
and angry because he would not promise so much as to bieak
a Bpear on me when be mi^t dispose of bis body ; foi he said
as I had made amends in better sort than by way of arms, he
declined to require it otherwise. So I left bim umansomed
and came again to this land.

" Then I went to tell GiUeis bow I had sped. But I lied.
I bad told him all truly, I said ; and no, I said, be did not
believe me. I kissed her in her swoon to seal the lie.

" It came to pass before the year was out, firose laid me
again at her gate, wounded in deep earnest, I cried out when
I saw her that I would not keep ittose terms, that rather than
bum through such another night I would take the frost. Yet
when I opened ,my eyes to life, Gilleis was there tending me ;
and for many days Gilleis. And before I had strength to take
— she gave.

" Het most sweet affection once mine, grew passing well, and
was the dearer under peril of instant bitter ending. Before
long Brose brought me word of that knight Sir Berel ; by the
good offices of the first of Irish knights Sir Marhaus, he was at
liberty and returning. Then I took horse and rode down to
the Marches to await him at the Forest Cross-roads. For two
days I watched there till be came. He came bound band and
foot, laid across the saddle. In like manner two followed
behind. I knew him, for his beaver was broken away ; me be
knew by my arms. In God's name he called on me to
reoiember my offers, and to help them from a foul knight and
a murderous, who had overcome them. He besought me to
turn from ado and rather carry warning of their case to Sir
Marhaus, who followed nigh, for this knight was so big of his
hands that few might match him, I knew well who drove
them so : that was Sir Turquine, brother to Sir Carados, whom
Launcelot met and slew as so be drove Sir Gaheris. He
smote foully at the bound man as be rode past bim to come at
me. Then I turned and fled, and laughed as I rode. And in
a little while I escaped bom Sk Tivquine and came to the

26 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

open. Then I lamed my horse, and rode on again at a soft
pace till I met a big knight, no other than Sir Marhaus. We
saluted, and he asked me of three knights who were of his
fellowship. I told him that beyond the river I had seen one
knight, driving three before him, bound across their horses ;
and I taught him the way contrary, and excused myself from
him because my horse was lame. So misguided he departed.
And I deemed I should keep the love of sweet Gilleis, for I
knew more than a little of the ways of Sir Turquine, and that
knights who fell into his hands were seen no more.

" Though by frauds I won her and kept her, I would not
have her fastened to me by any bond but her free love, and
spite of her woman's wish we never came to wedlock. Then
came promise of another bond. I carried her to Cardigan,
and there the summer months ran over with such bounty of
love no word can tell, and half I thought no bolt would ever
strike me for my sins.

" On a windy day, looking out, I saw Sir Marhaus ride past
to take the sea for Ireland. The one I feared to see was not
among his company. So I turned and kissed Gilleis with a
glad heart I kissed her never again living or dead. Then
I took horse, and I saw, as I rode the heights, the ship labour
out to sea and dwindle away. I rode far that day, and fought
and slew because I was light of heart

"But meanwhile the winds were so strong and contrary
that the ship put back for Galis, and about sundown fell to
wreck on the bar. All this Gilleis spied from her tower, and
she sent down her barge and a messenger, praying all to
return to take lodging. And when Sir Marhaus was come,
spent with sickness and the sea, Gilleis herself in her kindness
came into the hall to ask how he did I came homing, and
from without I saw her bright head pass, and being glad I
called to her by name; and she looked out smiling. Now
when Sir Marhaus heard her name he considered her well, and
asked her of her grace to tell him if she were Gilleis la
Orpheline; and she said, 'Aye.' And seeing how she was
girdled high, he deemed all was well and asked eagerly after

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 87

his friend Sir Berel, and how he had sped out of peril in tiie
Marches. Her eyes filled at his name, and she said she
knew naught of that. Then be held her in blame, letting her
know of her knight's good bith, and lamented for him,
supposing him to have been shamefully slain. I entered and
stood at gaze, and Gilleis stood and looked at mc. He knew
me by my anns, and saluted; and as I made no return, he
put me in mind of our meeting, and what had passed between
us. All white she was. She stood looking into my face,
Sbe put bei hands to her ghdle. ' Lie still, lie still I ' she said,
and fell down.

"Afterwards she sent for me, and meekly prayed me to
tell her tiie vrtiole truth. Yet of her own wit she knew it
already. So I kneeled by her and told her all, as it had been
an old dieam. She turned her head and lay quiet and nevei
spoke to me more. And before long, having put from her
untimely the burden she had of me, she died. And I have
buried her,

" She loved me best Had she loved him so, I deem she
sorely could have lived. She loved me beat, and therefore has
she died.

" Curse me I You, Sir Nacien, if you have tiie gift to draw
curses, speed now on me the worst curses you know."

Nacioi the Hermit spoke for consolation : " Doubt not,"
he said, " but that God shall reward you for your sins."

"The right avenger is dead," said Aglovale, heavily.
" While I buried her he died. Sir Maihaus turned back on a
quest through the Marches, and there shortly he met with Sir
Turquine, and &red no better than others before him : overcome,
strii^wd naked, beaten with thorns, prisoned underground.
There in prison he found his friend, whose two fellows were
dead, who was then near death, who died that same night.
On the morrow Sir Turquine was slain by Sir Launcelot.

" I also went and sought the Marches for Sir Turquine or
any there appointed to slay me. I found my brother Sir
Dumor, Sir Turqume had dealt with him. He told me how
Sir Berel was dead, but he could not tell me where Sir

as AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

Marhaus had gone. So I left him complaining that I would
not stay.

''Sir Marhaus, when he stood and told me how he had
spoken with Gilleis, looked as my &ther King Pellinore
looked when once he struck me. And he excused himself
from my roof and went out straight. He did not put me to
any question. He left me imtouched. He was not quite
ready to slay me then ; but surely now he should be ready.
Yet Sir Marhaus and I have not met again."

Suddenly Aglovale writhed, waved out his sword, and
fell to raving blasphemously that he would not take his death
of any man of less worsMp than Sir Lamorak his brother;
and rushing out like one possessed, he went shouting for Sir
Marhaus over the hillside, and Nacien saw him no more till
another mom.

So began the healing of Aglovale. Day by day the holy
man handled him to ransack all his life and discover his bane ;
gentle and severe, compassionate and unsparing, he found the
way to win of that perverse nature trust and reverence. Before
Brose was whole the Hermit was ware of the meekest penitent
that ever he ordered, who followed him in prayer and fasting
and hearing Mass daily. Nacien also gave him a cilice for
wear that he put off neither by day nor night. Brose fretted
seeing his master go so lean, and warned him he was in no
case to win worship.

" Hold your peace," said Aglovale, " nor tempt me."

Then Nacien called him, seeing him fit to be instructed of
the spiritual knighthood. He declared the virtue of perfect
faith and a pure spirit that should achieve more than strength
and hardihood ; while every blow given should yield praise to
God, and every blow taken should yield prayer; when over-
throw could touch no shame, and excellence no vainglory.
He said also that those of this holy knighthood should slay no
man unhappily by misadventure, nor should any of a good life
get wound of them, for the grace of God should be in their
hands, because they should be maidens clean of life and heart

" Alas, alas I " said Aglovale.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 99

Further, Nacien spoke by piopheqr of the best knigbt of
the world, who should do marrels without fail ; and of the
nutation of the Holy Giail, that all should foUow and none
should see, save he and his fellows, the pure and the chaste.
And while Aglorale bowed down his head and wept to hear,
there entered his heart vision of his young brother Percivale,
with 1 fiving of love and worship for the boy's innocence and
truth. He vowed then that never should Percivale learn any
harm by him ,

All this Nacien gave him to know to confinn him in
humility against his old lust for earthly worship and his envy.
He warned him in chief against envy of his biothei Sr
Lamorak. Aglovale withstood him.

" My brother Sir Lamorak I do and ever shall above all
men love and worship. Is this envy ? "

His old passion took him hard suddenly. " Ah, Lamoiak,
Lamorak 1 " he cried, " but little love have you for me and no
worship. Ah, lamorak 1 " And teais and blood sprang from

He was brought to sounder conditions by the day of
departure, for Nacien, se^ng his danger, not only showed him
how envy had sent him upon evil courses, but also how his
natural affections were disordered and mischievous.

Said Aglovale, " Yet God made me so."

"Nay," said Nacien, "you are not made, but making.
One only came made from the womb. Not before the day of
your death will God have made you."

"Pray for me," said Aglovale at the last, on his knees
asking blessing. " Pray to the high Father that He hold me in
His service. While I am alive pray for me, and when 1 am
dead, pray some prayers more or less for my soul."

The holy man blessed him, and promised him then, that if
be amended his life well, God should grant him his death by
tiie hand of a right noble knight, and so sent him from the
peacefol bdght down to be proved of the world.

CHAPTER IV

MY most dear Master has set down at length how Sir
Turquine hated Sir Launcelot and died at his hands ;
how he used his prisoners, so that many perished ; and
how three score and four good knights outlived him to report
the pains and shames he laid upon them. The tale ran hot
against the next record of Aglovale.

King Pellinore with his sons Aglovale and Lamorak came
to Arthur's halL They heard the sound of a great voice hooming
up to the rafters, the well-known voice of that good knight Sir
Griflet le Fise de Dieu. At their entrance it ceased suddenly ;
and Sir Griflet and all of the fellowship there present stood
silent, as up the hall to salute Ring Arthur went Pellinore
between his two sons, Sir Lamorak the renowned, shapely, and
debonair, and Sir Aglovale, a dark travesty of him in feature
and nature, ill-favoured from within outwards, ungainly also by
misfortune, for since number's greenway he walked uneven.
Silence held, while salutations passed. To Aglovale the Ring's
return was formal, but Pellinore and Lamorak he welcomed
and embraced and kept them beside him.

With a darkened countenance Aglovale turned alone to
take his place. Then the silence struck him, and the looks
that centred at him. Rnights he passed barely retimied his
salutation. Sir Griflet alone spoke kindness, hearty and loud.
With misgiving he looked for Sir Marhaus. Lo, his place was
void and covered black, for he was then dead, lately slain by
Sir Tristram for the truage of Cornwall.

Ring Arthur spoke. " Sir Aglovale, here are you come in

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 81

good season to meet a heavy diarge. God grant you be clear
thereof, that you may give as good answer for youraelf as
Sir Griflet was ready to give on your behalf."

Then he called out his nephew, Sir Gaheris, and bade bim
rebeaise it. But before ever a word was said Aglovale's guilt
looked out of his blasted face for all to see.

Gaheiis held the whole ugly stoiy exact at every point.
It had rounded complete to Sir Marhaus upon speech with his
dying fnend j and from him the sons of Lot had it ; and since
he no longer lived himself to prefer the charge, they, out of
good hate to the House of Pellbiore, were forward and fain to
press it

" Therefore," said Gaheris, when be had told all, "a liar
and a traitor I declare you, Sir Aglovale de Galis, and causer
of the deaths of a fair kind lady and a noble true knight,
and I cry you a shame on the fellowship of the Round
Table."

Aglovale leaned heavy on his sword. The gentle head of
Gilleis turned away, and the silence she took to the grave
accused him more hardly than did Sir GaiieriB. Twice King
Arthur summoned his answer. To a dead hush he wrung
it ouL

" It b truth 1 " said Aglovale,

Through the ball sounded one great breath of indignation
and amazement upon an answer so wildly amiss. Then an
angry hum swelling, and the wrathful eyes of King PeUinore,
and the cry of Lamorak as he cursed hl^, brought the unhappy
man to his senses.

With the right answer vainly he followed the wrong:
" Prove it on my body I " he cried. He could not overtake
bis error.

One cried for him to be beard : one only, Sir GrifleL A
crash of voices opposed. Again and again Aglovale, desperate,
lifted die rig^t answer ; wi^ liar and traitor loud against him
from many throats, he was beaten hoarse. King Arthur
commanded silence to deny him his asking.

"Since Sir Gaheris has charged you widt great villainy.

32 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

and you, Sir Aglovale, have answered aye thereto, now betwixt
you there is no ground for debate. And as you are thus
accorded, to go to battle were a wrong I will in no wise
countenance."

*'Look on him now," said Gaheris, low to his brothers.
^'I have heard tell that King Pellinore's queen when she
carried him envisaged the Questing Beast."

" My Lord Arthur," cried Aglovale, " even as I am fellow
and partner to the worship of the Round Table, so are all here
present also fellows and partners to any disworship of mine.
Sir, by your head — as this noble company give me to know
they have no liking for my fellowship— by your head give me
leave to answer with my body whoso wills to prove me unworthy
this high order of fellowship. And that shall be proved never
while I have life ; never 1 for I promise, my lord, I will never
yield myself as overcome. And howsoever I have answered
to Sir Gaheris, wit you all it was out of no fear of him nor of
better than he, and that can I make good by whosoever should
undertake to slay me."

'' Sir Aglovale," returned Arthur, " the charge concerns you
as liar and traitor. As at this time you are not appealed as
a coward."

Sir Gaheris let him know his danger; with loud scorn he
refused him, and warned him they could lightly be rid of his
fellowship by means of a cart and a hempen twist, as no noble
knight would have ado with him.

Aglovale at that shrank and lost power to speak. He
heard other voices with Sir Gaheris, for many knights present
had come out of Turquine's prison ; and these, hot and bitter
from the vile outrage they had endured, were the hardest on
Aglovale's misconduct Maybe the merciless condemnation of
him by men themselves not blameless, as namely. Sir Gawaine,
leaned on a suspicion that by a good understanding with Sir
Turquine he had accomplished his villainous ends.

King Pellinore understood why, after Gaheris had spoken,
Aglovale's gaze turned quick to him, and held hard. He
looked with recall of time past at the day he entered the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS S9

fellovship of the Table Round; when the son avowed his
deserving of shameful dea±; when the fa±er gripped hit
sword wi± a will ; when the right answer was rehearsed. Now
King Pellinore made do sign ; with a Roman heart he wsUched
his in&mous son, and he would in no manner speak for him.

" Whatsoever you will, my Lord Arthur, I assent thereto,"
be said.

Lamorak in a fiity was jeikii^ at his sword, but King
Pdlioore kept his hand on the hilts to hold it down.

Then into the hall came Sir Dumor. With a great clatter
according to his wont he came swinging through the midst and
saluted Arthur, and then his father and brother, kissing them
heartily.

" Aad brother Sir Aglovale, where is he ? " said Dumor.

He looked about, saw where he stood, and turned; but
Lamorak withheld him, and let him know how Aglovale had
been charged, and how he had answered. Then went Dumor
muttering strong oaths in his beard, and came straight to
Aglovale.

" Alas ! brother, you are unhappy," he said, and kissed his
cheek.

Now, had Lamorak been so kind almost might the heart of
Aglovale have burst for joy ; but of Dumor he could take little
comfort, for he set no store on him and his easy, imperfect

Great above all voices rose Sir Griflct's again. "Lo,
my Lord Arthur, here am 1, not discharged from my
quanel 1 "

" How so ? " said Arthur. " Now you must needs with*
draw, Ibredooe by Sir Aglovale's own word."

" Not for that will I withdraw," said Giiflet, " Against
Si Gaberis I did affirm that Sir Aglovale de Galis was a good
knl^ and true, and promised to prove it with my body, and
I ^nk not to go back on what I have once said."

Then ^lovale smote down his head, red to the hair for
the scathe of such kindness. Others stared and questioned ;
some deemed there was mockery afoot, for that maker of sharp

*♦ AGLOVALE DE GALK

ytss. in D-jadan. had been seen w\atpaiog Sir Griflet.
t:w m r.:-jd a: 5:; Gaheris' elbow and wfaiqiered hin.,
tji.~.erj ^;;;::i-i ::: a aucncf.

-.\j !;.- SIT zarJ' said he on high, "I tike rig;
: '.T^^i ;-:?L-cy o( my peiswi, teeing that a nearer
IM cas£ a r^:* present"

->; *;ri I the better pleased to encoiinte.-.'
G~^: : a^i e-airieKly he looked on Aglorale.

A: rii: S:r Kay, Sir Monlied, and otheis disco:.-
^;^i::er: h'.: Arhaz was displeaset^ >*7^ ^ ' '
rLartii wIl-. i-e honour of the Roood Table.

~ My tcrd." said Giiflet, " I am in order
a::; zic:.: ilia."

.\i::iTLi lined up bis bead; be undetsr
ikryjz nsetously ofi^red, bat infolwd in a -
:r hu- aoe. He took up his patt _ ■

-5l- Gride:," he nid, "none bttt I <'
f.-.-.sa.T' ajaias: yoo. In mortal battle I ■ j, i

:.>:^ as I =ay «iih what might I have, - ^,j*w

; wC =iver speak." ^ a,f

5_riw « the King's frown, laughter •■■ _^ ,,—

2::i swept tbe hall till even Ootnor tm
Ere :3 eye -Agiorale and Grifct waited u-. ~*^^^m

hci-d Eachafed, he warned Sir GriiJ., "*"*

:--::t and lyicuth. .^^^-"^

'•• Vjj speak as jou hold, my lorJ, ~~ _•(«*

smw I lis: to hold otberwiae, I reqL — ^ , mB

I rnav nake good my words on Sir .\ — - _^^ .«|H

Nau^t that the Kii« and others — " ^ 'T""

ava:;ec to more him from his puipost. -=^ _^2.-»-**^

" .My lord Arthur," cried Agloval^' ~*_^ .^^

s:y fcKo'ws who approve of tl
nVi that they will fail while I
L'leia to the uttennost; fori
I rield recreant to Sir GrifletJ
in' my battle, then itiDt not tr'
cord."

DE GALIS

• contention. On my faith, it
■■■• - . 'y poor body can bestow."

.1 wctjL and cursed. Others, he laid,

— oir Gawaine, by fraud and unfaith,

iMLurJ, as all knew, yet was he at ease

** ' "ovali:. Then King Pellinore named

^' niiiicaUing her in such a manner that

^ J and departed.

' iay Saint Stephen's at dusk as Aglovale

;i- the morn. Near by the King's palace

' ' I iigiit, and there shout and laughter rocked

..Lulot He stood to listen, and he was very

- .^ ..le then stood but at twenty-four years. By

* :^ Fise de Dieu, entering on the like errand.

k uu, L>ut as he passed his adversary he put out his

L. ifjiuvalc fell kneeling behind him, and kissed his

..aacd his sword, in passionate worship for the gift

death they promised him ; and his full heart got

..^.^;ping.

.. ..lir meadow beade Camelot, all white with lady-

. ..Liiiie at early day King Arthur with his knights to

lattle; and there came King Pellinore and his son

, stark and sober, to witness; and there came Griflet

: ' and Fellows ; and there came Aglovale with Dumor.

iT'ust either party rehearse his contention before the

niid as Aglonle gave out his name, and the titles and

' he had to maintain, such a mock of acclaim endorsed

' IS paid outright on all his incontinence after worship. At

->iT Griflet lifted up his great voice. He was ready, he

-: :<!. so soon as he had done with Sir Aglovale, to have ado

< iih whoever should please to take up bis contention after.

' Ue content with what licence you have," said Arthur.
' i-^ was vexed and angry.

Then Griflet and Aglovale, having done with words all that

'.ai due, rode asunder, fetched their range, feutred their spean,

' ! at a sigrul came together with all the speed of their horses.

.i^lovale was uidtteii down with a wound in the side. Before

88 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

Sir Griflet could turn again he was on his feet, calling on him
to light down. As for his hurt, it trimmed him for battle ; the
pain of it quickened his heart, that the breath of derision had
left like a dead cinder within him*

They took out their swords and began strong battle on
foot, hammering so hard that their harness was all dinted and
broken, and darkened from bloody wounds. Tracing and
giving from the bright sun, they circled up and down, till
the white meadow was trodden and defiled, as though herds
had gone over, and none could say which of them had the
advantage. Sir Griflet was held to be the better knight, and
so he seemed by his clean strokes and foins ; but Sir Aglovale
had his old practice with the left hand, and took to it when the
right was weary.

For upwards of an hour they fought without stint; and
then they stood apart to breathe awhile. Sir Griflet put off
his helm and faced the cool wind ; Sir Aglovale put off his.

" Oh, shame," said Lamorak, " to uncover such a face as
that!"

" His lips are white," said Dumor. " As I know him, he
will do extremes."

Again the two armed their heads and went to battle ; and
for an hour more they fought strongly and bled much, while
none could forecast the issue, so even and stout they stood.

Then Dumor cried, " By God's eyes, Sir Aglovale is stand-
ing to him against the sun I "

That so he did was soon seen beyond question ; and then
all could espy that even with that advantage yielded him Sir
Griflet was giving back ; his strokes were random, his shield
was low. In the end a good blow beat down sword and rove
through helm, and he feU.

In great dread Aglovale stood still, waiting for his adversary
to rise ; then he went and put off his helm, and found that he
lived and moved.

"Alas! Sir Griflet, now are you overcome and must
yield."

Griflet answered weakly, " Sir Aglovale, though I be over-

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 89

come, yet will I not yield ; so take your sword and slfty me
oatright"

" Hare pity and yield," cried Aglovale, " for so I but keep
my distumour, and should I slay you I have it at increase."

"I bad Uefer die," said Griflet, " for truly I find you, Sir
Aglorale, even a better knight than I deemed."

But Aglorale moved away a little, put off his own helm,
and sat to rest, in hope that Griflet might recover force to
stand up against him. In a frenzy he tore up the green with
his bands, and all the pale flowers round him were dappled
red wilii white, true coloured for that time of Pentecost.

" In the name of God, Sir Griflet, essay to rise so soon as
yon may ; for onr blood goes from us, and yours more than
mine."

So Griflet did on his helm and got to his feet; and
Aglorale stood up to meet him, but bis shield he left, and bis
head be left bare, and be stood against the sun to perform bis
battle. At that Arthur was displeased, and knights partors
came down the field with his command to Aglovale to arm his
head duly. So ill-advised was Aglovale as to answer the King
in maugre and orgule ; for he said that he would not ; he would
fight BO as he pleased. "And if," he said, " my lord Arthur
. holds me so in de&ult, I ween as by agreement he may sort
me with a hempen cord ; and I would have him to ktiow how
for that adjustment I list to leave my neck bare and ready.
But tell him that against Sir Griflet faithfully my hands shall
keep my bead to the best of my power."

GraUly incensed was King Arthur at so despiteful an
answer, and fiill soon had Aglovale cause to rue it. He kept
his head Ourly, while be struck but seldom, needing his sword
for defence. Sir Griflet held on, and twice reached his head,
gashing cheek and scalp ; but he bled so fast that he could not
stand long. At a light stroke he went down finally, and
required his death.

" Ah, Sir Griflet, what is the worth of my name against the
worth of your life ? Yield, for slay you I cannot."

" Make no words, I would have slain you without question.

40 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

By the love I bear King Pellinore, I would sooner die than
face him yielden recreant against his son's worship. So
finish."

Then Aglovale in great anguish went up the field and came
to Sling Arthur; and he besought him piteously to take the
battle oflf his hands that Sir Griflet might live, for he would not
yield.

Launoeloti who came riding down leisurely, beheld Sir
Aglovale, bareheaded, all bloody and spent from long fighting,
and heard his prayer. " On my fiEuth, he is a right good knight,"
said Launcelot to the winds.

" I will not so," said Arthur ; " for you shall finish out this
battle, or else as a defaulter you shall be served with shamefiil
death. For first," said Arthur, "your fellows here present
have no mind to release you from the titles you stand to main-
tain. And second," said Arthur, " there is great suspicion of
this battle as not of true intent and purpose, but guilefiil and
dishonest ; therefore I must needs have it brought to justifica-
tion of death on one or the other. And last," said King Arthur,
" unruly have you. Sir Aglovale, defied me, and scorned my
head to take you in default; so look not that I should lightly
acquit you ; and except you perform to the uttermost upon Sir
Griflet you shall have the penalty."

" Oh me ! What folly have I done ! " said Aglovale.

"My lord Arthur, to my own account justly have you
answered me; but as to Sir Griflet, consider mercy for him,
who would honestly have slain me out, were I in his case."

" As for Sir Griflet," said Arthur, " sorry am I to lose so
noble a knight, and that in a wrong cause; but this battle was
of his seeking and against all counsel ; in maugre and orgule
he took it, and now must abye it. And well I deem that if
in all integrity he did jeopard his life, he would sooner lose it
than give occasion against the worship of the Table Round."

Aglovale in his distress spoke to his father: "Ah, sire
King Pellinore, as I am your son, though unworthy, give me
counsel. Not for all the world would I slay Sir Griflet ; yet
shameful death is great dread and bitter dole."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 41

Then failed the iron heart of Pellinote ; with & groan he
fell fonrard, swoonii^ for Bonow. Lamomk and Dumor took
him up b^ween tbetu. Bod) were like drunken men, unsteady
and spoke thick.

" Come," said Lamonik, " get him hence, lest he recover
before this matter is resolved and done with."

" Get him hence by youiself," said Dumor. " I stand here,
I turn not my back at this ejctremity."

Lamorak turned once for a moment, and earnestly, with
tears running down his face, be looked on his brother Aglovale,
who as rain to parched ear& felt that kindness on his trouble,
and judged it for counsel

A whiipei of ruth began as Sir Aglovale stood to look, as
it were, hia last after father and brother, and then slouched
wearily back again to Sir Griflet, to find if he might yet help
him from hii hard choice.

" Ah, my lord Aithui," said Sit Launcelot, " may you not
find him better terms ; for never saw I one in so piteous a case
as set between shamefiil life and shamefiil death ; for to slay
Sir Griflet would be a shame for ever."

" For the sake of his noble house and for the sake of Sir
Griflet I am right heavy," said Arthur, " but I may do no
otherwise for r^htful ju<^ment, or I should aggrieve all the
many here who approve the contendon he bears against Sir
Griflet"

"That is sooth," said Gaheris and others; but as many
more spoke out for mercy.

"Look you, Sir launcelot," said Gaheris, "how, save
his brother Sir Dumor, and your brother Sir Ector, none
of those taken from Sir Turquine's prison and fellows to
outrage will excuse Sir Aglovale from title as liar and
traitor ? "

" Now, beside these," said Sir Launcelot, " do any here
{sesent gainsay excuse ? "

Then no voice but Sir Gawaine's rose against Su- Aglovale,
wlule Sir Lionel de Gants, Sir Brian de Listeooise, and some
others told Sir Gaheris he spoke at fault as to them.

42 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

Said Launcelot then, *' Give me leave to meddle, good my
lord, and to treat for Sir Aglovale; for though he he all so
much to blame, yet he shows here as a good and true
knight"

"I am loth," said Arthur, "as this battle touches the
honour of the Round Table to doubt and scandal Yet, as for
that. Sir Griflet is the more to blame, and I ween scoffer Sir
Dinadan most of all"

"I will so deal as to right it Give me leave," said
Launcelot.

** You may essay," said Arthur.

*'Sir Gawaine," said Launcelot, ''bring to remembrance
how I rescued you from Sir Turquine's brother Carados when
you were bound overthwart his saddle ; and you. Sir Gaheris,
how in like case I rescued you ; and you, Sir Kay, how by
my means you were put from prison ; and you, Sir BrandeL"
And so on Sir Launcelot named some thirty knights. " And
since," he said, "all you have offered me thanks and worship
for these rescues, I require you for my sake to excuse Sir
Aglovale from his battle and commute on terms that he may
live."

" Sir Launcelot," said Gawaine, " I may not refuse you,"
and so answered all, but said that because of his shameful
deeds Sir Aglovale should not be relieved on easy terms.

" So be it," said Launcelot ; " choose you an assessor and
we will deal." And straight Sir Gaheris was chosen, and with
him he treated and agreed.

Aglovale in great despair went back to his adversary, dress-
ing his heart to bitter death.

" Sir Griflet, there is no remedy, but one of us must die or
yield."

" No question 1 " said Griflet, feebly. " I have got my
death as I think ; so stand not, but take my life."

" Live you I for 'tis I that must not"

" Would I could serve you so, but I have no force."

" Set your heart to live — mine is set to shameful death."

" Shameful death ! "

AGLOVALE D£ 6ALIS 48

" Yea, sir, I leave this battle to be haoged. With all my
heart I diank you for your great pains spent in vain. And,
Sir Griflet, I pray you say what you can for me to my fother."

" ShameAil death I " said Giiflet. With a strong effort he
rose tipri^t and heaved up his sword ; aimless, by mere weight
it fell, and he with it came to earth and lay senseless. There
was no more help in him.

" God giant I be hanged to some purpose," said Aglovale,
as be turned to go again to ask his penalty. " And God grant
it be over," be said, " before lamorak come again."

Down to meet him Sir Launcelot came shining. His head
was baie, he bore no shield, and his sword was ready drawn.

"Leave Sir Griflet, Sir Aglovale," he cried, " and have ado
with me; for I take up his contention against you, and will
prove it upon you,"

LighQy then, as thoagh be bore no wounds, Aglovale
si^ang and laughed for joy; and wind and sun touched him
from open heaven, as God could grant no dearer grace than
tears from lamorak and death from Launcelot. In a breath
dieir swoids were clashing together, and with stroke and stroke
still Aglovale like a madman laughed. Biding his time, Sir
Launcelot played with him, warding and turning his random
strokes ; and before loi^ with fine force he struck Aglovale's
sword dean from his hand, and would not suffer him to have
it again.

" Now, Sir Aglovale, choose you to yield or die ? "

" I have no choice, Sir lAuacelot, but to die."

Then launcelot tempted him. " Yield to me, Sir Aglovale,
and I will ensure you against shamefiil death, if language and
body may; and I will ensure you that none in my hearing
shall ever name you amiss but he shall answer to me."

" Sir, I cannot," said Aglovale, " for albeit I have been liar
and traitor, perjured and coward I will not to be for exchat^e.
And as you are named courteous Sir Launcelot, put me from
my trouble quickly, and before God I will give you thanks."

" Now God have mercy on your soul," said Launcelot, and
he swung hU iwoid sheer upon Aglovale's bead, yet deliverly

44 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

from the crown he severed but the hair to the winds. " And
keep you body alive to a better life," said Launcelot, while
Aglovale stood mazed and lost, and looked at the sun and the
flowered Add, and the sword that had not slain. Frantic tears
sprang, draining his strength like blood. '* Begrudge not a
proof of your worship,** said Launcelot, greatly moved.

'*Sir, such mockery is vile, whatever my sinsl Ah, Sir
Launcelot, you that made me glad ! "

" Know now. Sir Aglovale, that King Arthur will release
you on terms. Will you to take penance as readily as you
take death ? "

" Fair sir, can you swear that you are not beguiling me to
new scorns, and that Sir Dinadan has no voice in this matter ?
So of your charity deal, as I have bled overmuch to keep my
wits dear."

**By the faith of my body you need not dread. And
I promise you I will require of you no more than I would
myself perform, put case that I had offended as you. Yet an
you say the loth word to that, and put yourself into my hands
as overcome, I will take you and keep you from s^meful
death as well as I may."

*' Ah, sir, you could name no penance that I would refuse.
And I do greatly need to live. Yet I looked to be out of this
coil by now."

" I warn you. Sir Aglovale, you may not be lightly quit,
for very shamefully have you misdone."

With that Launcelot took up Aglovale's sword, and holding
him by the hand brought him to Arthur. Aglovale like a
child confided and held, for he was greatly spent.

"Sir Aglovale," said Arthur, "at the instance of Sir
Launcelot and with the assent of your fellows, I am content to
discharge you from this battle, given that you assent to the
terms he shall put for your life."

" Sir," said Aglovale, " I will never say loth for life or death
in this matter."

Then said Launcelot, " I require you. Sir Aglovale, in the
presence of our lord, King Arthur, and our fellows of the Table

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 45

Roond, to twear here on your sword to take penance in this
wiae : soon as you are able, to go in your shirt barefoot, with
a crier to decry yoo at every market-cross j so on your feet to
go hence to the Forest Marches ; there, like him you so evilly
betrayed, to abye pains and shame according to the custom
dot Sir Turqnine used ; and there to rear a tomh for him, and
found and endow a religious place, with good men to pray
duly for the soul of him and his fellows dead in that prison.
So shall you be held quit of your deeds,"

Straightway Aglovale kneeled, laid his hand on his sword,
and swore to fulfil aU.

" Give here & Aglovale's sword," said Arthur, " for I will
keep it ftom him till he shall redeem it to full sati^action."

*' Sir, I will get it as soon as I can go," said Aglovale.

He stood on his feet and tried to word fair acknowledg-
ments. Deep colour rudied up to his Tace ; he had not blood
enough lel^ in him also to man his heart; he swooned as
Lamotak came again.

"Now may you say. King Arthur, that you have a &ir
fellowship, if this be the worst of yoor knights," said Launcelot,
and he reported how Sir Aglovale had answered him.

Yet Arthur never after did favour Sir Aglovale, for cause
that oiKe he hod given answer unknightly.

To the wonder and chagrin of Brose, Sir Lamorak widi Sir
Dumor brought his master to lodging, and unarmed him to see
to his hurts. They found upon him his wear of cilice.

Lamorak muttered, "Ddend usl" "Would he be such
a holy terror amoi% us? "

Dumor muttered, " In baire ! He fought so in haire 1
Jesu 1 is it for enchantment ? "

Their brother's eyes lifted upon them indifferent, hiying
reproof to their curious and troubled minds.

Dumor said, " Alas ! brother, pardon." Lamorak drew
away.

Straightway Aglovale asked for him weakly.

" Brother Sir Aglovale, Brose has more skill to serve you
thanL"

46 A6L0VALE DE GALIS

" Sir Lamoraky grant me my desire : ransack my wounds
with your own hands."

*^ Nay, but why?" said Lamorak, disquieted.

" Ah, fair brodier," said Aglovale, painfully, " either to heal
from your touch quick and dean for a token, or to rankle.
Let me know."

Lamorak drew back, stricken with compunction and
daunted. He was deeply distressed. " Fair Lord Jesu ! " he
said inwardly, " sweeten my heart at my brother's need." Yet
could he get no ease.

" Alas I " he said, " there is no such miracle of healing in
my hands."

'' I take no keep — essay for good or ill."

"I cannot — I will notl" said Lamorak, and went out
weeping.

The wounds of Aglovale seemed to do well enough without
him, and they were not slow in healing over.

Dumor would hearten his brother against his penance.
" As for the pain," said Dumor, "as I know it lasts not long;
and as for the shame, many knights better than you and I have
endured it." Thus did Dumor encoiurage his brother, who
held his peace under him.

And as soon as he was whole, with strength for his penance,
Aglovale went in his shirt barefoot from Camelot, and a crier
decried him at every market-cross ; so on his feet he went and
came to the Forest Marches ; and there he took pain and shame
as meekly as any grey penitent; and there he provided fitly
for a rich tomb and a Priory place where prayers should be
made daily.

Then came Sir Elay on behalf of King Arthur, and delivered
him his sword again, as he had redeemed it to full satisfaction.

Then came Nacien the Hermit down from Wenlock Edge,
and blessed him with good counsel.

So Aglovale came to an end of his vain passion for
renown.

CHAPTER V

THE next record of Aglovale b^ins vith him lying low and
very feeble, watching the boy Percivale come and go.
To fulfil )uB penance be had so outgone his strength
that his wounds, new and old, reopened and bled ; wherefore
Dumor bad brought him to Severn-side, and so by water to
Cardiff! to lay him in the keeping of the Queen their mother.

With no word did she reproach him, nor did any; and
■oon he grew aware by the simple reflections of Percivale that
King Pellinore accorded to bim living that one kindness he
had besought after his death.

Percivale and his sister Saint whispered and played together
within the bay of a window, while Aglovale rested his weary
heart with dreams as he watched the boy. When tramplings
sounded below the children leaned out their heads, and eagerly
their tongues ran ; till Percivale bethought him and stole from
the Euimy bay to look if Aglovale slept.

"May I serve you, brother?" he asked.

Aglovale answered "No," and asked idly who entered
below.

"Sir Lamiel with his kin, and Sir Harris," said Percivale.

Again to more clatter he ran and looked out j and so the
noise went on with Uttle pause till Aglovale roused to call him.

" For what cause to-diy do so many enter ? "

Percivale was troubled, and stood silent till Aglovale asked
again,

" Alas I brother, I know litde, and that I was bidden to
keep from you."

48 AGLOVALE D£ 6ALIS

Aglovale turned his face to the wall and so lay silent
Percivale stood waiting awhile, and then he asked timidly,
" Brother Sir Aglovale, are you now angry with me?"

" No, fair child," said Aglovale.

Percivale withdrew softly ; but he found no happiness with
Saint; and often he looked, and in vain, for any sign from his
brother.

In came Dumor, and Aglovale shifted and eyed him as
with a moody countenance he paced up and down.

" Sir Dumor, are you bidden to keep me in the dark ? "

'* I take no bidding," said Dumor, and stamped about and
swore loud, while Percivale and Saint nestled and peeped
under cover of a curtain.

** Then what goes forward? " said Aglovale.

** Shame and wrong ! " stormed Dumor. '* I take no keep
but you shall know. Aglovale, your birthright goes from
you."

Quick and hard he breathed to the blow. ''To Lamorak
or to Tor?" he asked.

"To Lamorak."

"We may thank our mother for that I dreaded it might
be to the bastard."

" I would deem it less unkindness in a half-brother. Now
fie on Lamorak! Though he, and Tor also, have worship
above you, yet are you the firstbom of King Pellinore's Queen
and his right heir. And as for the past, that has been paid
for."

Aglovale lay quiet while Dumor swore himself hoarse ; then
he reached to his sword.

" I require you, Dumor, to help me to my harness."

" What woidd you do, brother ? "

" Take no thought I would have on my hamess."

" I will well," said Dumor, and went with great strides.

He himself was in ftill hamess when he came again with
Brose bearing all pieces to arm his brother.

" I will stand with you, Sir Aglovale, in word and deed,
whatsoever you say and do."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 49

Aglorale kxdted at bim hud, bidng his lip. " I shill he
gUd. See you &il not."

" Ah, my muter," said Brose, " you have not strength for
the wei^t ! For but little this wound would again break."

Yet Ag^orale stood up lean and weak, and bade him brace
on quickly.

Feravale came asking to serve. Brose let him take the
spurs to fiuten on, but Aglovale jerked and saidt " I shall not
need these." More kindly he answered to the boy's timid
offer, "Yea, little brother, cany my helm for me if you wilL
I want it not now."

Brose looked at him then, startled to suspicion; but
Dnmor heard all heedlessly. Between them they had to lift
him along, he was so weak ; and PerdTBte followed after with
the helm. So they all went down to the halL

TiUed with armed knights was the hall. Between the Kii^;
and Queen stood lamorak in arms complete. Tor was
Ibeie alto. Up the hall went a young knight bareheaded ;
kneeling down before Lamorak he advanced the hilts of his
swoid bdd between his two hands, and over them Lamorak
laid his hands. Then the knight swore acknowledgment to
% I junorak as King Pellinore's heir ; when he should rule in
the King's stead h^ land and castle to hold under him, to
serve him in war, to uphold bis right against all soever. So he
swore, and rose and passed.

Up the hall came Aglovale, leaning hard upon Dumor ; aixl
then alone be stood forward before King PelUnore and bis
Queen and Lamorak. Much wonder had they and little joy
to see htm there.

" Sire," said Aglovale, " you do me wrong, and so do all
these who have acknowledged Sir Lamorak your heir; for
none here present had right by birth or station to take pre-
cedence of me. Yet I promise you I will be of the first to
serve, though now I be of the last to pledge."

With that Aglovale ungirt his sword, Imeeled down before
Lamorak, and advanced ±e hilts held between his two hands.
Lamomk started back dismayed, and refiued to hold.

50 AGLOVALE DE 6AUS

"Fair brother, risel" he cried; and then he caught him
strongly by the hands to lift him from his knees.

" Nay, but it shall be so," said King Pellinore. He grasped
Lamorak by either wrist; the Queen also put out a shaking
hand to compel ; then Aglovale gave out his formal oath of
acknowledgment

"And now, Sir Lamorak, speak for me; that my father
take his curse from me, and that my mother bless me."

He had all he asked and more : Lamorak's embrace with
his tears and kiss upon hb cheek.

*• Ah, Sir Aglovale," cried Dumor, " falsely have you done
to beguile me so ! "

Yet he plucked ofif helmet and spurs, unbelted, and
thumped to his knees; and offering his sword to Lamorak he
swore in order.

" I give you to know," he said, *' that this I do maugre my
own will, and only for the sake of Sir Aglovale ; and otherwise
for his sake I had as lief present to you the blade as the hilts
upon this occasion."

'* He cannot stand or go," said Tor. He drew his brother's
arm round his neck to hold him up, and as Lamorak came
and lifted likewise on the other side their eyes met in pitiful
remembrance of their day on Humberts bank.

Young Percivale at his distance by Brose watched all,
wondering, and without understanding he was troubled. Close
he followed when his brothers passed out, Tor and Lamorak
linked to bear up Aglovale, Dumor at their heels. So graced
and attended by all his brothers, Aglovale left the hall, spent
and weary to death from forsaking his birthright

Together they came to Aglovale's bed. Then Percivale
took hold of his sword, kneeled down, and lifted up his hands
on the hilts to Aglovale.

" I swear I will keep naught from you more. I swear your
will shall be mine. Brother Sir Aglovale, I swear I love you."

The boy ended with a storm of tears ; and the disinherited
man bowed down his head to his young brother, 'while sobs
drew him so fiercely that soon he swooned for pain.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS M

** So aa I Dud," muttered Brose, and pointed to fresh blood
•tuns. Lamorak locked on, aware that the man eyed him with
ill-wilL Then he heard Aglovale breathe his name as he came
to himsdf, and he was vanquished to contrition.

" Fair brother," he said, " could God and you both pardon
me diat ooce my heart was too bitter, now might I serve you."

"HowUiinkyoul''saidDumor. " Does Maker God despise
bim as did you? Or would He mix scores as did King
Aitfrar?"

None heeded him, so be turned and roamed the chamber,
"**H"g language to himself. Lamorak, untouched by scoEb,
bta gready abashed by Aglovale's open love, kneeled down
bende hiin, and when he had i»ayed, all in diffidence softly he
searched and dressed the renewed wound.

"Yon are bought at a price, Sir Lamorak 1" cried Dumor.

CHAPTER VI

MY most dear Master has set down little concerning the
death of King Pellinore. The Questing Beast he
mentions, and the Fair Headj and that Gawaine and
his brethren, to avenge their father's death, slew him secretly
ten years later than the wedding of Arthur; the unhappiness
of Sir Tor and the remorse of King Arthur he passes over,
and the whole of that matter rests in pages lost or unwritten.
This story goes on when he was dead whose will would have
kept young Perdvale from the hand of his brother Aglovale.

In vain the sad Queen petitioned Lamorak and Tor, with
reminder of the many times Aglovale had amended, but to
turn again to evil courses, and worse than before; they, in
respect of how the boy had plighted love to the broken man,
had no mind to move between Aem.

In early days, after the death of Pellinore, Lamorak was
gentle and diffident in his dealing with the brother he had
supplanted. Once he asked, all in kindness and courtesy, his
company to the court of King Arthur.

" Is this bidding, my lord Sir Lamorak ? " asked Aglovale.

'* Far be it from me to you," said Lamorak, mildly.

" Then," said Aglovale, ** I ask to be excused till a time
when you shall be less ready to blush for me."

Lamorak reddened hotly at that; for in truth Aglovale
had rightly read his secret heart, and in stark humility was
ruthless to bring it open. Doubtless Lamorak found it a hard
matter to rule his brother without offence.

Aglovale at this time held no high office in Galis, but

5»

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS 6S

serred his brother as steward. It may be that Lamorai,
iatending honour and confidence, put many matters into his
hands that be would purposely turn to his own disparagement
Or it may be that, knowing Lamorak's deficiencies, he honesdy
and indifferently tent himself for supply. Either reading finds
warrant in the faults of the one or the other. Lamorak was
lavish, debonair, impetuous, and hated cares; Aglovale was
of an intolerable temper in these years, meeting offence balf
way with deference, and enduring favour with greater deference,
as it were the greater offence.

With an anxious mind the Queen their mother watched
the diverse lives of her two sons : Aglovale, who drudged
obscure ; Lamorak, who shone in court and field, famous for
his deeds of valour and grace.

By d^rees Aglovale assumed larger control. Seeing how
disorders rose and spread for lack of a firm ruler, he took on
himself office as constable, and rode down in force upon trans-
gressors, scouring out abuses in all quarters of Galis, Then
the Queen sent letters to Lamorak that at last fetched him to
her, when she bade him take heed to Aglovale's practice.

" What evil has he turned to ? " said Lamorak.

" None," said the Queen. " He is out of nature blameless.
Yet consider how all your revenues now pass through his
hands ; and how he takes rule of your heritage in arms ; and
yoiu' castles are garnished according to his orders ; and lately
he has gone about with mastery, slaying and destroying whoever
withstand him."

" Ah, Madam, I deem you wrong him much. At his worst
he was loyal ever ; and I may not grieve him by distrust."

Stiaightway, on Tor's advice, Lamorak set about to approve
his brother. He followed up Aglovale, found him destroying
and establishing, sanctioned and confirmed him in all his
doings, and brought him back with him to Cardiff, But
there he afflicted an unhappy temper with his open thanks
and commendation.

Their mother he reassured by a pitiful token : " Aglovale
makes no friends in all the land. He seeks no love, and he

54 A6L0VALE DE OAIJS

gets none ; and I, who do little to earn any, enjoy much. I
judge he is rather hated, for he is stark in his dealings."

^'Perdvale loves him out of measure," said the anxious
mother, "and reverences him the more for some sternness.
He is too young and simple to take other readings, and
Aglovale ever keeps him jealously. Yet remember how he
once led Dumor to folly and detriment"

Lamorak sighed impatiently. "He has had great loss,
and I would not if I could put him from a little gain."

Lamorak now was minded to fulfil his part in respect of
Galis, and to this purpose he was right pleased to find a
treasury well replenished by the prudence and care of Aglovale.
So, after leave of Arthur obtained, he took order to hold a
great tournament at Cardiff, and by Tor's advice sent word
namely to the King of Northgalis and his knights. So North
and South gathered with great noblesse, that their best should
be proved together.

Aglovale, when the day came, refused to take any part,
and no argue or entreaty of his brothers could move him.

" It is great discourtesy and unkindness," said Lamomk,
" and will raise scandal upon us both."

"Plainly, my lord Sir Lamorak, your command I must
obey; but of my own will I will undertake no courtesy
encounters."

" You flinch 1 " said Dumor. " Why, 'tis near three years
ago!"

Aglovale flinched indeed; colour and voice forsook him.
He muttered at last, "I have so vowed, till I shall again
repair to the Round Table."

Lamorak reddened and held silent; he could not with a
clear conscience protest ; for he had not yet found the heart
to renew his asking.

" Fair brothers," said Aglovale, " this if it please you I will
do : I will challenge one to mortal battle, and so do my part
with the best might of my body."

" Who is he, and what is your cause for battle?"

" He is a kidghtof Northgalis, and his name is Sir Gawdelin.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 55

As Tor the cause, he has slain his cousin of Wales feloniously,
and has taken his wife."

Painful nlmce ensued. He counted and sounded the deep
of disapprobation by the pause before Lamorak spoke.

" I would it were another man and another cause."

"Si Lamorak, as you please, I will wage this battle or
I will forbear,"

"I will not hinder you," said Lamorak, heavily.

So in due order Aglovale challenged and went to battle
before all Uiat gathering of knights, and the King of Northgalis
as judge. A valiant man was Sir Gawdelin, but he was over-
come after long and hard fighting But though he yielded
and asked mercy, none mi^t he get of Str Aglovale, who
plucked his helmet from him and smote off his head. Then
stiaightway he leil the field and unarmed.

Lamorak could not approve him. " Needless have you
given occasifHi for reproach. You should have granted him
hia life — yon 1 "

" I redeemed my sword fairly," returned Aglovale. " Yet
I doubted not to hare my own deeds cast in my teeth. I
tell yon this is not for the first time by many."

" Fair brother, you might fall to encounter harsher strictures
than mine."

" I thank you, Sir Lamorak. I know better than you how
my ears had been filled this day, but for your head. Yon
give voice for many."

Well might Lamorak complain of him : " He is incur-
abl& Hii mind is diseased; he has a ravenous appetite for
mortification."

It must have been about this dme that Aglovale took
Perdvale with him to Nacien the Hermit. The boy found
matter for wonder by that journey. They rode up the valley
of the Usk and through the Forest Marches— a way they were
to go again, far off in the years, towards the cruel night of
avowal.

To a fair Priory place they came, where Aglovale dis-
mounted and knocked. One came out to ask who he was.

56 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

and Perdvale heard his answer : '' A sinner named Aglovale
de Galis." Presently came out the Prior, who blessed them,
and took Perdvale by the hand and brought him in. Then
he saw a lighted chapel, and in it a rich chantry about a tomb ;
and there his brother came and kneeled. In a while the boy
was led to meat and lodging, but Aglovale did not follow; and
the place set for him stayed void, and so with the bed.

When at midnight a bell rang, Percivale woke alone, and
rose up to find his brother. All doors stood wide, and every
place was empty till he came to the chapeL There in religious
clothing all were kneeling, and Aglovade still kneeled by the
tomb. Then Percivale heard the Prior's voice lead, and his
brother's voice after him lift up the Miserere. And when they
came to the end, and other voices joined in the Gloria, he
stole away, blind with unaccountable tears, and carried back
to his bed a child's misery for having profimely entered the
reserve of one he worshipped.

In the morning he woke to wonder if he had but dreamed ;
yet the bed beside was all unpressed, and when he descended
to hear Mass, Aglovale still kneeled in his place. The boy
came and kneeled by him, and thrust a timid hand under his
palms to take hold of the hilts of his sword. Aglovale
gripped his fingers so hard that the tears stood in Percivale's
eyes, and his heart was dismayed at a passion he could not
understand.

Straight after Mass they took their leave and rode, and at the
day's end stayed their horses at a hill where Aglovale mounted
alone. When he came again, Naden the Hermit was with
him, and Perdvale, awed before the face of the holy man,
kneeled meekly for his blessing. Naden gazed long and
earnestly on the boy. Of slender make, and singular beauty,
with a &ce like a maid, no kind of resemblance had Percivale
to the marred and unlovely man beside him.

Naden turned to Aglovale and said, ''God has been
gracious to you, my son."

Deep into night Aglovale held talk with Nadea Percivale,
from his loft, could hear alternating murmurs, as wakeful he lay

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 67

f<H' tiouble of heart. At last be covered his ears and cowered
from the knowledge that he beard Aglovale sob.

Naden with the mom found Ferdvale awaiting him ; and,
«4ule Aglovale slept late and heavy, he questioned the boy and
beard him, finding him in heart and mind right true to faith
and virtue, and passing meek and reverent.

" Enow you," said Naden, " for what cause your brother
brings you here ? "

" He has taught me," said Ferdvale, " But, sir, I dread
lest I be unworthy to hear of high and holy matters ; and, ah,
ur, as I know, it is heavy dole to trespass."

His eyes so brimmed that Naden saw, and diarged him to
confess bis trouble freely ; so Ferdvale unburdened hit heart,
and UAd him he had spied upon his brother,

" Yet now," he said, " I know not certainly that I did not
dream all ; and what to think I know not, nor what to say
to Sir Aglovale."

"What has withheld you from question?" said Naden.
"Love or fear?"

" Alas I " said Ferdvale, " as he teaches me I would eschew
both love and fear ; yet now I find that verily it is ever by love
and fear that I would learn of him. Sir, in this matter no
way can I face without fault ; and I fear to do wrong,"

Naden sighed and pondered long ; not for Ferdvale alone.
" My son," he said, " only seek light of the countenance of God
Almighty, and look not aside this way and that upon needless
invoitions. Go forward to do right with all your faults upon
you. As for what you have seen, whether dream or verity,
doubt not your vision was ordained of God, for your guid-
ance now or hereafter. Take heed to be bithful without

When, years later, Ferdvale and Galahad had passed away
in the Quest of the Grul, thdr fellow. Sir Bors, spoke with
discernment, saying that each had a countenance like an angel ;
but Sir Ferdvale was most like St. Michael, who ever watches
Satan ; but Sir Galahad was most like St Gabriel, who ever
watches the Uost Highest. Sooth, on the life of Ferdvale the

68 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

influence of Aglovale lested dominant, and the teaching of
Naden CEuled, till he learned it anew from his sister Saint

For eight da3r8 Aglovale left PerciYale with Naden on
Wenlock Edge, then came and took him down to the world
where soon he saw him tried and approved For the first they
met as they rode beyond Much Wenlock were Sir Meliagraunce
and Sir Bors, fellows ill-matched, for Sir Bors of all the Round
Table was at that time the knight of best life, of kindest heart
to his fellow-man, and of truest worship to his Maker. First
Sir Meliagraunce, with great importunity, would have Sir
Aglovale to turn with him, but when he heard how Sir Gawdelin
had come by his death, he was incensed and very bitter.

Said Aglovale, '' I fight but to kill So have I vowed for
a term."

''Sir," said Bors, "that is pity; for good friendships and
fellowships are won across swords."

'' Aye/' said Meliagraunce, moody. " You and I, Sir Aglo-
vale, fought once on a certain matter that was light enough,
and vain ; and were the better friends for our pains."

Said Bors presently, '^ Sir Aglovale, when your term shall
be accomplished, send me a spear of your courtesy, and I will
break it against you with good wilL"

At that Aglovale was moved and glad. " Sir, lightly will I
send to you so soon as I come again to the Court of King
Arthur."

" Sir, may that be soon."

** As for that I doubt Only it shall be no later than when
this child is made a knight"

Meliagraunce looked down on the boy and laughed despite-
fully. He was given to ill jesting, and he chose to vent his
grudge by play upon the innocence of Perdvale. He set the
boy questions, exhorted him, discoursed on the high calling of
knighthood as the Devil gave him wit ; for he spoke all in covert
derision and with understanding to Sir Aglovale. In vain Sir
Bors sought to turn him : he became the more dangerous. But
Percivale, though harassed, distressed, bewildered under con-
sdousness of mockery, stood ground excellently; in pure

AOLOVALE DE 6ALIS 69

innocence he nude answer so bravely and wisely that even his
brother wondered to hear him; his clear eyea and diffident
bearing added sii^ular value. Meliagraunce left off with a
tau{^ of a little good grace. He was no bully to browbeat the
boy on defeating his mischief.

Then Fercivale saw Bors loolctng at him ; and at that hii
heart flew wide. Bors put his hand upon him ; and at that joy
nuhed throu^ him. Aglovale and Meliagraunce rode ahead
at such words as frayed the ties of old friendship, while Bors
aod Percivale, the knight of name and the unknown child,
drew abreast at such words as fastened them friends for ever.
What other issue came of that meeting waits to be told in the
stoiy of King Bagdemagus* dati^ter.

CHAPTER VII

THROUGH the hazards of years Percivale grew by his
brother's side in ignorance undisturbed by hint or sign.
Aglovale never practised deceit, but Brose dealt him
some lies more or less, and Dumor also played with untruth
out of his improvident kindness.

A sorry page in the life of Aglovale gives the poor return
he made in brotherly kindness to Dumor, who stood by him so
loyally. That Dumor was a brawler, loose and profane,
accounts for his harshness, but little excuses it ; the less that
his own ill example had first misled his brother. His protest
against Dumor's disorder wanted in temper and courtesy ; in
his way of repression he showed no regard for his brother's
head. Angry disputes rose out of the turbulence and license
of Dumor's men; Aglovale, to make an end, himself seized
on delinquents, and three he hanged at the door of their
master's lodge. Dumor, furious at the afiront, promised
revenge, and sought it in arms.

At the instance of the Queen their mother, Aglovale bent
to conciliation. Alone and unarmed he sought his brother, and
asked on what terms he might ransom himself from his dis-
pleasure. Too well was he hated to win through such hazardry
scatheless; before Dumor could answer him a bolt whizzed
and stmck in his throat It is said that he pulled out the bolt,
laughed, and tossed it to Dumor before he fell down choked
with blood.

In a life at that time so barren of generous word and deed,
one instance stands recorded : he asked grace for the villain
who shot him down.

AGLOVALE DE GAIJS 61

"Since ^ou own he has juidfied me; and since he hu
qoit me of your resentment, we are both beholden to him for
clearing oui account"

Dumor was contrite for his part ; Aglovale not a whit So
soon as he was on his feet, his hand was as heavy as before.

In an evil hour Dumor devised a remedy that brought
wtath and grief. He engaged one Aimowie, a noted enchant*
reas, to turn Aglovale from his joyless ways. It was a cast of
ontngeous folly, but no ill-will was in the mischief he intended.
So he vowed afterwards, and his plea made Aglovale's heart
but Ihe harder against him, and fetched retort that so the more
hopeless beast was he.

Tbt etKhantment failed in effect, though potion and spell
were so strong that when Biose came at mom and broke open
the door, he found his master clean out of his wits. Annowre
accounted for her ill success,

" He sleeps in a garment of enchantment Get from him
that wear of haire and he might not withstand my power."

" Haire night and day t " mattered Dumor, despairmg.
" Ob, poor body and soul t "

Aglovale's retaliatttm upon Dumor was shrewd and cmel
and just ; be cut him off from Perdvale, and he did it openly
and desintefiiUy. Duraor, of quick affections, raged against
the galling measure. His protest took the shape of siege and
ambush and chase, till Tor advised Lamoi^ that his two
brothers were mad, and fetched him into Galis for peace.

Against Dumor's passionate complaint of his jealous and
despiteful courses, Aglovale made bitter retort.

" Perdvale will I keep from you to the best of my power.
He shall not have a pander to company."

Dumor leapt up, stammering curses. " Would to God yon
were not my brother ; so would I pluck out your foul tongue.
Before Heaven I am not so guilty I Ah, blade heart to breed
such venom t Alas I brother, pardon, I thought no harm. Let
our brothers judge between us."

" I take no keep how they shall judge ; you shall set no
whore on to play ber game with Fetdvale as you did on to me."

&t A6L0VALE DE 6AUS

To Lamorak and Tor no rectitude in Aglovale could show
fair against Dumor, pleading his excuse with indignant tears.

" Neither I nor Sir Tor," said Lamorak, " hold Sir Dumor
deserving such extremes. Are you he, Sir Aglovale, to deal
over exact with transgression."

He was speechless ; so lightly touched he bit the dust.

'* As for Percivale," said lAmorak, '* for larger cause than
you can show against Sir Dumor, the mother that bore you
mistrusted him to your hands. Now I counsel you to find
some forbearance on the errois of another, or look not to keep
an undue advantage you have by virtue of our silence to
the boy."

Said Aglovale when he could speak, " Sirs, I thank you all
for past kindness."

He uttered no protest ; he turned his back on Dumor ; he
would face his penalty. So he left them«

" Alas ! " said Dumor, *' now know I that the land of Galis
will not hold me and brother Sir Aglovale. I will go."

'' Not so," said Lamorak, chafed. ** If either for peace
must quit this land, it shall be he, not you. He is intolerable."

" He has reason," said Dumor, " since if he is hard on me,
he is far harder on himself. And now he is little likely to
spare me, lest so himself he should be sparing. I choose
to go."

So Dumor took his leave, self-exiled. Aglovale on that
had some compunction. If his brothers required it, he said,
he would himself enlighten Percivale.

" 1 would well you did," said Lamorak, hardly, " but that
Sir Dumor has set Us heart against it"

His brother^s curst humours had wom his patience, but at
that time he had no mind to go to extremes.

So for yet another year Aglovale had his way, and kept
order in Galis, eaming little praise and much hate because of
his growing cmelty. He also aggrieved Northgalis, dealing
with a high hand. After short waming to the King that he
ruled remiss his borders, he waylaid transgressors and slew and
hanged without ransom. And then he seized on all bridges,

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 6S

and some he destioyed, and some be held by force, abatii^
iniquitous tolls. Yet these violent doii^ must bave been
mainly righteous, since the King of Northgalis dared not urge
out the dispute either in court or field ; moreover, it appears
that later Sir Tor bestirred himself to keep the bridges when
tui brother no longer might ; and he was ever upright, passing
true, and courteous.

