THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
IN MEMORY OF
Heniy Gutterson 1884-1954
THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR AND
HIS KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
NEW YORK BOSTON CHICAGO DALLAS
ATLANTA SAN FRANCISCO
MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITKD
LONDON BOMBAY CALCUTTA
MELBOURNE
THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD.
TORONTO
THE ROMANCE OF
KING ARTHUR
AND HIS KNIGHTS OF
THE ROUND TABLE
ABRIDGED FROM
MALORY'S MORTE D'ARTHUR
BY
ALFRED W. POLLARD
ILLUSTRATED BY
ARTHUR RACKHAM
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
64-66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK
1920
COPYRIGHT, 1917,
BY THE MACMILLAN COMPANY.
Set up and electrotyped. Published October, 1917.
Norfaooto
J. 8. Gushing Co. Berwick & Smith Co.
Norwood, Mass., U.S.A.
PREFACE
THE story of King Arthur and his Knights is one of the
greatest that men have ever made, greater by far than that
of Charlemagne, which had come into fashion a little earlier,
greater perhaps even than the Tale of Troy, already some
two thousand years old, which for some centuries it eclipsed.
It is through the fifteenth-century prose of Sir Thomas
Malory, in which homeliness and nobility go hand-in-hand,
that it holds its place in our hearts, but the story itself was
the outcome of the second half of the twelfth century and
the beginning of the thirteenth, the days in England of
Henry II. and his three turbulent sons, Geoifrey, Richard
Coeur de Lion, and John, the days in France of trouvere
vi THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
and troubadour, the days in Italy of S. Francis of Assisi
and the worldliness against which he strove. Something of
the spirit of all these entered into the story, together with
some contemporary theology, while the stuff of which it
was woven was largely derived from the Celtic borderland
with which the Norman rulers of England had come in con-
tact in Wales and Brittany.
In the days when the Arthurian romances were coming
into existence, violence, cruelty, and luxury were rampant,
and the story bears many traces of them ; but the greatness
of these evils called forth some great virtues to counter them,
and the story bears traces of these also and strives gallantly
to be true to its ideals, though when primitive notions, more
especially the old belief in magic, crop up in it, it sometimes
stumbles. Despite such stumblings, it is penetrated to its
very core by the special virtues of days in which men were
content to live dangerously (dangerously for themselves,
not merely dangerously as against others), carrying their
lives in their hands and willing to lay them down lightly
rather than break the rules of the game or be faithless to
word or friend.
A wandering knight challenges a great lord in a trial
of skill, to be fought out to death or exhaustion, beneath
the walls of the lord's castle. The wandering knight wins
the day, and the lord becomes his vassal, takes him into his
castle, feasts him, appoints a guard for his protection, and,
when the victor bids him report himself at Arthur's court,
comes on the appointed day attended by all his retinue.
That the lord's men should interfere in the fight, or the
PREFACE vii
lord himself break his promise, was unthinkable to these
romancers ; and on this simple basis of gallantry and good
faith there was built up a code full of fine courtesies, such
as those which forbade a great jouster to interfere with a
lesser one on a day when he was outdoing himself, or a
fresh knight to challenge one already tired with many
victories.
The determination to live dangerously brought a strange
and evil convention into the relations between knights and
their ladies. A good knight held himself at the service of
every woman who asked his help to rescue a woman he
must needs leave even his own brother in jeopardy but
he also owed a special service to the lady whose badge, if
she so graced him, he wore, whose presence spurred him to
excel himself, and whose pre-eminence over the ladies of
other knights he maintained at the risk of his life. This
lady might not be his own wife, if he had one, and she
might quite properly be some one else's wife, her knight's
homage be approved by her husband as a tribute to her
worth, and the whole relation be treated as part of the great
game of chivalry. But if it passed beyond a game and
the husband hated to see his wife caring more for another
man than for himself, then it became dangerous, and because
it was dangerous, although every one knew it was wrong,
it made a story more exciting, and all the writers of these
Arthurian romances chose this exciting subject as a literary
fashion. In the story of Tristram and Isoud, which forms
one section of this book, we see clearly how overmastering
the fashion had become. Tristram had taken Isoud as his
viii THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
lady, while she was still unmarried ; Isoud was (openly
and humbly) in love with him ; her father, the King of Ire-
land, was eager for the match; but the romancer thought
that their marriage would spoil the story, so he made Tris-
tram, after he had gained Isoud's love, woo her, not for
himself, but for his uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, and then
made Tristram and Isoud drink, by mischance, a magic
love-potion, to excuse them for loving each other ever after.
The literary fashion or convention which imposed itself
in this way on the romancers was thoroughly bad; but
the saving merit in this respect of the Arthurian romances
is that, though they insist on this situation in order to show
the hero daring all sorts of dangers, they make it perfectly
clear that the situation was wrong and could not go un-
punished. With one exception every knight who yielded
to this sin is shown as paying for it with his life. The one
exception is Sir Launcelot, and him we see maimed and
marred by thus setting his love where he should not, and
atoning for it, as much as a man may atone for wrecking
the lives of others, by bitter repentance.
The story of the Arthurian romances is a great story,
because it shows us the effect on many different characters
of this obligation to live dangerously. The men and women
who fill its pages are not just names or figures to which adven-
tures are tacked on. They are men and women of real flesh
and blood, no two of them alike (save when the writer of
one section deliberately copied another), each with his own
virtues and failings. King Arthur himself is, as we say
nowadays, a typical sportsman. He loves jousting to take
PREFACE ix
part in it, to see it, and to talk about it more than anything
else, as some men now love less dangerous games. He cares
for the men with whom he shares his sport, but he cares for
them as his fellow-jousters, and he never gets much further.
He falls below lesser knights who had borne imprisonment
rather than fight in a bad cause, for which he cheerfully
does battle; he is so keen on his own side winning that he
overrides the etiquette that forbade a strong knight to attack
a good fighter tired by his own successes ; he is weak in
his own life and weak in suffering the outrages of his neph-
ews. His great merit is that, though a king, he never
spared to take his risks, and by that courage he held men's
hearts, so that "all men of worship said it was merry to
be under such a chieftain, that would put his person in adven-
ture as other poor knights did." Also, to the very last,
he could be trusted to keep his word.
Sir Launcelot is made of much finer stuff than Arthur.
He is perhaps the most splendid study of a great gentleman
in all our literature, generous to friend and foe, courteous
to every one, eager to set himself ever harder adventures,
unwilling to be praised above his fellows, always bearing
himself with an easy dignity which lets him use very straight
speech and yet is no whit impaired. He is more than a
great gentleman ; he is a very subtle study of a soul in which
spirit and flesh, aspiration and evil habit, strive for the mas-
tery, and now and again he is pourtrayed with a rare knowl-
edge of the human heart. More wonderful even than the
closing scenes with Guenevere seems to me the story of the
coming of Sir Urre to have his wounds healed by "the
x THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
best knight of the world," and how when all others in
Arthur's court had failed Launcelot touched the wounds in all
humility, and when his touch brought healing, while King
Arthur and all the kings and knights gave thanks, "ever
Sir Launcelot wept as he had been a child that had been
beaten."
Sir Tristram is a curiously different study. Perhaps
because of the love-potion, his fault sits lightly upon him ;
he has a most detailed memory for the services he renders,
and is quite unconscious of there being any set off. But he
is delightfully easy-tempered and forgiving, joyous and
humorous, and deserves kindly remembrance for much else
than his harping and his nicety of skill in ordering the techni-
cal terms of the chase, which so impressed his chroniclers.
But he never touches greatness.
Tristram's assiduous opponent, Sir Palomides, the Saracen,
is a rather laboured but quite successful portrait. Probably
because he was a Saracen he is represented as not quite a
gentleman, but pathetically anxious to become one. He
is constantly doing things which Sir Launcelot, or even Sir
Tristram, would have died sooner than do, and then he pulls
himself together and apologises and tries manfully to play
the game. His final appearance, when he is badly mauled
by Sir Tristram as a preliminary to being christened,
is singularly successful, none the less so for its touches of
humour.
To attempt to study here others of the men and women
who live in Malory's story would give to this preface too
great a resemblance to the page in school magazines headed
PREFACE xi
"Characters of the Team." It remains to say a brief word
as to what has been done in this abridgment. There is
good reason to believe that Sir Thomas Malory was a Lan-
castrian knight who himself knew the pains of sickness and
imprisonment, as to which he wrote so feelingly. He had
to make his compilation from such books as he could get
(he apparently never obtained the last volume of the romance
of Sir Tristram), and it is probable that when his version
was made his life was drawing to a close, and that, even if
he had the wish, he had not time or strength to revise it.
That version is so great a book, written, as I have said, in a
style in which homely charm and nobility are so closely inter-
linked, that to tamper with it may seem a crime. But dur-
ing the last few years there have been many complete texts of
the Morte d* Arthur I have passed one through the press
myself and an invitation to act as Malory's abridger,
even as Malory had abridged the romances themselves, found
me daring enough to think that such a further abridgment
would be a very interesting experiment. There is much repe-
tition in the Morte d? Arthur, as Malory left it. How often
Sir Breuse sans Pitie played his ugly tricks, or Tristram res-
cued Palomides, or minor knights met at adventure and emu-
lated their betters, it is not easy to count. I have tried to
clear away some of the underwoods that the great trees may
be better seen, and though I know that I have cleared away
some small timber that is fine stuff in itself, if the great trees
stand out the better, the experiment may be forgiven. In
attempting it I have introduced, I think, not more than a
hundred words of my own, but in certain places I have taken
x
THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
over the readings devised half a century ago for the well-known
Globe edition by Sir Edward Strachey, which has justified
itself by passing through some twenty editions, and has prob-
ably brought Malory more readers than all other texts put
together.
ALFRED W. POLLARD.
CONTENTS
f Iting Slrtfjur
Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture I
Of the death of King Uther Pendragon, and how Arthur was chosen king . 6
How King Arther was crowned, and how he made officers and held a great
feast, and of the war that he had, and how he held the field . . .12
Of King Arthur and King Pellinore and how Arthur sent for his mother . 16
How Arthur fought with King Pellinore and how Merlin saved Arthur's
life, and Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat his sword Excalibur . . 19
How King Arthur wedded Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, king of
the land of Cameliard, with whom he had the Round Table, and how
Tor and Gawaine were made knights 26
How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and
how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died . . 3 1
How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart,
and of their marvellous adventures, and how King Arthur and Accolon
took upon them to do battle 33
Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon, and how Accolon con-
fessed the treason of Morgan le Fay 39
How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death of Accolon,
and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur, and of the mantle
she sent to him 45
ziii
xiv THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
f Sir launcelot
PAGE
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court, and how Sir
Lionel was taken, and how four queens found Sir Launcelot sleeping
and led him to a castle 50
How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel, and fought for
her father, King Bagdemagus, in a tournament 54
How Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Turquine and slew him, and sent Sir
Gaheris to deliver all Sir Tiirquine's prisoners 58
How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that distressed
all ladies and how he delivered Sir Kay 63
How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness and overthrew four
knights of the Round Table, and how he was required of a damosel to
heal her brother 67
How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and how he healed the
damosel's brother and returned to King Arthur's court .... 70
f Sir areti)
How Beaumains came to King Arthur's court and asked three gifts of King
Arthur, and of a damosel that desired a knight to fight for a lady, and
how Beaumains desired the battle 74
How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield,
and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot, and of him was dubbed knight 79
How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage, and how he slew
also the Knight of the Black Launds 82
How two brothers of the Black Knight met with Beaumains, and fought
with Beaumains till they were yielden, and how the damosel still re-
buked him 86
How Sir Beaumains answered the damosel patiently, and how he fought
with the fourth brother, Sir Persant of Inde, and made him to be
yielden 92
Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how
the lady that was besieged had word from her sister that she had
brought a knight to fight for her 96
CONTENTS xv
PAGE
How Beaumains blew a horn, and then the Knight of the Red Launds came
to fight with him, and how Beaumains made him yield to the lady and
go unto King Arthur's court and cry Sir Launcelot mercy, and of the
troth plight of Beaumains and the lady 99
How the Queen of Orkney came to King Arthur's court, and how King
Arthur sent for Dame Lionesse and of the tourney held at her castle . 105
How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and how he
jousted with the lord of the castle, and how Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine
fought each against other and knew each other by the damosel Linet . 112
Of the wedding of Sir Gareth and Dame Lionesse and of the officers made
at the feast 1 16
f Sir Tristram
How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at his
birth, wherefore she named him Tristram, and how his stepmother
would have poisoned him and how he was sent into France . . .120
How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall, and
how Sir Tristram enterprized to fight with him 125
How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved his battle, and
how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship 128
How Sir Tristram went to Ireland to be healed of the poison of his wound
and there was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud, and how he won
the degree at a tournament and made Sir Palamides bear no harness
of war for a year 131
How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus
by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was, and how the king suffered
him to return to Cornwall 136
How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and
how by fortune he arrived into England, and fought for King Anguish
against Sir Blamore 139
How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir
Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink, and how Sir Tristram rescued
Isoud from Sir Palamides 146
xvi THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
PACK
Of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram smote
down Sir Lamorak, and in despite of Sir Tristram Sir Lamorak sent
an horn to King Mark 153
How Sir Tristram was taken with La Beale Isoud, and he escaped to
Brittany and served in war King Howel 158
How Sir Tristram was married to King Howel's daughter, Isoud La Blanche
Mains, and how he returned to Cornwall and of the love of Sir Kehydius
for La Beale Isoud 161
How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and was
so long in a forest till he was out of his mind, and it was noised that
he was dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself . .163
How Sir Tristram slew the giant Tauleas, and how King Mark found Sir
Tristram naked, and caused him to be borne to Tintagil, and how he
was known by a brachet and was banished from Cornwall for the term
of ten years 1 66
How Sir Tristram and Sir Din ad an fought for Sir Launcelot against thirty
knights, and how Sir Tristram rode to a tournament and lodged with
an old knight named Sir Pellounes, and of the jousting before the
tournament 170
How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and after
he was assailed with twelve knights 176
Of the tournament at the Castle of Maidens, and of how Sir Tristram, Sir
Palomides, and Sir Launcelot behaved them 178
Of the rage of Sir Palomides for despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tris-
tram, Sir Dinadan, and Sir Palomides lodged with Sir Darras, and
how Sir Darras put them in his prison for the death of his sons, but at
the last he let them go 187
How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides 1 life, and how they promised to fight
together within a fortnight, and how they were both smitten down by
a strong knight 190
How Sir Tristram met at the Peron with Sir Launcelot, and how they fought
together unknown, and how Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to
the court, and of the great joy that the king and other made for the com-
ing of Sir Tristram 196
CONTENTS xvii
PAGE
How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with two knights
into England, and how he slew one of the knights, and how he was
scorned by Sir Lamorak and Sir Dinadan 200
How King Mark slew Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore King Arthur, and Sir
Launcelot fetched King Mark again to King Arthur .... 204
How King Arthur made a jousting, and how Sir Lamorak came in, and
overthrew Sir Gawaine, and how King Arthur made King Mark to be
accorded with Sir Tristram and they rode together to Cornwall . . 206
How Sir Percivale was made Knight of King Arthur, and how a dumb maid
spake, and brought him to the Round Table 210
How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper came and sang a lay
of Sir Dinadan's against King Mark 212
How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament for to have
been slain, and how he was put in prison, and how he and La Beale
Isoud came to England and were lodged by Sir Launcelot at Joyous
Card 215
How by the counsel of La Beale Isoud Sir Tristram rode armed, and how
he met with Sir Palomides, and Sir Breuse Saunce Pite beguiled three
good knights 220
How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their devices, and how Sir
Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud, and how Sir Tristram in jousting
with Sir Palomides was known by Sir Dinadan 225
How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and how they talked of the death
of Sir Lamorak, and how on Humber Bank they found a ship, wherein
lay the body of King Hermance 232
How Palomides went for to fight with two brethren for the death of King
Hermance, and slew them, and came unto Joyous Card . . .235
Of the tournament at Lonazep, and how the prize on the first day was given
to Sir Palomides 243
How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how
Palomides smote down King Arthur, and of the second day of the
tournament and of the treason of Sir Palomides to Sir Tristram . . 250
How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides fol-
lowed and excused him, and how King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came
unto their pavilions as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides . . 259
xviii THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
PACT
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the third day of the tournament,
and how Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur's side, and of the sorrow
of Sir Palomides 264
How on a day Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir Palomides,
and how they smote each other, and how Sir Palomides forbare him,
and how Sir Tristram gat harness of a hurt knight and overthrew Sir
Palomides and made him be christened 268
f Sir iauncelot atrti Bame Elaine
How Sir Launcelot holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and fought with a
dragon, and of the begetting of Sir Galahad 274
Of the adventures of Sir Bors at the Castle of Corbin, and how he was fed
with the Sangreal 280
How Dame Elaine, Galahad's mother, came in great estate unto Camelot,
and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there 285
How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid the court,
and how Sir Launcelot became mad, and of the sorrow of Queen
Guenever 288
How Sir Percivale sought for Sir Launcelot, how he fought with Sir
Ector, and how they were both made whole by the coming of the
Sangreal 293
Of the madness of Sir Launcelot, and how he was healed by the Sangreal . 297
How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was
ashamed, and how he came to the Joyous Isle 305
Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Launcelot fought with
Sir Percivale, and how they returned to King Arthur's court . . 307
How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came to the court, and
of the great joy of him 311
f Sir ffialafjafc antr tfje uegt of tfje 5?ols ffirail
How at the vigil of the feast of Pentecost a damosel desired Sir Launcelot
for to come and dub a knight, and of the marvellous adventure of the
sword in a stone 312
CONTENTS xix
PAGE
How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an old man
brought in Galahad, and set him in the Siege Perilous, and how he drew
out the sword 316
How a damosel announced to King Arthur that the Sangreal should appear
in his house, and how King Arthur had all his knights together for to
joust or they departed, and how the Sangreal appeared as they sat at
supper, and how all the knights took upon them the quest, and of the
sorrow of the king and queen at their departing . . . . .320
How Galahad gat him a shield, and how they sped that presumed to take
down the said shield, and how King Evelake had received that shield
of Joseph of Aramathie 326
How Sir Galahad destroyed the wicked custom of the Castle of Maidens, and
how he met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale and smote them down 330
How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a sick man healed
with the Sangreal, and how a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how
he was shriven, and how a good man gave him a hair shirt to wear, and
how he was overcome at a jousting and at last came to a river . . 335
How Sir Percivale found King Evelake, and how he was rescued from twenty
knights by Sir Galahad, and how the fiend disguised as the lady of a
ship beguiled him, and of his penance 342
How Sir Bors rescued a damosel rather than his brother Sir Lionel, and how
thereafter Sir Lionel would fight with Sir Bors, but Sir Bors would not 347
How when Sir Bors would not fight with him Sir Lionel would have slain
him, and how he slew a hermit and Sir Colgrevance who would have
saved Sir Bors, and how Sir Bors and Sir Lionel were parted by a cloud 350
How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and of the stroke that he gave
Sir Gawaine, and how he rode with a damosel and came to a ship
wherein were Sir Bors and Sir Percivale 355
How Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Percivale entered into the ship, and of
a fair bed therein, and of a sword, and of how King Pelles had been
maimed for drawing it 358
How Sir Galahad gripped the sword, and of the custom of a castle, and
how Sir Percivale' s sister bled a dish full of blood for to heal a lady,
wherefore she died ; and how that her body was put in a ship . . 360
XX
THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
PACK
How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir Percivale's sister lay
dead, and how he came to a castle and was before the door of a chamber
wherein was the Sangreal 364
How after that Sir Launcelot had lain four-and-twenty days and nights as
a dead man, it was told him that he had achieved all he might of the
quest of the Sangreal, and he returned to King Arthur's court . . 367
How Galahad came to King Mordrains, and how Sir Percivale and Sir Bors
met with him, and how they came to the castle of Carbonek . . 370
How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the Holy Sangreal, and how our
Lord appeared to them, and how Galahad anointed the maimed king,
and how they departed and took ship and came to the city of Sarras,
and found there the ship with the body of Percivale's sister . . -373
How they buried Percivale's sister and were put in prison by the king of
the city, and how they were fed with the Sangreal and how Galahad
was made king, and how Galahad and Percivale died . . . 377
f ILauncelot, ffiueneber, anfc iting &rtf)ur
How Launcelot fell to his old love again, but withdrew him from Guenever
to eschew slander, and how the queen commanded him to avoid the
court 382
How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knight enpoisoned, which
Sir Mador laid on the queen, and appeached her for it and how Sir Bors
took on him to fight for the queen upon condition 385
How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for the queen, but Sir
Launcelot discharged him, and overcame Sir Mador, and how the truth
was known by the damosel of the lake 391
How King Arthur let cry a tournament at Camelot or Winchester, and
how Sir Launcelot, riding thither, lodged at Astolat, and received a
sleeve to wear on his helm at request of a maid 395
Of the tourney at Winchester, and how Sir Launcelot was sore wounded . 399
How Sir Launcelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed, and how it
became known that it was he that bare the red sleeve, and of the anger
of the queen 44
CONTENTS xxi
PAGE
How the maiden Elaine did attendance unto Sir Launcelot, and of her
lamentation that he should depart, and how she died for his love, and
how her body was brought to the court and of her burying . . . 409
How Sir Launcelot went to repose him at a hermitage, and how he was hurt
of a gentlewoman, and of a great tourney ordained by King Arthur . 416
Of the month of May and of true lovers, and how Queen Guenever rode
a-Maying with certain knights of the Round Table, and clad all in green,
and how Sir Meliagrance took the queen and her knights . . . 424
How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and how Sir Melia-
grance laid a bushment for Launcelot, so that his horse was slain, and
he rode in a cart to save the queen 429
How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, and how she ap-
peased Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot came in the night to the
queen, and how Sir Meliagrance appeached her of treason . . . 433
How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, to wage battle against Sir Melia-
grance; and how Sir Launcelot was taken in a trap, but was delivered
of a lady, and how he fought with Sir Meliagrance, half unarmed, and
slew him 438
How Sir Urre came into Arthur's court for to be healed of his wounds by
the best knight of the world, and how he was healed by Sir Launcelot 445
How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine for to
disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and Queen Guenever . . 450
How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen's chamber, and how Sir Agra-
vaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay him . . 454
Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot and his friends for
to save the queen 458
How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire, and
how he slew many knights, and of the sorrow of King Arthur . . 463
How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to make war
against Sir Launcelot, and laid siege to his castle called Joyous Card . 468
How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how Sir Launcelot
brought the queen to King Arthur 477
How Sir Launcelot departed from the King and from Joyous Card over
seaward, and how King Arthur and Sir Gawaine with a great host made
war on Sir Launcelot 481
xxii THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
PACK
How Sir Mordred took on him to be king of England, and how King Arthur
returned to Dover, and of the battle there, and how Sir Gawaine was
slain 486
How Sir Gawaine's ghost appeared to King Arthur, and warned him not
to fight on the day assigned, and how by misadventure of an adder a
battle began, where Mordred was slain and Arthur hurt to the death 490
How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the water,
and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge, and as to the death of
King Arthur, and how Queen Guenever made her a nun . . .493
How when Sir Launcelot heard of the death of King Arthur, he came to
England, and found Queen Guenever at Almesbury, and how Sir
Launcelot took the habit on him as a hermit 498
How Sir Launcelot went with his eight fellows to Almesbury, and found
there Queen Guenever dead, whom they brought to Glastonbury, and
how Sir Launcelot sickened and died, and was borne to Joyous Card
for to be buried, and how Constantine reigned next after Arthur, and
of the end of this book 503
GLOSSARY "3 511
ILLUSTRATIONS
IN COLOUR
IACE PAGE
How Arthur drew his sword Excalibur for the first time (page 14) . Frontispiece
Merlin and Nimue. How by her subtle working she made Merlin to go
under the stone to let her wit of the marvels there : and she wrought
so there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could do . 30
How Sir Launcelot slew the knight Sir Peris de Forest Savage that did
distress ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen 64
How Beaumains defeated the Red Knight, and always the damosel spake
many foul words unto him 90
How Dame Lionesse came forth arrayed like a princess . . . .104
How Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink 146
How Tristram was known by the little brachet in the garden of King
Mark's castle 168
How at a great feast that King Mark made came Eliot the harper and sang
the lay that Dinadan had made 214
The Questing Beast 220
How Sir Launcelot fought with a fiendly dragon 276
How at the Castle of Corbin a maiden bare in the Sangreal and foretold the
achievements of Galahad 280
How Galahad drew out the sword from the floating stone at Camelot . .318
How King Arthur and Queen Guenever went to see the barge that bore
the corpse of Elaine the Fair Maiden of Astolat 410
XXlll
xxiv THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
FACE PACK
How Sir Launcelot was shot by a gentlewoman hunting .... 416
How Queen Guenever rode a-Maying into the woods and fields beside
Westminster 424
How Mordred was slain by Arthur and how by him Arthur was hurt to the
death 492
IN BLACK AND WHITE
So the child was delivered to Merlin 6
How Queen Morgan le Fay stole away the scabbard from Arthur . . 45
When she saw she must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and man, by
enchantment unto a great marble stone 46
Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees how there hung full goodly armed
knights by the neck 99
Dagonet, King Arthur's Fool 164
They saw on the other side a lady with a sperhawk on her hand . . . 309
Sir Mordred went and laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and
shot great guns 487
THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR AND
HIS KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE
OF KING ARTHUR
OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR AND OF
HIS NURTURE. It befell in the days of Uther
Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and so
reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held
war against him long time. And the duke was called the Duke
of Tintagil. And so by means King Uther sent for this duke,
charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was called a
fair lady, and a passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.
So when the duke and his wife were come unto the
king, by the means of great lords they were accorded both.
The king liked and loved this lady well, and he made them
great cheer out of measure, and desired to have had her love.
But she was a passing good woman, and would not assent
unto the king. And then she told the duke her husband,
and said, I suppose that we were sent for that I should be
2 OF KING ARTHUR
dishonoured ; wherefore, husband, I counsel you, that we
depart from hence suddenly, that we may ride all night
unto our own castle. And in like wise as she said so they
departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were
ware of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew
of their departing so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth.
Then he called to him his privy council, and told them of
the sudden departing of the duke and his wife.
Then they advised the king to send for the duke and
his wife by a great charge ; and if he will not come at your
summons, then may ye do your best, then have ye cause
to make mighty war upon him. So that was done, and
the messengers had their answers ; and that was this shortly,
that neither he nor his wife would not come at him.
Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the
king sent him plain word again, and bade him be ready
and stuff him and garnish him, for within forty days he
would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.
When the duke had this warning, anon he went and
furnished and garnished two strong castles of his, of the
which the one hight Tintagil, and the other castle hight
Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine he put in the castle
of Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil,
the which had many issues and posterns out. Then in all
haste came Uther with a great host, and laid a siege about
the castle of Terrabil. Then for pure anger and for great
love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came to
the king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the
king why he was sick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am
sick for anger and for love of fair Igraine, that I may not
be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir Ulfius, I shall seek
HOW UTHER PENDRAGON MADE WAR 3
Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your heart shall
be pleased. So Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met
Merlin in a beggar's array, and there Merlin asked Ulfius
whom he sought. And he said he had little ado to tell
him. Well, said Merlin, I know whom thou seekest, for
thou seekest Merlin ; therefore seek no farther, for I am
he ; and if King Uther will well reward me, and be sworn
unto me to fulfil my desire, that shall be his honour and
profit more than mine ; for I shall cause him to have all his
desire. All this will I undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall
be nothing reasonable but thou shalt have thy desire. Well,
said Merlin, he shall have his intent and desire. And therefore,
said Merlin, ride on your way, for I will not be long behind.
Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till
that he came to King Uther Pendragon, and told him he
had met with Merlin. Where is he ? said the king. Sir,
said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal Ulfius
was ware where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion's
door. And then Merlin was bound to come to the king.
When King Uther saw him, he said he was welcome. Sir,
said Merlin, I know all your heart every deal ; so ye will
be sworn unto me, as ye be a true king anointed, to fulfil
my desire, ye shall have your desire. Then the king was
sworn upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this
is my desire : after that ye shall win Igraine ye shall have
a child by her, and when that is born, that it shall be
delivered to me for to nourish there as I will have it ; for
it shall be your worship, and the child's avail, as mickle
as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as thou
wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this
night ye shall be with Igraine in the castle of Tintagil ;
4 OF KING ARTHUR
and ye shall be like the duke her husband, Ulfius shall be
like Sir Brastias, a knight of the duke's, and I will be like
a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the duke's.
But wait ye make not many questions with her nor her
men, but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and
rise not on the morn till I come to you, for the castle of
Tintagil is but ten miles hence ; so this was done as they
devised. But the duke of Tintagil espied how the king
rode from the siege of Terrabil, and therefore that night he
issued out of the castle at a postern, for to have distressed the
king's host. And so, through his own issue, the duke himself
was slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.
So after the death of the duke, King Uther came to
the castle more than three hours after his death, and there
he found Igraine, and before day came Merlin to the
king, and bade him make him ready, and so he kissed the
lady Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady
heard tell of the duke her husband, and by all record he
was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then she mar-
velled who that might be that came to her in likeness of
her lord ; so she mourned privily and held her peace.
Then all the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord
betwixt the lady Igraine and him ; the king gave them
leave, for fain would he have been accorded with her. So
the king put all the trust in Ulfius to entreat between them,
so by the entreaty at the last the king and she met together.
Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a lusty knight
and wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady;
it were great joy unto us all, an it might please the king to
make her his queen. Unto that they all well accorded
and moved it to the king. And anon, like a lusty knight,
OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR 5
he assented thereto with good will, and so in all haste they
were married in a morning with great mirth and joy.
And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded
Margawse that was Gawaine's mother, and King Nentres
of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine. All this was done
at the request of King Uther. And the third sister Morgan
le Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned
so much that she was a great clerk of necromancy. And
after she was wedded to King Uriens of the land of Gore.
Then the time came that Queen Igraine should bear a
child. So it befell after within half a year, as King Uther was
with his queen, he asked her, by the faith she owed to him,
whose was the child that should be born ; then was she sore
abashed to give answer. Dismay you not, said the king, but
tell me the truth, and I shall love you the better, by the faith
of my body. Sir, said she, I shall tell you the truth. The
same night that my lord was dead, the hour of his death, as
his knights record, there came into my castle of Tintagil a
man like my lord in speech and in countenance, and two
knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias
and Jordanus, and so I welcomed him as I ought to welcome
my lord, and the same night, as I shall answer unto God,
this child was begotten. That is truth, said the king, as ye
say ; for it was I myself that came in the likeness, and
therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the child ; and
there he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin's counsel.
Then the queen made great joy when she knew who was
the father of her child.
Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must
purvey you for the nourishing of your child. As thou
wilt, said the king, be it. Well, said Merlin, I know a
6 OF KING ARTHUR
lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and a
faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child,
and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood
in many parts in England and Wales ; and this lord, Sir
Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and speak with you,
and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will put
his own child to nourishing to another woman, and that
his wife nourish yours. And when the child is born let it
be delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened.
So like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir
Ector was come he made fiaunce to the king for to nourish
the child like as the king desired ; and there the king
granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady
was delivered, the king commanded two knights and two
ladies to take the child, bound in a cloth of gold, and that
ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at the postern
gate of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin,
and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy
man to christen him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir
Ector's wife nourished him with her own breast.
OF THE DEATH OF KING UTHER
PENDRAGON, AND HOW ARTHUR
WAS CHOSEN KING. Then within
two years King Uther fell sick of a
great malady. And in the meanwhile his
enemies usurped upon him, and did a
great battle upon his men, and slew many
of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may
not lie so as ye do, for ye must to the field
though ye ride on an horse-litter : for ye
HOW ARTHUR WAS CHOSEN KING 7
shall never have the better of your enemies but if your person
be there, and then shall ye have the victory. So it was done
as Merlin had devised, and they carried the king forth in an
horse-litter with a great host towards his enemies. And at
St. Albans there met with the king a great host of the North.
And that day Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of
arms, and King Uther' s men overcame the Northern battle
and slew many people, and put the remnant to flight. And
then the king returned unto London, and made great joy
of his victory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that
three days and three nights he was speechless : wherefore
all the barons made great sorrow, and asked Merlin what
counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin,
but God will have his will. But look ye all barons be before
King Uther to-morn, and God and I shall make him to
speak. So on the morn all the barons with Merlin came
to-fore the king ; then Merlin said aloud unto King Uther,
Sir, shall your son Arthur be king after your days, of this
realm with all the appurtenance ? Then Uther Pendragon
turned him, and said in hearing of them all, I give him God's
blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and
righteously and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon
forfeiture of my blessing ; and therewith he yielded up
the ghost, and then was he interred as longed to a king.
Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and
all the barons.
Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for
every lord that was mighty of men made him strong, and
many weened to have been king. Then Merlin went to
the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him for to
send for all the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen
8 OF KING ARTHUR
of arms, that they should to London come by Christmas,
upon pain of cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus, that
was born on that night, that he would of his great mercy,
as he was come to be king of mankind, show some miracle
who should be rightwise king of this realm. So the Arch-
bishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent for all the Lords and
gentlemen of arms that they should come by Christmas
even unto London. And many of them made them clean
of their life, that their prayer might be the more acceptable
unto God. So in the greatest church of London, whether
it were Paul's or not the French book maketh no mention,
all the estates were long ere day in the church for to pray.
And when matins and the first mass was done, there was
seen in the churchyard, against the high altar, a great stone
four square, like unto a marble stone ; and in midst thereof
was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck
a fair sword naked by the point, and letters there were
written in gold about the sword that said thus : Whoso
pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise
king born of all England. Then the people marvelled,
and told it to the Archbishop. I command, said the Arch-
bishop, that ye keep you within your church and pray unto
God still, that no man touch the sword till the high mass
be all done. So when all masses were done all the lords
went to behold the stone and the sword. And when they
saw the scripture some assayed, such as would have been
king. But none might stir the sword nor move it. He is
not here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the sword,
but doubt not God will make him known. But this is
my counsel, said the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten
knights, men of good fame, and they to keep this sword.
HOW HE PULLED OUT THE SWORD 9
So it was ordained, and then there was made a cry, that
every man should assay that would, for to win the sword.
And upon New Year's Day the barons let make a jousts
and a tournament, that all knights that would joust or
tourney there might play, and all this was ordained for to
keep the lords together and the commons, for the Arch-
bishop trusted that God would make him known that
should win the sword.
So upon New Year's Day, when the service was done,
the barons rode unto the field, some to joust and some to
tourney, and so it happed that Sir Ector, that had great
livelihood about London, rode unto the jousts, and with
him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was his
nourished brother ; and Sir Kay was made knight at All
Hallowmas afore. So as they rode to the jousts-ward, Sir
Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father's lodging,
and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword.
I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword, and
when he came home, the lady and all were out to see the
jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself,
I will ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me
that sticketh in the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall
not be without a sword this day. So when he came to
the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to
the stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights
there, for they were at the jousting. And so he handled
the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled
it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way
until he came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him
the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist
well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his
io OF KING ARTHUR
father Sir Ector, and said : Sir, lo here is the sword of the
stone, wherefore I must be king of this land. When Sir
Ector beheld the sword, he returned again and came to the
church, and there they alighted all three, and went into
the church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a
book how he came to that sword. Sir, said Sir Kay, by
my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat
ye this sword ? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell
you. When I came home for my brother's sword, I found
nobody at home to deliver me his sword ; and so I thought
my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came
hither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any
pain. Found ye any knights about this sword ? said Sir
Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur,
I understand ye must be king of this land. Wherefore I,
said Arthur, and for what cause ? Sir, said Ector, for
God will have it so ; for there should never man have
drawn out this sword, but he that shall be rightwise king
of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword
there as it was, and pull it out again. That is no mastery,
said Arthur, and so he put it in the stone ; wherewithal
Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword and failed.
Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon
he pulled at the sword with all his might ; but it would not
be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur. I
will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And there-
withal Sir Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay.
Alas, said Arthur, my own dear father and brother, why
kneel ye to me ? Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so ;
I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wot well
ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were. And
HOW HE PULLED OUT THE SWORD n
then Sir Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for
to nourish him, and by whose commandment, and by
Merlin's deliverance.
Then Arthur made great dole when he understood
that Sir Ector was not his father. Therewithal they went
unto the Archbishop, and told him how the sword was
achieved, and by whom ; and on Twelfth-day all the barons
came thither, and to assay to take the sword, who that would
assay. But there afore them all, there might none take it
out but Arthur ; wherefore there were many lords wroth,
and said it was great shame unto them all and the realm,
to be over governed with a boy of no high blood born. And
so they fell out at that time that it was put off till Candlemas,
and then all the barons should meet there again ; but
always the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword
day and night, and so they set a pavilion over the stone
and the sword, and five always watched. So at Candlemas
many more great lords came thither for to have won the
sword, but there might none prevail. And right as Arthur
did at Christmas, he did at Candlemas, and pulled out the
sword easily, whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and
put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as
Arthur sped before, so did he at Easter; yet there were
some of the great lords had indignation that Arthur should
be king, and put it off in a delay till the feast of Pentecost.
12 OF KING ARTHUR
HOW KING ARTHUR WAS
CROWNED, AND HOW HE MADE
OFFICERS AND HELD A GREAT
FEAST, & OF THE WAR THAT HE
HAD, AND HOW HE HELD THE
FIELD. And at the feast of Pentecost all
manner of men assayed to pull at the sword
that would assay ; but none might prevail
but Arthur, and pulled it out afore all the
lords and commons that were there, where-
fore all the commons cried at once, We will
have Arthur unto our king, we will put him
no more in delay, for we all see that it is God's will that he shall
be our king, and who that holdeth against it, we will slay him.
And therewithal they kneeled at once, both rich and poor,
and cried Arthur mercy because they had delayed him so
long, and Arthur forgave them, and took the sword between
both his hands, and offered it upon the altar where the Arch-
bishop was, and so was he made knight of the best man
that was there. And so anon was the coronation made.
And there was he sworn unto his lords and the commons
for to be a true king, to stand with true justice from
thenceforth the days of this life.
When this was done, that the king had stablished all
the countries about London, then he let make Sir Kay
seneschal of England ; and Sir Baudwin of Britain was
made constable ; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain ;
and Sir Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north
from Trent forwards, for it was that time the most party
the king's enemies. But within few years after Arthur
won all the north, Scotland, and all that were under their
HOW KING ARTHUR HELD FEAST 13
obeissance. Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur,
but he overcame them all, as he did the remnant, through
the noble prowess of himself and his knights of the Round
Table.
Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great
feast that it should be holden at Pentecost after the incoro-
nation of him at the city of Carlion. Unto the feast came
King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with five hundred
knights with him. Also there came to the feast King
Uriens of Gore with four hundred knights with him. Also
there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, with seven
hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast
the king of Scotland with six hundred knights with him,
and he was but a young man. Also there came to the feast
a king that was called the King with the Hundred Knights,
but he and his men were passing well beseen at all points.
Also there came the king of Carados with five hundred
knights. And King Arthur was glad of their coming, for
he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great
love, and to have done him worship at his feast ; wherefore
the king made great joy, and sent the kings and knights
great presents. But the kings would none receive, but
rebuked the messengers shamefully, and said they had no
joy to receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was come of
low blood, and sent him word they would none of his gifts,
but that they were come to give him gifts with hard swords
betwixt the neck and the shoulders : and therefore they
came thither, so they told to the messengers plainly, for it
was great shame to all them to see such a boy to have a rule
of so noble a realm as this land was. With this answer the
messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.
i 4 OF KING ARTHUR
Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a
strong tower with five hundred good men with him. And
all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siege to-fore him,
but King Arthur was well victualed. And within fifteen
days there came Merlin among them into the city of Carlion.
Then all the kings were passing glad of Merlin, and asked
him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made your king ?
Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he is King
Uther Pendragon's son, born in wedlock of Igraine, the
duke's wife of Tintagil. After the death of the duke,
thirteen days, King Uther wedded Igraine. And who saith
nay, he shall be king and overcome all his enemies. Some
of the kings had marvel of Merlin's words, and deemed well
that it should be as he said ; and some of them laughed him
to scorn, as King Lot ; and more other called him a witch.
But then were they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur
should come out and speak with the kings, and to come
safe and to go safe, such surance there was made.
Then King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under
his gown a jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with
him the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of
Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias : these were the men
of most worship that were with him. And when they
were met there was no meekness, but stout words on both
sides ; but always King Arthur answered them, and said
he would make them to bow an he lived. Wherefore
they departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep
them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So the
king returned him to the tower again and armed him and
all his knights. With that Merlin came to King Arthur,
and bade him set on them fiercely ; and in the meanwhile
HOW KING ARTHUR HELD THE FIELD 15
there were three hundred good men, of the best that were
with the kings, that went straight unto King Arthur, and
that comforted him greatly. Sir, said Merlin to Arthur,
fight not with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that
ye see ye go unto the worse, then draw it out and do your
best. So forthwithal King Arthur set upon them in their
lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias slew
on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel ;
and always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword,
and did marvellous deeds of arms, that many of the kings
had great joy of his deeds and hardiness.
Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the
King with the Hundred Knights, and King Carados, and
set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With that Sir Arthur
turned with his knights, and smote behind and before, and
ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse
was slain underneath him. And therewith King Lot
smote down King Arthur. With that his four knights
received him and set him on horseback. Then he drew
his sword Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies'
eyes, that it gave light like thirty torches. And there-
with he put them a-back, and slew much people. And
then the commons of Carlion arose with clubs and staves
and slew many knights ; but all the kings held them
together with their knights that were left alive, and so fled
and departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur and coun-
selled him to follow them no further.
i6
OF KING ARTHUR
OF KING ARTHUR AND
KING PELLINORE AND
HOW ARTHUR SENT FOR
HIS MOTHER. Then came to
King Arthur, King Lot's wife, of
Orkney, in manner of a message,
but she was sent thither to espy
the court of King Arthur; and
she came richly beseen, with her
four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agra-
vine, and Gareth, with many other
knights and ladies, and she was a passing fair lady,
wherefore the king cast great love unto her, and so was
Mordred born, and she was his sister, on his mother's
side, Igraine. So there she rested her a month, and at
the last departed. Then the king dreamed a marvellous
dream whereof he was sore adread. But all this time King
Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his sister. Thus
was the dream of Arthur : Him thought there was come
into this land griffins and serpents, and him thought they
burnt and slew all the people in the land, and then him
thought he fought with them, and they did him passing
great harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he
slew them. When the king awaked, he was passing heavy
of his dream, and so to put it out of thoughts, he made him
ready with many knights to ride a-hunting. As soon as
he was in the forest the king saw a great hart afore him.
This hart will I chase, said King Arthur, and so he spurred
the horse, and rode after long, and so by fine force oft he
was like to have smitten the hart ; whereas the king had
chased the hart so long, that his horse lost his breath, and
OF KING PELLINORE 17
fell down dead. Then a yeoman fetched the king another
horse.
So the king saw the hart embushed, and his horse dead,
he set him down by a fountain, and there he fell in great
thoughts. And as he sat so, him thought he heard a noise
of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with that the king
saw coming toward him the strangest beast that ever he
saw or heard of; so the beast went to the well and drank,
and the noise was in the beast's belly like unto the questing
of thirty couple hounds ; but all the while the beast drank
there was no noise in the beast's belly: and therewith the
beast departed with a great noise, whereof the king had
great marvel. And so he was in a great thought, and
therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knight
afoot unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and
sleepy, tell me if thou sawest a strange beast pass this way.
Such one saw I, said King Arthur, that is past two mile ;
what would ye with the beast ? said Arthur. Sir, I have
followed that beast long time, and killed mine horse, so
would I had another to follow my quest. Right so
came one with the king's horse, and when the knight saw
the horse, he prayed the king to give him the horse : for
I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I
shall achieve him, or bleed of the best blood of my body.
Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing Beast, and
after his death Sir Palamides followed it.
Sir knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me
to have it, and I will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah,
fool, said the knight unto Arthur, it is in vain thy desire,
for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my next kin.
Therewith he started unto the king's horse and mounted
i8 OF KING ARTHUR
into the saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own.
Well, said the king, thou mayst take my horse by force,
but an I might prove thee whether thou were better on
horseback or I. Well, said the knight, seek me here when
thou wilt, and here nigh this well thou shalt find me, and
so passed on his way. Then the king sat in a study, and
bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever they might.
Right so came by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year
of age, and saluted the king, and asked him why he was so
pensive. I may well be pensive, said the king, for I have
seen the marvellest sight that ever I saw. That know I
well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts,
but thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend
thee. Also I know what thou art, and who was thy father,
and of whom thou wert born ; King Uther Pendragon
was thy father, and had thee of Igraine. That is false,
said King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it, for thou art
not so old of years to know my father ? Yes, said Merlin,
I know it better than ye or any man living. I will not
believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child.
So departed Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an
old man of fourscore year of age, whereof the king was
right glad, for he seemed to be right wise.
Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad ? I may
well be heavy, said Arthur, for many things. Also here
was a child, and told me many things that meseemeth he
should not know, for he was not of age to know my father.
Yes, said the old man, the child told you truth, and more
would he have told you an ye would have suffered him.
But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with you,
and your sister shall have a child that shall destroy you and
ARTHUR AND KING PELLINORE 19
all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, that
tell me these tidings ? I am Merlin, and I was he in the child's
likeness. Ah, said King Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but
I marvel much of thy words that I must die in battle. Marvel
not, said Merlin, for it is God's will your body to be punished
for your foul deeds ; but I may well be sorry, said Merlin,
for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in the earth quick,
and ye shall die a worshipful death. And as they talked
thus, came one with the king's horse, and so the king mounted
on his horse, and Merlin on another, and so rode unto
Carlion. And anon the king asked Ector and Ulfius how
he was begotten, and they told him Uther Pendragon was
his father and Queen Igraine his mother. Then he said to
Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for, that I may speak
with her. Then in all haste, the queen was sent for, and
she came and brought with her Morgan le Fay, her daughter,
that was as fair a lady as any might be, and the king welcomed
Igraine in the best manner.
Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is
your mother. And therewith Sir Ector bare witness how
he nourished him by Uther's commandment. And there-
with King Arthur took his mother, Queen Igraine, in his
arms and kissed her, and either wept upon other. And
then the king let make a feast that lasted eight days.
HOW ARTHUR FOUGHT WITH KING
PELLINORE AND HOW MERLIN SAVED
ARTHUR'S LIFE, AND ARTHUR BY THE
MEAN OF MERLIN GAT HIS SWORD
EXCALIBUR. Then on a day there came in
the court a squire on horseback, leading a knight before
20 OF KING ARTHUR
him wounded to the death, and told him how there was a
knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and
hath slain my master, a good knight, his name was Miles ;
wherefore I beseech you that my master may be buried, and
that some knight may revenge my master's death. Then
the noise was great of that knight's death in the court, and
every man said his advice. Then came Griflet that was but
a squire, and he was but young, of the age of the king Arthur,
so he besought the king for all his service that he had done
him to give the order of knighthood.
Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur,
for to take so high an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I
beseech you make me knight. Sir, said Merlin, it were
great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a passing good
man when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his
life. And if he adventure his body with yonder knight at
the fountain, it is in great peril if ever he come again, for
he is one of the best knights of the world, and the strongest
man of arms. Well, said Arthur. So at the desire of
Griflet the king made him knight. Now, said Arthur
unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou must
give me a gift. What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt
promise me by the faith of thy body, when thou hast jousted
with the knight at the fountain, whether it fall ye be on
foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come again unto
me without making any more debate. I will promise you,
said Griflet, as you desire. Then took Griflet his horse
in great haste, and dressed his shield and took a spear in his
hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he came to the
fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby
under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled,
GRIFLET JOUSTS WITH A KNIGHT 21
and on a tree a shield of divers colours and a great spear.
Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his spear,
that the shield fell down to the ground. With that the
knight came out of the pavilion, and said, Fair knight,
why smote ye down my shield ? For I will joust with you,
said Griflet. It is better ye do not, said the knight, for
ye are but young, and late made knight, and your might
is nothing to mine. As for that, said Griflet, I will joust
with you. That is me loath, said the knight, but sith I
must needs, I will dress me thereto. Of whence be ye ?
said the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur's court. So the two
knights ran together that Griflet's spear all to-shivered ;
and therewithal he smote Griflet through the shield and the
left side, and brake the spear that the truncheon stuck in
his body, that horse and knight fell down.
When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he
alighted, and was passing heavy, for he weened he had
slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and gat him wind,
and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse, and
so betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart,
and if he might live he would prove a passing good knight.
And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole was
made for him. But through good leeches he was healed
and saved. Then King Arthur was passingly wroth for
the hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a privy
man of his chamber that ere it be day his best horse and
armour, with all that longeth unto his person, be without
the city or to-morrow day. Right so or to-morrow day
he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and
dressed his shield and took his spear, and bade his chamber-
lain tarry there till he came again. And so Arthur rode
22 OF KING ARTHUR
a soft pace till it was day, and then was he ware of three
churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain him. Then
the king rode unto them, and bade them : Flee, churls !
then were they afeard when they saw a knight, and fled.
Merlin, said Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for all
thy crafts had I not been. Nay, said Merlin, not so, for
1 could save myself an I would ; and thou art more near
thy death than I am, for thou goest to the deathward, an
God be not thy friend.
So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain,
and the rich pavilion there by it. Then King Arthur was
ware where sat a knight armed in a chair. Sir knight, said
Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that there may
no knight ride this way but if he joust with thee ? said the
king. I rede thee leave that custom, said Arthur. This
custom, said the knight, have I used and will use maugre
who saith nay, and who is grieved with my custom let
him amend it that will. I will amend it, said Arthur. I
shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon he took his horse
and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so
hard either in other's shields, that all to-shivered their
spears. Therewith anon Arthur pulled out his sword.
Nay, not so, said the knight ; it is fairer, said the knight,
that we twain run more together with sharp spears. I
will well, said Arthur, an I had any more spears. I have
enow, said the knight ; so there came a squire and brought
two good spears, and Arthur chose one and he another;
so they spurred their horses and came together with all
their mights, that either brake their spears to their hands.
Then Arthur set hand on his sword. Nay, said the knight,
ye shall do better, ye are a passing good jouster as ever I
ARTHUR'S FIGHT WITH A KNIGHT 23
met withal, and for the love of the high order of knighthood
let us joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon
there were brought two great spears, and every knight gat
a spear, and therewith they ran together that Arthur's spear
all to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hard in
midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the earth,
and therewith Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword,
and said, I will assay thee, sir knight, on foot, for I have lost
the honour on horseback. Then the knight alighted and
dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began a strong
battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their
swords that the cantels flew in the fields. So at the last they
smote together that both their swords met even together.
But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in
two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then said the knight
unto Arthur, Thou art in my danger whether me list to
save thee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee as overcome
and recreant, thou shalt die. As for death, said King
Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield me
unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed.
And therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took
him by the middle and threw him down, and raced off his
helm. When the knight felt that he was adread, and anon
he brought Arthur under him, for he was a passing big
man of might, and raced off his helm and would have
smitten off his head.
Therewithal came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy
hand, for an thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm
in the greatest damage that ever was realm : for this knight
is a man of more worship than thou wotest of. Why, who
is he ? said the knight. It is King Arthur. Then would
24 OF KING ARTHUR
he have slain him for dread of his wrath, and heaved up
his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to
the knight, that he fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then
Merlin took up King Arthur, and rode forth on the knight's
horse. Alas ! said Arthur, what hast thou done, Merlin ?
hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts ? There
liveth not so worshipful a knight as he was ; I had liefer
than the stint of my land a year that he were alive. Care
ye not, said Merlin, for he is wholer than ye ; for he is but
asleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you, said
Merlin, what a knight he was ; here had ye been slain had
I not been.
Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an
hermit that was a good man and a great leech. So the
hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good salves ;
so the king was there three days, and then were his wounds
well amended that he might ride and go, and so departed.
And as they rode, Arthur said, I have no sword. No
force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours,
an I may. So they rode till they came to a lake, the which
was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the lake
Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that
held a fair sword in that hand. Lo ! said Merlin, yonder
is that sword that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel
going upon the lake. What damosel is that ? said Arthur.
That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin ; and within
that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on
earth, and richly beseen ; and this damosel will come to you
anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you
that sword. Anon withal came the damosel unto Arthur,
and saluted him, and he her again. Damosel, said Arthur,
ARTHUR AND THE LADY OF THE LAKE 25
what sword is that, that yonder the arm holdeth above the
water ? I would it were mine, for I have no sword. Sir
Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if
ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it.
By my faith, said Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will
ask. Well ! said the damosel, go ye into yonder barge,
and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard
with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So
Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to two
trees, and so they went into the ship, and when they came
to the sword that the hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by
the handles, and took it with him, and the arm and the
hand went under the water. And so they came unto the
land and rode forth.
Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it
passing well. Whether liketh you better, said Merlin, the
sword or the scabbard ? Me liketh better the sword, said
Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the scabbard
is worth ten of the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard
upon you, ye shall never lose no blood, be ye never so sore
wounded ; therefore keep well the scabbard always with
you. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his knights
were passing glad. And when they heard of his adventures,
they marvelled that he would jeopard his person so, alone.
But all men of worship said it was merry to be under such
a chieftain, that would put his person in adventure as other
poor knights did.
26 OF KING ARTHUR
HOW KING ARTHUR WEDDED GUENEVER,
DAUGHTER TO LEODEGRANCE, KING OF
THE LAND OF CAMELIARD, WITH WHOM
HE HAD THE ROUND TABLE, AND HOW TOR
AND GAWAINE WERE MADE KNIGHTS. So it
fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons
will let me have no rest, but needs I must take a wife,
and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thine
advice. It is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife,
for a man of your bounty and noblesse should not be without
a wife. Now is there any that ye love more than another ?
Yea, said King Arthur, I love Guenever the king's daughter,
Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which holdeth
in his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my
father Uther. And this damosel is the most valiant and
fairest lady that I know living, or yet that ever I could find.
Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she is one
of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as ye
do, I should find you a damosel of beauty and of goodness
that should like you and please you, an your heart were
not set ; but there as a man's heart is set, he will be loath to
return. That is truth, said King Arthur.
Then Merlin went forth unto King Leodegrance of
Cameliard, and told him of the desire of the king that he
would have unto his wife Guenever his daughter. That
is to me, said King Leodegrance, the best tidings that ever
I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and noblesse will
wed my daughter. And as for my lands, I will give him,
wist I it might please him, but he hath lands enow, him
needeth none ; but I shall send him a gift shall please him
much more, for I shall give him the Table Round, the which
HOW KING ARTHUR WEDDED GUENEVER 27
Uther Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete,
there is an hundred knights and fifty. And as for an hun-
dred good knights I have myself, but I faute fifty, for so
many have been slain in my days. And so Leodegrance
delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table
Round with the hundred knights, and so they rode freshly,
with great royalty, what by water and what by land, till
that they came nigh unto London.
When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and
the hundred knights with the Table Round, then King
Arthur made great joy for her coming, and that rich present,
and said openly, This fair lady is passing welcome unto me,
for I have loved her long, and therefore there is nothing
so lief to me. And these knights with the Round Table
please me more than right great riches. And in all haste
the king let ordain for the marriage and the coronation
in the most honourable wise that could be devised. Now,
Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me in all this
land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship.
Within short time Merlin had found such knights that
should fulfil twenty and eight knights, but no more he could
find. Then the Bishop of Canterbury was fetched, and
he blessed the sieges with great royalty and devotion, and
there set the eight and twenty knights in their sieges. And
when this was done Merlin said, Fair sirs, ye must all arise
and come to King Arthur for to do him homage ; he will
have the better will to maintain you. And so they arose
and did their homage, and when they were gone Merlin
found in every sieges letters of gold that told the knights'
names that had sitten therein. But two sieges were void.
And so anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a
28 OF KING ARTHUR
gift. Ask, said the king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I
ask that ye will make me knight that same day ye shall wed
fair Guenever. I will do it with a good will, said King
Arthur, and do unto you all the worship that I may, for I
must by reason ye are my nephew, my sister's son.
Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and
brought with him a fair young man of eighteen years of
age riding upon a lean mare ; and the poor man asked all
men that he met, Where shall I find King Arthur ? Yon-
der he is, said the knights, wilt thou anything with him ?
Yea, said the poor man, therefore I came hither. Anon
as he came before the king, he saluted him and said : O
King Arthur, the flower of all knights and kings, I beseech
Jesu save thee. Sir, it was told me that at this time of
your marriage ye would give any man the gift that he would
ask, out except that were unreasonable. That is truth,
said the king, such cries I let make, and that will I hold,
so it apair not my realm nor mine estate. Ye say well and
graciously, said the poor man ; Sir, I ask nothing else but
that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great thing
thou askest of me, said the king. What is thy name ? said
the king to the poor man. Sir, my name is Aries the cow-
herd. Whether cometh this of thee or of thy son ? said
the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire cometh of my
son and not of me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen sons,
and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will
be right glad to do labour, but this child will not labour
for me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always
he will be shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see
battles and to behold knights, and always day and night
he desireth of me to be made a knight. What is thy name ?
HOW SIR TOR WAS MADE KNIGHT 29
said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is Tor.
The king beheld him fast, and saw he was passingly well-
visaged and passingly well made of his years. Well, said
King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons
afore me that I may see them. And so the poor man did,
and all were shaped much like the poor man. But Tor
was not like none of them all in shape nor in countenance,
for he was much more than any of them. Now, said King
Arthur unto the cowherd, where is the sword he shall be
made knight withal ? It is here, said Tor. Take it out of
the sheath, said the king, and require me to make you a
knight.
Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his
sword, kneeling, and requiring the king that he would
make him knight, and that he might be a knight of the
Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and there-
with smote him in the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye
a good knight, and so I pray to God so ye may be, and if
ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be a knight of
the Table Round. Now Merlin, said Arthur, say whether
this Tor shall be a good knight or no. Yea, sir, he ought
to be a good knight, for he is come of as good a man as any
is alive, and of kings' blood. How so, sir ? said the king.