Complaint i^ainst Aglovale grew so heavy that at last
Lamorak called him to account

" Within the realm of L<%ris," declared Aglovale, " no lands
are more prosperous than is this your land of Galis ; nor more
secure; nor more free of evil customs. To this end have I
served tt\ily to the best of my power. Can any from the sea
to the Uak prove injustice at my hands ? "

" Your justice I do not question," said Lamorak, " but what
of your mercy ? I have beard of none. Sir Aglovale, have
you ever shown mercy?"

"None," he said heavily. "You are qualified to show
mercy ; I may not."

" Brother, the best mercy I can show is to give relief from
your justice. To Cardigan your appanage I will add as largely
as you shall desire for your honour and content, but the rest of
G^ shall do without your handling."

" I want no gift. The half of Galis would not honour and
content me."

" Would aught else ? "

" Your countenance and approval."

"That I cannot lend. I am sorry. You have hanged
knights, you have dismembered, in abuse of your place and
trust from my band. I gave no warrant for your bloody code.
I seek not to bring men to a shaveling pattern ; and that shall
be made known clearly, so that knights of worship and good
fellowship may remain in the land and not avoid it There-
fore I require you to depart out of Galis for a season."

Aglovale was sorely shocked. "Out of Galis! Banish-
ment I "

" You despise a kinder discharge I would [»ovide."

64 A6L0VALE D£ 6AUS

" I care for no cloak to dii^grace."

" I pray you remember that Sir Dumor of his own grace
quitted Galis for peace."

Aglovale went down to Cardiff and took to the seas, and
Percivale went with him still.

" Let him keep the boy," said Tor, " that for Perdvale's
sake he may not launch on iniquity."

How Aglovale kept the seas, and destroyed pests from the
three channels, need not here be told at length. Before the
year was round Percivale brought him into Cardiff, too
perilously wounded to carry on to Cardigan ; and there under
ward of the Queen for weeks he lay.

He gathered life under heavy (Uscouragement Brose, with
misplaced satisfaction, brought in to his master reports of dis-
order throughout Galis ; his service of years had vanished like
snow in a day and left no trace. Lamorak could not rule.
Percivale brought Saint to his bedside to tell of Ring Arthur^s
coming to Cardiff on adventure, and of his ending of the
wicked Annowre, and of his encounter unknown with Lamorak.
Every look and word of the King she had treasured ; and as
she rehearsed Aglovale fevered to hear. But on his name no
word or question had fallen to favour his return to his place at
the Round Table. Lamorak, staying on his way to Kinkenadon,
came in, and with sinister courtesy wished him speedy recovery.
It was cruelly said. And with him came Dumor, loth and
constrained, mumbling curses to himself, in fine dread of tread-
ing on his brother brought low. Those two, by opposite ways,
afiUcted their imhappy brother equally, for his nature was so
curst. With the waste of six hard years of upright living lay
loss by estrangement from Lamorak and Dumor.

Yet Aglovale deemed he should be granted comfort of
God and man as he lay and watched Percivale. Again in the
window-bay as of old, Percivale and Saint leaned close and
talked low with one heart; he still gentle and meek and stain-
less in life and thought as she, in form and face almost as
slender and delicate and fair. None seeing him would guess
that like fine steel throughout he came through his brother's

A6L0VAL£ DE GALIS 66

bands. — ^ThJs is my perfect work of the years ; this cannot
wute or bil ; dear fiie from on tiigh has proved it. Notwith-
standing this contentment, sudden tears would storm him
merely at the sight of the brother and sister speaking eye to
c^e, without a shadow of doubt or reserve or diead between
theii white souls ; then would he turn his face to the wall and
lie stnmgling, lest the innocent should chance to see how the
damned do weep. So feeble he was then.

From his bed Aglovale took up resolution again. He sent
to his brother Tor, who came kindly himself to answer, and
would not leave him till bis recovery. Of all his brothers, the
bastard was he who could speak his mind frankly to him with-
out afflicting. Fearless, honest, single-minded, Tor was wise
also, wise as ia best, from the heart ; and Aglovale by this
time was willing to learn.

He let Aglovale understand how his hard ruling had
traded to provoke present disorders, and how unwise had been
tuB giasp of control single-banded ; he had not set men of
worship, good and loyal, to exercise authority and spread
respect of Uw.

" But in your day," said Tor, sadly, " you would take no
counsel, nor measure means. What profit to harrow over the
post for barren cult?"

Said Aglovale, suddenly, " Put case Sir Lamorak die with-
out lawfiil issue, who, think you, should bear rule in Galis?"

"Whomsoever he should will and appoint"

"My birthright was set aside for Lamorak, and I gave
consent and pledge to serve him ; but not any other after him.
And so, brother, I warn you : not you, a bastard, nor Dumor,
a fool and worse."

Said Tor, " Are yoo setting for Percivale ? "

"No. I am setting for the weal of Galis and for the
continuance of a noble line in time to come."

" This is over early. Here be you four brethren, young
and likely, though as yet unwed, to raise up lawful seed alter
you."

"Ijunorak will not wed, as he may not take to wife

66 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

Morgause of Orkney. Dumor breeds bastards. I shall die
out and leave no life behind. Percivale, as he is, God keep
him."

" Brother," said Tor, " I like not this setting for my part.
Here also is barren cult."

Tor was all in the dark, and never guessed to what his
brother was addrest, not even when Aglovale took ship and
went to seek Lamorak on Rinkenadon Sands. None would
he have with him when he landed, so Tor stayed aboard and
from afiu: saw their meeting. Then he knew what he could
not hear : Aglovale humbled himself to beg office again of his
brother. And Lamorak, he saw, refused with anger; and
refused and refused, as Aglovale doggedly followed when he
turned from him, and would not be quitted. While day ran
down the sky. Tor wished the dark to cover a sight so grievous
and pitiful ; and while summer night lay blind, he wished it
gone, with his doubt that the pair were still wrestling on in the
dark, up and down above the tides.

Dawn brought Aglovale back, dragging like one wounded.
He showed Lamorak's sign and seal.

"Alas!" said Tor, "but there is no worship here on the
getting or the giving."

" None, none ! " said Aglovale, low of breath.

" You have done what I could not. Where is your sword ?
Ah, Sir Aglovale, let me in for comfort, as I am your father's
son."

"Would to God I were the bastard! Sir Lamorak has
granted to try me for another year, upon terms that I bear no
arms in Galis, and lose no knight his life or limb. I have sworn.
Eh, Tor ! Nay, dam up your eyes. Why ? " he laughed.

Yet even at that pass, Lamorak had cared for his unhappy
brother, by those hard provisions desiring to compel his return
to adventure outside Galis. When his reckoning proved short
he hardened his heart and stood to the terms.

" He is starving at heart," said Tor.

" It is well," returned Lamorak; " I will starve him out of
this curst temper."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 67

But to the year's end Aglovale held out, and it was
Lamorak who owned defeat ; and veiy heartily he embraced
his brodier wheo he gave him back his sword without
condition,

" Fair lord Sir Lamorak, if it please you to discba^ me
nowi I promise yon shall find begun a sounder order than
before, atid a good man to take in place of me."

" I have no will," said Lamorak, " to withhold from you
fiill Bomce and countenance and approval. You can rule, fair
brother, and I cannot : that is truth."

" You were not bom to it," said Aglovale.

I^amorak knew well enough whom Aglovale considered a
good man. This was Sir Hermind, their near cousin, an
upright nun and sturdy, body and mind; a sure knight by
head and hand, quick of understanding and prudent in speech.
He had s/emA in the wars against Rome with his kinsmen of
Galis, and they liked him well From no fault of his, he had
suffered an adverse turn very like Sir Aglovale's : his half-
brotber, Heimance of the Red City, had rewarded bis loyal
service with great injustice, banishing him at the instance of
two base favourites from his lands in Northumbria. He
whom I love so much tells how in the end Ring Hennance
was murdered by those two villains, and how then Sir Hermind
came, kni^tly and brotherly, to avenge his death and to bury
him.

Aglovale by that bitter year of probation had won much,
and namely the lasting esteem of a just and noble man ; for
Sir Hermmd had seen with wonder how he spent himself for
the weal of Galis, wise, diligent, patient, under disadvantage
and through peril ; and he bad given himself &eely to his help,
and had never failed him since.

Ferdvale in that bitter year had won much, and mimely he
had won his brother's life against perilous hates that were out
against him. Strict to the letter of his hard conditions,
Aglovale wore no harness even for defence; and he would
take no keep of himself^ nor would he shun hazarding the life
more predoos to him than his own. Feidvale and firose

68 A6L0VALE DE 6AUS

never left him. Time and time again he had to watch, and
feel as women do, desperate fight in his defence rending his
heart ; though there was sweet joy to see how young Percivale
fought and won worship. \^th rapture he fought for the
brother he reverenced ; in beautifiil humility he looked for no
praise; on success his heart was uplifted in love; his faith
kept him without dread.

Surely he was perfect for knighthood.

Naden the Hermit made such joy when they came to him
that Aglovale was almost satisfied he recognized his brother's
worth. Yet it was not joy that made the old man's eyes
glisten when face to face alone he gave ear to his telling of
Percivale.

"He is of perfect fidth and a pure spirit Eveiy blow he
gives yields praise to God, and eveiy blow he takes yields prayer.
Overthrow makes him no shame, and excellence no vainglory.
He has slain no man, for the grace of God is in his hands.
And he is a maiden dean of life and heart''

" And you, my son ? " said Naden*

" I — I hope. He is my warrant I have none other. Ah
God, none ! Yet for seven years I have tried truly to serve
God and man."

** God forsakes His true servants never."

" Sir, this I know : the Devil forsakes his servants never.
Him I served, and I cannot get free. For ever he bids me
break chastity, and ever he bids me resent humiliation ; and as
I do not, night and day, flesh and spirit must bum at his
fires, for he is my master. Ah God, ah God, I get no ease 1
Lo, in Perdvale how chastity and humiUty grow like flowers
that are sweet to the sun. Lo, in me the same fume like
scutch, and my own brothers let me know of evil odour."

Naden, when he had examined them both and confessed
them clean, marvelled over them ; for one was so white of
heart, and one so corrupt, and both in life were constant and
clean and upright

" The ground of all virtue the one of you owns : that is
patience. The crown of all virtue the one of you yet lacks :

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 69

that is charity. My Bon, God may yet require more of your
patience to leam your brother charity."

With dread Aglovale heard, deemii^ these words were
prophecy of a thing he dared not face.

With dread heavy upon him be went down to Camelot to
face King Arthur, and re-enteied the streets by which he had
gone out, barefoot and decried, seven years before. He whom
I love so much tells how he sped then.

Hard at Aglovale looked the King, and coldly he asked
him what be required.

" My lord, I require you to make this young squire a knight"

Beside bis brother, Perdvale showed strangely young and
fiur and slender for that request. He blushed for awe like a
prl as the King looked hard at him in turn.

"Of what lineage is he come?" said Arthur.

" Sir, he is the son of King Pellinore that did you some
time good service, and he is brother to Sir Lamorak de Galis
the good knight"

" Well," said the King, " for what cause desire you that of
me, that I should make him knight ? "

For a moment Aglovale's answer hung, and Percivale,
amazed, heard him catch his breath.

"Wit you well, my lord the King, that this young squire is
brother to me as well as to Sir Lamoiak. And my name is
Aglovale."

In silence King Arthur mused awhile, gazii^ without a
sign of reception on his unwelcome knight. Percivale's
heart dropped from the sky. He looked at his brother and
quick away, ashamed to hare seen. For Aglovale's face wax
like dark ash ; sweat stood on his brow ; his eyes were fixed
and dead.

" Sir Aglovale," said Arthur, " for the love of Sir Lamorak,
and for his father's love, he shall be made knight to-monow.
Now tell me his name."

" Sir, his name is Percivale de Galis."

Nothing passed between the brothers as they sought their
lodging, till Ferdrate spoke with something of his old timidity.

70 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

" Hear me a question, brother."

'' Yea, speak," said Aglovale, with a tight heart

" Have you remembrance of your promise to send a spear
to Sir Bors de Ganis?"

Aglovale looked his brother in the e3res ; they were clear
and steady. " Marry," said he, *' that is well said."

Upon the morrow in due form Percivale was made a
knight

" I counsel you," said Arthur, *' to seek the fellowship of
noble knights of the pattern of your brother Sir Lamorak."

*' Sir," said Percivale, low, " I would take the pattern of my
brother Sir Aglovale."

Sir Mordred heard and laughed out, and for a jest he
carried about that answer. Few at that hour deemed the
young knight of good promise, for he was meek as a dove and
showed no fire nor strength.

When the tables were set, Sir Kay the Seneschal took
Percivale, and brought him to the lowest board among knights
of poor degree, for so he said had the King commanded.
And he said sinister, that he was loth thus to part them, yet
unhappily Sir Aglovale had his place at the Round Table. For
Sir Kay had been suckled churlish, that his courteous mother
might nourish the babe Arthtir.

Aglovale went on to his old place and sat down once more
among his fellows, so sore at heart for Percivale's sake that he
scarcely saw who saluted him and who did not He was more
forgotten than he knew, and more changed ; old acquaintance
had simple cause to pause, for trouble had seared and ravaged
as much as twenty yeais.

He looked about him as the sieges filled up for the dinner.
Some were covered and many were vacant. The Siege
Perilous, that had never been filled, was covered in white ; next
to the right was one covered in black, where Kling Pellinore
had sat ; and the next that was Lamorak's was void. To the
left the sieges filled. Sir Launcelot came in and sat down
between Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris. The sons
of Lot were there. A stranger came and sat down on his

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 71

ri^t in place of an old acquaintance, Sir Herria de Revel ; on
hia o^ier hand the siege was covered in black, for another, Sir
Galagaia, latelf dead.

Then Aglovale beheld a maiden enter in clothing of white
lendal, her visage pale with coming death, and radiant. A
hush and munnur (^ pity pasaed along : " Alas ! it is the mute
maid." Down the hall she went straight to Perdvale, and
took him by the haitd ; and from ber who had never uttered
any word sprang speech loud and dear.

" Arise, Sir Perdvale, the noble knight and God's knight,
and go with me."

At that miracle deep silence ensued. And Perdvale in
noble simplidty rose and followed the maiden up the hall
Straight she brought him to the right side of the Siege Perilous,
and stripped off the cover of black.

" Fair knight, take here thy si^e," she said, " for this si^e
appeituneth to thee and to none oUier." Then she departed
and went to be blessed for death.

Perdvale sat and r^arded none but his brother; and
Aglovale langhed for joy and thanked God aloud. Then the
knight nearest Perdvale leaned across the Siege Perilous and
caught him by the hand; and turning, he saw Sir Bors de
Ganis, and joy rushed through him, for now they were fellows
indeed. Of all those present, only the sons of Lot were not
glad for the worship of Perdvale.

For eight days the court of Arthur had been joyless and
heavy, since Sir Tristram the noble knight had departed for
Cornwall with his worst enemy King Mark, the fair-spoken,
false coward. Now life and gladness renewed for the
coming of Perdvale with mirade, and lightly after diimer the
King required his knights to take on their harness and prove
their new fellow in breaking spears. So to a bir meadow
beside Camelot they went down; and there Sir Aglovale
broke his speat with Sir Bors, and after enwunteied with
Sir Dinadan, Sir Bmin le Noir, Sir Kay L'Estrange, Sir
Segwarides, and got no fall; and there Sir Perdvale broke
many tpeaxs, and got no &U though great knights proved

78 AGLOVALE DE 6AUS

him; as namely, Sir Pelleas, Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Garetb,
Sir Bleoberis.

Said Sir Kay the Seneschal, '' Lo now ! how softness and
fat grow in an eight days, for these lean brothers of Galis so to
hold their own."

Said Sir Dinadan, "Go prove if you be lean and hard
enough."

On that Sir Kay took his spear, went into the range and
required Sir Aglovale to just ; and so hard he smote him that
he laid him backward upon his horse, broke his vizard, and
bruised his face.

" Well," said Dinadan, " you have dealt unhandsomely with
Sir Aglovale; now go against Sir Perdvale."

'' By my faith, no ! " said Kay. ''As I am a man, I should
be loth so to spoil the face of a pretty maid."

'' Sir," said Percivale, '' I had raUier encoimter your great
spear than your mocks. And, sir, from knights that are named
before you have^I got no hurt."

" Yea, yea," said Kay, '' that is sooth. Neither would I
give you hurt; and so, faith of my body! I will not have
ado with you thb day. Well, well. Sir Bors," said Kay,
"whom God favours should not man also £aivour? Content
you. Sir Percivale," said Kay, "your pattern brother Sir
Aglovale got off lightly by favotir in this same field years ago,
and has been content for his part"

The sight of Aglovale's face strained grey drew Percivale
past heeding Sir Kay.

At thb day's end came Brose before Percivale, and with
him a lad, who stood forward a suitor.

" Sir, for the sake of this day's worship will you to grant
any man his reasonable asking?"

" I will well to man or boy," said Percivale.

"Then, sir, grant me to serve you, even as my brother
Brose serves Sir Aglovale."

Now, the boy's stature was so low for his years that his
asking seemed scarce reasonable.

"Ah, Brose," said Aglovale, "you should have asked

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS 78

this for Tounelf, And well I would Sir Fercivale had the best
■quire that ever I tried ; and to no othei master I would speed
you willii^y,"

' " Sir, I want no other. Sir, favour Bennet my brother ; he
is well conditioned and better nurtured than L"

Sir AgloTale dented him shortly. "He is young and
untried, and asks presumptuous. Sir Perdrale shall not take
him by my counsel till be be grown and trained. But he
shall send him to the Queen at Cardiff, and request her to
enter him in her household that he may grow for a twelve-
month; and afterwards I myself will take him and try him tOl
he be fit to serve Sir Percivale."

In sore disappointment Brose broke out insolent, "To
take and try him as me you took and tried a twelvemonth 1
God defend!"

Straightway Perdvale refused Bennet till he should have
satisfied Sir Aglovale. Biose muttered and eyed his master
resentfiilly.

" I kept my mouth fairly enough at that time, and ever
since till now : yet not a good word for the asking. What a
fool am I ! "

At this temper and language Aglovale a Uttle smiled, sure
enough of his man, and passed it without rebuke.

"Be not aggrieved," said Percivale kindly to the boy.
" Though I cannot now please you, I promise you I will take
you and none other so soon as you are fit, for sole reason
and suflScient that you came first suitor on my knighthood."

Brose was sore and angry, deeming that had he and his
master kept from words Bennet's suit might have prospered.
After Sir Aglovale's example, he had set his heart on his young
brother, and had promised himself to take him, and make him,
and bring him on to a better state than his own. And he had
set his faith strongly on the luck of the day that should bring
Percivale to the Round Table. On such a day he had sued
and had won his master; he took him with a blow and a curse,
yet he took him. You shall repent, said Biose ; and he, in
time, — I do rqient. Vet he could deny him on such a day his

74 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

claim to favour, and set Sir Percivale to deny Bennet. The
man's resentment did not lightly pass; for many days by
sullenness and negligence he reminded his master of the
grudge he held. But Aglovale with singular patience bore
with him, and when Percivale wondered he excused him,
" Great is his love for his young brother."

As for Bennet, he took his disappointment with a better
grace, and departed speedily for Cardiff charged with messages
to the Queen that should gladden her with news of Sir
Percivale. By the way Sir Tor and Sir Dumor met him, and
hearing his tidings, turned aside to rejoice with their brothers.

'*Alas! but where is Sir Lamorak?" said Dumor. '*He
should be here; all five at once to sit down at the Table
Round. We sons of Pellinore, five ; those sons of Lot, five.
Man for man, I warrant we five could knock the worth of those
five. And they know it."

Truly they knew it; and therefore, fresh edged, the four that
were murderers, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, and Mordred,
took up a settled purpose. Already in these terms they had
counselled and agreed: "This Sir Lamorak," said Gawaine,
" we slew his father King Pellinore, who slew our father King
Lot ; and for the despite of Pellinore, Sir Lamorak did us a
shame to our mother. Therefore I will be revenged." And
his three brethren : " Let see how you will or may be revenged
and you shall find us ready." And Sir Gawaine : ** Hold you
still and we shall espy our time."

Now again they heard Sir Gawaine in counsel : " Let us
send and fetch our mother here to this castle beside Camelot ;
and when she is here, soon will Sir Lamorak be here also.
And truly he will think well by her coming here that King
Arthur has bidden her, meaning to overrule in her marriage.
Then may we see our time when he goes to her privily, and
slay him as we slew his father." So they planned murder.

Matched man to man King Pellinore had not died; and
man to man they never laid to meet any one of Pellinore's
sons afterwards. Yet they lacked not valour, not the worst of
them ; but they were passii^ vindictive, and bloodthirsty men.

z ^L. J

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 75

So &r as can be known, Sir I^moiak never beheld his
jotmg brother a knight ; certainly thejr never sat side by side
at the Round Table to fill up the joy of Aglovale. For first
King AithuT removed firom Camelot and sojourned awhile at
Caerlion upon Usk beside Galis ; and after Sir Percivale went
into Cornwall on a Qnest that was long and arduous, to deliver
Sir Tristnm. For King Mark, after his nephew Tristram had
saved him from his enemies, broke the faith he had swom on
a book before King Arthur and all his knights, and made away
with him, so that none knew whether he were prisoned or
dead.

My most dear Master tells how Fercivale sped. By his
kni^itly means Sir Tristiam was found and delivered, and
Cornwall eased of insurgent wars; and afterwards he con-
fronted Mark and admonished him in clear umplicity of
heart.

Said Mark, " I may not love Sir Tristram who loveth my
Queen and wife La B&de Isoud."

Said Percivale, " Ah, fie for shame, never say so. Are you
not uncle to Sir Tristram, and he your nephew. Never think
that so noble a knight as Sir Tristram is would do himself so
great a villuny to hold his uncle's wife. Howbeit," said
Perdvale, "he may love your Queen sinless because she is
called one of the foirest ladies of the worid."

So he spoke in all sincerity, as he knew do worse and was
slow to think evil. Well might his fellow-knights wonder
over such an one, casting thought that he was brother to Sir
Aglovale. In the event his good words were not justified, nor
his easy trust to the promises of King Mark. For as soon as
he was gone out of Cornwall, Mark plotted afresh j he set hts
Queen, La Beale Isoud, as a lure for Sir Tristram, and took
him again prisoner. He in turn was betrayed to prison by
La Beale Isoud, and she fled the kingdom with her lover
Tristram.

Another manner of ending came of the like luring of
Lamorak by means of Queen Morgause. He whom I love
■o much has told us that tale. Sir Lamorak came indeed, and

76 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

with the Queen, unanned, Sir Gaheris surprised him. With
drawn sword and all armed came in Gaheris. He caught his
mother by the hair and struck off her head.

Cried Lamorak, '* Ah, why have you slain the mother that
bore you? With more right you should have slain me.''

Said Gaheris, " Because ^ou art unarmed I am ashamed
to slay thee. But wit thou I shall slay thee. And now my
mother is quit of thee."

So Lamorak went forth alive, bloodstained and shamed by
the death of that fair Queen he loved.

All this and more of the same may be read in that tale.
And also, elsewhere, more of the noble battles of Sir Lamorak :
how he fought Sir Palamides the Saracen, and after promised
to love him above all his brothers, excepting his half-brother
Tor; how secretly he encountered the sons of Lot and put
them to the worse ; how to Surluse he came on a sudden and
shone at his last tournament ; how for the sake of Arthur he
revenged the overthrow of these his nephews; how then King
Arthur vainly entreated, "Oh, Lamorak, abide with me, and
by my crown I shall never fail thee;" and last, how he
parted from Launcelot weeping and bewept, and rode away
alone.

He was seen alive never again. Pierced villainously back
and breast, his dead body witnessed to a foul battle. He had
lived not twenty-nine years. Men deemed his great renown
was yet increscent.

By the mouth of Palamides praising the dead, Percivale
heard the tidings, and he swooned for sorrow.

" Alas ! my good and noble brother Sir Lamorak now shall
we never meet," said Percivale. '*In all the wide world a man
might not find such a knight as he was of his age. It is too
much to suffer the death of our father King Pellinore, and now
the death of our good brother Sir Lamorak."

As for Aglovale, he almost died for sorrow. That strange
physical affliction recurred ; old wounds* opened and bled as
though in his members he were weeping blood for his brother.
Most lamentable, the wound in his side that Lamorak had

AGLOVALE DE GALTS

touched to heal broke afreih. "Ah, LAmoiak I " cried Aglovale,
in great distress. Brose feared for his wits, and be deemed it
mi only the timely presence of Fercivale that brought him
■ane alive.

As for Dumor, within a mondi, slain by unknown hands,
die body c^ Dumor was found wanting burial.

CHAPTER VIII

MY most dear Master in his books does now and again
set down times and places somewhat at random ; and
so for the next record of Aglovale time is out of gear,
and the interlock of many parts passes all skill to readjust.
Some of the story of Sir Perdvale is lost; but what remains
tells that he endured meekly some scorns, maybe on account
of his pattern brother, maybe on account of his maiden life and
his maiden sword; for as yet, though his fame budded fair, he
had slain man never. According to my most dear Master, the
madness of Launcelot befell about this time ; and when he was
lost, King Arthur, at the instance of Queen Guenever, desired
Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale, with Sir Gawaine and others, to
take upon them to seek him throughout all England, Wales,
and Scotland.

Now shall be told how it came to pass that Aglovale
soon forfeited the Ring's grace, and came at last to despair and
living death.

Three and twenty knights went out of Camelot on the
quest of Sir Launcelot, and shortly departed to all quarters of
the reahn of Logris. Gawaine went north with his kin, and
the two brothers of Galis turned west to search their own land
and the Marches.

Now for the last time Aglovale and Percivale ride together.

Of the woes awaiting them, the first they met at Cardiff.
There in piteous case they found the Queen their mother,
whose grief for the death of Lamorak had put her from
reason. With fond words, used to them in diildhood, she

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 79

claimed her ions and chid their absence ; she hewept herself,
as but DOW newly widowed ; she lemembered leceat woe with
a great ay, " I^morak is dead — is dead 1 " and refused

" Ah, my dear sons, when your father was slain he left me
foar sons, of the which now be twain slain ; and for the death
of my noble son Sir lamorak shall my heart never be glad."

Now one and now the other she implored never to leave
her more. Such equal eager love had not blessed ber first-
born for long yeais. Also King Fellinore's likeness in him,
begrudged to him for shame, now gratified the poor Queen, as
irtien she was first a mother. By the death of Lamorak came
so much favour to Agtovale. For dear grief be had no voice
to ipeak, and it was Fercivale who denied her prayer.

*' Ah, sweet mother, we may not We be come of king's
blood of both parties, and therefore it is our kind to haunt
arms and noble deeds."

She kneeled down before her sons at their going, and com-
plained and clung with frantic grief. Round Fercivale she
locked her arms, babbling her dread of the treasons of the
House of Lot ; how but by treason had King Fellinore died,
and Lamontk, who of kni^thood had but few fellows.

Then came the maiden Saint to release her brother, and so
spoke her noble heart that she prevailed. Swooning, the
Queen fell away, and hei sons departed then, never to see
her more.

The second woe was not slow to follow. From Cardiff
a devil possessed Brose brewing mischief of his love to hia
young brother Bennet For Sir Aglovale, on review, again
refused to &vour the tad and shorten his probation that had
but two months to run. The man's exaspemtion grew undn
the patience of his master, and he pushed far in insolent
misconduct

" Let him he awhile, Fercivale ; he is sore. He loves
well tiiat little brother. I need not cure him ; he will mend."

Up the valley of the Usk they rode, crossed the river at
eve and found lodging. The day was tuned by the harvest

80 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

reaping, the night by thunder muttering from the Black
Mountains. All next day the thunder boomed as they left the
comlands and made for the North Marches ; and the heavens
were black with coming tempest when they stayed for harbour-
age with a courteous gentleman.

Now, Perdvale had not entered with Aglovale, but was still
without, when downhill came one riding at speed; and he
wondered when he knew him for Bennet. Breathless and
eager the boy came up to him, and delivered a message of
greeting from the Queen; and then he ungirt his coat, and
took from round his body chains of gold, sent by her to serve
them for spending.

" How now I " said Perdvale. " Are you wounded ? "

'* Sir," said Bennet, flushing, ** I lay last night with a mixed
company, and two rogues spied out what I bore, and in a
wood awaited me and set upon me. Yet, sir, as you see, I
sped well enough.**

Then, as Perdvale commended him heartily, " Sir," he said,
" if you deem I deserve, speak for me now to my lord Sir
Aglovale, that he suffer me now to follow him, so to fit me to
follow and serve you."

" I will well," said Perdvale, and took the boy up with him
to a chamber where Sir Aglovale with Brose was about to
unarm. But when Aglovale had heard Bennefs errand and
request, suddenly he asked him at what time he set out from
Cardiff.

Said Bennet, hastily, " Yester noon — a little after."

" At what pace did you ride, then ? I see your horse down
there reeking."

" Sir, I made what speed I might. Sir, as you know, I was
hindered."

Bennet fronted Sir Aglovale's gaze steadily, but it chanced
that lightning showed how his nerves were strung.

" Show your wound."

Very readily the boy unbound his arm and presented a
gash to view. Sir Aglovale took him by the hand and
examined silently. Thunder was a relief on the hush.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 81

" At what time fell this mishap P "

" About prime."

Aglovale took from him the binding, and ezammed the
bii^t bloodstains, Bennet would hare withdrawn his hand,
but it was gripped harder. When quesrioned closely concern-
ing his defence he answered btiskly, but as the dreaded Sir
Aglorale scrutinized his countenance he b^an to cast looks
aside to Brose and Sir Ferdvale. The cruel hawk foce
daitened as the frightened boy paled.

" It is a lie," said Aglovale.

Not a word could Bennet utter. Only thunder spoke.

In ruthless temper Aglovale ti^tened his savage hold till
the boy winced and panted. Brose saw the wrung fingers
oozing red at the tips, and b^an to choke and to curse.

" Kose, is this of your contrivance ? "

"No," said Bennet, "no."

" I shall have much to teach you," said Aglovale, grimly,
" as Brose can wan you, before ever I pass you to serve on
Sir Percivale."

"Speak!" said Ferdvale, "if you be not the low cheat
you look."

Brose stood by his brother and lifted his voice in defiance.

" Beimet," he cried, " is not the first you have known, O my
lord, to devise on himself a wound for getting at a service he
desired I I — you — have known that done before."

" Ah, mercy 1 " gasped the boy, twisting.

Sir Aglovale let him go, and turned upon Brose. " What
you have to say, say quickly."

" Low cheat," growled Brose. " Low cheat. Sir Ferdvale
named Bennet low cheat"

'• Fair brother," said Aglovale, " question the boy — ^you.
Have out the truth."

He went padng to and fro while Percivale took confession
from Bennet Brose listened scowling, watching his goaded
master, but he said nothing more.

" Be content," then said Aglovale, " that you are yet in the
Queen's service, not in mine. Get you ba(± for payment on

82 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

unfaithfulness and n^ligence in discharge of your errand.
You should be in no case for riding had you such payment as
I would grant you; for I let you know your portion of stripes
should be doubled because you practised for your own ends.
And I let you know — you, Brose^that he should be paid at your
hands. Since you are so forward to advance the boy, I will
teach you to cure him."

Blood rushed up the face of Brose. " Sir/' he said thickly,
" an you let me know you can play the devil, I let you know
I can tool Enforce me, and I let you know I can also
enforce you, maugre your head, to cure your brother Sir
Percivale of calling ' low cheat ' on Bennet."

At that, " I doubt you not ! " said Aglovale, and therewith
struck with all his weight and felled Brose. The blow was
barbarous, iron-gloved, laying open the man's cheek.

" Read my token ! Since I must needs make of you an
example before your brother, read my token ! "

Brose was mastered. He stood up broken to sullen shame.
" Sir Percivale shall hear aught that you can plead for your
young brother. Speak it out, Brose."

" Sir, not now," faltered the boy ; " rather do I go back on
my asking as unreasonable."

*^ Rather as you like not the wage of cheating and lying."
'' My lord, not so ! I have stomach for alL What Brose
can take, that can I, deserved or undeserved."

" An that be honestly said, Bennet," said Aglovale, " I am
content to hold to terms, with promise that at need you shall
get your fill."

" Then I, too," said Percivale, " do confirm my promise,
albeit not gladly."

" Bind up both your hurts, and quickly, for Bennet shall
amend his negligence with all despatch."

Neither venttu^ a word of appeal, though the quickening
thimder uttered cause. Bennet learned two messages : one for
the Queen to her comfort, and desiring her blessing on her
sons ; One for the seneschal to his own discomfort, desiring
punishment. Then he went.

A6L0VALE D£ GALIS 88

BroK turned without a word and kneeled to unarm his
master. Then entered that gentleman, their host, to spealc in
Bennefs behoof that be should stay, because of the passing
day, and the great near storm, and because, he said, the ways
were not cleared of evil customs.

"Ah, my lord," muttered Brose at Aglovale's knee, " he is
but young."

Aglovttle would not relent ; but he closed with an offer for
a change of horse. So shortly Brose heard boofs go below,
and bdield the wan, unhappy face of Bennet upturned ; and as
he went about his master, anon far off saw the horse shying at
the lightning, and anon higher against the gulf of the sky saw
the b^ pass away, as great drops dashed the casement.

AbOQt midnight the great fury of the storm abated;
ligtUnii^ turned to lambent sheets, thunder to distant growls,
rain ceased. In the quiet pauses, Brose, from his pallet by the
door, heard the deep breathing of Sir Aglovale asleep. Then
he saw Sir Perdvale rise up softly from his place, and come to
stand beside his brother and contemplate b is face by the play
of the sheet lightning. So standing in his shirt, his youthful
beauty so illumed, Brose likened him to a heavenly warder,
even to the chief Saint Michael. He likened himself, and a
htUe writhed. Then Percivale kneeled down beside Aglovale
and prayed a great while, and went again and lay down. What
this mi^t betoken Brose dreaded to know; yet he had a
deeming and becursed his tongue.

Ridii^ on their way when mom was at prime, they came
to a ford of the Wye hard by a castle standing above a slope.
There they passed by a churchyard, where stood many round
about a corpse lapped for burial, while men broke the sodden
ground for a gmve. Sir Aglovale stayed to question, and one
came forward to answer.

"Fair knight, here lies a squire shamefully slain this
night"

*' How was he slain ? "

" Sir, the lord of this castle lodged this squire this night,
and because he said he was servant to a good knight that ia

84 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

with Ring Arthur, whose name is Sir Aglovale, therefore
the lord commanded to slay him, and for this cause is he
slain."

With a cry Brose danged down to the grave, caught away
covering, and gave to sight the foce of Bennet, and the wounds
hacked over his body, and his dead eyes.

The stranger women and men fell aweeping for pity of the
man, agape and huddled, and moaning over the dead lad on
his knees.

"Jesu God!" whispered Perdvale, with a sob, "help us
quick and dead."

Aglovale gazed stock still. "Gramercy," he said at last,
" and ye shall see his death revenged lightly, for I am that
same knight for whom this squire was slain."

Straight he lighted down and Percivale also ; they charged
men with their horses, and together mounted the slope and
came to the courtyard and gates of the castle.

Said Aglovale to the porter, " Go to your lord, and tell
him that I am Sir Aglovale for whom this squire was slain this
night"

Word ran throughout the castle, and presently, while they
waited in the court, a fierce damsel looked out from a window
above. ''Soho, Sir Aglovale, otherwise Sir Sinister!" she
called ; and he, looking up, met shameful memories in a face
he knew once. She spat upon him, and used other names, and
terms that made Percivale's ears tingle.

" Now," she said, " I give you to know that for my sake
will my lord Sir Goodewin add dishonour to death, and will
give a portion from that your carcase for my dog to eat And
in hell remember me. Lo, here is your death."

Then Sir Goodewin came out, ready armed, all the knights
of his household at his back.

" Which of you," he said, " is Sir Aglovale ? "

" Here am I," said Aglovale. " For what cause have you
slain this night my mother's squire 7 "

"I slew him because of you, for you slew my brother
Sir Gawdelin."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 85

" As for your brother, I avow it. I slew him, for he was a
false knight, and a betrayer of ladies and of good knights."

At that the damsel orethead lifted hatefiil laughter agamst
him, and those below echoed it.

" For the death of my squire," said Aglovale, " you shall
die."

" For the death of my brother," said Sir Goodewin, " you
shall die."

Wthout more words they went to strokes. And presently
Ferdvale went to strokes also, for the damsel's naming and
scoms, taken up by those below, drove him wild ; and fiercely
be defied all, and fought all that would stand. For the first
time in bis life he fought wickedly, without prayer, with savage
will to slay, and joy over the slain. Three lay dead, and the
rest fled wounded, while still Sir Aglovale and Sir Goodewin
fou^ together. At her window the damsel danced and
cursed, watching the fray, till Sit Goodewin fell past rising,
and Aglovale unlaced his hehn; then frantic she cried for
grace.

He died as a valiant man ; with no vain prayer for mercy,
but a curse on his sUyer, he faced the stroke that took off his
head. Then were all the windows silent

Aglovale stood and regarded bis brother and the dead men.
" Slain I Percivale, you have slain 1 "

For answer Percivale came and embraced him, and said
only, " Fair, dear brother 1 " over and over again, with a kind
of passion.

Aglovale groaned, " Alas ! alas ! " for he knew so that for
his sake Ferdvale had slain, and for cause unrighteous.

By the half-turned sods sat Brose, still holding the dead
lad, taking no heed of going and coming.

Aglovale spoke hoarse, " Brose, now is your brother's death
avenged."

The man lifted an intolerable stare, bared his teeth, and
cried, " On whom ? "

Aglovale was knocked out of words, and Percivale shed
tears of pity and galL

86 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

" Alas ! poor Bennet I " said he. " God rest his soul ! He
paid dear for an untrue word"

Brose, in his anguish, fetched out a laugh against his master,
so like the damsel's that Percivale's blood curdled and spun.

" He paid for me I " said Aglovale. " Ah, God, for me ! "

" Provide my brother his grave," said Brose, " you who
provided his death."

" It is due. Charge me according to your grief."

" Not here ; not lonely ! My lord Sir Aglovale, you have
provided death and burial for better than he. It were meet
to give him a little room on that same ground. I would have
him wait Doomsday there."

"So be it," said Aglovale, heavily. "Nor will I lie down
nor break fast till this be done."

Afterwards, when Brose came to open speech with Perci-
vale, he vowed that, however he had said and done contrary,
he had never departed from the great love and worship he
bore his unhappy master.

" I willed to cut him out of my heart, seeing how he was
the cause of Bennefs death, and how he had used him harshly
— and I could not God knows how sore I was rent God
knows if I gave worse hurt than I got Look back, sir, now,
on that dolorous road we paced to the burial of Bennet : all
those two days my master bore with me, never lifting look
or word of resentment, though I did not spare to add to his
affliction, and surely the Devil lent me the wit for it I did
not spare I for Bennet's sake I would not ; dead, he claimed
me to be wholly his brother. Yet found I no deliverance from
love and worship. Ah, my master ! In all the world there is
none like him — ^none I "

Near by a certain forest crossway a little chapel had been
builded since the days of Sir Turquine, where a good man
served with orisons. There the body of Bennet had lodging
and pious watching for the night

Forth went Aglovale to that purlieu of his old villainy, to
stand out the night against his sins. There breathed.he, sentinel
till mom, the heavy scents of elder-blossom, while night birds

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 87

flitted to aitd &o, and night beasts harried by moonlight.
Ever, as he stared down fatal roads, before biin in ghostly
presence went along, wounded and bound, one who had
trusted to bim, whom he had deserted, and betrayed to miser*
able death.

He never knew that two kept secret vigil with him. Ferd-
vale apart, down on bis knees, down on his face, wept his
prayers. Btose apart, sweated hot and cold, as the blood of
brothoiiood revolted against the master be so fiercely loved

By another lught, those three unhappy souls were come
with die body of Bennet to a certain Priory, where ^ovale
answered at the gate as of old. There, while interment was
made in good order, with many candles and requiem, Fecivale
in the midst sank down, overborne by heavy Bleep; for he was
young and unused to grief, and he for two nights had never
slept When he woke be was couched as aforetime, and the
bed bende was all unpressed as then.

Aglovale waited on the waking of Brose. "Take now
relief," he said, "and quit me. Your brother's blood is so
against me. If so be you wUl turn to serve my brother Sir
Peicivale, freely I commend you one to the other, and will
myself depart"

Brose, in his heart was dismayed, but he answered ruthless.

"That were no relief: Sir Perdvale spoke foul on Benn^
He holds that be died by a braggart lie, nor excuses how he
spoke of no bad intent weening to tiave been forborne on your
name."

" Brose, I cannot bury your brother's faults."

" You will not"

At that time there was long silence. Then Aglovale said,
" See you to it Say what you need to Sir Perdvale."

Though the man's heart was wretched to see the fierce
affliction he bestowed, he kept a relentless mask.

"An I said enough, Sir Perdvale would slay me as be has
dain others for your worship."

" God forbid ! " groaned Aglovale. His brother's blood-
guilt pressed fort aitd dure on bis conscience.

88 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

The wretched man went on. " Against the truth you have
forged your worship on my fiace for him to read. Lord ! for
low cheating that was a bold stroke 1 "

" Ah, Brose," cried Aglovale, and as the man avoided his
eye, ashamed of that vile speech, he gripped his hand con-
fidently. ^ Sure am I your heart is not so base as your tongue."

Body and spirit, Brose struggled from the terrible hold and
got free. His hand bore the imprint of Aglovale's imconscious
strength. He showed it, a fellow to poor Bennet's, with a cruel
taunt.

''So me, too, you have something to teach, before ever you
pass me to serve on Sir Perdvale ! **

His heart died within him to see how that blow went home.

" You do beat me with thorns, Brose, all naked," breathed
Aglovale.

" Pay me what I deserve," cried Brose, choking, " and
dismiss me ! "

But so soon as that utterance of remorse escaped him, he
saw it obverse, and thanked the powers of hell.

" Take your dues," cried Aglovale. " Bury your brother's
faults under mine. Decry me to my brother Sir Perdvale, and
I will be your warrant that he shall not slay you."

Brose locked his teeth against his heart, and turned his face
to the wall, till a wicked interpretation came to his tongue.

"Ho, forsooth! he muttered, &cing about, you will be
warrant that A€ shall not slay me ! Yea, doubtless, and will
swear to it by your sword 1 " His bad consdence took home
the thing from his mouth, and almost he believed it.

The visage of Aglovale was distorted and hideous as he
gnawed his trembling lips; for his strength was broken, with
trouble and long &st from sleep and food.

Then entered Perdvale, and stood at gaze on his brother.
The hilts of his sword Aglovale took with his two hands to
hold upright

" Speak, Brose 1 " he cried.

Then the forest night swam in upon him, so charged with
the heavy scent of elder-blossom that he stifled and lost his

AGLOVALE D£ GALI5 89

senses. Over him the eyes of Perdrale and Brose met once,
but not one word was spoken till he came to himself. The
somid of "My loid" and "Fair brother" told him then his
hour vas not yet come.

Now, as these records do not hereafter follow Percivale in
the Quest of the Grail, there may be no fitter place than this
to set down a transcript from another book, where he unlocks
his heart to his sister Saint. My most dear Master tells how
the maiden came to Galahad, Ferdvale, and Bors; how she
led them on the Quest and enlightened them with her strange,
high wisdom; and how she girt Galahad with the sword of
King David by a girdle of her own hair. In that place there
is mention made of three spindles, white, green, and red, as
grown from innocency, and seed-shedding, and blood-shedding.

She said, " The white betokens Sir Galahad, and the green
Sir Bors, and the red — alas, brother I alas — the red I "

"Ah me I " said Peidvale ; " would to God I had not this
part of the Tree of Knowledge ! Ah, sister, it is a fearful thing
to shed blood of life."

He told her all then, and together they pondered over the
symbol of sin.

"Lol" said Ferinvale, "those I had slain were not put to
silebce. I heard tiieir breath speak out of the lips of others ;
I saw their looks mock out of the eyes of others ; the life that
was gone from their bodies was but draughted to enliven fresh
matter. In every ray of light, in every gust that blew, the life
of the dead moved to confound me. Ah, Saint, the things
they had uttered were black and heavy ; I could not bear them."

" Yet, brother, had you never heard evil-speaking before,
and opposed it ? "

" Often, so often that my eats were dulled. Soon as I was
made knight, I myself, without offence, even in the fellowship
of the Round Table, was shamefully bespoken and belied.
L^htly I bore it then, seeing how Aglovale bad ever home the
like unmoved. Till Brose opened against him, and he struck
him down, wbol&4ieaited did I love and worship, clear of
doubt"

90 AGLOVALE D£ 6ALIS

" Ah, fair fool brother ! "

" He never fooled me by a word ; nor did any but through
silence, excepting Brose and Dumor. Brose lied to me
more than once, as he has since confessed. Through him I
came to think a shameful record, unfit for light, concerned
Dumor. And Dumor never denied Once he overheard,
and m wrath laid hands on Brose, but he did not deny. Ah,
sister, his wrong charity ! After he had done with Brose, he
caught me, and held me before him awhile, eyeing me hard
with a fallen countenance. Maybe I shrank visibly, though
what had come to me was but a weak, vague shadow of the
truth. At that he was angry, and cursed and railed at me.
Then he besought me not to measmre out love too nicely. I
said I would try. Then he charged me for kindness not to
bring up a brother's misdeeds before Aglovale, because he
was a hard man, who would make no excuse, who would speak
no word for loss and misfortune and sudden and fierce tempta-
tion, who would not lay right stress on true penitence, who
would mention no good deeds as against the ill I said Aglo-
vale was just. ' Be more than just,' said Dumor, ' for those
who deserve love least do need it most.' His eyes were wet.

'' Ah, Dumor ! would to God I had loved you more while
you were man alive ! Sister, night and night again he haunts
my sleep, and makes his plea that was for Aglovale. With
broken speech and full eyes he asks for a little more loving
kindness, and I can reach him no answer. Oh, dear, stammer-
mg tongue, dear trustful eyes; oh, big, loyal heart, all gone
to dust !

"Aglovale was not kind to him — Aglovale, for whom he
was so forspent, who for my sake misgave and wronged him —
for my sake, as I deem.

" Sister Saint, I am all unfit for the Quest of the Holy Grail.
Strange doubts trouble me that I know not good from evil.
For lo ! Dumor was an evil liver and gross, and I my fellows
call stainless ; yet have I not to ofifer so golden a deed as his
generous untmth. Lo, Aglovale! Through long years he
laboured for righteousness against a corrupted nature; and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Dnmor's reckless grace played free ; yet Aglovale's hard virtue
waven in the balance. I doubt it is but vanity to keep from
evil and do right, when a word unsaid, from mere ignoiance,
from mere blindness, may happen to load the heart with
remorse. And I doubt I mi^t be a better man had I been
a more rinfiil ."

Saint made answer, " Be not downcast, Peidvale. Surely
the Devil, seeing that you win charity, does assail your faith."

CHAPTER IX

MY most dear Master tells that the Quest of Launcelot led
to Cardigan, without any mention of days or ways.
If it drew in regular circuit through the North Marches,
in all likelihood indications rife and strong beat in upon Perci-
vale; for in those regions Aglovale, during his worst years,
was well known under another name. Brose, in the day of
remorse, denied this, claiming to be sole causer of the woe
ensuing. Doubtless he played his wretched part, keeping up
his devil's game.

Now came the night at Cardigan. Percivale lay down to
sleep, but for trouble of heart he could not. A new fear
possessed him that day ; for, so strange and fierce were his
brother's looks, now fixed, now wild, that he had come to doubt
for his reason. Presently, as he lay, he heard in the quiet
of night the heavy halt paces of Aglovale pass, and return,
and die again. And again, renewing aimless roamings, they
sounded on the court below, passing to vacant chambers that
Percivale had seen to be sad with faded vestiges of a gentle
woman's occupation. Also he had seen a tomb enisled, where
upon a stone sill was carven, cubit long, the figure of a slender
lady, lying with head turned away. Aglovale had answered,
" She died by great villainy," and by the way he took hold of
his sword-hilts, and by his stem countenance, Percivale deemed
that vengeance still delayed.

Again the tread repassed, and Percivale began to drowse,
when he was aware that one entered softly.

" Who comes ? "

" A sinner named Aglovale."

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 98

" Wherefore, brother ? "

AgloYale stood beside him, breathing deep,

" Perdvale, give me leave to lie by you. In my bed I find
no sleq>."

Amazed and moved beyond measure, Percivale made room.
" I wiU well," he said, and lifted to embrace Aglovale as he lay
down by his side.

" You bum fevered."

" It will pass with sleep. These last nights I have found
no sleep."

Ferdvale sank down again choking. Aglovale, who never
in all hia life bad asked for his help or his affection, was come
to him in need of comfort ; of such primitive comfort as in
childhood little Saint used to seek in his bed. He breathed
benediction and lay still.

The heavy sighs of Aglovale died down to tranquil breath
as he drew remedy from the sensible presence of his beloved
brother. But Ferdvale drew malease, and fevered in sore
disqiuet and trouble of mind. His great pity swelled against
restraint, yet the ponderous minutes loaded his diffident heart
with dread of trespass ; and with a greater dread, monstrous,
onnameable, steeped in blood of bis shedding. Lord Jesu,
friend us I he prayed inwardly. Thou who knowest his sorrow,
guide me for his comfort.

Scarcely above bis breath Percivale spoke. " Brother, do
you sleep ? "

As low Aglovale answered, " No," Doubtless he knew bis
hour was come.

Percivale lifted and sat with bis head bowed to his knees,
and the dreadful night drifted a moment while he prayed,

" Aglovale, what is it that I do not know ? "

The dreadful night drifted a moment while Aglovale prayed.

" Me," he said. " Me, naked and loathsome."

" Ah, fair, dear brother ! " cried Percivala " Fair, dear
brother 1 "

Then said Aglovale, " I shall need your silence, Percivale,
till I be done,"

M A6L0VALE DE GALIS

"Doubt not me. Until you bid I will not speak," said
Perdvale in faithful subjection.

Then began the shameful avowal of Aglovale. Still as
cofl^ed clay he lay, and as from the ribs of death heaved his
voice, as in order and exactly he delivered the tale of his
iniquities from the first wild lapses of his youth through all the
secret dark passages of abominable years.

*'Yet not this, and not thb," he said, "has been cried
throughout the land against my worship."

That night deep beyond deep of sin opened on the sight of
maiden Percivale. So gross, so foul, so infamous a record
outpassed the measures of his simple knowledge. Rank words
and unfamiliar forced a way to his understanding, till shame of
mere hearing burnt over him, while he shivered for dread. He
knit his hands upon his mouth, and so held mute to hear.

Well did Aglovale know that he spoke to the ear of one
above measure severe and intolerant of evil. Through long
years he himself had trained and tempered his brother to this
hard excellence, and he had the heart now to endure the out-
come. He took no keep to spare Percivale or to spare himself.
Triumphant pride in his perfect work took him even in that
hour.

That telling was not brief. Misdeed and crime, in separate
shape, in dense procession, marched on the night, Aglovale
still repeating, " Not this, and not this has been cried through-
out the land against my worship." Then his published villainy
he told.

His published villainy he told most fully ; how it was made
known, he told ; how he was shamed and scorned and near
unknightly death, he told ; how he was enforced to hard penance,
he told. On the rest was silence. For a hard man he was»
who would make no excuse, who would speak no word of loss
and misfortune and sudden and fierce temptation, who would
not lay right stress on true penitence, who would mention no
good deeds as against the ill.

The dreadfiil night drifted awhile. Still sat Percivale,
with his head bowed to his knees, and still as coffined clay

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 96

Uy Aglovale. The wretched man spoke his last to his
broaier>

"BtoYexiy he said, " Go to, Percivale ; I have done with
7CU. Whatsoever you have the heart to utter, ah, dear brother,
doubt not I have the heart to approve."

Fran Perdvale came a Bhuddering sigh, but no word ; and
Aglovale lay quiet, without appeal

Presmdy Perdvale, with shaking hands, felt about his
brother's head ; he signed the damp brow with the cross, and
leaning down kissed him on the brow.

Aglovale turned upon his face, drew cover over his head,
and terrible sobs shook the bed.

Alas for such comfort 1 As the saint the sinner had
Perdvale kissed his head. Not so a true brother had kissed
him on the cheek, with staunch affection in the day of dis-
honour. Dead Dumor got his due : for him he wept in agony
of longing and regret after the love he had so lightly regarded
and poorly returned.

Alas for Perdvale 1 He had no strength to wring one
word, be had no spring for tears. The stifled sobs of Aglovale
pierced him for pity, but broi^ht no outrush of loving kindness.
Memories were also knocking at his heart : of the Miserere
vigil, of midnight sobbing under Nacien, wh^i he in tender
respect had shrunk from knowledge to tears. Further back he
remembered, how great sobs like these had answered when he
had vowed love to him disinherited. Still he sat stunned and
stricken, and could utter no word of comfort

Aglovale expected none now. He had received token
enough to dispense with courses of speech. He had finished
with suspense. The bed shook with lengthening pauses as the
rest of sheer exhaustion took hold of his trouble. Waves of
oblivion swept his brain, and heavy with the reservation of out-
worn nights, stupendous sleep drenched his senses.

About midnight Percivale was aware of pale light in the
chamber at die rising of a waning moon, and he prayed for
thick darkness to keep his face awhile from his broUier's eyes.
And then he perceived bow sleep prevented. Quick and hard

96 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

then worked his breath. He withdrew himself softly from his
bed-fellow and stood out upon the floor. Scarcely could he
keep upright, for he was weak and dizzy as one first rising after
wounds. Within the window lay pieces of his harness, lighted
to silver. These and his sword he essayed to take, but forbore,
lest under his shaking hands the metal should clash to waken
the sleeper.

Profound was the slumber of Aglovale. Percivale kneeled
down by his bedside, and piteously he besought Heaven's
pardon and keep for that grievous sinner. Down the pillow
stole patches of wan light, played from the surface of his shield ;
a lax hand showed, and then the dreadful mask half prone.
In every line and hollow the imprint of evil was legible at last
to eyes that before had spelled in vain on mystery. Percivale
rose and went out soft-foot, with never a backward look.

Brose was sleeping by the door of his master's vacant
chamber. He started up at a touch, and all bedazzled he
heard bewildered the voice of Percivale.

" Rise and make ready, Brose, for you and I will ride away
secretly."

Then he saw the &ce of Percivale, and his heart stood still.
" He knows, and my master is undone."

Once before he had looked on such a face. One dawn,
long years ago, a yoimg damsel crept forth from Sir Aglovale's
bed to find one sweeter ; and he stood and let her pass un-
hindered, so daunting was the sight of her stricken countenance
as straight she went to her last bed.

Now, in remorse, Brose recognized the outcome of his own
accursed game of betrayal, and knew not what to do to stay
the cruel mischief. He dared not hinder Sir Percivale, he
dared not let him go. He stammered for excuse.

"Sir, I would full fain ride with you where you would
have me; but, an my lord your brother take me, he will
slay me."

Percivale nodded curtly. " As for that, care not," he said,
" for I shall be your warrant."

Like a doomed man Brose went, daring not to speak one

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 97

woid of all that ached in his heart As Feidvale bade, he
brought him his btothei's harness and anned him, and brought
him his brothel's horse, with muffled hoofs, to the gate. Od
high, aa for protest, the dumb beast neighed to the echoii^
court. Yet sleep held.
So was Aglovale foisaken.

CHAPTEK X

DAY came and day wore over Percivale and Brose, and
still they came to no remedy of speech. Perdvale
pursued the south road according to the afore-made
order of their circuit through Galis. He made no haste and
no delay; he did not neglect his bounden Quest After noon,
as my Master tells, he came to a bridge of stone, where he
found a good knight. Sir Persides, fast chained to a pillar by
the malice of a lewd lady ; and knightly he freed him and his
servants, and went on with him to his castle. Brose maddened
at the sight of him, as there in noble courtesy he sat out the
feast. For his part he drank hard out of pure misery, fell to
quarrels and brawls and insolence, and so came to hard stone
lodging for the night on Sir Percivale's request

Sobered and sorry, on the mom he came to himself. Cold
and stem Sir Percivale scanned him and ordered him ; and he
did not dare to be free with the question that lay on his
anxious heart Sir Aglovale's horse, with quick jutting ears
and large attentive eyes, snuffing imsatisfied, did better in his
dumb language. Sir Percivale mounted ; Sir Persides mounted
also, and Brose saw that he made to go by the north road.
Alas, alas ! Sir Percivale was set otherwise. He said farewell ;
he gave a charge.

'' Tell the King," said he, "how you met with me; and tell
my brother Sir Aglovale how I rescued you ; and bid him not
to seek after me, for I am in the Quest to seek Sir Launcdot
du Lake. And though he seek me he shall not find me. And
tell him I will never see him nor the court till I have found
Sir Launcelot."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 99

Brose heard it, and be could not speak. The steadf, de-
libente tones fell to his ear like sods on a coffin.

Feidvale spoke again. He, hitherto so meek, cast scorn
for scorn as he chaiged Sir Fersides with words to Sir Mordred
and Sir Kay.

" Tell them that I tiuit to God to be of as great worthiness
as either of them. For tell them I shall never forget thdr
mocks and scorns. And tell them I will never see that court
till men shall speak more worship of me than ever men did
of any of them both."

l^ten they departed this way and that. The horse under
Perdvale tossed his crest and whinnied after his kind. Brose
went after him a hang-dog figure, dismayed.

Never did Brose quite forgive Sir Fercivale for that un-
happy message. For miles he rode silent, chewing over the
•ti^ of it, ready to hate Sir Fercivale, who could ride on
leisurely with bis head straight and high, while along the north
road went forth, haply to break upon Sir Aglovate that day,
ft message so cruelly poor, and cold, and forbidding.

Alas for F»:dTaleI His heart was still stunned and
amazed ; be had not come to himself, and well he knew it
Yet the brother in him was quick and loyal enough to defend
die fiice of Aglovale against the world. Not openly could he
plead his great distress, entreat for a further relief of time
between them, point to a patient hope, admonish to the Quest,
and advise to a separate way. Haply so much might break
upon Aglovale through such wording as was fit and foil to be
delivered by the mouth of a stranger and for any to hear.
And all the brother in him spoke out against Kay and Mordred ;
for now he knew how he had been mocked and disparaged by
virtue of his blind love and worship of Aglovale; now be
understood King Arthur's hinting that he should remove from
Aglovale. Opened were his eyes, and here he went ftom
Aglovale 1 For he was not himself j for he belied himself,
and he knew it Troubled, indignant, distracted, he launched
hi^ word to relieve his sore and ineffectual heart

Fercivale turned off the roadway up a fair green swell, and

100 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

drew rein beside a welling spring, and a knot of pine trees
that stood about a shrine. There he went, and kneeled and
prayed devoutly; there too went Brose, and kneeled behind
and prayed some curses. And all silently they stood up both
and turned to their beasts.

Then said Brose desperately, " Sir, give me leave to speak
and be gone."

" If you cannot abide restraint, so be it," said Percivale,
£Eur out from his meaning.

" It is more than I can bear. Consider, sir, how I served
your brother Sir Aglovale, long before you put out your child-
hands and swore him love upon these very hilts you now
hold."

Percivale stood and considered hard; then he answered
with constraint

" Brose, I was loth, on account of past service ; but I can-
not allow your presumption that therefore you may riot like
a rascal knave in spite of my head."

Cried Brose with a great oath, " Is naught on your mind
but a bit of drunken folly ? " He stanmiered passionately, " And
think you your mighty rigour and displeasure stick in my guts ?
My lord Sir Aglovale, in old days, would put me to cool in
the moat for no more, but he would not glower on me the
mom after."

" If you be not again drunk, Brose, consider how he would
deal, put case you answered him as now you answer me. Have
you forgot his lesson writ upon that scarred cheek of yours ? "

Brose put up his hand, and gasped painfully. Percivale,
not from unkindness, turned away, and stooped over the spring.
He washed the dust from his eyes, and sat waiting patiently.
Brose marked on him then the wear of a sleepless night

** Be so good as to pass over what I have mis-said, for pity,
sir, and as I will not to offend"

« I will weU."

*'Sir, can I speak except you question?" said Brose,
faltering.

** I have naught to ask***

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 101

"Then what is your need of me?"

" I need you not."