I shall tell you, said Merlin : This poor man, Aries the
cowherd, is not his father; he is nothing sib to him, for
King Pellinore is his father. I suppose nay, said the cow-
herd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she shall
not say nay. Anon the wife was fetched, which was a fair
housewife, and there she answered Merlin full womanly,
and there she told the king and Merlin that when she was
a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a stern
30 OF KING ARTHUR
knight, and half by force he held me, and after that time was
born my son Tor, and the knight 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 cow-
herd, I weened not this, but I may believe it well, for he had
never no tatches of me. Sir, said Tor unto Merlin, dishonour
not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it is more for your wor-
ship than hurt, for your father is a good man and a king, and
he may right well advance you and your mother, for ye
were begotten or ever she was wedded. That is truth, said
the wife. It is the less grief unto me, said the cowherd.
So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of
King Arthur, which had great joy of him, and told him
of Tor, how he was his son, and how he had made him knight
at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore beheld
Tor, he pleased him much. So the king made Gawaine
knight, but Tor was the first he made at the feast. What
is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two places
void in the sieges ? Sir, said Merlin, there shall no man
sit in those places but they that shall be of most worship.
But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but
one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be de-
stroyed, and he that shall sit there shall have no fellow.
And therewith Merlin took King Pellinore by the hand,
and in the one next the two sieges and the Siege Perilous
he said, in open audience, This is your place and best ye
are worthy to sit therein of any that is here. Thereat sat
Sir Gawaine in great envy and told Gaheris his brother,
yonder knight is put to great worship, the which grieveth
me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will
slay him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that
HOW MERLIN WAS ASSOTTED 31
is passing trenchant. Ye shall not so, said Gaheris, at this
time, for at this time I am but a squire, and when I am
made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore,
brother, it is best ye suffer till another time, that we may
have him out of the court, for an we did so we should trouble
this high feast. I will well, said Gawaine, as ye will.
Then was the high feast made ready, and the king was
wedded at Camelot unto Dame Guenever in the church of
Saint Stephen's, with great solemnity.
HOW MERLIN WAS ASSOTTED
AND DOTED ON ONE OF THE
LADIES OF THE LAKE, AND
HOW HE WAS SHUT IN A
ROCK UNDER A STONE AND
THERE DIED. So after this Merlin
fell in a dotage on one of the damosels
of the lake, that hight Nimue. But
Merlin would let her have no rest,
but always he would be with her. And ever she made
Merlin good cheer till she had learned of him all manner
thing that she desired ; and he was assotted upon her, that
he might not be from her. So on a time he told King Arthur
that he should not dure long, but for all his crafts he should
be put in the earth quick. And so he told the king many
things that should befall, but always he warned the king to
keep well his sword and the scabbard, for he told him how
the sword and the scabbard should be stolen by a woman
from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur
that he should miss him, Yet, had ye liefer than all your
lands to have me again. Ah, said the king, since ye know
32 OF KING ARTHUR
of your adventure, purvey for it, and put away by your
crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it will not be ;
so he departed from the king. And within a while the Dam-
osel of the Lake departed, and Merlin went with her ever
more wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would
have had her privily away by his subtle crafts ; then she
made him to swear that he should never do none enchantment
upon 'her if he would have his will. And so he sware ; so
she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick,
whereas King Ban was king that had great war against King
Claudas, and there Merlin spake with King Ban's wife, a
fair lady and a good, and her name was Elaine, and there
he saw young Launcelot. There the queen made great
sorrow for the mortal war that King Claudas made on her
lord and on her lands. Take none heaviness, said Merlin,
for this same child within this twenty year shall revenge you
on King Claudas, that all Christendom shall speak of it ;
and this same child shall be the most man of worship of the
world, and his first name is Galahad, that know I well, said
Merlin, and since ye have confirmed him Launcelot. That
is truth, said the queen, his first name was Galahad. O
Merlin, said the queen, shall I live to see my son such a
man of prowess ? Yea, lady, on my peril ye shall see it,
and live many winters after.
And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and
by the way Merlin showed her many wonders, and came
into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay about the lady to
have her love, and she was ever passing weary of him, and
fain would have been delivered of him, for she was afeard
of him because he was a devil's son, and she could not put
him away by no means. And so on a time it happed
HOW ARTHUR CHASED AN HART 33
that Merlin showed to her in a rock whereas was a great
wonder, and wrought by enchantment, that went under
a great stone. So by her subtle working she made Merlin
to go under that stone to let her wit of the marvels there ;
but she wrought so there for him that he came never out
for all the craft he could do. And so she departed and left
Merlin.
HOW KING ARTHUR, KING
URIENS, AND SIR ACCOLON
OF GAUL, CHASED AN HART,
AND OF THEIR MARVELLOUS
ADVENTURES, AND HOW KING
ARTHUR AND ACCOLON TOOK
UPON THEM TO DO BATTLE.
Then it befell that Arthur and many
of his knights rode a-hunting into a
great forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and
Sir Accolon of Gaul, followed a great hart, for they three
were well horsed, and so they chased so fast that within a
while they three were then ten mile from their fellowship.
And at the last they chased so sore that they slew their horses
underneath them. Then were they all three on foot, and
ever they saw the hart afore them passing weary and em-
bushed. What will we do ? said King Arthur, we are hard
bestead. Let us go on foot, said King Uriens, till we may
meet with some lodging. Then were they ware of the hart
that lay on a great water bank, and a brachet biting on
his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then King
Arthur blew the prise and dight the hart.
Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore
34 OF KING ARTHUR
him in a great water a little ship, all apparelled with silk
down to the water, and the ship came right unto them and
landed on the sands. Then Arthur went to the bank and
looked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs,
said the king, come thence, and let us see what is in this
ship. So they went in all three, and found it richly be-
hanged with cloth of silk. By then it was dark night, and
there suddenly were about them an hundred torches set
upon all the sides of the ship boards, and it gave great light ;
and therewithal there came out twelve fair damosels and
saluted King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his
name, and said he was right welcome, and such cheer as
they had he should have of the best. The king thanked
them fair. Therewithal they led the king and his two fel-
lows into a fair chamber, and there was a cloth laid, richly
beseen of all that longed unto a table, and there were they
served of all wines and meats that they could think; of
that the king had great marvel, for he fared never better
in his life as for one supper. And so when they had supped
at their leisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a richer
beseen chamber saw he never none, and so was King Uriens
served, and led into such another chamber, and Sir Accolon
was led into the third chamber passing richly and well be-
seen ; and so they were laid in their beds easily. And anon
they fell asleep, and slept marvellously sore all the night.
And on the morrow King Uriens was in Camelot with his
wife, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he had great
marvel, how he came there, for on the even afore he was
two days' journey from Camelot. And when King Arthur
awoke he found himself in a dark prison, hearing abofut
him many complaints of woful knights.
HOW ARTHUR WAS A PRISONER 35
What are ye that so complain ? said King Arthur. We
be here twenty knights, prisoners, said they, and some of us
have lain here seven year, and some more and some less.
For what cause ? said Arthur. We shall tell you, said the
knights ; this lord of this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and
he is the falsest knight that liveth, and full of treason, and
a very coward as any liveth, and he hath a younger brother,
a good knight of prowess, his name is Sir Ontzlake ; and
this traitor Damas, the elder brother will give him no part
of his livelihood, but as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough
prowess of his hands, and so he keepeth from him a full
fair manor and a rich, and therein Sir Ontzlake dwelleth
worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people. And this
Sir Damas, our master, is as evil beloved, for he is without
mercy, and he is a coward, and great war hath been betwixt
them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and ever he
proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood, body for
body, but he will not do ; other-else to find a knight to fight
for him. Unto that Sir Damas hath granted to find a knight,
but he is so evil beloved and hated, that there is never a
knight will fight for him. And when Damas saw this, that
there was never a knight would fight for him, he hath daily
lain await with many knights with him, and taken all the
knights in this country to see and espy their adventures, he
hath taken them by force and brought them to his prison.
And so he took us severally as we rode on our adventures,
and many good knights have died in this prison for hunger,
to the number of eighteen knights ; and if any of us all that
here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his brother
Ontzlake, he would have delivered us, but for because this
Damas is so false and so full of treason we would never fight
36 OF KING ARTHUR
for him to die for it. And we be so lean for hunger that
unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for
his mercy, said Arthur.
Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur,
and asked him, What cheer ? I cannot say, said he. Sir,
said she, an ye will fight for my lord, ye shall be delivered
out of prison, and else ye escape never the life. Now, said
Arthur, that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a knight
than to die in prison ; with this, said Arthur, I may be de-
livered and all these prisoners, 1 will do the battle. Yes,
said the damosel. I am ready, said Arthur, an I had horse
and armour. Ye shall lack none, said the damosel. Me-
seemeth, damosel, I should have seen you in the court of
Arthur. Nay, said the damosel, I came never there, I am
the lord's daughter of this castle. Yet was she false, for she
was one of the damosels of Morgan le Fay.
Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he
would do battle for him, and so he sent for Arthur. And
when he came he was well coloured, and well made of his
limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were pity that
such a knight should die in prison. So Sir Damas and he
were agreed that he should fight for him upon this covenant,
that all other knights should be delivered ; and unto that
was Sir Damas sworn unto Arthur, and also to do the battle
to the uttermost. And with that all the twenty knights
were brought out of the dark prison into the hall, and de-
livered, and so they all abode to see the battle.
Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke
he found himself by a deep well-side, within half a foot, in
great peril of death. And there came out of that fountain
a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe ran water all on high
HOW ARTHUR AGREED TO FIGHT 37
in a stone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed
him and said, Jesus save my lord King Arthur, and King
Uriens, for these damosels in this ship have betrayed us,
they were devils and no women ; and if I may escape this
misadventure, I shall destroy all where I may find these
false damosels that use enchantments. Right with that
there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a flat nose, and
saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen
Morgan le Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth
you be of strong heart, for ye shall fight to-morrow with
a knight at the hour of prime, and therefore she hath sent
you here Excalibur, Arthur's sword, and the scabbard, and
she biddeth you as ye love her, that ye do the battle to the
uttermost, without any mercy, like as ye had promised
her when ye spake together in privity; and what damosel
that bringeth her the knight's head, which ye shall fight
withal, she will make her a queen. Now I understand
you well, said Accolon, I shall hold that I have promised
her now I have the sword : when saw ye my Lady Queen
Morgan le Fay ? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon
took him in his arms and said, Recommend me unto my
lady queen, and tell her all shall be done that I have promised
her, and else I will die for it. Now I suppose, said Accolon,
she hath made all these crafts and enchantments for this
battle. Ye may well believe it, said the dwarf. Right
so there came a knight and a lady with six squires, and
saluted Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come
and rest him at his manor. And so Accolon mounted upon
a void horse, and went with the knight unto a fair manor
by a priory, and there he had passing good cheer.
Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake,
38 OF KING ARTHUR
and bade make him ready by to-morn at the hour of prime,
and to be in the field to fight with a good knight, for he
had found a good knight that was ready to do battle at all
points. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was
passing heavy, for he was wounded a little to-fore through
both his thighs with a spear, and made great dole ; but as
he was wounded, he would have taken the battle on hand.
So it happed at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay,
Accolon was with Sir Ontzlake lodged ; and when he heard
of that battle, and how Ontzlake was wounded, he said that
he would fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent
him Excalibur and the sheath for to fight with the knight
on the morn : this was the cause Sir Accolon took the battle
on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passing glad, and thanked
Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so much
for him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word unto his
brother Sir Damas, that he had a knight that for him should
be ready in the field by the hour of prime.
So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed,
and asked Sir Damas, When shall we to the field ? Sir,
said Sir Damas, ye shall hear mass. And so Arthur heard
a mass, and when mass was done there came a squire on a
great horse, and asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready,
for our knight is ready in the field. Then Sir Arthur
mounted upon horseback, and there were all the knights
and commons of that country ; and so by all advices there
were chosen twelve good men of the country for to wait
upon the two knights. And right as Arthur was on horse-
back there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought
unto Sir Arthur a sword like unto Excalibur, and the scab-
bard, and said unto Arthur, Morgan le Fay sendeth here
HOW ARTHUR FOUGHT ACCOLON 39
your sword for great love. And he thanked her, and weened
it had been so ; but she was false, for the sword and the
scabbard was counterfeit, and brittle, and false,
OF THE BATTLE BETWEEN KING ARTHUR
AND ACCOLON, AND HOW ACCOLON
CONFESSED THE TREASON OF MORGAN
LE FAY. And then they dressed them on both parties of
the field, and let their horses run so fast that either smote
other in the midst of the shield with their spear-heads, that
both horse and man went to the earth ; and then they started
up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile
that they were thus at the battle, came the Damosel of the
Lake into the field, that put Merlin under the stone ; and
she came thither for love of King Arthur, for she knew how
Morgan le Fay had so ordained that King Arthur should
have been slain that day, and therefore she came to save
his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave
many great strokes, but always Arthur's sword bit not like
Accolon's sword ; but for the most part, every stroke that
Accolon gave he wounded sore Arthur, that it was marvel
he stood, and always his blood fell from him fast.
When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he
was dismayed, and then he deemed treason that his sword
was changed ; for his sword bit not steel as it was wont to
do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead, for ever him
seemed that the sword in Accolon's hand was Excalibur,
for at every stroke that Accolon struck he drew blood on
Arthur. Now, knight, said Accolon unto Arthur, keep
thee well from me ; but Arthur answered not again, and
gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made him to
40 OF KING ARTHUR
stoop, nigh falling down to the earth. Then Sir Accolon
withdrew him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high,
and smote Sir Arthur such a buffet that he fell nigh to the
earth. Then were they wroth both, and gave each other
many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lost so much
blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was
so full of knighthood that knightly he endured the pain.
Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and
Sir Arthur withdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir
Accolon called him to battle and said, It is no time for me
to suffer thee to rest. And therewith he came fiercely
upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth for the blood that
he had lost, and smote Accolon on high upon the helm, so
mightily, that he made him nigh to fall to the earth ; and
therewith Arthur's sword brast at the cross, and fell in the
grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles
he held in his hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in
great fear to die, but always he held up his shield and lost no
ground, nor bated no cheer.
Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said,
Knight, thou art overcome, and mayst not endure, and
also thou art weaponless, and thou hast lost much of thy
blood, and I am full loath to slay thee, therefore yield thee
to me as recreant. Nay, said Sir Arthur, I may not so,
for I have promised to do the battle to the uttermost, by
the faith of my body, while me lasteth the life, and there-
fore I had liefer to die with honour than to live with shame ;
and if it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I
had liefer to die so oft than yield me to thee ; for though
I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou slay me
weaponless that shall be thy shame. Well, said Accolon,
HOW ARTHUR'S SWORD BRAKE 41
as for the shame I will not spare : now keep thee from me,
for thou art but a dead man. And therewith Accolon gave
him such a stroke that he fell nigh to the earth, and would
have had Arthur to have cried him mercy. But Sir Arthur
pressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with the
pommel in his hand such a buffet that he went three strides
aback.
When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how
full of prowess his body was, and the false treason that
was wrought for him to have had him slain, she had great
pity that so good a knight and such a man of worship should
so be destroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon
struck him such a stroke that by the damosel's enchantment
the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon's hand to the earth.
And therewithal Sir Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat it
in his hand, and forthwithal he knew that it was his sword
Excalibur, and said, Thou hast been from me all too long,
and much damage hast thou done me ; and therewith he
espied the scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he
sterte to him and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw
it from him as far as he might throw it. O knight, said
Arthur, this day hast thou done me great damage with this
sword ; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall not
warrant you but ye shall as well be rewarded with this sword,
or ever we depart, as thou hast rewarded me ; for much
pain have ye made me to endure, and much blood have I
lost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his
might and pulled him to the earth, and then rushed off
his helm, and gave him such a buffet on the head that the
blood came out at his ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now
will I slay thee, said Arthur. Slay me ye may well, said
42 OF KING ARTHUR
Accolon, an it please you, for ye are the best knight that
ever I found, and I see well that God is with you. But
for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to the utter-
most, and never to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall
I never yield me with my mouth, but God do with my body
what he will. Then Sir Arthur remembered him, and
thought he should have seen this knight. Now tell me,
said Arthur, or I will slay thee, of what country art thou,
and of what court ? Sir Knight, said Sir Accolon, I am of
the court of King Arthur, and my name is Accolon of Gaul.
Then was Arthur more dismayed than he was beforehand ;
for then he remembered him of his sister Morgan le Fay, and
of the enchantment of the ship. O sir knight, said he, I pray
you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom ye had it.
Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth
this sword, for by it have I got my death. It may well
be, said the king. Now, sir, said Accolon, I will tell you ;
this sword hath been in my keeping the most part of this
twelvemonth ; and Morgan le Fay, King Uriens' wife,
sent it me yesterday by a dwarf, to this intent, that I should
slay King Arthur, her brother. For ye shall understand
King Arthur is the man in the world that she most hateth,
because he is most of worship and of prowess of any of her
blood ; also she loveth me out of measure as paramour,
and I her again ; and if she might bring about to slay
Arthur by her crafts, she would slay her husband King
Uriens lightly, and then had she me devised to be king in
this land, and so to reign, and she to be my queen ; but
that is now done, said Accolon, for I am sure of my death.
Well, said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye would have been
king in this land. It had been great damage to have de-
HOW ACCOLON CONFESSED TREASON 43
stroyed your lord, said Arthur. It is truth, said Accolon,
but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell
me of whence ye are, and of what court ? O Accolon, said
King Arthur, now I let thee wit that I am King Arthur,
to whom thou hast done great damage. When Accolon
heard that he cried aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy
on me, for I knew not you. O Sir Accolon, said King
Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy words
at this time thou knewest not my person ; but I understand
well by thy words that thou hast agreed to the death of my
person, and therefore thou art a traitor ; but I wite thee
the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her false crafts
made thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall
be sore avenged upon her an I live, that all Christendom
shall speak of it ; God knoweth I have honoured her and
worshipped her more than all my kin, and more have I
trusted her than mine own wife and all my kin after.
Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and
said, Sirs, come hither, for here are we two knights that
have fought unto a great damage unto us both, and like
each one of us to have slain other, if it had happed so ; and
had any of us known other, here had been no battle, nor
stroke stricken. Then all aloud cried Accolon unto all
the knights and men that were then there gathered together,
and said to them in this manner, O lords, this noble knight
that I have fought withal, the which me sore repenteth, is
the most man of prowess, of manhood, and of worship in
the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther liege
lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done
this battle with the king and lord that I am holden withal.
Then all the people fell down on their knees and cried
44 OF KING ARTHUR
King Arthur mercy. Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur:
here may ye see what adventures befall ofttime of errant
knights, how that I have fought with a knight of mine own
unto my great damage and his both. But, sirs, because I
am sore hurt, and he both, and I had great need of a little
rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you two
brethren: As to thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have been
champion and won the field of this knight, yet will I judge,
because ye, Sir Damas, are called an orgulous knight, and
full of villainy and not worth of prowess of your deeds, there-
fore I will that ye give unto your brother all the whole manor
with the appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake
hold the manor of you, and yearly to give you a palfrey
to ride upon, for that will become you better to ride on
than upon a courser. Also I charge thee, Sir Damas, upon
pain of death, that thou never distress no knights errant
that ride on their adventure. And also that thou restore
these twenty knights that thou hast long kept prisoners,
of all their harness, that they be content for; and if any
of them come to my court and complain of thee, by my
head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir Ontzlake, as to
you, because ye are named a good knight, and full of prow-
ess, and true and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your
charge I will give you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto
me and my court, and ye shall be a knight of mine, and
if your deeds be thereafter I shall so prefer you, by the grace
of God, that ye shall in short time be in ease for to live as
worshipfully as your brother Sir Damas. God thank your
largeness of your goodness and of your bounty, I shall be
from henceforward at all times at your commandment,
said Sir Ontzlake. Now, tell me, said Arthur, how far
HOW SIR ACCOLON DIED 45
am I from Camelot ? Sir, ye are two days' journey there-
from. I would fain be at some place of worship, said Sir
Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said Sir Ontzlake, hereby
is a rich abbey of your elders' foundation, of nuns, but three
miles hence. So the king took his leave of all the people,
and mounted upon horseback, and Sir Accolon with him.
And when they were come to the abbey, he let fetch leeches
and search his wounds and Accolon's both ; but Sir Accolon
died within four days, for he had bled so much blood that
he might not live, but King Arthur was well recovered. So
when Accolon was dead he let send him on an horse-bier
with six knights unto Camelot, and said : Bear him to my
sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send her him to a
present, and tell her I have my sword Excalibur and the
scabbard ; so they departed with the body.
HOW QUEEN MORGAN LE
FAY MADE GREAT SORROW
FOR THE DEATH OF ACCO-
LON, AND HOW SHE STOLE
AWAY THE SCABBARD FROM
ARTHUR, AND OF THE
MANTLE SHE SENT TO HIM. Then came tidings
unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his body
brought unto the church, and how King Arthur had his
sword again. But when Queen Morgan wist that Accolon
was dead, she was so sorrowful that near her heart to-brast.
But because she would not it were known, outward she kept
her countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But well
she wist an she abode till her brother Arthur came thither,
there should no gold go for her life.
46 OF KING ARTHUR
So early on the morn, or it was day, she took her horse
and rode all that day and most part of the night, and on the
morn by noon she came to the same abbey of nuns whereas
lay King Arthur ; and she knowing he was there, asked
where he was. And they answered how he had laid him
in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these three
nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you awake
him till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought
for to steal away Excalibur his sword, and so she went
straight unto his chamber, and no man durst disobey her
commandment, and there she found Arthur asleep in his
bed, and Excalibur in his right hand naked. When she
saw that she was passing heavy that she might not come
by the sword without she had awaked him, and then she
wist well she had been dead. Then she took the scabbard
and went her way on horseback. When the king awoke
and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he asked who
had been there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan, had
been there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle
and was gone. Alas, said Arthur, falsely ye have watched
me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobey your sister's
commandment. Ah, said the king, let fetch the best horse
may be found, and bid Sir Ontzlake arm him in all haste,
and take another good horse and ride with me. So anon
the king and Ontzlake were well armed, and rode after
this lady, and so they came by a cross and found a cowherd,
and they asked the poor man if there came any lady riding
that way. Sir, said this poor man, right late came a lady
riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forest she rode.
Then they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and
within a while Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay ; then
i r CHp. RTT* .
HORSE-ANP-A\AN-BY- ENCHANTMEN't-UNTO A'GK
TtWF
MORGAN LE FAY'S TREASON 47
he chased as fast as he might. When she espied him follow-
ing her, she rode a greater pace through the forest till she
came to a plain, and when she saw she might not escape,
she rode unto a lake thereby, and said, Whatsoever come
of me, my brother shall not have this scabbard. And then
she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water so it
sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
Then she rode into a valley where many great stones
were, and when she saw she must be overtaken, she shaped
herself, horse and man, by enchantment unto a great
marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and Sir
Ontzlake whereas the king might know his sister and her
men, and one knight from another. Ah, said the king,
here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I
sorry that this misadventure is befallen. And then he
looked for the scabbard, but it would not be found, so he
returned to the abbey where he came from. So when
Arthur was gone she turned all into the likeliness as she
and they were before, and said, Sirs, now may we go where
we will. And so she departed into the country of Gore,
and there was she richly received, and made her castles
and towns passing strong, for always she dreaded much
King Arthur.
When the king had well rested him at the abbey, he
rode unto Camelot, and found his queen and his barons
right glad of his coming. And when they heard of his
strange adventures as is afore rehearsed, then all had marvel
of the falsehood of Morgan le Fay ; many knights wished
her burnt. So on the morn there came a damosel from
Morgan to the king, and she brought with her the richest
mantle that ever was seen in that court, for it was set as
48 OF KING ARTHUR
full of precious stones as one might stand by another, and
there were the richest stones that ever the king saw. And
the damosel said, Your sister sendeth you this mantle, and
desireth that ye should take this gift of her; and in what
thing she hath offended you, she will amend it at your own
pleasure. When the king beheld this mantle it pleased
him much, but he said but little.
With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king,
and said, Sir, I must speak with you in privity. Say on,
said the king, what ye will. Sir, said the damosel, put not
on you this mantle till ye have seen more, and in no wise
let it not come on you, nor on no knight of yours, till ye
command the bringer thereof to put it upon her. Well,
said King Arthur, it shall be done as ye counsel me. And
then he said unto the damosel that came from his sister,
Damosel, this mantle that ye have brought me, I will see
it upon you. Sir, she said, It will not beseem me to wear
a king's garment. By my head, said Arthur, ye shall wear
it ere it come on my back, or any man's that here is. And
so the king made it to be put upon her, and forthwithal
she fell down dead, and never more spake word after and
burnt to coals. Then was the king wonderly wroth, more
than he was to-forehand, and said unto King Uriens, My
sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I
wot either ye, or my nephew, your son, is of counsel with
her to have me destroyed ; but as for you, said the king
to King Uriens, I deem not greatly that ye be of her counsel,
for Accolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she
would have destroyed you as well as me, therefore I hold
you excused ; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him
suspect, therefore I charge you put him out of my court.
HOW ARTHUR WAS SAVED FROM BURNING 49
So Sir Uwaine was discharged. And when Sir Gawaine
wist that, he made him ready to go with him ; and said,
Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me. So
they two departed.
OF SIR LAUNCELOT
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LIONEL
DEPARTED FROM THE COURT, AND HOW
SIR LIONEL WAS TAKEN, AND HOW FOUR
QUEENS FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT SLEEPING AND
LED HIM TO A CASTLE. Then all the knights of
the Table Round resorted unto the king, and made many
jousts and tournaments, and some there were that were
but knights, which increased so in arms and worship that
they passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds,
and that was well proved on many; but in especial it
was proved on Sir Launcelot du Lake, for in all tourna-
ments and jousts and deeds of arms, both for life and death,
he passed all other knights, and at no time he was never
overcome but if it were by treason or enchantment. Where-
fore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all
other knights, and in certain he loved the queen again above
all other ladies and damosels of his life.
Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and
game. And then he thought himself to prove himself in
strange adventures ; then he bade his nephew, Sir Lionel,
for to make him ready, for we two will seek adventures.
so
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LIONEL 51
So they mounted on their horses, armed at all rights, and
rode into a deep forest and so into a deep plain. And then
the weather was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had
great lust to sleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple-
tree that stood by an hedge, and said, Brother, yonder is
a fair shadow, there may we rest us and our horses. It
is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this eight
year I was not so sleepy as I am now ; and so they there
alighted and tied their horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir
Launcelot laid him down under an apple-tree, and his helm
he laid under his head. And Sir Lionel waked while he
slept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast.
And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding,
as fast fleeing as ever they might ride. And there followed
them three but one knight. And when Sir Lionel saw him,
him thought he saw never so great a knight, nor so well
faring a man, neither so well apparelled unto all rights.
So within a while this strong knight had overtaken one of
these knights, and there he smote him to the cold earth
that he lay still. And then he rode unto the second knight,
and smote him so that man and horse fell down. And then
straight to the third knight he rode, and smote him behind
his horse's arse a spear length. And then he alighted down
and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three
knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When
Sir Lionel saw him do thus, he thought to assay him, and
made him ready, and stilly and privily he took his horse,
and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when
he was mounted upon his horse, he overtook this strong
knight, and bade him turn, and the other smote Sir Lionel
so hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, and so
5 2 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him over-
thwart his own horse, and so he served them all four, and
rode with them away to his own castle. And when he came
there he gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all
naked, and after put them in a deep prison where were many
more knights, that made great dolour.
Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of
Sir Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the apple-tree sleep-
ing. Even about the noon there came by him four queens
of great estate ; and, for the heat should not annoy them,
there rode four knights about them, and bare a cloth of
green silk on four spears, betwixt them and the sun, and
the queens rode on four white mules. Thus as they rode
they heard by them a great horse grimly neigh ; then were
they ware of a sleeping knight, that lay all armed under an
apple-tree ; anon as these queens looked on his face, they
knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive
for that knight, everych one said they would have him to
her love. We shall not strive, said Morgan le Fay, that
was King Arthur's sister, I shall put an enchantment upon
him that he shall not awake in six hours, and then I will
lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within
my hold, I shall take the enchantment from him, and then
let him choose which of us he will have for his love.
So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and
then they laid him upon his shield, and bare him so on horse-
back betwixt two knights, and brought him unto the castle
Chariot, and there they laid him in a chamber cold, and
at night they sent unto him a fair damosel with his supper
ready dight. By that the enchantment was past, and
when she came she saluted him, and asked him what cheer.
OF FOUR QUEENS AND SIR LAUNCELOT 53
I cannot say, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, for I wot
not how I came into this castle but it be by an enchant-
ment. Sir, said she, ye must make good cheer, and if ye
be such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more
to-morn by prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel,
said Sir Launcelot, of your good will I require you. And
so she departed. And there he lay all that night without
comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these
four queens, passingly well beseen, all they bidding him
good morn, and he them again.
Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand
thou art our prisoner, and we here know thee well that thou
art Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son, and because
we understand your worthiness, that thou art the noblest
knight living, and as we know well there can no lady have
thy love but one, and that is Queen Guenever, and now
thou shalt lose her for ever, and she thee, and therefore
thee behoveth now to choose one of us four. I am the
Queen Morgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here
is the queen of Northgalis, and the queen of Eastland, and
the queen of the Out Isles ; now choose one of us which
thou wilt have to thy love, or else in this prison to die. This
is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that either I must die
or else choose one of you, yet I had liefer to die in this prison
with worship, than to have one of you to my love maugre
my head. And therefore ye be answered, I will none of you,
for ye be false enchantresses, and as for my lady, Dame
Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove it
on you or on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord
living. Well, said the queens, is this your answer, that
ye will refuse us? Yea, on my life, said Sir Launcelot,
54 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
refused ye be of me. So they departed and left him there
alone that made great sorrow.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS DELIVERED BY
THE MEAN OF A DAMOSEL, AND FOUGHT
FOR HER FATHER, KING BAGDEMA-
GUS, IN A TOURNAMENT. Right so at the noon
came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and asked him
what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in
my life days never so ill. Sir, she said, that me repenteth,
but an ye will be ruled by me, I shall help you out of this
distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villainy, so that ye
hold me a promise. Fair damosel, I will grant you, and sore
I am of these queen-sorceresses afeard, for they have de-
stroyed many a good knight. Sir, said she, that is sooth,
and for the renown and bounty that they hear of you they
would have your love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir
Launcelot du Lake, the flower of knights, and they be pass-
ing wroth with you that ye have refused them. But Sir, an
ye would promise me to help my father on Tuesday next
coming, that hath made a tournament betwixt him and the
King of Northgalis for the last Tuesday past my father
lost the field through three knights of Arthur's court an
ye will be there on Tuesday next coming, and help my father,
to-morn ere prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver you
clean. Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me what is your
father's name, and then shall I give 3^ou an answer. Sir
knight, she said, my father is King Bagdemagus, that was
foul rebuked at the last tournament. I know your father
well, said Sir Launcelot, for a noble king and a good knight,
and by the faith of my body, ye shall have my body ready
HOW A DAMOSEL RELEASED LAUNCELOT 55
to do your father and you service at that day. Sir, she
said, gramercy, and to-morn await ye be ready betimes, and
I shall be she that shall deliver you and take you your
armour and your horse, shield and spear, and hereby,
within this ten mile, is an abbey of white monks, there I
pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I bring my
father unto you. All this shall be done, said Sir Launcelot,
as I am true knight.
And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and
found him ready; then she brought him out of twelve
locks, and brought him unto his armour, and when he was
clean armed, she brought him until his own horse, and
lightly he saddled him and took a great spear in his hand,
and so rode forth, and said, Fair damosel, I shall not fail
you, by the grace of God. And so he rode in a great forest
all that day and never could find no highway, but the next
day he came to the abbey.
And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard,
the daughter of King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go
on the pavement. And she then arose and went unto a
window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon she
made men fast to take his horse from him and let lead him
into a stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and
unarmed him, and the lady sent him a long gown, and anon
she came herself. And then she made Launcelot passing
good cheer, and she said he was the knight in the world
was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent for
her father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that
Abbey, and afore even he came, with a fair fellowship of
knights with him. And when the king was alighted off
his horse he went straight unto Sir Launcelot's chamber
$6 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced
Sir Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.
Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king
how he was betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was
departed from him he wist not where, and how his daughter
had delivered him out of prison ; Therefore while I live
I shall do her service and all her kindred. Then am I sure
of your help, said the king, on Tuesday next coming. Yea,
sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for so I have
promised my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights
be they of my lord Arthur's that were with the King of
Northgalis ? And the king said it was Sir Mador de la
Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all for-
fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights
might bear no strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear
say that the tournament shall be here within this three mile
of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knights of yours,
such as ye trust, and look that the three knights have all
white shields, and I also, and no painture on the shields,
and we four will come out of a little wood in midst of both
parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and
grieve them that we may; and thus shall I not be known
what knight I am.
So they took their rest that night, and this was on the
Sunday, and so the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launce-
lot three knights with the four white shields. And on the
Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved wood beside
there the tournament should be. And there were scaffolds
and holes that lords and ladies might behold and to give
the prize. Then came into the field the King of North-
galis with eight score helms. And then the three knights
SIR LAUNCELOT IN A TOURNAMENT 57
of Arthur's stood by themselves. Then came into the field
King Bagdemagus with four score of helms. And then
they feutred their spears, and came together with a great
dash, and there were slain of knights at the first recounter
twelve of King Bagdemagus' party, and six of the King of
Northgalis' party, and King Bagdemagus' party was far
set aback.
With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in
with his spear in the thickest of the press, and there he smote
down with one spear five knights, and of four of them he
brake their backs. And in that throng he smote down the
king of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in that fall. All
this doing of Sir Launcelot saw the three knights of Arthur's.
Yonder is a shrewd guest, said Sir Mador de la Porte, there-
fore have here once at him. So they encountered, and Sir
Launcelot bare him down horse and man, so that his shoul-
der went out of lith. Now befalleth it to me to joust, said
Mordred, for Sir Mador hath a sore fall. Sir Launcelot was
ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand, and met him,
and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir Launcelot
gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brake,
and so he flew over his horse's tail, that his helm butted into
the earth a foot and more, that nigh his neck was broken,
and there he lay long in a swoon.
Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and
Launcelot against him, with all their strength that they
might drive, that both their spears to-brast even to their
hands, and then they flang out with their swords and gave
many a grim stroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out
of measure, and then he smote Sir Gahalantine on the helm
that his nose brast out on blood, and ears and mouth both,
S 8 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
and therewith his head hung low. And therewith his horse
ran away with him, and he fell down to the earth. Anon
therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his hand,
and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the
earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the
man and not the horse, and there was none but that he
hit surely, he bare none arms that day. And then he gat
another great spear, and smote down twelve knights, and
the most part of them never throve after. And then the
knights of the King of Northgalis would joust no more.
And there the gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT WITH
SIR TURQUINE AND SLEW HIM, AND
SENT SIR GAHERIS TO DELIVER ALL
SIR TURQUINE'S PRISONERS. So either
party departed unto his own place, and Sir
Launcelot rode forth with King Bagdemagus unto his castle,
and there he had passing good cheer both with the king
and with his daughter, and they proffered him great gifts.
And on the morn he took his leave, and told the king that
he would go and seek his brother Sir Lionel, that went from
him when that he slept ; so he took his horse, and betaught
them all to God. And there he said unto the king's daughter,
If ye have need any time of my service I pray you let me
have knowledge, and I shall not fail you as I am true knight.
And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he came
into the same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in
the midst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a
white palfrey, and there either saluted other. Fair damosel,
said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this country any adventures ?
HOW LAUNCELOT FOUGHT SIR TURQUINE 59
Sir knight, said that damosel, here are adventures near hand,
an thou durst prove them. Why should I not prove adven-
tures ? said Sir Launcelot, for that cause y come I hither.
Well, said she, thou seemest well to be a good knight, and if
thou dare meet with a good knight, I shall bring thee where
is the best knight, and the mightiest that ever thou found, so
thou wilt tell me what is thy name, and what knight thou
art. Damosel, as for to tell thee my name I take no great
force ; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Sir, thou
beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for
hereby dwelleth a knight that will not be overmatched for
no man I know but ye overmatch him, and his name is Sir
Turquine. And, as I understand, he hath in his prison, of
Arthur's court, good knights three score and four, that he
hath won with his own hands. But when ye have done that
journey ye shall promise me as ye are a true knight for to go
with me, and to help me and other damosels that are dis-
tressed daily with a false knight. All your intent, damosel,
and desire I will fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight.
Now, fair knight, come on your way; and so she brought
him unto the ford and the tree where hung the basin.
So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat
on the basin with the butt of his spear so hard with all his
might till the bottom fell out, and long he did so, but he
saw nothing. Then he rode endlong the gates of that
manor nigh half-an-hour. And then was he ware of a
great knight that drove an horse afore him, and overthwart
the horse there lay an armed knight bound. And ever as
they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he should
know him. Then Sir Launcelot was ware that it was Sir
Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, a knight of the Table Round.
60 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh
a knight fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother
he is unto Sir Gawaine. And at the first beginning I prom-
ise you, by the leave of God, to rescue that knight ; but
if his master sit better in the saddle I shall deliver all the
prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am sure he hath
two brethren of mine prisoners with him. By that time
that either had seen other, they gripped their spears unto
them. Now, fair knight, said Sir Launcelot, put that
wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile, and
let us two prove our strengths ; for as it is informed me, thou
doest and hast done great despite and shame unto knights
of the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee. An
thou be of the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and
all thy fellowship. That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
And then they put their spears in the rests, and came
together with their horses as fast as they might run, and either
smote other in midst of their shields, that both their horses'
backs brast under them, and the knights were both astonied.
And as soon as they might avoid their horses, they took their
shields afore them, and drew out their swords, and came
together eagerly, and either gave other many strong strokes,
for there might neither shields nor harness hold their strokes.
And so within a while they had both grimly wounds, and
bled passing grievously. Thus they fared two hours or
more trasing and rasing either other, where they might hit
any bare place.
Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood
leaning on their swords. Now, fellow, said Sir Turquine,
hold thy hand a while, and tell me what I shall ask thee.
Say on. Then Turquine said, Thou art the biggest man
HOW LAUNCELOT FOUGHT SIR TURQUINE 61
that ever I met withal, and the best breathed, and like one
knight that I hate above all other knights ; so be it that
thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee, and for thy
love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is three
score and four, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And thou
and I we will be fellows together, and never to fail thee
while that I live. It is well said, said Sir Launcelot, but
sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight
is he that thou so hatest above all other ? Faithfully, said
Sir Turquine, his name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, for he
slew my brother, Sir Carados, at the dolorous tower, that was
one of the best knights alive ; and therefore him I except of
all knights, for may I once meet with him, the one of us
shall make an end of other, I make mine avow. And for Sir
Launcelot's sake I have slain an hundred good knights, and
as many I have maimed all utterly that they might never
after help themselves, and many have died in prison, and
yet have I three score and four, and all shall be delivered so
thou wilt tell me thy name, so be it that thou be not Sir
Launcelot.
Now see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I
might be, I might have peace, and such a man I might be,
that there should be war mortal betwixt us. And now,
sir knight, at thy request I will that thou wit and know
that I am Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son of Benwick,
and very knight of the Table Round. And now I defy
thee, and do thy best. Ah, said Turquine, Launcelot, thou
art unto me most welcome that ever was knight, for we
shall never depart till the one of us be dead. Then they
hurtled together as two wild bulls, rashing and lashing with
their shields and swords, that sometime they fell both over
62 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
their noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more,
and never would have rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launce-
lot many wounds that all the ground thereas they fought
was all bespeckled with blood.
Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave
somewhat aback, and bare his shield low for weariness.
That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon him fiercely
and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked him
down on his knees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote
his neck in sunder. And when Sir Launcelot had done
this, he went unto the damosel and said, Damosel, I am
ready to go with you where ye will have me, but I have
no horse. Fair sir, said she, take this wounded knight's
horse and send him into this manor, and command him to
deliver all the prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto
Gaheris, and prayed him not to be aggrieved for to lend
him his horse. Nay, fair lord, said Gaheris, I will that ye
take my horse at your own commandment, for ye have both
saved me and my horse, and this day I say ye are the best
knight in the world, for ye have slain this day in my sight
the mightiest man and the best knight except you that ever
I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I pray you tell me your
name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that ought
to help you of right for King Arthur's sake, and in especial
for my lord Sir Gawaine's sake, your own dear brother;
and when that ye come within yonder manor, I am sure
ye shall find there many knights of the Round Table, for
I have seen many of their shields that I know on yonder
tree. Wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and
say that I bid them take such stuff there as they find, and
that in any wise my brethren go unto the court and abide
HOW LAUNCELOT RODE WITH A DAMOSEL 63
me there till that I come, for by the feast of Pentecost I cast
me to be there, for as at this time I must ride with this
damosel for to save my promise.
And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris went
into the manor, and there he found a yeoman porter keeping
there many keys. Anon withal Sir Gaheris threw the por-
ter unto the ground and took the keys from him, and hastily
he opened the prison door, and there he let out all the pris-
oners, and every man loosed other of their bonds. And
when they saw Sir Gaheris, all they thanked him, for they
weened that he was wounded. Not so, said Gaheris, it was
Launcelot that slew him worshipfully with his own hands.
I saw it with mine own eyes. And he greeteth you all well,
and prayeth you to haste you to the court.
Then all those knights sought the house thereas the
armour was, and then they armed them, and every knight
found his own horse, and all that ever longed unto him.
And when this was done, there came a forester with four
horses laden with fat venison. Anon, Sir Kay said, Here
is good meat for us for one meal, for we had not many a
day no good repast. And so that venison was roasted,
baken, and sodden, and so after supper some abode there
all night, but Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris and Sir Kay
rode after Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT RODE WITH A
DAMOSEL AND SLEW A KNIGHT THAT
DISTRESSED ALL LADIES AND HOW HE
DELIVERED SIR KAY. Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot,
that rode with the damosel in a fair highway. Sir, said the
damosel, here by this way haunteth a knight that distresseth
64 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
all ladies and gentlewomen, and at the least he robbeth them
or lieth by them. What, said Sir Launcelot, is he a thief
and a knight and a ravisher of women ? he doth shame unto
the order of knighthood, and contrary unto his oath ; it is
pity that he liveth. But, fair damosel, ye shall ride on afore,
yourself, and I will keep myself in covert, and if that he
trouble you or distress you I shall be your rescue and learn
him to be ruled as a knight.
So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace,
and within a while came out that knight on horseback out
of the wood, and his page with him, and there he put the
damosel from her horse, and then she cried. With that
came Launcelot as fast as he might till he came to that
knight, saying, O thou false knight and traitor unto knight-
hood, who did learn thee to distress ladies and gentlewomen ?
When the knight saw Sir Launcelot thus rebuking him he
answered not, but drew his sword and rode unto Sir Launcelot,
and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from him, and drew out
his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that
he clave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou
thy payment that long thou hast deserved ! That is truth,
said the damosel, for like as Sir Turquine watched to destroy
knights, so did this knight attend to destroy and distress
ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen, and his name was Sir
Peris de Forest Savage. Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot,
will ye any more service of me ? Nay, sir, she said, at this
time, but almighty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ride
or go, for the curteist knight thou art, and meekest unto all
ladies and gentlewomen, that now liveth.
Then Sir Launcelot mounted upon his horse, and rode
into many strange and wild countries, and through many
HOW LAUNCELOT DELIVERED SIR KAY 65
waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged. And at the
last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to
a fair courtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman
that lodged him with good will, and there he had good cheer
for him and his horse. And when time was, his host brought
him into a fair garret, over the gate, to his bed. There
Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and
went to bed, and anon he fell asleep. So, soon after, there
came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great
haste, and when Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and
looked out at the window, and saw by the moonlight three
knights came riding after that one man, and all three lashed
on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned
on them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said
Sir Launcelot, yonder one knight shall I help, for it were
shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he be slain
I am partner of his death ; and therewith he took his harness,
and went out at a window by a sheet down to the four
knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you
knights unto me, and leave your fighting with that knight.
And then they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir
Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they alighted
all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir Launcelot,
and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay dressed
him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay, sir, said he,
I will none of your help ; therefore as ye will have my help,
let me alone with them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of the
knight, suffered him for to do his will, and so stood aside.
And then anon within six strokes, Sir Launcelot had stricken
them to the earth.
And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us
66 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
unto you as a man of might makeless. As to that, said
Sir Launcelot, I will not take your yielding unto me. But
so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the Seneschal, on
that covenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair
knight, said they, that were we loath to do ; for as for Sir
Kay, we chased him hither, and had overcome him had
not ye been, therefore to yield us unto him it were no reason.
Well, as to that, said Launcelot, advise you well, for ye
may choose whether ye will die or live, for an ye be yolden
it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they said, in
saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then
shall ye, said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming,
go unto the court of King Arthur, and there shall ye yield
you unto Queen Guenever, and put you all three in her
grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you thither
to be her prisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the
faith of our bodies, an we be living, and there they swore
every knight upon his sword. And so Sir Launcelot suffered
them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot knocked at the
gate with the pommel of his sword, and with that came his
host, and in they entered Sir Kay and he. Sir, said his host,
I weened ye had been in your bed. So I was, said Sir Launce-
lot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help an
old fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light,
Sir Kay knew well that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith
he kneeled down and thanked him of all his kindness that he
had holpen him twice from the death. Sir, he said, I have
nothing done but that I ought to do, and ye are welcome, and
here shall ye repose you and take your rest.
So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat ;
so there was meat fetched him, and he ate strongly. And
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT RODE DISGUISED 67
when he had supped they went to their beds and were
lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir Launcelot
arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot
took Sir Kay's armour and his shield, and armed him, and
so he went to the stable, and took his horse, and took his
leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after
arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot. And then he
espied that he had his armour and his horse. Now by my
faith I know well that he will grieve some of the court of
King Arthur ; for on him knights will be bold, and deem
that it is I, and that will beguile them. And because of
his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride in peace. And
then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his host.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT RODE DIS-
GUISED IN SIR KAY'S HARNESS AND
OVERTHREW FOUR KNIGHTS OF THE
ROUND TABLE, AND HOW HE WAS
REQUIRED OF A DAMOSEL TO HEAL
HER BROTHER. Now turn we unto Sir
Launcelot that rode into a deep forest, and
thereby in a slade he saw four knights hoving under an oak,
and they were of Arthur's court, one was Sir Sagramour
le Desirous, and Ector de Maris, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir
Uwaine. Anon as these four knights had espied Sir Launce-
lot they weened by his arms it had been Sir Kay. Now
by my faith, said Sir Sagramour, I will prove Sir Kay's might,
and gat his spear in his hand, and came toward Sir Launce-
lot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and knew him well,
and feutred his spear against him, and smote Sir Sagramour
so sore that horse and man fell both to the earth. Lo, my
68 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
fellows, said Sir Ector, yonder ye may see what a buffet he
hath ; that knight is much bigger than ever was Sir Kay.
Now shall ye see what I may do to him. So Sir Ector gat
his spear in his hand and galloped toward Sir Launcelot,
and Sir Launcelot smote him through the shield and shoulder
that man and horse went to the earth, and ever his spear
held.
By my faith, said Sir Uwaine, yonder is a strong knight,
and I am sure he hath slain Sir Kay ; and I see by his great
strength it will be hard to match him. And therewithal,
Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and rode toward Sir
Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he met
him on the plain, and gave him such a buffet that he was
astonied, that long he wist not where he was. Now see I
well, said Sir Gawaine, I must encounter with that knight.
Then he dressed his shield and gat a good spear in his hand,
and Sir Launcelot knew him well ; and then they let run
their horses with all their mights, and either knight smote
other in midst of the shield. But Sir Gawaine's spear to-
brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his
horse reversed up-so-down. And much sorrow had Sir
Gawaine to avoid his horse, and so Sir Launcelot passed on
a pace and smiled, and said, God give him joy that this
spear made, for there came never a better in my hand.
Then the four knights went each one to other and com-
forted each other. What say ye by this guest ? said Sir
Gawaine, that one spear hath felled us all four. We com-
mend him unto the devil, they said all, for he is a man of
great might. Ye may well say it, said Sir Gawaine, that
he is a man of might, for I dare lay my head it is Sir Launce-
lot, I know it by his riding. Let him go, said Sir Gawaine,
HOW HE FOLLOWED A BRACKET 69
for when we come to the court then shall we wit ; and then
had they much sorrow to get their horses again.
Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode
a great while in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet,
seeking in manner as it had been in the feute of an hurt
deer. And therewith he rode after the brachet, and he
saw lie on the ground a large feute of blood. And then
Sir Launcelot rode after. And ever the brachet looked
behind her, and so she went through a great marsh, and
ever Sir Launcelot followed. And then was he ware of
an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so over the
bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridge that was
old and feeble ; and when he came in midst of a great hall,
there he saw lie a dead knight that was a seemly man, and
that brachet licked his wounds. And therewithal came
out a lady weeping and wringing her hands ; and then she
said, O knight, to much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why
say ye so ? said Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight
no harm, for hither by feute of blood this brachet brought
me ; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased with me,
for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance. Truly, sir,
she said, I trow it be not ye that hath slain my husband,
for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never
likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What was your
husband's name ? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she, his
name was called Sir Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best
knights of the world, and he that hath slain him I know
not his name. Now God send you better comfort, said
Sir Launcelot ; and so he departed and went into the forest
again, and there he met with a damosel, the which knew him
well, and she said aloud, Well be ye found, my lord ; and now
70 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
I require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother that is
sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding ; for this day he
fought with Sir Gilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain
battle, and there was my brother sore wounded, and there
is a lady, a sorceress, that dwelleth in a castle here beside,
and this day she told me my brother's wounds should never
be whole till I could find a knight that would go into the
Chapel Perilous, and there he should find a sword and a
bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and
a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother's
wounds, so that his wounds were searched with the sword
and the cloth. This is a marvellous thing, said Sir Launce-
lot, but what is your brother's name ? Sir, she said, his name
was Sir Meliot de Logres. That me repenteth, said Sir Launce-
lot, for he is a fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I
will do my power. Then, sir, said she, follow even this high-
way, and it will bring you into the Chapel Perilous ; and here
I shall abide till God send you here again, and, but you speed,
I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME INTO THE
CHAPEL PERILOUS AND HOW HE HEALED
THE DAMOSEL'S BROTHER AND RE-
TURNED TO KING ARTHUR'S COURT. Right so Sir
Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel
Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse unto a little
gate. And as soon as he was within the churchyard he
saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shields turned
up-so-down, and many of the shields Sir Launcelot had
seen knights bear beforehand. With that he saw by him
there stand a thirty great knights, more by a yard than
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT GAT A SWORD 71
any man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and
gnashed at Sir Launcelot. And when he saw their counte-
nance he dreaded him sore, and so put his shield afore him,
and took his sword ready in his hand, ready unto battle,
and they were all armed in black harness ready with their
shields and their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot
would have gone throughout them, they scattered on every
side of him, and gave him the way, and therewith he waxed
all bold, and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no
light but a dim lamp burning, and then was he ware of a
corpse covered with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launcelot
stooped down, and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then
it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little ; there-
withal he feared. And then he saw a fair sword lie by the
dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied him out
of the chapel.
Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights
spake to him with a grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launce-
lot, lay that sword from thee or else thou shalt die. Whether
that 1 live or die, said Sir Launcelot, with no great word
get ye it again, therefore fight for it an ye list. Then right
so he passed throughout them, and beyond the chapel yard
there met him a fair damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot, leave
that sword behind thee, or thou wilt die for it. I leave it
not, said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she, an
thou didst leave that sword, Queen Guenever should thou
never see. Then were I a fool an I would leave this sword,
said Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said the damosel,
I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot,
that God me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed
me thy life days had been done, but now, alas, she said, I
72 OF SIR LAUNCELOT
have lost all my labour, for I ordained this chapel for thy sake,
and for Sir Gawaine. And once I had Sir Gawaine within
me, and at that time he fought with that knight that lieth
there dead in yonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the Bastard ; and
at that time he smote the left hand off of Sir Gilbert the
Bastard. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved
thee this seven year, but there may no woman have thy love
but Queen Guenever. But sithen I may not rejoice thee
to have thy body alive, I had kept no more joy in this world
but to have thy body dead. Then would I have balmed
it and preserved it, and so have kept it my life days, and
daily I should have clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite
of Queen Guenever. Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot, Jesu
preserve me from your subtle crafts. And therewithal
he took his horse and so departed from her. And as the
book saith, when Sir Launcelot was departed she took such
sorrow that she died within a fourteen night, and her name
was Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.
Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot's
sister. And when she saw him she clapped her hands, and
wept for joy. And then they rode unto a castle thereby
where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him
he knew him, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for bleed-
ing. When Sir Meliot saw Sir Launcelot he kneeled upon
his knees and cried on high : O lord Sir Launcelot, help
me ! Anon Sir Launcelot leapt unto him and touched his
wounds with Sir Gilbert's sword. And then he wiped his
wounds with a part of the bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert
was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his life was he
never. And then there was great joy between them, and
they made Sir Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and
HIS RETURN TO ARTHUR'S COURT 73
so on the morn Sir Launcelot took his leave, and bade Sir
Meliot hie him to the court of my lord Arthur, and there
by the grace of God ye shall find me. And therewith they
departed.
Then Sir Launcelot du Lake came home two days afore
the Feast of Pentecost ; and the king and all the court were
passing fain of his coming. And when Sir Gawaine, Sir
Uwaine, Sir Sagramore, Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir Launce-
lot in Kay's armour, then they wist well it was he that smote
them down all with one spear. Then there was laughing
and smiling among them. And ever now and now came
all the knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, and
they all honoured and worshipped Sir Launcelot.
Then Sir Kay told the king how Sir Launcelot had res-
cued him when he should have been slain, and how he made
the knights yield them to me, and not to him. And there
they were all three, and bare record. And in truth, said
Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelot took my harness and left
me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado
with me.
And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told the
king how Sir Launcelot had saved him from the death. And
so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest name of any
knight of the world, and most he was honoured of high and
low.
OF SIR GARETH
HOW BEAUMAINS CAME TO KING
ARTHUR'S COURT AND ASKED
THREE GIFTS OF KING ARTHUR,
AND OF A DAMOSEL THAT DE-
SIRED A KNIGHT TO FIGHT FOR
A LADY, AND HOW BEAUMAINS
DESIRED THE BATTLE. When Arthur
held his Round Table most plenour, it
fortuned that he commanded that the high
feast of Pentecost should be holden at a city
and a castle, the which in those days was
called Kynke Kenadonne, upon the sands
that marched nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom
that at the feast of Pentecost in especial, afore other feasts
in the year, he would not go that day to meat until he had
heard or seen of a great marvel. And for that custom all
manner of strange adventures came before Arthur as at
that feast before all other feasts. And so Sir Gawaine, a
little to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a window
three men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the
three men alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and
one of the three men was higher than the other twain by a
foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine went unto the king
and said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand come
74
BEAUMAINS AT KING ARTHUR'S COURT 75
strange adventures. So Arthur went unto his meat with
many other kings.
Right so came into the hall two men well beseen and richly,
and upon their shoulders there leaned the goodliest young
man and the fairest that ever they all saw, and he was large
and long, and broad in the shoulders, and well visaged, and
the fairest and the largest handed that ever man saw, but
he fared as though he might not go nor bear himself but
if he leaned upon their shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him
there was made peace and room, and right so they went
with him unto the high dais, without saying of any words.
Then this much young man pulled him aback, and easily
stretched up straight, saying, King Arthur, God you bless
and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the fellowship of
the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither,
to pray you and require you to give me three gifts, and they
shall not be unreasonably asked, but that ye may worship-
fully and honourably grant them me, and to you no great
hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift I will ask now,
and the other two gifts I will ask this day twelvemonth,
wheresomever ye hold your high feast. Now ask, said
Arthur, and ye shall have your asking.
Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye will
give me meat and drink sufficiently for this twelvemonth,
and at that day I will ask mine other two gifts.
My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee,
for this is but a simple asking ; for my heart giveth me to
thee greatly, that thou art come of men of worship, and
greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a man
of right great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as it be may,
I have asked that I will ask. Well, said the king, ye shall
76 OF SIR GARETH
have meat and drink enough; I never defended that none,
neither my friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I
would wit ? I cannot tell you, said he. That is marvel,
said the king, that thou knowest not thy name, and thou
art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the king
betook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that
he should give him of all manner of meats and drinks of the
best, and also that he had all manner of finding as though
he were a lord's son. That shall little need, said Sir Kay,
to do such cost upon him ; for I dare undertake he is a villain
born, and never will make man, for an he had come of gentle-
men he would have asked of you horse and armour, but
such as he is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath no name,
I shall give him a name that shall be Beaumains, that is
Fair-hands, and into the kitchen I shall bring him, and there
he shall have fat brose every day, that he shall be as fat
by the twelve-months' end as a pork hog. Right so the two
men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him
and mocked him.
Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launce-
lot bade Sir Kay leave his mocking, for I dare lay my head
he shall prove a man of great worship. Let be, said Sir
Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as he is, so he hath
asked.
And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to
meat ; so Beaumains went to the hall door, and set him down
among boys and lads, and there he ate sadly. And then
Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his chamber,
and there he should have meat and drink enough. And
so did Sir Gawaine : but he refused them all ; he would
do none other but as Sir Kay commanded him, for no proffer.
HOW A DAMOSEL PRAYED FOR SUCCOUR 77
But as touching Sir Gawaine, he had reason to proffer him
lodging, meat, and drink, for that proffer came of his blood,
for he was nearer kin to him than he wist. But that as Sir
Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.
So thus he was put into the kitchen, and lay nightly as
the boys of the kitchen did. And so he endured all that
twelvemonth, and never displeased man nor child, but always
he was meek and mild. But ever when that he saw any
jousting of knights, that would he see an he might. And
ever Sir Launcelot would give him gold to spend, and clothes,
and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there were any masteries
done, thereat would he be, and there might none cast bar
nor stone to him by two yards. Then would Sir Kay say,
How liketh you my boy of the kitchen ? So it passed on till
the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that time the king held
it at Carlion in the most royallest wise that might be, like
as he did yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon
the Whitsunday, until he heard some adventures. Then
came there a squire to the king and said, Sir, ye may go to
your meat, for here cometh a damosel with some strange
adventures. Then was the king glad and sat him down.
Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted
the king, and prayed him of succour. For whom ? said
the king, what is the adventure ?
Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown,
and she is besieged with a tyrant, so that she may not out
of her castle ; and because here are called the noblest knights
of the world, I come to you to pray you of succour. What
hight your lady, and where dwelleth she, and who is she,
and what is his name that hath besieged her ? Sir king,
she said, as for my lady's name that shall not ye know for
78 OF SIR GARETH
me as at this time, but I let you wit she is a lady of great
worship and of great lands ; and as for the tyrant that be-
siegeth her and destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red
Knight of the Red Launds. I know him not, said the king.
Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is one of the
periloust knights of the world ; men say that he hath seven
men's strength, and from him I escaped once full hard with
my life. Fair damosel, said the king, there be knights here
would do their power for to rescue your lady, but because
you will not tell her name, nor where she dwelleth, there-
fore none of my knights that here be now shall go with you
by my will. Then must I speak further, said the damosel.
'With these words came before the king Beaumains, while
the damosel was there, and thus he said, Sir king, God thank
you, I have been this twelvemonth in your kitchen, and have
had my full sustenance, and now I will ask my two gifts
that be behind. Ask, upon my peril, said the king. Sir,
this shall be my two gifts, first that ye will grant me to have
this adventure of the damosel, for it belongeth unto me.
Thou shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then,
sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake
to make me knight, for of him I will be made knight and
else of none. And when I am passed I pray you let him ride
after me, and make me knight when I require him. All
this shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel,
shall I have none but one that is your kitchen page ? Then
was she wroth, and took her horse and departed. And
with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his
horse and armour was come for him ; and there was the dwarf
come with all thing that him needed, in the richest manner ;
thereat all the court had much marvel from whence came
HOW BEAUMAINS FOUGHT SIR KAY 79
all that gear. So when he was armed there was none but
few so goodly a man as he was ; and right so he came into
the hall and took his leave of King Arthur, and Sir Gawaine,
and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he would hie after him,
and so departed and rode after the damosel.
HOW BEAUMAINS DEPARTED, AND HOW
HE GAT OF SIR KAY A SPEAR AND A
SHIELD, AND HOW HE JOUSTED WITH
SIR LAUNCELOT, AND OF HIM WAS DUBBED
KNIGHT. But there went many after to behold how well
he was horsed and trapped in cloth of gold, but he had neither
shield nor spear. Then Sir Kay said all open in the hall,
I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to wit whether he
will know me for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir
Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir Kay made him ready
and took his horse and his spear, and rode after him. And
right as Beaumains overtook the damosel, right so came Sir
Kay and said, Beaumains, what, sir, know ye not me ? Then
he turned his horse, and knew it was Sir Kay, that had done
him all the despite as ye have heard afore. Yea, said Beau-
mains, I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and
therefore beware of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear
in the rest, and ran straight upon him ; and Beaumains
came as fast upon him with his sword in his hand, and so
he put away his spear with his sword, and with a foin thrust
him through the side, that Sir Kay fell down as he had been
dead ; and he alighted down and took Sir Kay's shield and
his spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode his way.
All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And
then he bade his dwarf stert upon Sir Kay's horse, and so
8o OF SIR GARETH
he did. By that Sir Launcelot was come, then he proffered
Sir Launcelot to joust ; and either made them ready, and
they came together so fiercely that either bare down other
to the earth, and sore were they bruised. Then Sir Launcelot
arose and helped him from his horse. And then Beaumains
threw his shield from him, and proffered to fight with Sir
Launcelot on foot ; and so they rashed together like boars,
tracing, racing, and foining to the mountenance of an hour ;
and Sir Launcelot felt him so big that he marvelled of his
strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a knight,
and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous. For
Sir Launcelot had so much ado with him that he dreaded
himself to be shamed, and said, Beaumains, fight not so sore,
your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off.
Truly that is truth, said Beaumains, but it doth me good to
feel your might, and yet, my lord, I showed not the utterance.
In God's name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by
the faith of my body, I had as much to do as I might to
save myself from you unshamed, and therefore have ye no
doubt of none earthly knight. Hope ye so that I may any
while stand a proved knight ? said Beaumains. Yea, said
Launcelot, do as ye have done, and I shall be your warrant.
Then, I pray you, said Beaumains, give me the order of
knighthood. Then must ye tell me your name, said Launce-
lot, and of what kin ye be born. Sir, so that ye will not
discover me I shall, said Beaumains. Nay, said Sir Launce-
lot, and that I promise you by the faith of my body, until
it be openly known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth,
and brother unto Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah,
sir, said Sir Launcelot, I am more gladder of you than I was ;
for ever me thought ye should be of a great blood, and that
HOW HE WAS DUBBED KNIGHT 81
ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for drink. And
then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and
then Sir Gareth prayed him for to depart and let him go.
So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir
Kay, and made him to be borne home upon his shield, and
so he was healed hard with the life ; and all men scorned
Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot ;
and so we leave Sir Kay and turn we unto Beaumains.
When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said,
What dost thou here ? thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy
clothes be bawdy of the grease and tallow that thou gainest
in King Arthur's kitchen ; weenest thou, said she, that I
allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay truly,
for thou slewest him unhappily and cowardly; therefore
turn again, bawdy kitchen page, I know thee well, for Sir
Kay named thee Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk
and a turner of broaches and a ladle-washer ? Damosel,
said Beaumains, say to me what ye will, I will not go from
you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to King
Arthur for to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish
it to the end, either I shall die therefore.
So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man fly-
ing all that ever he might. Whither wilt thou ? said Beau-
mains. O lord, he said, help me, for here by in a slade are
six thieves that have taken my lord and bound him, so I
am afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither, said
Beaumains. And so they rode together until they came there
as was the knight bounden ; and then he rode unto them,
and struck one unto the death, and then another, and at the
third stroke he slew the third thief, and then the other three
fled. And he rode after them, and he overtook them ; and
82 OF SIR GARETH
then those three thieves turned again and assailed Beaumains
hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned and unbound
the knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him
to ride with him to his castle there a little beside, and he should
worshipfully reward him for his good deeds. Sir, said Beau-
mains, I will no reward have : I was this day made knight
of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I will no reward have,
but God reward me. And also I must follow this damosel.
And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her,
For thou smellest all of the kitchen: weenest thou that
I have joy of thee, for all this deed that thou hast done is
but mishapped thee : but thou shalt see a sight shall make
thee turn again, and that lightly. Then the same knight
which was rescued of the thieves rode after that damosel,
and prayed her to lodge with him all that night. And be-
cause it was near night the damosel rode with him to his
castle, and there they had great cheer, and at supper the
knight sat Sir Beaumains afore the damosel. Fie, fie, said
she, Sir knight, ye are uncourteous to set a kitchen page
afore me; him beseemeth better to stick a swine than to
sit afore a damosel of high parage. Then the knight was
ashamed at her words, and took him up, and set him at a
sideboard, and set himself afore him, and so all that night
they had good cheer and merry rest.
HOW BEAUMAINS FOUGHT AND
SLEW TWO KNIGHTS AT A PAS-
SAGE, AND HOW HE SLEW ALSO
THE KNIGHT OF THE BLACK
LAUNDS. And on the morn the damosel and he took their
leave and thanked the knight, and so departed, and rode on
HOW HE SLEW TWO KNIGHTS 83
their way until they came to a great forest. And there was
a great river and but one passage, and there were ready two
knights on the farther side to let them the passage. What
sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt thou match yonder knights
or turn again ? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not turn
again an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed
into the water, and in midst of the water either brake their
spears upon other to their hands, and then they drew their
swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the last Sir
Beaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head
stonied, and therewithal he fell down in the water, and there
was he drowned. And then Sir Beaumains spurred his horse
upon the land, where the other knight fell upon him, and
brake his spear, and so they drew their swords and fought
long together. At the last Sir Beaumains clave his helm
and his head down to the shoulders ; and so he rode unto
the damosel and bade her ride forth on her way.
Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have
that fortune to destroy such two doughty knights : thou
weenest thou hast done doughtily, that is not so ; for the
first knight his horse stumbled, and there he was drowned
in the water, and never it was by thy force, nor by thy might.
And the last knight by mishap thou earnest behind him and
mishappily thou slew him.
Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but
with whomsomever I have ado withal, I trust to God to
serve him or he depart. And therefore I reck not what
ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie, fie, foul kitchen
knave, thou shalt see knights that shall abate thy boast.
Fair damosel, give me goodly language, and then my care
is past, for what knights somever they be, I care not, nor
84 OF SIR GARETH
I doubt them not. Also, said she, I say it for thine avail,
yet mayest thou turn again with thy worship ; for an thou
follow me, thou art but slain, for I see all that ever thou
dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of thy
hands. Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but where-
somever ye go I will follow you. So this Beaumains rode
with that lady till evensong time, and ever she chid him,
and would not rest. And they came to a black laund ; and
there was a black hawthorn, and thereon hung a black banner,
and on the other side there hung a black shield, and by it
stood a black spear great and long, and a great black horse
covered with silk, and a black stone fast by.
There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his
name was the Knight of the Black Laund Then the damosel,
when she saw that knight, she bade Beaumains flee down that
valley, for the knight's horse was not saddled. Gramercy,
said Beaumains, for always ye would have me a coward.
With that the Black Knight, when she came nigh him, spake
and said, Damosel, have ye brought this knight of King
Arthur to be your champion ? Nay, fair knight, said she,
this is but a kitchen knave that was fed in King Arthur's
kitchen for alms. Why cometh he, said the knight, in such
array ? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir,
I cannot be delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth
maugre mine head : would that ye should put him from me,
other to slay him an ye may, for he is an unhappy knave,
and unhappily he hath done this day: through mishap I
saw him slay two knights at the passage of the water ; and
other deeds he did before right marvellous and through un-
happiness. That marvelleth me, said the Black Knight,
that any man that is of worship will have ado with him.
BEAUMAINS AND THE BLACK KNIGHT 85
They know him not, said the damosel, and for because he
rideth with me, they ween that he be some man of worship
born. That may be, said the Black Knight ; howbeit as ye
say that he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person,
and full like to be a strong man : but thus much shall I grant
you, said the Black Knight ; I shall put him down upon one
foot, and his horse and his harness he shall leave with me,
for it were shame to me to do him any more harm.
When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir
knight, thou art full large of my horse and my harness ; I
let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether it liketh thee
or not, this laund will I pass maugre thine head. And horse
nor harness gettest thou none of mine, but if thou win them
with thy hands ; and therefore let see what thou canst do.
Sayest thou that ? said the Black Knight, now yield thy lady
from thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ride with
such a lady. Thou liest, said Beaumains, I am a gentleman
born, and of more high lineage than thou, and that will I
prove on thy body.
Then in great wrath they departed with their horses,
and came together as it had been the thunder, and the Black
Knight's spear brake, and Beaumains thrust him through
both his sides, and therewith his spear brake, and the trun-
cheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the Black Knight
drew his sword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great
might, and hurt Beaumains full sore. But at the last the
Black Knight, within an hour and an half, he fell down off
his horse in swoon, and there he died. And when Beaumains
saw him so well horsed and armed, then he alighted down and
armed him in his armour, and so took his horse and rode
after the damosel.
86 OF SIR GARETH
When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen
knave, out of the wind, for the smell of thy bawdy clothes
grieveth me. Alas, she said, that ever such a knave should
by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done, but all
this is thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall pay
thee all thy payment, and therefore yet I counsel thee, flee.
It may happen me, said Beaumains, to be beaten or slain,
but I warn you, fair damosel, I will not flee away, nor leave
your company, for all that ye can say ; for ever ye say that
they will kill me or beat me, but howsomever it happeneth
I escape, and they lie on the ground.
HOW TWO BROTHERS OF THE BLACK
KNIGHT MET WITH BEAUMAINS, AND
FOUGHT WITH BEAUMAINS TILL THEY
WERE YIELDEN, AND HOW THE DAMOSEL STILL
REBUKED HIM. Thus as they rode together, they saw
a knight come driving by them all in green, both his horse
and his harness ; and when he came nigh the damosel, he
asked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye
have brought with you ? Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy
kitchen knave hath slain your brother through unhappiness.
Alas, said the Green Knight, that is great pity, that so noble
a knight as he was should so unhappily be slain, and namely
of a knave's hand, as ye say that he is. Ah ! traitor, said
the Green Knight, thou shalt die for slaying of my brother ;
he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir Pereard.
I defy thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him
knightly and not shamefully.
Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that
was green, and it hung upon a thorn, and there he blew
BEAUMAINS AND THE GREEN KNIGHT 87
three deadly motes, and there came two damosels and armed
him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and a green
shield and a green spear. And then they ran together with
all their mights, and brake their spears unto their hands.
And then they drew their swords, and gave many sad strokes,
and either of them wounded other full ill. And at the last,
at an overthwart, Beaumains with his horse struck the Green
Knight's horse upon the side, that he fell to the earth. And
then the Green Knight avoided his horse lightly, and dressed
him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithal he
alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps
a long while, and sore they bled both. With that came the
damosel, and said, My lord the Green Knight, why for shame
stand ye so long fighting with the kitchen knave ? Alas,
it is shame that ever ye were made knight, to see such a lad
to match such a knight, as the weed overgrew the corn.
Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed, and therewithal
he gave a great stroke of might, and clave his shield through.
When Beaumains saw his shield cloven asunder he was a
little ashamed of that stroke and of her language ; and then
he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell on his
knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the
ground grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him
mercy, and yielded him unto Sir Beaumains, and prayed
him to slay him not. All is in vain, said Beaumains, for thou
shalt die but if this damosel that came with me pray me to
save thy life. And therewithal he unlaced his helm like as
he would slay him. Fie upon thee, false kitchen page, I will
never pray thee to save his life, for I will never be so much
in thy danger. Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not
so hardy, thou bawdy knave, said the damosel, that thou
88 OF SIR GARETH
slay him. Alas, said the Green knight, suffer me not to die
for a fair word may save me. Fair Knight, said the Green
Knight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my
brother, and for ever to become thy man, and thirty knights
that hold of me for ever shall do you service. In the devil's
name, said the damosel, that such a bawdy kitchen knave
should have thee and thirty knights' service.
Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not,
but if my damosel speak with me for thy life. And there-
withal he made a semblant to slay him. Let be, said the
damosel, thou bawdy knave ; slay him not, for an thou
do thou shalt repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your
charge is to me a pleasure, and at your commandment his
life shall be saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir knight
with the green arms, I release thee quit at this damosel's
request, for I will not make her wroth, I will fulfil all that
she chargeth me. And then the Green Knight kneeled down,
and did him homage with his sword. Then said the damosel,
Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your
brother's death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had
great need, for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay,
dread you not, said the Green Knight, for ye shall lodge
with me this night, and to-morn I shall help you through
this forest. So they took their horses and rode to his manor,
which was fast there beside.
And ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer
him to sit at her table, but as the Green Knight took him
and sat him at a side table. Marvel methinketh, said the
Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke this noble
knight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble
knight, and I know no knight is able to match him ; there-
HOW THE DAMOSEL REBUKED HIM 89
fore ye do great wrong to rebuke him, for he shall do you
right good service, for whatsomever he maketh himself,
ye shall prove at the end that he is come of a noble blood
and of king's lineage. Fie, fie, said the damosel, it is shame
for you to say of him such worship.
And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass
and brake their fast ; and then they took their horses and
rode on their way, and the Green Knight conveyed them
through the forest ; and there the Green Knight said, My
lord Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always
at your summons, both early and late, at your calling and
whither that ever ye will send us. It is well said, said Beau-
mains ; when that I call upon you ye must yield you unto
King Arthur, and all your knights. If that ye so command
us, we shall be ready at all times, said the Green Knight.
Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil's name, said the damosel, that
any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchen knave.
So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And
then she said unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou
kitchen boy ? Cast away thy shield and thy spear, and
flee away, yet I counsel thee, betimes, or thou shalt say right
soon, alas ; for wert thou as wight as ever was Wade or Launce-
lot, Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not
pass a pass here that is called the Pass Perilous. Damosel,
said Beaumains, who is afeard let him flee, for it were shame
to turn again sithen I have ridden so long with you. Well,
said the damosel, ye shall soon, whether ye will or not.
So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow,
well matchecold all about, and double dyked. And over
the tower gate there hung a fifty shields of divers colours,
and under that tower there was a fair meadow. And therein
90 OF SIR GARETH
were many knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and
pavilions ; for there upon the morn should be a great tourna-
ment : and the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked
out at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight
armed at all points. With that knight will I joust, said the
lord, for I see that he is a knight-errant. And so he armed
him and horsed him hastily. And when he was on horse-
back with his shield and his spear, it was all red, both his
horse and his harness, and all that to him longeth. And
when that he came nigh him he weened it had been his brother
the Black Knight ; and then he cried aloud, Brother, what
do ye in these marches ? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it is
not he ; this is but a kitchen knave that was brought up for
alms in King Arthur's court. Nevertheless, said the Red
Knight, I will speak with him or he depart. Ah, said the
damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay
named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was
thy brother's, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the
Green Knight overcome of his hands. Now may ye be re-
venged upon him, for I may never be quit of him.
With this either knights departed in sunder, and they
came together with all their might, and either of their horses
fell to the earth, and they avoided their horses, and put their
shields afore them and drew their swords, and either gave
other sad strokes, now here, now there, racing, tracing,
foining, and hurling like two boars, the space of two hours.
And then she cried on high to the Red Knight, Alas, thou
noble Red Knight, think what worship hath followed thee,
let never a kitchen knave endure thee so long as he doth.
Then the Red Knight waxed wroth and doubled his strokes,
and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the blood ran down
OF THE RED KNIGHT AND BEAUMAINS 91
to the ground, that it was wonder to see that strong battle.
Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as
he would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying,
Noble knight, slay me not, and I shall yield me to thee with
fifty knights with me that be at my commandment. And
I forgive thee all the despite that thou hast done to me, and
the death of my brother the Black Knight. All this availeth
not, said Beaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy
life. And therewith he made semblant to strike off his head.
Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble
knight, and not so hardy, upon thine head, but thou save
him.
Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and
thank the damosel now of thy life. Then the Red Knight
prayed him to see his castle, and to be there all night. So
the damosel then granted him, and there they had merry
cheer. But always the damosel spake many foul words
unto Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight had great marvel ;
and all that night the Red Knight made three score knights
to watch Beaumains, that he should have no shame nor
villainy. And upon the morn they heard mass and dined,
and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with his three
score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and
fealty at all times, he and his knights to do him service. I
thank you, said Beaumains, but this ye shall grant me :
when I call upon you, to come afore my lord King Arthur,
and yield you unto him to be his knights. Sir, said the
Red Knight, I will be ready, and my fellowship, at your
summons. So Sir Beaumains departed and the damosel,
and ever she rode chiding him in the foulest manner.
92 OF SIR GARETH
HOW SIR BEAUMAINS ANSWERED
THE DAMOSEL PATIENTLY, AND
HOW HE FOUGHT WITH THE
FOURTH BROTHER, SIR PERSANT
OF INDE, AND MADE HIM TO BE
YOLDEN. Damosel, said Beaumains, ye
are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do, for meseemeth
I have done you good service, and ever ye threaten me I shall
be beaten with knights that we meet, but ever for all your
boast they lie in the dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray
you rebuke me no more ; and when ye see me beaten or
yolden as recreant, then may ye bid me go from you shame-
fully ; but first I let you wit I will not depart from you,
for I were worse than a fool an I would depart from you all
the while that I win worship. Well, said she, right soon
there shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thy wages, for
he is the most man of worship of the world, except King
Arthur. I will well, said Beaumains, the more he is of wor-
ship, the more shall be my worship to have ado with him.
Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city
rich and fair. And betwixt them and the city a mile and
an half there was a fair meadow that seemed new mown,
and therein were many pavilions fair to behold. Lo, said
the damosel, yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and
his custom is, when the weather is fair, to lie in this meadow
to joust and tourney. And ever there be about him an
hundred knights and gentlemen of arms, and there be all
manner of games that any gentleman can devise. That
goodly lord, said Beaumains, would I fain see. Thou shalt
see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode
near she espied the pavilion where he was. Lo, said she,
BEAUMAINS AND THE DAMOSEL 93
seest thou yonder pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde,
and all manner of thing that there is about men and women,
and horses trapped, shields and spears were all of the colour
of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest
knight that ever thou lookedst on. It may well be, said
Beaumains, but be he never so stout a knight, in this field
I shall abide till that I see him under his shield. Ah, fool,
said she, thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beau-
mains, an he be such a knight as ye make him, he will not
set upon me with all his men, or with his hundred knights.
For an there come no more but one at once, I shall him not
fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the damosel, that
ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast. Damo-
sel, he said, ye are to blame so to rebuke me, for I had
liefer do five battles than so to be rebuked ; let him come
and then let him do his worst.
Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin
thou art come ; boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou hast
done, that have I seen ; therefore I pray thee save thyself
an thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had great tra-
vail, and I dread we dwell over long from the siege, for it
is but hence seven mile, and all perilous passages we are
passed save all only this passage, and there I dread me sore
lest ye shall catch some hurt ; therefore I would ye were
hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this strong
knight. But I let you wit this Sir Persant of Inde is nothing
of might nor strength unto the knight that laid the siege
about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, be it as
it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will
prove his might or I depart from him, and else I shall be
shamed an I now withdraw me from him. And therefore,
94 OF SIR GARETH
damosel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I shall so
deal with this knight that within two hours after noon 1
shall deliver him. And then shall we come to the siege by
daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said the damosel, what
manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that
ye be come of a noble blood, for so foul nor shamefully did
never woman rule a knight as I have done you, and ever
courteously ye have suffered me, and that came never but
of a gentle blood.
Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that
may not suffer a damosel, for whatsomever ye said unto
me I took none heed to your words, for the more ye said
the more ye angered me, and my wrath I wreaked upon
them that I had ado withal. And therefore all the mis-
saying that ye missaid me furthered me in my battle, and
caused me to think to show and prove myself at the end
what I was ; for peradventure though I had meat in King
Arthur's kitchen, yet I might have had meat enough in
other places, but all that I did it for to prove and assay my
friends, and that shall be known another day; and whether
that I be a gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair damo-
sel, I have done you gentleman's service, and peradventure
better service yet will I do or I depart from you. Alas, she
said, fair Beaumains, forgive me all that I have missaid or
done against thee. With all my heart, said he, I forgive
it you, for ye did nothing but as ye should do, for all your
evil words pleased me ; and damosel, said Beaumains, since
it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit ye well it gladdeth
my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight
living but I am able enough for him.
With this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they
BEAUMAINS FIGHTS SIR PERSANT 95
hoved in the field, and knightly he sent to them whether
he came in war or in peace. Say to thy lord, said Beau-
mains, I take no force, but whether as him list himself. So
the messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him
all his answer. Well then will I have ado with him to the
utterance, and so he purveyed him and rode against him.
And Beaumains saw him and made him ready, and there
they met with all that ever their horses might run, and brast
their spears either in three pieces, and their horses rushed so
together that both their horses fell dead to the earth ; and lightly
they avoided their horses and put their shields afore them,
and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that
sometime they hurtled together that they fell grovelling
on the ground. And at the last Beaumains smote Sir Persant
above upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to the earth ; and
then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to
have slain him.
Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With
that came the damosel and prayed to save his life. I will
well, for it were pity this noble knight should die. Gramercy,
said Persant, gentle knight and damosel. For certainly
now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother the Black
Knight at the black thorn ; he was a full noble knight, his
name was Sir Pereard. Also I am sure that ye are he that
won mine other brother the Green Knight, his name was Sir
Pertolepe. Also ye won my brother the Red Knight, Sir
Perimones. And now since ye have won these, this shall I
do for to please you : ye shall have homage and fealty of me,
and an hundred knights to be always at your command-
ment, to go and ride where ye will command us. And
so they went unto Sir Persant's pavilion and drank the wine,
96 OF SIR GARETH
and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant made him to rest
upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed again.
OF THE GOODLY COMMUNICATION BE-
TWEEN SIR PERSANT AND BEAUMAINS,
AND HOW THE LADY THAT WAS BE-
SIEGED HAD WORD FROM HER SISTER THAT
SHE HAD BROUGHT A KNIGHT TO FIGHT FOR
HER. And so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains
heard mass and brake their fast, and so took their leave. Fair
damosel, said Persant, whitherward are ye way-leading this
knight ? Sir, she said, this knight is going to the siege that
besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous. Ah, ah, said
Persant, that is the Knight of the Red Laund, the which
is the most perilous knight that I know now living, and a
man that is without mercy, and men say that he hath seven
men's strength. God save you, said he to Beaumains, from
that knight, for he doth great wrong to that lady, and that
is great pity, for she is one of the fairest ladies of the world,
and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister : is not your
name Linet ? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my
sister's name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said
Sir Persant, this Red Knight of the Red Laund hath lain
long at the siege, well-nigh this two years, and many times
he might have had her an he had would, but he prolongeth
the time to this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to
do battle with him, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis,
or Sir Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so long at the siege.
Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet,
I require you that ye will make this gentleman knight or ever
he fight with the Red Knight. I will with all my heart,
OF SIR PERSANT AND BEAUMAINS 97
said Sir Persant, an it please him to take the order of knight-
hood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said Beaumains,
I thank you for your good will, for I am better sped, for
certainly the noble knight Sir Launcelot made me knight.
Ah, said Sir Persant, of a more renowned knight might ye
not be made knight ; for of all knights he may be called chief
of knighthood; and so all the world saith, that betwixt
three knights is departed clearly knighthood, that is Launce-
lot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak de
Galis : these bear now the renown. Therefore God speed
you well, said Sir Persant, for an ye may match the Red
Knight ye shall be called the fourth of the world.
Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and
of knighthood. And I let you wit I came of good men,
for I dare say my father was a noble man, and so that ye
will keep it in close, and this damosel, I will tell you of what
kin I am. We will not discover you, said they both, till ye
command us, by the faith we owe unto God. Truly then,
said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot was
my father, and my mother is King Arthur's sister, her name
is Dame Morgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother, and
Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and I am the youngest of
them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine
what I am.
So the book saith that the lady that was besieged had
word of her sister's coming by the dwarf, and a knight with
her, and how he had passed all the perilous passages. What
manner a man is he ? said the lady. He is a noble knight,
truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a young man, but
he is as likely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he ? said
the damosel, and of what kin is he come, and of whom was
98 OF SIR GARETH
he made knight ? Madam, said the dwarf, he is the king's
son of Orkney, but his name I will not tell you as at this
time ; but wit ye well, of Sir Launcelot was he made
knight.
Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, there-
fore go thou in an hermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt
thou bear with thee of my wine in two flagons of silver, they
are of two gallons, and also two cast of bread with fat venison
baked, and dainty fowls ; and a cup of gold here I deliver
thee, that is rich and precious ; and bear all this to mine
hermitage, and put it in the hermit's hands. And sithen
go thou unto my sister and greet her well, and commend
me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to eat and to
drink and make him strong, and say ye him I thank him
of his courtesy and goodness, that he would take upon him
such labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.
Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for
he shall meet with a full noble knight, but he is neither of
bounty, courtesy, nor gentleness ; for he attendeth unto
nothing but to murder, and that is the cause I cannot praise
him nor love him.
So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where
he found the damosel Linet and Sir Beaumains, and there
he told them all as ye have heard ; and then they took their
leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling hackney and con-
veyed them on their ways, and then beleft them to God ;
and so within a little while they came to that hermitage,
and there they drank the wine, and ate the venison and the
fowls baken.
BEAUMAINS COMES TO THE SIEGE 99
HOW BEAUMAINS BLEW A HORN,
AND THEN THE KNIGHT OF THE
RED LAUNDS CAME TO FIGHT
WITH HIM, AND HOW BEAUMAINS MADE HIM
YIELD TO THE LADY AND GO UNTO KING
ARTHUR'S COURT AND CRY SIR LAUNCELOT
MERCY, AND OF THE TROTH PLIGHT OF BEAU-
MAINS AND THE LADY. Upon the morn Beaumains
and the damosel Linet heard their mass and brake their fast.
And then they took their horses and came to a plain, and saw
where were many pavilions and tents, and a fair castle, and
there was much smoke and great noise ; and when they came
near the siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees, as he
rode, how there hung full goodly armed knights by the neck,
and their shields about their necks with their swords, and
gilt spurs upon their heels, and so there hung nigh a forty
knights shamefully with full rich arms.
Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said,
What meaneth this ? Fair sir, said the damosel, abate not
your cheer for all this sight, for ye must courage yourself,
or else ye be all shent, for all these knights came hither to
this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the
Red Knight of the Red Launds had overcome them, he put
them to this shameful death without mercy and pity. And in
the same wise he will serve you, but if you quit you the better.
Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villain-
ous death and shenship of arms. For rather than I should
so be faren withal, I would be slain manly in plain battle.