" In the name of God, then, why did you bid me leave my
master to ride with you f "

" For cause — you came. Let be on that matter — we had
one mind — it was e]q)edient"

" Now I swear we had not I Why, why ? No, I cannot
bold my peace. Oh, sir, tell me in [dain words,"

** As you said, lest he should slay you."

His face was colourless and hard as marble; his wide,
steady eyes stared down the man,

" I go back 1 " sprang shatp from Brose.

" Why did you come ? "

Brose gave no answer, but after a silence he said, " So this
damned tongue did set you on ? "

Feicivale bowed his head, loth to admit understanding
with the man.

" Yet you would take me out of my lord's hands ? "

" I would keep my brother's hands from off you."

"Why? I betrayed — I wanted bis hate — that I m^ht hate
him as I wanted. Now I want no keep from his hate."

" Why did you come ? "

" Sir, to give you such knowledge as you should be bin
to have of my lord's past doings."

Cried Fcrcivale, " Dare you to think I would against my
brother question his servant?"

" Hear me you shall I For I would stake my life my lord
Sir Aglovale has not told all the truth."

" This to me I Of him I Tempt me further, and by my
head I will have you bite out that accursed tongue with your
own teeth before you shall go hence alive."

Brose flushed darkly ; it tried him hard to stand tame to
such threatening. He clenched his hands, he ground his heels
into the turf, he swallowed. And he kept his tongue to good
e£fiBct When he spoke at last, Fercivale was aware that the
man he had put down had risen to a higher level of address.

" Doomsday tdling. Sir Fercivale, may rub you more than

102 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

mine now,** said Brose. *' Let be reckoning by brother and
master — a human soul concerns us— one in mortal pains —
stressed cruel hard — ^by my means — and by yours. Respect
of person is out of sight; he has me by the heart — as I doubt
he has not you."

Percivale gave no word nor sign, and Brose went on,
"Once we were chained at one oar, he and I, equals in
misery ; yet I gave him worship then, for he never made any
moan. He asked for no pity, and he gave none« He refused
ransoming, and his name ; and, as I know, he refused lest
his house should suffer scorn through his name. Did he for
himself say that ? I warrant you have heard plenty that was
criminal and shameful to his accoimt, and nothing more. Not
from him would you hear the best of him : of his bearing, his
daring, the wits, the heart, the hand that engaged against great
odds and delivered us all. I say he has not told you all the
truth— not the half you ought to hear. And I can tell it — I,
and none other so well. And I will. Once he said, ' Speak,
Brose ! ' You heard him say it ; and speak I will."

Said Percivale, still with a rigid countenance, " I will be
plam with you, Brose, as man to man. I have tasted know-
ledge that is very bitter, and all distempered I know not how
to sain me ; I pray God to show. Your help I cannot use ;
I know you a liar."

" How have I lied ? " stammered Brose.

"You slandered Sir Dumor to me. For Sir Aglovale's
sake you did it How can I take your word I "

Brose was confounded ; he could offer no excuse that would
not tell against him in the ears of Sir Percivale, who with his
sincerity and virtue had the hard uncompromising judgment
of youth, and from his high standing condemned, with no
indulgence to the weakness and errors of human nature en-
snared through good affections. Here was he rigid, resolving
to be just and patient, condescending to hear the man out in
tolerant silence, all unconscious that the heart of tolerance was
not in him. Brose quite hated him at that moment. He felt
the wrong that the wicked endure of the righteous, and could

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 103

not utter it Impotent, despairing, he I&unched ont into leck-
leas defiance.

" Fain as you are, Sir Ferdvale, to be rid of me, I warrant
I un more fain to avoid you ; for I do not quite love you,
Sir Peidvale. Cursed be the day when my lord took you in
his hands to make a man of you. Id my heart I deemed you
not worth the pains he took ; and so you prove. May God
and the saints have joy of you I who mount clean to your
place of wonhip, and would kick down him who shouldered
yon up fairly, because once he trod muck to the neck, and to
yon stinks of it yet."

Sr Fercivale stiffened to hear ; and, unchecked, Brose took
no keep, crowded on his offence, said his worst with all his
voice till he was hoarse. When his words gave out at last,
Ferdvale stood up, spoke, and with one sentence Brose was
daunted and beaten.

" I do thanik you, Brose, with all my heart," he said. His
lace was set bard, but his voice was quite broken.

" Verily you are his brother I " said Brose, low ; and again,
when Fercivale was mounted, be held on to the stiirup, looked
up into his face, and said with strong entreaty, " Ob, sir, you
are bis brother ! "

Though he got no answer, suspense swelled into hope,
for followii^ be was not bidden away, as Fercivale rode at
a soft pace down the slope, and at the roadway halted. Brose
behind him quivered expectant Alas I he crossed himself and
tamed away south.

Brose yelled a curse, headed north, and parted at a great
gallop. But, as one backward glance he gave, he saw Sir
Fercivale swing forward and drop to earth like a log. And
so be could not go ; and the woman in man tricked him of his
anger as be moved the helpless weight, and looked upon the
pale visage smooth and fair. Sir Fercivale was scarcely more
than a boy in years, and his trouble was of a measure beyond
common ado.

He came to himself, and found the man beside him, carefiii,
dutiful, silent

104

A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

" As God knows," he said, *' I do need you, Brose. Abide
with me, and hate me as wdl as you will. I will take keep
of you ungrudgwg."

''Sir," muttered Brose, confoimded, "there is one I hate
more than you, and he may well abide with you."

CHAPTER XL

THE waking of Aglovale was to such quietude of spirit as
befalls in the interval between the rack and the scafibld.
To God he rendered thanks that his trial was past, and
pasgire he leaned his heart to the coming pain of meeting his
brother under the light of da^. The arms of Percivale played
upon him gleams from the well-risen sun, and though the place
beside him was void and cold he took no dtead. And though
Brose came not at call he took no dread. All unprepared he
went along and entered his own vacant chamber, taking no
diead.

Lo 1 a blank. Sword and hainess gone. He was forsaken,
Perdvale despised him and forsook him.

An boui later Aglovale crept away feebly, and hinging from
wall to wall came to the place where Gilleis had died. And
while the sun went round be kneeled in a ghostly presence,
her gentle head turned away to eternal silence from his great
villainy ; yet he cried to God that bis punishment was more
than he could bear.

Retainers, who had spied and listened in vain, forced the
door and found him tranced and rigid. They fetched to him
one reputed a holy man and a good leach, who exorcised and
bled him, and brought tiim to his senses ; and then he warned
him that he lived in deadly sin to come to such a pass, and
warned him against meat and wine, and namely warned him
against hardness of heart Then he departed.

Aglovale had the arms of Percivale brought to him there.
Once agun alone to the ghostly presence of Gilleis, he took
105

106 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

his brother's sword, set the pommel between his feet, and felt
the point with his hands. Cried a voice that was his own, " Ah,
low cheat, low cheat ! ** and he dropped the point hastily and
lifted up the cross of the hilts. Then bewildered, he was ware
of anoUier ghostly presence, the boy Bennet with his woimded
arm and bruised fingers. " Be content, Bennet; for your sake
Brose has wrung me hard and left me now." That presence
faded out "Oh, Dumor, would to God I had loved you
more while you were man alive. Now would I walk the
world barefoot but once to hold the living hand that now
is dust" That channel for tears refilled and flushed his
cloudy brain.

He looked forth upon the hollow sky, the rim of the world,
closed behind the pair who had forsaken kindness. He went
forth, taking to him without speculation the harness, the sword
and the horse Favel that Percivale had left for a pledge ; and
he wandered he cared not where, forsaking faith, honour, and
the Quest of Launcelot

After many days he came by chance to a market-cross that
he remembered, and envisaged his old self, who there had
stood shamed in vain expiation; and he wondered how he
could have found penance so unspeakably bitter while his
brother Dumor and his man Brose held to him with love and
devotion unstinted. Thence from cross to cross he carried his
broken heart, summing up despair along the way to Camelot.

He was seen and known one hazy morn^ hoving solitary
in a certain meadow beside Camelot; and Arthur, hearing of
him, sent Sir Kay instantly to siunmon him. Then he required
of him tidings of Sir Launcelot.

" Alas 1 sir, I have found none."

'' How now, Sir Aglovale, since you bring no tidings, why
come you here again ? "

At that Aglovale stood speechless; and when the King
asked further: had he forsaken his Quest faithless and fore
sworn ? he smote down his head without excuse.

There looked the indignant Queen, and there Sir Mordred
smiled despiteful, while Arthur spoke in cold anger.

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS lOT

"Yon, Si Aglovale, who owe more to Sir Laiincelot than
does any man, give account of why you stand here without him,
or any tidings of him."

Aglovale looked up and down. Came a sense of naked-
nesi as cover of sounds drifted off; for the face of Aithni
made silence. The tread of a knight entering struck haid at
his back. One came and saluted the King in the name of
Sit Perdvale. Aglovale turned agape.

Said Arthur, " In good time, Sir Persides, come you to
speak of Sir Percirale, for he beside you is his biothei, Sii
Aglovale."

"Sooth in good time," said Persides; "for Sir Perdvale
has charged me with a message that is mainly to Sir Aglovale."

He told all how Perdvale had loosed him from the chain,
and delivered his servants, and reproved the lewd lady. Then
he gave out that unhappy message,

" Sir Percivale bids you not to seek after him, for he is in
the Quest to seek Sir Launcelot Though you seek him, he
says, yoa shall not find him, and he will never see you nor the
court till he has found Sir Launcelot"

So came the message home to him who, despairing, had
fonaken faith, honour, and the Quest of Launcelot ; and those
that listened considered it fit and fait enough, and approved
^ Percivale.

"Well, well," said Arthur.

Aglovale lifted up his hands and turned about once, as a
man that is hanged lifts his hands and tums on the cord.
He cried against hb brother: "He departed from me un-
kindly."

TTie hardest man there present was a little moved for the
sound of the words. The first to speak was Sir Persides,
scarcely understanding what he witnessed.

"Sir, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any
now living," he said. "And ye, Sir Kay and Sir Mordred,
my fair lords both," he said, "Sir Percivale greets you well
both, and sends you word by me that he trusts to God or ever
he come to the court again to be of as great nobleness as

108 A6L0VALE DE 6AUS

ever were you botii, and more men to speak of his nobleness
than ever thej did you."

'' It may well be," answered Kay, bluntly, " but at that
time he was made knight he was full unlikely to prove a good
kni^L"

Then said Arthur, wording slow, ''As for that he must
needs prove a good knight, for his father and his brethren,"
said Arthur, " were noble knights," said Arthur.

\^^thout anger, without compassion, he spoke, eyeing Sir
Aglovale as though he were not there. One word more he
gave, when Queen Guenever leaned across and spoke low at
his ear.

" Sir Aglovale is dead — dead," said Arthur, heavily. " Well,
well, I say he is dead to knighthood."

So came to an end Aglovale's vain hope of redeeming his
name knightly. By the way he came he departed from
Camelot hastily, and went to the cover of living death.

Meanwhile, through the longest days that ever he breathed,
Brose followed Sir Perdvale on the Quest of Launcelot
Hither and thither, forsaking all forecast order, they wandered
as do the winds. " As God shall lead," said Perdvale.

Day after day Brose would say his best to show forth his
master as he knew and loved him ; he would urge excuses for
him even at his worst ; he would give many particulars, garb-
ling as he thought fit ; he would add lamentable intercession.
And he would swallow back curses, and keep down the passion
and complaint kicking at his throat, as day after day Sir
Percivale sufifered him patiently, and spoke gently again, and
gave him never one warm word from die heart. Night after
night, when Brose snored at his feet, Percivale would rise
shuddering, and go apart to pray clear of the man, whose rude
touch tried him almost beyond endurance, who could ofifer no
truth from his ftill heart that was not coloured by his own
coarse nature and dark conscience.

" As God shall lead," said Percivale ; and it came to pass
that one day Brose said, *' Look you, sir, where God has led
you."

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 109

Perdnle looked about him and knew the place. They
were come to the Forest Crosft-roads. The elder-blossom was
brown and shed, but the scent of it came back to him ; he saw
moonlight then at noon ; he heard the squeak of night in the
pping of day ; all the siumy place was steeped with the dark
of sorrow.

Suddenly Fercivale came to himself. Broae beheld him
with gloomy satis&ction as tears rained down his face. No
[deadings of his had ever moved him to a tear, but now it was
good to see bow he wepL On Brose, too, the night came back
strong with remorse for the wicked mischief he had done. He
held quiet awhile, watching Sir Ferdvale and curing him-
1^. At last be came close and said, " Sir, you need me no
longer."

" Leave me. Go ! " said Sir Perdvale, astray.

Brose wheeled and faced him. " I mean going ; for I see
that you need me no longer now," he said, his bard eyes Ssed
against the teai-stained visage.

" Ah, Mend I " died Perdvale, understanding him then.

The man's face stiffened, " God knows I have done my
best Sir, I have told you only truth."

" Friend," said Sir Ferdvale again, " that I do believe,"
and he offered his hand.

Brose backed. " If I be dead, remember me some day to
my lord Sir Aglovale ; say how it was at your bidding I left
him, and but to serve him ; say bow I have served yon for his
sake. For I dread to be slain at sight, and I would he should
know."

"Bear with me, Brose, and abide. I would keep you
according to my word."

"Sir, I go to seek my master. Take or leave me as
you will."

Said Perdvale, his voice broken with grief, "Would to
God I were fit and free."

" Look you, sir, and consider this place well. I, too, was
here that night, when you lay there, and there Sir Aglovale
stood. The Devil was at me then to come out and tell you.

110 A6L0VALE D£ 6ALIS

there before his fiure, what he was looking upon there in the
white night I tell you now. In this very place he saw one
come driving his prisoners; he saw one bound, wounded,
carried away to a miserable end ; he saw one turn from rescue
and go to ruin the only hope of his fellow who trusted hinu
Look you, that was shameful, pitiful, villainous I It was ! "

Perdvale, with wide, tranced eyes, was watching the face
of Brose as he spoke ; like a child he was giving himself to
hear and understand.

'^ He saw that looking back : the shame, the pity, the villainy
of it, looking back. You and I have not so far to look back to
see such a sight

"Lol" cried Brose, lifting hands and voice. "Lol my
master and your brother bound for misery. Lo ! I his servant,
that drove and struck him. Lo ! you his brother, his hope,
that forsook his rescue. Face of God, these go for to outdo
those!"

He spoke in vain. Percivale, indeed, rocked and bowed
before the rude force of the man, but in the end he lifted his
head and returned answer.

" By the face of God, I know I am not fit nor free."

In chagrin and disgust Brose turned his horse, and without
another word passed away, never looking back. Percivale
neither stirred nor spoke, watching him out of hearing and
sight So they ended

Alone in the brimming woodland, Percivale lighted down,
and kneeling at his brother's station, wept like a lost child.
" Ah, God, be Thou my light that I may go right''

Years before, to Nacien, Percivale in boyhood had told his
pitiful doubt of heart. " I would eschew both love and fear,"
said the boy. " I have no guide ..." The good man had
given him coimsel of perfection — beyond him then, beyond
him still. He came to better imderstanding in the Quest of
the Grail, with Galahad and Bors, and with Saint his sister,
best of all to teach him charity.

*' The Devil," said Saint, ** seeing you win charity, does assail
your faith." And Percivale remembered how it was so when,

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 111

after fifteen days of torpor, his heart woke again in the forest
haunt to lore for his brother, when almost it seemed right to
him to go wrong, to forsake faith, honour, and the Quest of
looncelot, and turn again to Aglovale.

He told her all thus far ; and she, regarding him with clear
eyts, knew him by heart: his deep contrition, his perfect
surrender of self-irill, his pure worship foregoing the subtle
temptation to assume as a prime duty the righting of his own
error, his omstancy and truth that kept him from the deceit of
anogance in the guise of humility. For he and she were bat
united in the rare and wonderful love and understanding of a
[ngeon pair.

Brother and sister bowed close as Fercivale spoke low for
the telling of a great mystery : bow first he saw the Holy Grall,
and knew not what he saw.

He told how right so at the Forest Cross-roads Sir Ector
came upon him, and from that noon to sundown fought him
deadly hard. And when both were sore wounded past earthly
remedy, lo I traversing that haunt of woe, a shining and a
breath of sweetness passed,; and whole without a scar, he and
his fellow stood up from the bloody dust in a world a-bloom.

"Sir Ector could not see; and I, I know not what I saw.
1 was aware of a brightness moving ; even against the sun it
shone br^ht; and against white bloom I was aware of a
maiden in white moving : yea, for the elder-bloom was fresh
renewed t And her I thought to be that dumb maid who was
dead ; and then again, I thought, — sister Saint, I thought
her you I"

She began to tremble, and her eyes were tranced and light.

" Sister Saint," whispered Perdvale, "was it you?"

" I know not, brother. It was not I in the body."

Aright she named day and hour, and told how at that time
she was taken for dead by her sisters.

" Ah, Perdvale, even to you I scarce know how to tell the
mystery. I deemed that in the spirit I had seen the Holy
Grail, that it slid and touched my breast between my hands.
And mth the double sense of a dream, meseemed that earthly

118

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

life was the daik womb wherem we grew together, and our
quickening was upon us, you and me together, as it was at the
beginning before we were bom.

'* And thenceforward," said Saint, " come thoughts strange
and simple like half-remembered dreams ; and in the fear of
God I speak, lest I do dishonour to a gift of prophecy. Then
also I left worldly life and vanity ; and I clipped ofif that my
glory of hair, and wrought of it a girdle in prayer and vigil,
with fiEuth that to me was ordained some service when the
Holy Quest should come to be fulfilled''

That crowning grace of charity, lacking in Perdvale, had
ever shown excellent in Saint In the end she gave away her
Ufe in pure charity.

*' Madam, for God's love pray for me ! " was her meek call
on the miserable creature for whose remedy she, the last of a
hundred slaughtered virgins, ofifered a dishful of blood that
drained away life from her generous heart

So in the body she led Percivale no further in the Quest of
theGnuL

CHAPTER XII

OW from straying, this tale turns back to go with
rose.
Casting to and &o through Galis, he came upon
tidings of his master, and traced him towards Camelot, till
meeting with Sir Persides he learned enough to turn him again
distracted. To Naden the Hermit he sought in vain, and to
Sii Heimind, and, come to Cardiff, heard how the Queen was
dead. He had wit to consider that if Sir Aglovale knew, her
tomb would draw him ; so he prayed Sir Hermind to have a
watch set about the place against his coming secretly.

As Brose was passing the sacred walb where in the chancel
the Queen was buried, pelting weather beat from the north-east,
and the windows were ardent for Benediction, so that he was
minded to enter. Against the north wall stood a leper in the
wet, with bell and bowl and cloth, his covered face turned to
the strait window that is called the leper's squint. Brose
barely glanced on him as he went by; but when, having made
an end of stating within and of his poor devotions, he departed,
the leper he noticed again for pity. The man kneeled, in-
effectually sheltered by the pent above ; his frieze clothing hung
on him drenched and heavy, his bowl on the rain-washed slabs
beside him held a puddle of water, Brose cried " Ho t " twice,
and the lepec lifted his head and turned towards him the two
great eyelet-holes of his headcloth,

" Poor devil 1 " said Brose, as from his distance he spun a
silver piece that plashed to its mark in the bowL

The leper neither took up the alms nor blessed the giver,
I 113

114 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

but with monstrous eyes regarded him as he swung on his
way.

From Cardiff, Brose turned west along the coast, for he
deemed that Sir Aglovale might have taken to the seas as
before. At Milford Haven he lighted on a false clue, so that
he crossed the channel to Ireland, and after a bootless search
returned disheartened to Cardigan at a snowy time.

It happened that as Brose came up to the bridge of
Cardigan, which was narrow and a little steep, he heard the
tinkling of a bell shrill in the frosty air, and saw a tall leper
making up on the further side. " Now," said Brose to himself,
churlish, '' if he turn he may come on, but if he come on he
shall turn." The bridge was of such a width that he was but
just within his rights to enforce on the unclean his obligation
to turn back before any he met in a strait way. To the crown
of the bridge the leper came, and stood still as Brose neared.
He did not shake his bell nor lift his cry, " Unclean ! " and he
did not turn, but made way quickly, pressing close against the
coping.

"Way, there!" called Brose, setting to his curst game.
" Way there, fitchew 1" he repeated.

Up went his cudgel threatening, and as the leper only
shrank flatter against the stones, he strode forward and dropped
it smartly on his skull. His choler rose, so obstinately the
man stood.

" I will learn you," he cried truculently, " to take heed of
where you bring your filthy carcase 1 " and set to with tongue
and arm; nor would he stay when the leper turned about
without a word to plod back the way he came.

Heated into brutality, Brose drove him, with blows and
abuse, clear off the bridge and into a roadside drift. He
laughed when he looked back, so grotesque was the figure
he left, up to the middle in snow, stockstill, with dark eyelet-
holes watching him away.

From the castle of Cardigan, Brose took horse again, and
turned into Northgalis. Sir Aglovale there was greatly hated,
so that he had an evil time and perils for his sake. Passing

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 115

tiience through the Waste Lands he came at last to that Prioty
where Bennet was buried. There he saw Favel, and the
harness and sword of Sir Percivale, and was shocked to think
that his master had left the world for a religious life. To this
the Prior gave denial. Months ago, he said, Sir Aglovale had
come and gone, he knew not why nor where. But he would
answer no further, saying he must keep Sir Aglovale's counsel,
fiiose entreated and taged in vain; then in his violence he laid
hold of the Prior, whereat the brethren ran and fell upon him
together, and thrust him out of door.

He fell into sullen dejection when he had ridden off his
rage. Suddenly, as a bolffrom the clouds, enl^htenment blazed.
He remembered the leper of Cardiff, and the leper of Cardigan,
and knew him.

" Oh, my God, my God I " jabbered the miserable man,
and writhed and sweated as the dreadful truth in all its bearings
took hold of him. He protested frantically against conviction :
"But I drubbed him — but I drubbed Wml" Yet memory
testified against him that the leper went halt before him through
the snow. " My lord, my lord I " howled Brose ; and he beat
on stocks and stones the headpiece that had served so ill, till
confusion came, and crying out against an impostor, he laughed.
Like a new shock came the rush of truth, and he went the
round again.

It was impossible : it was certain. The injured master he
sought after in mortal dread had let him pass without a sign ;
had taken the ^ominy of blows rather than grant him one
word.

"Do I deserve such dealing?" cried Brose. "Killing
were more human and just Oh, my lord, how had you the
heart I Ah, yotw poor body I Ah, your poor servant ! "

A year had yet to run before the btal end. To retrieve
his error Brose did all that man could do ; he took no keep
nor resl^ and swore that he would not till he was dead or
reconciled. Horrible was his task. Among the human dregs
of vice and misery he sought his master, dreading to find him
a leper in flesh at well as in clothing, bi lazarcotes and pales

116 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

he took lodging. Little fellowship had he but with lepers :
creatures so wretched and degraded that they lied and cheated,
and misguided for pure spite one who came among them whole,
clean, uncovered*

Only once did Brose meet certain proof that tidmgs of his
master were more than loose figments. He was sent to a taU
leper who mimicked Sir Aglovale's gait and movements so
closely that for a moment he was deceived. Shaking like one
in an ague he stood forward, and hardly could he force a
whisper, "My lord, is it you?" The answer came in the
tones of Sir Aglovale, but the matter was leprous and abomin-
able. Brose snatched away the headcloth, and saw a rotten
mask with eyes fishy-blue. A ring of lepers made merry at
this trick.

" Foul beast ! " he yelled, and laid the cheat flatlings with
a hearty cuff.

Quick as a cat the man sprang up and closed. The stink
and the touch of him were too much for Brose; he wrestled
free, turned tail and ran, the leper at his heels, and the rest
behind, cheering in pursuit He took to the water, swam the
Severn, and so escaped from their pale. The merry lepers
gathered on the brink, and watched the queasy man with
antics and laughter.

When another winter was past, and elms were ruddy and
quick, still at his search went Brose unflagging. Through pest-
dose, spital, and lazar-cote he had passed untainted for so long
that he ceased to dread the risks he ran. Yet when one day
his knees failed him suddenly, at that first warning of danger
his heart also failed him suddenly, and he made sure he was
stricken for death. He headed for the place where he would
be buried, and rode as it were a race.

He was at the end of his powers when he knocked at the
Priory gate. He asked for the Prior, and the good man came
out austere to question him of his need.

" Of your charity give me a grave by my brother Bennet,
and a word for me to my lord Sir Aglovale, if ever he come,
and a truss of hay to die on."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 117

Sense forsook Brose when he bad said this, but on retum
he was aware of more kindness offered than he had pre-
sumed to ask. With his ill-behaviour to die Prior on his
mind, he muttered, " Let be. I can die well enough without
more help."

At this the Piioi was amazed and grieved, holding bim a
miscreant rejecting ministration to his soul. Nevertheless he
did not withdraw benevolence. In a little loft be had the sick
man laid, bedded with a blanket of scarlet, a truss of sweet
clover bay, and a pillow of hops ; and he appointed one to tend
bim, and himself gathered simples and mixed drinks, for he
was a good, hard Christian.

But of that fever Brose was not to die ; and after eight weeks
he was on a fair way to recover. A mere skeleton, weak as a
babe be lay, renewing the use of sense before the powers of
thought were able. Pleasant was the scent of pines, blowing
through the open shutten, and the sound of April rains, and
the sight of ^y, tree, wooing pigeon. Once every day the
good Prior climbed up by ladder and trap to fulfil his duty, and
broke that pleasant dream of sweet spring with his admonitions
and rebukes. Brose would sigh in relief when he ceased and
w^it, feeling the gratitude he owed a weary load ; while the
Prior would sigh and pray for that poor soul, so wantit^ in all
dgns (tf grace.

Came the last day. Brose slept In bis dreams he heard,
as often, the sound of uneven paces coming to his bed. " Ah,
my lord," be muttered in his sleep. Who then fetched a
painful breath? Brose started up awake. There in leper's
babit, stood be motionless, monstrous-eyed, holding the tongue
of bis bell. Rigid with terror, Brose gazed a moment. Alas,
alas I Guilty fear and shame were stronger than love ; he cast
up his hands, named him gasping, cowered back upon his
pillow, and buried his face.

The thick drumming of his poor heart covered the sound
erf" retreating feet; but he heard the fall of the trap. Too late
he lifted up a feeble, frandc cry. Naked from the bed be
started, fell down, crawled on bis knees along the floor to the

118 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

trap. That he could not raise. ** My lord, my lord i " he
wailed, and beat above the exit with all the strength of his
weak hands. None heard to answer. He held, listening.
Only rain sounded on the roof. He beat and listened, and
called and beat again.

There was a shuttered gap in the wall for storage to the
loft, and presently through the chink came up the little waft of
sound : the ringing of that leper's bell at a distance, coming
near and nearer below. Brose staggered up to his feet,
snatched back the hasp, and tugged desperately. The shutter
swung slowly in. He stood on the silL The green world
rushed against him, silvered with slants of rain; quick and
dear tinkled the bell, and there strode he the leper, already
past

'' My lord Sir Aglovale 1" with all his voice cried Brose.

He made no sign of hearing. With head bowed against
the rain he went on at unaltered speed. " My lord, my lordl"
He was past the reach of that broken waiL Brose flung up his
arms in despair. Oh, cast body— cast soul !

Sir Aglovale was out of hearing then ; but he saw a young
server, scudding to shelter, halt and jerk up his hands. His
heart caught dreadftilly as he turned to look behind. There
was cause. At the foot of the wall he had passed lay a heap
that was hiunan.

Aglovale lifted the poor naked body from the stones,
knowing well enough that he was answerable. Though life
was not out, hopeless injury was visible on the staring frame.
Such skin and bone was light enough to bear, yet gentlest
handling fetched moans of pain so grievous that Aglovale
was constrained to lay his burden down on the nearest turf,
where an elder-tree gave a little shelter from the fleet rain-
shower. Hood and gown he stripped off, turned them, and
spread them on the moist groimd; he took ofi* also the harsh
hair that was his shirt. The young server looked on in
trembling horror; then he came to his aid, and between them
careftdly they put the dying man to lie dry. The lad pulled
oflF his gown too, and covered him, and himg up the cilice

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 119

against the weather ; while Aglovale sat himself down and raised
his head upon his knee.

" Go in and bid here a priest in all haste to give housel-
ling."

" Sir," Btammeied the lad, " oh, sir, I saw — 1 doubt if that
may be."

" Begone and obey I " said Aglovale so fiercely that he went
without more words.

Biose ceased from moans at the sound of his master's
voice ; his eyelids moved a little ; there was a break of breath.
Aglovale laid his hand over the heart and listened. Quiedy it
resumed, and Brose clasped bodi hands fast about his wrist
and looked up for his face. He was quite satisfied. Once or
twice a low grunt broke, compound of laugh and sob, wringing
the hearer's heart.

Came a feeble whisper, " My dear lord, apeak to your
sorry servant"

Brokenly Aglovale answered, " Brose, my dear servant,
your sorry master I Jesu Christ show mercy on us both."

" Lifl me, my lord, that I may better see you."

Aglovale shifted him up a little, back against his knees.
The deatlKlew stood thick on the man's brow, and the brow
t£ bis master was as wet with anguish.

Closely Brose scanned the face, blanched pallid as his own,
and the unclothed body.

" Clean," he said, " quite clean."

He put out his hands, stroked and felt over the hard, lean
flesh, sinewy aims, chest, ribs ; he touched upon the old wound,
open. "Ah me, unhealed 1" he muttered pitiful, eyeing the
stain on his fingers.

"Friend, Meadl" said Aglovale in his pains. "Dig in
deeper and have out my heart at once, to know, as God does
know, its grief. Oh, pardon, Brose I I knew not what I did."

" Nor did I." The first tears that ^lovale had ever seen
stood in his hard eyes. " Nor did I. How I did drub you,
not knowing I My lord, I got worse aches than I gave. Ah,
but you were hard 1"

120 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

The Prioii with the lad and others, was coming; as fast he
came as he could walk with reverence for That he carried in
his hands.

** Forgive me all, Brose, for the love and fear of Jesu God,
and make you ready to receive your Saviour."

A spasm crossed the countenance of Brose; his jaw fell
slack, his eyes dilated and rested upon his master in a sombre,
inscrutable stare.

Aglovale called on high, ''Haste, oh slugs, haste!" and
turned again to wipe ofif sweat and tears. '* Mercy ! what
pain!"

" No," whispered Brose. " So little now."

Then came the Prior, breathless, and beheld those two
dreadftd men, with naked bodies, holding each other, with faces
drawn in anguish at gaze on each other. He put the pyx into
other hands, and fell on his knees.

'' Repent, wretched sinner I It b not too late, even now.
The mercies of God are very wide. Confess and be sorry for
your sins, and though the deadliest, even that may be forgiven
you."

Brose never shifted his eyes. The film of death was in
them, and over his face spread the subtle change that never
lifts. Yet for some minutes he breathed gently : great minutes,
ftill crammed by the Prior with pious entreaties, that the dying
man heard as they were falling rain. His lips moved, and all
hushed to hear.

'' My lord, kiss of peace."

He smiled faintly as Aglovale leaned forward, breast to breast,
and kissed him. His hands tightened their hold with an effort,
then fell loose. His head dropped forward on his master's
shoulder with a little chuckle of content No beat nor breath
could Aglovale feel stir in the ribs against him.
" God receive his soul to rest"

None said Amen. The Prior stood up trembling, and he
and his company looked on each other with white, horrified
faces ; only the young server had dropped on his face and was
sobbing* Aglovale rested as still as if he, too, were dead, and

AGLOVALE DE GAUS ISl

for a while none had die heart to speak in the presence of such
death and grief.

When at last tiie Prior came and touched him, he lifted up
a ghastly visage. All in mome silence they watched him
as, with the sign of the cross, he closed the lids of the dead
man, and laid him down reverently, lifted up the jaw, stTaigh^
ened the limhs, lapped him decently. Last he crossed him
brow and breast. Without dispute the Prior stood by, sedng
his office done by another.

Then said Aglovale, " He shall be buried bende bis
brother."

" Alas I Sir Aglovale," quavered the Prior, " he may not be
buried there. How came he by his death?"

PainAilly Aglovale brought forth what be knew of the
truth.

" I caused his death ; I confess it. I left him in distress —
he wanting comfort — without a word I went, for I am curst.
And e^er after me he leaned out ftom a window, calling — and
fell. Ah, gape and wag youi heads upon me, who have lost
my best friend by unkindness."

" One who saw says he died otherwise ; that he cast himself
down wilful to death."

He cried out m^htily in terror, " A lie, oh, a lie ! Who
has said it ? "

Like frightened sheep they huddled from him, thrusting
forward the witness to the Prior's hand.

" I said but what I saw," whimpered the lad. " It is God's
truth I did see — I can say no otherwise. He laid his aims
across his eyes — so 1 He stepped back — so 1 He pitched him-
self forward headlong, as would to Heaven I had never seen."

Aglovale turned and fell on his knees by the body to look
in the dead face. " Brose, Brose 1 " he questioned huskily of
eternal silence. Further be questioned, higher, " Oh, my God,
my God, my God ! " He surrendered question with a great
ciy of despair, and called on death and damnation.

To the Prior he came on his knees to beg passionately for
Christian burial to Brose.

182 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

^* May I be buried like a dog, but not he. For howsoever
he died I was the cause. Show such kmdness to his poor
body, that God above may see to consider on kindness to his
poor souL"

As he kneeled, holding the good man by the skirt, sup-
plicating, trembling, tears sprang and ran down his haggard
&ce, and his speech was hindered by sobs so fierce that on his
naked body the ribs stood out straining, and the hurt in his
side welled and trickled. So piteous was the spectacle that
the Prior himself was in tears to refuse him. Yet, as was his
duty, so he did ; and since other consolation he would offer
was rejected blasphemously, he and his company at last
departed heavily, sodden to the heart, and left the wretched
man shedding curses.

Presently two came again with mattocks and a piece of
scarlet blanket for Brose in his last bed. These they left, for
Sir Aglovale would not suffer them to deal with the body.

Within the chapel the Prior gathered his company, and all
engaged in pitiful pra3rer. For the dead man they might not
pray, but for the living they prayed right hard and constantly.
Only the young server, wantmg his gown, stole aloft before the
day was done. Behind the shutter he laid himself down, and
by the chink at the sill watched the burial of Brose.

The world was washed and radiant at the stoop of day,
jubilant with singing birds, fragrant, delightful, topped by a
rainbow-sweep wasting up into pure sky. The elder-tree
glittered to wind and sun. At its roots, like a blot of blood,
lay the scarlet rolL

Sir Aglovale dug the grave. Dark, dry blood crumbled
from his side and fresh red ran, as he peeled off the emerald
turf and trenched through damp soil and dry. With every
heft came a little start of blood.

The body of Brose was already rigid as he reclothed it in
scarlet and brought it to the brink of the grave. There it
rested, while down in the pit stood Sir Aglovale, worked with
sobs, pressmg to the lifeless breast his Caoe and hands.

Then the young server saw the shrouded day entered to

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 128

its final home ; but to the bed of the grave he could not spy.
The son sank and set, and the rose of ere mounted the sky
and faded. " Ah, mercy ! " shivered the lad. " Will he never
quit the pit ? Is he, too, dead ? "

The lining of a bell summoned turn away then ; but later
he crept back, to see Sir Aglovale filling up the grave in the
pearly twilight, treading down the mould, resetting the turf.
The last he saw of that sorry burial was him prostrate on the
unhallowed gnve of hia poor servant

Yet Brose, who had litde piety and much love, though no
■take iHnned him down, rested quietly thereafter as any of the
blessed dead.

CHAPTER XIII

NACIEN the Hermit was stricken with age and feeble, yet
he came down from the height of Wenlock Edge when
a child brought in word of a miserable wight below.
Where first he had met with Sir Aglovale he found him again,
and knew him through his disguise when he spoke.

Sir Aglovale refused consolation. " He is dead. I have
destroyed him. Body and soul I have destroyed him."

"God defend! My son, what have you done? Is he
your brother. Sir Perci^e?"

" Brose, who loved me. Brose. He is dead and buried
like a dog. I destroyed him body and soul."

He would give no clearer answer, so Naden forsook
question and lifted supplication to Heaven for them both,
living and dead. Aglovale stopped his ears, cursing ; and he
started away when the holy man made the sign of the cross ;
and like a demon put to flight he took his frantic course, that
ended headlong well-nigh to his destruction.

Nacien took him in charge then, and by his skill and good-
ness preserved his life ; and sense and strength came back to
him, though so slowly, that near a month passed before he was
fit to bear question.

" I have lost," said Aglovale. " Trouble me no further."

"What have you done? What of your brother. Sir
Perdvale?"

"He has done with me."

He told all, little by little ; neither for relief nor counsel,
but rather as a docile child because Nacien bade. With
sorrow and deep compassion the saintly man heard that

124

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 125

grievous tale of affliction and loss ; yet, for all his godliness
and wisdom, he could not find die remedy for that broken
heart."

" Sir, cease your pains for me," said Aglovale, " they have
no use."

" Take heed, my son, lest you fall to the deadliest of uns,
that is despair. Thereby perished Brose."

" Sir," said Aglovale, quivering, " need you preach to me
of his damnation who loved me ? "

" la the name of God," said Naden, " I do speak as there
is need ; for too like his love for you has been yours for your
brother — insubordinate. So has the countenance of the creature
been worshipped and Uie countenance of the Creator despised."

" lliere is no need to tell me so. Cease and let me be."

He answered so not sullen, but weary and indifferent
And Nacien did not discover &e ground of his condition, for
searching question he met with silence ; and when encourage-
ment was offered him with a measure of praise, came the same
answer, " Cease, cease, there is no use."

So in patience and prayer the hermit refrained for a time,
grieved and wondering that the bravest penitent that ever he
guided should have so forsaken faith and hope.

Aglovale, as soon as he was able to go, asked for his leper's
habit Then Nacien called a child, and bade him go fetch
what belonged to Sir Aglovale, An hour went before he came
again.

With tramp of hoof and rattle of steel he came again ; and
Aglovale, distiubed, saw the blond mane of Favel and the
arms he had left at the Fiiory. These Nacien had sent for
privily, and bestowed ready for him near at hand. He refused
them, saying he had no will to resume knightly condition ; and
still he refused when Nacien censured the leper's cover he had
taken, and urged him to renew worthy living,

" I have tried and failed," he said.

Along the windy ridge came ladies on white palfreys, riding
at a soft pace. With hoods and amices grey they seemed
lel^ous ; but irtwo they lighted down, and one came forward

196 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

quick-step, her hood slipped back and discovered bright locks
floating free, and beneath the fluttered grey shone rich vesture,
fit for the daughter of a king. Then Nacien knew her and
cried welcome.

Aglovale withdrew to roam the ridge apart. Her face was
solemn and eager like his sister Saint; lovelier he had never
beheld. Soon he was followed by two other ladies, who
saluted him courteously, and he them.

*' Sir," said one, '' methinks your dress belies you ; and we
fain would think that yours be these arms we see here."

" Fair ladies, no. They are not mine."

" Tell us if you know whose they be."

" Those are the arms of Sir Fercivale de Galis."

At that the two ladies looked one at the other and smiled.

"Fair sir, there you mistake; for we know well Sir
Fercivale, and have but lately departed from him; and this
shield has a blazon like his, but with a difference ? "

"Where have you met Sir Fercivale? Where have you
left him? O fair ladies, give me tidings, for I was once
tutor to Sir Fercivale, and loved him well"

" Sooth, sir, that is to your praise, for truly Sir Fercivale is
one that for knighthood has but few peers."

Straightway she told her tale : how on a morning as she
was hawking by the water, two knights came riding and called
to her from the further side ; and she gave them to know that
within the castle thereby they should find the mightiest man
alive, who of late had overtlm)wn five hundred knights ; and
therewith she pointed where a baige lay moored ; and straight
one of these knights entered with his horse, and crossed over
to offer battle. And of the battle she told that she went to see :
how for more than two hours two of the best knights in the
world fought equal, till with broken harness and sore wounds
they rested and enquired of each other their names and told
them. He, the young knight that came, was Sir Fercivale de
Galis ; and the other, known heretofore in the castle as the
Chevalier Mai Fet, gave his true name : he was Sir Launcelot
du Lake.*^

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS 1S7

Flushed and stammering like a dnmkard, Agbvale gam

" It was his Quest ; wotshipfully has he achieved iL Two
hours equal battle with Sir Laoncelot is great worship. O
happy ladies to have seen t "

" Sir, there is behind more to tell to the worship of Sir
Ferdvale de Galis. Will 70U hear what high matter was told
by that other knight, his fellow ? "

" Yea, madam. Who was his fellow ? "

"The noble knight, Sir Ector de Maris, brother to Sir
Launcelot da Lake, he was his fellow. Hear in brief what
he told.

" As he rode in a forest, a knight armed and ready stood
in his way, even Sir Percivale. Howbeit they knew not each
other for fellows of the Round Table, and both m the Quest
of Sir Launcelot, for as noble kn^bts they justed at sight.
And Sir Percivale had a fall. Then he required Sir Ector to
fight to an end on foot, and so they did. Fair and even they
fought, for one was young, eager and strong, and one was sure,
knowing, and practised. From noon to sundown they foi^ht,
till scarcely could they stand for loss of blood, as the wounds
they gave were many and great Never before had either
been so hard matched, and so they fought to the death. And
when they had no more strength to fight, and knew they were
slain men, then they spoke together, and were known to each
other with their names ; and they made goodly sorrow together,
and namely that they might not come by a priest to receive
their Saviour at their ending. Then Sir Ferdvale kneeled
down, and with great devotion commended them to Jesu-God.

" fair sir 1 but he did not depart this life ! Truly, sir,
be is not dead, nor is Sir Ector. To the glory of out Maker
and Saviour they have their living in this world.

" Then and there, whereas they looked to die, csme and
passed a moving mystery of light and sweetness; and there-
upon they foisook pain and faintness and stood up whole of
their bodies. And one of them had grace to see a maiden go
past bearii^ a shining vessel; yea, Sir Peidvale MW, as only

188 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

die pure in heart may see, the Holy Grail that is the vessel
with the blessed Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ"

Speechless was Aglovale. He kneeled down, and the two
ladies looked on his face wondering; looked on each others
took hands together and went away very softly, leaving him
entranced and unaware.

All manner of sweet influences found out Aglovale where
he had lost himself. There was a little patch of dim blue,
a weed embedded in thyme, that rooted to unfading remem-
brance. The benediction of the sun, the embrace of the
wind, the inspirations of fresh may, were solvents to dividual
sense; a fire, an air, an essence was he, above the poor
particles that walked the ridge with him, halt, wasted, feeble.

At the close of day the voice of Nacien recalled him.
" Give praise to God, my son.'*

Said Aglovale, '' He has seen the Holy GraiL Percivale.
Fercivale has seen the Holy Grail."

The saying of it was sweet to him ; he said it over and
over; he a^ed to hear it by the mouth of Nacien, and listened
agape a little, smiling, as a child listens to old rote.

Below went the three ladies, riding through thickets of may
into the lowland mist. " O happy ladies 1 to have seen and
heard. Sir, they vanished from me. What are they ? "

Right so drew near a fresh visitant. With the child to
guide, an old man in religious clothing came up from below ;
like one of the prophets, his face shone ruddy and glorious in
the evening glow on the height Nacien hailed him with joy,
and then Sir Aglovale knew him for Sir Brastias, once a noble
knight, who in old age had turned to holy living as a hermit

'^Su:," said the child to Aglovale, **the lady who spoke
with you sends you word that to-mom she rides for the court
of King Arthur; and she prays you to go with her for the high
feast of Pentecost; and this is her token for yoiu: wear." And
with that he handed branches of thorn, widi blossom of red
and of white.

Amazed at that gracious invitation from one who seemed
to him like a heavenly agent, Aglovale took the blossoming

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 129

thorn, and pondered, and understood a bii significance. The
two holy men passed him near, lapt in discourse on a high
matter. They spoke of the Holy Gnul, of the best knif^t of
all the world, of the coming feast of Pentecost when he should
be made known. A litde way off upon the ridge the child
be^an chanting his evening hymn. Facing the sunset sky,
where a star glimmered, be stood ; and this he chanted :

" Faiiest Lord Jetn,

Rolei of all natnce,
O Tbon of God ind man the son I

Thee wonld I wonhip,

Thee would I cheiiih,
Tbon my muI'i glory, joy, aiid ctom.

" Fail it llie mndune,

Faim still the laoonlight.
And all the twiidding itany host.

JesD shines faiiei,

Jean shines deaier.
Than all the lighti that hcftven can boast."

Then Aglovale was left to twilight and solitude, mazing
over the blossoming colours of Pentecost, swayed by the gusts
of heaven.

The flowers were in his bands as late he entered from the
night, and stood before Nacien, diffident, expectant, fain.

" God has been gracious to you, my son," said the hermit,

" sir, an so you bold, seeing I have served under God,
and not in vain, consider me now and stint me not I Give me
to see according to your light, that I may worship more
perfecdy."

"In the name of God I charge you," said Maden.
" Renew your service ; renew your life. Go down hence and
fill up the number of the Round Table. For I tell you that
at this feast of Pentecost the highest worship shall be&ll the
fellowship of the Round Table that ever man shall see."

" One has bidden me so already. And see I here is token
die has sent Who u she? What are they— those ladies ? "

" It were wdl that yon go with that courteous lady, for she

180 AGLOVALE D£ GALIS

rides to forewarn King Arthur of this high matter. Also to
warn Sir Launcelot that not he, but another, from that day
shall take name as the best knight of the world."

Said Aglovale, aglow, '' Oh, sir, name him here and now !
the best knight of the world; him you foretold to me from
the beginning. Satisfy me quite with his name."

Then Nacien discerned and ended his flight. " My son,
his name would not satisfy you. Be content with less. I give
you to know that the fairest lady of those three, she is mother
to him that shall be the best knight of the world."

Aglovale fingered the thorn and plucked off a blossom.

" But go you down to Camelot to the feast ; there may you
see and be satisfied. For he that shall come shall do marvel-
lously, and many marvels await and shall be achieved of him.
And he shall never be overthrown ; and he shall never fail ;
and he shall slay no man unhappily, for the will of God shall
be with his sword ; and he shall be of perfect faith ; and he
shall be a maiden clean of life and heart ; and the virtue of
his touch shall win back sight and health, and his presence
shall give comfort to souls in pain."

Aglovale did not lift a look as the holy man spoke,
absorbed in prophecy. He shed off blossom and leaf, broke
up the bare thorn, and flung it to the hearth.

"I will not go !" said Aglovale, and turned out into the
night

So on the morrow that courteous lady waited and looked
for Sir Aglovale in vain, and alone she came to Camelot
Also Sir Brastias made delay, and sought him in vain that day
and the next; and so he came late to Camelot with his
message on the day of Pentecost Doubtless Sir Aglovale
watched their goings, for on the day following the child saw
him at dawn roaming the ridge, and took him tidings that
brought him again to Nacien in grief and compunction.

Nacien to his deathbed had gathered up his feet, for the
weight of years was too heavy for him to carry on. Yet, when
Aglovale came in, he strengdiened himself, and sat, and spoke
with him for the last time, clear in thought and speech.

A6L0VALE DE 6AUS 181

Eunestly he prayed and enjoined him to return to his right
idace, to live worthily and kni^tly. Aglovale answered
heavily that he could not and would not ; when he had tried
his utmost all that he did went amiss.

" Lo 1 in Galis. There I failed utterly and was hated and
opposed, till I found Sir Hennind to lend himself; and he
straightway won all I sUove for, lightly and peaceably, and
was loved and approved. Now he rules indeed, and well, and
happily, so I need to trouble Galls no more. And he sita
now at the Table Round, and I am dismissed.

"Yea, sir, knighthood is dead in me. My lord King
Arthur said it : He is dead. And it is true. Once I kept a
dream of great wars coming, when King Arthur might remember
me, how I served him well against Rome. Now I know that
he would remember to forget me.

" All is lost Perdvale is lost to me. And Perdvale has
lost by me; but for me he had been innocent of blood. He
fiwght for me guiltily, for I ween be doubted me then. He
fought for me vindictive, for he loved me then. The &ult was
mine, that I left him in ignonmce. Now he will smite no man
to death for speaking ill of me. Him will I trouble no more.

" And firose is dead."

Naden questioned how, if he refused to serve his fellow-
man in the world, did he purpose to serve God ; and questioned
whether he inclined to a reUgioua life ; and put him in mind
how, long ago, he had asked his prayers that he should
continue ever God's true servant; and, said Nacien, he had
been constant so to pray for him since. And at last Aglovale
was brought to answer him openly, and discover his perilous
despair.

" Sir, I ask you to cease from any prayer for me as one
God's servant ; and for my soul pray not in this world or the
next I will not to be of the fellowship of the blessed souls,
for those I have loved and worshipped have been so troubled
and shamed by me in this world they would take Uttle joy of
my company in the next Right gracious and kind would they
be, but not verily glad. No, not tix mother that bore me,

182 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

not the father that b^ot me ; and I will not to face them and
bedim their worship. And bright Lamorak need never redden
for me. And Fercivale, here or there, need not nerve his
heart to bear with me. And there is one who would turn
away to hide from me ; she loved me, and died of the shame
of it Gilleis, Gilleis, namely I will to spare Gilleis."

Her name was a gaping wound as when Nacien first heard
it when that grief was young.

The saintly old man, patient and compassionate, heard
him through without showing how greatly he was shocked and
grieved.

Then said he, '' Know you not One Who loves you more
than these, Who deserves more your love?"

" Yea, yea, I know," said Aglovale. " My brother Dumor
would be glad of me."

At that Nacien smiled and sighed, but let him carry on.

" Him I loved little, and regarded little while he was alive.
Alas for Dumor I he was so £eur my nearest brother in this life
that I doubt whether I may not meet him where I shall go in
the next For he was an evil liver, profane, sacrilegious, and
merry withall ; and he was cut off imprepared. Wherever he
be, he will be glad of me, and will come brotherly, and hold
my hand, and kiss my cheek, without constraint or grudge.
Fain would I hold to him brotherly as he deserves."

Said Nacien, " I tell you, you do presume most grossly,
and your standing is rotten. God Who made your brothers
alone can judge them ; and He sees not as man sees, for in
His sight the first shall be last and the last first"

Said Aglovale, flushed, "An you speak of Sir Lamorak,
I tell you God Almighty has made few like him. He never
did baseness ; no, nor thought it ; he was fair and strong and
true and courteous from the heart outward ; and he was the
most splendid fighter that ever drew sword. I deem Maker
God is not as an earthly monarch, that He should let such an
one go from His lists to be taken and entered to the boast of
Hell power."

Said Nacien, patiently, " I speak as to Sir Dumor, putting

A6L0VALE DE GAUS ISS

case u to his tqipomted place, an Us Maker i^pid him more
farourably than you his brother."

Then Aglovale answered and ssud, "Yet there is Broae.
Yea so I Mighty God has the heart to damn my poor servant
Biose 1"

Dread fell upon Nacien, for then he imderstood how
despair was rooted; and he recalled how the wretched man
had gone from him, frantic and headlong, almost to destruction,
maybe to perish body and soul even as Brosc. What help
could avail in a case so desperate? what argument could a
dying old man uphold whose faculties were yielding to the
night ? Nacien prayed inwardly awhile before he spoke.

" Have you forgot there is One Who calls you brother,
Whose love is &stei than the love of any you name, Who is
more willii^ and faithful than ever was firose ? "

"Sir Tori" said Aglovale, in a maze. "You mean my
brother die bastard, Sir Tor I "

" No, blind man, not Sir Tor."

Then Aglovale blushed and smote down his head, and held
quiet while Nacien taught and reminded him how Christ Jesn
our Lord is the perfect Brother of poor man; Who was
sorrowing after his love and worship, as he had sorrowed after
Sir Perdvale's or Sir Lamorak's; Whose offered love he
neglected more flagrantly than he had neglected Sir Dumor's.
Gendy and simply, as though he were teaching a little child,
Nacien spoke, and as Aglovale listened. Heaven rushed his
heart

" Ah, spare to rend me I " he said faintly. " It is not for
me now to raise love and worship to God; yet against my
will I do love and worship mdeed, as never before with aU
my will I could. Howbeit my will is my own, and is bound
down to my servant Brose. I am guilty of his end, — I curst
and unkind. And he died contented in my arms. And to
content him hereafter in our appointed place is but the due of
his great devotion."

Now Nacien could not presume to speak any word of
hope as to Brose,' smce his death was manifestly wiUiil and

184 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

impenitent; but he spoke of the highest dues, and of the
greatest devotion that ever was.

*'Sure, He that made me will understand," answered
Aglovale. *' Ah, sure, a perfect Brother will know that in my
heart I love and worship though I shall be outcast."

"Give me to know," said Nacien, "what you will do.
Since you will serve neither God nor man, how do you purpose
to spend and end your days ? "

" As to ending, I have lost all wilful purpose out of mind,
and have come to love life in this fair and pleasant world ;
and as to spending, I have no purpose. But before I go hence
I do desire to look my fill on the works and ways of God
Almighty, how He makes and mends in this world ; and I do
desire to walk the earth alive with the sim and the rain and
all that grows, and to see the eyes of kindly men ; and I do
desire very greatly to hear and know of Sir Percivale, and
how he achieves, before I have to go hence."

" Consider, my son," said Nacien^ " that you are now but
in the prime of your life, with all your faculties in hand, and
with great capacity for evil or for good. Now, is it your will to
give yourself up to serve the Devil as aforetime ? How ? Do
you need telling?" said Nacien, and straight rehearsed the
heads of old misdoing.

Aglovale considered the matter, and then he answered,
"No. As for those sins, no. Now I find in my heart not
lusting but loathing. I know not how, the Devil has lost that
hold he had Save for remembrance, I have come to be as
clean in thought as in life ; night and day, asleep and awake ;
and now no dreams trouble me. It is passing strange. I rest
like the dead asleep, with never a dream."

" Would you to continue so to your life's end, it is not
enough that you keep from evil and contemplate good alone ;
except you do good with all your might, and fill out yoiur life,
the Devil will surely enter in disguise, and make you serve
again to some dreadful end."

"God defend I"

"Youstaidopray?"

AGI/)VALE DE GALIS 186

*' I do, that I may canse no harni, nor do it. For at least
I may endeavour not to grieve and offend day by day Him
I love and worship, though I be recusant."

" The least indeed I Would you be altogether barren of
the fruits of love and worship ? Rather with greater devotion
and diligence should you quit yourself. Render the residue
of your days to the honour and glory of God, to furthering
Divine order in this world with observance and serviceableness
and courage, or to enduring under adversity with patience and
meekness bthI constancy.

" Lo I when OUT Lord suffered outrage on the cross, it was
an offender there that friended Him with vinegar in His thirst.
So you being such an offender, committing great outrage, yet
assuage a little the dolorous drought of Him crucified. Dread
not that He turn away His face and refuse the taste, though
all you bring of love and worship be but as sour dregs, without
virtue of faith. It may be that so you shall see His face and
hear Him, better than some His &r-off disciples."

Then Aglovale came and kneeled down and bowed hig
head to the bed at Nacien's knees, dumb with sorrow, love,
and adoration. When he could speak, be said brokenly, " I
promise you I will do what I can till God shall put me away
out of this life."

Nacien in his heart then lifted Uie song of Simeon, so glad
and hopeful was he ; for now he was assured that the wayward
man was off the brink of destruction after Brose, and bent
upon a good life ; and that might well bring him round even to
the brink of salvation. To Ais effect had he wound about him
and enticed him, when he saw he could not turn him direct
from his hopeless doom, for he was both wily and mild, as the
serpent and the dove.

But when i^lovale came to take thought he knew not
which way to turn. Nacien was ready with counsel.

" Forsake your covering of death ; do on your arms. Go
hence this hour and fill up the number of your fellow-
ship, and do your part in honour of this Holy Visitttion now
at band."

186 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

"I — ^I," he stammeredi ''I cannot It were a mockery
and pretence for me to take part as others, knowing the Holy
Blood has been shed for me in vain. And it is too late;
though Favel should burst to carry me, time and space forbid,
and the feast of Pentecost must pass me by."

'' That is so. And you shall not see with your bodily eyes
as your fellows shall see, nor be fed with sweetness as they
shall taste, for you do not deserve ; but you shall take up yoiir
part in bitter humiliation, and your portion shall be as dust to
eat. So shall you prove your love and worship."

Aglovale rose and went out straightway, and came again
armed. So weak was he yet in body and spirit that his harness
rattled upon him as he stood. He owned to cowardice.

" There be two I doubt and dread like death — my brother
Ferdvale and my lord Arthur. The &ce of King Arthur like
a sword I do guess ; Perdvale's I cannot guess. Holy doom 1
how can I stand if he and he cast me down ? "

'* Now I warn you look for no help or comfort of mortal
man. And if you be still set upon winning to yourself fame
and favour by your deeds, then is your heart divided and your
devotion without integrity. Bethink you, moreover, how, if
you meet your desert, your battles shall ever prove you
with loss."

" Alas I sir, how then shall my living profit ? "

'' The measure of battles is but according to the stand of
the vanquished. Your battles may be profitable enough,
though not to you; and should you be coimted the worst
member of your fellowship, your stay shall ground the
degrees."

'* Sir Nacien, is this soothsay upon me ? Can you help me
with no better hope ? "

" My son," said Nacien, earnestly, " I have no better hope
for you as you are."

Aglovale took thought and understood him. He smiled
wryly as he answered back.

'* Years ago one that would not consent to ransom his
neck at the gallows-tree was set to slave in a galley, that the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

187

gall of that life might enforce him to sue for relief at any price.
I tell you it was all in vain."

Said Naden, " Continue your paiable to the end. What
came of him ? "

" Ah, Sir Nacien, but the end fits not here I For I broke
loose and won fiee ; and I loosed Biose toa"

CHAPTER XIV

ABOUT the time of evensong on the day of Pentecost, that
lady of the thorn blossom, her errand done, rode her
way to Nacien again to tell of the new-made knight Sir
Galahad She came upon a knight Men flatlings beside his
horse. That blond mane she had seen before, and those arms ;
and when she micovered the knight's face she knew him again.
No hurt upon him could she find, and he was warm; his
eyes were shut, and his breathing slow as in sleep ; but rouse
him she could not So she waited beside him, marvelling over
his state.

At length tears came firom his shut eyes; he sighed the
name of Perdvale ; he woke, and lifting got to his knees.
Still he seemed entranced and unaware, as when she had left
him upon Wenlock Edge; and when she spoke to him by
name, he turned a vacant stare and answered astray.

*' Yea, I know it ; he has seen ! Percivale my brother has
seen the Holy Grail ! "

He missed the fragrance of wild thyme, and the little patch
of dim blue, and came to himself, and knew where he was.

" Sir Aglovale, what evil has befallen you?"

'' Madam, no evil," he stammered.

" How came you here on the road to Camelot ? Few days
ago, imcourteous knight, you refused to come at my request,
when I sent you a right fair token."

He spoke still astray. " O happy lady ! speak again of my
brother."

** O unhappy knight ! I speak you reproach, for cause that

138

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 189

yoa tit not at Ae Table Round on this day of days, when every
siege should be filled, and the fellowship perfect. For the
best knight of the world is made and known, and to-day he
uts in the Si^e Perilous that has never been filled ; and Sir
Perdvale, your brother, gits beside him at his right hand."

She stopped, for she saw that his spirit was caught away,
shadowed and enrapt.

" Christ keep us all " she whispered with crossings, in some
misgiving as to bis right wits. Then, with woman's sense, she
began speaking soft and &ir in praise of Sir Percivale until he
heard.

"When young Sir Galahad broke spears," she said, " there
were but two he did not overthrow : one was Sir launcelot,
and one was Sir Perdvale.

"Now, sir, to tell you all fairly, your brother grieved
greatly to hear of your condition ; for, Sir Aglovale, I could
not report well of you, as kn^htly or courteous of behaviour,
when he questioned me hard. Also I would have you to know
that I offered him hope, proved vain, alas I that with Sir
Brastias you might follow soon; and then he was glad, and
your brother Sir Tor also."

Not till she made to go did Sir Aglovale mend his behaviour,
thankii^ her meekly and largely for her goodness to one,
graceless and unhappy, who had rejected her goodwill without
excuse. That courteous lady went to a thicket and plucked
again blouoming thorn for htm to wear, and lightly then she
set OD her way to Naden the Hermit

Early on the morrow, as Aglovale dghted the towers of
Camelot, a hooded traveller came by, who halted amazed, and
saluted him byname.