So were ye better, said the damosel ; for trust not, in him is
no courtesy, but all goeth to the death or shameful murder,
and that is pity, for he is a full noble knight of prowess.
ioo OF SIR GARETH
And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double
dyked with full warlike walls ; and there were lodged many
great lords nigh the walls ; and there was great noise of
minstrelsy ; and the sea beat upon the one side of the walls,
where were many ships and mariners' noise with "hale and
how." And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there
hung an horn, the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant's
bone ; and this Knight of the Red Launds had hanged it up
there, that if there came any errant-knight, he must blow that
horn, and then will he make him ready and come to him to do
battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel Linet, blow ye
not the horn till it be high noon, for now it is about prime,
and now increaseth his might, that as men say he hath seven
men's strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel, say ye never
so more to me ; for, an he were as good a knight as ever was,
I shall never fail him in his most might, for either I will win
worship worshipfully, or die knightly in the field. And
therewith he spurred his horse straight to the sycamore tree,
and blew so the horn eagerly that all the siege and the castle
rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of their
tents and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over
the walls and out at windows.
Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him
hastily, and two barons set on his spurs upon his heels, and
all was blood red, his armour, spear and shield. And an
earl buckled his helm upon his head, and then they brought
him a red spear and a red steed, and so he rode into a little
vale under the castle, that all that were in the castle and at
the siege might behold the battle.
Sir, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye
be glad and light, for yonder is your deadly enemy, and at
THE KNIGHT OF THE RED LAUNDS 101
yonder window is my lady sister, Dame Lionesse. Where ?
said Beaumains. Yonder, said the damosel, and pointed
with her finger. That is truth, said Beaumains. She be-
seemeth afar the fairest lady that ever I looked upon ; and
truly, he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to do
battle, for truly she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight.
And ever he looked up to the window with glad countenance,
and the Lady Lionesse made curtsey to him down to the
earth, with holding up both their hands.
With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to
Sir Beaumains, Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and behold
me, I counsel thee ; for I warn thee well she is my lady,
and for her I have done many strong battles. If thou have
so done, said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour,
for she loveth none of thy fellowship, and thou to love that
loveth not thee is but great folly. For an I understood
that she were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or
I did battle for her. But I understand by the besieging
of this castle she may forbear thy fellowship. And therefore
wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red Launds, I love
her, and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou that ?
said the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be
ware by yonder knights that thou sawest hang upon yonder
trees. Fie for shame, said Beaumains, that ever thou shouldest
say or do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself and knight-
hood, and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee that
knoweth thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest that
the sight of these hanged knights should fear me. Nay truly,
not so ; that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and
hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against
thee an thou wert a well-ruled knight. Make thee ready,
102 OF SIR GARETH
said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and talk no longer
with me.
Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him ; and
then they put their spears in their rests, and came together
with all their might that they had both, and either smote other
in midst of their shields that the paitrelles, surcingles, and
cruppers brast, and fell to the earth both, and the reins of
their bridles in their hands ; and so they lay a great while
sore astonied. Then they avoided their horses and put their
shields afore them, and drew their swords and ran together like
two fierce lions.
Thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would
stint, till at the last they lacked wind both ; and when they
had rested them a while they went to battle again, tracing,
racing, foining as two boars. And thus they endured till
evensong time, that there was none that beheld them might
know whether was like to win the battle ; and their armour
was so far hewn that men might see their naked sides ; and
in other places they were naked, but ever the naked places
they did defend. And the Red Knight was a wily knight
of war, and his wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be
wise ; but he abought it full sore ere he did espy his fighting.
And thus by assent of them both they granted either
other to rest; and so they set them down upon two mole-
hills there beside the fighting place, and either of them un-
laced his helm, and took the cold wind. And then when
Sir Beaumains' helm was off, he looked up to the window,
and there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and she made
him such countenance that his heart waxed light and jolly ;
and therewith he bade the Red Knight of the Red Launds
make him ready, and let us do the battle to the utterance.
BEAUMAINS OVERCOMES THE RED KNIGHT 103
I will well, said the knight, and then they laced up their
helms and fought freshly ; but the Red Knight of the Red
Launds awaited him, and at an overthwart smote him within
the hand, that his sword fell out of his hand ; and yet he gave
him another buffet upon the helm that he fell grovelling to
the earth, and the Red Knight fell over him, for to hold him
down.
Then cried the maiden Linet on high : O Sir Beaumains,
where is thy courage become ? Alas, my lady my sister
beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth, that maketh
mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her say so,
he abraid up with a great might and gat him upon his feet,
and lightly he leapt to his sword and gripped it in his hand, and
doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and there they fought
a new battle together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his
strokes, and smote so thick that he smote the sword out of
his hand, and then he smote him upon the helm that he fell to
the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him, and unlaced his
helm to have slain him ; and then he yielded him and asked
mercy, and said with a loud voice : O noble knight, I yield
me to thy mercy.
Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights
that the Red Knight had made to be hanged shamefully,
and then he said : I may not with my worship save thy life,
for the shameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good
knights to die. Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds,
hold your hand and ye shall know the causes why I put
them to so shameful a death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains.
Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair damosel, and she had her brother
slain ; and she said it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir
Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I loved her heartily,
104 OF SIR GARETH
that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knight-
hood, for to labour daily in arms until I met with one of them ;
and all that I might overcome I should put them unto a villain-
ous death ; and this is the cause that I have put all these
knights to death, and so I ensured her to do all the villainy
unto King Arthur's knights, and that I should take vengeance
upon all these knights
Then came there many earls, and barons, and noble
knights, and prayed that knight to save his life, and take him
to your prisoner. Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I
am full loath to slay this knight, nevertheless he hath done
passing ill and shamefully ; but insomuch all that he did was
at a lady's request I blame him the less ; and so for your sake
I will release him that he shall have his life upon this covenant,
that he go within the castle, and yield him there to the lady,
and if she will forgive and quit him, I will well ; with this he
make her amends of all the trespass he hath done against her
and her lands. And also, when that is done, that ye go unto
the court of King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir Launcelot
mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against
them. Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, all this
will I do as ye command, and siker assurance and borrows ye
shall have. And so then when the assurance was made, he
made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons
with him.
And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and
unarmed him and searched his wounds, and stinted his
blood, and in like wise she did to the Red Knight of the
Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in their
tents ; and the Red Knight made his lords and servants
to do all the pleasure that they might unto Sir Beaumains.
OF THE QUEEN OF ORKNEY 105
And so within a while the Red Knight of the Red Launds
went unto the castle, and put him in her grace. And so she
received him upon sufficient surety, so all her hurts were well
restored of all that she could complain. And then came forth
Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there she made Sir
Gareth passing good cheer, and he her again ; and they had
goodly language and lovely countenance together. And then
she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden
with him many wildsome ways. Then was Sir Gareth more
gladder than he was to-fore. And then they troth-plight
each other to love and never to fail whiles their life lasteth.
HOW THE QUEEN OF ORKNEY CAME
TO KING ARTHUR'S COURT, AND HOW
KING ARTHUR SENT FOR DAME LIO-
NESSE AND OF THE TOURNEY HELD AT
HER CASTLE. So turn we unto King Arthur,
that at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast.
And there came the Green Knight with thirty knights and
yielded them all unto King Arthur. And so there came the
Red Knight, his brother, and yielded him to King Arthur and
threescore knights with him. Also there came the Blue
Knight, brother to them, with an hundred knights. These
three brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by
a knight that a damosel had with her, and called him Beau-
mains. I marvel, said the King, what knight he is and of what
lineage he is come. He was with me a twelvemonth and
poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn
named him Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talk-
ing with these three brethren there came Sir Launcelot du
Lake and told the king there was come a goodly lord with
106 OF SIR GARETH
five hundred knights with him. Then the king went out of
Carlion, for there was the feast, and there came to him this
lord, and saluted the king in the most goodly manner. Sir,
he said, my name is the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and
I am sent to you of a knight that is called Beaumains, for he
won me in pleyn battle, and both I and these five hundred
knights shall always be at your summons to do you service
as may lie in our powers. Well, my fair lords, said King
Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of Sir
Beaumains. So then the king and they went to meat, and
were served in the best manner. And as they sat at the meat,
there came in the Queen of Orkney, with ladies and knights a
great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, and
Gaheris arose, and went to her and saluted her upon their knees,
and asked her blessing ; for in fifteen year they had not seen
her. Then she spake on high to her brother King Arthur:
Where have ye done my young son Sir Gareth ? He was here
amongst you a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen knave of
him, the which is shame to you all. Alas, where have ye
done my dear son that was my joy and bliss ? O dear mother,
said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that
now me repenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worship-
ful knight as any is now living of his years, and I shall never
be glad till I may find him.
Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto
Sir Gawaine, and to all her sons, ye did yourself great shame
when ye amongst you kept my son in the kitchen and fed
him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said King Arthur, ye shall
right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine,
nor his brethren ; but sithen it is so, said the king, that he
is thus gone from us all, we must shape a remedy to find him.
HOW LIONESSE CRIED A TOURNEY 107
So then goodly letters were made, and a messenger sent
forth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle
Perilous. And then the lady Dame Lionesse was sent for.
And when she understood this message, she bade him ride on
his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after in all
goodly haste.
So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur,
where she was nobly received, and there she was sore ques-
tioned of the king and of the Queen of Orkney. And she
answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not tell. But thus
much she said unto Arthur : Sir, I will let cry a tournament
that shall be done before my castle at the Assumption of our
Lady, and the cry shall be this : that you, my lord Arthur,
shall be there, and your knights, and I will purvey that my
knights shall be against yours ; and then I am sure ye shall
hear of Sir Gareth. This is well advised, said King Arthur ;
and so she departed. And the king and she made great
provision to that tournament.
And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scot-
land, Ireland, Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in
Brittany and in many countries ; that at the feast of our Lady
the Assumption next coming, men should come to the Castle
Perilous beside the Isle of Avilion ; and there all the knights
that there came should have the choice whether them list to
be on the one party with the knights of the castle, or on the
other party with King Arthur. And two months was to the
day that the tournament should be. And so there came
many good knights that were at their large, and held them
for the most part against King Arthur and his knights of the
Round Table and came on the side of them of the castle.
And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red
io8 OF SIR GARETH
Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother,
and Sir Gringamore, that in no wise there should none of
them tell not his name, and make no more of him than of the
least knight that there was, For, he said, I will not be known of
neither more nor less, neither at the beginning neither at the
ending. Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth : Sir,
I will lend you a ring, but I would pray you as you love me
heartily let me have it again when the tournament is done,
for that ring increaseth my beauty much more than it is of
itself. And the virtue of my ring is that that is green it will
turn to red, and that is red it will turn in likeness to green,
and that is blue it will turn to likeness of white, and that is
white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it will do of all
manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall lose
no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring.
Gramercy, said Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is pass-
ing meet for me, for it will turn all manner of likeness that
I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not be known.
And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins
were done, there were heralds with trumpets commanded
to blow to the field. And so there came out Sir Tristram,
Sir Sadok, and Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and there en-
countered Sir Tristram with Sir Bedivere, and there Sir
Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man.
And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir
Sadok was overthrown. And there Uwaine les Avoutres
smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal. Then came in Sir
Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encountered
with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir
Persant, horse and man, to the earth. Then came Sir Perto-
lepe, the Green Knight, and smote down Sir Lionel, brother
OF THE KNIGHTS IN BATTLE 109
to Sir Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who
bare him best, and their names.
And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red
Knight, Sir Persant's brother, that was a knight of the castle,
and he encountered with Sir Ector de Maris, and either smote
other so hard that both their horses and they fell to the earth.
And then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir
Gareth, from the castle, and there encountered with them Sir
Bors de Ganis and Sir Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight and
Sir Bors either smote other so hard that their spears brast, and
their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then Sir Bleoberis
brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleo-
beris fell to the earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade
Sir Gareth keep him, and Sir Gareth smote him to the earth.
Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge his brother, and in the
same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinadan and his
brother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and
Sir Dodinas le Savage. All these he bare down with one spear.
When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so,
he marvelled what he might be that one time seemed green,
and another time, at his again coming, he seemed blue. And
thus at every course that he rode to and fro he changed his
colour, so that there might neither king nor knight have ready
cognisance of him. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of Ireland,
encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him
from his horse, saddle and all. And then came King Carados
of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man.
And in the same wise he served King Uriens of the land of
Gore. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on
high : Knight with the many colours, well hast thou jousted ;
now make thee ready that I may joust with thee. Sir Gareth
no OF SIR GARETH
heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so they encountered
together, and there the prince brake his spear ; but Sir Gareth
smote him upon the left side of the helm that he reeled here and
there, and he had fallen down had not his men recovered him.
That same knight with the many colours is a good knight,
said King Arthur. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir
Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with that knight.
Sir, said Launcelot, I may well find in my heart for to forbear
him as at this time, for he hath had travail enough this day ;
and when a good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no
good knight's part to let him of his worship, and namely,
when he seeth a knight hath done so great labour ; for per-
adventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this day, and
peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be
here ; for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do
great deeds, and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me,
this day he shall have the honour ; though it lay in my power
to put him from it I would not.
Then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his
helm ; and then said his dwarf : Give me your ring, that ye
lose it not while that ye drink. And so when he had drunk he
gat on his helm, and eagerly took his horse and rode into the
field, and left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf was
glad the ring was from him, for then he wist well he should be
known. And then when Sir Gareth was in the field all folks
saw him well and plainly that he was in yellow colours ; and
there he rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King
Arthur had marvel what knight he was, for the king saw by
his hair that it was the same knight. But before he was in
so many colours, and now he is but in one colour; that is
yellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and
HOW THE HERALDS DISCOVER SIR GARETH in
ride about him, and espy what manner knight he is, for I
have spered of many knights this day that be upon his party,
and all say they know him not. And so an herald rode nigh
Gareth as he could ; and there he saw written about his
helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney. Then
the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with
him : This is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms ;
wherby all kings and knights of Arthur's beheld him and
awaited ; and then they pressed all to behold him, and ever
the heralds cried : This is Sir Gareth of Orkney, King Lot's
son. And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered,
then he doubled his strokes, and smote down Sir Sagramore,
and his brother Sir Gawaine. O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I
weened ye would not have stricken me.
So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there,
and so with great pain he gat out of the press, and there
he met with his dwarf. O boy, said Sir Gareth, thou hast
beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my ring; give it
me anon again, that I may hide my body withal ; and so
he took it him. And then they all wist not where he was
become ; and Sir Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir
Gareth rode, and then he rode after with all his might. That
espied Sir Gareth, and rode lightly into the forest, that Sir
Gawaine wist not where he was become. And then fell there
a thunder and a rain, as heaven and earth should go together.
And Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for of all that day he
had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. So this Sir
Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And
ever it lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At
the last by fortune he came to a castle, and there he heard
the waits upon the walls.
ii2 OF SIR GARETH
HOW SIR GARETH CAME TO A CASTLE
WHERE HE WAS WELL LODGED, AND
HOW HE JOUSTED WITH THE LORD
OF THE CASTLE, AND HOW SIR
GARETH AND SIR GAWAINE FOUGHT
EACH AGAINST OTHER AND KNEW
EACH OTHER BY THE DAMOSEL LINET. Then Sir
Gareth rode unto the barbican, and prayed the porter fair to
let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly again,
and said, Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so,
for I am a knight of King Arthur's, and pray the lord or the
lady of this castle to give me harbour for the love of King
Arthur. Then the porter went unto the duchess, and told
her how there was a knight of King Arthur's would have har-
bour. Let him in, said the duchess, for I will see that knight,
and for King Arthur's sake he shall not be harbourless. Then
she went up into a tower over the gate, with great torch-light.
When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high :
Whether thou be lord or lady, giant or champion, I take no
force so that I may have harbour this night ; and if it so be
that I must needs fight, spare me not to-morn when I have
rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary. Sir knight,
said the lady, thou speakest knightly and boldly; but wit
thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur, nor
none of his court, for my lord hath ever been against him ;
and therefore thou were better not to come within this castle ;
for an thou come in this night, thou must come in under such
form, that wheresomever thou meet my lord, by stigh or by
street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner. Madam,
said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his name ?
Sir, my lord's name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam,
HOW SIR GARETH CAME TO A CASTLE 113
said Sir Gareth, I shall promise you in what place I meet
your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace ; with
that I understand he will do me no harm : and if I under-
stand that he will, I will release myself, an I can, with my
spear and my sword. Ye say well, said the duchess ; and then
she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall,
and there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable ;
and in the hall he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not
out of this hall this night ; and when it is daylight, let see
who will have ado with me, he shall find me ready. Then
was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes. Then
Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and
eagerly ; there was many a fair lady by him, and some
said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well of eating.
Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly when
he had supped his bed was made there ; so he rested him
all night.
And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and
took his leave at the duchess, and at them all ; and thanked
her goodly of her lodging, and of his good cheer. So Sir
Gareth departed and rode up into a mountain, and there he
found a goodly knight that bade him, Abide sir knight, and
joust with me. What are ye ? said Sir Gareth. My name
is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye are the same
knight that I lodged in your castle ; and there I made promise
unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Make thee
ready, said the duke, for I will have ado with you. So they
let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote the duke down
from his horse. But the duke lightly avoided his horse, and
dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth
alight and fight with him. So he did alight, and they did
n 4 OF SIR GARETH
great battle together more than an hour, and either hurt other
full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to the earth,
and then he yield him to him. Then must ye go, said Sir
Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast, and say
that I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall
be done, said the duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty
with an hundred knights with me ; and all the days of my life
to do you service where ye will command me.
So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone ;
and there he saw an armed knight coming toward him. Then
Sir Gareth took the duke's shield, and mounted upon horse-
back, and so without biding they ran together as it had been
the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir Gareth under
the side with his spear. And then they alighted and drew
their swords, and gave great strokes that the blood trailed
to the ground. And so they fought two hours.
At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men
called the damosel Savage, riding upon an ambling mule;
and there she cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine,
leave thy fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth. And when he
heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword, and
.ran to Sir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled
down and asked him mercy. What are ye, said Sir Gareth,
that right now were so strong and so mighty, and now so
suddenly yield you to me ? O Gareth, I am your brother Sir
Gawaine, that for your sake have had great sorrow and labour.
Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him,
and asked him mercy. Then they rose both, and embraced
either other in their arms, and wept a great while ere they
might speak, and either of them gave other the prize of the
battle. And there were many kind words between them.
GARETH AND GAWAINE ENCOUNTER 115
Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I. owe of right
to worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have wor-
shipped King Arthur and all his court, for ye have sent him
more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the best
of the Round Table have done, except Sir Launcelot.
Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet,
that rode with Sir Gareth so long, and there she did staunch
Sir Gareth's wounds and Sir Gawaine's. Now what will ye
do ? said the damosel Savage ; meseemeth that it were well
done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses
are so brised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel,
said Sir Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle,
King Arthur, and tell him what adventure is to me betid here,
and I suppose he will not tarry long. Then she took her mule,
and lightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile
thence. And when she had told him tidings the king bade
get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade
the lords and ladies come after, who that would ; and there
was saddling and bridling of queens' horses and princes'
horses, and well was him that soonest might be ready.
So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir
Gawaine and Sir Gareth sit upon a little hill-side, and then
the king avoided his horse. Wit ye well the king made
great joy, and many a piteous complaint he made to Sir
Gareth, and ever he wept as he had been a child. With
that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, Dame Morgawse,
and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might
not weep, but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a
great while like as she had been dead. And then Sir Gareth
recomforted his mother in such wise that she recovered and
made good cheer.
ii6 OF SIR GARETH
OF THE WEDDING OF SIR GARETH AND
DAME LIONESSE AND OF THE OFFICERS
MADE AT THE FEAST. Then said King Arthur
unto the damosel Savage : I marvel that your sister, Dame
Lionesse, cometh not to visit her knight, my nephew Sir
Gareth, that hath had so much travail for her love. My
lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good grace hold
her excused, for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir Gareth,
is here. Go then for her, said King Arthur, that we may be
appointed what is best to be done, according to the pleasure
of my nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and
so she rode unto her sister. And as lightly as she might she
made her ready ; and she came on the morn with her brother
Sir Gringamore, and with her forty knights. And so when she
was come she had all the cheer that might be done, both of
the king, and of many other kings and queens.
And among all these ladies she was named the fairest,
and peerless. Then the king asked his nephew, Sir Gareth,
whether he would have that lady to his wife. My lord, wit
you well that I love her above all ladies living. Now, fair
lady, said King Arthur, what say ye ? Most noble King, said
Dame Lionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to
me more liefer to have and wield as my husband, than any
king or prince that is christened ; and if I may not have him
I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord Arthur,
said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he
shall be the last ; and if ye will suffer him to have his will and
free choice I dare say he will have me. That is truth, said
Sir Gareth ; an I have not you and wield not you as my wife,
there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice me. What,
nephew, said the king, is the wind in that door ? for wit ye
OF THE WEDDING OF SIR GARETH 117
well I would not for the stint of my crown to be causer to
withdraw your hearts ; and wit ye well ye cannot love so
well but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also
ye shall have my love and my lordship in the uttermost
wise that may lie in my power. And in the same wise said
Sir Gareth's mother.
Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage ;
and by the king's advice it was provided that it should be
at Michaelmas following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside,
for there is a plentiful country. And so it was cried in all
the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent
his summons to all these knights and ladies that he had won
in battle to-fore, that they should be at his day of marriage
at Kink Kenadon by the sands. And then Dame Lionesse,
and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode to their
castle ; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth,
and he gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich
pair of beads of gold ; and so she departed ; and King Arthur
and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir Gareth
brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again
and rode with him. Lord ! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot
made of Sir Gareth and he of him, for there was never no
knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir Launcelot ;
and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot's
company; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine's
conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir
Gawaine's, fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he
hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hated Sir
Gareth.
So it drew fast to Michaelmas ; and thither came Dame
Lionesse, the lady of the Castle Perilous, and her sister,
ii8 OF SIR GARETH
Dame Linet, with Sir Gringamore, her brother, with them,
for he had the conduct of these ladies. And there they
were lodged at the device of King Arthur. And upon
Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury made the wedding
betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solem-
nity. And King Arthur made Gaheris to wed the Damosel
Savage, that was Dame Linet ; and King Arthur made Sir
Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse's niece, a fair lady, her name
was Dame Laurel.
And so when this solemnization was done, then came in
the Green Knight, Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights, and
there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and these knights
to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolepe said : I pray
you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain. With a
good will, said Sir Gareth, sith it liketh you to take so simple
an office. Then came in the Red Knight, with three score
knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty,
and all those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then
this Sir Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his
chief butler at that high feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth,
that ye have this office, and it were better. Then came in
Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights with him, and
there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights should do
him service, and hold their lands of him for ever ; and there
he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewer-chief at the feast.
I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it, and it were better.
Then came the Duke de la Rowse, with an hundred knights
with him, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth,
and so to hold their lands of him for ever. And he required
Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine that day of
that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it were better.
OF THE JOUSTS AT THE FEAST 119
Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was
Sir Ironside, and he brought with him five hundred knights,
and there he did homage and fealty, and all these knights
to hold their lands of him for ever. And then he asked Sir
Gareth to be his carver. I will well, said Sir Gareth, an
it please you.
So then the kings and queens, princes and earls, barons
and many bold knights, went unto meat ; and well may ye
wit there were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner
revels and games, with all manner of minstrelsy that was
used in those days. Also there was great jousts three days.
But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust, because
of his new bride ; for, as the French book saith, that Dame
Lionesse desired of the king that none that were wedded
should joust at that feast.
OF SIR TRISTRAM
HOW SIR TRISTRAM DE LIONES
WAS BORN, AND HOW HIS
MOTHER DIED AT HIS BIRTH,
WHEREFORE SHE NAMED HIM
TRISTRAM, AND HOW HIS
STEPMOTHER WOULD HAVE
POISONED HIM AND HOW HE
WAS SENT INTO FRANCE. It was
a king that hight Meliodas, and he was
lord and king of the country of Liones,
and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was that time
living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark's sister of
Cornwall, and she was called Elizabeth, that was called both
good and fair.
So the time came when she should bear a child, and she
was a full meek lady, and well she loved her lord, and he
her again, so there was great joy betwixt them. Then there
was a lady in that country that had loved King Meliodas
long, and by no mean she never could get his love ; there-
fore she let ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode
a-hunting, for he was a great chaser, and there by an enchant-
ment she made him chase an hart by himself alone till that
he came to an old castle and there anon he was taken prisoner
120
OF SIR TRISTRAM 121
by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King Meliodas'
wife, missed her lord, she was nigh out of her wit, and she
took a gentlewoman with her, and ran into the forest to seek
her lord. And when she was far in the forest she might no
farther, for she began to travail fast of her child ; and so by
miracle of Our Lady of Heaven she was delivered with great
pains. But she had taken such cold for the default of help
that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must
die and depart out of this world ; there was none other bote.
And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none
other bote, then she made great dole, and said unto her
gentlewoman : When ye see my lord, King Meliodas, recom-
mend me unto him, and tell him what pains I endure here
for his love, and how I must die here for his sake for default
of good help ; and let him wit that I am full sorry to depart
out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be friend
to my soul. Now let me see my little child, for whom I
have had all this sorrow. And when she saw him she said
thus : Ah, my little son, thou hast murdered thy mother, and
therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer so young, thou
art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And because
I shall die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman,
that thou pray my lord, King Meliodas, that when he is
christened let call him Tristram, that is as much to say as a
sorrowful birth. And therewith this queen gave up the ghost
and died. Then the gentlewoman laid her under an umbre
of a great tree, and then she lapped the child as well as she
might for cold. Right so there came the barons, following
after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, then
they let carry home the dead queen, and much dole was made
for her.
122 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas
out of prison on the morn after his queen was dead. But
the sorrow that the king made for his queen that might no
tongue tell. So then the king let inter her richly, and after
he let christen his child as his wife had commanded afore
her death. And then he let call him Tristram, the sorrowful
born child. Then the King Meliodas endured seven years
without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well.
Then it befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell's
daughter of Brittany, and anon she had children of King
Meliodas : then was she heavy and wroth that her children
should not rejoice the country of Liones, wherefore this
queen ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let
poison be put in a piece of silver in the chamber whereas
Tristram and her children were together, unto that intent
that when Tristram was thirsty he should drink that drink.
And so it fell upon a day, the queen's son, as he was in that
chamber, espied the piece with poison, and he weened it had
been good drink, and because the child was thirsty he took the
piece with poison and drank freely ; and therewithal suddenly
the child brast and was dead.
When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son,
wit ye well that she was heavy. But yet the king understood
nothing of her treason. Notwithstanding the queen would
not leave this, but eft she let ordain more poison, and put it
in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her husband,
found the piece with wine where was the poison, and he that
was much thirsty took the piece for to drink thereout. And
as he would have drunken thereof the queen espied him, and
then she ran unto him, and pulled the piece from him suddenly.
The king marvelled why she did so, and remembered him how
OF THE STEPMOTHER OF TRISTRAM 123
her son was suddenly slain with poison. And then he took
her by the hand, and said : Thou false traitress, thou shalt tell
me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee.
And therewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great
oath that he should slay her but if she told him truth. Ah !
mercy, my lord, said she, and I shall tell you all. And then
she told him why she would have slain Tristram, because her
children should rejoice his land. Well, said King Meliodas,
and therefore shall ye have the law. And so she was con-
demned by the assent of the barons to be burnt ; and then was
there made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire to take
her execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas,
and besought him to give him a boon. I will well, said the
king again. Then said young Tristram, Give me the life of
thy queen, my stepmother. That is unrightfully asked, said
King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate her, for she
would have slain thee with that poison an she might have had
her will ; and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die.
Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your
mercy that you will forgive it her, and as for my part, God
forgive it her, and I do ; and so much it liked your highness
to grant me my boon, for God's love I require you hold your
promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will that ye have
her life. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and go ye
to the fire and take her, and do with her what ye will. So
Sir Tristram went to the fire, and by the commandment of
the king delivered her from the death. But after that King
Meliodas would not suffer young Tristram to abide no longer
in his court.
And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned
and taught, his name was Gouvernail ; and then he sent
i2 4 OF SIR TRISTRAM
young Tristram with Gouvernail into France to learn the
language, and nurture, and deeds of arms. And there was
Tristram more than seven years. And then when he well
could speak the language, and had learned all that he might
learn in that country, then he came home to his father, King
Meliodas, again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper
passing all other, that there was none such called in no country,
and so on harping and in instruments of music he applied
him in his youth for to learn.
And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured
ever in hunting and in hawking, so that never gentleman
more, that ever we heard read of. And as the book saith,
he began good measures of blowing of beasts of venery, and
beasts of chase, and all manner of vermin, and all these
terms we have yet of hawking and hunting. And therefore
the book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is called the
book of Sir Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentle-
men that bear old arms ought of right to honour Sir Tristram
for the goodly terms that gentlemen have and use, and
shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a manner all men
of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and
from a yeoman a villain. For he that gentle is will draw
him unto gentle tatches, and to follow the customs of noble
gentlemen.
Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was
big and strong, of the age of eighteen years. And then
the King Meliodas had great joy of Sir Tristram, and so
had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her life, because
Sir Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate him
more after, but loved him ever after, and gave Tristram many
great gifts ; for every estate loved him, where that he went.
HOW SIR MARHAUS ASKED TRUAGE 125
HOW SIR MARHAUS CAME OUT OF IRELAND
FOR TO ASK TRUAGE OF CORNWALL,
AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM ENTERPRIZED
TO FIGHT WITH HIM. Then it befell that King An-
guish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall for his tru-
age, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And all that time
King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years. And
King Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland
these words and answer, that they would none pay ; and bade
the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him we will
pay him no truage, but tell your lord, an he will always have
truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a trusty knight of his
land, that will fight for his right, and we shall find another
for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers
departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish under-
stood the answer of the messengers he was wonderly wroth.
And then he called unto him Sir Marhaus, the good knight,
that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the Table Round.
And this Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland.
Then the king said thus : Fair brother, Sir Marhaus, I pray
you go into Cornwall for my sake, and do battle for our truage
that of right we ought to have ; and whatsomever ye spend
ye shall have sufficiently, more than ye shall need. Sir, said
Marhaus, wit ye well that I shall not be loath to do battle in
the right of you and your land with the best knight of the
Table Round ; for I know them, for the most part, what be
their deeds ; and for to advance my deeds and to increase
my worship I will right gladly go unto this journey for our
right.
So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Mar-
haus, and he had all things that to him needed ; and so he
126 OF SIR TRISTRAM
departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in Cornwall even
fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark under-
stood that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland, then made
King Mark great sorrow when he understood that the good
and noble knight Sir Marhaus was come. For they knew no
knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time Sir
Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights
of the world. And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and
every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage
that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight
to fight with him for the truage. This manner of message
Sir Marhaus sent daily unto King Mark.
When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth, and
sore ashamed that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado
with Sir Marhaus of Ireland. As for that, said King Meliodas,
wit you well, son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one of
the best knights of the world, and Knight of the Table Round ;
and therefore I know no knight in this country that is able to
match with him. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that I am not made
knight ; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland,
God let me never have worship : an I were made knight I
should match him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give
me leave to ride to King Mark ; and, so ye be not displeased,
of King Mark will I be made knight. I will well, said King
Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you.
Then Sir Tristram thanked his father much. And then he
made him ready to ride into Cornwall.
In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters
of love from King Faramon of France's daughter unto Sir
Tristram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were
written many complaints of love ; but Sir Tristram had no
HOW SIR TRISTRAM WAS MADE KNIGHT 127
joy of her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent him
a little brachet that was passing fair. But when the king's
daughter understood that Sir Tristram would not love her,
as the book saith she died for sorrow. And then the same
squire that brought the letter and the brachet came again
unto Sir Tristram, as after ye shall hear in the tale.
So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his erne, King
Mark of Cornwall, and said : Sir, if ye will give me the order
of knighthood, I will do battle with Sir Marhaus. What are
ye, said the king, and from whence be ye come ? Sir, said
Tristram, I come from King Meliodas that wedded your sister,
and a gentleman wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld Sir
Tristram and saw that he was but a young man of age, but
he was passingly well made and big. Fair sir, said the king,
what is your name, and where were ye born ? Sir, said he
again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones was
I born. Ye say well, said the king ; and if ye will do this
battle I shall make you knight. Therefore I come to you, said
Sir Tristram, and for none other cause. But then King Mark
made him knight. And therewithal, anon as he had made him
knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters
that said that he had found a young knight ready for to take
the battle to the uttermost. It may well be, said Sir Marhaus ;
but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be of
blood royal, that is to say, other king's son, other queen's son,
born of a prince or princess.
When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram
de Liones and told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus.
Then said Sir Tristram : Sithen that he saith so, let him wit
that I am come of father side and mother side of as noble blood
as he is : for, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas'
128 OF SIR TRISTRAM
son, born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth, that died in
the forest in the birth of me. Fair nephew, said King Mark,
ye are welcome to me. Then in all the haste the king let horse
Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best manner that might
be had or gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark
sent unto Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit that a better born
man than he was himself should fight with him, and his name
is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and
born of King Mark's sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad
and blithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And
so by the assent of King Mark and of Sir Marhaus they let
ordain that they should fight within an island nigh Sir Mar-
haus' ships ; and so was Sir Tristram put into a vessel, both
his horse and he, and all that to him longed both for his body
and for his horse. And when King Mark and his barons of
Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such
a carriage to fight for the right of Cornwall, there was neither
man nor woman of worship but they wept to see and under-
stand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for their right.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM FOUGHT
AGAINST SIR MARHAUS AND
ACHIEVED HIS BATTLE, AND
HOW SIR MARHAUS FLED TO HIS
SHIP. So when Sir Tristram was arrived
within the island he looked to the farther
side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to the land ;
and under the shadow of the ships upon the land, there hoved
the noble knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir Tristram
commanded his servant Gouvernail to bring his horse to the
land, and dress his harness at all manner of rights. And then
HOW HE MEETS WITH SIR MARHAUS 129
when he had so done he mounted upon his horse ; and when
he was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed
upon his shoulder, Tristram asked Gouvernail, Where is this
knight that I shall have ado withal ? Sir, said Gouvernail,
see ye him not ? I weened ye had seen him ; yonder he
hoveth under the shadow of his ships on horseback, with his
spear in his hand and his shield upon his shoulder. That is
truth, said the noble knight, Sir Tristram, now I see him well
enough.
Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to
his vessel again : And commend me unto mine erne King
Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in this battle, for
to inter my body as him seemeth best ; and as for me, let
him wit that I will never yield me for cowardice ; and if I
be slain and flee not, then they have lost no truage for me ;
and if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid mine
erne never bury me in Christian burials. And upon thy life,
said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou not nigh this
island till that thou see me overcome or slain, or else that
I win yonder knight. So either departed from other sore
weeping.
And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus :
Young knight, Sir Tristram, what dost thou here ? me sore
repenteth of thy courage, for wit thou well I have matched
with the best knights of the world, and therefore by my counsel
return again unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and well-proved
knight, said Sir Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may not for-
sake thee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight.
And now wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast me to get
worship on thy body ; and if that I be not proved, I trust to
God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body, and
i 3 o OF SIR TRISTRAM
to deliver the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner
of truage from Ireland for ever.
When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would,
he said then thus again : Fair knight, sithen it is so that
thou castest to win worship of me, I let thee wit worship
may thou none lose by me if thou mayest stand me three
strokes ; for I let thee wit for my noble deeds, proved and
seen, King Arthur made me Knight of the Table Round.
Then they began to feutre their spears, and they met so
fiercely together that they smote either other down, both
horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram a great
wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided their
horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields
afore them. And then they lashed together as men that were
wild and courageous. Thus they fought still more than half
a day, and either were wounded passing sore. By then Sir
Tristram waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better
winded and bigger; and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir
Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet that it went through
his helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-
pan, and the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-
pan that Sir Tristram pulled thrice at his sword or ever he
might pull it out from his head ; and there Marhaus fell down
on his knees, the edge of Tristram's sword left in his brain-pan.
And suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his sword
and his shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his
way, and Sir Tristram had ever his shield and his sword.
And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him,
he said : Ah ! Sir Knight of the Round Table, why with-
drawest thou thee ? thou dost thyself and thy kin great
shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was never
HOW SIR TRISTRAM WAS HURT 131
proved, and rather than I should withdraw me from thee,
I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. Sir Marhaus
answered no word, but went his way sore groaning, and
anon he and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And
as soon as he came to the king, his brother, he let search
his wounds. And when his head was searched a piece of
Sir Tristram's sword was found therein, and might never
be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so he died of
Sir Tristram's sword ; and that piece of the sword the queen,
his sister, kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be
revenged an she might.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM WENT TO IRELAND
TO BE HEALED OF THE POISON OF HIS
WOUND AND THERE WAS PUT TO THE
KEEPING OF LA BEALE ISOUD, AND HOW HE
WON THE DEGREE AT A TOURNAMENT AND
MADE SIR PALAMIDES BEAR NO HARNESS OF
WAR FOR A YEAR. Now turn we again unto Sir Tris-
tram, that was sore wounded. Then anon came Gouvernail,
his man, with his vessel. And when Sir Tristram was come
unto the land, King Mark took him in his arms, and the king
and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led him into the castle of Tin-
tagil. And then was he searched in the best manner, and
laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he
wept heartily, and so did all his lords. So God me help, said
King Mark, I would not for all my lands that my nephew
died. So Sir Tristram lay there a month and more, and ever
he was like to die of that stroke that Sir Marhaus smote him
first with the spear. For, as the French book saith, the spear's
head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be whole.
I 3 2 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Then came there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she
said plainly that Sir Tristram should never be whole but if
he went in the same country that the venom came from, and
in that country should he be holpen or else never.
When King Mark understood that, .he let purvey for Sir
Tristram a fair vessel, well victualled, and therein was put
Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tristram
took his harp with him, and so he was put into the sea to
sail into Ireland ; and so by good fortune he arrived up
in Ireland, even fast by a castle where the king and the queen
was ; and at his arrival he sat and harped in his bed a merry
lay, such one heard they never none in Ireland before that
time.
And when it was told the king and the queen of such a
knight that was such an harper, anon the king sent for him,
and let search his wounds, and then asked him his name.
Then he answered, I am of the country of Liones, and
my name is Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle
as I fought for a lady's right. So God me help, said King
Anguish, ye shall have all the help in this land that ye may
have here ; but I let you wit, in Cornwall I had a great loss
as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world ;
his name was Marhaus, a full noble knight, and Knight of the
Table Round ; and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir
Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as he had
been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.
Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be
put in his daughter's ward and keeping, because she was a
noble surgeon. And when she had searched him she found
in the bottom of his wound that therein was poison, and so
she healed him within a while; and therefore Tramtrist
OF TRISTRAM AND LA BEALE ISOUD 133
cast great love to La Beale Isoud, for she was at that time
the fairest maid and lady of the world. And there Tramtrist
learned her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy
unto him. And at that time Sir Palamides, the Saracen,
was in that country, and well cherished with the king and
the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew unto La
Beale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her
passingly well. All that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew
he Sir Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man. And
wit you well Sir Tramtrist had great despite at Sir Palamides,
for La Beale Isoud told Tramtrist that Palamides was in will
to be christened for her sake. Thus was there great envy
betwixt Tramtrist and Sir Palamides.
Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts
and a great tournament for a lady that was called the Lady
of the Launds, and she was nigh cousin unto the king. And
what man won her, three days after he should wed her and
have all her lands. This cry was made in England, Wales,
Scotland, and also in France and in Brittany. It befell upon
a day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist, and told
him of this tournament. He answered and said : Fair lady,
I am but a feeble knight, and but late I had been dead had
not your good ladyship been. Now, fair lady, what would
ye I should do in this matter ? well ye wot, my lady, that I
may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will
ye not have ado at that tournament ? well I wot Sir Palamides
shall be there, and to do what he may ; and therefore Tram-
trist, I pray you for to be there, for else Sir Palamides is like
to win the degree. Madam, said Tramtrist, as for that, it
may be so, for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young
knight and late made ; and the first battle that I did it mis-
134 OF SIR TRISTRAM
happed me to be sore wounded as ye see. But an I wist ye
would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so
that ye will keep my counsel and let no creature have knowl-
edge that I shall joust but yourself, and such as ye will to
keep your counsel. My poor person shall I jeopard there
for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides shall know
when that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your
best, and as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall purvey horse
and armour for you at my device. As ye will so be it, said
Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your commandment.
So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a
black shield, and he overthrew many knights, that all the
people had marvel of him. For he put to the worse Sir
Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodinas
le Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and
Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Pala-
mides struck down to the earth. And then all manner of
knights were adread of Sir Palamides, and many called him
the Knight with the Black Shield. So that day Sir Palamides
had great worship.
Then came there the same squire that was sent from the
king's daughter to France unto Sir Tristram. And when he
had espied Sir Tristram he fell flat to his feet. All that espied
La Beale Isoud, what courtesy the squire made unto Sir
Tristram. And therewithal suddenly Sir Tristram ran unto
his squire, whose name was Hebes le Renoumes, and prayed
him heartily in no wise to tell his name. Sir, said Hebes, I
will not discover your name but if ye command me.
And on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready to come
into the field as he did the first day. And there he smote
down the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King
SIR TRISTRAM AND PALAMIDES 135
of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud ordained and well
arrayed Sir Tristram in white horse and harness. And right
so she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came into
the field as it had been a bright angel. And anon Sir Pala-
mides espied him, and therewith he feutred a spear unto
Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there Sir Tris-
tram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then
there was a great noise of people : and wit you well La Beale
Isoud was passing glad.
And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, he was
sore ashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him
out of the field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly
he rode after Sir Palamides and overtook him, and bade him
turn, for better he would assay him or ever he departed.
Then Sir Palamides turned him, and either lashed at other
with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir Tristram smote
down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head
that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him,
and do his commandment, or else he would slay him. When
Sir Palamides beheld his countenance, he dread his buffets
so, that he granted all his askings. Well said, said Sir Tris-
tram, this shall be your charge. First, upon pain of your
life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no
manner wise that ye draw not to her. Also this twelve-
month and a day that ye bear none armour nor none harness
of war. Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die. Alas,
said Palamides, for ever am I ashamed. Then he sware as
Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for despite and anger
Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw them away.
And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle and rode
privily unto the postern, where kept him La Beale Isoud,
i 3 6 OF SIR TRISTRAM
and there she made him good cheer, and thanked God of
his good speed. So anon, within a while, the king and the
queen understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir
Palamides ; then was he much made of, more than he was
before.
HOW THE QUEEN ESPIED THAT SIR
TRISTRAM HAD SLAIN HER BROTHER
SIR MARHAUS BY HIS SWORD, AND
IN WHAT JEOPARDY HE WAS, AND
HOW THE KING SUFFERED HIM TO
RETURN TO CORNWALL. Thus was Sir
Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the
queen, and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the
queen and La Beale Isoud made a bath for Sir Tramtrist.
And when he was in his bath the queen and Isoud, her daugh-
ter, roamed up and down in the chamber; and therewhiles
Gouvernail and Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the
queen beheld his sword thereas it lay upon his bed. And
then by unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it
a long while, and both they thought it a passing fair sword ;
but within a foot and an half of the point there was a great
piece thereof out-broken of the edge. And when the queen
espied that gap in the sword, she remembered her of a piece
of a sword that was found in the brain-pan of Sir Marhaus,
the good knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she
unto her daughter, La Beale Isoud, this is the same traitor
knight that slew my brother, thine erne. When Isoud heard
her say so she was passing sore abashed, for passing well she
loved Tramtrist, and full well she knew the cruelness of her
mother the queen.
SIR TRISTRAM IN JEOPARDY 137
Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber,
and sought her coffer, and there she took out the piece of
the sword that was pulled out of Sir Marhaus' head after
that he was dead. And then she ran with that piece of
iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she
put that piece of steel and iron unto the sword, it was as meet
as it might be when it was new broken. And then the queen
gripped that sword in her hand fiercely, and with all her
might she ran straight upon Tramtrist where he sat in his
bath, and there she had rived him through had not Sir Hebes
gotten her in his arms, and pulled the sword from her, and
else she had thrust him through.
Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King
Anguish, her husband, and said on her knees : O my lord,
here have ye in your house that traitor knight that slew my
brother and your servant, that noble knight, Sir Marhaus.
Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he ? Sir, she
said, it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter
healed. Alas, said the king, therefore am I right heavy, for
he is a full noble knight as ever I saw in field. B.ut I charge
you, said the king to the queen, that ye have not ado with
that knight, but let me deal with him.
Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist,
and then was he gone unto his chamber, and the king found
him all ready armed to mount upon his horse. When the
king saw him all ready armed to go unto horseback, the king
said : Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare thee against
me ; but thus much I shall do for my worship and for thy
love ; in so much as thou art within my court it were no
worship for me to slay thee : therefore upon this condition
I will give thee leave for to depart from this court in safety,
i 3 8 OF SIR TRISTRAM
so thou wilt tell me who was thy father, and what is thy
name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus, my brother.
Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth : my
father's name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother
hight Elizabeth, that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall ;
and my mother died of me in the forest, and because thereof
she commanded, or she died, that when I were christened
they should christen me Tristram ; and because I would not
be known in this country I turned my name and let me call
Tramtrist ; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought for my erne's
sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded many
years. And wit ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the
battle for the love of mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love
of the country of Cornwall, and for to increase mine honour ;
for that same day that I fought with Sir Marhaus I was made
knight, and never or then did I battle with no knight, and from
me he went alive, and left his shield and his sword behind.
Truly, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight
should, and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to
increase your worship as a knight should ; howbeit I may not
maintain you in this country with my worship, unless that I
should displease my barons, and my wife and her kin. Sir,
said Tristram, I thank you of your good lordship that I have
had with you here, and the great goodness my lady, your
daughter, hath shewed me, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, it
may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my
death, for in the parts of England it may happen I may do
you service at some season, that ye shall be glad that ever ye
shewed me your good lordship.
Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took
his leave of her. And then he told her all, what he was,
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND KING MARK 139
and how he had changed his name because he would not be
known, and how a lady told him that he should never be whole
till he came into this country where the poison was made,
wherethrough 1 was near my death had not your ladyship
been. O gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, full woe am I
of thy departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will
to. And therewithal she wept heartily. Madam, said Sir
Tristram, ye shall understand that my name is Sir Tristram
de Liones, son of King Meliodas and of his queen. And I
promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life
your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise
you there-against that I shall not be married this seven
years but by your assent ; and to whom that ye will I shall be
married him will I have, and he will have me if ye will consent.
And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave
him another ; and therewith he departed from her, leaving
her making great dole and lamentation.
So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with
good wind he arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall ; and when
there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole
of his wounds, thereof was King Mark passing glad, and so
were all the barons ; and w r hen Sir Tristram saw his time he
rode unto his father, King Meliodas, and there he had all
the cheer that the king and the queen could make him. And
then largely King Meliodas and his queen departed of their
lands and goods to Sir Tristram.
HOW KING MARK SENT SIR TRISTRAM
FOR LA BEALE ISOUD TOWARD IRELAND,
AND HOW BY FORTUNE HE ARRIVED
INTO ENGLAND AND FOUGHT FOR KING AN-
i 4 o OF SIR TRISTRAM
GUISH AGAINST SIR BLAMORE. Then King Mark
imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland for La
Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and
her goodness that King Mark said that he would wed her,
whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland
for him on message. So Sir Tristram departed and took the
sea with all his fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad
sea a tempest took him and his fellowship, and drove them
back into the coast of England ; and there they arrived fast
by Camelot, and when they were landed Sir Tristram set
up his pavilion.
Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis,
that were brethren, they had summoned the King Anguish
of Ireland for to come to Arthur's court upon pain of for-
feiture of King Arthur's good grace. And if the King of
Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the king
should lose his lands. So it happened that at the day assigned,
King Arthur neither Sir Launcelot might not be there for to
give the judgment, for King Arthur was with Sir Launcelot
at the Castle Joyous Garde. And so King Arthur assigned
King Carados and the King of Scots to be there that day as
judges. So when the kings were at Camelot King Anguish
of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was there
Sir Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of
treason, that he had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland
by treason. The king was sore abashed of his accusation, for-
why he was come at the summons of King Arthur, and ere
that he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was sent
after. And when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will,
he understood well there was none other remedy but to
answer him knightly ; for the custom was such in those days,
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND KING ANGUISH 141
that an any man were appealed of any treason or murder he
should fight body for body, or else to find another knight for
him. And all manner of murders in those days were called
treason.
So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was
passing heavy, for he knew Sir Blamore de Ganis that he was
a noble knight, and of noble knights come. Then the King
of Ireland was simply purveyed of his answer ; therefore the
judges gave him respite by the third day to give his answer.
So the king departed unto his lodging.
Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail,
his man, came and told him how that King Anguish of Ire-
land was come thither, and was summoned and appealed of
murder. These be the best tidings, said Sir Tristram, that
ever came to me this seven years, for now shall the King of
Ireland have need of my help ; for I daresay there is no
knight in this country that is not of Arthur's court dare do
battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis ; and for to win the love of
the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me ; and there-
fore Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.
Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland,
and saluted him fair. The king welcomed him and asked
him what he would. Sir, said Gouvernail, here is a knight
near hand that desireth to speak with you : he bade me say
he would do you service. What knight is he ? said the king.
Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram de Liones, that for your good
grace that ye showed him in your lands will reward you in
this country. Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon
and show me unto Sir Tristram. So the king took a little
hackney and but few fellowship with him, until he came unto
Sir Tristram's pavilion. And when Sir Tristram saw the
i 4 2 OF SIR TRISTRAM
king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup.
But the king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed
other in arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gra-
mercy of your great goodnesses showed unto me in your
marches and lands : and at that time I promised you to do
my service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle knight,
said the king unto Sir Tristram, now have I great need of
you, never had I so great need of no knight's help. How so,
my good lord ? said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you, said the
king : I am assummoned and appealed from my country for
the death of a knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir
Launcelot ; wherefore Sir Blamore de Ganis, brother to Sir
Bleoberis, hath appealed me to fight with him, outher to find
a knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these
that are come of King Ban's blood, as Sir Launcelot and these
other, are passing good knights, and hard men for to win in
battle as any that I know now living. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
for the good lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and for my
lady your daughter's sake, La Beale Isoud, I will take the
battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two
things : that one is that ye shall swear to me that ye are in
the right, that ye were never consenting to the knight's death ;
then, when that I have done this battle, if God give me grace
that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing
reasonable that I will ask of you. So God me help, said the
king, ye shall have whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said,
said Sir Tristram. Now make your answer that your cham-
pion is ready, for I shall die in your quarrel rather than to be
recreant.
So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the
kings that were that time as judges, and told them that he
SIR TRISTRAM FIGHTS SIR BLAMORE 143
had found his champion ready. Then by the commandment
of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir Tristram were
sent for to hear the charge. And when they were come
before the judges there were many kings and knights beheld
Sir Tristram, and much speech they had of him because that
he slew Sir Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-
jousted Sir Palamides the good knight. So when they had
taken their charge they withdrew them to make them ready
to do battle.
Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore:
Fair dear brother, remember of what kin we be come of,
and what a man is Sir Launcelot du Lake, neither farther
nor nearer but brother's children, and there was never none
of our kin that ever was shamed in battle ; and rather suffer
death, brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore,
have ye no doubt of me, for I shall never shame none of my
blood ; howbeit I am sure that yonder knight is called a
passing good knight, as of his time one of the world, yet shall
I never yield me, nor say the loath word : well may he happen
to smite me down with his great might of chivalry, but rather
shall he slay me than I shall yield me as recreant. God speed
you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him the mightiest
knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I
have had ado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore
de Ganis ; and therewith he took his horse at the one end of
the lists, and Sir Tristram at the other end of the lists, and so
they feutred their spears and came together as it had been
thunder ; and there Sir Tristram through great might smote
down Sir Blamore and his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir
Blamore avoided his horse and pulled out his sword and threw
his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight : For
144 OF SIR TRISTRAM
though an horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will
not fail me. And then Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed
him unto battle ; and there they lashed together strongly as
racing and tracing, foining and dashing, many sad strokes,
and at the last, Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamore such a buffet
upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side, and Sir
Tristram stood and beheld him.
Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus : Sir
Tristram de Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight,
and the best knight that ever I found, that thou wilt slay
me out, for I would not live to be made lord of all the earth,
for I have liefer die with worship than live with shame ; and
needs, Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou shalt
never win the field, for I will never say the loath word. And
therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, I require thee. When
Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what
to do with him ; he remembering him of both parties, of
what blood he was come, and for Sir Launcelot's sake he
would be loath to slay him ; and in the other party in no wise
he might not choose, but that he must make him to say the
loath word, or else to slay him.
Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings
that were judges, and there he kneeled down to-fore them,
and besought them for their worships, and for King Arthur's
and Sir Launcelot's sake, that they would take this matter in
their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it were
shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder lieth
should be slain ; for ye hear well, shamed will he not be,
and I pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for
me. And as for the king for whom I fight for, I shall require
him, as I am his true champion and true knight in this field,
SIR TRISTRAM SPARES SIR BLAMORE 145
that he will have mercy upon this good knight. So God me
help, said King Anguish, I will for your sake, Sir Tristram, be
ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my true knight ;
and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as
judges to take it in their hands. And the kings that were
judges called Sir Bleoberis to them, and asked him his advice.
My lords, said Bleoberis, though my brother be beaten, and
hath the worse through might of arms, I dare say, though Sir
Tristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart,
and I thank God he is not shamed this day ; and rather than
he should be shamed I require you, said Bleoberis, let Sir
Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings, for
his part adversary, both the king and the champion, have
pity of Sir Blamore's knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis,
I will right well as ye will.
Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him
goodly and treatable. And then, by all their advices,
Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir Blamore, and the
two brethren were accorded with King Anguish, and kissed
and made friends for ever. And then Sir Blamore and Sir
Tristram kissed together, and there they made their oaths
that they would never none of them two brethren fight with
Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same oath. And
for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved
Sir Tristram for ever.
Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave,
and sailed into Ireland with great noblesse and joy. So
when they were in Ireland the king let make it known through-
out all the land how and in what manner Sir Tristram had
done for him. Then the queen and all that there were made
the most of him that they might. But the joy that La Beale
146 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Isoud made of Sir Tristram there might no tongue tell, for
of all men earthly she loved him most.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEMANDED LA
BEALE ISOUD FOR KING MARK, AND
HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND ISOUD DRANK
THE LOVE DRINK, AND HOW SIR TRIS-
TRAM RESCUED ISOUD FROM SIR
PALAMIDES. Then upon a day King An-
guish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not
his boon, for whatsomever he had promised
him he should have it without fail. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
now is it time ; this is all that I will desire, that ye will give
me La Beale Isoud, your daughter, not for myself, but for
mine uncle, King Mark, that shall have her to wife, for so
have I promised him. Alas, said the king, I had liefer than
all the land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir,
an I did, then I were shamed for ever in this world, and false
of my promise. Therefore, said Sir Tristram, I pray you hold
your promise that ye promised me ; for this is my desire,
that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me into Cornwall
for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for that, said
King Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her
what it please you ; that is for to say if that ye list to wed her
yourself, that is me liefest, and if ye will give her unto King
Mark, your uncle, that is in your choice. So, to make short
conclusion, La Beale Isoud was made ready to go with Sir
Tristram, and Dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief
gentlewoman, with many other.
Then the queen, Isoud's mother, gave to her and Dame
Bragwaine, her daughter's gentlewoman, and unto Gouver-
OF THE WEDDING OF KING MARK 147
nail, a drink, and charged them that what day King Mark
should wed, that same day they should give him that drink,
so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, and then,
said the queen, I undertake either shall love other the days
of their life. So this drink was given unto Dame Bragwaine,
and unto Gouvernail. And then anon Sir Tristram took
the sea, and La Beale Isoud ; and when they were in their
eabin, it happed so that they were thirsty, and they saw a
little flasket of gold stand by them, and it seemed by the
colour and the taste that it was noble wine. Then Sir Tris-
tram took the flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud,
here is the best drink that ever ye drank, that Dame Brag-
waine, your maiden, and Gouvernail, my servant, have kept
for themselves. Then they laughed and made good cheer,
and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drink
that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But
by that their drink was in their bodies, they loved either other
so well that never their love departed for weal neither for woe.
Then Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came into Corn-
wall, and there all the barons met them. And anon King
Mark and La Beale Isoud were richly wedded with great
noblesse. Then was there great jousts and great tourney-
ing, and many lords and ladies were at that feast, and Sir
Tristram was most praised of all other.
Thus dured the feast long, and after the feast was done,
within a little while after, by the assent of two ladies that were
with Queen Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy for to de-
stroy Dame Bragwaine, that was maiden and lady unto La
Beale Isoud ; and she was sent into the forest for to fetch
herbs, and there she was met, and bound feet and hand to a
tree, and so she was bounden three days. And by fortune,
i 4 8 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Sir Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered
her from the death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside,
for to be recovered. When Isoud the queen missed her
maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy as ever was any
queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best : the cause
was for she came with her out of her country. And so upon
a day Queen Isoud walked into the forest to put away her
thoughts, and there she went herself unto a well and made
great moan. And suddenly there came Palamides to her,
and had heard all her complaint, and said : Madam Isoud,
an ye will grant me my boon, I shall bring to you Dame Brag-
waine safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of his
proffer that suddenly unadvised she granted all his asking.
Well, Madam, said Palamides, I trust to your promise, and if
ye will abide here half an hour I shall bring her to you. I
shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And Sir Palamides
rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again
with Dame Bragwaine ; but by her good will she would not
have come again, because for love of the queen she stood in
adventure of her life. Notwithstanding, half against her
will, she went with Sir Palamides unto the queen. And when
the queen saw her she was passing glad. Now, Madam,
said Palamides, remember upon your promise, for I have
fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I wot
not what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I
promised you largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you
none evil will I do. Madam, said Sir Palamides, as at this
time, ye shall not know my desire, but before my lord your
husband there shall ye know that I will have my desire that
ye have promised me. And therewith the queen departed,
and rode home to the king, and Sir Palamides rode after her.