" In the name of God ! " said Sir Brastlas, " can you be
here. Sir Aglovale ?"

"Sii, no question, but here I am."

" Nay ; hut were you not at Camelot, at the supper, at the
Holy VisitaticA) ? "

" Fair nr, let me hear whatever you know, if you be come
from Camelot, for I was not so blest as to be diere."

140 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

So Sir Bntsdas told him all that had befiEdlen, as my most
dear Master tells.

''Yet one says that he saw you there; and he is your
brother, Sir Percivale."

Aglovale answered naught His spirit was caught away,
shadowed and enrapt, so that Sir Brastias marvelled to see
him. Afterward he questioned his word more closely.

" On the faith of my body," said Sir Aglovale, low, " I was
elsewhere."

" Hear now of the matter," said Sir Brastias, " and rede it
how you may.

" So soon as I came to Camelot, and had said my errand
from Naden the Hermit, your brother Sir Percivale came to
me troubled, and asked for you, why you lud from him. I
told him what I knew of you ; but that he had heard abready
from a lady. He said you were come to Camelot, for that he
had seen you in your place at the board, the last to be there.
When I said you were not come with me, he departed hastily
on search.

'' Then came others. Sir Tor and Sir Hermind, to question ;
howbeit they had not seen you in your place ; and the point
was in debate, whether or no your siege were void indeed
throughout the supper. Sir Aglovale, I am loth to repeat all
that touches you ; all that I heard by Su: Percivale and others."

'* All, sir, all. I do require it all"

" There was debate on a word King Arthur had spoken,
when all sat at the board. In a manner he seemed to approve
your absence. Sir, I am sorry to hurt your ears."

" Speak out, sir. I will hear aU."

"Said King Arthur: that day his noble fellowship of
knights was as complete as he would have it Thereupon,
your siege being then void as all could see, some undertalk ran
as to whether the King spoke on oversight, or with purpose
upon your absence. I do rather hold that he spoke but as
to the filling of the Si^e Perilous and the presence of Sir
Galahad."

*' Did my fellows so hold ? "

AGLOVALE DE GALIS }41

" Alas 1 Sir Aglovale, many spoke of cause why he denied
you."

" Did my brother, Sir Percivale, so hold ? "

" Alas, alas I " said Brasdas, " he too acknowledged there
was cause, and he grieved gready.

"It was within St, Stephen's Minster that I found Sir
Feidvale again ; by his weeping I found him in the dark, I
teU you it was pity to find him so whelmed, when others were
all uplifted and rejoicing.

" Hear what your brother told ! His day was turned to
night in the King's hall for your sake, and the King's meats
were soured, and choked him that he could not eat So as he
sat, on a sudden the thunder of miracle broke, the great hall
shuddered and reeled like a barge at sea, the beam of the high
Mystery shone orer all. Men looked upon one another,
but none could speak nor move. Then it was, in the great
itillaess that held before the Holy Giail entered, that Sir
Percivale saw you in your place. Eye to eye, he said, he saw
you there, regaidii^ him earnestly without a sign, ' And then,'
said he, ' all at once I was blinded with sharp tears, and I
could not see. And then,' said he, * I felt the presence of the
Holy Grail, and I breathed that sweetness beyond compare ;
but I could not see, save a glimmer passing by, so blind was I
with tears. Then rose my fellows, and I rose, and vowed my
TOW with them. And then remembering I turned to look, and
lo I one had not risen, but leaned down prone to the board ;
and that was my brother, Sir Aglovale. But before I could
make to him through the press, he avoided his place and
privily was gone.' "

Here Sir Biastias paused, but Aglovale stood without a
sign and did not speak.

" As for your fellows nearest you in place, none had seen
you enter or depart; howbeit they doubted to say you were
not there at all But certainly none but Sir Percivale had seen
you clearly in the visage, and none had exchanged with you
word of salutation. In the name of God, Sir Aglovale, what is
ttiis mystery?"

148 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

He answered, low as before, with the same words, '^ On
the faith of my body, I know not"

Furthermore Sir Brastias told him how Sir Percivale was
in great tribulation and perplexity, and how in St. Stephen's
he kneeled down and prayed on high. ''Ah, Lord Jesus,
take Thou my heart I Thou who hast called me to for
sake my brother to follow Thee, be to him pitiful and kind,
that he may know Thee sure above all brothers, forsaking
never."

'' Yea, amen," said Aglovale. " Enough for me only to
see him in the body once again."

*' As at this time. Sir Aglovale, I think you over late. At
daybreak I set out when all was grey with the river mist ; and
as I climbed to higher air, I looked back, and saw the towers
of Camelot afloat against the east ; and there up the hill over
against me rode as it were a morning star out of the mist.
Methinks it was Sir Percivale, the first away on the Holy
Quest"

Camelot was all at hush as Aglovale rode in. He came
into the Minster of St Stephen, and stood among his fellows.
When'he got his eyesight the first he saw was young Galahad.
Without telling he knew him, by passionate envy he knew him,
for there he saw prajdng a fairer soul than Percivale.

The King's stall was in gloom ; for the lights were out that
for many years had burned day and night upon the tomb of
Lot of Orkney. Twelve tapers had Merlin set there, when he
fashioned that tomb at Arthur's command : upheld by images
of kings vanquished, they lighted up an image of King Arthur
triumphant So above the tomb of Lot his wordly power
Stood figured, whereas close beside had Merlin made ready
another tomb, wherein Arthur himself should lie; and he
foretold how these lights should fail before the coming of the
adventures of the Holy Grail, as now had come to pass.

Presently, when the service was over, the King made all
who had taken the Quest to be called and enrolled. First
was the name of Sir Percivale set do?m, as already departed,
foremost in devotion to his vow. Then one by one past the

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 14S

King's stall went his knights, and the tale was made of one
hundred nine and forty.

Said Arthur, "Who avouched Sir Perdvale departed?
Yonder I espy him kneeling. That is the creit of Galis under
the colours of Pentecost"

Then rose the last and went forward with uneven tread ;
and the King's countenance changed as he saw this was Sir
Aglovale, for plainly he was not glad to see him.

" How now, Sir Aglovale," be said very grave, "are you
hereindeedl"

"Yea, my lord, even I,"

" Whence is this your coming 7 "

" Sir, from the dead again, to take up this Quest."

King Arthur paused and considered him bard. Truly
never had he seen man alive cany more dead a visage.

" This is a high matter, Sir Aglovale, and I think you have
no call to take it."

"Sir, I have vowed to God to take it, and here would
record my vows."

" Your vows are too l^ht to record. I know not bow to
countenance this, for your credit is gone."

Hereupon the King called up for counsel the Archbishop of
Canterbury, and Sir Launcelot, and put question : should Sir
Aglovale be counted and enrolled with his fellows; be, a
knight fbreswom, who had wantonly and insolently abandoned
hia last quest, and had taken no pains ance to cover his
de&ult as a knight should.

Beneath the eyes of Launcelot be reddened painiully and
took his breath bard. Kii^ Arthur's strictures were not
unduly harsh, he knew ; in respect of Launcelot his default was
so fli^rant and particular, that well might he who had given
bim back his life b^rudge the gift.

The Archbishop said aye. He dted, for instance, bow our
Lord at His supper, on the night He was betrayed, gave the
blessed Bread and the Cup to all the twelve, not withboldii^
from him who bad a devil, and the price of betrayal in
his hand.

144 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Sir Launcelot said aye. There was no severity in his
grave, considerate rq[ard, there was no commiseration ; there
was in it some meaning strange and unresolved, that touched
and went like a lost dream. In times to come that look was
to meet Sir Aglovale again and again, giving him wonder anew
till the day when Sir Launcelot let out of his heart three words
to his amazement

Launcelot spoke low. Many, he said, who went un-
questioned, were not more worthy than Sir Aglovale to take
part in this Quest; unrebuked of man indeed, but with the
rebuke of God against them ; and that should be proved, and
name and fame come to poor account, as Brastias the Hermit
had come to warn them.

*' Alas i Sir Launcelot," said Arthur, '* I would this Quest
was undone. It is too great and high. And sooth not Sir
Aglovale only would I keep from it, but the most of ye all, my
noble knights, saving for your heavy vows.

''But for you. Sir Aglovale, how came you to these
vows?"

" I — I vowed," he stanunered. " Even as my fellows have
vowed, so have I."

" Came you in at my doors like a thief and away? That
has been said of you."

'' No, on the faith of my body, no. I come straight fix>m
afiw."

"Your brother. Sir Perdvale, avouches that he saw you
yesterday at the supper."

" Howbeit, my lord, I was elsewhere and far."

"Do you, then, presume to take these vows without
occasion ? You have not seen that your fellows saw." He
pressed for an answer.

"Sir, I do believe that I also have seen a part of that my
fellows saw."

"Say you so! When?"

" At that time the Holy Grail appeared unto you alL"

" Your words match not one with another. What is the
truth?"

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 145

Aglovale faltered and stammered. " I amnot tell — I have
yet to learn."

"I chaise you, on your allegiance, lay all before me
without more question."

Already King Arthur suspected falseness, for Sit Aglovale
had not answered him readily throughout ; and now plainly he
spoke with an effort.

"Sir, verily I know not what is the truth. Judge you.
As I rode hither either I slept or swooned. The time was
last sundown as I heard thunder. Clearly, as I see you now,
meseemed I saw the face of my brother. Sir Percivale. He
looked at me ; he wept. Then against him dawned a light so
great that bis btx faded as the moon fades at sunrise ; and I
dared iHH look ; I knew, and I dared not look to see the Holy
GraiL On diis wise I vowed to God, to go and abide in ttw
Quest, to see and to worship, and not to hide my eyes for any
dread."

"This is strange telling," said the King, sta^:ered.
" What confirmation to this tale can you offer ? I require all
so much."

The hue of truth that rose at his doubt had to Arthur's
eyes another reading.

" As to time and place," said Aglovale, " there was witness
in the lady who returned from hence to Naden the Hermit,
She found me as I was ; she heard me speak ; she bound me
to wear this token that now I cany."

" Well 1 " said Arthur. " Now answer further ; has any
man taken you report of the supper, and of the Holy Marvel,
and namely of your brother Sir Percivale beholding you, aa he
thought?"

" Yea, Sir Brastias the Hermit met me this day and told
me all."

" Did you offer him aught of the tale that you offer here ? "

" Naught."

" And wherefore naught?"

The King's drift was clear enough : he held the truth to be
no better than an impudent imposture to win place and credit.

146 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

" God's pity ! " said Launcdot, low, and turned away fix>m
seeing a fellow-man writhe and choke past control.

" Wherefore naught ? " said Arthur.

" My lord, he had no force to strip me to the soul ! "

" I think you expose yourself."

" No, my lord I At your will and pleasure I expose naked
truth — to shame."

" WeU, weU ! " said Arthur.

Then he considered the matter awhile in silence'; a great
while it seemed to Sir Aglovale, who stood in suspense to hear
if the King would tell him more plainly that he held him a
liar.

But the King would not say so. He would not rule, he
said, save in temporal matters ; and since a churchman held
Sir Aglovale entitled to be enrolled, he should not oppose.

Aglovale issued from St Stephen's so blind and deaf, he
was for passing his brother Sir Tor. And he would say
little.

" Yea, Sir Tor, I go on this Quest. King Arthur flays me,
and lets me go. Keep from me ; for kindness only keep off."

He would not answer upon question of the supper and
Percivale's word for him there ; that dear and close commimion
of spirit, with the reflection of heavenly grace, the mystery
King Arthur had desecrated and despised on suspicion, he
would not again declare, even to his brother Tor.

Tor took counsel with Sir Hermind and Sir Griflet, who
were friendly and sure.

" He is more obstinate in silence than ever before ; but
now he is not stark at all, but broken. Alas ! I think him
cowed. I know not how the King has dealt ; he came away
cowed to silence. Sirs, you who know him well, consider
that I "

" Alas I " said Griflet, " once he was the bravest man that
ever I saw fail ; yet so curst 1 "

" Now I would he could show his curst temper. That is
douted quite. You never did know it as I, most hot and
intolerable ; it was but as a smoulder you both have kno?m it.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 14T

Now it ia out, u we may see by his face. For common kind-
ness he thanked mc, as it were with blessing. Of old be
would offer me thanking as he would break my teeth."

Said Sir Hermind, " I knew his way with a difieience ; the
tame, contrary : round knocks bestowed as they were favours,
good service repaid by hard usage; all, as it were, for gratifica-
tion. I ptetend no love to him, yet no man have I met whose
approval I could more prize. In head and heart he was so
jnst and baid. And, urs, with all his tamish he took no
rust"

" Alas t " said Sir Tor, " he may come to rost, b«ng broken
as I deem."

So, at the departition of the followers of the Quest, these
three good and gentle knights, out of kindness and compassion,
drew to fellowship with Sir Aglovale, and held together as long
as they might with faith to their vows

Truly as Sit Tor said, they found him broken ; his curst
temper was out of him; he was open to kindness. And
presently the goodness of God Almighty, in the fair and
[deasant world, in the sun and the rain and all that grows, in
the eyes trf' kindly men, lifted his heart out of the dust, and be
was meetly thankful for all these mercies. And before long
he heard tidings of Sir Perdvale.

Then he ordered his goings in such wise that Sir Tor took
note and was troubled.

" Bethink you, brother, we are upon the Quest of the Grail,
and nathless you do ensue after Sir Perdvale."

"As for me," said Aglovale, " that is all one."

" Is this honest dealing ? "

" Ah, Tor, as for you all, I have marvel however ye should
abide with, me, and be on the Holy Quest in singleness of
heart"

Then Tor considered well, and spoke again strongly, and
at last departed from his brother. Sir Hermind also scnipled
and went.

But Sir Griflet troubled not ; considering the way of kind-
ness as good as any to go in, he continued with Sir Aglovale.

148 A6L0VALE DE 6AUS

And together they rode four days without tidings, till hard by
a Priory place tbej met with Sir Gawaine in his peaceable hour
of afternoon.

A Queen recluse from her cell near by looked out upon
them. Sir Gawaine at first mistook Sir Aglovale for his
brother, till he answered for himself; and then Gawaine in a
manner smoothly blamed his eyesight ; for it was his custom
to deliver his mind with a cover of courtesy to Sir Aglovale ;
not as Agravaine and Mordred, openly despiteful; not as
Gaheris, who never spoke, and ignored him utterly. All this
the recluse understoixi well enough as she watched. Sir
Aglovale hove still and held quiet, while Gawaine and Griflet
discoursed of tidings and adventure; for Gawaine had come
lately from the Castle of Maidens, where he had followed up
Sir Galahad; and he had slain those whom Galahad had
overcome and left alive, as the grace of God was with his
sword.

When Sir Gawaine had made an end of his tale and was
departed, the recluse clapped and signed and brought those
two to her sill. She ofiered tidings of Sir Percivale. Herself
had seen at that place the best knight of the world encoimter
with Sir Launcelot and Sir Perdvale. Both he overthrew. With
the spear he smote down Sir Liauncelot, horse and man ; with
the sword, at one stroke, he smote Sir Percivale from the
saddle. Then she looked upon Sir Aglovale, and chid him
for his sombre cheer, saying that jealousy even on behalf of a
brother was maugre and orgule and not a right spirit.

'* Madam, who are you that know me ? "

'* Sooth, I should know you, for I am none other than your
father's sister, once Queen of the Waste Lands.''

With that she put back her hood a little, and he knew her
and marvelled to see her so, remembering her radiant day, and
haughty, untamable temper. But that was years ago, before
the death of her only son Nanowne le Petit, that Nabon le
Noire slew horribly, drawing him limb-meal out of despite to
King Arthur.

She entered then upon good discourse, showing how she

A6L0VALE DE GAUS 149

had chained her life ; and she spoke of his mother's death,
and of how his rister Saint bad taken vows. But she would
not at that hour tell him the way Sir Percivale bad gone, for
that way she knew bad Gawaine gone also, in the track of
Galahad. Then she commended them to the Prioty adjoining
for their lodging.

So she was in the daytime, changed and meek ; but in the
night time her old self fetched her up from her pallet, and
drove her to and fro the narrow space like a caged creature,
till she was spent and giddy.

" How long, Xxird, how long I " she cried, as she laid her
chin against the sill, and stared at the misty lights of heaven.

Ghostly and large came a vision of King Pellinore before
her, floated upon mist. Nay, hut his son, Aglovale.

So strong and absolute had been the gust of illusion that
■till she thrilled and shuddered, and the force of sisterhood
put away the votary from ber. She fell to weeping, and cried
to &t i^lovale, why came he there ?

"Madam, I walk but according to custom, as I would
better patience under the night of heaven."

She cried out against patience; she cried for vengeance
that was justice; she poured out accusation and grief;
Pellinoie dead, Lamorak dead, Dumor dead, all unavenged.
She rehearsed iniquities that flourished ; the uns of Arthur, of
bis «ster, of his sister's sons; and the loyal service of
Pellinore, repeyed on him and his sons by abandonment, and
murder condoned.

That truth was one-sided indeed, and monstrous, and
distorted by her passion ; but it was main truth.

"Ah, "laftnm, ah, Qutdam I" cried Aglovale, and drew to
her, pressing close to the grilL

She caught his hand through, and clung hard, and held it
with her own against her heaving heart. The contact of warm
human sympathy, whether for good or ill, was blinding sweet
and dear; tiiey were at one, one mind, one blood. He heard
her uttering h^ heart boldly before heaven ; lo 1 she uttered all
that in bis own heart he bad striven to stifle and still as the

160 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

mutter and argue of a constant demon ; bitterness, resentment,
revolt, hatred, vengeance, freely and confidently she uttered ;
and she justified all.

She left the dead and held to the living man. She
addressed him without pity or excuse, from his own heart
telling him to his own ears ; and even as he was, she cried out
against Arthur, because this was King Pellinore's son, neglected,
and abandoned alive to the despite of the sons of Lot

'' Madam, forbear, forbear ! " cried Aglovale. " My fioher
worshipped King Arthur, and my brothers dead worshipped
him, and so do my brothers alive, and so do I, for he is my
lord and king, who made me knight And, madam, he has
judged me for his worship with no injustice that he knows, but
as he has seen me."

She cried, '* But he has spared to judge his o?m blood ; he
has shut his eyes, he has shut his ears, yea, even as he shuts
his eyes and ears while Sir Launcelot beds with his Queen."

Aglovale pulled back his hand and stood away. Then she
changed and spoke soft. She said she would turn to patience.
Gawaine and his brethren had been patient; ten years they
awaited to avenge a fail stroke of battle by murder; threefold
had they avenged it, and overmore. And sooth, she said, Sir
Aglovale showed he could be patient as they were ; she had
seen him that day, face to face with the murderer of his father,
meek as a maid and stomaching mock civility.

" Oh, ease your heart, madam 1 ** said Aglovale, and cursed
low on the name of Gawaine.

" Yea, I would do so," she said. " But come near ! "

He came wondering, for there was a strange catch and CeQI
in her voice. She spoke low.

She knew a tree, she said, that grew fair red fruit ; there
over his head it spread boughs, though fruit was now green.
She likened it to the tree of the knowledge of good and evlL
Put case Sir Gawaine or hb brothers tasted thereof, they
should know sure enough that murder was not good, but evil ;
sure as death they would know it. Her patience, and hb,
might well endure till the green were red.

A6L0VALE DE GAUS 151

" Then I will do my part," she said, " so you will but do
youia."

" Madam, I would only do the part of a knight"

She laughed out Umeotahly. Would he so do ? she said.
Uobapixly, before his father's death, he had i^reed with Sir
Gaheiis to his ahame ; whence forward those four brethien
openly refused to have knightly ado with him.

Sidd Aglovale, " Learn how one of these behaved him :
my most enemy, Sir Gaheris. He trapped Sir Lamorak with
Queen Moigause, and he slew his own mother there and then ;
but he let Sii Lamorak go at that time untouched, because he
was unarmed and weaponless ; with all his savagery he would
not so basely destroy a knightly foe as he were vermin."

She told him that fair knighthood in him would not bring him
to fair fiivour with King Arthur, for Gawaine and Gaheris were
dose to his heart to turn it against him. Much more she said
to goad htm on to her purpose j and still underhand practice
he utterly condemned, and refused her. She sent him away
deploring at last that King Pellinore's son was poor of heart,
not fit and fain to avenge his blood.

So he went from her, not bettered in patience for that
night walk. Giunsaying notwithstanding, he left her passing
fain and fierce in his heart And he left Sir Griflet, and
rode solitary many a day in evil case, with little relief till he
came to a white abbey, and there within to the tomb of Naden
the Hermit There his heat was allayed, and died low with
weepir^.

In after days that Queen recluse set on another kinsman.
Sir Knel le Savage, to compass vengeance underhand. He
whom I love so much has written that tale ; how he purveyed
empoisoned apples for Gawaine to eat ; but another, a good
knight of the Round Table, Sir Patrise of Ireland, took and
ate first and died suddenly. Also how Queen Guenever was
suspected and appealed of that treason, how Sir Launcelot
fought and delivered her clear of the charge, and how in the
end the truth was made known by the Lady of the l^ike,
Nimne.

162

AGLOVALE DE GAUS

But some years later the Queen of the Waste Lands was
satisfied, and thanked God that she had lived to see the day of
King Arthur's desolation, when all the sons of Lot were slain.
And when Sir Bedevere carried the King wounded from the
last battle, came she with the two wicked Queens who hated
him — the Queen of North Galis, and his sister, Queen Morgan
le Fay ; and they three took keep of King Arthur to ensure
that he should die and not live on by enchantment. Came
Nimue from the Lake in vain, for she could not prevail to
deliver him. So he died, and they buried him.

CHAPTER XV

OW comes the telling how Aglovgle in the great Quest
ms near destroyed, and how be was tempted to

He was come among fens east of the Waste Lands. A
youth made up to him, and asked his aid for the love of God,
and for hia knightly tows ; and when Aglovale promised and
went with him, lo I nai^t higher was to do than to take op a
poor woman, aged and blind, and cany her across a mile of
qu«g-

" Well," said Agloval^ grim, " I will do my best hy you
both," and forthwith taught the youth thoroughly he should not
to paltry ends so invoke God and his betters ; and then he took
up the woman, she whimperii^.

"There, peace I" panted the youth, sturdily; and with a
wry grin, " As I said, one way or another, my back could serve
to get you home. So 'tis all one ; another way this ; but a
shorter."

" Good speed," said Aglovale, " to a man worth the makii^"
and the youth stepped out before him at his tallest

The quaking green let down the feet deep to the roots ot
the rushes. Then came exchanges of sodden turf and water,
black and slimey. Over foul or firm the guide trod confidently
his narrow way. Most times, be said, the path held good enough,
save here and there ; but now a broken dyke above bad let
down an overcharge. He showed how the path vras staked out
at dangerous places, where underfoot, he said, sheaves of cut
rushes were piled ai>d matted against the sucking mud bek)w,
woven from side to nde with growing reeds.
■S3

164 AGLOVALE DE GAIIS

Beyond the quag, where the ground rose firmer, lay a fietir
sheet of water, closed by a screen of grey wiUow and poplar.
At the tail stood a little mill Here Aglovale put down his
charge, who lowly commended him to Heaven for his reward.
The youth, comely behaved, to set him on his way, went by
him through the willows to the head of the water. On a raft
was the miller, an old man stone deaf, spreading nets below
the bank. There Aglovale dismissed him, and turned into a
green ride.

A rude shrine hard by drew his heart, that was heavy then
beyond custom. Upon crazy posts it was reared from flooding,
and to keep back cattle a wattled fence enclosed it The damp
of the place had greened the Christ on the rood, the thatch
above, and all the planks save patches where foot and knee
had pressed. Aglovale stayed, and mournfully gazed on the
image of his Lord. Cried his heart : Fairest Lord Christ, shall
I never be called to any hard thing for the love of Thee !

Came a clank of steel So loud rained the nobe of poplar
leaves, he doubted his ears ; but soon he could espy under the
boughs two knights at watch, who, upon his sighting, broke
from cover and set forward against him with levelled spears.
Hastily Aglovale made ready, and met the foremost so equally
that both spears flew ; and as the second came after, he avoided
the spear, caught him by the helm as he passed, and puUed
him from the saddle.

*' Foul fighters," he cried, and trampled him down without
scruple, till the first returned furiously to assail him. Soon the
second, mounted again, joined. Aglovale cried shame ; they
answered never, but gave hard strokes ; and like hunting wolves
they kept to him as he spurred and wheeled m vain to take
them apart Up and down the battle drove till under the
poplars by the water they pressed him close, and one caught
his revenge, pulling him down from the saddle and trampling
over him in turn.

He was hard to vanquish yet, and rose fighting to his feet

'* Light down, coward knights, or I hough your beasts."

Neither answered, nor called on him to yield. On foot

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 156

they came agmst him together, and gave him no reat He
was vounded and breathlesa, but fierce and ready itill, when a
cunning stroke sent bit sword leaping in air. It lodged over-
head in the boughs. Before he could [dead, he was beaten
down, stunned

Spoke one to the other then, " He is not slain. Make we
an end quickly."

From the prostrate man he pulled oflT the helm. " This is
not Sir Perdvale," he cried, " but black." He turned the (ace
to view, and cursed. " This is Sir Aglovale."

Aglovale, coming to his senses, heard one say, " I b^an to
doubt. His left-hand work was too strongto be Sir FeroTale's."
Then the other laughed, " Truly, I was never so loth to end an
enemy. His living did all so blemish his house."

Up he started to his feeL " Now I know you. Murderers,
felons ] You are Lof s sons, Gaheris and Agravaine."

With his empty fists he struck frantically. Suddenly he
gripped Agravaine, and staggered him backward some paces.
Gaheris cried warning, and sprang to rescue, seeing that the
desperate man made for the water, there to take one foe with
him to death. His stroke was in vain : the struggling pair lost
footing on the turf, and fell, locked together on the verge, in
such peril that Gaheris put both hands to his brother. Aglovale
caught him by the 1^, and pulled him down also. Grovelling
and sprawling one on another, they turned and heaved, and
changed ground. Blows fell, dull blows. It was clownish
woric; and when it was over and Aglovale lay still, Gaheris
himself misiiked sig^t of the disfigurement he had done.

" Hold your hand, brother," said Agravaine. " By God t
he shall drown. Give him that be chose with a stone at his
neck to boot."

** Well, well," said Gaheris, " get him out of ught," and be
turned his back.

They made too sure of their foe. As Agravaine hefted a
stone, quick rose Aglovale and ran. Swift to the open ride he
fled, and as swift pursued the muiderets. Favel left grazing
and came to hif as with somediing of human undeistandinj^

156 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The saddle he gained, but no stirrup hold, when Gaheris
■lashed at the leins. Wounded in the neck, the poor beast
reared, snorting, bolt upright, and Aglovale, fiung to earth, beard
hia last hope thud away.

They bound him then] with his own girdles they bound
down his arms, and haled him back for his sworn death. He
did not ask a better, sure he might ask in vain. But passing
again the shrine, be bung back.

" You murderers," he said, " as you be Christian men, grant
me a little space here to take my leave of this world."

Li^dy they showed how truly Christian men they were ;
For tbey led htm and banded him up the crazy steps, and there
they bowed themselves meetly in thanks to Heaven that no
hurt was theirs from the battle.

Shocked with wonder and disgust, they knew that Aglovale
was weeping. Leaning his battered bead to rest on die
wooden Christ, he wept, so heavily that he hardly could stay
upright

" This I caimot abide," muttered Gaheris, and claimed the
pitious wretch for his end. On the image be saw as it were
the wounded side bleeding afresh. He knew the same blood
was on bis gaunUet. Strangely that rubbed a conscience hard
as stone.

Aglovale yielded like a sheep to their leading. Foul of
fitce with bruises, blood, and weeping, as soiry a spectacle he
gave bis enemies as any they ever had put from the light (tf the
sun. He spoke no more at all, either for curse or prayer, and
he cast not any looks of feai or defiance. Only when he was
brought to the water, one quick turn he made, and lifted his
eyes on all creation round. Then bis murderers thrust him
down to his knees, and buckled a great stone fast about hia
ned by the slings of his shield. Half strangled he was as
down to the water they launched him to death.

Gaheris and Agravaine stood to see the bubbles of life rise
and break.

** Enough— come hence I " said Gaheris, and took his way
hastily.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 157

" Would to God," he cried, ** we had done this business
more cleanly."

Said Agnvaine, " Like a wild beast he fought ; like a vei;
tame beast he died."

Lo I how the body of Aglovale had not reached its destined
grave, nor his soul gone down to Hell I

Two scared watchers, perdue among the rushes, soon as
the murderers withdrew, sped out their raft and slunk round to
resume their nets, praying for a take great and marvellous. So
as they prayed and diew, the drawllnes strained tight, and die
net stakes bent to a heavy weight, and back into light and air
came the new sunk body huddled and limp. So quick was the
work that one heard the murderers' voices as he cut away the
stone ; and fiiU in sight they rode when a covered bale that
was Dot com swung aloft for storage in the mill.

Now, on stripping the body for life or death, the cilice
upon it brongbt wonder.

** Mercy," shivered the youth, " is here that dreadful body
agunl" He bared the side, and beheld the wound tesh
bnrfcen.

Said the deaf miller, " Now leave these dumps ! He is yet
alive ; for see, blood creeps from his wounds,"

The first of life that Aglovale knew again, was pain that
greatly exceeded what he knew of dying. Sound was un-
familiar; tt was the big droning of the wheel below. What
human kindness tended him f

" Brose I " he said. Unfamiliar objects rocked bis brain,
and a figure that was not Brose. " Bennet ! " he muttered.
" Is it Bennet-^ere ?"

"Sir, my name is Hew — he that you taught so hard
to-day,"

So he knew himself yet in the teeth of the old world.

Now, when Aglovale came to hear how he had been
recovered from death by these two simple folk, and how they
had watched all the villainous work, for false worldly pride he
repented hard that any should have seen him weep like a
woman in the fiwe of death. Alas and fie I his deadly enemies

158 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

had it to tell amoi^ themselves, how, body and soul, one ton
of King Fellinore was so lost and overcome.

" Sir," entreated Hew, " be content to lie as you are. This
is poor lodging, but safe when we take up the ladder. And
foi your horse, I have brought it again, and stowed it safe
in a covert; so if those murderers repass they can know
nothing."

Yes, he said further, he dreaded their return ; for on the
flats the water rose, so he knew the dyke had given once more,
and by the way they had gone, must they come again.

Often be looked out, and with die last of the daylight saw,
Ear off across the quag, the pair upon horses, white and black.

He told Sir Aglovale, quavering, " So as I said, they do
come, but not as they went Oh, sir, they come in peril of
their lives, and know it not."

At that, Aglovale stood up and came to the window ; and
as he looked out into twilight grey, and saw how his two
enemies stood in the treacherous place, for very hate and
exultation his heart beat so thick that his knees failed under
him and knocked the ground.

" Now the water stands higher than when we crossed," said
Hew, low ; " and night comes, and they have no guide."

" Think not to go," said Aglovale, and grasped him hard.

" I — I dare not," he bltered.

A tiny point of blue flame shone as the dusk deepened.

" Look, look t The demon is up for their guide."

In came the old miller. A lighted candle was in his hand,
and he came solemn and set it in a socket over the sill, and,
kneeling down, prayed aloud on the mercy of God for all poor
sinners who went benighted by foul ways. Aglovale started
up, and stood away. All the window frame and the shutters,
he saw, were rudely blotted with black and white, meant to
■how the good and the wicked going to their end, and above
was the Lamb Almighty. His prayer ended, the old roan rose
and went thence, indifferent.

Said Hew, "He knows not how fidy he prays. This is
according to his custom and his vow. Once he was belated

AGLOVALE DE GALIS IBS

wiA drink, and yonder demon with the light rose to have him
body tnd aoul. In mortal terror then be called on his Maker;
and by chance one set a light here in this window, and so by
that mark he bore and came alive. And thereafter he altered
his life goodly ; and thus nightly he lights and pays his devo-
tions. God help us all," said Hew, " from so honible a life's
end."

" Deliver me from hearing such prayers I " said ^ovale,
and cursed hard.

" God knows what cause you have so to speak," Altered
ttte youth; "but for no cause will I hear. Were those the
wickedest alive, I would I could help their poor bodies in so
hideous a strait, for the love of God who died even for the
sake of wicked souls."

Tbea be went. J^Iovale sb^ered to the head of the
ladder, softly closed and fastened the trap after him, and came
again to the window.

The shades had quite lost him the sight of his enemies,
and nothing showed on the bUnk expanse save the flicker of
blue flame, now brisk and clear. Somewhere below he could
hear the youth bawling to deaf ears ; then outgoings ; then a
thin, high note that was ceaseless as the old woman wailed
prayers.

In him was no grain of pity at all ; but cruel hate burnt in
him like lust, and he shivered and ached with the passion of it.
Had fitther and brethren not died, himself had cause enough.
Gaheris had counselled to hang him, had exacted a grievous
penance in lieu. Agravaine had been forward above all, as
he knew, with laugh and jest speaking to his discredit, that
it mi^ live and not diminish. And tum that was a King's
son ^ey had pounded, and strangled, and drowned like a
churl. And him they bad seen weep before death. Why
had he so wept ?

On the sill, under his hands, all black were draughted the
devils of the pit. Up the posts ranged black and white, the
good and evi), on their ways to the white symbol overhead.

Came a sound out of the night, very fiiint from a distance.

160 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

It was the voice of his enemies' distress, a rapture to hear.
He reached out, took the candle firom its socket, threw it fax,
and laughed

Crouched in the darkness, Aglovale groaned and weltered,
and bit the wooden sill, as with all his will he tried to forget
how he had cried: Ahl Cair Lord Christ, shall I never be
called to any hard thing for the love of Thee? To cover
remembrance, he prayed on the names of father and brothers
slain. By villainous murder had they died ; their bodies were
hacked and pierced on every side. He never had doubted
who were the murderers; now, by the practice of these two
upon himself, was their way known.

Now and again he heard calls lift, faint and aGEtr. Once a
horse squealed.

LamorakI LamorakI Dumor! Ah, heart of gold,
Dumorl

Ah, fair Lord Christ, this is too hard for me !

Yet after no great while he stood up from his knees, and,
pausing neither to look nor listen, hastily made for the ladder.
Groping, he found sacking that he did on for clothing, for he
was nearly naked. At the ladder's foot the shocked face of
Hew fronted him.

** Haste 1 " he said, '' follow me out with a light 1 " And
quickly Hew, with a flaming pine, overtook him, breathless and
amazed. He took the torch, and stepped down to the quag.

" Ah 1 sir, let be," cried Hew. " Are you possessed ? One
devil out there is enough."

He dared to cross his path and snatch at the light ; failing,
he held him with all his might So weak was Aglovale he could
not break away.

" Child, let go," he said. " Let see if I may yet save."

" In the name of God I Save I This cannot be ! "

" In the name of God this may be."

Hew kneeled, and held him by the knees.

" Oh, Sir Aglovale, it is vain. You cannot. See how the
water lies high. You will perish. Sir, you have escaped death
that man did contrive; but yonder will a demon contrive your

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 161

death ; yonder, dead men rise by night and seek for fellows.
Not for all this world would I dare there by night-time."

But Aglovale only cried, " Off 1 off J In the name of God
I go!" and left the youth sobbing and worshipping to the
ground.

" To his murderers 1 What a deed. Oh, m^ty goodness I
Oh, m^hty heart I "

Cried Agravaine in extremity, " A hand I Oh, brother, now
or oerer reach to me. Quick, I am gone."

" Be strong and strive. Heaven grants us help. A light
moves hither."

" A demon light. Trust not again."

" Keep heart j a good ruddy light."

" God help you, brother [ I cannot last."

"We live or perish both," cried Gaheris, and quitted bis
floundering horse to make for Agiavaine's voice. At every
step the quagmire sucked on him harder. He touched a
sunken |nte.

" Give voice. I am near witii £ood hold."

" Here. To the neck. Help, help ! What draws at my
feet I Gaheris — oh, brother, I polish."

Desperate, Gaheris loosed bis stay and struggled out. He
reached Agravaine's hand, but what force he took to draw him
only served to sink himself the deeper.

So they were, helpless, as the light came near. They could
see him that bore it cowled like a monk.

"Haste I For the love of God, help soon, or we are
dead men."

How could one save, so weak and drained by the hurts
they had given him.

" For the love of God essay," cried Gaheris, " as I shall
warn you, to keep your life and ours."

So Aglovale felt for the stakes where Hew had showed
them, fixed his pine to flare secure, pushed on to the deeper
mire, and soon, by word from Gaheris, put hand on the sunken
pile, having but to reach a man's length to meet the other's
grasp. There one hand he bound fast to the wood, since

162 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

all he could lend was a body void of strength. He stretched
hunself out to the murderers of his house. Gaheris caught his
fingers.

Void of strength, in spirit he was utterly ashamed, as over-
taken in the practice of treason. With averted head he left
the use of his members to them. Their great weight wrung
him, his joints started, his wounds gaped and bled at the strain.
Body and mind were in dolorous accord. From his hand to
his neck they reached their way in tiun; with dreadful em-
braces they reached their way.

Gaheris groped to unbmd his left hand. "Mercy! the
pains we have cost ; this is out of joint Now, God aid my
poor skill," he said, and deliverly shot home the socket

Firm standing they made together. No word did Aglovale
speak, while the brothers gasped thankings and praise to God,
to him, and to each other.

Said Gaheris distressed, " Credit me that I knew not how
hard we used you. I am sorry beyond words. Give here
your hand."

He had to get it by force. Gently he handled it and
bound it well. He bound it with what he found in his hand —
a length of stained linen. In wonder he scanned the man
hard. No monk ; his hood was the doubled comers of a sack,
his clothing a beggarly tabard of sackcloth. He made no
moan nor answer, and his visage he kept turned to the dark.
How he did tremble !

Gaheris, with humid eyes and a troubled voice, com-
plained. " At this expense," he said, " we two have our lives.
Begrudge us not so much. God reward your good deed, and
show us means to requite you as well."

He could get no answer.

Aglovale took up his torch, and, as the brothers prayed
him, lighted them, while with much ado and some risk they
went about and recovered their horses. With much ado and
some risk then they toiled after him, on the most evil path
ever they had Uaversed.

At the end where the ground rose, suddenly Aglovale

A6L0VALE D£ GALIS 168

quenched the light and took hinuelf awajr in die darkness.
They called after him in vain. One with a boyish voice came
in his stead.

"Who calls? Are you men alive?"

Where had gone their guide ? tbey questioned last

" I will be your guide," said Hew, " as there is no other."

" What is this 1 Saw you no man go past ? He that carried
a light before us over the quag ? "

" Over the quag ! God forbid that I should tee any such.
Sirs, what tale is here ? Those that go with lights upon the
quag are none but demons and dead men."

"Oh me, brother!" said Agravaine. "I begin to doubt
He mig^t not speak nor show his face ; and now, I think, the
shine of him was part redder than of torchlight.

Said Hew, " Then this is God's truth ; he that you saw was
none other than a murdered man."

" He was not dead," said Gaheris. " I held him with my
arms, and felt him breathe hard. I held his hand, and set his
bones. Bodies that rise from the dead cannot be subject to
hurt and disjointiDg."

At that Hew without pretence was excited to weeping.

" What ails the lltde foot ? "

"Ah sir, I am afraid. Here is a miracle of such a sort,
I am afraid. Sir, I swear as all of this' country-side will tell you,
there is none among them who would go so far to help you
as you say one has done."

" Sootb, and no reproach to them," said Agravaine.

While so they argued Aglovale had reached the ladder
unseen, and mounted, weaiy, weak, and confiised, to take
refuge in quiet and darkness.

He came into light, and there faced him the old miller in
a craze of anger.

"Whose dastard trick was this to make darkness? Was
it yours?"

He nodded.

"Out, out you gol Ab, villain knigfatt This day, by
die order of God's mercy, you escaped death marvellously,

164 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

and lo ! here is spite without mercy in return. Out you go !
Wag not at me your head and your hand so ! I pity you
not, nor fear you. Able enough are you to go to and fro on
your own foul mischief. I want no quittance more of you
than that you quit this roof. Go gnash your teeth in darkness
as the preachers bode. Ah, base knight ! those steel casings
are the best part of such knighthood as yours. Out, out, I say.
This place is mine, and I will have none of you, nor of your
gear. There, helm of a danmed head ! There, shield of a
black heart!"

Shield, helm, harness of all pieces, he cast out of window
as he railed ; and as Aglovale, defenceless, confounded, turned
and went, railing he followed him, down to the outer door,
and shut it upon him.

Sick and stunned, Aglovale crept away. Sound of distant
going came faint, as Hew wiled the knights from his retreat.
Then grew up the quiet of night, and all was hush. The willows
scarcely stirred overhead as the unhappy outcast dragged on
his painful way, he knew not where. Even the poplars were
light at their whispers. Not a ripple lapped. Low down the
moon shone, round and large, under a height of motionless
cloud. This was the place of murder.

He began to rock and to mutter, '' Ashamed, ashamed. I
am utterly ashamed."

The ways of nature and man he had abandoned, and done
mercy outrageously. All the world might despise him. Alas,
alas ! who did countenance him ? Nothing but abject shame
answered from within.

He stumbled on a little way, finding his groimd. " Here
did Sir Gaheris smite me barefaced;" and a little further,
'* Here did they both together beat me down unarmed ; " and
still further, "Here did Sir Agravaine trample me," From
the poplar shadows he crept along to the open, now glistening
misty-white, moon-struck, and dewy. "Here along they
brought me again bound — me — weeping." And no further.
"O Lord Christ Jesu look upon me, as Thou knowest my
cause for weeping ! "

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 165

He was come to the poor shrine, and as he tried to mount,
near swooning for pain and weakness, his footing slipped and
he pitched to the ground below. There he lay weeping for
anguish and despair. Yet Nacien had told him, Dread not
that He should turn away and refuse.

" Ah, fair Lord Christ ! show me Thy face, even me. It
was a bard thing to do. It was hard. Dost Thou not know
how hard, and how to serve Thee I did it t I/), the blood of
father and brothers called on me for vengeance. Didst not
Thou, bleeding from the rood, bid me to mercy ? Lord, look
upon me. I am confounded with shame who meant to please
Thee. So hard it was to do. Though I be of the lost, show
once Thy face to my heart."

Weeping and supplicating, he leaned and kneeled from stair
to stair, and came before the holy rood. All dark it hung in
shade, denied to his eyes that were dazzled and bhnd with
moonshine and wet.

" Rue on me, blessed Lover of poor man I Rue on me
— on me who do love ! "

In his passion of despair and desire he started np; he
touched the image with head and band, stronger to importune
than to stand.

"Dear God, approve me this once. Comfort me. My
Lord, my God I "

Heaven descended as with miracle. In his hold the image
moved ; the outstretched arm of it parted from the cross, and
from shade extended above him — the head of it inclined into
light.

" My Lord, my God I " cried Aglovale, and swooned away
for perfect bliss as his heart conceived the embrace of divine
Love condescending to approve him.

CHAPTER XVI

WHEN Aglovale came to himself he was resting in a
world too bright and fair for him to remember. He
knew not that where he fell there he still lay, nor that
the night he woke from was some days long.

In mild lucent shade he lay, for the place was all tented
in from eaves to wattling; soft he lay upon dried clover, with
pillow of hops and covering of scarlet; like a child he lay,
helpless and untroubled, content to perceive without under-
standing.

Overhead ran a rustle and patter of faUing leaves, and
light shadows went dancing down the slant of sun-soaked
cover. The shadow of a bird perched sharp and small, and
sharp and small to hear he trimmed his bill. Came a swell
of wind, and burst open to him a vivid world, sun-struck and
merry, with yellow leaves racing and spinning in gusts. Across
the field moved a lady fair and slender, bending to cull simples
as she went.

His eyes closed to rest, and opened to another day. He
beheld the lady beside him, and she seemed to him like an
habitant of a purer world than ours. Shadowless under the
translucent cover she stood ; blond hair set a lightness about
her head ; her quiet, serious eyes shed peace upon him ; with
the sign of the cross she gave salutation, naming him Knight
Misericors. Then she took and served him with a fragrant
bitter drink, strong of fennel. Purple flowers, the crocus of
autumn, lay amid grey folds, dropping on his pillow as she
gave him to drink. There was no recognition in her eyes,

i66

AGLOVALE D£ 6AUS 167

yet faintly some memoiy of her stured He closed hia eyes
to better it, and sank again to profound sleep.

King Bagdemaj^ daughter, looking upon that visage all
biuiaed and disfigured, with the hank likeness battered out,
and ponderii^ the achievement of signal goodness, knew not
here Sir Aglovale de Galis, that worst Griend of Sir Melia-
giwince, ber wild, unhappy brother, him she had almost
hated in her gentle heart So, her ministration accomplished,
she blessed him to God as he slept, and traced the holy sign
upon his scarred brow, and kissed him thereupon as simply
and purely as ma; the blessed in fellowship. Then she
departed to go bury her slain father. That story is not here.

When Aglovale woke it was to evening sunlight, and there
beside the tressel that propped bis bed sat Hew on the crazy
green steps; arid there at large in the open went Favel
browsing. Time and space dosed in, and he knew himself
still in the Up of the old world.

The miracle of grace remained to him without amazement ;
profound peace kept his heart. He was not ashamed any
more, nor hated the mercy he had done, nor cared though
men should scorn. And as in contemplation, rapt above pro-
cess of thought, he was satisfied, soft and dear stole in more
perfect understandit^ of his brother. Like the tender, tremu-
lous pcant of Hesperus breasting the glow of heaven, stood
Perdvale, amid his peace, constant, diffident, sure to approve
him. The hymn of the child and the prayer of Percivale
drifted from die post. " Fairest Lord Jesu, Ruler of all nature,
take Thou my heart I Thou irtio hast called me to forsake
my brother. Thee do I worship, fairer than all lights that
heaven can boast"

Verily, in the spirit he unawares bad followed alter Per-
civale, and nighing the feet of our fair Lord Jesu God, in the
spirit diere found him. Like Perdvale, renouncii^ the claims
of blood and affection, obedient in &ith, he had turned and
not done that which was right in his own eyes. His reward
was with him in this world. For the miracle of grace re-
mained sure to him, though all delusion wroi^t of natural

168 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

accidence passed ; the literal marvel fell away lightly, as falls
from the growing bud the sheath that has served its turn.

For right so came the boy Hew, timid and eager, and with
his simple prate he by d^^rees filled out the blank overpast
to the best of his knowledge. Of the noble lady he told, her
goodness and charity, how Heaven-sent she appeared and
assured his recovery from deep trance, and purveyed that hir
cover in place of rotten rick-cloth. How by the mercy of
God he had been knocked senseless through the giving of a
rust-eaten spike, and so had lain dark till after the night of
fire. Yea so ! how there was now no roof to lay him under;
for that same night fire took hold on the mill and swept off
the thatch, and he therein might have come to perish had not
God taken keep of his head otherwise.

Then as Sir Aglovale held still saying nothing, the boy,
weeping, spoke for the old man in his mihappiness, who was
too sorry and ashamed to come near unbidden.

^' Go bring him," said Aglovale ; and lying alone he saw
above his head the carven rood replaced, and meditated on
the miracle of grace within his heart passing sweet and sure.

Came the old man in crazy extremes of remorse. Sir
Aglovale spoke peace and touched him; still he maundered
pitifully; now saying that the wrath of God burnt his roof
from him since he denied it to such an one ; now saying that
sure his poor roof had been spared of God had but such an
one rested beneath it ; for he was not as knights are, bloody
and vengeable, but meek and merciful out of reason.

" Cease," said Sir Aglovale, " for you charge God foolishly."
Then he sighed, and said, ** With all our foolish presumptions
may Heaven have patience."

In due time he came to hear how Sir Agravaine also pre-
sumed foolishly ; for the youth confessed how he had sped the
deceit as to aid above mortal means. He chafed and rebuked.

" I charge you speak not again on a matter that concerns
you not, lest haply you speak lies unaware. And I counsel
you if ever you meet these knights again, clear your deceit;
but take heed you name me not."

AGLOVALE DE OALIS 169

** Sir, I know not their names."

** Well ! " said Aglovale ; " if that be so, well ! I leave you
your excuse." Tben he asked, " Who told you my name ? "

" Sir, have I uttered your name ? " stammered Hew.

"Who told you my name?"

" I knew you again, Sir Aglovale. Not at first. But seeing
diat shirt next your skin, and under your shirt what I saw,
tben I knew you. Yea, sir, I am that unlucky wight that you
cursed so, that was witness — ^would to God I had never seen,"

Sir Aglovale turned away his head, and Hew crept away
disheartened, for his worship and his dread were equal and
very great The blind woman came to serve in his stead.
She ventured a bumble petition : Would the noble knight put
his hand on the child and bless him for his comfort

" Good woman, small comfort lies in blessing of mine."

" ^, he complains that once you did ciuse him horribly ;
and sooth he has gone amiss sadly since."

She took up tale hom the beginning. When her man
tun>ed bis life, he vowed that this grandchild, the last of bis
stock, should be put young to a religious life ; and yihea the
boy was but ten years of age, he was taken and given up to
God; arid maintenance for old age was also bestowed away
with him their natural ptop. Alas ! she said, some of his
worldly wits her good man left behind him in the quag.
Yearly the boy visited them ^ain, but this year he returned
out of season and refused return.

" Came he without licence ? "

She began to whimper: said she made bold to think he
ought not to be enforced to religious life against his will ; said
he was hardly used for no tsailt ; be was young, tender, s(rfl-
hearted, open to horror ; and horror had come upon him in
such sort that bis mind was possessed in dreams with terrors
of Hell, so that he could not sleep peaceably. And the Prior,
a hard man, ordained whipping for his cure, till he could
endure no longer, but privily forsook his place and came
away.

" Good woman," said Sir Aglovale, " I think as you do,

170 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

this is some concern of mine. I promise you to do what I
can for remedy."

So the fond woman, deeming he meant intercession with
the stem Prior, took lightly his bidding to Hew, who, taking
up that (Mresumption, came and readily proffered and promised
to amend his foult as Sir Aglovale should order.

But the kindness of Sir Aglovale looked another way.
Plain he read the lack of honesty in the poor youth's admission
of his folly and cowardice.

Said he : "I wiU well to aid you. There is but one way,
and that you should know as well as I can tell you : go hence
straightway, return again and submit yourself to the Prior."

** But, sir," panted Hew, " he will have me whipped without
mercy."

Said Sir Aglovale, grim, " I do hope so, as you deserve it.
And I do know you are stout enough, for so 1 found you."

Said Hew presently, *'Yea so he was, but that was no
remedy to cure him to peace."

"You say sooth," said Sir Aglovale. "It is no remedy
to a spirit diseased. But thus shall you do for your own cure :
pray you nightly for us whom Maker God has the heart to
damn that He make us also heart to be damned in His wor-
ship. An you pray so, honestly and perfectly, that craven
spirit which is devil's scum will no more trouble your rest."

But Hew, even as he stood there considering this saying,
was dimly aware of the source and stand of this counsel ; and
he knew that then and there that craven spirit was stricken
out of him.

" I go," he said.

Then Sir Aglovale taught him a message to the Prior : that
he purposed here to set up a religious house, and prayed and
required his immediate presence for counsel and order. Then
he bade him mount Favel and be speedy.

So Hew departed; and by the time he came again with
the Prior, Sir Aglovale was mended of wounds, bruises, and
disjointing. But the hawk-look was gone from his face, and
he fought left-handed never more.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 171

The Prior tode bis mule, but Hew came afoot, for Breuse
Saunce Pitd had met them by the way and had taken Favel.

Said Hew ruefully, " Indeed, I could not then lightly avoid
him and flee, being, m, in no good case for riding at ttut time
by your laTour." And that good hard man the Prior con-
firmed his excuse.

Now hereby shortly Sir Aglovale came to be stinted of
further quest.

So soon as he had ordained and authorized all as he would
with the Prior, he made for Breuse Saunce Fit^ to recover
Favel, and by him was shamefully taken and imprisoned.
For he overcame Sir Breuse, who lightly yielded, and, like
the fox he was, promised to make good his loss of Favel,
saying that good horse was done for, broken-backed of a
recent encounter. So, with a show of straight dealing and of
deference, he brought Sir Aglovale to choose from his stables,
where fed the best horses in the realm of Logris. There
sound in hide and hmb stood Favel. Sir Aglovale turned
upon the cheat, set foot on a trap prepared, and fell down a
shaft into a cave underground.

There he wore out all the rest of the year sworn to the
Holy Quest, and many a day on. Cut off from the l^jht of
day, from sun and rain and all that grows, from human fellow-
ship, alone with himself, with life past b> brood upon, with no
present hope, no pleasant play of the senses to shutter the issue
from this life to another, thus for a year be lived entombed.
The measure of a day went by the pangs of hunger ; the run
of the seasons be told by cold more or less rigorous.

Yet even in these conditions the miracle of grace remained
to him ; the devils of solitude did him no harm ; the blessing
of untroubled sleep never forsook him ; be could lift bis heart
in contemplation; he could spread his mind to the wonder of
great truths; resignation quickened and rose ardent as an
homage rendered ; and ever fields of rare remembrance, sweet
and fresh, were close about him ; and dear and constant held
his belief in communion of heart with Fercivale.

Far off in the city of Sarras, Perdvale and his two fellows

178

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

were in like case ; they, too, lay imprisoned in a dark hole.
But such grace had they of our Lord that He sent them there
the Holy Grail to sustain them, and so were they fed and
made glad. And at the end of that imprisonment they came
forth to glory and worship, as my most dear Master tells.

Not so Sir Aglovale. At the end of his imprisonment he
came forth to another lot.

CHAPTER XVII

SIR BREUSE SAUNCE PITE was a raliant scoundrel
who for choice fought cowardly and unknightly, and ever
escaped by the speed of his horse, till the day came
when Kay the Seneschal matched him and took him. For Sir
Kay knew bis manner of old ; and so when a knight started
suddenly from cover, and bore down upon him before he
could feutre his spear, he thought he should know him, and
accordingly met him foully for his part ; he avoided the spear
and slew the knight's good horse. And that was FaveL

" Now," said Kay, " there shall be fighting to the finish."
And he lighted down fairly, tied up his horse, and went to
blows with Sir Breuse so heartily that within an hour he had
him wounded on his knees praying mercy.

" By no means," said Kay, " so fight on or die. I know
you for Sit Breuse Saunce Fit^, and no pity shall you get
of me."

" Ah, gentle knight, spare me as a knight overcome and
yielden to your mercy."

" By no means," said Kay. " Know that I am Sir Kay the
Seneschal, who am ever called ungentle, and reck naught of
being so called." Therewith he rashed ofiT the helm of Breuse
Saunce Fit^ to have stricken off his head.

"Hold hand," cried Breuse, "or you slay one that is your
fellow." Then he told how he had prisoner a knight of Ae
Round Table and a king's son ; and except Sir Kay spared his
life, his brother Sir Bertelot would certainly for vengeance slay
that knight.

173

174 A6L0VALE DE GALIS

Now, Sir Breuse was a liar who aforetime had given out
a wrong name for a trick on a knight of the Round Table, so
Kay, with some suspicion, asked who was the knight

'^ Sir Aglovale de Galis, son and brother to King Pellinore
and Sir Lamorak."

" Sir Aglovale de Galis is Su: Aglovale de Galis," said Kay,
shortly.

His sword was itching in his hand, howbeit he paused to
consider. Breuse was a liar on double suspicion ; for Sir Kay,
from the unguarded mouth of Sir Agravaine, had a certain
suspicion of his own on the fieite of Su: Aglovale.

"Well," said Kay, ** I wiU strike no bargain, but I wiU see
your knight"

He bound Sir Breuse, mounted and walked him away to
his own castle gates to see out his game.

Came Sir Bertelot the cme-handed to the wicket for parley ;
and soon Sir Aglovale was had up again from that hole into
the light of day. So there they were, two and two: Sir
Bertelot and Sir Aglovale on the one side, Sir Kay and Sir
Breuse on the other, and the barred wicket between.

Sir Aglovale came out of long darkness bleached as white
as bone, beard and hair untrimmed, gaunt with hunger, scowl-
ing with narrowed eyes unaccustomed to light, and scarred and
disfigured withalL Through the pales Sir Kay examined him
as he shrank bom the lig^t, and he laughed upon him for
a fraud.

"No, Sir Breuse, you win not your life by this means.
This is not Sir Agloi^e de Galis, as I had cause for to doubt"

" Sir, you mistake. I am Su: Aglovale de Galis."

" I know better. This is too paltry a sham 1 "

"Sir, I am he indeed; and you, I think, are my fellow Sir
Kay the Seneschal"

Sir Kay looked close again and could not know him. Still
Sir Aglovale affirmed.

'' I will see," said Kay. " Here, Sir Bertelot, take in here
this your brother's sword, stand oflf and toss it to your
prisoner."

AGLOVAUS DE GALIS 175

So he did, and Sir Aglontle caught it with his right
hand.

" Disproof ! " said Kay, " for Sir Aglovale was left-banded."

" I waa. I hare lost the play of that hand."

Sir Kay paid no heed, hut turned upon Sir Bieuse and
swung out his sword. Sir Bertelot on his side did likewise.

" ^>eak ! Speak out, Sir Aglovale, for vay life and your
own!"

" Villam, no. I will not speak for your life."

At diat Sir Kay turned short and looked again. He was
sure by his eyes, yet still he paused.

" I will make sure. Strip your man shirtless. I will see
what record he has on his skin."

So Sir Bertelot did, and, as Sir Kay bade, put Sir Aglovale
backward and close to view. Plain enou^ he bore such
marks as Sir Kay himself brought away from Sir Turquine.

"Well, well," said Kay, "so it is ^ Aglovale de Galis!
So it is I Howbeit, Sir Breuse, as to your life I made no
bargain."

He hung awhile this way and that with his sword, for he
greatly desired to make an end of Breuse Saunce Pit^, and he
cared not a np for Sir Aglovale, and begrudged him fellow-
ship. And yet it was shame to the Round Table to rate
rescue of a fellow so low against riddance of such vermin as
Breuse Saunce Pit^. Sir Bertelot watched him with his swoid
ready also.

Said Kay, very glum. He was sorry Sir Aglovale was his
fellow ; as it was so he must needs leave alive Sir Breuse
Saunce Pit^.

While Sir ^lovale was made ready to be delivered,
washed, fed, armed, Sir Kay waited with Su: Breuse under
sword ; and ever he cursed and Amied while he waited, savage
as a mastiff robbed of his bone.

Back to the wicket Sir Bertelot brought Sit Aglovale upon
question after Favel ; and Sir Breuse declared that now, indeed,
Favel was slain, and charged on Sir Kay a wanton slaughter.
He avowed it with a snarl

176 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

Said Aglovale, grieved, *' That was ill done to slay a good
horse without necessity.**

" Say you so ! *' cried Kay, in a heat, " you who come to
deliverance by these means 1 " Then he eased his spleen with
language, telling he had little joy of that bargain he had
made.

" Gramercy, fidr sir,** said Aglovale, " I am greatly beholden
to you. Nathless, I would the means were of clean knight-
hood, and more to your worship.*'

" O Hell ! " cried Kay. " Su: Aglovale de Galis to prate
to me of clean knighthood ! Well, well, Sir Breuse, you have
your life passing cheap. As for Sir Aglovale, an he like not
the means to his deliverance, he may stay and rot For I
care not to take him up, and I leave him on your hands.**

Therewith Sir Kay turned his back, cursing his bootless
ado ; he mounted, and no prayer moved him ; he rode away
and left Sir Aglovale to the wrong side of the wicket

Breuse Saunce Pit^ on his side stumbled to the wicket and
leaned, and he and his brother looked after Sir Kay till he was
out of sight, dumb from blank amazement, llien Breuse
turned round, and looked in upon the discarded knight with
a laugh. Then Sir Bertelot put hand upon Sir Aglovale
and drew him back, and Sir Breuse came in reelbg like a
drunken man; and he laughed like a drunken man as he
came and put hand upon him also. They held him up between
them, for he could scarcely stand; and they looked at him,
and they looked at each other, and cursed a little softly.

" Now, fair brother,*' said Sir Bertelot, " give me leave to
do what I will with this knight"

" Nay, nay," said Breuse Saunce Pitd, " but I will do what
I will with him."

" So be it I hold it will be all one."

Said Sir Breuse, soberly, '• Sir Aglovale, I have no will to
keep you any longer prisoner."

Said Sir Bertelot, soberly, " Yea, my mind is to set you
free."

Sk Aglovale took their words in a sense, stunned and heavy,

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 1T7

put pleftding ; and Sir Bertdot, seeing bow it was, thrust wide
the wicket before him.

" Oh, men on earth are devils ! " said Aglovale. " Ye I
make an end of this cruel pla^."

Said Sir Breuse, " Tiuly, fair sir, your life has stood me
for mine. Yea, though you would not speak for mine, it has I
Take your life to your own keeping again, aa is fair."

Said Sir Bertelot, " Fair sir, your case sticks us men. Go
your ways after Sir Kay and give to him my brother's title."

"O Maker of marvels 1" said Aglovale, faintly. "Good-nowl
Give room, sirs, and let me kneel"

Said Sir Bertelot, as he kneeled down, " While you are at
it. Sir A{;Iovale, tell God Almighty we two are not quite so bad
as He thinks."

For further proof they provided him a horse as good as
Favel. He accorded no thanks, and they pretended no further
compunction.

" Tis pity," said Sir Aglovale, " that ye have not set your-
selves to be noble knights and to eschew villainy. Sooth, after
this year of pondering your exceeding villainy, I marvel
wherefore ye deal now so fairly."

Said Sir Breuse, " I will tell you. ^ Kay has beaten me
out and out."

Said Sir Bertelot, " A manner of fellowship, &ir sir ; you
have no such name yourself^ to boast your noblesse upon us."

So they flung words a little, rather stark than courteous,
and Sir Aglovale departed.

He had ridden but a furlong down from the castle when
a knight came riding hard, who cried defiance, smote him
down, and bade him rise and do battle. He was weak as
a child, and straight he offered to yield.

"Ah, coward, will you have it sot" cried the other, and,
leaping upon him, rasbed off his helm. " Now, villain, which-
ever you be, I will slay you, or you shall deliver up your
prisoner. Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" Content you, fair sir. Here I deliver him up. I am Sir
Aglovale."

178 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

*' Take keep how you say, lest I answer upon your body
you are not Sir Aglovide, but one of two villains, Sir Breuse or
Sir Bertelot"

" Patience, sir, and spare me. Sir Breuse and Sir Bertelot
have proved by me that they are not utterly villainous, for
they have set me at large.'*

" This telling is hard to believe. On the faith of your
body, are you indeed Sir Aglovale?"

" Faith, I am he. Sir Kay has proved and found by my
body who I am ; and you, as I suppose, have met with Sir
Kay."

That was so. The knight told his name : Sir Gareth
of Orkney, King Arthur's nephew. And he told how he came.
As he hove at conjecture beside a dead horse. Sir Kay came
by, who cursed and deplored because he had taken Breuse
Saunce Pit^ to slay, and Sir Aglovale de Galis had hindered,
so he had to let him go. But Sir Gareth, when he understood
how he had deserted his fellow, left him hastily, and rode to
rescue. For that one son of Lot was altogether noble and
gentle, and he took no part with his brothers in murder and
vengeance, nor was he ever of their counsel.

'* Now, Sir Aglovale, I require you to take my bidding at
this time. Give over to me your shield, your helm, and your
horse, and take mine instead."

*' What you will, sir, I am yielden," said Aglovale, and did
as he bade.

So with that change they set on together, and rode a good
pace till they came nigh after Sir Kay, going his way softly.

^* Now will I teach this old shrew," said Gareth.

Kay looked back, and thought he knew who were these two
coming hard after him. Hastily he made ready, for lo ! Sir
Aglovale cried defiance and feutred his spear, and Sir Gareth
hove aside.

Down went Sir Kay at the shock of onset, and measured
the ground a spear's length behind his horse, greatly astonished
to be so worsted of Sir Aglovale. When he made to rise he
was trampled down again, for the horse that was of Sir

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS 179

Breiue's training took bis rider unawares, plunging upon the
prostrate knight

" Ah, Sir Gareth, do you look on to see this unknightly
practice?"

Neither answered him, and he got to his feet enraged.

" I saved you your life, despicable knight though you be 1
Would I had slain Breuse Saunce Pit^ without scniple. Then
had the world been well lid of two blots at once. Light down
and fight, or I hough that beast an I get the chance."

So down afoot they fought lustily till first breath,

" Now bold hand," said Kay. " Sir Breuse, I know, never
kept this fighting cock. So as I know you, Sir Gaieth, I yield
you the battle, to be quit of this maugre and pretence."

" Not so easy I" said Gareth. " I quit you not save upon
condidons; for you have done ahamefijlly to leave a fellow of
ours to perilous misery."

" Well, well ! What conditions 7 "

" First that you take keep <rf Sir Aglovale, as he is too
wasted with misery to take keep of himself, and follow after
him from this time forward till be come safe and sound to the
court of King Arthur ; and there, secondly, shall you truly and
fully rdiearse your doings ; and, thirdly, naming your name Sir
Kay Saunce Pit^."

Said Kay, "So be iL As for your naming, I care naught ;
and as for rehearsing, I need not your telling ; and as for Sir
Aglovale, I will answer for him. Forsooth he has not the face
to answer for himself, as Breuse Saunce Pit^ has turned him
out."

Said ^lovale, "Sir, you charge him wrongly. Another
defaced me so, or ever Sir Breuse took me."

" Say you so I " said Gareth. " And have you had encounter
with worse than Sir Breuse Saunce Pit^?"

" Forbear to ask upon this, for I list not to tell you."

" Ho 1 " said Kay. " Take not these mumps afore our
lord Arthur, as he will have all adventures of the Quest told
upon oath, and put upon record."

But the matter fell out not as Kay supposed.

180 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The year of the Quest was long overpast when Aglovale
came in again to his place. Most of the fellowship had
returned for the ensuing feast of Pentecost. Some never
returned at all : not Tristram, who abandoned the Quest for his
love, and King Mark slew him; not Dinadan, for he loved
LAmorak, and so the sons of Lot slew him; not Uwaine, Arthur's
nephew by his sister Morgan le Fay, him Gawaine slew
unhappily, not knowing his best cousin and friend ; not King
Bagdemagus, him also Gawaine slew.

Sir Galahad had not returned, nor his two fellows. Sir
Percivale and Sir Bors. Sir Launcelot had lately come in;
for half a year he had sailed the seas with Galahad his son, in
the ship that bore the dead body of the maiden Saint ; he and
Sir Pelleas and none other of the fellowship had come nigh to
the Holy Mystery all had sought, and they in presence but
dimly had perceived.

Among the dead was Sir Aglovale already reckoned when
he came in with Sir Kay. Many of his fellows looking him in
the face did not know him. Gaheris came near and looked
upon him, and for the moment did not know him by his own
handiwork. Then said one in his hearing, ''That is Sir
Aglovale ! By his walk I know him. Who would know him
by his face ! " Gaheris turned sharp, and lo ! his dead man it
was indeed who came by and set living eyes against him.

The murderer kept his countenance, and no sign betokened
confusion save a slight ebb of colour to the stroke of surprise,
and a heightened flush to a touch of shame. As for Aglovale,
he was all unmoved from the heart out; neither shame nor
resentment remained to him; indifferently he admired the
firmness of the man.

Sir Gaheris looked about for his brother Agravaine. He
found him with Sir Kay at him, railing against their brother
Sir Gareth, who, he said, had despitefiilly induced him to under-
take dog's work, to follow and safeguard Sir Aglovale de
Galis.

'' Go to ! Did he bid you go to Hell ? " said Agravaine, and
laughed

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 181

" Not M f&st Sir Aglorale is do further there than here."

" Show him if you can 1 "

Sir Gaheris heard, and he gave in his wont. " Yea, it is so.
I have seen him to know him in spite of appearances."

Sir Agravaine caught back Us laugh, wheeled about as
Gaheris nodded him, and saw for himself. He muttered, "O
gracious Hell I " and shut his mouth. Sir Kay won nothit^
more to confirm bis guess.

Apart together they turned to each other face-&llen.

S^ Agravaine, " Here is shame to me that he has that life
of his."

Said Gaheris, " Heie is shame to me that he has that face
of his. Would to God we had done that business more
cleanly I "

Said Agravaine, "There will be beat presently when he
is sworn and taken down for record."

Said Gaheris, " Yea, doubtless. And now I shall be at his
call to have ado with him. I have no stand to refuse him like
the canion he is, after this foul bungling of ours. Would to
God I had never touched the beast ! "

Said Agravaine, "Would to God we had put him away
more surely I Yet how he came alive passes all wit to guess.
Well, after the supper we shall hear."

But the matter fell out not as they supposed.

King Arthur sat in hall when Sir Aglovale came before him,
and he knew him at once by the eyes of Pellinore. Mildly
he looked upon him, and he spoke with unwonted gentleness ;
said he had doubted heavily upon his long absence ; said he
was glad what he dreaded had not befallen; said God be
thanked. Aglovale in his heart more than in words thanked
him for that kindness.

Now, after supper Sir Kay stood up to fulfil his obligation.
He told all through his tale very dryly and completely in every
particular.

Sir Aglovale sat quiet under him, and when he had ended
offered no word for his part The audience of knights sat
expectant for the King to bid him rise to fill out tbe tale with

182 AGLOVALE DE OAUS

further particulars, and namely how Breuse Saunce Pit^ showed
mercy. But Arthur sat thoughtful awhile, spoke his comment
curtly upon Sir Kay, and did not call on Sir Aglovale at alL

At this there was some wonder all round. Kay wondered,
and Gaheris; and Aglovale himself was slow to understand, and
wondered. Launcelot alone had a deeming that he knew the
King's bent. With attentive mind he observed Sir Aglovale.
He heard a manner of speaking pass, ungentle and imworthy;
for some there were, careless or deliberate, who set their fellow
at naught, and would Sir Kay had slain Sir Breuse Saunce Pit^
before question; in Sir Aglovale's very presence such reflections
passed. Still he sat silent under this, and he showed no sign
of discomposure till the grave, considerate regard of Launcelot
drew his eyes ; then the blood rose hot in his face.

Launcelot spoke a word. He said, with a double sense,
that such usage as was set upon Sir Aglovale de Galis was
passing foul work; even Saunce Pit^ for shame should have
spared him his face.

Aglovale replied, "Ah, sir, good sooth. Sir Breuse did not
stamp me so."

Still the King did not look his way nor call him to rise and
recount. Then Sir Griflet with his great voice put Arthur in
mind to fulfil the record of the Holy Quest, as here was Sir
Aglovale to tell his adventures.

Said Arthur, grave and firm, " Let that alone. I have no
mind to hear what Sir Aglovale has a mind to tell."

Aglovale, startled, sat up rigid, and stared against the King
full and hard, agape and breathless. For the moment he had
no other thought than that Arthur was privy to his nephews'
villainy, and purposed to cover it.

But before the face of Arthur so dishonouring a suspicion
could not stand. The face of Arthur, sombre to sadness,
altered before his eyes, hardened, darkened, overawed the
insolent afiront of his gaze with an access of majestic severity.

Suddenly Aglovale understood: Arthur held him an
approved liar worth no cred^ice.

None beside understood save Sir Launcelot Gaheris and

^^^^^^^H ^^^Kr- '

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 188

^ravaiae, quite at a loss, looked at each other amazed.
To them and to others, that passage of looks and of brief,
unaccountable words told nothii^, bnt that for cause unpei-
ceived King Arthur was displeased, and Sii Aglovale, insolent,
was put out of countenance.

But Launcelot knew that in their midst, jret privily, their
lord had spoken in relentless jud^ent, and their fellow
undergone sentence that was very grievouB to bear.

Aglovale sat still and silent for a time, while sight and
sound about him were unseen, luiheard. Then he came out
oC himself, drew breath, wiped his brow, looked about him
comprehensively. The gaze of LAuncelot anrested him, grave,
considerate, bettei than compassionate. Aglovale smote down
his head.

Then Launcelot likewise smote down his head.

CHAPTER XVm

THE next record of Aglovale tells how he meddled with
Sir Hermind and lost and won.
When after long absence he returned to Galis, he
was slow to learn that old conditions were void. Sir Hermind
in fact and in name ruled, and had no mind to lend himself
again for mask and tool to his difficult kinsman. Yet knowing
the curst unhappy temper of Sir Aglovale, he was patient and
considerate, and slow to teach him; and remembering Sir
Tor's saying, he may come to rust now he is broken, he took
thought to put into his hands many matters of difficulty and
moment

Such charges were those as Sir Aglovale aforetime had
chosen for his part to fulfil, and now at request he carried
through certain of the sterner needs of government for re-
tribution and exemplary justice. Too thoroughly he per-
formed, with ruthlessness and butchery that Sir Hermind did
not approve. But censures now were of no more effect than
were counsels to mercy of old. Sir Aglovale paid little heed ;
rather was he the more extreme as to his mind Sir Hermind
inclined too often to leniency, and Galis fared so much the
worse. Once he took upon him to deal unauthorized, and Sir
Hermind sent warning ; twice, and Sir Hermind sent threaten-
ing. At last he went too far, and by an outrageous deed
provoked stronger measure than words. He defied Sir
Hermind's warrant for mercy, granted unwisely to the prayer
of an importunate mother, and hanged two dangerous young
men, hostages whose lives were forfeit by the treason of their
kindred.

184

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 186

The ciiaimstaDces made Sir Aglovale's offence flagrant
and deliberate. On suspicion of his kinsman's inexpedient
mildness, he hasted to forestall it with his own harsh justice,
and rode hot by night with a nngle man to claim his hostages
from the keeper in charge.

So, as he ordered, within the hour they were piepaied and
shriven, and brought from hold to the gallows on a bridgeway
in the sight of townsfolk and friends. Came the messei^er
riding for life, and delivered Sir Hennind's letters and seal.
Sir Aglovale took these and considered, and then gave the
word for execution forthright; But here the keeper questioned,
remonstrated, warned him that he doubted his authority to
deal ; and he and all his men refused to serve, and would do
naught, as they would have to answer to Sir Hermind.

" As for that, I will have it done," said Sir Aglovale, " and
myself I will answer to Sir Hermind. Howbeit I will have
this done so you and your men shall stand altogether dear."

Therewith he bade his own man do the work ; and he toc^
out his sword, and went and kept the bridge-end against the
crowd till the woric was done.

He departed, and rode down to Milford Haven to awe
other traitors, and left to a more convenient season, as less
urgent matter, adjustment and understanding with Sir Hermind.

Soon came summons that struck a pause. He was bidden
return straightway to Cardiff, and to bring with him his
hangman. He thought fit then to obey ; and as he rode he
went over the matter in his mind, and so came heavy and
sober to Cardiff, and sought audience of his cousin. That waa
refused him till the day following, when Sir Hermind sat in
council

Sir Aglovale came in with his sword ungirt, sans spurs,
shield, helm ; and when Sir Hermind saw him so, the least
spark of anger died, and he was passing grieved and heavy for
that he had to do.

He required Sir Aglovale to give an account of what he
had done. So he did faithfully, acknowledging that he had
received bis order to spare, and bad gone against it ; and he

186 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

asked leave to lay down what firm and weighty reasons there
were for so doing. That was refused him. Sir Hermind
rehearsed his right to the absolute rule of Galis, by Une of
inheritance, by consent, by election sanctioned and confirmed
of King Arthur; and he required Sir Aglovale to show if he
had right to overrule his warrant and denounce his prerogative.

Said Aglovale, "From my buth I belonged to Galis.
What I have done was for the weal of Galis. I had no other
purpose."

Sir Hermind put down that plea; he was the head of Galis,
and the weal of Galis could never be sound while injuriously
Sir Aglovale practised against his head. He spoke firm with-
out harsh language ; he had not forgot how much he owed to
Sir Aglovale, and what strong excuse, by reason of their
former footing, there was for him, whose will was long dominant
before he was made able and sure enough to cope with wild
Galis alone.

But Sir Aglovale put forward no protest on these grounds.
He said that verily he had considered that reprieve came
rather from Sir Hermind's good heart; and he, slighting it,
had purposed to appeal to his good head when he came to
render account. Sir Hermind told him that he could not hear
him till he had purged his contempt; and Sir Aglovale
answered, right so he would, and make reparation all so much
as Sir Hermind required.

Full reparation Sir Hermind required: he was to pay
down at the gallows-tree the price of blood ; he was to take
down the dead bodies and carry them to decent burial; he
was to withdraw to Cardigan and keep the room of his castle
till the following feast of Christmas.

This was stark dealing, and Sir Aglovale was shocked;
and so, indeed, were others there present, who, had he revolted
to defiance, might have stood by him for his father's sake, and
because they were at one with him in this instance as to the
unwisdom of Sir Hermind in remitting forfeit.

Against common expectation Sir Aglovale answered sub-
missive ; but presently he was more shocked when Sir Hermind

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 187

had before him his man, and ordered him to the gallows-tree
with his master to take his penalty under the hai^man's lash,
and with him to go bury the dead.

Said Aglorale for the man: be had done no wtot^; he
had done his duty, obeying his master without question ; what
bult there was was his alone. He spoke in vain ; and in vain
he offered to redeem his man at fiill blood price ; upon all be
could say there was answer to confound him from his own
harsh doings. He was cruelly hurt He smote down his head
and asked for mercy, pardon for his man. Sir Hermind
swore by his head he would not grant it Aglovale said no
more; the taste of bootless humiliation choked him. Sir
Hermind reqtured no pledge, but let him go ; be had his man
for surety.

So in due time Sir Aglovale met his man at the gallows-
tree, and each paid his penalty. And they took down the
two dead bodies and carried them to burial, to tbe great
delight of townsfolk and friends, so that the keeper and Sir
Lamiet of Cardiff, with all their men, had much ado to deliver
them clear.

And wbea all was done and masses said. Sir Aglovale's
man stood up before him, plucked from his coat his badge, and
flung it underfoot

" Do me right, my lord ; pay me the price of my blood,
for I quit your service. I will serve a master who can ensure
me a whole skin when I do his orders."

Sir Lamiel of Cardiff cursed the man fiercely, as Sir
Aglovale stood for a moment out of words. Then said he,
"Fair sir, let be, he asks but right"

He paid the full price he had offered for redemption ; and
the man took it shifting and muttering.

" If he will have me, I will serve Sir Hermind."

Said Sir Aglovale, "You serve him well already." He
turned to Sir Lamid and charged him with a message to Sir
Hennind, and prayed him to report fairly, and to speak well
for his man, an honest and trusty knave. Then he departed
for Caid^an.

188 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Right heavy at heart was Sir Hermind before Sir Lamiel
came in. What he had done he believed to be right and just
and needful, and he might not repent; yet he was greatly
troubled. He was noble, upright, and scrupulous, and his
gain over Sir Aglovale smote him with compunction. Had
Sir Aglovale come in armed and defied him, had he denounced
his failing, had he opened out as to their old terms of joint
authority and reproached him for mgratitude, had he claimed
his privilege to justify himself in battle, then had he played a
part right and honourable, and those present in council would
incline to worship and esteem him better than now in effect
they did. But he had come in surrendered, he had owned
and bowed to his authority, he had petitioned and been
denied, he had met unforeseen rigour and had not revolted.

Sir Lamiel came in and told all he had witnessed. " And
Sir Aglovale prays you take well his fair greeting of farewell,
for he thinks to have done his last for the welfare of Galls ; so
God keep you your heart as you have proved it upon him,
and all is well."

" This is too hard for me ! " said Sir Hermind, grieving.

Said Sir Lamiel, " Oh, sir, pray God for yourself and Galis
that you win quit of his danger."

" God help and reward Sir Aglovale de Galis. I think him
the truest man alive."

But Sir Lamiel doubted. " Such meekness is not accord-
ing to his nature. Trust him not ! "

Next day Sir Hermind rode forth with his young son
Mariet, and did not return.

Meanwhile, across the hills and valleys of Galis, then fresh
with the lilies and palm-wands of Easter-tide, Sir Aglovale had
taken his way, sorrow-laden, to withdraw to the narrow room
of his castle walls at Cardigan. He knew well that his course
was over in the land he was bom to rule. Sir Hermind was
fit and able enough, and his meddling was needless and
mischievous. He came to Cardigan thwarted, defeated, weary
of vain effort. Two young squires, bastard sons to Sir
Dumor, were fighting at play on the castle green. The elder

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 189

and the taller went down shocked over bis hone's tail. Sir
Aglovale smiled at that;

That night he could not sleep, and according to custom he
rose and walked. From the bed where Fercivale had left him
he went, and roamed the vacant chambers where sweet Gilleis
bad lived and died, and the hall where Sir Marhaus had
thundered from heaven ; he climbed up under the stars, to
look down upon the ceaseless river, and the outlying isle
where her dear body was a part of the mould, and afar on the
span of bridge where Brose drove him off and drubbed him ;
and then back again he came to the bed where Perdvale
had left him. It was the brink of Easter Day, midnight past,
but still dark, with not a hint of dawn behind the hills. He
lay down once more and slept, sound without a dream, as
ever he slept since the night of avowal there.

Came the voice of Percivale crying him awake. ''Aglovale,
Aglovale ! "

Beside his bed stood Percivale, pale as are the dead,
tears in his eyes, his arms wide. Against his face dawned a
light so clear that it faded as stars fade at sunrise.

Aglovale answered and sprang. He gathered great dark-
ness to his breasL So he knew that Percivale was dead.

CHAPTER XIX

THROUGH Cardigan Castle and town went stir and buzz
on Sir Aglovale's return, for rumour of variance and
defiance was already about. Old knights and retainers
spoke of the brim and merry day when he had gathered round
him all with a grievance in Galis, and mischief had threatened
till King Pellinore came down with a strong hand to cut it
short. So now they questioned what manner of day might be
at hand ; certain it would not be merry.

But on the morrow conjecture was stricken to a pause, for
Sir Aglovale was found tranced and rigid as once before ; and
so he lay for two days, till by blood-letting and exorcism he
was restored to his senses. His leech, that same good wise-
acre, again warned him agamst strong meats and wine, and
against deadly sin, and namely warned him against hardness of
heart. Another two days went by, and still his purposes lay
dark. It was told how all that while he rested and meditated,
gazing out with level eyes against the horizon, from dawn to
dark, from dark to dawn, without sleep.

Too far away did Sir Aglovale set his gaze to take note of
a noble knight, passing down, as the sun went low, to the cover
of Cardigan walls. Indifferently he heard that one was come
to the castle gates who would not give his name save by the
mouth of a fair child to Sir Aglovale himself. Indifferently he
lifted his eyes as young Manet came before him.

From Uie first moment his heart gave towards this boy, who
in feature was strangely like Lamorak at his age, and like
Percivale in his delicate grace. He was solemn as death.

" Fair child," said Aglovale, gently, " speak in God's name 1

190

AGLOVALE DE GALI5 191

Say who you aie, and who sends you." He marvelled greatly,
but sooth he needed not the telling.

"Sir," said Maiiet, "my bther, Sir Hermiad, sends me
beToie him to bespeak him a hearing on a matter to concern
you both. Below at the gates he waits to know if it be your
will to receive him at all, or secretly, or openly."

" I will well," said Aglovale. He rose unsteadily, and laid
his hand heavily on the boy. " Be my stay, fair child, an you
can bear more than a little."

" Yea, nr, I hope I can," said Mariet, and braced his
slight strei^th to the weight

So Sir Aglovale staggered down into hall, and bade the
gates be opened, and sent out the two young squires his
nephews, and came to the threshold with the child still under
his band.

"Eater, Sir Hermindl" he called. "Enter to me, fair
lord and cousin, as I may not quit the room of these walls to
come out to you at my own pleasure."

Straightway Sir Hermind Ughted down and came close,
and they looked each other hard in the visage till both were
satisfied. Yet neither offered the kiss at that time.

Said Sir Aglovale, " Fair lord, put your hand upon me and
come in." And so be brought him into hall an honoured
guest, to the great astonishment of all there ; and he set him
at the board, and together they eat and drank.

Never could Sir Hetmind quite love his strange kinsman ;
never could he quite pity him. Under his hand he felt him
totter, he saw him aged, broken, worn, he heard him speak
deference; and in his heart be worshipped him, weak and
sad and meek, knowing him aloof and far from need of pity
and love.

Th^ came to private speech that night after the supper.

" Fair lord," said Sir Aglovale, " waste no doubt on what
you have come to say. However it be, my will is to take it
as it is meant."

Thereupon Sir Hermind choked and swallowed before he
could bring it ouL

19S AOLOVALE DE GALIS

" As you say, so keep. Sir Aglovale, I mean to give you
my son Manet if you will take him."

Startled and amazed beyond measure. Sir Aglovale stam-
mered after him.

'' You mean to give me your son Mariet if I will take him !
God in heaven, this is beyond me ! "

His blank bewilderment knocked Sir Hermind hard.

'' God's truth ! " said he, wording low and strong, " well I
know you could make of my son a better man than his father.
Yea, for a man of singular worth and integrity you have made
from beginnings that, to speak plain, did not promise so much
excellence."

" Nay," stammered Aglovale, " Percivale was bom excellent,
but I saw his promise before others."

'*I go not so far as to speak of Sir Percivale. But as to
you. Sir Aglovale — oh, 'tis pity you have no son of your own
body to bring up after you."

" Cease, cease. You look in the dark. We live all in the
dark here below. Nay, pity were any issue of mine to run
on ! Cease, you say too much for me."

Sir Hermind would not cease; he went on to tell Sir
Aglovale in what light he saw him, and held him dumb with
amazement Only a pair well matched in honesty could so
encounter for good; each at his disadvantage was exposed to
no contumely. High-minded above scruples of pride and
shame, the one said what he had to say without a doubt, and
the other heard him so as he meant Aglovale could not
speak. He smote down his head in true humility that has no
taint of bitterness. As soon as he could he asked as to Mariet,
and Sir Hermind called in his son and bade him answer for
himself.

The boy said simply that his father's will was his, and that
he also had learned to worship Sir Aglovale.

" Ah, Sir Hermind," said Aglovale, '* have you taught him
so little of me that he knows of no blame ? "

" He knows enough, as you may ask him."

Aglovale eyed the boy sadly. "I tell you, child, the

AQIX3VALE DE GALIS 198

worst rou can have heard against me was true, and short of
the truth."

" Fair git, but you know not what is said; and well I know
it is not true at all"

Said Aglovale, patiently, " Say out now what is said."

" Sir, that you are not dioroughly honest and loyal at heart,
but a close traitor."

"What — now?" cried Aglovale.

" Yea, sir, here and now."

Aglovale turned upon Sir Hermind with a bint smile.
" And so you came to assay me ? "

"To justify you,"

" Fair lord, that was nobly done, but it was needless.
Waste no care on me, waste not your son on me, an that be
all you came for."

" Not all Take you my son for his good, as for his good
I give him up to you. Mend him of my faults. Make him
in bead and heart stronger than I to rule Galis when he shall
be called. Take him as you took Sir Perdvale, and may God
reward him to you as weU."

At that Sir Aglovale forgot their presence, and gazed worlds
beyond them; and silent they waited, marvelling to see that
stem and unlovely visage alter and relax, and glow to a vision
remote, as a crag takes up light from the sun departed. He
came to them again, weak and shaken.

"Thanks be to God Alm^hty in all His ways," he said
faintly; and soon, more strongly, "Gentle hearts, as God
only knows, I am giateiiil for these your good ways towards
me."

" Take up, then, my son in God's name."

He stayed from answer, and, kneeling down, gave himself
to prayer awhile. Sir Hermind and Mariet kneeling with him.

Then he stood and said, " Not as I took Pcrcivale : him
I took and kept in ignorance, to his sorrow later."

He took Mariet by the hand, and painfully told him,
while he shrank, of much iniquity done; and told him
bow he had shamed and troubled his father's house; and

IW AGLOVALE DE GALIS

told him namely hov his son unborn died for hia ma in the
womb.

Cried Manet, ahaking, *' I know, I know all that, but I
know better."

Said Sir Heimind, " God 'a mercy, Sir Aglovale, cut this
short 1 For, look you, the best the child knows of you is also
short of the truth."

He broke off as the folly and wrong of his silence to
Fercivalecut home, Deafto thevoiceof SirHennind,inwaTd!y
he heard the earnest cry, " Brother Sir Aglovale, I swear I love
you ; " and the face of Fercivale, child and man, weeping for
him, made dim his eyes. Mariet was kneeling, holdii^ his
knees; he put down his band and felt cold fingers and a
passive head. Mariet, with all his generous faith, had no
heatt's-giving as yet.

"God help me, child, to do by you better than by
Fercivale." He bowed his bead and wept heavily, as it were
for the burial of Fercivale. " Fair cousins, give me room
awhile for a grief that is all my own," he said fidntly. " I am
too spent at this time to hansel joy also."

Sooth bis i»ous old leech had left him too little blood to
carry him through ; he ended in a swoon. Sir Heimlnd
watched him out of it and into steep; for that night he slept
again, to dreamless peace. It was wonder to see man alive so
rest like one of the blessed dead.

In due form, according to law and religion, before God and
man, Sir Aglovale took Mariet from the hands of his father.
And the same day that this was accomplished came Sir lAmiel
of Cardiff with a great plump of speais and beset the gates,
calling on high to Sir Aglovale to come out and answer for
his neason, or deliver up Sir Hermind and his young son.

Then there was sport ; Sir Henniod prayed Sir Aglovale to
lend hun bis harness, and so armed he went out and smote
down Sir Lainiel at the barriers, and six others beside, with
one spear. Then he turned in again, and Mariet came out
lightly, took Sir Lamiel by the finger, and brought him in to
ease his mind and to better his judgment

AOLOVALE DE OALIS 195

But that sturdy knight came to no clear understanding, and
ever doubted there was some foul practice behind the fair show
put before him. Privily he warned Sir Hermind how once
Sir Aglovale had carried off the boy Percivale, and kept him
by the sword from his brothers till he worked his ill-vrill,
driving Sir Dumoi out of Galis; and how after that he had
broken faith, and again carried off the boy to sea till Sir Lamorak
granted him all his demands. After this manner, he said, did
Sir Aglovale Ailfil the fealty he had vowed with a show of
towardness. Yet his brothers all, of their goodness, were close,
and for his credit doked the matter as best they might But
ever he would tpke advantage of rorbearance, and head as he
chose in maugre and contempt. His father, King FelUnore,
was more shrewd in his dealings, turned him adrift when he
proved curst and intolerable ; on a flourish of disaffection laid
him up in irons here in his own castle of Cardigan, with him,
Sir Lamiel, for his keeper.

" Gramercy, Sir Lamiel, for your counsel and good will ;
but I tell you I shall not require you for any such service.
And I warn you, utter not such malignant stuff against Sir Aglo-
vale in Galls, or by my head you shall go elsewhere to rue it."

Said Sir Lamiel, " Fair lord, you play it off well."

"Look you I I have [dayed off my son Maiiet in this
game, and count him well lost to Sir Aglovale's adoption,"

" Fie 1 Has he not sons enough of his own on the ground I
Many I your gentle among those kites ] "

"What sons?"

" Whose are those two squires swart and bold-eyed ? Have
you no eyes to see ? "

" I have seen — I have asked. They are bastards, and Sir
Dumor's."

" So be pleases to say. Be not so sure. By your leave I
will venture the question."

So he did. Sir Aglovale stiffened and eyed him intent a
moment

"To the best of my belief they are not mine, but Sit
Dumor's."

196 AOLOVALE DE GALIS

" Nnther ? By the faith of your body ? "
" How, lir? Let such asking be put upon mothers of sons.
Neither these nor any sods have been brought home to me."

" All played off, forsooth I " returned Sir Lamiel.
Cried Sir Hennind, " Hold 1 I will hear no more. This
cast is too base."

" Fair m, not a whit I have known Sir Aglovale twice
as loi^ as you. I tell you before his face he has too unclean
a record to be fit to touch your son widiout offence to your
worship and that of your noble lady. There be some few in
Galis who rear up sons that they doubt on his account Sii, I
would say more but that I am under his roof."

Said Sir Aglovale, " Under this roof you never had cause to
say so much. Your keeping was proof enough ! "

Upon that Sir Lamid used terms so strong that Sit Hermind
denied him fiirther audience, and he departed in dudgeon from
Cardigan.

But he left Sir Hermind troubled.

" I deemed him a noble knight, staunch and upright."

" I know him, and so he is."

" He interprets you vilely."

Said Sir Aglovale, after a pause, " Fair lord, 'tis well you
should hear what reason he has.

"As you must know, my father, King Pellinore, once
punished me hard. Here in Cardigan he left me close prisoned,
and Sir Lamiel he set in charge. I was very strictly kept ; be
was neither harsh nor kind, but exact upon an irksome duty.
So for near half a year under this roof each occupied his place,
with a brief interchange of words twice daily.

" Once the wind blew over the sound of a sweet shrill laugh,
and his voice imperative hushing it So only did I know his
young wife was with him to lighten his dreary days. I was
hot and restless for a day or more; the fret wore off; that
hushing of his was final. I never set eyes upon that fair lady
till the day of release.

" My brother Tor came with order of release, and be wept
for joy and sorrow to see me. I staggered on the stairway, off

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 197

my balance at fint itepping free, and at that he took me off my
fiset and carried me. Half blind be blundered, and before Sir
I^miel could lUy us we had startled io her privacy his fair
wife. I saw her very fair as she rose in a flutter, and without
keep I regarded her. She stopped dead and returned my gaze
with a face of eager compassion, while her colour rose and
paled again. She turned to her lord with a deep sigh, and
sank into bis arms swooning. And so her happy wedlock was
bl^hted."

Said Sir Hermind, " Was it bo 7 Now I partly guess — not
altogether."

"Sooth, the case should not be incredible. My mother,
when she earned me, looked on the Questing Beast, and some
do see a trace. But Sir Lamiel held the truth incredible when
some months later his wife was brought to bed of a girl, swart
like me, with a tiick of face like mine. Though I was in irons,
though I never saw human creature save in his presence, he
could not be satisfied."

" You were altogether clear by absolute proof."

" Fair lord, at that time the name I had told to such effect"

" Why do yon tell this tale ? "

" Fair lord, at this time the name I had tells to some effect"

" I look to amend that somewhat"

" It is no use."

" Refiise not that is your due, Sir Aglovale. Here in
Galis I have more credit than I deserve, and you by so much
the less."

" As to that, you and I have not in the past been altogether
open and void of deceit for our ends in GaUs. Cloke and
mask was our habit for long. We sought no confidence, we
gained none, we deserve none. So let be each to each as we
were, and God grant so as we shall be, without a doubt to the
end, notwithstanding broken teeth."

For all Sir Aglovale could say, Sir Hermind would pursue
bis vain purpose. But he won few to beUeve that he in pure
honour and worship had bestowed bis son to the keep of Sir
Aglovale, whom he would no mcne suffer to meddle io Galis.

198 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

The leaden ]rear vore on to the feast of Christmu.

Nov, when the midnight mass was over, Sir Aglorale went
down and isEued to the night alone to take the breath of
enlargement between the snow and the stan. That natural
move of his was shrewdly awaited. He saw a shadow suddenly
stretch out beside his own on the moonlit snow; quick he
wheeled ; quicker came down a stab, smitten so deep and hard
that he pitched face forward to a stunning fall. So the villain
left him, and fled, and was never traced.

He was found with a knife stuck in his back with a missive
spitted upon it The blow had shattered the seal, and in the
flurry and dismay ensuing that missive was hastily opened and
read. The thing was horrible : there, writ large, was greeting
for peace and good will from Sir Hermind.

But Sir Aglovale, when he came to his senses and had
knowledge of the missive, showed little discomposure. He had
it spread open before his eyes, and read it, twisting a dreary
smile. But soon he perceived too much intelligence in the
eyes about him, and, looking at the broken seal, understood
that privity was unhappily gone. Then he was discomposed
out of measure. He strove to speak, called " Mariet ! " with
a great expense of blood, and swooned away.

The knife had gone through to the lungs dangerously far ;
he was warned for his life against speaking then awhile.

Mariet came to the fore. He crept up, sobbing miserably,
but at a look and a touch he vns sobbing more for joy.

" Fair lord, you do know — you do know 1 Fail lord, let me
speak out to Uiese present. He knows 1 Sir Aglovale does
know, that Sir Hermind had no thought nor part in this
wickedness."

He kissed the hand that held him; he ventured dose
and kissed Sir ^lovale's cheek. So was love r^;ht filial first
delivered.

The child was si^ beyond bis years ; he considered how
Sir Aglovale had not .the art of writing, nor voice to indite,
so himself he sou^t a derk, uid a letter to Sir Heimind was
written, and read out to Sir Aglovale for sanction. It shook

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 199

him periloasly with covert sob and laughter. This was tbe
body of it ;

"Fair sire, I would you weie here. The villain you sent
has laid Sir Aglovale low with a knife in his back so that he
cannot speak. Howbeit, I do not think he will die thereof.
Fair sire, he knows what is truth and so do I ; but otiiers do
not, though they make pretence, save Michael and John, who
do not hide misdoubL The villain has escaped. Fair aire, I
would you were here to deal against misdoubt and pretence.
Fair sire, I now do love Sir Aglovale as I love another, but
not near so well. I, Mariet, am deeply distressed for you
both."

That letter brought Sir Hennind as soon as he could stand
and go, for he had been sick of a fever at that time of wretched
miscarriage, or doubtless he had not tarried so far from a sight
of Maiiet, and the kiss of peace when it was due. Sir Aglovale
by then could also stand and go a little, and unadvisedly he
came out and stood up for the rite of greeting ; for even as Sir
Heimind embraced him, crying out on his unhappiness, the
wound broke inwardly, and he answered, " Ah, peace 1 " with a
gush of blood.

Alas 1 here for foul evidence was the accusation of blood ; all
fair show was darkened by the stain of it. Sir Hennind him-
self was plainly troubled when he came to private speech.

Said Sir Aglovale, " I need no telling to understand this
mischief. I knew the hand against me was the hand of that
savage hangdog of mine who served me well to his cost
Almost I was sure by his shadow ; with your missive to boot I
understood enough."

"So do not I. The knave was surly but trusty, as you
said. This devilry of his is beyond me."

Aglovale lay silent, biting a dreary smile, till Sir Hennind
pressed him to be plain.

" Sure, sir, the fact is pUiin : the man serves me with your
favour, — pins it to my back on his knife. The dog has his
humour.

" Is that not plain enough ? You sent bim to me, — him

200 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

that lent me steady faithful service on the warrant of my word
to bear him through, — to me that failed him, and surrendered
him, and stood by him only at his punishment for my trans-
gressions, and my warrant worthless/'

" God 'a mercy, you paid him off handsomely."

" I paid him for his skin. I did not dare offer to buy up
his grievance, he a free Briton. Now I think that has been
paid for."

" By my head, this is bitter 1 "

" By your head, it was bitter ! It is over."

'* Sir Aglovale, for the good of Galis I had to break you."

" For the good of Galis I was broken. Also for the good
of Galis cast me aside."

*^ Fair cousin," said Sir Hermind, sorrowfully, " I was so
blank that I was come to ask you why your blood rose
against me."

Said Aglovale, wearily, " As to that, fair cousin, you pressed
me too hard for my condition. For, to be plain. Sir Hermind,
you do not love me; you never will. Nor do I you quite.
You know me, you trust me, you worship me when you can,
you break me when you must with a loth heart I you no less.
I have knocked you in my way, and you have knocked me in
yours, but for all that no shade of rancour has ever come
between us, nor ever will. Rancour, no ! Love, no ! But
hard truth and honest understanding to rest upon I pray we
keep always, and namely for the sake of Mariet"

He was passing weak and low at the end of speech, and so
Sir Hermind meditated all silent some while before he took up
the word.

" For the sake of Mariet and for the sake of truth I pray
you grant me one request"

Said Aglovale, smiling, " Nay ! Give me your bidding."

" Let us go together before King Arthur."

Aglovale lay staring with a fallen countenance. " Sir, on
my own account I am bound to the court of King Arthur, so
soon as I can ride. Sir, at your pleasure so be it Yet to
what purpose ? "

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 201

Said Sir Hermind, " Look you. Sit ^lovale ! you and I
uid Mariet are here so set in a coil of doidit and suspicion I
It were well to lay the matter in the hands of our noble lord
King AithuT, foi his sanction and approval would justify us
above suspicion, and stand us right before the world."

Aglovale lay mute, his visage was drawn and grey, and be
took his breath so heavily that Hermind was in dread of blood
anew.

Came voice at last, " King Arthur would not sanction and
approve. His face is a very sword — ready as any knife to pin
upon me youi good worship in scom and di^usL He would
be justified— by right of overrule— to take away — Maxiet — out
of my hands."

Few and feeble were the words, but they told much to Sir
Hermind : how dearly he prized Mariet. He in a heat cried,
" By Heaven 1 but I will so sound your worship before King
Arthur, that he must needs give ear and alter his countenance."

Said Aglovale, faintly, " It is no use — King Arthur would
not give eai nor alter his countenance, though Fercivale biio-
aelf came from the dead to speak for me."

"From the deadl" breathed Hermind. "Dead — Sir
Perdvale dead 1 " There was no response. " God rest his
soul," he prayed; and, awestruck, he gazed down upon Sir
Aglovale, for he saw once mote that aflerglow tighten his
countenance.

Prayed Aglovale, " God rest his souL Ah God 1 Mariet I
Look down, and overrule Thou us, for the making of Mariet 1 "

CHAPTER XX

WELL alone came Aglovale to Camelot, and all tiinely
he came for heating the last tidings of his btotiier.
Foi few days later Sir Bois returned from that hi-oS
city of Sanas, where he bad laid to earth the mortal covers
of three pure sools : maiden Saint, Galahad, and Percivale.
Beside the vacant sieges of his two fellows Bois took his place,
and before Aithur and the broken fellowship told the tale of
how the Quest was achieved, and many high adventures diere-
with — of the Table, and the Ship, and the Swoid ; of the pasnng
of Percivalc's sister Saint, and how dead she came in the body
to keep tryst ; how they tested in prison with marvellous con-
solation ; how in the city of Sarras Galahad was crowned king,
and how be died for holy joy.

Sir Launcelot bowed down, weeping for his son in sorrow
and joy, and many another wept with bim. Sir Aglovale
neither bowed, nor wept, nor spoke. Once Sir Bors at the
first looked upon birn earnestly, meeting a passive stare. He
came to the tale of how Sir Percivale took on religious clothing,
and in a hermitage abode, praying and wasting away till he
died upon Easter Day. Once again he looked on Sir Aglo-
vale; even then he sat rigid and still as stone. Those who
remembered to mark him were not drawn to approach in the
kindness of common dole one so unmoved. Only Launcelot,
and he was blinded. He came by, and turned to take Sir
Aglovale by the hand.

" Ah, Sir Aglovale, we be fellows this day beyond the rest ;
for to you and to me most near as brother and son aie these

AGLOVALE U£ GAUS SOS

two beat knights in the world, Sir Galahad and Sir Fetdvale,
fellows without peei."

Aglovale blessed him as the indigent blesGes alms, and
gripped so hard that Sii Launcelot took away bruised fingeis.

Late that night came Sir Bors to Sii Aglovale's lodging.

" I pray you, Sir Aglovale, give me leave to be free of your
I»iTacy at this time, though I know you so little, but by

" Make free. In the name of God, give me to hear what
is mine, though it be but grief."

"Sir, I bring you your own again," said Bots, and put
into his hands his own sword that Feicivale had taken.

At that there was glow in ashes. Aglovale took the blade
and handled it over and over, and kissed devoutiy the red
cross in the hilts. For this same blade tokened loss and gain :
r^puned from Arthur, regained from Lamorak, regained from
Ferdrale ; thrice annealed, be held it dear.

Said Bors, " Hear how Sir Feicivale delivered this charge.
He kneeled, and lifting up the hilts between his two hands,
be cried, ' I swear, brother Sit Aglovale, I swear I do love
you.'"

Aglovale turned away abrupt with a heavy breath.

Said Bors, " Help me to speak lest I do wrong between
you and Sir Feicivale."

" That you cannot. You mean kindly. Tread on,"

Bors could not "Have patience," he said, "and first
hear me out on a trouble of mine own."

He told the tale that my most dear Master has recorded,
of the grief and offence that came between him and his brother
Lionel as they went their ways on the Quest For he abandoned
his brother, him stripped naked, bound, barbarously used ; and
he left him to bodily death, and chose rather, for the worship
of Jesu God and Saint Mary Mother, to go save « maid
in desperate case, and so to deliver two unhappy souls from
sin and shame that is deadlier than death. But by the mercy
of God Sii Lionel did not die. Soon he met with him again.
Alas I enraged he found him. No plea, no medtness availed.

JtM A6L0VALE DE GALIS

His dear brother set upon him to slay him, and so fell was
his mood that he slew without mercy a priest and a knight
who came between for mediation. In the end, said Bois, the
wrath of God smote them down at theii strife ; and when his
dear brother came to himself in his arms he forgave him
gently for all his deep offence.

Aglovale heard the tale quietly ; he did not pronounce on
it well or ill. Bors went on.

He left his brother, he said ; for a voice bade him go seek
Sir Fercivale needii^ his fellowship on the deep. And so he
did ; and after a day and a night he came to the sea, where
lay a ship all white under the moon. Straightway he entered,
and right so the night darkened on a sudden, and the vessel,
starting from land like a winged thing, took flight away. And
there in the midst, sleeping, by morning light he found Sir
Fercivale according to the sending voices. So with joy and
comfort of each other they sailed together the great seas, many
days drifting and driving, yet unafraid.

At that time either told other how be had been tempted
on the Quest. Sir Fercivale told bow a fiend had carried him
and cast him down in a wilderness to hunger, and bow he
was tempted of the Master Fiend of Hell in a fair shape, and
drank strong drink and turned to sin. Sut be sinned not
indeed, for by God's grace he looked upon his sword with
the holy sign upon it, and right so called upon God, whereat
the Fiend fled away. Then Fercivale caught his sword and
drove it through his own flesh for penance ; and thereafter
spent and feeble he came into the ship that wafted him to their
meedi^.

Aglovale fingered the blade and the hilts with a grim smile,
and Sir Bors eyed him doubtfully and went on.

He said that when he came to tell in turn bis adventures
past, how he had abandoned his brother and aggrieved him
deadly, that Sir Fercivale was moved to great distress with
heavy weeping, and swooned for sorrow.

" So it was, Sir Aglovale," said Bors, " that Sir Fercivale
gave me to know more than a little.

A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS a05

" Yea, more than a little I " said Bors. " I know alL Oh,
sir, I know all ! "

Aglovale pressed down his head upon his hands. Hot and
quivering he said, " Sure he must have loved you dearly."

" Aye, that he did I " said Bors. " Like a brother."

" Like a brother t " breathed Aglovale.

Cried Bors, distressed, " Not as he loved you, Sir Aglovale.
You he loved above all the world — above measure — as father,
brother, friend in one. He scarce could speak for weeping as
he told how you did deserve his love, and how he failed you."

" Cease, cease ! " groaned Aglovale.

"I will noL He said he forsook you unbrotherly; yet
knew not at that time what he did. When he heard how
before Kir^ and fellows you had cried out against his unkind-
ness, &en he did know."

" Mercy, leave this ! I know better than you."

Cried Bors, " But I know, — 1 1 For when I had forsaken
my brother I fell to anguish of doubt that I was not justified.
And I, — I had trusted him to know how hard I turned me
from the call of natural affection. Yea, and I had doubted of
him that he diould grudge against God Who called me from
biio in his dire need."

Aglovale rocked and sighed, and Bors went on. He told
of maiden Saint, how she brought Sir Galahad with her to
sail with them the seas; and bow she brought faith and com-
fort to Sir Percivale ; for she, by her life and words, showed
him how true to God our Maker can human affections be. So
she taught and consoled him till the day of her death, when
she gave up her sweet life most charitably for the healbg of
a vile creature.

"God rest her dear soul," said Aglovale. "She used to
pray for me."

"Sir," cried Bors, "God only knows how constant were
Sir Perdvale's prayers for you. In sleep I have heard him
often, in fever ofren. And hard he prayed, the prayer that
God denied, to see you face to face but once before he
departed this Ufe."

a06 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

Aglorale beard on in silence the meek and pitiful tale of
Fercivale's end. By slow degrees, he dwined and wasted after
his sister's death, though for the months in prison and for
Galahad's year of leign the presence of the Holy Grail sus-
tained him. He bad little strength in him left when Galahad's
soul departed, caught up into heaven with the Holy Grail.
Thereafter meekly he dressed his heart to death. Yea, it was
[ntiful. Sound and fit in spirit, he was too weak in body to
seek after his brother, biro bitter and broken to despair, crying
out on him, " He left me unkindly."

For a year he lingered alive in sorrow and prayer, and
sorrowing he died. He passed away with the cry, " Aglorale,
Aglorale." From sleep Bors heard it, and sprang. Dead he
lay, his arms wide spread, tears upon his visage.

Aglovale shrank and covered his ears to shut out the
profanation of speech upon his heart's privacy. When he
lifted his head Bors, still and mute, was regarding him
with eyes brimful of distress. He started up and stood
away.

Said Bors, " Sir, an you shut your ears against me I have
done. I pray God move your heart somehow yet, though
human means &iL"

Aglovale wrung open his heart " Help me, Sir Bors !
You shall know, because you loved him."

" In the name of God 1 " said Bois.

Said Aglovale, " When Fercivale called, I heard. I saw.
Weeping, he looked on me fiice to face. His arms were open
wide. I knew when he died."

" You heard bis call I You saw him so as he died I "

" He never knew me ; altieit we were at one. He died and
never knew we were at one."

" You were at one I "

" Yea, yea I He passed me upon empty night. Before I
could reach him by word or touch he was gone from me
uncomforted. God rest bis soul I "

" Ah, sir, lead, for diis light blinds me."

" The Eudt was mine. Would to God I had trusted him

AGLOVAI-E DE GALIS 807

Adly and dnerred full ttust. He died, and never knew I
Qodentood and approved."

" You understood and apiwoved t You who cried out on
his onkindness t"

" Yea, so 1 Unkind, unkind I Ab, God, unkind he was,
and had to be. And I cried ; yea, I thought blame that he
fonook me. Sir, I have learned better. I was out, and he
was true : yea, very faithful in his unkindness. Alas I for
Feidvale I Gone — gone I He prayed for me constantly I
and I, ah God, despaired j God rest him. Jesu God comfort
him. I would have given this dear world away but once to
hold his hand, and look him in the eyes, and say well done.
He passed me upon empty night Gone, gone for ever."

" Not BO," said Bois. " He has gone from this life : God
has taken him from his pains. Pray we He may reveal all
for his joy, and bring us in His presence to meet hereafter."

Aglovale stared silent. "God keep him to peace," he
said at last.

After awhile Bors spoke. "Sir, I speak abashed, yet for
the love of Sir Perdvale give me to know more. How came
you, who cried against him, by such true and perfect under-
standing ? for ye were far apart and without tidings,"

"I — I," stammered Aglovale, "reachedafier him— invain;
but at last I — I met him."

" Sir, how can that be ? Sir, I have no right to ask, bat
by the common love we bear Sir Percivale let me understand."

" Make you ftee. I, too, was on the Quest of the Grail,
and on the Quest of Percivale, as both were one. It came
to pass that God Almighty required me to for^o natural
affection, the call of blood, honour to father and brethren
dead, and to follow only our fair Lord Jesu. And so I did.
And when I had done so and was come to myself, lo ! Per-
civale shone clear to my heart, and I understood. We were
close. I knew it then."

" Alas t he never knew. The last he knew of you was that
time of the Holy Vimtation, when secretly you came and went
again, avoiding him."

90S A6L0VALB DB OALIS

" No, no," said Aglovale. " That I never did ! "

" How so ? He sought you, and you would not be found."

" I — I was not there — not in ttie body."

He smote down his face upon his hands loth to unclose ;
but a true and single-hearted man was against bim, constrained
him, and so he told alL

They came upon high and intimate speech as to die Holy
Quest and the significance of it ; and Bors wu amazed at
the reach and insigbt he met Himself who had attained had
but little to teach Sir Aglovale, who in darkness had come to
discern how the outward vision of &e Mystery was hut a
shadow of the inward,

" I have learned hard," said Aglovale.

Said honest Bors, " Sir, now is there no room left me to
wonder how such a flower of knighthood as Sir Percivale came
from the keep of such a man as you."

At that Aglovale glowed red, for dearer piaise could not
Uwch him. Bon saw bis colour different.

"Ah, pardon I" he cried. " Take me as I mean : I would
tfiat such a man as you were more rightly esteemed among
us all"

" Most men," said Sir Aglovale, " I do think, are esteemed
better than they deserve. I no worse at all. For God's sake
let me lie I "

CHAPTER XXI

THESE records of the life of Aglovale are here unhappily
poor and incomplete. Some details remain in fr^pnents
past piecing, and some remain to be gathered up to
place in the records of other lives. So to let Ue or to lay over
must be the telling of bow Sir Lamiel stole Hariet away and
delivered him to Arthur, and how the child with bis simple
guile won back to Sir Aglovale. Also telling of John the
bastard; how he was set against Sir Aglovale, but turned
again to worship him before departing from him on a scruple
of pride. Also telling of Sir Lamiel's daughter Bonamy ; how
^e played her father false, and he smote her, and thereafter
knew her to be verily his own child. Also how Bonamy with
her stringent charm in unloveliness was beloved of Michael
and John, and herself loved neither, and of the virgin huntress
life she led with her two loyal lovers. As to the tale of the
empoisoned apples that the Queen of the Waste Lands
purveyed, there is little cause to add more than may be read
in the books of my most dear Master, Other fragments await
the tale of King Bagdeniagus' daughter; how hei brother
Meliagraunce came to a bad end, how Sir Aglovale faced
King Artibur for leave to bury his old friend, and how above
his tomb I be met King Bagdemagus' dav^hter, and she knew
him, naming him again Misericors, and blessing him.

These present records carry on the tale after that burial,
when Aglovale departed from Westminster and rode north for
the distant earldom of his brother Tor, whom he sought at
that time with a certain purpose in mind ripe for unfolding,

P 309

«10 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Down a moorland road came an old woman on hoTsdiack,
led at a gentle pace by a young man afoot She rode astride,
upright as a larch, her full skirts dressing her well in the
saddle. Milk-white locks lay under cap and hat, red engrain
freshened withered cheeks, and eyes noticeably blue looked
at Sir Aglovale attentively as she passed. He spoke hail on
her fair winter day, and she uttered blessing in return, right
fair and womanly.

A mile further on came down a great herd of kine swinging
slow. Again, a mile further a ruck of bullocks drove by, wild
and jostling ; and then, brought along in solitary state, came a
mighty bull, his hoofs splaying under his weight, surly-eyed,
his head held low with ring and staff by sturdy men. Goats
followed and some sheep, and then more kine, and so on for
more miles. For this was the season for shifting herds to
their winter quarters, and voiding the upland farms.

A good seven miles above the dale homestead Sir Agio*
vale came past the moorland farm. Voices from within the
yard reached him : a man said, remonstrant, " Now, Laykio,
LAykin I " and a giri cried, " Uncle, uncle ! " imploring. Then
at the open gateway he had sight of two men, two women, and
a young maid, whose hand was on the neck of a dun heifer.
She was praying for its life. Came answer : " But, Laykin, the
poor beast is past mending." She did but plead the faster.
Sir Aglovale paused for a second look, and knew it must be in
vain.

The maiden was a wonder in that rude place. She was,
maybe, but fifteen, but tall and full-breasted as a woman ; her
head was finely set, her hair very beautiful, fair and abundant;
colour, skin, grace, and mien all marked her from the homely
churls about her.

Before Sir Aglovale moved on, one spoke behind him.

" Serve you, sir ? "

He beheld two men, who stood and fronted him respect-
fully. By their square build and their honest, bearded faces
he knew them for two who had passed him leading the bull.
Though that was miles further back, here they were now at his

AGLOVALE DE GAUS «11

beeb. Then those within the yard were aware of hun, and the
men there came forward promptly and stood at the gateway,
while the two women went and spoke to the maiden, and
drew up her hood over her hair. She looked up once, her
eyes brimful of distress, and then bent fondling to the dun
heifer.

The men saluted meetly and waited with deference to
know his pleasure, but it was plain enough they were sturdy
and wary keepers, who were very suspicious. And for cause :
she was a passing fair maid 1 Sir Aglovale put them from
doubt lightly, asking his line across the moor.

" Sir," said one, readily, " I will set you in the way. Be
you pleased to follow."

He led at a round pace, and before long bettered it and
ran ; for, said be, brisk going was needful were that moor to be
passed before nightfall. From high ground be pointed the way :
so for till you came past a hut on the right by seven springs ;
and 80 on by the water-run.

" My father you may meet yonder. He is out with lads
after hares. Sir, should mists come on, better bid one of them
to be your guide."

The honest churl turned home agam, but Sir Aglovale
was well aware he would be watching with a jealous eye
to see the way he took. And, truly, she was a passing fair
maid.

In his mind he looked again upon that scene, for a picture
of woe it was that was in a manner pleasmg : maid and beast,
felIow<reatures in distress; she weeping, cheek and hands
against the sleek hide ; the dumb beast with large gentle eyes,
muzzling to her and moaning for its hurt. And there was no
remedy but slaughter. But she : " No, no, good uncle. Oh,
r.-ruel t Giamfer could mend this ; I know he could. Ask
Gramferl" Her speech was pure and clear, not like theirs.
Her dress was finer stuff, fresher, trunmer, though it was but
a simple bodice and kirtle of woad blue linen, and a cloak and
hood of grey frieze. The clasp was silver; her shoes, laced
lugh, were of drecsed leather, Thoae tmclea cherished her well,

218 AGLOVAI*E DE GAUS

though with simple oiiming that was rather foolishness.
Sutelf some strain of nohle hlood had heen grafted upon
churl stock. She passed out of mind.

Two nimble lads went by with white-bellied hares slung
upon staves ; and in due course Sir Aglovale came by the hut,
where a hale old man, gnarled and weather-beaten, stood by
the door with a couple of fair grey hounds ; and he pointed the
way afresh. Sir Aglovale looked at the hounds attentively,
and praised them.

" Aye, rare hounds they be. Sure, sir, you never saw the
like."

"Not so sure, good-man. I have hounds of that breed,
and so had my father before me."

The old man looked hard into the distance. " Ah," he
said, "there be dog-stealeis ! One I know was a knight,
saving your presence."

Said Sir Aglovale, "You I wot have bred rarely, an all
so many sturdy droveis of a like make be sons of yours, and
namely an a maid I have seen be your grandchild."

The old man cocked an eye at him and pursed up his
mouth. Then, with sudden force, he said, " No, that she is
not ! For there be ravishers. One I know was a knight,
saving your presence."

"So, so I " said Sir Aglovale. " Some sons of yours were,
forsooth, passing saving of my presence ! "

Said the old man then : " Well, well, the best and truest
man I know is a knight ; and I say it who have twelve sons of
my own as good and true as they can stand."

Then he brisked, and said : " Sir, you bad best be stirring,
for I smell mist I had thought to night it out here, and course
at dawn ; but my bones can't abide mist, so I go for home."
He chirruped his hounds and went.

He said sooth. Before long the mists came down and hid
the moor, and Sir Aglovale rode through a white blind. The
whiteness grew grey and then black, and the damp struck very
chill with the night He went afoot to warm his blood, and
tramped hour after hour till the blackness turned to grey and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 218

to white again, aixl be guessed that the mooa was up. So
weary was he that any hoUow would have been shelter
good enough for him, but od the baie upland there was
none.

Again he mounted, for he found he was treading an un-
certain track, and could trust his horse to follow it better than
himself. And so at last his wise beast stopped beside a daHc
shade of mist ; and lightiDg down he felt walls and a door,
knocked and tud no answer, broke open the door and entered.
And then he was well-nigh sure he had traversed a great round,
and was come agab to the hut he had passed. Me felt all
about : the place was bare ; charred turf was on the hearth, but
not a spark ; a standing crib by the wall was bedded with heather,
bunched upright, springy and fragrant, and a sheepskin bimg
on a naiL So he was thankful, set his spear by the door, led
in his horse, unsaddled and took off the beast's harness, then
his own, lay down and slept

He woke again at a sound : one beat at the door and
shook it. Came a voice : " Gramfer, Gramfer, oh let me in j
let me in, or I shall die 1 " With that the door gave in.

Cried Aglovale: "Who comes?" But he knew by the
pure clear tone it was Laykin, the fair maid.

At his voice she caught her breath with a gasp of terror,
and before he could readi the door she was off scurry-footed
into the night. Out he strode and stood to Usten. A half-
uttered cry reached him, and the souse of a body into water ;
and lightly he went forward, and found her lying in the water-
run, stunned or swooning.

He lifted her and carried her up to the hut She was
drenched with mist and stream, and very cold. As quickly as
he could in the dark he loosed and stripped off her wet cloth-
ing, cloak and hood, bodice, klrtle, and smock, and laid hei
naked in the warmed crib, and ±e wanned fleece over her.
He took off bis own coat, leather, well lined and wadded, and
added that for her comfort. He broke the shoe-thongs,
unshod ice-cold feet, and sat down to chafe them strongly
with his hands. Then he thought heavily, for he knew qiute

214 A6L0VALE DE GALIS

well how maidens take their terrors, and he doubted how to
deal, and he dreaded the trial

She moaned a little as she came to herself. Poor maid !
her terrors took her hard. A strange man held her by the
feet; a beast was snuffing and shifting close; she breathed
a heavy aroma — horse, peat, heather, and the man's leather
coat blent their odours. And she lay stripped : even in the
dark the sense of nakedness was sharp and bitter. Suddenly
she tried to pluck away her feet, but they were held £sist, and
at that she uttered a woeful sound, weak and pitiful, as the cry
of a trapped rabbit, and fell to shuddering.

"Peace, peace," said Aglovale, "you shall have no
hann."

He laid her feet between his knees, and chafed on steadily
from knee to ankle as he would soothe a frightened horse.
She whispered prayers while her teeth chattered.

" Mother Mary, pity ! Ah, dear God, pity ! Look down
and save me.''

Aglovale said, " Amen."

She moaned, " LfCt me go ! let me go ! " and writhed and
beat vainly, and sank again, shuddering.

Said Aglovale : " Fair maid, I think you to be Laykin of
the farm ? "

" Yes," she said faintly. " But who are you ? "

Now Aglovale had no mind to tell her his name, for it
might happen to sound little assurance to a maid.

" I am a knight of Galis," he said, " and I serve God and
King Arthur as truly as I can."

It was pitiful then to hear her entreat him by his knight-
hood to do her no wrong.

" Marry ! fair Laykin, but hold your peace and lie still. I
promise you by my knighthood, so help me God! to take
you home to-morn good a maid as your mother bore you."

" Ah 1 sir, why do you hold my feet and force me against
my will ? Why have you taken my clothes and put me to
shame?" She broke into tears and sobbed in terror and
distress.

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS 21S

Aglovale put down her feet and stood up, grieved and
troubled ; for a maoy foul wrong on his conscience told turn he
deserved hei mistrust, and u he was a sinful man he remem-
beied pleasures. Would to God he did not I He took up her
wet clothes, opened the door, and, standing outside, wiui^
them out one by one ; and he put them to drain, some on a
nail, and some he laid over the door's edge.

Dry fleece bnuhed him. He caught at it, and as she slid
past and left it in his hand he caught her by the hair. She
cried out for pain, for his handling was not gentle then ; he
gripped her fiut and swung her from her feet ; her lithe body
was bard to hold, and she strove with him. He set to the
door and bore her back to the oib.

" For God's sake, maiden," he said fiercely, " spare me as
you would be spared. You will make me my truth oveibard
to keep."

She dropped stiU and inert as he put her down on the
heather, for she had swooned again. Thick moisture was on
his hand ; he tasted and found it was blood.

Tlien Aglovale knew not what to do. As he caught her
by the door, short he trowed that he must go out into the
night and leave her to shake alone. His clothes he could
leave her, and his horse, whose great fiimace of a body shed
warmth. The short close had stirred him; there was very
danger he knew. But she was bleeding, swooning, a forlorn
and frightened child, and he deemed it would be unworthy to
avoid and leave her out of diead. He kneeled down and
prayed hard till she stirred.

" Poor maid, you are hurt ? "

" My head, my head," she moaned. " No, no, never touch
me. It is nothing, but it hurts. Oh, my head 1 "

She was weeping and shakir^ like ague with cold and
fear just as before.

" I^ykin, child, listen I I have prayed and promised to use
you as I would, put case I had a daughter here in this plight.
God has set us here doubtless for our good. Pray you to
mighty God for me that I fatiier you well in thought and deed."

216 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

She lay quiet, weeping softly. *' Oh, my father ! oh, my
own father I **

" Child," said Aglovale, " my body is warm and yours is
very cold. Cover in and lie close to me and get warmth."

He lay down by her side.

The touch of him blotted out every word he had used.
She was up again, desperate in her terrors.

"This shaU end!" said Aglovale. "There is but one
remedy. God can keep me my will true though the Devil
bum my body."

He drew her down, roughly covered her, and held her
helpless from head to foot with more force than enough. She
shrieked only once ; she made but one frenzied effort, then she
lay panting, lax and spent The man against her lay as quiet
as in sleep. So they rested together awhile without stir or
speech.

Came a sigh from Laykin, and she quavered meek, " Sir,
you are so heavy."

Aglovale shifted a little, happed her about well with coat
and fleece, and said gently, with a broken voice, " Praise God
and go to sleep. We are safe enough."

He felt her grow warm by degrees, her breathing became
soft and regular, and at last she slept like a child in his arms.
Half asleep she turned and nestled against him.

Aglovale in his heart laughed for joy. He felt no trouble
at all He had lain down with her ready to endure a night of
fires, and, lo 1 peace and exultation came. All night he lay
awake and enjoyed sinless, soft and warm and fragrant,
though she lay against him. With the creep of dawn he
too slept.

CHAPTER XXII

WITH the dawn came a breeze that swept up the mist,
and the sun got play. Thirteen weary men were glad
of the day; some ranged the upland, and some the
■lopes between the &nn and the lower homestead. At the
parting of the mist one spied a point of light ; it was the tip
of a spear leaied upright against the hut. At the lintel was a
nanow flutter of white. He cried a signal that was passed
along, and nn; and as he ran he began to curae deep, for
he could see that the white was a woman's smock. He came
near and peered through the chink, and he saw what he
thought he should see. Others were in sight runnti^, so he
drew away and waited

Sir Aglovale awoke suddenly, alive to day and danger ; and
the maid Laykin woke as he rose and softly covered her.
And as she remembered, and saw the strange man who had
lain with her, and felt the light of day upon her, and his eye,
she crimsoned and hid her fkce.

Aglovale went to the door and looked out Hastily he
took down her clothes and laid them beside her.

" Don, up quickly, and shut your ears against ugly words,
for there are some without who will give me a heat for your
sake."

He took his sword, and as he was, unarmed and coatless,
stepped out and shut the door.

Four men stood speaking together at a little distance ; and
afar off two more were coming, and behind these yet another,
slower-footed. The four came at him straight, armed with the

SIS A6L0VALE DE GAUS

long Etaves that mooraroen use over the moss. Sir Aglovale
put the point of his sword to ground, and hfted his hand. They
were not to be stayed so ; but he had no mind to kllL He
did but jerk up his sword and shorten two stares at a stroke ;
a third he avoided and caught in his hand, but the fourth got
home and knocked him flatUngs.

They pinned him down and wrested away his sword.
Then they set upon him in plain speech.

" God 'a mercy, men ! " said Sir Aglovale ; " let me up now
you have won me. You say wrong. I have ravished no maid
this night."

At that one ftiched him a blow that took his breath.
" Vile knight, do you say you found her no nuud ? "
Said another, " So sure as she is no maid you shall be no
man."

Said Sir Aglovale, faintly, " Sooth, men, your maid is a
maid yet for aught I have done with her."

Came answer, " IJar 1 for with my two eyes I saw you
together."

" Beshrew your two eyes ! They gave you false reading."
" The maid shall say. Laykin, Laykin I "
They set Sir Aglovale on his feet when they had bound bis
bands; and one went to the door and cooed some grieved
words to their poor dove. Then Laykin came out.

The men cursed again, for she was pitiful to see. Her
clothes, all damp, clung to her ; she was very pale ; there was
blood on her hair, and, as she put up her hand to her head,
her arm showed bruises. Scared and bewildered she looked
at the knight and her four kinsmen, and then her blood rushed
high and she covered her foce with both hands.

"Laykin, what has this knight done to you? Has he
shamed you anyway ? "

She could scarcely be heard behind her hands, but she
answered, " Yes,"

" Has he kin with you and forced you ?"

Again she said, " Yes."

" Maiden," cried Sir Aglovale, amazed, "you will kill me 1"

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS 219

He took a step towaids her, but they forced him back.
"Child," he said, "this is lying more perilous than that we
bad in the dark. Ah I child, is it as innocent ? "

She put down hei hands, and looked at him with troubled
eyes.

"Good uncles, I have sometlung to say to this knight.
Stand away, good uncles, and let us speak alone together."

" Laykio, no ! "

" I must ! I must speak to him, and alone."

" Laykin, no. You shaU not speak save in your father's
presence.''

Tears came. " Oh, my father, my father I would he were
come."

"He will come soon enough, and he will work this. Go
in, Laykin, you have said enough."

And then as two more came up, Laykin, weeping, went
hastily from fresh eyes and the hearing of shame told.

In vain Sir Aglovale spoke ; they cursed the truth to scorn.
Last came the old man, and he took order of the matter more
soberly than his sons.

" Poor maid I poor maid ! " he muttered, with his eyes
screwed hard into distance.

" Sons," he said, " this is less my business than youts, and
less yours than your brother's. He will be come anon. As
the man is a knight he may deal with him not as you would.
Bring him along. I will mount Laykin and bring her after."

" Good-man," said Sir Aglovale, " as I am a kn^ht I would
gladly meet one of my d^ree to answer with my body, knightly,
that the maid is as she should be, for that this ni^t throughout
I held her virgin, and right so would uphold her virgin name
and fame."

The old man turned in a sudden fiiry. " One of you fetch
me out one of his knightly spurs to cram in his knightly throat
if he offer mote knightly prate. Yea, ravisher, truly you shall
answer with your body, but whether as a man or a kni^t is
not yours to choose ; that rests with my sons, or theit brother.
Take him away 1 "

cs.

290 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

He made for the door, but halted to say, "What is his
name? Hey? Not asked? Sir Ravisher, will you to be
known to us by any other name ? "

" I take no keep, but ye may know my name is Sir Aglovale
de GaUs."

The old man sucked in a long breath with a whistle of
dismay. Dismay was on the faces of his sons; they stood
without stir or speech, and looked agape on each other and
the knight Step by step the old man came back to look him
close in the face.

" Sir Aglovale de Galis ! " he said at hush; " King Pellinore's
son ! By Gum ! here is a hot brew. Sons, take him away."

He stood fixed and staring till they were gone.

Now Sir Aglovale took himself heavily. By the looks and
silence of these churls he deemed that the blame of evil living
still rested on his name. His day-spring was overcast; he
sank from the lift that had made light of misadventure and
miscarriage. And the blow dealt him had done bodily mis-
chief. The churls were nimble moorsmen, and they took him
at a rapid pace that tried him hard. The two that led him
did not speak at all. Others fell in with them as the miles
passed ; and these, hearing his name and his guilt, stood with
dismayed faces as he was taken past, and they spoke little and
low as they came along with those behind. There were twelve
brothers in all.

The blithe note of a hunter's horn rang faintly up. " Ah !
he has come," said one, and after that they tramped all in
dead silence. At a turn of the road the homestead was in
sight ; and there, on the green, stood a noble horse, and grey-
hounds were leaping at play. But nearer, close at hand from
the rickyard, one unseen was shouting the herdman's call :

" Coo-wup, coo-wup, coo-wup 1 brothers, brothers, brothers !
Where is my little white heifer ? "

Aglovale should know that voice. His brother. Sir Tor,
swimg out into the road and stood before him.

<' Brothers ! " said Sir Tor, and stopped dead.

And Su: Aglovale stopped dead.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS !M1

" Men t " cried Tor, high, " it is my brother, Sir Aglpvale I "
He took a step, and stopped dead i^;ain, for he was
smitten vith dread at the eyes of twelve brothers ; and Sir
Aglovale was changing colour red arid white.

"We know that, lord brother. Sir Tor, he has done you
villaiay. Your white heifer has been covered by that black
buU."

" That is false," said Aglovale.

Tor set bis eyes upon him, and regarded none other.
Aglovale came up to him close, looked him in the eyes, and
made sure of him. Then be smiled, and Tor heaved a great
breath.

" Men," he said, " that is false."

He took Sir Aglovale by the neck and kissed him ; and
he cut him free. But as soon as he looked on his other
brothers, the grim pity of their stubborn faces daunted him.
" Where is my little maid ? "

" Alas I poor maid, she has come to grief : she is no maid
now. That false brother of yours has taken her maiden-
hood."

Again Tor turned to r^ard Sir Aglovale.
"Not so; she has her maidenhood unharmed. I knew
not whose daughter she was; but I took and kept her as a
clean virgin, and clean she is."

" Brothers," said Tor, " I know you say wrong."
" Hear an eye-witness, lord brother. I saw. He lay with
your daughter. He had her stripped even of her smock. I
saw her so in his arms."

Tor wheeled, white and staring. " Mercy, Aglovale I
answer quick ! "

" Never fear. Sir Tor, though he says but what be saw.
I lay with her, as you might have lain with her, for her comfort
and warmth."

" Stripped, Sir Aglovale ? "

" Yea, so. I found her drenched and cold and swooning.
To the dark I unclothed her, and with my own coat wrapped
her."

9Sat AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

Said Tor, " Swear you to this ? Swear this is all the truth
and no worse."

" Before God, it is all the truth as it stands for Doomsday.
I have not trespassed in thought or deed."

"Merqr, Sh: Aglovale," said Tor, with a sob; "I would
scarce believe this on the word of any knight alive but you.
Ye brothers good and true, look you ! Sir Aglovale is beyond
you my best and truest brother. I take his word and believe
him."

" Your own eyes you must believe, Sir Tor, when you have
seen your daughter, as some of us have seen her. She is
bruised ; she is torn ; she weeps."

" God in heaven ! " cried Tor, in an agony.

Aglovale put a hand on him to steady him. "Ah, Tor,
you cry out causeless. As you love me, get rid of these churls
awhile, and take comfort"

Tor struck away his hand. " These churls are my brothers.
Sir Aglovale, just as near to me as you are." He stared now
with dangerous eyes, and his voice went high and small.
" And none of these have ever ravished."

It was grievous. Then said Aglovale, short and hard,
" That I could tell of them that looked on your daughter.
They, for sure, never were acquainted with the mien of a
spoiled maid, her eyes, her voice. God grant you have better
discernment."

" Pardon me, Sir Aglovale," said Tor, with tears ; " and ye
all 1 take back your words and be sorry for your error. This
is a knight who in right and in wrong utters truth ; and well
he deserves that his plain word should be taken against any
man's oath."

" We be churls, lord brother, and sons of Aries le Vaysher ;
and he is a knight, and son of King Pellinore. But we be
honest men, begotten of an honest man ; and he is a ravisher,
begotten of a ravisher."

" Cease ! say not so to me, King Pellinore's son."

<*We say so as we are your mother's sons. And our
Laykin has mother's blood, and is ours as well as yours.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 22S

And now she is as our mother was when your father had done
with her, and your fodier's son has been the doer."

" Oh, charls," cried Tor, " where is my dear daughter ? I
will see her aod know for myself. Cease, Sir Aglovale I Cease
all, lest I go mad I "

Said Aglovale, "God ^ve you wisdom and patience
when you do see her. For alas I Tor, I ruffled your poor hird
in the dark, and I doubt you will not find her smooth."

Tor turned desperate. "What is this? How do you
mean ? Speak 1 For God's sake, Sir Aglovale, put me out of
this misery. Oh, quick I pierce me in and out. Give no
denial, you have touched too far for cure. Only put me past
this miseiy. How shall I not find her smooth?"
" I was roi^h. She speaks me amiss."
" Aye, Sir Tor, she speaks. We churl men go for naught,
hut you will hear your own daughter, and what she says is not
smooth to hear."

" Is this your meaning. Sir Aglovale ? "
Hopeless to spare his brother, Aglovale said, "Yes."
Nothing he could say would profit at this pass.
" Go on, brothers ; what has she said 7 "
" As we told you, that he has lain with her and forced
her."

" Is this what she says, Sir Aglovale ? "
" Yes," said Aglovale, again.

The churl brothers beheld in wonder the two unhapi^ men,
for they suffered in fortitude and silence, and no words of
protest or rebuke passed between them. Sir Tor was as still
as stone. Sir Aglovale swayed and breathed hard. Neither
looked at the other, for each bad a double load of grief as
much as he could bear. Long minutes wrung by before Sir
Tor spoke.

"Where is my dear?" he said, and took a step.

Aheady some were aware of the sound of hoofs approaching,

that Sir A^ovale did not hear as his heart was all on his

brother, l^ere was weeping among the churls, few they had

to mind that they who were charged to keep the maid had

884 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

CEulecL Yet gentle Sir Tor forbore harsh language. He spoke
to Sir Aglovale, but did not look at him.

"I do not think to kill you, Sir Aglovale, even for this.
Go, live, for you are my father's son,"

Out spoke the churls fierce and eager, " No, Sir Tor, you
need not kill him. Leave him to us, and we will deal with
him as he deserves."

Sir Tor turned. "Leave Sir Aglovale to himself. He
needs no juster judge and no harder."

Round the bend came Aries le Vaysher, with Laykin
mounted on the knight's horse ; and Aglovale, right glad, took
breath seeing his time was come to speak.

" Fair dear brother," he said, " now take your misery with
both hands, and turn it inside out, for it is folly and untruth.
Let your churl brothers kill me shamefully if this niece of
theirs and mine prove no maid. Look at me. Tor ! Could I
look you in the face had I done the deed you think and found
her to be your daughter? Oh, fair fool brother, I would rather
go quick to hide in Hell."

Tor wavered at the force of his words, and, looking at him,
tears of hope sprang to his eyes. Laykin slipped down and
came running, for she saw her father ; and then stopped short,
for she saw Sir Aglovale.

Cried Tor, " Colombe, my dove, my dear ! "

Straight to his arms she sped, and he held her close and
kissed her.

Aries le Vaysher came and stood. He was mum and hard,
and plainly would not serve for any better information. Sir
Aglovale was troubled, seeing the tight-shut mouth and hostile
eyes screwed against him. He had thought that the old man
might come to lift the sky with a word ; for surely, alone with
the maid, one of authority and old and shrewd would lightly
have learned the truth.

Then Sir Tor put back his daughter and surveyed her, and
his hope was well-nigh daunted to death when he saw the
marks of violence upon her, and the blemish of distress on her
fair face, and the painful colour that rose under his eye.

AGLOVAI4E DE GALIS ie25

" Colombe, dear daughter, what 'a the truth ? What has
this knight done ?"

She whispered, low, "He has shamed me," and fell
a-weeping.

" Ah, child, be plain. Speak in as plain words as you can."

She whispered louder, " He has lain with me and forced
me." And then she quavered, " Oh, take me away 1 Here
are all so many."

Still Sii Tor held her off, and regarded her with pressing
doubt not extinguished by her words ; for had she indeed the
eyes and the voice of a maid ravished? His brother had
spoken shrewdly. Toi looked to him again desperately.

Said Aglovale, " Bid her face me,"

" So do, daughter : face this knight."

She obeyed, and turned a face dyed with blushes, and Ufled
troubled eyes.

" God bless the maid ! " said Aglovale, " she speaks as a
maid who knows no worse what to speak. She should go to
her mother."

She said, "Ah, f^ father, let me speak with the knight
alone,"

" Child, as you love me, speak out bravely here and now
in my presence."

She shrank and said, " No, no."

Said Aglovale, grim, " I tell you that, saving your father's
presence and better right, I wotUd be dealing as forcibly for
good with your maiden understanding as I did with your
maiden body."

She took shelter in her father's arms.

"Oh, cease 1" said Tor, "She shall not suffer rude
language. She shall go to my mother."

" Give me leave for a moment more," said Aglovale ; " and
I promise to go gently.

" Remember, child, how I promised to deal with you as a
daughter. Know that m every truth you are but one degree
less near to me than a daughter, for I am your father's brother.
Sir Aglovale de Galis."

SS6 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

She said, " My uncle 1 " and fronted him with wide eyes.

Said Aglovale, ** Now, child, look at your father and listen
well, and answer me once. When I made you lie with me
against your will, and had you in my arms, in what particular
did I not father you as truly as your own father, Sir Tor ? "

Obediently Colombe listened, with face upturned to her
father.

She answered timidly, " Namely, sir, but in one particular :
put case you had been my own father, truly you would have
kissed your daughter."

Aries le Vaysher was the first to laugh. Tor laughed and
wept together as he held her fast.

'* O foolish little simpleton, to ado about nothing 1 "

The twelve brothers fell to laughter. Sir Aglovale was
smiling ; and said he, '' I will make amends, Laykin Colombe,
if it please you."

It did not please her; she shrank from him. The rude
laughter of the men brought out fresh blushes and tears.

Said Tor, *' Lightly, daughter, go speak alone with Sir
Aglovale."

" No, no," she said in dismay ; " not now."

" How now, silly bird ! "

In strange confusion she stood, and her face grew burning
red.

" Oh, I cannot : I did not know him for my uncle. Oh,
mercy ! Let me from such shame and sin."

"Where are we now?" cried Aglovale. "Sir Tor, speak
you alone with her."

" No, no," she said again, " for ye are brothers."

" Marry ! how these maids do try us men. So, ye men,
guess what ado I had to deal with her gently in the dark."

That rude laughter of the men had brought out another.
Beyond the rickyard gate stood the old mother, shading her
eyes to look.

" O Grammer I " cried Colombe.

" In good time I " said Sir Tor. " Begone, O ruffled dove,
and get firom her a little wisdom."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 227

She went like a bird to its nest

But soon as she was gone those two strong brothets came
to themselves and each other, shaken and weak from the strain
that had tried them so, almost past bearing. Sir Tor kneeled
down before his brother, and scarcely could he speak.

He said brokenly, "God reward you and bless you for that
you have done and suffered by me and mine."

With one accord the churl brothers kneeled also. " God
love you, sir, and forgive us our bloody words."

Sir Aglovale kneeled down also, and worshipped devoutly
in his heart ; and be uttered aloud praise and thankings to God
Almighty who had fathered them all in the dark.

But Aries le Vaysher did not kneel. He looked on with
tight mouth and hard screwed eyes ; and as soon as they rose
up, said he, deliberately : " I knew sure enough all along that
she was well a maid."

He bugged himself and chuckled. "How? From Laykin
over and over. But from her very first words I knew."

Sir Aglovale muttered, "Here is not such a genuine
blind fool as I deemed, but a cruel knave."

Aries went on, " First thing says Laykin, she would not
have minded so much, says Laykin, had it been her old
Gramfer's doii^"

He chuckled wickedly, and bis sons were tickled to loud
laughter again.

" Eh, sons 1 I might have whistled you back : but not I."

"Sonties 1" said the sons, "but that was unkindness."

"Eh, sonsl" be said, slow and hard. "But I choose to
leave the son of his father to stew,"

He eyed Sir Aglovale with surly satisfaction, unmoved by
the stir among his sons. They blew against him for their part,
and for Sir Tor's.

Said Aries, "As for Sir Tor, he is no son of mine;
so, says I, the pair of them might sweat it out together. As
for you, sons, a set of blind fools you were, and now you
know."

" LotA you, &tber, bad we killed the kni^t ■

S28 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

you would have been damned for the deed, and Sir Tor
presently after would have been ready to kill you also."

''No, no," said the old man. "It was not killing you
meant, sons. And I know Sir Tor better than that : he would
not think to slay his brother. No, nor would he lay hands
upon one who had fathered him well for eighteen years, when
he was a very undutiful son."

''We be sons to a hoary head of disgrace to us all.
God defend that we sons pay for this devilling of our
father!"

The old man regarded the two brothers of noble blood.
Their strong content with each other stood them above petty
resentment.

" £h, sons, these be two king's sons, who have paid smart
for their father and his trespassing in my field. If they grudge
at the price, I will pay them back well on their father's name
all that is due."

Said Sir Tor, "Father Vaysher, you are a poorer man
than I knew, and I grudge not your price."

Said Sir Aglovale, "By my father's soul, had I to pay
dearer for that trespass of his, I would gladly, for the sake of
this brother of mine who was then begotten."

Aries stood blinking and rubbing his chin, and took no
heed to his sons who opened mouth again. Then said he
in a sort of fury : " By Gum 1 King Pellinore by right and by
wrong has begot rare good sons." He added soberly, " God
rest his soul, and give him joy of his son Sir Aglovale de
Galis, for that he is passing good, gentle, and honest, by
proof on a fair young maid and a foul old churl. And he
King Pellinore's son ! "

" God keep him to peace 1 " muttered Aglovale.

'*By your leave. Father Vaysher," said Sir Tor, smiling,
" I would show this rare man to my mother."

" By your leave, lord son," said Aries, sharply, " I would
show this rare man to my wife." He turned about " Here,
my lord Sir Aglovale, is your coat, and there is my house.
Use the one as freely as you do the other."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 2S9

"Gramercyl" said Sir Aglovale. "Sooth, I am starviDg
outside and in."

At that Aries traced ahead briskly, and then Sir Tor s^d
softly, " Truly he loved me better than any of his own sons ;
and he took it sore knowing that I was not his, and grudged
me to my father. He is a good man ; be never miscalled my
mother."

CHAPTER XXin

ARIES LE VAYSHER stood at his own door-cheek with
oaten cakes and mead. He offered a cake with due
ceremony, kneeling to one knee, and Sir Aglovale took
and broke it with him and ate. And so came all the others ;
each in turn came and set his knee against Sir Aglovale's foot,
and offered him his cake to break and eat. Orderly the same
Aries offered the bowl, and Sir Aglovale took and drank ; and
after him drank all the rest, each upon his knee, Sir Aglovale
standing among them as a King's son and a Queen's son.

" Now sons begone and get to work," said Aries ; and to
Sir Aglovale he said, " Now put your hand upon me, my lord,
and upon your brother, and come in."

So, with a hand upon the shoulder of each, he was brought
within, up to the hearth and the old wife's nook.

" Good-wife," said Aries, " stand up and make your rever-
ence, for here I bring you one that is a King's son and
a Queen's son, Sir Aglovale de Galis, who is as good and true
a make of man as your son Sir Tor."

He put the knighf s hand upon her, wheeled about, and
went.

Tor's mother drew his hand down to her bosom, and over
it folded her two withered hands, all shaking. "May God
bless you, sir," she quavered at hush. " God bless Sir Aglovale
de Galis. God bless my son's good brother. God bless King
Pellinore's son." Her kind old eyes were steady and serene
as she looked him hard in the visage, though she was greatly
moved.

Tor brought her to her nook, and settled her against her

230

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 1t»l

will ; for said she, " Son Tor, your brother is a Queen's soo,
and your mother is a poor churl's wife."

Said Aglovale, kneeling beside her, "Good mother, my
father's Queen took youi son to her heart." And at that the fair
old woman forgot herself, and embraced him like a son, calling
him so. And hke a mother with a son confiding at her knee,
she, whom his father had spoiled in her may-day, beard him
tell over all he had done in the night with Layldn Colombe.
She marvelled greatly, widi no words to give but a simple
refrain, "Eh, well to be surel" Once she said, "Ah, sir,
you have your father's eyes. £h, well to be sure, God rest
his soul I " and flushed delicately.

Hei son Tor sat at her feet, very still, listening ; and when
all was told he smd, " Where is this poor little maid of mine ? "

The old mother rose up. " She flew ofl" as you came in.
Eh, poor child, she takes it very hard. I will go fetch hei to
presently."

"0 wise mother, give me some light 1 What does she
take so hard and against comfort ? "

" Sonties I my son, she knew herself naked as a needle in
a man's hands ; and sure, nakedness is the hardest shame a
maid finds to bear till she passes to be no maid. For what
a maid knows by her mind is but half known and dead ; but
shame of nakedness she knows by her body all over, and it is
alive and very keen."

" Brother," said Tor, " does this answer suflice you ? "

" No, I guess there is more to uncoiL"

" Eh, ye menkind, but have patience, and I will find her
out Give me time and have patience."

When she was gone, Tor stood silent and moody, and
Aglovale read him and waited.

Said Tor, low, "Brother Sii Aglovale, I said an unkind
word to you in our trouble."

" Alas ! " said Aglovale, " but it was just enough ; and
sooth your forbearing to speak was harder to bear."

"Ah, pardon me, Aglovale, what I shall say; but I would
know what I have no right to ask."

Stt AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

** I win anfwer."

** Yoa kept cfaasdtj in deed. Yoa kept mj Hangt^tAr her
maidenhood. O lair biodier, an I do bear in mind what yoo
were once, it is with worship and wonder for what yoa are
now. Yet dioagh the past is past, it has been, and it was
exceeding fool with ledieiy: that we all knew, though you
were secret Alas ! Ag^orale, tiiat was a stale field for your
foldii^ my dear daog^iter. I doubt but the taint of it has
reached her, and troubles her as for sin."

Said Ag^ovale, " Fair brother, is that your whole doubt?"

" No, but the edge of it"

" Give the heart of it"

^ Fair brother, we are men and knights, and no saints, and
between us goes no word to blame sin on what is done in the
heart That is for God, who knows all ; but also maybe for
a maid awaked, who knows little, and takes her perceptions for
sin."

"Ah, Tor, but I think she is not awaked; and as God
knows, I did no wrong even in my heart."

" Can this be, and you a man not as Perdvale was ; no,
nor even as Sir Lamorak and I, faulty men ; no, nor even as
Sir Dumor, a loose liver; but extreme. Can such corruption
as yours be shed off until you shed your body to dust ? "

" Faith, no ! No such joy. No hope ! Howbeit, glad I
was verily, and the night went sweet with maiden Colombe
sleeping in my arms."

" Sweet, you say, and blameless ? "

Said Aglovale, smiling, "Simple man, burning had not
been sweet"

"As God made us! How came you by so much
chastity ? "

" I do believe only as I came by so innocent a maid."

He was smiling still, and Tor said, " Is this jest or
earnest?"

" N» jest I do but consider how the dread I had of the
maid was as needless as the dread she had of me."

" You dreaded."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS SSS

" Sooth, I did. For the last night I passed with womaa
was that with Annowre, the whore Sir Dumor set oa m&
Now I could thank him for that proof, though there was dread
in the remembrance."

" How, dread ? You were tried hut you did not sin."

"Sooth, in my heart I did, though I kept my will and I
kept my sword. Sure, Tor, had I so burned by your daughter,
though she should have risen a maid, she would not have been
so innocent in her blood of a man's desire as I do know
she is."

Said Tor, hot and troubled, " How do you know she is ? **

" I looked into her eyes ; there was no dread of me. The
riiame she felt was but skin deep. She knows no more than
her motiier tangfat her. I have taught her nothing at alL"

"This is too fine a point You caimot know. God
forgive you, Aglovale I Have you brought incocency to scorch
before and not devoured ? "

Aglovale lost colour, and his face was drawn and haggard
as he answered low.

" I have, once. That was GiUeis, my love Gilleis. I
never touched her all night through. I put my sword into her
hands, and never moved. She was a maid, and good, and
I a wicked man. In my heart I did what I meant to do; and
she could not help but know, as I willed she should know.
By me she knew she was flesh to desire ; mine, for she did
not kill me. And so I am alive, and she is dead."

Her name was a gaping wound. Fifteen years old was
that grief, and still it was unhealed.

Upon mome silence spoke Tor, " Fair dear brother, may
you never forgive yourself for evil done with ? Have you not
put away your sins ? Yea, more, have you not now put away
and redeemed the father's sin that begot me? My mother
blesses you ; Aries le Vaysher, and all his sons worship you
for your dear forbearance and continence with man and maid,
you that were once most lewd and of a most intolerable
temper,"

Aglovale looked at bis brother, marvelling and sad. Then

2S4 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

he said, '* God is good, and my reward is with me." Then
he said, *' I say to you. Tor, that rather have I to worship you
and your daughter that no devil did claw me to any purpose."

" How ? — me and my daughter ? **

"Forbearance, Tor! I was in the field of your great
goodness. You, even in your heart, you did not kill me;
you uttered no vengeance ; you spoke fair, I think, with sorrow
for me.

"And as for continence, I was in the field of simple
virginity with your daughter, and by virtue of her innocence I
was staid.

"Three nights have I chambered with woman without
trespass in deed: with Gilleis, my love, with the whore
Annowre, and with your daughter Colombe. With Gilleis I
sinned in my heart wilfiilly, with Annowre against my will,
but with Colombe neither in will nor work."

" By my soul, I doubt not," said Tor. " I am the gladder
for you." He halsed his brother fast with a sigh profound.
" Lo 1 Aglovale, my heart within me grows big to take you in
all. Forgive that child of mine should her heart be too small
and weak to take you in at all."

Aglovale put him off as lightly as he could. " As for that,
let be till she have the heart content of a wedded wife. And
I trust waiting may not be overlong, so you hear with good
will what suit I have in hand."

He told then all how he had lost and won with Sir
Hermind; and he entered his suit, that with very good will
Tor received.

Came Aries le Vaysher in upon them, and Sir Tor took
him to question.

" Eh, sirs ! Has Laykin fair not come to yet ? "

He chuckled and shuffled like an old satyr as he told over
again how lightly he had come at truth. She rated her
Gramfer like a good one, she did, just for changing his mind
to come in after the lads. Then she turned to pleading for
her heifer to live, heard that was past praying for, and took
to such a weeping that a man had to laugh.

A6L0VALE D£ GALIS 2S5

Also, said Anes, Laykin was ready enough to tell her silly
ramble-gambol. She fooled her uncles, without design, with
mere come and go shiily-sbally; so these thought she had
departed, and those thought she had stayed, whereas she had
slipped off and gone scudding to seek a gadding old vnghi.
Then the mist came to mither h^, and the n^ht to clam her ;
she lost her footing, and came by a cut head ; she fell into the
water-run, and had the wit to follow it up to the springs, and
BO to the hut. And there she came to herself, naked, with
a masterfiil knight, who did what be pleased with her, and
put her to sleep.

Entered Tor's mother, with Laykin Colombe, fair old age
and fair youth hand in hand, their eyes of the same periwinkle
blue. The old modier was smiling. Colombe was all freshly
and orderly arrayed. Very shy and brave and bumble, sbe
stood a moment, mounting rose above her paleness, then
quitted her hold, came straight to her father and kneeled

" Ffur dear lord my father, forgive me. I have been most
foolish and perverse."

Sit Tor took her and brought her to Sir Aglovale.

"Offer amends, daughter, where most is due."

Colombe kneeledagain. " Ffur lord and uncle Sir Aglovale,
I would make amends."

Sir Aglovale lifted her to her feet " So, niece Colombe,
you forgive that I used you roughly?" He looked at her
bruised arm. " Eh, roughly I Sooth I am sorry, child."

S^d Sir Tor, watching her, "Sir Aglovale would make
amends, child, so you refuse him not again."

She blushed deeper, but lifted her fair face with innocent
eyes, and Sir A^ovale kissed her.

Said her father, " Now shall you tell Sir Aglovale, openly
or in secret, that word you had to say."

" Ah, it was folly I " she said, and her colour rose to
scarlet

"That I doubt not I bid you speak out, for penance on
foUy already spoken."

2S6 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

**! thouj^t no wrong," she faltered. "I did not know
you my uncle." She took a breath, and spoke out bzavelj
though abashed "Fair sir, I wished to ask you — ^if you
would be pleased — to marry me."

" Fair niece, and wherefore ? "

She covered her hce, " I was so ashamed. You made
me naked and ashamed."

" I tell you, Laykin Colombe, that the covering of a smock
is not the closest wear a maid has to her shame. Truly I
found you in your skin, clothed well enot^h in virtue and
modesty, and you have no cause to be ashamed. So, as you
know, child, you were not laid bare of these, put down your
hands into mine and look up."

She put her hands into his, and she looked up.

" Colombe," said Sir Tor, " do you know what slander you
uttered ? "

" Yea, I do know. But it was foolishness, not falsehood."

« Do you know that not clothing and not virtue had kept
you from worst shame had you lain with a man not well
endued in chastity and good will ? "

" Yea, I do know," she said.

*' Fair niece," said Aglovale, " when you slept in my care
I loved you well, though not according to marriage ; it would
please me well to have you in marriage with my ward and
heir, who is like to prove as noble and virtuous a man as Sir
Hermind who begot him and gave him to me."

Said Colombe, shy and sedate, " Fair uncle, bespeak me to
my father."

Said Tor, smiling, '* This occasion is over-late, seeing you
were fairly proxy-wed last night : Sir Aglovale has bedded
you ; you were for asking your marriage of him ; and, with my
good will, marry you he shall as he pleases."

Thereafter so it came to pass: young Mariet and fair
Colombe loved and wedded; but neither Sir Tor nor Sir
Aglovale lived to see that day.

Aries le Vaysher and his sons made all the cheer they
might to worship Sir Aglovale well; and he sat it out with

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 2S7

a good coontenaDce u a. noble knight, and said no word to
troable them. When he stood up at Ust he was unsteady,
and put out a hand to his brother. Smiling he said, " I hare
had strong mead."

Then he looked over the men, and said, " Bid up privily
that brother of youis to me here."

That brother was he so unhappily ready and strong of his
hands. He came, and Sir Aglovalc spoke with him apart, and
sent him away not so light as he came, and short to question.

Aries and his wife led Sir Aglovalc to a dormer with a lab
large bed, where he was to lie with Sir Tor. They offered to
do off his clothes, but he would not suffer them, so with
homely biddings they departed, and saw him no more.

Aglovale sat down on the bed and rested there. Tor doffed
his clothes and lay down, and chid him kindly to make an
end of v^iL Therefore he rose wearily and put out the light ;
and in the 6aA, softly and leisurely, he put oS his clothes and
lay down ia the bed Tor reached across and laid hand on
his brother ; he felt the cilice that was upon him.

" Is this always so, brother ? " said Tor softly, and Aglovale
answered curtly, " Vea so."

Moved widi compassion and brotherly affection, Tor
shifted closer to embrace him. Aglovale winced and gasped.

" What is here I " said Tor, startled, and sat up^

" Peace and lie down, fah brother, but let me alone ; for I
am not whole enough to bear your love without pain."

"Howl is this the trouble of your old wound still with
you?"

" Yea so. It will always be with me. I shall never be
quite whole."

" Alas I this is how you win no worship with your body."

" I have no hope to win worship now."

" Uncover to me, and let me assay to handle your hurt.
My virtue may be little, but my love is great."

"Gramercy, Tor," said Aglovale shortly, "you have ran-
sacked me enough for this day. Peace and lie down, and let
alone my body."

288

AGLOVALE DE GALIS

Tor kissed his cheek, and sighed as he lay down, for he
had tasted tears. And still as he lay he sighed heavily, till
Aglovale said wearily, ''Take peace. Tor. You trouble
needless. I tell you, though I lie down to sleep in penance
and pain, I wake refreshed and at ease, for I have sound and
perfect rest without a dream. When hope forsook me I found
that blessing, and thank God it has never failed me. Take
my peace upon you and sleep."

Tor felt his hand laid heavy on his heart. "May God
bless you Tor, for you have comforted me often, but it is not
in you to heal me."

Tor blessed him to God again and lay still ; and against
the tranquil pressure of his brother's hand he ceased to heave
troubled breath, and soon he lay a-sleeping, sound and
dreamless.

But Aglovale lay broad awake; and when he felt that
slumber was deep enough, he stole away his hand, and, moving
carefully, left the bed. Very softly and leisiurely he did on his
clothes, and made his way quietly through the sleeping house
to the door alatch, and issued to the moony night. Up stood
the churl Flynn from shadow, and silently led the way through
the rickyard to where his horse waited ready. Said Sir
Aglovale, groaning, '' Man, you have half slain me. Now take
me away to end or to mend, and keep me to yourself."

CHAPTER XXIV

KING ARTHUR was holding his court at Carlisle when Sir
Tor ^ain met his brother. Passing eager was he to see
him again, by reason of a certain thing he had heard of
him there, from the new-made nifiiagan of Carlisle, sometime
Prior elsewhere. That good hard man had aged and ripened
well ; and when a certain young derk told him how Sr Tor
awaited all-comeis for tidings of his brother, kindly he sent for
him, to impart that he knew ; and seeing how true and tender
was his brotherly affection, he was moved to advise with him
fully, in so far as he was free of his office to put off reserve.
He told more than he knew. This was bis tale.

As in autunm past he was on his way to the call of his
Archbishop, a churl with a great horse met him near nightfall,
and prayed him to go with him, to bless six foot of earth for a
Christian grave, and a Christian for to lie in it So he left his
tired mule to his clerk, and mounted and rode as fast as he
could go ; and fleet the churl ran. Off the road he took him,
and far over moorland through the night, till the? readied a
poor hut; and there in great pain and fever he found Sir
Aglovale, seeming near his end.

" Wellaway," said Tor, " if that hut I should know I by
seven springs ? and that fleet churL Wo, wo, what blame ia
here?"

" I tell of no blame," said the suffiragan.

Sir Aglovale's hurt, be said, be ransacked to good effect ;
but BO perilous was it to do that first he confessed him and
made him ready to die ; and the churl came also to be shriven
339

MO AGLOVALE DE GAUS

deao; and he m&de the blessed Bread, and as Christian
brothers they received their Saviour and were greatly comforted.
Then he ransacked.

*' Ah, Jesu I " said Tor. " Tell me what was his hurt ? "

He said he found him broken-ribbed and bruised, with his
old wound laid open. And when he ransacked he discovered
there at his rib the old splinter of a spear ; and so he drew it
out and eased him.

Said Tor, quaking, " I misdoubt sore how this was done.
Ah, my brothers both t may God mend you this bout. Yea,
Sir, be amazed and pitiful ; sure am I that churl was my brother
Flynn, near to me as Sir Aglovale ; a kindly man and most
staunch, but has^ withall, and passing strong for his size."

" I tell of no blame," said the suf^agan, again.

"God above I" cried Tor, "did my brother Sir Aglovale
think to die in the dark ! Did my brother Flynn think to bury
him in the dark I And to leave me in the dark 1 "

" Now rest you in the dark, Sir Tor, and deem no more
harm than what I am free to reveal."

What he had still to reveal was no little harm ; his search
discovered more than he could remove : a shred of iron, dis-
lodged from the bone, remained deep-seated so near the heart
that he dared not deal. He said certainly that Sir Aglovale
was not rightly fit to hear arms, nor ever again would be.
Then, as Sir Tor showed great distress, he spoke of noble
knights, as Sir Biastias, who, at the decline of their day, left
their place in the world to serve God in religious life. Sir Tor
took small comfort of that prospect for his brother, and he
carried away a heart lead-heavy.

Nigh upon the feast of Pentecost came Sir Aglovale and
Sir Hermind, bringing young Mariet before King Arthur on
request for the high order of knighthood.

Tor beheld his brother gaunt and languid, with his hand
now and then at his side ; yet scarce knew what to believe, for
he wore harness complete, his gaze was untroubled, he took
question and reproach with easy foil and composure, and his
grave smile played.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS Ul

That aame day came to Carlisle Sir Une of Hungary, seek'
ing one to heal him. Seven wounds be had that should never
be whole till searched by ±e best knight of the world, for so
had enchantment been wrought Before King Arthur was this
tale told ; and, good and gracious, straightway he promised that
be himself and all of the Round Table there present should
assay the healing. Then was Sir Uire laid in a meadow beside
Eden river, and thither came the King and his knights. And
first Arthur courteously and gendy handled the seven wounds
and failed ; and after him six kings handled and failed ; and
after them came knights more than an hundred and handled
and failed. Sir Uire's wounds bled more or less under each
hand, and he endured much and got no ease.

Sir Aglovale stood with the rest, and saw this domg, in
growing distress, his hand at his side. Sir Heimind and Sir
Tor touched and fiiiled ; but he at his turn went and besought
King Arthur to excuse him ; very earnestly he prayed, saying
he was in no case to heal, for himself he was not sound. He
spoke in vain ; Arthur would set none excused. All grey and
trembling he took his place beside the wounded man, muttered
his prayers, and with shaking hand touched. Seven times at his
toudi blood gushed, and Sir Urre winced and groaned.

" Well, well r said Arthur.

He whom I love so much in his nineteenth book tells how
an hundred and ten knights tried and failed ; and then came in
one more, even Launcelot, who desired very earnestly to be
excused. And there may he read how, when he had kneeled
and prayed, he searched the seven wounds in head and body
and hand, and all healed fair under his touch ; and how kings and
knights praised God on their knees ; and how Launcelot wept.

So a whole and lusty man Sir Une rose up and went on
his feet into Carlisle church, a long array of clerks and knights
with him, to oBer thank^iving with the Te Deum.

There I<auncelot lifted up his eyes and saw Sir Aglovale ;
with his head bowed down be kneeled and never moved, and
did not join b that hymn with his lips.

" Patrem immenste majestads. Unum veneiandum veium

i4S A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

et aniaim FQhiin. SaiKtam quoque Faiaditum Spiritum. Tu
Rex gloriae Christe."

With the chanting Launcdot heard in his heart a mocking
word Sir Kay had passed.

" Well, well," said Kay, " Sir Urre would have found the
bare blade of Sir Aglovale less redoubtable than his bare hand.**

" Judex crederis esse venturus."

Launcelot smote down his head.

''Te eigo quaesumus tuis famulis subire, quos pretioso
Sanguine redemisti."

Sir Aglovale stood aside in the dark of the aisle and watched
Sir Urre, as with King Arthur and Sir Launcelot he came
swinging by full of vigour. Launcelot lifted his eyes as he
came by, looked at him, faltered in his stride, fac^ forward
again, and passed. Aglovale, his hand against his side, stayed
breathless, motionless, wondering on the looks of Launcelot.

In honoiu" of Sir Urre justs were called for the morrow. On
that day King Arthur bestowed on young Manet the high order
of knighthood ; and gracious counsel he gave withall, for from
the first his heart had inclined greatly to the young man, in
whom he saw somewhat of the grace and spirit of his great
kinsman Lamorak. So Sir Mariet went out to be proved ; and
Arthur let the day be for the stranger and the young names,
withholding from the field his dangerous knights. Sir Tor and
Sir Hermind at his request took no part; but Sir Aglovale
armed and went out with Sir Mariet

That was the last time that ever he laid spear in rest. He
broke no spear at all that day ; many courses he ran, and at
every course went down shocked over his horse's tail ; and in
the mellay he fared worse, and lay trampled till Sir Mariet
with much pain horsed him again, and brought him out of the
press ; and Sir Tor, white as a sheet, came down and persuaded
him away.

Then Tor spoke, " Oh, brother, it is no use. How many
times have you been overthrown this day ? "

" Twenty-four times as I count," said Sir Aglovale. " I
have done my best"

AGLOVALE DE GALIS X4S

"Wol Will you take no keep? "said Tor. "Itisnousc
Brother Sir Aglovale, I must speak. You will win worship no
more ; so forbear, for you stand to lose and lose. Bethink you
of your noble strain, and forbear this madness, if not for your
own sake, yet for theirs of your blood, that they tingle not for
their blood in you. For the sake of Sir Lamorak dead, for the
sake of Sir Mariet alive, bring not body and blood into slight
and derision."

Aglovale rested and eyed his brother hard. " How now so
pale, fair brother? Will your blood not tingle.for me? Eh,
bastard, but you are near and dear enough to cry me for your
own sake."

Tor had no force nor skill to radnre his scrutiny. " An
you love me," he cried, " only take some keep of your Ufe — of
your life. Yea, for I know, I know — ^you left me unkindly yet
I do know,"

** What ? " said Aglovale.

Tor pointed. " What has Flynn done ? " be sobbed.

Then followed some open speech. But as for all that
Flynn had done Sir Aglovale left that tale to a lighter day ;
how be carried him to the lonely hut and ensured secrecy and
tended him well; how he phiyed the fox nightly and for
sustenance prowled and robbed his brethren; how he played
the devil and stole Sir Aglovale's shirt of hair, and wore it
privily himself to keep him from it, and was afterwards caught
out jigging over that piank ; how he dreaded against his death,
and, above all, against bis dead body from a grave secret and
imhallowed, and fetched ghostly comfort unbidden ; how he
played the man and dared Sir Aglovale to teach him against
his will, and before they parted taught him instead that he was
Flynn the Wrestler, thrice putting him down deftly and care-
fully ; how afterwards, willing well to be taught, he was dis-
appointed; whereupon he played the rogue and duped Sir
Aglovale, so that he contented him at last

But at this time there was no talk outside the heart of Tot's
distress; and Aglovale was pasnng weary.

"Stint this dole," be sdd. "These many years I have

244 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

carried this danger under the fifth rib unknown; and howbeit
Flynn has struck it loose, I yet hope to meet another deadi,
straight and clean, from some noble knight, apart from the
blunder of a churl."

Sir Tor spoke then of noble knights ending their days, as
did Sir Brastias, in the way of devotion.

Said Aglovale, " I am no such noble knight as these."

Sir Mariet came in from the field, a sight to cheer ; joy and
pride aglow were blent with filial care and deference. Bravely
and modestly 4ie answered of his deeds : he had been well
proved; he had won worship; twenty knights had he over-
thrown or pulled down, and but one. Sir Lavaine, had unhorsed
him.

Sir Lavaine had won the diamond, the prize of the justs ;
and he had set it in the hand of Sir Urre's sister, fair Felelolie.
Sir Mariet for his part had won more than he looked to win :
King Arthur had openly approved him ; had called him and
questioned him; had bidden him for privy audience to his
chamber.

When Sir Aglovale heard that he drew up with a drear
smile and eyes wide.

Sir Mariet put off his harness and made ready. He was
young and happy then, yet moisture came to his eyes as he
looked upon Sir Aglovale ; and he seeing that, for loving-kind-
ness went with him on his way, went all the way with him.
So they paced to the palace together, the worn-out knight and
the knight just proved, and through the thronged hall, and up
by a parclose stair to the gallery above nigh to the King's
chamber. Then Sir Aglovale blessed him to God and stood,
and Sir Mariet went on in to the King.

Aglovale looked after him with his drear smile. Almost
he knew what King Arthur had to say.

The gallery was dark with a screen of arras. From the
hall below mounted a surge of noise, voices tumbled together
or eddied sharp. Beyond the stairhead was a window, and Sir
Aglovale turned aside, and leaned out to rest and breathe. He
looked upon a narrow close; two passed below, Lavaine and

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 246

FeleloUe. They tuned to each other and kissed together. So
had he first seen the kiss of Gilleis and her true love long ago.

Presently from the Queen's parlour came down Sir Launcelot
From the farther reach of the gallery he espied one seated at
the window-sill, slumboing, he thought, and so lightly he trod
as he came. Then seong it was Sir Aglovale be stood stilL
He could look his fiill now at ease ; with all his heart he looked.

This was a man younger than he, still in the middle prime
of life, with the face of an old man deeply lined and worn ;
only close black hair kept truth to his years. The disfigure-
ment be bore seemed but the fit and final stroke to the havoc
that life had done.

He did not sleep. In the waft of stray fragments of speedi
came his name, and he lifted his head. To sharpened senses
the strain of a voice carried distinct. For a byword and a
jest, not vrith malice against him, but lightly and currently, bis
name was used m disparagement'; and that mockmg sentence
of Sir Kay was quoted thereupon.

^lovale sat upn(^t, a man alone with himself, unconscious
of the eyes of Launcelot A dark tinge stole up to ears and
hair and slowly faded ; but his breath came even, his eyes were
still and pensive, his hands lay open and quiet. For a moment
he stayed modonless after that voice was lost; with crossing
then he signed his body ; wearily he leaned to lepose.

Sir Launcelot went backward, loth then to encounter any
but his own self. Through the partings of the arras he could
look down upon the hall and its throng of noble knights. AU
those worshipped him as their best.

Down from the King's chamber came young Sir Mariet
stiff and blind. He came to the stair, and stood to breathe
and dear his eyes ; then he saw Sir Aglovale at the window
and turned aside to him, Launcelot moved further away lest
he should overhear.

Sir Mariet stood and spoke ; he kneeled down and spoke ;
he laid hold of Sir Aglovale'i hand and bowed his head against
his knees. He was weefnng. Sir Aglovale sat very still and
said little. He put down his hand upon the young man's bead.

246

AGLOVALE DE GAUS

Presently Sir Manet got up from his knees and departed. Sir
Aglovale rested, his chin upon his hands.

Came Sir Launcelot and paused. Aglovale stood up and
his hand went to his side. Neither offered any form of saluta-
tion, but eye to eye in scrutiny long and deep waited silent
Like a windy sea encompassing swung the voice of the full halL

Said Aglovale, " Speak, sir 1 Speak out on me what is in
your heart."

Low was Launcelot's answer, yet it broke like thimder :
" Hear then. Sir Aglovale, what is in my heart ripe for
telling : I envy you. You above all men in the world I envy.
Would to God I were such a man as you."

Lo ! great Launcelot enters the hall. High acclaims and
gladness greeted him, for as the Chevalier du Chariot he came
among them with a year's adventure in hand.

Lo I an hour later Aglovale passes. Like a ghost he went
through unchallenged, with dazed stare over the beaming court
Launcelot there beside the noble King and friend he so foully
wronged, within his guilty heart sighed again, " Would to God
I were such a man as he."

CHAPTER XXV

THE next record of Aglovale hu to tell bow he refused in
the day of stress to serve Sir X^uncelot, whom he
worshipped and loved, and turned his hand against him

There is little need to set out at any length the splendid
and piteous story of how that noble King Arthur, and his great
fellowship of the Table Round, were broken and ruined and
ended ; for be whom I love so much has made it well known.
Briefly shall it be touched here, but for the purpose of showing
bow Aglovale came by his deaUi.

Came the night of fear when the long dishonour done to
Arthur was uncloked with guile and ambush. For years the
shameful secret had been but half hid, and ever the buzz
about Launcelot and Guenevei thickened and grew, and
upon the Kii:g himself whispen ran loud, with foul tides to
one fondly pretending a faithM Queen and a loyal inend. At
length bis nephews, Agravaine and Mordred, forced upon bim
unwelcome Imowledge, and with his leave made ready to
furnish bim proof.

The breath of disaster was in the night Aglovale could
not sleep, and rose to pace restless as on the dreadful night at
Cardigan ; yet he knew no cause for bis disquiet The world
lay at bush under mooniise. Beneath his eye the roofs <^
Carlisle sank dim, steeped in nust, half seen; above, the
King's palace loomed on its hd^t Not there did Arthur lie
that ni^t but &r away. One spade of light near below shone
from the lodging of Sir Launcelot Obscured and bright

248 AGLOVALE DE 6AUS

again and again it winked. There also one was pacing rest-
less to and fro. Sir Bors, awaiting Sir Launcelof s return from
the Queen, in vague disquiet and dread felt the night ; and all
in arms, summoned they knew not why, knights of his blood
waited with him.

A prickle of sound came into the slumberous night
Aglovale leaned and strained his ears ; it died on the breeze ;
it returned ; unmistakably the sound was of battle. Whence
it came he scarce could tell, for the great walls of the palace
folded it in. He did on some harness, took his sword, and
went out to ease his dread.

In the open no sound came down to his level. No sound
had reached beyond to Sir Launcelof s lodging, for still the
light winked as before. Doubtful he stood till he heard one
clatter and stumble down the steep from the palace ; and sob
and curse ; and the sound of a horse. Past at a gallop went a
knight, bowed, swaying, blood-stained; the King's son and
nephew. Sir Mordred.

At that Aglovale pushed on, sure of dire mischiefl Broken
and breathless with the speed of ascent he came to the pre-
cincts of the palace, and dragged along painfully, drawn by
the sound of groans. From the Queen's stair he saw one
issue laden with a dead man, and cast him down beside others
dead and dying. By his stature and stride Aglovale knew him,
as wrapping a mantle over his harness, with his sword bare in
his hand, he struck down from the bridle-path by a steeper
footway. Yea ! he came to the slain, and heard d3ring men
cry curses after Launcelot, traitor and adulterer proved.

Thirteen knights of the Round Table lay there dead and
dying. They had trapped Sir Launcelot unarmed in the
Queen's chamber, but take him even so they could not The
foremost of his foes he had let through ; he had slain him and
taken his harness ; he had broken forth against them and had
smitten all to death, save Mordred fled.

Sir Aglovale called out scared servants to carry in the
wounded. One was Sir Agravaine, senseless as the dead but
still alive. The sons of Gawaine were alive, Sir Florence and

AGLOVALE DE GALIS S49

Sir Lovel ; s third, Sir Gingalin, was dead already. But plainly
all were past cure of their bodies. Sir Aglorale sent in all
haste to fetch ghostly aidi and tight soon holy clerks came ;
young Clerk Hew came with others ; and later came the good
Eufiragan of Carlisle himself, with the blessed Bread, and all
save Sir Agravaine were shriven and prepared for their end as
Christian men.

Ac length Sir Agravaine came to his senses and spoke; he
asked after his brother Mordred, after Sir Liauacelot, after his
fellows. Mordred fled, Launcelot escaped, the rest all slain,
dead or dying ; so be heard.

" Yea, I know I am slain," said Agiavaine ; and presently
murmured, '* Who answers there ? "

" King Fellinore's son — Aglovale."

" You 1 " said Agravaine. The old flame of malice kindled.
"As I am a dying man, hear me. Sir Aglorale, how I do
repent me on your account"

*' In the name of God I " said Aglovale.

" Hear, Sir Aglorale ! That I did not provide you with a
larger stone to your neck, and with surer knots, for that I am
right sorry."

Under his breath Sir Aglovale muttered, " O poor fool 1 "

At his shoulder stood Clerk Hew ; from one to the other
he glanced, sunnising ; shocked be knew. He saw the grin of
agony and enmity relax in a swoon like death, and aghast with
pity and horror be feared that the dying man had spent his
last words.

In the end Sir Agravaine left this world in better case for the
next ; for when after some hours he returned to consciousness,
the good sufiragan confessed him well, and brought him to a fitter
mind ; and as a devout Christian he forgave all his enemies,
and received his rights, and died without pain in the arms of
his best brother. Sir Gareth. Clerk Hew, for his part, attended
the death-watch, and prayed very feivendy peace to his soul.

At Sir Aglorale's lodging a messenger from Sk Bots awaited
him, praying him to come forthwith to ±e lodging of Sir
Looncelot His heart died with doubt and dismay, for he

S50 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

knew what manner of grief and trouble was at hand, but he
knew not bow to fiace it In sore distress of mind he
went.

A throng of knights he met issuing as he entered : thahalf
of the fellowship of the Round Table, or more ; the mightest
and noblest of them then alive. Grave and resolute they
were to see, and there was little speaking among them.

Good Sir Bors greeted him. " Ah, sir, though you be come
so late, I was right sure you would come."

He excused himself, saying how he had passed the night

"Sir Aglovale," said Bors, "well may you know what
trouble is upon us all, since clearly it was by the ordering of
King Arthur that Sir Launcelot has been well-nigh trapped and
slain by treason, on suspicion with the Queen."

" Yea, I have heard."

'' Sir Launcelot is ready and fain to answer as a knight
should ; and well would he maintain that he went to the Queen's
chamber for no evil purpose, and that she is a true and £authful
lady to her lord."

" Yea, I deemed Sir Launcelot would answer so."

Said Bors, " There is dread among us that King Arthur
will not grant him leave so to answer, but will rather condemn
to shameful death both the Queen and him."

" To shameful death ! Sir Launcelot ! "

" Now may you declare. Sir Aglovale, whether you love
better King Arthur or Sir Launcelot, to hold with the one or
the other ; for certainly there will come mortal war between
them if the King will not abide by the custom he has
made."

" Alas ! " said Aglovale, " you know well that I love Sir
Launcelot above the King, and owe to him more than to any
man alive."

Bors looked at him amazed, for his voice was faint and
broken, and his visage grey and drawn.

" In good time," said Bors ; " here comes Sir Launcelot
Go make your answer to his face."

Launcelot came in with his brother Ector. By the set of

A6L0VALE DE GALIS S61

his bee, the play of his eyes, ibe batriei look, Aglovale undei^
stood without doubt what his woid of hoooui would be, and
what the worth of it.

" Sir Aglovale, how may I look upon you ? There now is
need to know who do love me well enough to hold with me
against King Arthur our lord."

Fale and speechless stood Agloyale. Face to face with
Launcelot, love and gratitude fought hard on the side of wrong,
and his heait dapped and beat, frantic to go free. Launcelot
spoke on, saying what he had to say before the world, and
under his eyes reddened deep ; above all, strangely compelling
beyond words, Launcelot under his eyes reddened deep.
Launcelot guilty, asking his countenance, his hand, provided
the better proof for his love and worship.

Launcelot ceased ; he had to answer. Husky and scarce
audible he said, "Alas I Sir Launcelot,.! caiuiot hold with
you."

Said Launcelot, " Oh, speak out what you have to say I "

" I carmot hold with you. Though none soever that shall
name you traitor, and Queen Guenever untrue, can make good
bis words upon your body, I cannot hold witii you."

There was a moment of charged silence, and then launce-
lot spoke. The set of his lace, the play of his eyes, the
barrier look were not altered; bis accents struck firm and

" Sooth, sir, I doubted you."

" Nay," cried Bors, " I doubt bis meaning, I doubt my ears.
Speak ri^t, Sir Aglovale I

" Alas ! Sir Aglovale, I vouched for you confidently in your
absence, as ready and fain and sure. Ah, sir, make good what
I said to yonr worship, for there are but few to speak so for
you. All the worid would cry shame were you to refuse Sir
launcelot in the hour of stress. Yea, and I also."

Said Aglovale, " Yea, I know it"

" I tell you men will call to mind how you stood in danger
of shameful death, and Six Lanncelot then delivered you. Ah,
ur, none other has denied him ; with one voice a hondted

852 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

good knights have answered and approved his quarreli and are
pledged to defend him from wrong ; yet has he a better claim
on you than on any of them."

Said Aglovale, " Yea, I know it"

"Sir Aglovale, I speak as a friend and your well-wisher;
and for your own sake, and for love of Sir Ferdvale your
brother I will speak at large. Sir, neither the might of your
body nor the worship of your name were much profit to Sir
Launcelot, and yet he is right fain and earnest to have you
on his side. As you do know, Sir Launcelot has ever excused
you in gentleness. King Arthur never ; the one has reached his
hand to you, the other has set his foot on you. I warn you
that according to your own showing now, shall word go out
whether you deserve this or that"

Said Aglovale, " Yea, I know, I know."

" Enough ! " said Launcelot.

" Sir Aglovale," said Ector, " may we look to meet you at
another time, in another place, in another fashion, to a better
purpose."

His meaning was plain. All three looked swords upon
him : the three most kindly-hearted knights of the fellowship.
He held his side with both hands ; and as he gazed from one
to another damps of anguish came out on his brow and his
pallor grew extreme.

" I pray not ! I cannot answer for myself, should he call
me that has the right ; yet God knows I had liefer go out of
the world."

Bors turned away with tears in his eyes. " Wellaway !
I have no good will ever to look on you again."

Said Ector, " Sir Aglovale, if ever again we meet in place at
the Round Table — may God and King Arthur so grant we do
— there if we meet it may be to some purpose : that I ask you
whether or no you be a coward. And I warn you take heed
to your answer, considering the upshot; for whichever you
say, I am ready and fain to maintain the contrary to the utter-
most; yea, well and truly, for I am of two minds upon
you."

AGLOVALE DE GALIS S5S

Sir Aglovale wu white and quTeiing, yet some lemblanoe
of smiliog distorted his visage and incensed Sir Ector.

" Ah, grinniDg dog I Show the face of a man lest I bring
the blood there quick ! "

"Peace, peace," said Lauocelot. "Leave Sir Aglovale
to me."

So Sir Ector also turned away, and Sir Launcelot came
nearer. Noblest and gentlest of idl knights, this was the last
he spoke to Aglovale :

"Pardon me, Sir Aglovale, that I brought you to this.
Sooth, I doubted you well and truly."

His eyes were kind and sorrowiul, and gave from the deeps
as once before.

" most true man I I find no fauh with you for your
answer. Nor shall any that love me speak more against you.
I go not back on what I have said of you : first and last what
I have said of you. I fought you up to death for your good
name : for my good name and my lady the Queen's safety I
may go as lar — or further. Ah, ar, but I doubt heavily now
my sword in my hand will work to my unhappiness. Pray
sometime for my poor soul."

Tears rushed to Aglovale's eyes and blotted dim bis last
ught of Sir Launcelot's face. He found his hand. Former
words of Sir Launcelot rose to his lips ;

"God have mercy on your soul — and keep you body
alive " His voice broke, the rest was imspoken,

Launcelot turned back to Ector and Bon. " I shall not
slay a better man than Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" Faith, Sir Launcelot," said Ector, " then you intend large
mercies."

"Ah, no!" said Launcelot. "I tell you he is the most
upright man that ever I met. He heeds not the face of man
nor the breath of man. That poor body of his holds a heart
strong enough to stand alone against the world."

" He has the heart to stand against you, brother I You to
whom he owes, such as it is, his shabby life. Yea, to give you
to know, brother, that he counts you a traitor and a liar. Yet

264 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

he has no heart for plain words and deadly. He shirks : he
will not answer knightly."

Launcelot said over, *'Liar and traitor/' sharply behind
his teeth. "Black names — intolerable— deserved or un-
deserved ; yet one did avow them to himself and stood to his
words right knightly in battle. You were of the first to excuse
him then that he might live : by right your excuse should
cover him now. And I that fought him then up to death, and
tempted him to go from his troth, I may not blame him now :
I will not ; and that I have promised him. And I charge you,
as you love me, to forbear him, and to speak no blame on him
for my sake."

" Be it as you will, Sir Launcelot," said Ector. " Yet for
all you say Sir Aglovale goes not by the ways of knighthood."

" Alas for knighthood 1" sighed Laimcelot

Aglovale betook him to his lodging, and all that humming
day he stirred no more abroad. Now Sir Tor and now Sir
Hermind came in with tidings : Sir Launcelot and all his
friends were departed; King Arthur was come, breathing
deadly ; Queen Guenever was condemned to the fire, on the
morrow she should be burnt ; the King was requiring all loyal
knights to be present at her death, to prevent rescue and to
take Sir Launcelot ; Sir Gawaine had revised him out and out ;
others had refused or avoided; Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth
would be present, but no arms against Sir Launcelot would
they bear; King Arthur was calling in his knights one by one
to answer as to their allegiance.

Sir Tor and Sir Hermind were called.

" Brother," said Tor, " speak now. What shall I do ? "

Little had Aglovale spoken at all ; scarcely had he moved.
As from hour to hour he waited tidings, his eyes set hard and
wide, his hands locked hard against his side, one to the other
likened him to a wounded creature that takes covert, and
listens while the hunt goes to and fro and draws near.

Said Sir Hermind also : " Give me counsel ; and I, as you
shall counsel me, so will I do."

He would give none.

A6L0VALE DE GALIS 266

" May I question ? When King Aititur calls on joa, what

answer will you make ? "

" On me — me — if King Arthur calls on me — my God — I

— must speak 1 "

Tot diew his kinsman away. " Let him alone, and bewaie

not to meddle with him when he is white at the lips."

At the day's end came the king's summons to Aglovsle

also. Straightway he rose to go, spread his arms, and fell

prone heavily.

It was near an hour before he came to himself again. Tor

was beside him in great distress ; he owned he had searched

him and seen for himself.

" Ah, peace, and he stilL Fair dear brother, you cannot go.

Aglovale, you cannot stand or go."

" It is to King Arthur," he said feebly. " I will. Help me

this time."

He showed he was able to stand and go, for his will was

passing strong. Tor came and drew his hand round his neck ;

and, as under gathering night he lifted him along, a Ear-off

time was big at his heart-
Said Aglovale softly, upon the same remembrance, " Ah,

good brother, ever so ! "

It was pierdng ; tears sprang ; he could not speak.

Sir Hermind fell in with them, and readily he took the

place of a brother beside Aglovale ; and he put no question.

So, slowly and painfully, in the dark, up the steep went Aglo-
vale at the last summons of Arthur. AJid all the way Sir Tor

could not speak, and his tears ran down, for his heart was

loaded with the weight of the panting boy he had carried for

knighthood across the level green, sun-bright, battle-bright, at

the first summons of Arthur.

CHAPTER XXVI

" V17TH0 comes?" said Arthur.

Kay answered, •* Sir Aglovale de Galis."

" Sir Aglovale, you are welcome," said Arthur.

" God *a mercy 1 " muttered Kay as he withdrew.

Alone and in gloom sat the king, bereft of joy for ever, in
awfiil dignity invested by his just anger and great woe. With
his beard in his hand he kept silence a long while, his fixed
stare set upon the pallid, motionless man who stood by the
door, vaguely lighted by the play of a solitary flare. So still
was the place that when Arthur spoke, hardly above a breath,
the words carried.

" Face of Pellinore 1 O Maker God I Here and now —
the face of Pellinore ! "

Came answer in Pellinore's voice, faint as a ghost's.
" Sir, here am I, Pellinore's son Aglovale."

Then Arthur gathered his senses, lifted his head wearily,
and spoke out.

" Sir Aglovale, what brings you here ? "

" Sir, obedience."

" Well said. Hear and obey. I require you to be ready
in arms to-mom to ensure my justice."

" How, my lord, me ? "

"Hear and obey, Sir Aglovale. This is my will To-
morrow my false lady. Queen Guenever, shall have the law to
be burnt for her misdeeds ; and as shameful a death awaits Sir
Launcelot so soon as he shall be taken."

" My lord Arthur, look upon me so as to set me excused.
Oh, sir, from shameful death Sir Launcelot delivered me."

256

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 867

Said Arthui, alowly : " How so to \cKk upon 70n ? I know
not how. Be nearei — ^here : aye, for I would look upon you."

Fellinore's likeness faded as Aglovale moved up the light,
and by the king's footstool kneeled down and lifted up his
disfigured countenance. The face of Arthui was in shade.
Again he fell to silence and a fixed stare ; when he spoke his
words came level and slow as from a trance.

" Ah, this visage should be Launcelot's wear for truth — ^not
his own ; so inscribed from brow to chin with the proper signs.
No counterfeit : a visage that to the light of day bears witness
to knighthood blackened and debased."

Upon that ensued silence again, till Aglovale spoke in his
turn, level and slow.

"0 my lord Arthur, though King Pellinore loved you,
and Sir Lamorak loved you, and you made me knight, I have
a word to say for Sir Launcelot.

" Sir, look upon me and upon Sir Launcelot as we deserve ;
I the blemish, and he the pride of the most noble fellowship
in Christendom. By the blame that for half my lifetime I
have carried, that has grown to me, that here kneels incarnate,
hear me speak to deny it on Sir Launcelot

"O my lord, I know welt that the shamefiil death yon
held over me was not for the villainy I did, that destroyed the
lady that pitied me and the knight that trusted me : in their
noble simplicity me they pitied and trusted I And lo, the
fellowship of the Round Table is none so white that my name
alone has been noised for trespass and betrayal under trust,
until now when shamefiil death is held over Sir Launcelot.

"When, after seven years, I came before you and you
denied me recognition and grace, I know well I had done
nothing at all to do away your displeasure : and with seven
clean, upright, diligent years I came before you, and with
young Perdvale, Nothing at all 1 But then I did not know ;
and I was to leam,"

With his chin in his hand Arthur rested in gloomy contem-
plation, deeming he saw through this worthless, ill-conditioned
son of Pellinore, speaking not for Launcelot but for himself.

258 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

"O my lord," said Aglovale, "you have not spared to
teach me, and now I do know my offence, my most dire
offence in your sight: once I answered unknightly for my
sins.

" But for that avowal, lightly had I been quit of the shame
I deserved. I had not gone derided to get my death ; I had
not been enforced to grievous penance; I had not lost my
heritage; I had not been shown your aversion; I had not
lived an example to shun before my fellows."

" Well, well ! " said Arthur.

" Sir, I bring no case that you should consider to restore
me from disgrace : in all knightly justs and adventures I have
so failed. Once you tried me, and in unhappiness I failed,
and forsook the Quest of Launcelot that you gave me."

Said Arthur, " I had not forgot."

Aglovale lifted up his eyes to the inexorable King, and
beheld at heart the face of Laimcelot, with kindly eyes, grave,
considerate, better than compassionate.

"Yet Sir Launcelot himself would forget, and have me
forget. He kept me from cart and cord, and him I failed;
yet never by word or sign has he reproached me for that
unhappy neglect"

" Enough, Sir Aglovale. I will be brief with you. You
provide your own answer. Since you took no keep of your
own honour then, neither will I now : so I will not set you
excused. Since you have done me no manner of service all
these years, I require you serve without fail now : so I will not
set you excused."

** My lord Arthur, I have served you truly all these years.
Though you had no use for me but to score me down for
warning, even so I served you as to that, loyally, constantly.
Your looks bit like swords, your words struck like spears. I
took no keep for my face : I stood; charged and displayed for
the behoof of my fellows, appointed to reprobation. Year
after year I have waited on you and served you thus."

" Speak out and end. Sir Aglovale. I shall think no worse
of you howsoever you speak. But, by my head, grace does

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 259

not go 10 dieap to-day that such dt^-service aa yotin gives
you purchase."

With gravity and calm that checked the disgust of Arthur,
Aglovale answered.

" Alas ! sir, what grace you have to bestow I have lost the
heart to value. And naught you could offer would outweigh
three words from Sir Launcelot Generous and gentle ever,
he has spoken for me when your face was set against me ; he
has remembered me and cared to approach me when none else
did ; he has held up my heart time and again by virtue of a
look ; beyond and above all be has put worth upon this poor
life of mine by three words he gave me."

" Ha, traitor, this to my face I Are you here to declare for
Sir Launcelot against my very &ce ?"

" No, sir," faltered Aglovale, and hts voice broke to say,
" No, SIT, to his face I have refiised Sir Launcelot."

" Well, well ! " said Arthur under his breath, in a measure
astonished,

" King Arthur, you made Launcelot knight, you made me
knight. Consider us both; judge us both side by side, us
two, fellows of the Round Table, I the blemish, Launcelot the
pride. He knighdy is ready and fain to deny all that Sir
Mordred has brought against him ; to maintain by his word of
honour and by his body's might that for no treason he went
privily to your Queen, but to avoid scandal."

Arthur beat downward with his hand. " How now — you
also ! "

" Who has dearer cause to speak ? "

" Let be I Sir Gawaine cried me thus, and it was even vain."

*' My lord, I bear the better right to be heard."

"You?"

" I cry you by the blame and the shame set so fiut upon
me in vindication of knighUy code and usage, for Sir Launcelot,
my fellow, to be taken according to the same code and usage
and not contrary."

Arthur deriched bis hand and hammered ^aiiL " By
God's truth, DO I" be cried. " By God's truth, no I "

860 AGLOVALE DE GALIS

'* God's truth? " said Aglovale, his teeth set *' It was truth
I owned to my undoing. But Sir Launcelot would knightly
offer his body to God's judgment in battle."

" Not so. He is too sure and mighty. None could make
good the truth against him."

"Sooth and well! And peradventure the judgment of
God is even so sure in his hands."

Sir Aglovale kneeled stiff as a stock ; he spoke evenly, his
gaze was hardy, his lips were white.

" King of Heaven 1 " cried Arthur. ** Lo ! this creature
derides either Thee or me. Out with your rotten pretences in
one breath ! Speak ! "

" Consider, my lord : peradventure the judgment of God
may decree you to keep your whore and still be her cully."

KLing Arthur leaped up and snatched his sword. Quick
death flashed at Aglovale close as when Launcelot played upon
him, and his heart stood still. Twice King Arthiur offered
again to strike, and could not, so much of Pellinore eyed him
in the son. He fell back cursing with a sob.

Aglovale shuddered hard, and sweat broke. When he got
his breath he spoke in an altered fashion ; it was to rehearse
the vow of fealty. He offered his hands palm to palm ; Arthur
touched unwilling, deeming no honour to either party in such
submission. Sorry hearing was this hollow renewal of troth
once delivered in youthful ardour and devotion; sorry and
pitiful.

Said Arthur, " Fie on this grovelling ! This turn is fitter
for a fanged worm than a Christian knight, and Pellinore's
son."

Said Aglovale, " Mercy on my life that I may speak !
Answer how you will with your sword when I have spoken."

He reached out his hands and set them on the King's
knees. Arthur laid his sword across his lap.

" Hear now, O Arthur 1 what the last of Pellinore's house
has to tell you."

Though his voice shook he looked the King straight in
the eyes. Arthur stirred, and breathed to God, and at that

A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS aSl

Aglovale leaned down his head against liis hands. He did not
look again upon the face of Arthur.

" Once my father, King Fellinore, fought in a foul cause,
even on hehalf of incest, adultery, and murder."

Not a stroke nor a word came from the King.

" la that guilty war had light prevailed, not King Lot, the
wronged husband of Horgause, had fallen, but Uthei's son
Arthur."

So the chai^ b^an. Far into the night the count ran on,
and he that heud and be that told kept place unaltered, only
Aglovale leaned hands and bead more heavy on the King's
knees.

In the days of his youth Arthur sinned with Morgause,
King Lot's wife, not knowing that he and she were sprung from
the same womb, With knowledge of the fatal truth and the
measure of his guilt came dread of doom to follow oppressing
his soul. Then came Merlin and foretold that the fruit of
incest should prove his bane. But he, in a black hour, thought
to compass his safety by a horrid deed : for the sake of one
bom on May-day, many May-day innocents he sent to perish
on the seas. And hut one of all these escaped alive, die very
babe of his fears, bis son and nephew, Mordred.

War came, and many princes and lords, because of these
foul deeds of his, revolted to join his enemies. Yet ui the day
of battle, with the league of just vengeance and King Lot
against him ; with incest, adultery, and murder to weigh down
his fortunes j spite of great odds he prevailed, and came forth
so washed in gloiy that men no longer perceived the fvXi colour
of his guilt

Lot lay buried richly ; just victories succeeded the unjust ;
Arthur took the sons of Lot to be as his own ; he took to wife
the fairest of women, and he established the noblest fellowship
of the world ; for the Table Round with an hundred knights
was the giit King Leodegrance sent with his daughter, Guenever.
And surely, if ever evil could be covered and done away, that
loving kindness of his to the sons might cover the wrong against
the siie ; and &ithful wedlock with his barren spouse might

262 A6L0VALE DE 6AUS

cover the incontinences of youth ; and exact observance ci the
honourable code of knighthood might cover the breach ci
primal law.

Ten years and more went over, and Arthur had no warning
to read that penalties still were due. Then died King Pellinore
at the hand of vengeance. Whether verily he slew King Lot
in the battle or slew him not, he had the blame for his death,
and he had the penalty ; he and not the prime offender. How
he died, why he died, who were his death, never came to ddiate
before Arthur ; still he cherished his sister's sons, and did not
will to know.

More years passed, and then the doom of incest was pot
large before the King : Queen Morgause met her penalty, dying
by the hand of her son Gaheris. So perished a fair hope ; for
when Lamorak and Morgause were noised as great lovers, and
Arthur found them well inclined to be wed, he had thought to
see reconciled the sons of Pellinore and Lot. Vain was the
hope; for his own guilt clogged his authority when fiercely
Gawaine stood between his mother and the son of one charged
with the death of his father. So, too, when Gaheris, more fierce,
made an end of their loves by the sword. King Arthur smote
down his head, and left that crime also unpunished.

Once again vengeance passed him by, and the blood of
Pellinore paid his debt ; for Lamorak died by murder, as his
father before him. And again'; for Dumor died. " Oh,
Lamorak, abide wlch me, and by my crown I shall never fail
thee 1 " In vain he promised : Lamorak would make no peace
with the slayer of Morgause. He spoke for vengeance as a
noble knight ; and he went his way alone, with his life in the
keep of his sword. So he, too, perished, and Arthur failed to
call any to account for that murder also.

For he, the greatest King in all the world, upright, noble,
righteous, could rule nations wisely and well, and had learned
to rule himself, but had no force to rule his sister's sons ; nay,
very certainly at times he was ruled by them. Yet in this
defect of Arthur the King, the heart of Arthur the man was
proved noble in its weakness ; for his was no plight of fear and

AGLOVALB DE GAUS 36S

distnut on account of past crime ; bat instead, rare and wondei^
hH spectacle, firm-set affection grew between him and these
nepbews, and namely Gawaine, while over all still lay the
vague shadow of doom unfulfilled. And whenever these vin-
dictive brothers with crime followed up the far-off death of
Lot, though ktent diead troubled the King, never did any
personal apprehension cramp him down; but his soul was
daunted, seeing the wrong he had done not to be dead and
gone, neither lived down nor redeemed.

Yet for thirty years immunity had been his, while hatred
turned another way and spent itself. And now the blood bond
was so firm, and the blood feud so spent, that well might Arthur
come to think pardon might yet be to him without punishment
in this world. Aglovale de Galis knew better : though he had
made up his account to all appearance upon earth, the laws be
had broken were the laws of God given to man, and sooner or
later the hand of God would bring him to exact account For
the mercy of God He writes softly in the dark of each heart,
but His justice He writes plain before man.

The waits upon the wdls had cried an hour before he that
spoke had made an end of that past More be had to say,
strange for a Kii^ to hear and a King's son to utter; most
strange from a fellow of the Round Table to his lord and head.
The law of God, he said, required not the observance of
honour, but honesty of man to man, and truth in the inward
parts. But under the greatest King in Christendom truth was
put down that honour might be established. Yea, in the annals
of the Round Table there were instances enough, flagrant
instances of honour established to the detriment of honesty ;
for so dear to Arthur ever was this noble flourish of man's
invention that he gave no keep to the plain foundation.

Yet the fairest chivalry of Christendom had lost in^rity,
not bereft of all guidance and warning. God Almighty of His
grace set forth the Holy Quest that proved men in their under-
standing of right worship. Then was the appraisement of man
for honour turned to c(»ifiision, and pure int^ty of life and
thought alone fixmd fiiTOur from on hi^ But few letmed

9M A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

by that teaching, and Arthur was not of these. In that Qnest
he took no part ; he deplored it, aware, though blind, that his
surest and best were ill bestead to win sight of spiritual
mysteries.

But now Arthur must needs learn ; for before him lay two
ways, one way of honour, and one of honesty, dolorous both,
and leading to shame and loss. By the way of honour lay no
fair issue. Could he sleep on his bed defiled and call it sweet,
were Launcelot so to answer for it with his great might. Were
he so to choose, then might such noble custom and order as
he had exalted stand, but to stand out as a ghastly mockery,
revolting to scorn all the honest part of man : a rotten pretence
indeed.

And no fair issue would he find by the way of honesty, but
open dishonour and great loss, though the name of wittol he
should purge away with blood and fire. Also that way he went
to lose the better part of his knights of the Round Table, who
would not abide by their lord and king when, by the rule and
custom he himself had established, himself he would not abide.

So would the fellowship of the Round Table come to be
broken and ended. And meet and just it was that Arthur
must needs choose to keep his Queen or to lose his knights,
seeing how in the beginning the Round Table came from
King Leodegrance of Cameliard as dowry with his tlaughter
Guenever.

Among all his knights, Arthur had none fit to stand for him
against Launcelot, body to body in battle, his champion at this
pass. Alas for the honour of Arthur that Lamorak was dead 1
Yea, Pellinore's son Lamorak — he only might even now have
won the judgment of God to delay final justice.

But Pellinore's son Aglovale had no force but to declare
how the justice of God awaited Arthur to smite low his honour,
and bring him as mere man to worship the law he had broken
and overborne. Aglovale, the worst of Pellinore's sons, the
worst knight that ever Arthur made, brought his dishonour to
his lord to stead him at need.

Heavy against the Ring's knees he bowed, and his voice

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 866

wu alow and weak as be took up anotbet tale. Briefly he
cited so much as fitted of his own Ufe ; dispasdonate, without
complaint or excuse ; man to fellow-man. Without keep he
stripped himself baie, as a swimmer going out to rescue in a
heavy sea. With his fall to truth and dishonour be began, and
he told of his vain endeavour to hold to the one and leave the
other, and how he failed both ways, and how on through life
by God and man he had been driven to truth and dishonour,
even to this hour when God and man constrained him to fight
against Launcelot and adultery.

Of what meicy he had found in God and man he told.
Long and earnestly he spoke for encoungement j said we do
oppose and evade the mercy of God in our dread of His
justice; said His justice provides us surety and peace, for
when we suneoder ourselves. He gentle and generous enlarges
us and maintaini; us ; Said He enables us sinners to rest and
be satisfied in our penalty as our share of worship to His
honour and glory; said Maker God writes His justice large
before man, but His mercies He writes softly in the dark of
each heart.

The wuts upon the walli had cried another hour before
that second tale was done. Upon Arthur's knees dragged a
heavy weight, and a head lead-heavy lay against the edge of
his sword. Long silence ensued.

Aglovale de Galis spoke no more to Arthur ever again;
but presently his voice lifted quietly, sentence after sentence,
the best prayer fonned for the need of man. Familiar rote
swelled upon Arthur's ear, transfoimed and pregnant. Christ I
but the world rocked and the heavens rushed near. Christ,
His word, smitten through and through for redemption and
judgment 1

Aglovale said " Amen," and waited. Though Arthur tried
to join, even the Amen was too ponderous to lift

Still Aglovale kneeled ; like a penitent awaiting absolution,
meetly upon his knees he rested ; and be waited, and he waited
his dismissal by word or deed.

At last King Artbor moved attd tpiAe. He put down bis

QiUl

A6L0VALE DE GAIIS

two hands upon Sir Aglovale's head and lifted it off his
knees.

"Go! "said Arthur.

Weakly and stiffly Aglovale got upon his feet He did not
lift his eyes to look upon Arthur's face, but with bowed head
turned, and went quietly as straight as he could to the door.

The King saw him depart, heard Kay challenge and pass
him quite away. Then he groaned, " Amen, amen 1 " and beat
out the light, and sat out the night with himself.

CHAPTER XXVn

EN Sir Kay at day made bold to enter, King Aithm
lifted a vacant stare.

Who went out late?" he said.

Said Kay, *' Only Sir Aglovale de Gaits, like a foundered
beast."

"Like a foundered beast," breathed Arthur, and fell to
a black brooding.

Kay fretted and cursed low, came near and admonished
with rough kindness.

" How now, Sir Arthur I Show me either the face of my
King or the face of my breast-brother."

Arthur spoke again low, " Listen, good breast-brother. I
have heard tell there was a King to whom a dumb beast turned
and spoke as a man."

"Yea, so. I hare forgot his name. Was it King David or
Duke Joshua ? "

" A great marvel I How went it ? This way and that the
beast crushed him, and also fell to its knees. And the one
took out his sword, saying, ' now will I slay.' And the dumb
beast opened speech, saying, 'O fool, I have borne beating
three times. O fool, look where you be going. Lo 1 the
sword of God fronts every way.' "

" Surely that is Holy Writ."

"So it was— a great marvel. O Kay I that foundered beast
opened his mouth and spoke to confound me I "

Sir Kay gasped. Was this King Arthur emitting this poor
breath? He stamped and swore in wiadi and indignation.
»67

268 AGLOVALE DE GAIIS

''That prating beast 1" he cried. "God rot that pnitixig
beast ! "

The bells of Carlisle began to toll.

" Ah, God, but keep me my face ! " prayed Arthur,

Early that mom, before the hour when the Queen should
be brought to the fire, Gaheris and Gareth were at the Mass
together, kneeling hard by the bier of Sir Agravaine. One
came and kneeled behind them, who at the end rose as they
did, and followed them down to the crypt, where the bed for
interment lay wide.

" Sirs, give me leave to speak with one of you."

" To which of us two ? "

"To whichever of you took part with Sir Agravaine in
drowning a nobler knight than yourselves."

Gareth looked blank surprise at that bold answer, ^diile
Gaheris laughed out in savage scorn.

" At your own peril I A thick lie — yet at your own peril
speak out."

"Sir, I come to you to amend my fault; for once m a
maimer I did lie to you. But not now."

" FUl up— I hear."

" I am he who guided you and Sir Agravaine, after you
were delivered from most horrible death in the quag."

Sir Gaheris crossed himself soberly in remembrance.

" That was you ! Well, oh, well — fain would I know — you
Uedthen?"

" In a manner, yes."

" Concerning ? You vowed it was by miracle ! "

" Sir, I did. Sir, I deceived you. I knew it was a living
man who delivered you. Yet oh, sir, to me that was the
miracle of it ! "

" Who— who ? Why did you lie ? Who — tell me who ? "

" He willed you should not know. He put out the light to
escape from you in the dark. And seeing that, I came to
beguile yoiL"

" Who was he ? "

" He willed you should not know."

mzi

PIP^*3»

■■

—

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 909

" I wiU know — I must koow."

" Si, you shall not know with my will."

Sir Gaheris caught him by the sleeve and un^eathed his
swoid.

" Tell me his name."

Said Sir Gaieth, " Be not hasty, brother. The young clerk
does not ill in keeping trust"

" I take no ke^ for that I He owes me answer; he fooled
and beguiled us falsely and impudendy. But for him I had
followed and known. And alas t we have sinned, presmming to
say one came from Heaven to our aid. Yet I ever doubted.
God pardon us I and namely Sir Agravaine dead."

Said Sir Gareth to Clerk Hew, " Consider now, may you not
honour the deed above the word, and go speak to override an
excess of humility ; for the deed was marvellous great and good."

" It was — it was I and beyond all that you do conceive —
almost beyond belief. For the love of God he did it wholly,
and by the grace of God."

" His name I " cried Gaheris, passionately. " Give me his
name I I will koow. Here I I will afford you good enough
excuse for breach of faith."

He touched the young clerk sharply on the neck with his
blade. Gareth pulled down his hand.

Said he, " How were you charged ? and why did you speak
ataU?"

" Sir, when I told what fooling I had done, he I will not
rume was ill pleased ; and he bade me at first undecdve again
if ever I might But when I asked after your names he would
not give them, and so had to set me excused from that order.
And him he forbade me to name."

Said Gaheris, " Who then taught you to koow, ance be did
not?"

" Sir Agiavaiite spoke to him, and I heard. God forgive
him I he spoke hideously, dying as he was,"

" Sir Agravaine knew I "

" Ah no, no 1 It was in ignorance — he did not know,
Alas I he died and never knew 1"

270 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

" Sir Agravaine — dying — spoke to him — to him —

hideously "

Gaheris loosed the young man and stood stock-still,
revolving at all points the tangle of mystery. He turned to
his brother; he was looking in his face for help; he was
looking wild-eyed for rescue.

" Ah, my God ! " he said, shuddered and choked, and his
face grew deathly. Came, hardly above a whisper, " One thing
more — ^tell me — only one. Tell me it was not Sir Aglovale."

Silence was answer enough.

" Ah, my God ! " cried Gaheris, again. " Not he ! Tell
me it was not he — ^not that scab. Sir Aglovale."

At that Clerk Hew let go restraint; he bent his head,
affirming with something of a fleer.

"Oh, you lie!" cried Gaheris; "again you lie! Who
stiiffed you with this monstrous tale? Did he--Sir Aglovale?
Own it all a lie, and I forgive. Own it, or I slay."

Gareth bade the young clerk go quickly for his life; by
force he held back his brother.

"Wherefore such fury? Fair brother, tell me, for I am
all lost and amazed. This is marvellous showing to Sir
Aglovale."

" Ah, Gareth, Gareth, you do not know — not the half — it
is past belief. Would to God it were not true ! Yet for token
that it is true, Sir Aglovale wants the use of his left hand, that
was his better hand once. I — we — oh, Gareth — drowning —
that was all but true. We did it — ^Agravaine and I — drowned
him like a dog, with a stone at his neck."

"You did that to him who had saved you? God forgive
it 1 Yet you did not know."

" Ck>d in heaven ! But, brother, we did that, and then —
then he saved us — ^that same night"

"Sir Aglovale! He did that for you who had drowned
him like a dog, with a stone at his neck ! "

" Gareth, Gareth, it was I that defaced him for all his days.
He fought like a wild beast — we — all three — ^and so I did it
Yet that night he came and reached out his hand to me and

AGLOVALE DE GAUS 871

saved ua perilonal^, all wounded as he wu. Why did be
do it? I am beaten out and out"

He was like a wild creature, stung and maddened by a
barb working in deeper at every turn. He entered the grave,
kneeled and took the earth with bis bands.

"Agiavaine has the better bed to lie in." He sprang up
and away to stand above his dead brother and groan, " Oh,
poor fool I Ob, poor fools are we all I "

After him went Gareth, and got him away out of the
church, out of the city, and brought him to the quiet of field
and sky, and by degrees took from him all the shameful
story. Too noble a knight was Sir Gareth to stand in the
counsels of his brothers who were all named murderers, yet
for pity and for brotherhood be made no reproach to Gaberis
in his misery.

" His silence knocks me I " cried Gaheris. " These years
of silence — nlence under all manner of despite^ Face to face
be might have spoken and broken us then and there — and he
would noL God knows I was never so base but I would
have published hia worship to my own shame; but silence,
silence for ever. His broken face, his useless hand — they do
blast and crush the pattern of our knighthood of the Round
Table.

" I caimot bear him, I bate him. I hate, I hate. God
forgive me. I never hated him so before, but despised. Ah,
Gareth, cry shame, but this is truth: I am torn asunder; I
worship and I hate him with equal strength, and know that
for any worship or hate of mine he cares nothii^ at alL"

The bells of Carlisle b^an to toll, and the passion of
Gaheris was chilled and overborne at the woeful signal calling
them to witness the death of Queen Guenever.

Knights came riding afield to take then- station about the
mount where stadc and stake stood up to view. In sombre
fashion they came, with salutations grave and brief. Names
were passed telling of default in their muster. There was no
battle ardour at all ; knights were stark and grim, looking for
deadly work ; but none wen bin, and icHne lagged with bent

272 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

heady sad and silent, as half tihdr heart and half ttieir friends
were against them with Launcelot

Said one, " Alas ! I deem Sir Palamides and Sir Safere are
gone, for yonder comes their brother Sir Sagwarides alone and
passing heavy."

Said another, " Sir Pertilope and Sir Perimones come, but
I see not their best brother. Sir Persant of Inde. Howbeit, he
would not for Sir Gareth's sake take any part against King
Arthur."

No eye could perceive any sign of Launcelot A silver
mist hung low on the meadow; trees at the trunk stood dim
that aloft swung golden against the blue.

Gaheris stood still at gaze and stiffened. ''Lot mine
enemy."

Sdd Gareth, " Sooth and fie ! He ! Ought he to come
against Sir Launcelot?"

" Ah, Gareth," said Gaheris, at hush, " I would lay down
my life for hate of that dreadful man ; and for to worship him
well with my body."

He hung his head and sobbed some prayer to his breast
He lifted his head, and dowh the slope stalked softly as a
young lion to the herd. After him went Gareth.

Three abreast came riding across the dewy turf, their faces
still unbarred. Sir Tor and Sir Hermind rode on either side
of Sir Aglovale. He bore himself erect, but he carried no
sx)ear, and his face was dewed with weakness, aged, and
ghastly grey. He looked straight ahead, but the two beside
gave to him many a careful glance, and so did Sir Griflet, who
was following near.

Gaheris came down looking neither right nor left, stood the
ground fronting Aglovale, and had him eye to eye. Very
courteously and deliberately Gaheris gave him salutation.
Aglovale paused a moment, then faintly gave him salutation
again. Sir Tor and Sir Hermind also stopped short, greatly
amazed, for they all knew how Sir Gaheris had never accorded
salutation since that day of disgrace, when he had refused
battle with Sir Aglovale for scorn*

AGLOVALE D£ 6ALIS STS

Said Gaberis, " Sir Aglovale de Galis, I would have ado
with you."

Said Aglovale, " Sir, in what manner ? "

" Sir, in the mannei of noble knights."

" Sir, to what intent ? "

*' Deadly, sir, deadly,"

The solemn bells of Carlisle smote in upon suspense, for
Sir ^lovale paused before he put the main question. Sir
Gaberis was white with passion, and quivered like an eager
war-horse. His noble brother Sir Gaieth stood attentive near
him, and gravely and steadily his clear eyes measured the two
as they spoke.

Said Aglovale at last, " Sir, on what matter ? "

" Sir Aglovale, on a matter you did in the dark and that
shall see the l^ht"

At that Aglovale sighed heavily, deeming he spoke under
cover on resentment for the King his uncle. But Gabetia
went on.

" In the presence of God above, and of four good knights,
I do swear and declare that by you I have been poisoned.
God's truth 1 you have poisoned me to death. Poison, poison I
Aye, sir, do you stare in my face now, to see bow it works ?
Look you I good knights and fellows, how it shows on this
face of mine : on these members touched wi± palsy ; yet you
see not how it woiks in my veins, and gnaws at this heart of
mine like a snake. And this, ah deed of darkness 1 this
poison you gave me to receive in the body of my Saviour,
In ghostly disguise yourself you gave, and I received and was
thankful, not knowing. And so did Sir Agravaine, who died
and never knew. As God is above, this is truth I "

" As God is above," said Aglovale, slowly, " I understand
not what you say.**

"Sir, you shall undeistand well enough to-mom. I will
have my remedy of you, or one of us two shall die, I need a
little morsel of your heart to sain me. God helping, I will get
it ; yea, and warm will I get it from you ; so only can my
torment cease from me in this life."

874 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

In vain did Aglovale search his meaning, it lay daik to
him ; for he looked too near, so he got no light

" Sir Gaheris," said Tor, then, " I would have you know
Sir Aglovale is in no case to do battle to-mom, for pure weak-
ness, albeit his heart is so great he bears arms to-day with us.
Therefore for your own worship forbear your ado with him,
and very heartily I will content you, and put you from your
pains, and prove upon your body that you have spoken against
him the most infamous and profane slander that ever knight
uttered before (3od and man."

" Sir Gaheris," said Sir Hermind, '* I am ready and fidn to
prove with my body that Sir Aglovale is more dean and clear
from all villainy than are any of the sons of Lot."

" Sir Gaheris," said Sir Griflet, with his great voice, " you
lie, and you know you lie. And that will I make so good upon
your body that you shall lie still enough till Doomsday."

" Fair sirs," said Gaheris, " I have fewer fair witnesses than
I thought, and more fair enemies. Well, I pray you all to be
ready to renew this language before King Arthur to-mom, as I
on my part will also. But I bid you consider you have yet to
hear how Sir Aglovale will answer. And Sir Griflet namely I
bid bethink him how he held such language to me once before,
and how the debate was off my hands when Sir Aglovale
answered for himself."

That old shame could still tint Aglovale's cheek a little.
" Sir Gaheris," he said, " I will answer with my body if King
Arthur approve the question. Yet this day there is overmuch
danger and dread for any of us to reckon to meet on the

morrow."

" Ah sir, but you shall not escape me. I promise you we
shall meet. Though you were dead and damned. Sir Aglovale,
I would go after you to Hell to get at your heart there."

The words, with the passion shaking them, took the
hearers' breath ; and again upon silence the knell sounded dear.
Gaheris swung to go, faltered, stepped near, and before
Aglovale was aware, had him by the left hand and was
handling it.

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 875

" Yet by this hand I swear," he said softly, and looked up
with ejres that were humid, " by this band I sweai I think
Hell will be an empty hole, if only God Almighty can be
as greatly merciful as you, Sir Aglovale."

With that he went.

" God Almighty ! " whispered Aglovale, enlightened, and
rested stunned.

When Gareth overtook Gaheris he questioned, " In
Heaven's name, fair brother, what are you about to do ? And
have you done well ? "

" No, Spare to rebuke me, Gareth. No— no — latber ill ;
yet the best I could, God knows."

" Foul slander ! "

" Right fair slander I Nay, true every word, and that he
knows, or shall know,"

" Open out yotir heart to me. Will you verity have him
out to battle?"

" That I wiU. And I will overcome him ; and I will have
him at my mercy. And then — ah, Gareth, then before King
and fellows, I will kneel and yield myself to him, and my
sword into bis bands."

" Good ! " said Gareth, " And then ? "

Gaheris wrung bis bands. " Then, then he will forgive me
my life openly I "

His voice broke in a sob, and bis eyes sparkled wet

" Put case he avenge openly and slay you ? "

"Then — and well be may — 1 charge you suffer not Sir
Gawaine to avenge my death. Ah, Gareth 1 ah, Gareth 1"

" Good," said Gareth, again, " yea, such dealing is right fair
and knightly." His own eyes grew moist, and he closed
brotherly to say, " Sooth, Gaheris I you have got a little of that
heart of his already. God gmnt you enov^b, and mend us all."

So they took thought for the morrow while the bells were
knellii^ the day.

" God Almighty I " whispered Aglovale, again. " Hand of
Godl"

He quite forgot hia fellows, and they hearing him breathe

876 AGLOVALE DE GAIIS

the name of his Maker over and over again, bowed head
devoutly and waited

They had to call him to himself at last, and plainly from
very far away he came. With a look of blank wonder he
came, that never after quite left him, and at his death was
sealed clear upon his visage.

Tor looked at him once. " Close your vizard, fair brother,"
he said gently. " It is meet we do so now."

So they cased up their faces and set on. High-headed
went Aglovale, inhaling deeply, for he had wonderful thoughts;
and those three true-hearted friends paced along, enduring his
silence without question.

He remembered them, and said, "O good my brother
and friends 1 I do thank you greatly for your goodwilL"

" We have dealt in the dark," said Tor. " What meant
Sir Gaheris by that he said?"

" That he said — ^hand of God I " muttered Aglovale ; and
again he was lost in his wonder, and again he remembered
them.

'* Bear with me, for Sir Gaheris has knocked hard to stun-
ning ; but he knew not what he said."

" He uttered a monstrous charge against you."

*' Aye, so he did ; and called me to battle. So he did j and
right wittily and well"

" Have you come to understanding? "

^* I understand him well enough. By this hand, yes ! Yet
what to think of him I know not. Take ye no thought for
to-morrow. It may come, flush or dark, for my ending or my
mending, according to the heart of Sir Gaheris. But to-
morrow lies a great way ofl*, for to-day we have to strike against
Sir Launcelot."

He mused awhile, sighed, and shook his head. " It is no
use. Sir Gaheris. It is no use at all"

CHAPTER XXVIIl

ALREADY the mount was crowned with a glittering circlet
of knights, stationed at watch against all quarters. As
yet no threat appeared. The countiyside, smiling quiet
and secretive through the shifting vapours, preserved suspense.
For Carlisle that day was no blithe hour of morning vigour ;
no peaceful folic tiod out and in. Behind the guarded gates
the ddzois seethed up to walls and housetops, to see the fairest
of women brought ont and burnt for her misdeeds.

She comes, and Launcelot does not come.

Like a Queen she came, with a. great plump of spears
before her and after her; and her htdies were there attendant,
as when she went to church ; and her damsels, bearing missal
and cushion, pomander and minor. They were lamenting
aloud, but she made no moan. With unaltered dignity
treading the way to shameful death; with sad, wan beauty,
drawn brows and distracted gaze, the splendid piteous creature
commanded admiration and compassion, maugre all her guilt.

To the mount she comes and stands, and Launcelot does
not come.

Many beside unhappy Guenever turned about then and
looked out over the ^ver swathes of the lowland, where
gleamed no promise of help : nothing more urgent stirred than
wild-fowl, mewing and honldng and winging up black from
the water-beds.

Then was the Queen made ready for the fire. Disrobed,
un^, the tiar lifted away, gown and kirtle taken off, she
stood clad only in her last garment, and the fair gold stole
of her own hair pendant to the knee.
277

878 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

Then she kissed five of her weeping ladies, and gentlj die
dismissed all firom further service. Then she summoned
ghostly aid, and kneeling down on a cushion was shriven by
a holy man. It shocked the heart to see as she kneeled there,
so thin-clad in the morning air, how slight shivers of cold took
that poor body that was going straight into fire. Men were
seen weeping then. Gaheris and Gareth wept, and many
others, unwilling witnesses with them; and doubtless behind
steel bars many eyes were half-blind just then.

Here is Guenever brought to the stake, and where is
Launcelot?

Up into air went a falcon with gilded jesses that took the
sun as they trailed.

She lifted her face to the skies. Her brows smoothed;
like a saint near her peace, calm and confidence transformed
her countenance ; lightly she set foot on the stack of beach
and pine, and stood high by the stake against the sky.

Ha havoc ! the wild-fowl are all stilled. Clink and dang
take the ear; away in the hollows sparks of light take the
eye — broadening, dancing; riding the mist crests of knights
unveil, fronts of horses^ a mat of spears ; out of the mist, reft
by the wind of speed, without trump, without call, with light-
ning to the air, with thunder to the sod^ with a weft of rainbow
from thick spinning dew, come the grandest fighters in the
world— comes Laimcelot.

Down went the spears upon the mount Grim and sober
Arthiu^s knights formed out to battle-front, and wisely and
orderly waited to take full advantage of their ground.

" Are you mad. Sir Aglovale ? " cried Griflet, then. " Keep
back and forbear the spears, as you bear none."

He spoke in vain. Soon as the slope told against the
onrush, down charged the opposing ranks, and down with
the rest charged Sir Aglovale.

" He is mad ! he is mad 1 " cried Gaheris, in a frenzy above.
** Ah, God keep Sir Aglovale for me this day ! "

Fleet-foot he ran and sprang like a roe, and reached a jetty
of broom to espy nearer. After him came Gareth.

AGLOVALE DE GAUS «79

At mid ascent broke the ihoclc of ipears, crackle o( wood
loud as the rattle of mail The downpiess had the advantage :
near a thiid of Launcelof e party were cast from the saddle,
or horse and man went down together. Launcelot and bis
brethren hare through the first rank. There fell Sir Hermind ;
smitten by Launcelot clean through the body he dropped dead.
There fell Sir Agtovale. Sii Bora thrust him down, and he
lay stunned. Sir Gaheris spied that, and wnu^ his hands.

Now the battle was wi& swords; horsed and unhorsed
fought in confusion; the scream of horses rose, for kn^hts
afoot stabbed ruthless to revenge ±eir disadvantage. On
Sir Aglovale, as he rose, down rolled a slaughtered beast

Sir Gareth beheld his brother suddenly start from hia cover
and reckless speed into the fray. Without thoi^ht he followed.
Between them they released Sir Aglovale from the weight that
was killing him, and got him up to an empty saddle. He
blessed them unaware without recognition, while Gaheiis for
bis part cursed him heartily.

Where the battle raged on higher ground he rode basdly,
and the two brothers followed perforce ; hemmed in on either
side, the press carried them along.

Close below the brow a knot on horseback lashed together
furiously ; for here was Launcelot, strong as a wild boar tossing
hounds. Then fell Sir Griflet, gashed deadly deep. Aglovale
saw him fall as he spurred past to take the ground above.
Alas I this horse that was under him was Sir Tor's.

Swift and terrible were ±e strokes of Launcelot. Two
strokes, two deadly, unhappy strokes he dealt, and knew not
what he did. One Gaheris saw, and shrieked as his brother
Gareth, smitten through the brows, fell back dead into his
arms; the next he saw not: with hardly a moan be also
dropped out of life.

Gallant knights both were they, though one was savage and
a murderer, and had slain his mother; they were pleasant
and witty to hear, and very goodly to see in visage and
stature; they were staunch-ndoded, for Gaiedi never forgot
kindneaa, and Gaheris never forgot injary; tiwywereconrteons

S80 AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

to all ladies, and loyal lovers of their two &ir wives, Linet
and Liones ; they worshipped Launcelot, and loved him passing
well, and namely Sir Gareth ; and Launcelot loved them again,
and namely Sir Gareth, passing welL

Launcelot passed on unaware; but behind him the eddy
of battle paused, and knights of both parties stayed their
strokes, and looked, the shriek of Gaheris at their hearts, on
those two brained dead.

" Alas !" said young Lavaine, " alas ! Sir Launcelot. Though
God Almighty forgive this, he will never forgive himself, nor
neither will Sir Gawaine."

By this Sir Launcelot had all but won the ascent Last
to oppose him hurled a knight who had slung aside his shield
to grip his sword by both hands. Recklessly exposed he
swung up for the stroke, with the weight of a plunge he swung
down: his blade met Launcelot's and broke. He laughed
out like a madman, and flung away the shard. Their horses
were staggering at impact when quick Launcelot struck again ;
but the other dipped, swerved close in under the blow, and
leaning from the saddle clapped both arms upon Launcelot :
his right caught him about the girdle, his left took him beneath
the chin. It was the trick of Sir Turquine that had unseated
many a strong knight In vain he heaved with all his strength ;
Launcelot swayed a little, recovered, but could not shake him
off, and could not strike. He drew back his arm, felt with
the sword-point for the unjointed spot below the armpit, and
drove in the blade deep. With a groan Aglovale slid down
and dropped to die. He had got his death from Launcelot

Queen Guenever's smock is stained with blood as Laimcelot
lifts her away from the stake, and she laughs for joy that it is
not his.

Up from the finished battle came others: came Ector,
Bors, Blamore, Bleoberis, Lavaine, Palamides; and again the
mount was crowned with a glittering circlet, while away to
Carlisle streamed tidings of defeat to Arthur, while Guenever
kneeled devoutly to thank Heaven for her deliverence, while
she was clad hastily and set upon horse behind Launcelot

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 281

Then straight all fell bare. Down past the slope of blood
the slayers rode, and fast away aaoss the shining land, by
east to Eden livei, and by north to Joyous Gard.

Death made no haste with Sir Aglovale; he bad yet an
hour to live. The first he knew beyond pain when he lifted
and sat, was the pleasant smell of braised thyme, and there
beneath bis hand a little patch of dim blue. It rooted far
away on Wenlock Edge. He shifted a little lest it should be
stained, and against his left side shut tight his ann to keep in
Fed life. Along Wenlock Edge came Naden, sayii^, ' God
has been gradous, O my son.' And he perverse, — ' I will not
go I ' He lost his way.

Next be knew that above him stack and stake stood up
to view solitary, and the world was very quiet, albeit tiie
groans of wounded men came from below. Clear and small
swam the &lling-in of knells. Gear and small and tar away
on rising ground moved points of light in a soft glitter. — God
keep you. Sir Launcelot, body alive to a better life,! — The
world smiled fair as the sun drew up the dews. He lost his
way again.

Death made no haste with Sir Tor. He shifted, and
moved, and crept along to dead and dying. Sir Hermind
dead, Sir Penmones dead. Sir Kay I'Estrange dead. Sir
Sagwarides dying. Oh, mercy I Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth
both dead. The elder still clasped his brother. Beside the
armed dead, those two, unarmed, represented a piteous mis-
chance. Sir Sagwarides had seen, and he told how it was done.

One beard, stood up on his feet staggering, came and looked.

"Sir Griflet I God be thanked, you live."

" Alas ! I am but slain."

" And I," said Tor. " Where is Sir Aglovale ? "

" I know not ; only I am sure he has not fled."

Together they went on further search, till hig^r beyond
the rest they found him.

They knew he was near his end, because he sat so stilL
His bead was erect and rigid, bis right hand was idling to
and fro softly upon die tuif ; his harness was unbroken, and

ass AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

but little blood showed upon it, yet they knew without a word
that he was near his end.

Sir Griflet went forward and dropped with a groan at his
side. He turned his head, and crept out his right hand to
him, but did not stir otherwise. After came Tor as £ist as
he could drag, and kneeling he put his great hands lightly
upon Aglovale.

" Fair dear brother," he sobbed, " I shall die the better
by you."

At that Aglovale lifted a look, and rested his wondering
spirit with a giving of love and worship to his fiuthfiil brother.

" God Almighty bless "

Blood rose to his lips when he spoke, and pain took him
hard upon death when he lifted a hand. They eased him of
his helm, and propped him ; and they saw well he was nearer
his end than eidier of them, though their wounds gaped,
and his they had not seen. Griflet was hewn deep at the
shoulder, and Tor at the belt Aglovale's mortal woimd let
out only a thread of blood, that ran continuously, dark and
warm, blurring his harness like breath.

There below good Christian folk were coming to take up
dead and wounded, and to ease the dying, body and soul.
Sir Griflet lifted a prayer that they might not die till ghostly
comfort came, so they might receive their Saviour before they
passed over to death and judgment Namely he prayed for
Sir Aglovale, for he thought him almost gone : without breath
he seemed, and his eyes were fixed far oflf.

Far ofi" he had lost his way. He saw an elder-tree and
sodden ground and driving rain : then said Brose, ' Kiss of
peace,' and died imhouselled. Lo ! a rainbow arching up into
clear sky. The words of Gaheris drifted him back into time
present : ' If God can be so greatly merciful as you.' Wonder
was set afresh upon his face. " O Maker of man," he breathed
in worshipping appeal.

He looked upon Griflet and Tor, and seeing their pains
were greater than his own, forbore request But straightway
Tor bent to him.

AGLOVALE DE GALIS 28S

" Brother, what would you have of me ? "
Me whispered faintly, "Sir Gaheris. Could he know he
would come to me now."

They were dumb-struck, and looked at each other, awed

and marv j'lling .

Then satd Griflet, "Alas I Sir Aglovale, you may go to
him, but he cannot come to you. Sir Gaheris is dead."

For a moment be did not stir ; then he lifted a sigh and
said aloud, " God rest his souL" At that a rush of blood
choked him.

Even to men who were dying it was fearful to see &en how
he set himself to preserve the tag of life in his bodyj be
might not speak out, he might not lift a hand ; passively with
all his will he withstood the thrusts for release, and held
possession. Presently Tor, in answer to a sign, told over what
he had seen, and what he had heard, of the death of th^t
brave pair.

"Beyond the gorse there they lie together. How ±ey
came in the thick of battle passes knowing ; but myself I saw
Sir Gaheris : hastUy he came ^and took away my horse when I
was down."

Then Aglovale knew, and they saw he knew, and held still
to hear his whisper.

" For me — he came in to deliver me — brought me your
horse — he and Sir Gareth — I saw, not seeing — now I see."

Amazed beyond words, Tor and Griflet waited, and in
vain, to leam the secret of this devoted enemy. They did but
hear a faint whispa that ran, " Eh, Sir Gaheris, Sir Gaheris, it
is all one I "

Said Tor, "And I meant to kill him except he sued to live
through Sir Aglovale."

Said Griflet, " And I meant to kill hun without question."

Aglovale only shook his head and very faintly smiled.
And they saw that God had taken the ending and the mending
of the matter mto His own bands, and that the solving of the
matter would not be till Doomsday.

Then ensued nkoce. The isolation <tf dea& pnaei hard

884 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

between them, and the sepuate anguish of the flesh doked
each one in himself. Tor drew the nearer, and kept his hand
on his brother as other dear affections cried his heart away
from him.

Before long charitable aid reached that high-tide maA of
blood. The first that came was a nimble yomig squire, bear^
ing a helmet full of clear water. Tor drank, and Griflet
drank; Aglovale tried to drink but could not; the sip he
swallowed he lost with more blood; almost he lost his life
then and there.

Far gone he stayed his thirst on a night moonstruck and
dewy, when out of shadows Divine approval came upon him
once. He had lost his way again and wandered.

'This I cannot abide,' said Gaheris, and plucked him
from dear contrition hastily to death.

' Ah, friend,' said Gaheris, ' I am sorry. I knew not how
hard I used you.*

' You have poisoned me to death,' said Gaheris, ' in the
body of my Saviour.'

' I think Hell will be an empty hole,' said Gaheris.

He drank at wonder, and could not retain it, and was
thirsting still.

Tor was bathing his face with water. " Stay with us. Sir
Aglovale," said Griflet, " for comfort is at hand. So presently
may we three together be assoiled of our sins, and houselled
freshly to our end."

The serviceable young man had done what he could to
ease them, and now was gone to the suffragan of Carlisle,
whom bearing the Host they saw, coming to bless the dying
on the battle-ground. Then he sent forward one of his company,
and himself followed by degrees as fast as he was able, for
others there were to be satisfied by the way.

The next that came was nimble and young, even Clerk
Hew. Sorrow of heart was his and dread to see whom he was
required to shrive for death; but the grace of holy orders
exalted his spirit above the natural man, and he used no words
but to do his ghostly service. Sir Griflet and Sir Tor in turn

Ew--w

!■

AGLOVALE D£ GALIS StSS

kneeled, confessed, and were shriven clean ; and then Clerk
Hew came and kneeled by Sir Aglovale and leaned close to
hear. That confession was the shortest, but it took more time
than both of theirs.

Faintly he whispered, "I bare sinned." Then came
silence, and again after each particular came silence. " Pride
— Presumption— Arrogance — Cowardice — Railing — Hardness
of heart — Unbelief. God knows I am sorry."

Wah that came such a rush of blood that quickly CieA
Hew blessed him to God, deeming the end had come. The
spasm passed, and presently Tor said, " He would say more to
us. Take you his words for us."

So Clerk Hew leaned down again, and repeated the dis-
jointed whisper as it came.

" One of you — for charity — when I am dead— d^ out of
me — some morsel of my heart— and let Sit Gaheiis Imve it —
for peace in the grave."

Sir Griflet was the first to make answer. He said huskUy,
" Sir, so help me God that my life endure, I will serve you
faithfully for this,"

Qeik Hew was pale and shaking as he answered next,
" Sir, I will not fail to further your desire. So help me God."

But Tor moaned pitifully, " Ah, fair dear brother, I cannot
Too jealous dear to me is this your body. Content you that I
will not hmder."

Now came towards them the aged suffragan of Carlisle as
fast as he could go with reverence to That he carried in his
hands. When he came to a stand Tor and Griflet shifted to
kneel, but Aglovale might not stit; he could but lift up his
eyes to the vessel in worship.

The holy man looked upon him steadfitstly. Eye to eye
they met, and there was remembrance between them of the
woeful hour beneath the elder-tree where Brose died denied
Christian rites. Alas I as Oerk Hew knew, Sir Aglovale also
must be denied comfort Himself he knew it : tean stood in
his eyes, he shook his head slightly ; his lips moved, and the
young cleA leaned doie and gave out aloud his irttisper.

S86 AGLOVALE DE GAUS

"Sir, alas ! I am too full of my own bkx)d. I may not

receive my Saviour."

"Alas!" said Tor, "Alas!" said Griflet Even he, that
good hard old Christian was deeply moved, and his voice was
broken as he bade him touch what he might not take.

So Aglovale kissed the blessed Bread, and then he shifted
ever so little and leaned down his face to cover while his two
fellows received their Saviour. Then the holy man blessed
them with the blessing of God's peace and passed on.

" Christ ! he b going now," said Griflet; for lo ! Aglovale's
left arm was hanging free, and fiEist his life was racing out on
a dark and smoking stream. He could no longer hold up
against the drag of death ; Tor caught him and lowered him
back carefully. He gained ease and speech, but he could no
longer see, and he put out a hand vacantly.

" Where is brother Sir Tor ? "

" Here I hold you."

" Kiss me. Tor."

Brotherly they kissed together and they kept hands fast to
the end.

Then said Aglovale, "Thanks be to God for my good
brothers, who have blessed this life of mine. Thanks be for
Tor, for Lamorak, for Dumor, for Percivale, four dear
brothers, and namely for Percivale."

He rested quiet, but his eyes were wide and intent, though
he could not see.

Then he said, " Ah, Jesu God." Then he said, " Ah, Lord,
your sorry servant ! " and sighed heavily once.

" God rest his soul," said Clerk Hew, softly, and bowed
down. The two dying men looked close on the still visage
between them, and then said, " Amen." Tor laid his hand
across the eyes, fixed wide upon the skies in dead amazement,
and shut them down. It was not in them to sorrow over the
mortal part of Aglovale ; only a little quiet contemplation they
gave to the ind^erent aspect so soon to ensue to their own
bodies.

Presently in mome silence Clerk Hew rose up and looked

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 887

at Sii Grifiet, nbo looked at Sir Tor, who bowed his bead and
duped hard the chill band he held. They loosed the dead
man's girdle, and his harness, plates and rings, discoverit^ the
narrow wound. Leathern rest they stripped open, and linen
shirt. Underneath was the haire very worn and frayed ; and
that they slit apart Then breast and side lay bare, and Giiflet
drew in a sob. Way to the heart lay open wide already.

" So help me God I " said GrifleL He touched, and came
upon a shred of iron lodged dose against the still heart.
Forth he drew it

AU reverently knight and clerk did according to promise.
As he were handling a holy relic the first performed his part,
and the other in like manner took, and went to find dead
Gaheiis,

On the field he sooght and could not find him, for Arthur
had commanded extreme haste in the buiiaL In the crypt of
Carlisle church, in the unclosed grave, there he found him.
And in the bed of earth, as secretly as he might he gave, and
so had Gaheris even what he besought for his peace in the
grave.

Yet one did partly espy and called him to account " O
son, O wretch, what deed is that you did ? Have you laid the
blessed Bread in soulless clay I"

He kneeled down weeping. " By my sou), I have dime no
wickedness. This sacrament.that I gave is not the very Body
of our Lord. I will answer to God for what I have done when
the dead arise,"

Sir Giiflet and Sir Tor were also dead when Sir Kay came
over the battlefield to number the dead and to make order for
interment Others were with him : Sir Persant of Inde and
Sir Lucan, gentle knights ; and goodly lament these uttered
for the death of Sir Tor and Sir Grifiet, and goodly they
praised them as noble knights. On Sir Aglovale for gentle-
ness they forbore to speak at all Even Sir Kay held his
peace, till lookup narrowly, he discovered the haire,

" WeU, well I " said Kay.

Gaheris and Gaieth were laid in grave before ever Kii%

288 AGLOVALE DE GAIIS

Arthur lifted head to go further than that particular loss; for
sorrow for his nephews had taken him hard even to swooning.
Of twenty-four slain these only had been named, and so he
took up question on living and dead.

Came his first word: ''Sir Aglovale de Galis? What
of him?"

" Sir Aglovale is dead."

At that the King breathed a deep breath that was no sigh.
" Well, weU ! " said Arthur.

Here is the end of the story of Aglovale. From b^;inning
to end I have given it, to the best of my power, as I found it
I ask good man or woman who has taken and read it all
to spend a moment now on a due that is owing : Pray for the
soul of Sir Thomas Malory, knight, my most dear Master
whom I love so much.

NOTES FROM " MORTE DARTHUR"
(ABRIDGED)

CHAPTER I

P. 3. Oh the first day 0/ knighthood.

So, at the desire of Griflet the king made bim knighL Now,
said Arthur, since I have made yon knight, thou shalt p'omise
me by the faith of thy body, when thou hast justed with the
knight at the fountain, whether it fall that ye be on foot or on
horseback, that right so ye shall come ag^ onto me without
making any more debate. Then took CriSet his horse in great
haste and rode a great wallop till he came to the fountain, and
the knight came out of the pavilion. 1 will just with you, sud
GriAet It is better ye do not, sud the knight, for ye are but
young and late made knight, aiul your m^ht is nothing to mine.
As for that, said Griflet, 1 will just with you. That is me loth,
said the knight, but since I must needs, I will dress me thereto.
So the two kikighta ran together, that Griflefs spear all to-
shivered, and therewithal he smote Griflet through the shield and
the left side, and brake the spear, that the tnmcheon stack is his
body, that kiught and horse fdl down.

When the Imight saw him lie so on the ground he alighted, and
was passing heavy, for he wend he had slain him, and then he un-
laced his helm and gat him wind, and so with Uie truncheon he
set him on his horse and gat him wind, and so betook him to God,
and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would
prove a passing good ItnighL And so Sir Griflet rode to the court,
where great dole was made for him. But through good leeches
he was healed and saved. (Book i, chs. 30, 31).

P. 4. His Htv^ound ten Tor.

Foithwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought
u 3S9

890 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

with him a £ur young man, eighteen year of age, riding upon
a lean mare. Anon he came before the king, sainted him, and
said, O King Arthur, it was told me that at this time of your
marriage ye would give any man the gift that he woold ask out,
except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the king, so it
impair not my realm nor mine estate. Said the poor man, Sir,
I ask nothing else but that ye will make my son here a k^ght.
It is a great thing that thou askest of me : what is thy name?
said the king. Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether
Cometh this, of thee or of thy son ? said the king. Nay, sir,
said Aries, this desire cometh of my son, and not of me. For I
shall tell you I have thirteen sons, and all they will fail to what
labour I put them to, but this child will do no labour for me,
for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be
shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to
behold knights ; and always day and night he desireth of me to be
made a knight. What is thy name? said the king unto the
young man. Sir, my name is Tor. Well, said King Arthur
to Aries, fetch all thy sons afore me that I may see them. And
so the poor man did, and all were shapen much like the poor man,
but Tor was not like none of them all in shape nor in countenance.
Now, said King Arthur, where is the sword that he shall be
made knight withal ? It is here, said Tor, and ptdled out his
sword, kneeling and requiring the king that he would make him a
knight, and that he might be a knight of the Table Round.
As for a knight I will make you ; and therewith smote him in
the neck with the sword, saying. Be ye a good knight, and
so I pray to God so ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and
of worthiness ye shall be a knight of the Table Round. Now,
Merlin, said Arthiu*, say whether this Tor shall be a good
knight or no. Yea, sir, he ought to be a good knight, for he
is come of as good a man as any is on live. This poor man
Aries the cowherd is not his father, for King Pellinore is his
father. I suppose nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore
me, said Merlin, and she shall not say nay. Anon the wife
was fetched, which was a full fair house-wife, and there she
answered Merlin full womanly. And she told that when she was
a maid and went to milk kine, there met with me a stem knight,
and half by force he held me, and after that time was bom my son
Tor, and he took away from me my greyhound that I had that
time with me, and said that he would keep the greyhound for
my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I wend not this, but I may

AGL0VA1£ DE GALIS 801

believe it well for he had nerer no Uches of me. Sir, said
Tor to Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it
is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is a good
man and a Idng, and he may right well advance you and your
mother, for ye were begotten or ever she was wedded. That is
truth, said the wife. It is the less grief to me, said the cowherd.

So on the mom King Fellinore came to the court of King
Arthur, which had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he
was his son, and how be had made bim knight at the request of
the cowherd. When King Pellinore beheld Tor he pleased bim
much [Book 3, chs. 3, 4).

P. 4. tVAen Danes and Irish landed (Book 4, chs. 3, 4).

P. 7. Blood feud was unfimthed.

Gawaine in great envy told Gaheris his brother, Yonder
knight [King Pellinore] is put to great worship, the which grieveth
me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will slay
him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that is passing
trenchant. Ye shall not so, xaid Gaheris, at this time ; for at
this time I am bnt a squire, aoA when I am made knight I will be
avenged on him ; and therefore, brother, it is best ye sufliEr till
another time, that we may have bim out of the court, for and
we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well, said
Gawaine, as you will (Book 3, ch. 4)-

P. 8. For the oath she had imposed.

Then the king and the queen were greatly displeased with Sir
Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And then by ordinance of
the queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and
they judged him for ever while he lived to be with all ladies, and to
fight for their quarrels ; and that ever he should be courteous, and
never to refuse mercy to him that askelh mercy. Thus was
Gawaine sworn upon the four Evangelists (Book 3, ch. 8).

Ibid. To rape and treason (Book 19).

Ibid. Fairness 0/ Pellinore,

Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and
ye shall choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and
Sir Tor my son. But because Sir Tor is my son, I may not praise
him, but else, and he were not my son, I durst say that of his age
there is not in this land a better knight than he is, nor of better
conditions, and loth to do any wrong and loth to take any wrong.
By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight as any

898 A6L0VALE DE GAUS

ye spake of this day, for I have seen htm proved, but he saidi
little and he doth much more, for I know none in all this oouxt, and
he were as well bom on his mother's side as he is on your side,
that is like him of prowess and of might ; and therefore I wiD
have him at this time, and leave Sir Bagdemagos till another tune.
So they were chosen, whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderiy
wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced afore him, and therefore
suddenly he departed from the court (Book 4, ch. 5).

CHAPTER II

P. la Sir Launalot canu to maki an end (Book 6^ chs. 7-10).
P. 13. The great war with Rome (Book 5).

P. 19. Kept not strictly to the order of events.

This is evident by the names of Sir Turquine, Sir Tristram,
and Sir Percivale (Book 7, ch. 28) ; whereas Sir Tristram was
not knighted before the death of Turquine and the release of Sir
Marhaus (Book 6, ch. 9; Book 8, ch. 5), and Percivale not before
Tristram was made knight of the Round Table (Book 10, ch. 25).

Ibid. The proving of Arthur^ s young nephew Geareth (Book 7,
ch. 26).

Ibid« AglovaU and Dumor overthrown (Book 10, ch. 48).

CHAPTER III

P. 26. The ways of Sir Turquine,

There came three knights, riding as fost fleeing as ever they
might ride. And there followed them three but one knight. So
within a while this strong knight had overtaken one of these
knights, and then he smote him to the cold earth that he lay stiD.
And then he rode unto the second knight, and smote him so that
man and horse fell down. And then straight to the third knight
he rode, and he smote him behind his horse tail a spear's length.
And then he alight down, and reined his horse on the bridle, and
bound all the three knights fast with the reins of their own bridles.
When Sir Lionel saw him do this he thought to assay him. And
when he was mounted upon his horse he overtook this strong
knight and bad him turn : and the other smote Sir Lionel so hard
that horse and man he bare to the earth, and so he alight down
and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse, and
so he served them all four, and rode with them away to his own

AGLOVALE DE GAUS S9S

castle. And when he came there, be made unarm them, and beat
them with thoms aS naked, and after put them in a deep prison,
where there were many more knights that made great dolour
(Book 6, ch. I).

CHAPTER IV
P. 3a Sir Turquint (Book 6, chs. 8,9).
P. 35. Sir Launctlal cam* bad (Book 6, ch. 1 8).
P. 37. Cawaint by fraud and un/aitk {Bix>)t ^ chs. 31,22),
P. 4a. How I rescued you from Carades (Book 8, ch. 28).

CHAPTER V

P. 48. Your birthright gots from yov.

Sir Tor, which was King Pellinore's first son, and Sir Aglovale
was his next son ; Sir Lamorak Domor Percivale these were bis
sons too [Book 10, ch. 33), Sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir
Lamorak de Galis, son and heir unto the good knight and king,
King Pellinore ; and Sir Tor the good kni^t is my half-brother
(Book 10, cL 19).

CHAPTER VI

P, S2. TAf Q*MjA'f^i^/af/(Book I, ch. 17).

Ibid. The Fair Head.

Anon Pellinore rode toward Camelot, and came by the well
there as the wounded knight was and the lady, there he found the
knight, and the lady eaten with lions or wild beasts all save the
head, wherefore he made great sorrow, and wept passing sore, and
said, Alas I her life might I have saved, but I was so fierce in my
quest, therefore, I would not abide. I wot not, said Pellinore^
but my heart moumeth sore for the death of her, for she was
a passing fair lady and a young. . . . Truly, said Merlin, ye
ought so to repent it, for the lady was your own daughter, and
that knight that was dead was her love and should have wedded
her, and she for great sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword,
and her name was Eleine. And because ye would not abide
and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail you when ye be in

2M AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS

the greatest distress that ever ye were or ahaH be. And that
penance God has ordained yon tor that deed, that he that ye shsD
most trust to of any man alive, he shall leave you there as ye
shall be slain. Me forthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this shall
betide, but God may well fordo destiny (Book 3, chs. 14, 15).

P. 52. Gawaine and kis hrethnn to avenge (Book 3, ch. 10).

CHAPTER VII

P. 64. His ending of the wicked Annowre (Book 9, ch. 16).
Ibid. His encounter unknaum with Lamorak (Book 9, ch. 14).
P. 67. Sir Hermind (Book 10, chs. 61-63),

P. 69. To face King Arthur.

There came to the court a knight, with a young squire with him ;
and when this knight was unarmed, he went to the king, and re-
quired him to make the young squire a knight. Of what lineage
is he come ? said King Arthur. Sir, said the knight, he is the son
of King Pellinore, that did you sometime good service^ and he is
brother unto Lamorak de Galis, the good knight. Well, said the
king, for what cause desire ye that of me that I should make him
knight ? Wot you well, my lord the king, that this young squire is
brother to me as well as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is Agio-
vale. Sir Aglovale, said Arthur, for the love of Sir Lamorak, and
for his father's love, he shall be made knight to-morrow. Now
tell me, said Arthur, what is his name ? Sir, said the knight, his
name is Percivale de Galis.

So on the mom the king made him knight in Camelot.
But the king and all the knights thought it would be long or that
he proved a good knight. Then at the dinner, when the king
was set at the table, and every knight after he was of prowess, the
king commanded him to be set among mean knights ; and so was
Percivale set as the king commanded. There was there a maiden
in the queen's court that was come of high blood ; and she was
dumb and never spake word. Right so she came straight into the
hall, and went unto Sir Percivale, and took him by the hand and
said aloud, that the king and all the knights might hear it. Arise,
Sir Percivale, the noble knight and God's knight, and go with me ;
and so he did. And then she brought him to the right side of the
siege-perilous, and said, Fair knight, take here thy siege, for that
siege appertaineth to thee and to none other. Right so she

AGLOVALE DE 6ALIS 29S

depaned and asked a priest. And as she was confessed and
houselled ; then she died. Then the king and all the ctmrt made
great joy of Sir Percivale (Book io> ch, 33).

P. 74- They had counselled and agreed (JRoalt 10, ch. 21).

Ibid. Let tu send andfeUk our mother (Book 10, ch. 24).

P. 75. Sir Perehiale went into Cornwall (Book 10, ch, 51.).

Ibid. After kit nephtvi Tristram had saved him fromkiientmUs
(Book 10, chs. 28-30).

Ibid. Broke the faith he had sworn on a hook (Book 10, ch. 32).

Ibid. Made away with him (Book 10, ch. jo).

Ibid. The luring of Lamorak.

Sir Gawaine and his brethren sent for their mother there
besides £ut by a castle beside Camelot ; and all was to that intent
to sUy Sir Lamorak. The queen of Orkney was there but a
while, but Sir Lamorak wist of her being, and was lull fain ; and
for to make an end of this matter he sent unto her, and then
betwixt them was a time assigned that Sir Lamorak should come
to her. Thereof was ware Sir Gabetis, and there he rode afore,
the same timev and waited upon Sir Lamorak. And then he
saw where he came all armed ; and where Sir Lamorak alight, he
tied his horse to a privy postern, and so be went into a parlour
and unarmed him ; and then he went unto the qneen, and she
made of him passing great joy, and he of her again, for either
loved other passing sore. So when the knight. Sir Gaheris, saw
his time, he came unto them all armed, with his sword naked, and
suddenly gat his mother by the hair, and strake off her head.
When Sir Lamorak saw the blood dash upon him all hot, the
which he loved passing well, wit you well he was sore abashed and
dismayed of that dolorous knight And therewithal Sir Lamorak
leaped up as a knight dismayed, saying thus: Ah, Sir Gaheris,
knight of the Table Round, foul and evil have ye done, and to you
great shame. Alas, why have ye slain your mother that bare
you ; with more right ye should have slain me. The offence hast
thou done, said Gaheris, notwithstanding a man is bom to offer
his service, but yet shooldest thou beware with whom thou
meddlesi, for thou hast put me and my brethren to a shame, and
thy father slew our father ; and for thou to lore our mother is too
much shame for ns to sufier. And as for thy father King Pellinore,
my brother Sir Gawaine and I slew him. Ye did him the more

296 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

wrong, said Sir Lam<nmky for my &ther slew not your fiidier ; it
was Balan le Savage; and as yet my father^ death is not
revenged. Leave those words, said Gaheris, for and thou speak
feloniously I will slay thee, but because thou art unarmed I am
ashamed to slay thee. But wit thou will in what place I may get
thee I shall slay thee ; and now my mother is quit of thee ; and
therefore withdraw thee and take thine armour, that thoo were
gone. Sir Lamorak saw there was none other boot, but ^ast armed
him and took his horse, and rode his way making great sorrow.
Wit ye well, Sir Gawaine was wroth that Gaheris had slain his
mother and let Sir Lamorak escape (Book lo, ch. 24).

P. 76. Promised to love him (Book 10, ch. 19).

Ibid. He encountered the sons of Lot (Book 10, ch. 21).

Ibid. His last tournament (Book 10, chs. 44, 45).

Ibid. For the sake of Arthur he revenged.

Sir, said Lamorak, wit you well I owe you my service : but as at
this time I will not abide here, for I see of mine enemies many
about me. Alas, said Arthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de
Galis. O, Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown I shall
never fail thee : and not so hardy in Gawaine's head, nor none of
his brethren to do thee wrong. Sir, said Lamorak, wrong have
they done me and to you both. That is truth, said King Arthur,
for they slew their own mother and my sister, which me sore
grieveth. It had been much fairer and better that ye had wedded
her, for ye are a king's son as well as they. Truly, said the noble
knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur, her death will I never forget ; I
promise you, and make mine avow I shall avenge her death as
soon as I see time convenient. And if it were not at the reverence
of your highness, I should now have been revenged upon Sir
Gawaine and his brethren. Truly, said Arthur, I will make you at
accord. Sir, said Lamorak, as at this time I may not abide with
you (Book 10, ch. 46).

Ibid. How he parted from Launcelot,

Sir Lamorak would not go with them. I will undertake, said
Sir Launcelot, that and ye will go with us, King Arthur shall
charge Sir Gawaine and his brethren never to do you hurt. As
for that, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir Gawaine nor none
of his brethren ; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot, and it were not for
my lord King Arthur's sake, I should match Sir Gawaine and his
brethren well enough. But to say that I should trust them, that

AGLOVALE DE GAUS S97

shall I never. And, sir, it is bat late that I rereoged that when
my lord Arthur's kin were pat to the worse bjr Sir Falamides.
Then Sir Lamorak departed front Sir Lanncelot, and either wept
at their departing (Boole lo, ch. 49)-

P. 76. That foul battle.

Sir, said Gareth, well I understand the vengeance of my
brethren, Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Gaheris, and Mordred.
But as for me, I meddle not of their matters ; and for I understand
they be murderers of good knights I left their company, and Cod
would I had been by, said Gareth, when the noble knight Sir
Lamorak was slain. Yea, said Sir Palamides, and so would I had
been there, and that day that he was slain he did the most deeds
of arms that ever I saw knight do in all my life days. And when
he was given the degree by my lord Arthur, Sir Gawaine and his
three brethren, J^ravaine, Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, set upon
Sir Lamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his horse, and
so they fought with him on foot more than three hours, both before
him and behind him ; and Sir Mordred gave him his death's wound
behind him at his back, and all to-hewed him. Fie upon treason,
said Sir Tristram, for it killeth my heart to hear this tale. So
doth it mine, said Gareth (Book 10, ch. 58).

Ibid. Perdvale heard the tidings (Book to, ch. 54).

CHAPTER VIII

P. 78. The madness of Sir LaunceM (Book 1 1, ch. 9).

Ibid. They found the queen their mother (Book 1 1, ch. to).

P. 80. For spettding.— Interment -was made.

She sent a squire after them with spending enough. And so
when the squire bad overtaken them, they would not suffer him to
ride with them, but sent him home again to comfort their mother,
praying her meekly for her blessing. And so this squire was
benighted, and by misfortune he happened to come unto a castle
where dwelled a baron. And so when the squire came into the
castle, the lord asked him from whence he came, and whom he
served. My lord, said the squire, I serve a good knight that ts
called Sir Aglovale. The squire said it to good intent, weening
unto him to hare been more forborne for Sir Aglovale's sake than

296 A6L0VAIJS D£ GAIIS

if he had said he had served the queen, Aglovale^ mother. WeO
my fellow, said the lord of that castle, for Sir Agloivale% sake tba
Shalt have evil lodging, for Aglovale slew my brother, and therefor
thou shalt die on part of payment And then that lord com
manded his men to have him away, and so pulled him out of tin
castle and there they slew him without mercy. Right so on tb
mom came Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale riding by a church
yard, where men and women were busy* and beheld the deac
squire, and they thought to bury him. What is there, said Si:
Aglovale, that ye behold so &st? A good man start forth anc
said. Fair knight, here lieth a squire slain shamefolly this night
How was he slain, foir fellow ? said Sir Aglovale. My fair sir, saic
the man, the lord of this castle lodged this squire this night, and
because he said he was servant unto a good knight that is wid
King Arthur, his name is Sir Aglovale, therefore the lord com-
manded to slay him, and for this cause is he slain. Gramercy,
said Sir Aglovale, and ye shall see his death revenged lightly, foi
I am that same knight for whom this squire was slain. Then
Sir Aglovale called unto him Sir Percivale, and bad him alighl
lightly, and so they alight both and betook their horses to theii
men, and so they went on foot into the castle. And all so soon zi
they were within the castle gate. Sir Aglovale bad the porter
Go thou unto thy lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglovale foi
whom this squire was slain this night. Anon the porter told this
to his lord, whose name was Goodewin ; anon he armed him, and
then he came into the court and said. Which of you is Sii
Aglovale ? Here I am, said Aglovale : for what cause slewesi
thou this night my mother's squire? I slew him, said Sii
Goodewin, because of thee ; for thou slewest my brother Sii
Gawdelin. As for thy brother, said Sir Aglovale, I avow it
I slew him, for he was a false knight, and a betrayer of ladies anc
of good knights ; and for the death of my squire thou shalt die
I defy thee, said Sir Goodewin. Then they lashed together sl*
eagerly as it had been two lions ; and Sir Percivale fought with al
the remnant that would fight. And within awhile Sir Percivale
had slain all that would withstand him ; for Sir Percivale dealt sc
his strokes that were so rude that there durst no man abide him
And within a while Sir Aglovale had Sir Goodewin at the earth,
and there he unlaced his helm and strake off his head. And
then they departed and took their horses. And then they lei
carry the squire unto a priory, and there they interred him
(Book II, ch. ii).

A6L0VALE DE 6ALI3 «99

P. 89. Htm tht ntaidtn came to Galahad (Book 17, chs. 2-1 1).

Ibid. Tkrtt ipindlu, whilt, green and red.

So they went toward the bed to behold it, and above the head
there hui^ two spindles which were as white as any snow, and
other that were as red as blood, and other above green as any
emerald : of these three colours were the spindles, and of natural
colour within, and without any painting. These spindles, said
the damsel, were when sinfiil Eve came to gather fruit, for which
Adam and she were put out of Paradise, she took with her the
bough on which the apple hung. Then perceived she that the
branch was fair and green, and she remembered her the loss which
came from the tree. Then she thought to keep the branch as long
as she might, and she put it in the earth. So by the will of our
L.ord the branch grew to a great tree within a little while, and waa
as white as any snow, branches, boughs, and leaves, that was a
token a maiden planted it But aAer the tree which was white
became green as any grass, and all that came out of it And in
the same time there was Abel begotten ; thus was the tree long of
green colour. And so it befell many days after, under the same
tree Cain slew Abel, whereof befell great marvel. For anon as
Abel had received the death under the green tree, it lost the green
colour and became red, and that was in tokening of the blood
(Book 17, ch. s).

CHAPTER IX

P. 93. TTu nigAt at CardtgOH.

And at the last they came to a castle that higbt Cardican, and
there Sir Percivale and Sir Aglovale were lodged together, and
privily about midnight Sir Percivale came to Aglovale's squire,
and said, Arise and make thee ready, for ye and 1 will ride away
secretly. Sir, said the squire, I would fiill ^n ride with you
where ye would have me, but, and my lord your brother take m^
he will slay me. As for that care thou not, Ibr I shall be thy
warrant (Book 11, cb. ta).

CHAPTER X
P. 98. H* anu U a iri^e' a/ttaiu (Book 1 1, cb. ta).

SOO A6L0VALE D£ GAIIS

CHAPTER XI

P. 107. Sir resides.

And so Sir Persides rode unto King Arthur/and told there of Sir
Percivale. And when Sir Aglovale heard him speak of his brother
Sir Percivale, he said, He departed from me unkindly. Sir, said
Sir Persides, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any
now is living. And when he saw Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, Sir
Persides said thus : My £ur lords both, Sir Percivale greeteth you
well both, and he sent you word by me that he tmsteth to God or
ever he come to the court again to be of as great nobleness as ever
were ye both, and more men to speak of his nobleness than ever
they did you. It may well be, said Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, but
at that time when he was made knight he was full unlikely to
prove a good knight As for that, said King Arthur, he must
needs prove a good knight, for his &ther and his brethren were
noble knights (Book 11, ch. 12).

P. III. Str Ector came upon him (Book 11, chs. 13, 14).

P. 112. She gave away her life.

So they came to a castle, and there came a knight and said.
Lords, hark what I shall say unto you. This gentlewoman that
you lead with you is a maid ? Sir, said she, a maid I am. Then
he took her by the bridle, and meanwhile there came out a ten or
twelve knights armed, out of the castle, and with them came gentle-
women which held a dish of silver, and then they said. This
gentlewoman must yield us the custom of this castle. Sir, said a
knight, what maid passeth hereby shall give this dish full of blood
of her right arm. Blame have ye, said Galahad, that brought up
such customs, and I ensure you of this gentlewoman ye shall £siil
while that I live. Truly, said Sir Percivale, I had lever be slain.
And I also, said Sir Bors. For God's love, said the gentlewoman,
go thither and spare not for me. So the three knights asked the
custom of the castle and wherefore it was. What it is, said they, we
will say you sooth. There is in this castle a gentlewoman which
we and this castle is hers. So it befell many years agone there fell
upon her a malady. And when she had lain a great while she fell
into a measle, and of no leech she could have no remedy. But at
last an old man said, and she might have a dish full of blood of a
nuiid and a clean virgin in will and in work, and a king's daughter.

AGLOVALB DE GAUS SOI

that blood ihoald be her health, uid for to anoint her withal : and
fortius thing wai this custom made. Now, said Percivale's sister,
fair knights, I see well that this gentlewoman is but dead. Certes,
said Galahad, and if ye bleed so much ye may die. Truly, said
she, and I die for to heal her, I shall get me great worship and
soul's health, and worship to my lineage, and better is one harm
than twain. And therdTore there shall be no more battle, but
to-mora I shall yield you yonr custom of this castle. And she
would none other whether they would or nold. And on the mom
they heard mass, and Sir Percivale's sister bad bring forth the
siclc lady. So she was, the which vras evil at ease. Then said she,
Who shall let me blood ? So one came forth and let her blood,
and she bled so much that the dish was full. Then she lift up her
hand and blessed her. And then she said to the lady, Madam,
I am come to the death, for to make you whole ; for God's love
pray for me. With that she fell in a swoon. Then Galahad and
his two fellows start up to her, and lift her pp, and stanched her,
but she had bled so much that she might not Utc. Then asked
she her Saviour, and so soon as she bad received Him the soul
departed from the body (Book 17, chs. 10, il).

CHAPTER XIII
P. 126. As sMe was hawking 6y the water {,Boa\i 13, ch. 7).
P. iiy. As h* rodt in a/crttHfiook 11, chs. 13, 14).
P. 130. Alctu skt came U Camtlet (Book 13, ch. j).
Ibid. Ht camt latt to Camtlol (Book 13, ch. 8}.

CHAPTER XIV
P. 139. WfuH youtig Sir Galakad broke shears (fiwikiifC^ ft).
P. 141. Tkt thwuier e/miraelt brokt (Book 13, ch. l).
P. 143. The tomb o/Lot (Book 3, ch. 1 1).
P. 148. A QfittH recluse (Book 14, ch. i).
P. tji. The tomi o/Nafien (Book 13, ch. ii).
Ibid. Sir Pinel l* Savage (Book tS, ch, 3).
P. 152. CasmshewUhthetwowid^qtutntifixyiiLi,\fi2u.%,€i.

8M AOLOVALE DE GAUB

CHAPTER XVI

P. 171. In the city ofSarras.

There the king was a tyrant, and was come of the line of
paynims, and took them, and put them in prison in a deep hole.
But as soon as they were there, our Lord sent them the San^^real,
through whose grace they were alway fulfilled while that they
were in prison. So at Uie year's end it befell that this king
Estorause lay sick and felt that he should die. Then he sent for
the three knights, and they came afore him, and he cried them
mercy of that he had done to them, and they forgave it him
goodly, and he died anon. When the king was dead all the city
was dismayed, and wist not who might be their king. Right so
there came a voice among them, and bad them choose the
yoimgest knight of them three to be their king. So they made
Galahad king by all the assent of the whole city, and else they
would have slain him (Book 17, ch. 22).

CHAPTER XVn

P. 173. Sir Breuse Saunce PiU (Book 9, ch. 26 ; Book 10,

chs. I, 25, 35, 65).

P. 174. A trick (Book 10, ch. 53).
Ibid. Sir Bertelot the one-handed (Book 12, ch. 2).
P. 180. Him Gawaine slew (Book 16, ch. 2}.
Ibid. King Bagdemagus (Book 17, ch. 17).

Ibid. Gawaine slew.

And then he told the hermit how a monk called me wicked
knight He might well say it, said the hermit. For certes, had ye
not been so wicked as ye are, never had the seven brethren been
slain by you and your two fellows. For Sir Galahad, himself
alone, beat them all seven the day before, but his living is such he
shall slay no man lightly (Book 13, ch. 16). Said the good man.
The adventure of the Sancgreal which ye have undertaken, marvel
not though ye fail thereof, and many other. For ye be an untrue
knight and a great murderer. For I dare say, as sinful as Sir
Launcelot hath been, sith that he went mto the quest of the

AOLOVALE DE GALIS 80«

Sancgreal he slew never man, nor naught shall till he come mito
Camelot again. For he huh taken upon him to forsake sin
(Book i6, ch. 5).

P. i8o. Sailed the seas with Ga/aAati (fiook t?, ch. 13).

CHAPTER XX

P. 203. Sir Bars returtted (Book 17, ch, 33).

Ibid. How the Quest was achieved (Book 17),

P. 203. For he abandoned his brother.

So he met two knights that led Lionel his brother all naked,
bounden upon a strong hackney, and his hands bounden tofbre
his breast : and every each of them held in his hand thorns,
wherewith they went beating him so sore that the blood trailed
down more than in an hundred places of his body, so that he was
all blood tofore and behind, but he said never a word, as he which
was great of heart ; he suffered all that ever they did to him as
though he had felt none anguish. Anon Sir Bors saw a knight
which brought a ^r gentlewoman, and would have set her in the
thickest place of the forest And she cried with an high voice,
Saint Mary, succour your maid 1 And anon she espied Sir Bors,
and she conjured him, by the faith that he owed unto Him in
whose service thou art entered in, and for the faith ye owe imto
the high order of knighthood, and for the noble king Arthur's
sake, that I suppose that made thee knight, that thou help me
and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight 1

When Bors heard her says thus, he had so much sorrow there
he nist not what to do. For if I let my brother be in adventure
he must be slain, and that would I not for all the eatth. And
if I help not the maid, she is shamed for ever, and also she shall
lose her honour, the which she shall never get again. Then lift
he up his eyes, and said weeping, Fair sweet Lord Jesu Christ
whose liege man I am, keep Lionel my brother that these knights
slay him not ; and for pity of you, and for Mary's sake, I shall
succour this maid (Book 16, ch. 9).

P. 304. A voiee bade him go seek Sir Percivale (Book 16,
ch. 17).

Ibid. How ke was tempted.

Also he drank the (trongeit wine that ever he drank, and
therewith he was a little heated ouve than he ought to be. With

S04 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

thai he beheld the gentlewomaiii and him thought that she «

the £urest creature that ever he saw. And then Sir Perciva

proffered her love, and she refused him in a manneri for the cas

that he should be more ardent on her. And when she saw hi

well enchafed, then she said. Sir Percivale, I shall not fulfil yo

will, but if ye swear from henceforth ye shall be my true servao

will ye ensure me this as ye be a true knight ? Yea, said he, h

lady, by the faith of my body. Well, said she, now shall ye <

with me what so it please you. And then Sir Percivale can

near to her, to proffer her love, and by adventure and grace 1

saw his sword lie upon the ground all naked, in whose pomm

was a red cross, and the sign of the crucifix therein, and bethoogi

him on his knighthood, and his promise. Then he made the sig

of the cross in his forehead, and therewith the pavilion turned o

so down, and then it changed unto a smoke and a black clow

and then he was adread, and cried aloud. Fair sweet Fathe

Jesu Christ, ne let me not be shamed, the which was near loi

had not thy good grace been ! And then he looked into a shi]

and saw her enter therein, which said, Sir Percivale, ye hav

betrayed me. And so she went with the wind roaring and yeUinj

that it seemed that all the water burnt after her. Then Sir Pei

civale made great sorrow, and drew his sword unto him, sayinj

Sithen my fiesh will be my master I shall punish it. And then

with he rove himself through the thigh, that the blood start aboc

him, and said, O good Lord, take this in recompensation of tha

I have done against thee, my Lord. So then he clothed him an

armed him, and called himself a wretch, saying, How nigh wa

I lost, and to have lost that I should never have gotten agaii

that was my virginity, for that may never be recovered after i

is once lost. Thus as he made his moan, he saw the good max

and he went unto him weakly, and there he told him altogethei

Knew ye not the maid ? said the good man. Sir, said he, nay

but well I wot the fiend sent her hither to shame me. Oh goo

knight, said he, thou art a fool, for that gentlewoman was th

master fiend of hell, the which had overcome thee, had not th

grace of God been (Book 14, chs. 9, lo).

CHAPTER XXI

P. 209. TA€ (ale of the empoisoned apples (Book 18, chs. 3-8).
Ibid. MeHagraunce (Book 19).

AGLOVALE DE GALIS SOS

CHAPTER XXIII
P. 141. Sir Urre (Book 19, chs. lo-ia).
P. 244. Ftltlelie (Book 19, cb. 13).

CHAPTER XXIV

P. 247. Thtpileous story (Book 20).

Ibid. Fondly Attending.

For as tbe French book saith, the king was full loth thereto,
that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and his queen ; for the
king had a deeming, but he vould not hear of it, for Sir Launcelot
had done so much for him and fcir the queen so many times, that,
wit ye well the king lored him passingly well (Book 20^ ch. 2).

P. 34S. Sir Bars awaiting Sir Launcelofs return (Book 20,
ch.s).

P. 354. Gamcaiu had refiaed {<Zh. 8).

CHAPTER XXV

P. 259. GttwMMe cried m* thus.

Then spake Sir Gawaine and said: My Lord Arthur, I would
counsel you not to be over hasty, but that ye would put it in respite,
this judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes. One it is,
though it were so that Sir Launcelot were found in the queen's
chamber, yet it might be he came thither for none evil, for ye
know, my lord, said Gawaine, that the queen is much beholden
unto Sir Launcelot, more than unto any other knight, for on-times
be hath saved her life, and done battle for her when all the court
refused the queen, and, peradventure, she sent for him for goodness
and for none evil, to reward him for his good deeds that he hath
done to her in time past. And, peradventure, my lady the queen
sent for him to that intent that Sir Launcelot should come to her
good grace privily and secretly, weening to her that it was best so
to do in eschewing and dreading of slander. For oft-times we do
many things that we ween it to be for the best, and yet, peradventure,
it tumeth to the wont. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that my
lady your queen is to you both good and true. And as for Sir
LauDcdot, said Sir Gawaine, I dare say he will make it good upon
any kugltt living that will pot upon himself villainy or shame, and

a06 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

in likewise he will make good for my lady dame Guenever. That
I believe well, said King Arthur, bat I will not that way with Sir
Launcelot, for he trusteth so much upon his hands and his might
that he doubteth no man, and therefore for my queen he shall
never fight more, for she shall have the law. And if I may get
Sir Launcelot, wit ye weU he shall have a shamefol death. Jesa
defend, said Sir Gawaine, that I may never see it (Book ao, ch. 7).

P. 261. Of incest.

Thither came to him Lot's wifo of Orkney, in manner of a
messenger; and she came richly beseen with her four sons,
Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine and Gareth, with many other
knights and ladies, and she was a passing foir lady, wherefore the
king cast great love unto her, and they were agreed, and she was
his sister on the mother side Igraine. So there she rested her a
month, and at the last departed. Then the king dreamed a
marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread. But all this time
King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his sister. Thus
was the dream of Arthur. Him thought that there was come into
this land grififons and serpents, and him thought they hunt and
slew all the people in the land, and then him thought he fought
with them, and they did him passing great harm and wounded
him full sore, but at last he slew them. When the king awaked
he was passing heavy of his dream (Book i, ch. 17). Then said the
old man. Ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with
you, and your sister shall have a child that shall destroy you and
all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that tell
me these tidings ? I am Merlin. Ah, said King Arthur, ye are a
marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words that I must die
in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is God's will your body
to be punished for your foul deeds (Book i, ch. 18).

Ibid. A horrid deed.

Then King Arthur let send for all the children bom on May-
day of lords and ladies, for Merlin told King Arthur that he that
should destroy him should be bom on May-day, wherefore he sent
for them all upon pain of death. And so there were found many
lords' sons, and all were sent unto the king, and so was Mordred
sent by King Lot's wife, and all were put in a ship to the sea, and
some were four weeks old and some less. And so by fortune the
ship drove unto a castle, and was all to-riven and destroyed the
most part, save that Mordred was cast up, and a good man found
him and nourished him until he was fourteen year old, and then

AGLOVALE DE GAUS SOT

he brought him to the court. So many lords and barons of this
realm were displeased, for their children were so lost (Book i,
ch. JS).

P. 36t. King Lot against kitn.

King Lot that of late time afore bad been a knight of King
Arthur's, and wedded the sister of King Arthur, and for the wrong
King Arthur did him, therefore King Lot held against Arthur
(Book 3, ch. lo).

Ibid. Tke gift King Leodegrance sent.

That is to mc, said King Leodegrance, the best tidings that
ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and noblesse will
wed my daughter. And as for my lands I will give him wist 1 it
might please him, but he hath lands enough, him needeth none, but
I shall send him a gift shall please htm much more, for I shall give
him the Table Round, the which Utfaer Pendragon gave me, and
when it is full complete there is an hundred knights and fifty.
And as for a hundred good knights I have myself but I lack fifty,
for so many have been slain in my days. And so King Leodegrance
delivered bis daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round,
with the hundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great
royalty, what by water and what by land, till they were come nigh
unto London.

When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the
hundred knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made
great joy of their coming, and that rich present, and said openly.
This fair lady is passing welcome unto me, for 1 have loved her
long, and therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knights
with the Round Table please me more than right great riches
(Book 3, chs. t, 2).

P. 263. Whether vtrily h* slew King Lot.

So there was a knight called Fellinore, the which was a good
man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King Lot as he
fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke and he
smote the hone's neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot ;
and therewith anon Sir Fellinore smote him a great stroke through
the helm and head unto the brows. And then all the host of
Orkney fled for the death of King Lot ; and there were slain many
mothers' sons. But King Fellinore bare the blame for the death ot
King Lot (Book 3, ch. 10}. My father slew not your father ; it
was Balan le Savage (Boc^ ic^ dk 24).

906 A6L0VALE DE 6ALIS

CHAPTER XXVIII

P. 277. Unhappy Guenevtr.

Then the queen was led forth without Carlisle, and there sIm
was despoiled into her smock. And so then her ghostly fathe
was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then wai
there weeping and wailing and wringing of hands of many lonh
and ladies. Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent untG
that place for to espy what time the queen should go to her death.
And anon, as he saw the queen despoiled into her smock, and so
shriven, then he gave Sir Launcelot warning. Then was there bat
spurring and plucking up of horses, and right so they came to the
fire, and who that stood against them, there they were slain, there
might none withstand Sir Launcelot, so all that bare arms and
withstood them, there were they slain — fiill many a noble knight
For there was slain Sir Bellas le Orgulous, Sir S^^varides, Sii
Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Gauter, Sir Gillimer.
Sir Reynold, three brethren. Sir Damas, Sir Priamus, Sir Kay the
stranger, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Herminde, Sir Pertilope
Sir Perimones, two brethren that were called the green knight aiui
the red knight. And so in the rashing and hurling as Sir Launce-
lot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris ami
Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unaware
for, as the French book saith. Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth am
Sir Gaheris upon the brain-pans, where through they were slaii
in the field, howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and
so were they found dead in the thickest of the press. Then who
Sir Launcelot had thus done and slain, and put to flight all tha*
would withstand him, then he rode straight unto dame Guenever
and made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her, and then b<
made her to be set behind him, and prayed her to be of gooc
cheer. Wit you well the queen was glad that she was escapee
from the death, and then she thanked God and Sir Launcdot
And so he rode his way with the queen unto Joyous Gan
(Book 20, ch. 8).

P. 287. Extreme haste (Book 20, ch. 10).

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Bum&r (OX A SHORT HISTOSY OF
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BOER FORCES.
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Sec L«aen of

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Hello (Ernnti. studies in saint-
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HenlarlW. S.). S« Htthuca'i Hilf-Cion

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v.M.
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Hodildn (T.I, D.C.L

keliBi™.

HodsBOQ lKr». A. W.l. HOW TO
[LUNTIKV OLD CHINESE PORCE-

LAIN.

R, A. ,Sticba

^ del. "set Bi^ki'^m

.THE

.1^ V.trwA of tweniy Veen, itliii-

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Eoldsvorth (W. B.), M.A. A HISTORY
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Hoiroake (Q. J.).

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LUUb (CtaUlM mi Hut), THE WORKS
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THE LIFE OF. S« E. V. Liku.
THE ASSAYS OF ELIA. Wiib owt i«
IlJuiinuion, by A. Cabt '

a byli.

'. Lufc*

!>,•«)

fuiimilc, cHotd by K V. Lucas, k. (kI.

See alio Ultle Librar>'.
Umbert (F. A H.X See The Link CuUu.
LunbrOaCFrOfeuor). 5teUyan<i«THI>.

Lui»-PMda (BtanlM). A history ok

EGYPTINTHKMlDDLEAGlfS. FuUt
Illuurilcd. CtttHLtKi. 61.
LulXl)fldC«(7.)M.A. IIALLADSOFTHE
nRAVE: Fuerni of ChivijTy, Entopriw.
Caunce, uid Conilniicy. .S'«i»^ SJtUnt.

lATOmilun). SecLibimiTori>(v»iop.

LOacimeniy). THE DUKE OF DEVON-

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MffidWUdX THE ROSE RKADER.

With Dumeroui liliutruioM. Cms tv.

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'StJd'CB.aniiro). REGINALD. Sx^md

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General Literature

[NSrSR

WESTMt Mai's R SCHOOL.

■athMCa). Sec Bnuiinc T^
■dUUittCJtAll}. SHBftuidi
■OOtt, U. »J WINSTO^

CHURcr— ■ -

ANNALS OF

SPBKCER

With PorBsiu ud lllul-

mtloill. (.rsmtliv. %t.6J.
BMlar(H.a.)F.R.S. DRAGONS OPTHB

AIR. WnhaULnvIlliuutlcHu. Cr.ler. 6i.
■•Ill (T. P.), M.A. THE MECHANICS

OF DAILV LIFE. lUaiMtcd. Cr. Bf*.

A Coloniil Edillun [i aljo puUidwd.

BbakMOMra (VUIUUDX

THE FOUR FOLIOS, ifaj; ifrji; 1664;
i6ts. Each Aw Gmmtai ml, or ■ con-
plcu Kl, TtmlBtCiiinfMntl.

Tm Ardan BhakMpaua.

Ptmv ftpft ^" '"' """' """' '"'

RtuyfAX VICTORIAN POETS. Crtm
SlUTp (HiB. B. A.)- S« Unl* Boob 01

llwll«7 (TeroT B.1. adonais 1 u Eiegr

on tbt dtufi of Jphn ILuu, Author ef
' Endymiiin,' clc Piu. From Ibt tjpa sf

Put I.

liciHal m __.

In Pcnoiulicy

"fcjonUl'

W. J. Ci

1 funiniioiliuBi

ISl" I

I, Teinul Ndih,
■nd 1 ConisenUTT at iha runt of thi page

HAMLET. Edited by Edwaud Dowdeh.
Lill.D.

ROMEO ADD JULIET. EdilaJbrEtwiiti.
DowcxH, Lilt.D.

KINO LEAR. Edited br W. J. Cuic

JULIUS CAESAR. BdIt«J M M. «*<:■

""'"""' "■■"iwd by MonrroH

THE TEMPEST.

Luc»
OTHELLO.

Edited by H. a

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.

Edited by H. Cuhihchah.
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ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

Ediud by W. O. Briostocke.
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TIM UttleO

HISTORY FOR CHILD-
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~ : I. Crtvm S*k u. &IL ml.

L (W*1M4 DISRAELI : A Study

"cyaDdtdBU. WiihiPatmitL

lu. &/.«<.

\\ Edit^n is aUo publiibHl.
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TlsdUter (lUiT). A narrow way.

TkirdEJiUnt. Crrm tBB. 6t.
THE ROSE OF JOY. Stcr^ EiUlitm.

CnmntM. 6i.
Saeilu Shilling Novell.
Fltipfttrlck (E.) THE WEANS AT

RUWALLAN. lUiutTUEd. Stctm/£di-

tien. Cmmive. 6i.

TUHtmlwn (Qenld). MORE kin

THANKINI). OvHwIiw. &i.

rialoliai (J. -B.}. lucian the

DREAMER. CnxnBiw. b.
TitMK (Hi*. HnA), Aiiihct of' Tbe Stakn

Emperor.' TIIE SLAKING OF THE

SWORD. Cr«nB». «(.
•THE SHADOW OF THE LORD. Crwa

! CrflDH 1». &(.

VEWAVa C-ffw-8i* J.. W.
HE CARDKN OK ALLAH.
Edilion, Cmt-^tM. «].
BLACK SPANIEL. C™ic«l

HoblMi (John Oliver), a

qranKe.' THE SERIOUS WOOING.

Hop* (Anuiour). THE god IN THE

Car. TiKik kdiiiim. Cr^nhvt. tt.

sftlcjU tfiaJftii impoAiiblc wittdn ourUinit;
bnillaiit, but DOE inperfLciAl ; weQ conildcndi
but not eUboruett : DootiracMd wiUi 1h»
vowbi*! Art thai ccdcmU, bal ycL ■llowA
ftHlf to be o^cvcd bj rcadvn to irbdm fiaa
liuranr ueLbod ii a kaea pUaiura.'— T",!*

A CHANCE OF AIR. SUtk E£Ut<^

A MAN OF MARK. Fjfli Etlilir^ CrtuH
aw. 6i.

'Oridl Mr. HoBc'i bookt, 'A Man of
Muk " i( the on* which bcit conpuu with
"Tb< PriioDK al Zcodk'" — AWmih/

THe'oIRONICLES of COUNT AN-
TONia StfntlkEJitUn. CwmSH. fii.
perfecLly «DChaiiting itocjoflov*

mod chirujj, ami pars

I'ba

MADE OF MONEY. Crmmtvt. 6m.
THE BRIDGE OF LIFE. CrvBaStv. fii.
•THE IMPROBABLE IDYLL. Crtam .

modal and tndx of torcn, > pMrhu
nnllnuii, an iotiEpid 6ahur, k luthlnl
jriond, *ad • mitnaiimniutofc' — durWlLaa.
PKROSO. IllsMiaud by H. R. Millar.
SixIA EdIUem. Cms Int. b.

' Tba uIe i* (bonoshlT frotb, qnkk with
TiwUty, adRiBc ihi blood.'— .!'/. Jamti'i

S» also ShilliDf Nt
TOWER. Crtm

THE HERONS'

OUdui (OWrnX Auih« of 'Demot,' 'In
Ibl Veil ofJfuWlee,' etc. THE TOWN
TRAVELLER. Sraml Edilitm. Ctnm

OlilC (ObMlM). BUNTER'S CRUISE.

'Then ii Kcarchiaf mnalyui of haman
utun, wiih ■ ouiti iDKaioni]]' ma-
>usct*d plot. Mr. Hope bu dnwn the
conEj«AU of bii Toracn with mamlloni
■ubllety and delicacr.' — Timrt.
THE KING'S MIRROR. Fiurili Edttu*.
Crvtmttt. 6(.

'Id elennce, delicacy, and (act ii nnke
with the (MM of hii oonle, while in Itaa
wide rufe of ill ponrai lure aDd IbeHibdlty

Messrs. METHt}BM*s Catalogub

QCISANTT. Fraetk SdlHtu. Crtmm tm.

■bh nx > mr hi(b

ainpnuof powO'aiid

THE DdLLY DIALOGUES. Cm>_ Im

»(.
•ASERVANTOFTHE PUBUC Crwn

'Htm (QrahAin). Auikor of ' A Cudiiia] nad
hS Coiiscitntt,' ttt, nt THE LADY
OF LVTK. Crvna bw. ii.

Houh Smanou the uississicpi

BDBBLk. liruJtrilBj. Cnrnmlrv. 6i.

*BoB«aMi (CUiB«ac»l. aglovale de

GALIS. CnTTji tv. 61.
Hn* (C. J. CatollSa), Author oT'Cwuia
l^tlt' MR. HORROCKS, PURSER.
Tki'ilS^lmt. Ct**mtit. Si.

JarMba (V. W.X many cargoes.

TmtHtfStvtnlk Edilin. Crwmm «m.

Sl£' URCHINS. EltvtntltEJiiim. Crrmn

tvr. _«. W.
A UAStER OP CRAFT. inmtnMd. Siilk
EdiliwH. Cnram •». 31. IW.

'CinbtuDinemdlTiKomiiKiiilBl » >II
vho tuve not I<MI their npixula for ■bole-
Agmc ImuEhler-' — SptctAtvr.

'The Sell humoroiubook pubruhed for

LIGHT FR&IGHTS. Illiuirued. /'nn'4
Eiilitn. Cr*<,-n In. 31. IV.

>Hi> iril and humoui in perfectly im-
■iftible. Mr. Jacobi •rrilciaf >ltippen, and
inilet, ud »amen, snJ h» cro uel Iht
]ollLe«loilh»le«r.ii\ert.'-n=,7,A'rtM.
' LiUBhler in everT»K«-'— /'airt J/a/'i
JUIMCHeilTTl. THErsOFT£IDE..i'*M^
Editin. Crm '

BEHIND THE TRROWE. Cm
(■.>. OSRAIN.

Leat (J. Latbark CoAmboc sf 'A

DiHinc sT tbc G<kU' MADAMl
BUTTERFLY. Cnwmtm, >i.U

SIXTY JANE. Cnmmarr. 6(.

Uall nituX DERRICK VAUGHt.1
NOVELET. 4»^ T-. J cr. hi.

HOUSE. TAAtf £>aib
THE DRYAD. J

MACNAB. TJUrJE£A>.

___r5^«r COLONEL ENDERBR
WIFk. Tkir^ Edititt. Crwrnrntct. b.

^ COUNSEL OF

Ediiita. Crrmm

LITTLE PETER.

THE WAGES OF SIN.

THE CARISSIHA. ^mrf A .ffa»&K Cimk

Sh. &>.
THE GATELE5S BARRIER. WrwrHiES-

lin. CrmSot. 6t.

'In "The Gauleu Burici" il u aloan
eviduil that, whilu Lucu Mulct hu jn-
isrel her larlhriEliI of ori^Tial[rr, tk

the bieb lenl of tba bocka tbal vei* Ivi

THE GOI-UEN BOWl. Tkird E^Ui

jMWra'tGiMUf'). ABRAHAM'S S.\CRI.

riCE. CwT<.»8^. 61.

HE THAT I

In tbe icren^th kod ioaii^t in i^icfa tJ

HtKU \N'I

" KHon

1 (Hsnrl

ALLLV OF IN- I

cuIioD, iDd in Ibt novuif tinceiii* al in
path» tbnMgbout, '*Sir Rickard Cumadr'
must rank at (he crcAI not^t ol a fm:

U Craenk (V
WEST .\I IN!

' Tha ripul fml of Lous Halel't cenit
A picture of maiemal 1qt« bv (uriia lewi

., _.. .. _ , tsJlerrible.'— 5><cte«M-.

CHILDKEN OP THE | 'A remarkabrr Ana hook, with ■ net

■ th^.*(h^'^.]','''^9? o*" lHum(lto.llE."). OLivK^rf- -'—

.IINSTER,
the' closed book, Tkird Edilum.

LOST ESTATE.
CinmMlw. il.

Xru EJiiiM

I THE PARISH OF HILBY, A MnEdilitm.
CrwatH. 61.
•THE PARISH NURSE. CnrH tr*. it
CRAN'UA'S JAME. Crrmn 8n>. it.

VK5. PKTEK HOWARD. C»»Ih. 6i
A WINTER'S TALK A Ntm Edititn

Cnmmtm ti.
ONK ANOTHER-S BURDENS. A Nn

Sh ■!» Boolu An- Bon ■«] Cbli.

MunaU (ObUlMX AuiW of 'Th

CaluuiD.' GENEVJtA. SichhI EiiHn

PEERAGE. Siamd Edititn. ^

MMon (1. E. W.), Author of ' The Courtifa]
of Motrice Buckki," Miiuda of the B>
onr.' etc. CLEMENTINA. DlainlH
Cmmiv*. SmitJSMi<m. &i.

■ktlian (Halen), Aalh« of ' Comin' ikr.
Iha Ryt' HONEY, /'•mrli Editir-.

GRIFF OF "GRI'fFITHSCOURT. Cf™

RESURC;.\M. Crimir B«. 61.

See alM Shilling Novrl,.
Haredlth (Elllil. HK.IRT OF MY

HEART. (V™.-!t«. S.,
•Wiaa Molly- (1*','^ ,Aiirli.» of). THE

6i. '

■Dtion](B«itnLm). the sign of the

SPIDER. IllMW«ied. JiX* £A/i*-.

IN ™E wi?irl' of the rising.

Tkird EiilitH. CnmtStv. 61.
THE RED DERELICT, .i'mrul EJilim.
Cmmtvt. 6i.

Hiihi^ ind HnlreJ.' ™THE aIiEn'
TGnlEdiliim. CmmiBf. 6,.
tOniaoa (ArUitm TALES OF MEAN
STREETS. SiiH Sdilitn. Cmn Gtv.

iHuilio; vilboulhiunDoril would not mali

Iha muk it ii ortun lo Diake,'— lf«>-/if.

A CHILD OF THE JACO. FturthEJiiin

CrtmmUt. fii.
■ Tha book is i mMirrpic"."- /■»// jW*

TO LONDON TOWN. iVimrf rA'dn

CUNNING MURRELL. CmMte*. ««

telitf . . . a msat inutiEaoil faliifKIOir
BchicTCmcnt. ' — SttctAltr.
THE HOLE IN THE WALL. TkiriSdi.
tin. Crrmtvt. 6f. , ,

a finality oflouch (hat only a naiternay

'orlc. Hla cbaiactvn are df

'DIVER^ v'a^ItIES. Cfm. _,

flMUt (E.). (Mr>. E. Bland). THE RED
ISE. ■ - "

HOUSE, llliulnlei]. AurM Eitititm.

S« alM Shilling Novell.
ITonll rw. B.). THE CREDIT OF THE
COUNTY. Illuilrated. Satmi SJiHtH.

THE EMBARRASSING ORPHAN. Cwn

OUmit iUtnti OWD BOB, THE
GREY DOC OF KENMUIR. EMIA
SJilUm. Cruamiv. 6:

Oppenlialm (E. FbUllpi}. master OF

HEN. TUf^Edilum. CnmmSiv. 6i.

Gnmd Bayju.- A WEAVER OF WEBS.

Sicimd EttilltH. Cnmm Itw, ti
THE GATE OF THE DESERT. F,,irtk

EMtim. Cmm tut. &i.
Pain (Bum. THREE FANTASIES.

LINDLEY RAYS. TkirJ Editien. Cnoin

int. it.
Pu-kn (OUbartX fierre and his

PEOPLE. Siilk EJiUn.

'Sloriei happily conceited and finely
enecnted. There ii itreninh and (coiiu
in Mr. PaAer'5 ityle,'— Ai'V^ Ttlirrajth.
MRS. FALCHION Fi/lk Edilio<t, Crnwi

*A ipLendid study of chaTactn.' —

THE TRANSLATION OF A SAVAGE.

SWORD. IHut-

Siuml Edi..,.-. ..

THE TRAIL OF 1

Iraled. EigklhEdi

« ioy

Messrs. Methubn's Catalogue

AN ADVENTURER OF THE NORTH:
The Laat Adveotvres of 'Pretty Pierre.'
Third EditUn, Crtfom%o», fa,

' Tbe present book is full of fine and mmag
stories of the great North.' ~ CAurw

THE SEATS OF THE MIGHTY. Iflus-
traud. TkirUmtk EtUti^m, Crmm 8iw.
6t.

'Mr. Parker has produced a really fine
historical noveL' — Athtn^nutu

* A great book.'— i9/ao( mmd UHkiU.
THE BATTLE OF THE STRONG: a
Romance of Two Kingdoms. lUostrated.
Fourth Edition, Crown Sew. 6s.

' Nothing more vigorous or more human
has come from Mr. Gilbert Parker than
this noveL' — Literature.
THE POMP OF THE LAVILETTES.
Second Edition, Crown Zvo, ys, 6d,

' Unforced pathos, and a deepo* knowledge
of human nature than be has displayed be^
iw^'-'PaUMallGmMette.

Pemberton (Kaxi THE FOOTSTEPS

OF A THRONE. Illustrated, Third

Edition. Crown ^o. 6s.
I CROWN THEE KING. With lUustra-

tions by Frank Dadd and A. Forrestier.

Crown ovo. 6s,
PhlllpoUs (Eden). LYING PROPHETS.

Crown Zvo, 6s.
CHILDREN OF THE MIST. Fi/ih Edi-
tion, Crown Bvo. 6s.
THE HUMAN BOY. With a Frontispiece.

Fourth Edition. Crown St**. 6s.
'Mr. Phillpotts knows exactly what

school-boys do, and can lay bare their

inmost thoughts; likewise he shows an all>

pervading sense of humour.' — Acmdemy.
SONS OF THE MORNING. Second

Edition, Crown 800. 6s,
' A book of strange power and fissdnation.'

— Mominr Post.
THE RIVER. Third Edition, Cr, 8v«. 6r.
"•The River" places Mr. PhillpotU in

the front rank of living novelists. ' — Punch.
'Since "Loma Doone"^ we have had

nothing so picturesque as this new romance.'

—Birtninrham Gautte.
^ ' Mr. Phillpotts's new book is a master-

K'ece which brings him indisputably into the
ont rank of English novelists.'— Fa// Afo//
GmMotte.

'This great romance of the River Dart.
The finest book Mr. Eden PhillpotU has
written.' — Morning" Post.
THE AMERICAN PRISONER. Third

Edition. Crown ^vo. 6s.
THE SECRET WOMAN. Fourth Edition.

Crown %vo, 6s,
*KNOCK AT A VENTURE. Crown 9vo,
6s. See also Shilling Novels.

PicktbaU (Harmaduke). SAfD the

FISHERMAN. Fr/th Edition, Crown
Zvo, 6s.

Man's Rock.'

TBS

WOOING

*BRENDL£. Cf
'Ql' Author of 'Dead
^VHITE WOLF.
9vo, 6s,

Ktam (OrmoeX THE

SHEILA. ^
6s.
THE PRINCE OF L.ISNOVER.
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Kbn (Qrmoe) and Anotliir. the D^

\f£RTED VILLAGE. With lUascnlion

by Dorothy Gwyn Jeppkbts. Crowm

9efO. 6s.
Ridge (W. PettX LOST PROPERTY.

Second Edition, Crowun %t>o. 6s.
ERB. Second Editi0n, Croum%vo. 6s.
A SON OF THE STATE. Crown Bm.

xs.^d.
A BREAKER OF LAWS. Cr^wn Sm

Mis. GALER'S BUSINESS. Secomi

Edition, Crown 9vo. 6s.
SECRETARY TO BAYNE, M.P. Cromo

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Bltcble (Mn. David O.X THE TRUTH

FUL LIAR. Crown 8cw. 6s,

Roberta (C. G. D.x the heart of

THE A^ICIENT WOOD. Crown too.
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Rnsaell (W. Glarkl MY DANISH

SWEETHEART. lUustrated. FiJH
Edition. Crown Bvo, 6s.
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Second Edition, Crown 6vo. 6s,
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Sergeant (AdellneX anthea'S way.

Crown Svo. 6s.
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Shaimon (W. F.X THE MESS DECK.

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