HOW PALAMIDES DEMANDED ISOUD 149
And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he said:
Sir King, I require you, as ye be a righteous king, that ye
will judge me the right. Tell me your cause, said the king,
and ye shall have right. Sir, said Palamides, I promised your
Queen Isoud to bring again Dame Bragwaine that she had
lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant me a boon that
I would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement, she
granted me. What say ye, my lady ? said the king. It is as
he saith, said the queen ; to say thee sooth I promised him his
asking for love and joy that I had to see her. Well, Madam,
said the king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon he
would ask, I will well that ye perform your promise. Then,
said Palamides, I will that ye wit that I will have your queen
to lead her and govern her whereas me list. Therewith
the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir Tristram, and
deemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the
king answered : Take her with the adventures that shall
fall of it, for as I suppose thou wilt not enjoy her no while.
As for that, said Palamides, I dare right well abide the adven-
ture. And so, to make short tale, Sir Palamides took her by
the hand and said : Madam, grudge not to go with me, for
I desire nothing but your own promise. As for that, said
the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee, howbeit thou
hast me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I
shall be worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said
Sir Palamides, be it as it be may. So Queen Isoud was set
behind Palamides, and rode his way.
Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise
he could be found, for he was in the forest a-hunting; for
that was always his custom, but if he used arms, to chase
and to hunt in the forests. Alas, said the king, now I am
ISO OF SIR TRISTRAM
shamed for ever, that by mine own assent my lady and my
queen shall be devoured. Then came forth a knight, his
name was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir Tristram.
My lord, said this knight, sith ye have trust in my lord,
Sir Tristram, wit ye well for his sake I will ride after your
queen and rescue her, or else I shall be beaten. Gramercy,
said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I shall deserve it. And
then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as he
might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides.
And then Sir Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said
Palamides, art thou Tristram ? Nay, he said, I am his
servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus. That me repenteth,
said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir Tristram.
I believe you well, said Lambegus, but when thou meetest
with Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy hands full. And then
they hurtled together and all to-brast their spears, and then
they pulled out their swords, and hewed on helms and hau-
berks. At the last Sir Palamides gave Sir Lambegus such a
wound that he fell down like a dead knight to the earth.
Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was
gone he nist where. Wit ye well Sir Palamides was never
so heavy. So the queen ran into the forest, and there she
found a well, and therein she had thought to have drowned
herself. And as good fortune would, there came a knight
to her that had a castle thereby, his name was Sir Adtherp.
And when he found the queen in that mischief he rescued
her, and brought her to his castle. And when he wist what
she was he armed him, and took his horse, and said he would
be avenged upon Palamides ; and so he rode on till he met
with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore, and
by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND PALAMIDES 151
with him, and how he had led the queen unto his castle.
Now bring me there, said Palamides, or thou shalt die of my
hands. Sir, said Sir Adtherp, I am so wounded I may not
follow, but ride you this way and it shall bring you into my
castle, and there within is the queen. Then Sir Palamides
rode still till he came to the castle. And at a window La
Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides ; then she made the gates to
be shut strongly. And when he saw he might not come within
the castle, he put off his bridle and his saddle, and put his
horse to pasture, and set himself down at the gate like a man
that was out of his wit that recked not of himself.
Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come
home and wist La Beale Isoud was gone with Sir Palamides,
wit ye well he was wroth out of measure. Alas, said Sir
Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he cried to Gouver-
nail his man : Haste thee that I were armed and on horse-
back, for well I wot Lambegus hath no might nor strength
to withstand Sir Palamides : alas that I have not been in
his stead ! So anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram
and Gouvernail rode after into the forest, and within a while
he found his knight Lambegus almost wounded to the death ;
and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester, and charged him to
keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he found
Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen
would have drowned herself had he not been, and how for
her sake and love he had taken upon him to do battle with
Sir Palamides. Where is my lady ? said Sir Tristram. Sir,
said the knight, she is sure enough within my castle, an she
can hold her within it. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of thy
great goodness. And so he rode till he came nigh to that
castle ; and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat
152 OF SIR TRISTRAM
at the gate sleeping, and his horse pastured fast afore him.
Now go thou, Gouvernail, said Sir Tristram, and bid him
awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rode unto him
and said : Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine harness.
But he was in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail
said. So Gouvernail came again and told Sir Tristram he
slept, or else he was mad. Go thou again, said Sir Tristram,
and bid him arise, and tell him that I am here, his mortal
foe. So Gouvernail rode again and put upon him the butt
of his spear, and said : Sir Palamides, make thee ready, for
wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and sendeth thee
word he is thy mortal foe.
And therewithal Sir Palamides arose stilly, without words,
and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and lightly
he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred
their spears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram
smote down Sir Palamides over his horse's tail. Then lightly
Sir Palamides put his shield afore him and drew his sword.
And there began strong battle on both parts, for both they
fought for the love of one lady, and ever she lay on the walls
and beheld them how they fought out of measure, and either
were wounded passing sore, but Palamides was much sorer
wounded. Thus they fought tracing and traversing more
than two hours, that well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale
Isoud swooned. Alas, she said, that one I loved and yet do,
and the other I love not, yet it were great pity that I should
see Sir Palamides slain ; for well I know by that time the end
be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight : because he is
not christened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen.
And therewithal she came down and besought Sir Tristram
to fight no more. Ah, madam, said he, what mean you,
SIR TRISTRAM ACCUSED AS TRAITOR 153
will ye have me shamed ? Well ye know I will be ruled
by you. I will not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud, but
I would that ye would for my sake spare this unhappy Saracen
Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave fighting
at this time for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides :
This shall be your charge, that thou shalt go out of this
country while I am therein. I will obey your commandment,
said Sir Palamides, the which is sore against my will. Then take
thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court of King Arthur,
and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell her
that I send her word that there be within this land but four
lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake and Queen Guenever,
and Sir Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.
OF THE DEBATE OF KING MARK AND
SIR TRISTRAM, AND HOW SIR TRIS-
TRAM SMOTE DOWN SIR LAMORAK,
AND IN DESPITE OF SIR TRISTRAM
SIR LAMORAK SENT AN HORN TO
KING MARK. And so Sir Palamides de-
parted with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram
took the queen and brought her again to King
Mark, and then was there made great joy of
her home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram !
But ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram,
lay in a watch to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale
Isoud, for to take them and slander them. So upon a day Sir
Tristram talked with La Beale Isoud in a window, and that
espied Sir Andred, and told it to the King. Then King
Mark took a sword in his hand and came to Sir Tristram,
and called him false traitor, and would have stricken him.
154 OF SIR TRISTRAM
But Sir Tristram was nigh him, and ran under his sword,
and took it out of his hand. And then the King cried : Where
are my knights and my men ? I charge you slay this traitor.
But at that time there was not one would move for his
words. When Sir Tristram saw.that there was not one would
be against him, he shook the sword to the king, and made
countenance as though he would have stricken him. And
then King Mark fled, and Sir Tristram followed him, and
smote upon him five or six strokes flatting on the neck, that
he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram
went his way and armed him, and took his horse and his
man, and so he rode into that forest.
Then King Mark called his council unto him, and asked
advice of his barons what was best to do with Sir Tristram.
Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal,
Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram,
for we will that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tris-
tram an he were hard bestead. And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye
shall understand that Sir Tristram is called peerless and
makeless of any Christian knight, and of his might and hardi-
ness we knew none so good a knight, but if it be Sir Launcelot
du Lake. And if he depart from your court and go to King
Arthur's court, wit ye well he will get him such friends there
that he will not set by your malice. And therefore, sir, I
counsel you to take him to your grace. I will well, said the
king, that he be sent for, that we may be friends. Then the
barons sent for Sir Tristram under a safe conduct. And so
when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome, and no
rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And
then the king and the queen went a-hunting, and Sir
Tristram.
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR LAMORAK 155
The king and the queen made their pavilions and their
tents in that forest beside a river, and there was daily hunting
and jousting, for there were ever thirty knights ready to
joust unto all them that came in at that time. And there
by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir Driant ;
and there Sir Driant jousted right well, but at the last he
had a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered to joust. And
when he began he fared so with the thirty knights that there
was not one of them but that he gave him a fall, and some
of them were sore hurt. I marvel, said King Mark, what
knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir, said Sir
Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now
be living, and his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were
great shame, said the king, that he should go thus away,
unless that some of you meet with him better. Sir, said
Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a noble
man to have ado with him, insomuch as he and his horse are
weary both ; for the deeds of arms that he hath done this
day, and they be well considered, it were enough for Sir
Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require
you, as ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud,
take your arms and joust with Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir,
said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a thing that is against knight-
hood ; but because I will not displease you, as ye require
me so will I do, and obey your commandment.
And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and
put him forth, and there Sir Lamorak met him mightily, and
what with the might of his own spear, and of Sir Tristram's
spear, Sir Lamorak' s horse fell to the earth, and he sitting
in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might he avoided
the saddle and his horse, and put his shield afore him and
i$6 OF SIR TRISTRAM
drew his sword. And then he bade Sir Tristram : Alight,
thou knight, an thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will no
more have ado with thee, for I have done to thee over much
unto my dishonour and to thy worship. As for that, said Sir
Lamorak, I can thee no thank ; since thou hast for-jousted
me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an thou be
Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said Sir
Tristram ; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,
and well I know ye be Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I
have done to you was against my will, but I was required there-
to ; but to say that I will do at your request as at this time,
I will have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that I
have done. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part
or on mine, bear thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare's
son hath failed me, now a queen's son shall not fail thee ;
and therefore, an thou be such a knight as men call thee, I
require thee, alight, and fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said
Sir Tristram, I understand your heart is great, and cause why
ye have, to say thee sooth ; for it would grieve me an any
knight should keep him fresh and then to strike down a weary
knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that alway
might stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram,
I will not have ado with you, for me forthinketh of that I
have done. As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I shall quit you,
an ever I see my time. So he departed from him with Sir
Driant, and by the way they met with a knight that was
sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur ; and this knight
had a fair horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a
virtue that there might no lady nor gentlewoman drink of
that horn but if she were true to her husband, and if she
were false she should spill all the drink, and if she were true
OF SIR LAMORAK AND KING MARK 157
to her lord she might drink peaceable. And because of the
Queen Guenever, and in the despite of Sir Launcelot, this
horn was sent unto King Arthur ; and by force Sir Lamorak
made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn.
Now shalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King
Mark, or else choose thou to die for it ; for I tell thee plainly,
in despite and reproof of Sir Tristram thou shalt bear that horn
unto King Mark, his uncle, and say thou to him that I sent
it him for to assay his lady, and if she be true to him he shall
prove her. So the knight went his way unto King Mark,
and brought him that rich horn, and said that Sir Lamorak
sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue of that horn.
Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an
hundred ladies, and there were but four ladies of all those
that drank clean. Alas, said King Mark, this is a great
despite, and sware a great oath that she should be burnt and
the other ladies.
Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly
they would not have those ladies burnt for an horn made by
sorcery, that came from as false a sorceress and witch as then
was living. For that horn did never good, but caused strife
and debate, and always in her days she had been an enemy
to all true lovers. So there were many knights made their
avow, an ever they met with Morgan le Fay, that they
would show her short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was passing
wroth that Sir Lamorak sent that horn unto King Mark, for
well he knew that it was done in the despite of him. And
therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamorak.
158 OF SIR TRISTRAM
HOW SIR TRISTRAM WAS TAKEN WITH LA
BEALE ISOUD, AND HOW HE ESCAPED TO
BRITTANY AND SERVED IN WAR KING
HOWEL. Then, always, Sir Tristram used to go to Queen
Isoud when he might, and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched
him night and day for to take him with La Beale Isoud. And
so upon a day Sir Andred espied the hour and the time when
Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred gat unto
him twelve knights, and he set upon Sir Tristram secretly
and suddenly, and there Sir Tristram was taken with La Beale
Isoud, and then was he bound hand and foot, and so was he
kept until the next day. And then by the assent of King
Mark, and of Sir Andred, and of some of the barons, Sir
Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood upon the sea rocks,
there for to take his judgment : and so he was led bounden
with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw that there
was none other remedy but needs that he must die, then said
he : Fair lords, remember what I have done for the country
of Cornwall, and in what jeopardy I have been in for the
weal of you all. Fie upon thee, said Sir Andred, false traitor
that thou art, with thine avaunting ; for all thy boast thou
shalt die this day; and therewith he drew his sword, and
would have slain him.
When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he
looked upon both his hands that were fast bounden unto two
knights, and suddenly he pulled them both to him, and un-
wrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his cousin, Sir Andred,
and writhed his sword out of his hands ; then he smote Sir
Andred that he fell to the earth, and so Sir Tristram fought
till that he had killed ten knights. So then Sir Tristram gat
the chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great,
HOW SIR TRISTRAM ESCAPED 159
and the people drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hun-
dred. When Sir Tristram saw the people draw unto him,
he brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out and fell
upon the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred
nor none of his fellows might get to him, at that time.
So when Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir Sentraille
de Lushon, that were Sir Tristram's men, heard he was
escaped then they were passing glad ; and on the rocks
they found him, and with towels they pulled him up. And
then Sir Tristram asked them where was La Beale Isoud, for
he weened she had been had away of Andred's people. Sir,
said Gouvernail, she is put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said Sir
Tristram, this is a full ungoodly place for such a fair lady,
and if I may she shall not be long there. And so he took his
men and went thereas was La Beale Isoud, and fetched her
away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and
Sir Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight
bade his men go from him : For at this time I may not help
you. So they departed all save Gouvernail. And so upon
a day Sir Tristram went into the forest for to disport him,
and then it happened that there he fell asleep ; and there
came a man that Sir Tristram aforehand had slain his brother,
and when this man had found him he shot him through the
shoulder with an arrow, and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed
that man. And in the meantime it was told King Mark
how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in that same
manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he came with
many knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there
he found him gone ; and there he took La Beale Isoud home
with him, and kept her strait that by no means never she
might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he unto her. And then
160 OF SIR TRISTRAM
when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found the
track of many horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone.
And then Sir Tristram took great sorrow, and endured with
great pain long time, for the arrow that he was hurt, withal
was envenomed.
Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud a lady that was
cousin unto Dame Bragwaine, came to Sir Tristram, and
told him that he might not be whole by no means. For
thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not help thee, therefore
she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel, and there
ye shall find his daughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she
shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram and Gouvernail gat
them shipping, and so sailed into Brittany. And when
King Howel wist that it was Sir Tristram he was full glad
of him. Sir, he said, I am come into this country to have
help of your daughter, for it is told me that there is none other
may heal me but she ; and so within a while she healed him.
There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made
great war upon the king, and put the king to the worse,
and besieged him. And on a time Sir Kehydius, that was son
to King Howel, as he issued out he was sore wounded, nigh
to the death. Then the king went unto Sir Tristram, and
prayed him in his wars to help him : For my son, Kehydius,
may not go into the field. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I will go
to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued
out of the town, and by great might and force slew the Earl
Grip with his own hands, and more than an hundred knights
he slew that day. Then King Howel embraced him in his
arms, and said : Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I will resign
to thee. God defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden
unto you for your daughter's sake to do for you.
HOW HE RETURNED TO CORNWALL 161
HOW SIR TRISTRAM WAS MARRIED
TO KING HOWEL'S DAUGHTER,
ISOUD LA BLANCHE MAINS, AND
HOW HE RETURNED TO CORNWALL
AND OF THE LOVE OF SIR KEHYDIUS
FOR LA BEALE ISOUD. Then by [the
means of King Howel and Kehydius his son,
there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir
Tristram, for that lady was both good and fair, and a woman
of noble blood and fame. And for because Sir Tristram had
such cheer and riches, and all other pleasaunce that he had,
almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so upon a
time Sir Tristram agreed to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains.
And at the last they were wedded, and solemnly held their
marriage.
But when La Beale Isoud understood that he was wedded
she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters
as could be thought and made, and her conclusion was that,
an it pleased Sir Tristram, that he would come to her court,
and bring with him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they should
be kept as well as she herself. Then Sir Tristram called
unto him Sir Kehydius, and asked him whether he would go
with him into Cornwall secretly. He answered him that
he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a
little vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius,
Dame Bragwaine, and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram's squire, and
so they sailed into Cornwall. And by assent and information
of Dame Bragwaine when they were landed they rode unto
Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend of Sir Tristram's.
And so Dame Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court
of King Mark, and told the queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir
162 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Tristram was nigh her in that country. Then for very pure
joy La Beale Isoud swooned ; and when she might speak
she said : Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak
with him, outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and
Dame Bragwaine brought Sir Tristram and Kehydius privily
unto the court, unto a chamber whereas La Beale Isoud had
assigned it ; and to tell the joy that was betwixt La Beale
Isoud and Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell it, nor
heart think it, nor pen write it. And as the French book
maketh mention, at the first time that ever Sir Kehydius saw
La Beale Isoud he was so enamoured upon her that for very
pure love he might never withdraw it. And then privily
he wrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest
that were used in those days. And when La Beale Isoud
understood his letters she had pity of his complaint, and
unavised she wrote another letter to comfort him withal.
And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the
commandment of La Beale Isoud, and when she might she
came unto Sir Tristram. So on a day King Mark played at
the chess under a chamber window ; and at that time Sir
Tristram and Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over
King Mark, and as it mishapped Sir Tristram found the
letter that Kehydius sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had
found the letter that she wrote unto Kehydius, and at that
same time La Beale Isoud was in the same chamber. Then
Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud and said : Madam, here
is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter that ye
sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the
good love that I have loved you ; and many lands and riches
have I forsaken for your love, and now ye are a traitress to
me, the which doth me great pain. But as for thee, Sir
SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTS FROM TINTAGIL 163
Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany into this country,
and thy father, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit I wedded
thy sister Isoud la Blanche Mains for the goodness she did
unto me ; but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this falsehood
and treason thou hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee.
And therewithal Sir Tristram drew out his sword and said :
Sir Kehydius, keep thee, and then La Beale Isoud swooned
to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir Tristram come
upon him he saw none other remedy, but leapt out at a
bay-window even over the head where sat King Mark playing
at the chess. And when the king saw one come hurling
over his head he said : Fellow, what art thou, and what is
the cause thou leapest out at that window ? My lord the
king, said Kehydius, it fortuned me that I was asleep in the
window above your head, and as I slept I slumbered, and so
I fell down. And thus Sir Kehydius excused him.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED FROM
TINTAGIL, AND HOW HE SORROWED AND
WAS SO LONG IN A FOREST TILL HE WAS
OUT OF HIS MIND, AND IT WAS NOISED THAT HE
WAS DEAD, AND HOW LA BEALE ISOUD WOULD
HAVE SLAIN HERSELF. Then Sir Tristram dread sore
lest he were discovered unto the king that he was there ; where-
fore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and armed
him in such armour as he had for to fight with them that
would withstand him. And so when Sir Tristram saw there
was no resistance against him he sent Gouvernail for his
horse and his spear, and knightly he rode forth out of the
castle openly, that was called the Castle of Tintagil.
Then Sir Tristram made great sorrow, and upon a night
i6 4 OF SIR TRISTRAM
he put his horse from him, and then he unlaced his armour,
and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness, and
brast down the trees and boughs. Thus he there endured
a quarter of a year. And then was he naked and waxed
lean and poor of flesh ; and so he fell in the fellowship of
herdmen and shepherds, and daily they would give him
some of their meat and drink. And when he did any shrewd
deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped
him with shears and made him like a fool.
And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, came into
Cornwall with two squires with him ; and as they rode
through that forest they came by a fair well where Sir Tris-
tram was wont to be ; and the weather was hot, and they
alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their
horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them,
and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his
squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds ; and forth-
withal he ran after their horses and brought them again
one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made them
leap up and ride their ways.
Now Sir Dagonet deemed that the shepherds had sent that
fool to array them so, because that they laughed at them,
and so they rode unto the keepers of beasts and all to-beat
them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that were wont to give
him meat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir Dagonet
by the head, and gave him such a fall to the earth that he
bruised him sore so that he lay still. And then he wrast
his sword out of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of
his squires and smote off his head, and the other fled. And
so Sir Tristram took his way with that sword in his hand,
running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir Dagonet
SIR TRISTRAM NOISED TO BE DEAD 165
rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that
forest. And therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King
Mark, that thou come not about that well in the forest, for
there is a fool naked, and that fool and I fool met together,
and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King Mark, that is
Sir Matto le Breune, that fell out of his wit because he lost
his lady; for when Sir Gaheris smote down Sir Matto and
won his lady of him, never since was he in his mind, and that
was pity, for he was a good knight.
Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram,
made a lady that was his paramour to say and to noise it
that she was with Sir Tristram or ever he died. And this
tale she brought unto King Mark's court, that she buried
him by a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to
make his cousin, Sir Andred, king of the country of Liones, of
the which Sir Tristram was lord of. All this did Sir Andred
because he would have had Sir Tristram's lands. And when
King Mark heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead he wept
and made great dole. But when Queen Isoud heard of these
tidings she made such sorrow that she was nigh out of her
mind ; and so upon a day she thought to sla}^ herself and never
to live after Sir Tristram's death. And so upon a day La
Beale Isoud gat a sword privily and bare it into her garden,
and there she pight the sword through a plum tree up to the
hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood breast high. And as
she would have run upon the sword and to have slain herself
all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said :
Sweet Lord Jesu, have mercy upon me, for I may not live
after the death of Sir Tristram de Liones, for he was my first
love and he shall be the last. And with these words came
King Mark and took her in his arms, and then he took up
166 OF SIR TRISTRAM
the sword, and bare her away with him into a tower ; and
there he made her to be kept, and watched her surely, and
after that she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM SLEW THE GIANT
TAULEAS, AND HOW KING MARK FOUND
SIR TRISTRAM NAKED, AND CAUSED
HIM TO BE BORNE TO TINTAGIL, AND HOW HE
WAS KNOWN BY A BRACKET AND WAS BANISHED
FROM CORNWALL FOR THE TERM OF TEN YEARS.
This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the
sword in his hand, and so he came to an hermitage, and there
he laid him down and slept ; and in the meanwhile the hermit
stole away his sword, and laid meat down by him. Thus was
he kept there a ten days ; and at the last he departed and
came to the herdmen again. And there was a giant in that
country that hight Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more
than seven year he durst never much go at large, but for the
most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own ; and so this
Tauleas heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of
the court of King Mark. Then this Tauleas went daily at
large. And so he happed upon a day he came to the herd-
men wandering and langering, and there he set him down to
rest among them. The meanwhile there came a knight of
Cornwall that led a lady with him, and his name was Sir
Dinant ; and when the giant saw him he went from the herd-
men and hid him under a tree, and so the knight came to
that well, and there he alighted to repose him. And as soon
as he was from his horse this giant Tauleas came betwixt
this knight and his horse, and took the horse and leapt upon
him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him
SIR TRISTRAM SLAYS TAULEAS 167
by the collar, and pulled him afore him upon his horse, and
there would have stricken off his head. Then the herdmen
said unto Sir Tristram : Help yonder knight. Help ye him,
said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then
Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight thereas it
lay ; and so thither he ran and took up the sword and struck
off Sir Tauleas' head, and so he went his way to the herdmen.
Then the knight took up the giant's head and bare it
with him unto King Mark, and told him what adventure be-
tid him in the forest , and how a naked man rescued him from
the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this adventure ?
said King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair foun-
tain in your forest where many adventurous knights meet,
and there is the mad man. Well, said King Mark, I will
see that wild man. So within a day or two King Mark com-
manded his knights and his hunters that they should be ready
on the morn for to hunt, and so upon the morn he went unto
that forest. And when the king came to that well he found
there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by
him. Then King Mark blew and straked, and therewith his
knights came to him ; and then the king commanded his knights
to : Take that naked man with fairness, and bring him to my
castle. So they did safely and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir
Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil ; and there they bathed
him, and washed him, and gave him hot suppings till they had
brought him well to his remembrance ; but all this while there
was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was.
So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud,
heard of such a man, that ran naked in the forest, and how
the king had brought him home to the court. Then La
Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine and said :
168 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord
brought from the forest the last day. So they passed forth,
and asked where was the sick man. And then a squire told
the queen that he was in the garden taking his rest, and
reposing him against the sun.
Then the queen had always a little brachet with her
that Sir Tristram gave her the first time that ever she came
into Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from
her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas was La Beale Isoud ;
and this brachet was sent from the king's daughter of France
unto Sir Tristram for great love. And anon as this little
brachet felt a savour of Sir Tristram, she leapt upon him
and licked his lears and his ears, and then she whined and
quested, and she smelled at his feet and at his hands, and
on all parts of his body that she might come to. Ah, my
lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto La Beale Isoud. Alas, alas,
said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram. And there-
upon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while.
And when she might speak she said : My lord Sir Tristram,
blessed be God ye have your life, and now I am sure ye shall
be discovered by this little brachet, for she will never leave
you. And also I am sure as soon as my lord, King Mark,
do know you he will banish you out of the country of Corn-
wall, or else he will destroy you ; for God's sake, mine own
lord, grant King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the
court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever when
I may I shall send unto you ; and when ye list ye may come
to me, and at all times early and late I will be at your com-
mandment, to live as poor a life as ever did queen or lady. O
Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle anger and
danger have I escaped for your love.
HOW KING MARK FOUND SIR TRISTRAM 169
Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not
from him ; and therewithal came King Mark, and the brachet
set upon him, and bayed at them all. Therewithal Sir Andred
spake and said : Sir, this is Sir Tristram, I see by the brachet.
Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose that. Then the king
asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was his
name. So God me help, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de
Liones ; now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark,
me repenteth of your recovery. And then he let call his
barons to judge Sir Tristram to the death. Then many of
his barons would not assent thereto, and in especial Sir Dinas,
the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice of them
all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten
year, and thereupon he took his oath upon a book before the
king and his barons. And so he was made to depart out of
the country of Cornwall ; and there were many barons brought
him unto his ship, of the which some were his friends and some
his foes. And in the meanwhile there came a knight of King
Arthur's, his name was Dinadan, and his coming was for to
seek after Sir Tristram ; then they showed him where he was
armed at all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said
Sir Dinadan, ere ye pass this court that ye will joust with me
I require thee. With a good will, said Sir Tristram, an these
lords will give me leave Then the barons granted thereto,
and so they ran together, and there Sir Tristram gave Sir
Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to give him
leave to go in his fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said
then Sir Tristram.
And so they took their horses and rode to their ships to-
gether, and when Sir Tristram was in the sea he said : Greet
well King Mark and all mine enemies, and say them I will
170 OF SIR TRISTRAM
come again when I may ; and well am I rewarded for the fight-
ing with Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this country from
servage ; and well am I rewarded for the fetching and costs of
Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and the danger that I was in first
and last ; and well am I rewarded when I fought with Sir
Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto La Beale
Isoud ; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good
knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark's request ; and
well am I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas, the mighty giant,
and many other deeds have I done for him, and now have I
my warison. And tell King Mark that many noble knights
of the Table Round have spared the barons of this country
for my sake. And forthwithal he took the sea.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR
DINADAN FOUGHT FOR SIR
LAUNCELOT AGAINST THIRTY
KNIGHTS, AND HOW SIR TRIS-
TRAM RODE TO A TOURNA-
MENT AND LODGED WITH AN
OLD KNIGHT NAMED SIR PEL-
LOUNES, AND OF THE JOUSTING BEFORE THE
TOURNAMENT. And at the next landing, fast by the
sea, there met with Sir Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, Sir
Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis ; and there Sir Ector
jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his horse
down. And then Sir Tristram would have jousted with Sir
Bors, and Sir Bors said that he would not joust with no Cor-
nish knights, for they are not called men of worship ; and all
this was done upon a bridge. And with this came Sir Bleo-
beris and Sir Driant, and Sir Bleoberis proffered to joust with
A DAMOSEL ASKS FOR TRISTRAM'S HELP 171
Sir Tristram, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Bleo-
beris. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis : I wist never Cornish
knight of so great valour nor so valiant as that knight that
beareth the trappings embroidered with crowns. And then
Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan departed from them into a
forest, and there met them a damosel that came for the love
of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble knights of King
Arthur's court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir
Launcelot was ordained for, by the treason of Queen Morgan
le Fay to have slain Sir Launcelot, and for that cause she
ordained thirty knights to lie in await for Sir Launcelot, and
this damosel knew this treason. And for this cause the damo-
sel came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot. For
that night, or the day after, Sir Launcelot should come where
these thirty knights were. And so this damosel met with Sir
Bors and Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and there she told
them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay ; and then they
promised her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot
should meet with the thirty knights. And if so be they set
upon him we will do rescues as we can.
So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel
met with Sir Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, and there
the damosel told them all the treason that was ordained for
Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, bring me to
that same place where they should meet with Sir Launcelot.
So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these
four knights, and they were ware of them, and either of
other. And so these thirty knights let them pass, for this
cause, that they would not wrath them, if case be that they
had ado with Sir Launcelot ; and the four knights let them
pass to this intent, that they would see and behold what they
172 OF SIR TRISTRAM
would do with Sir Launcelot. And so the thirty knights
passed on and came by Sir Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and
then Sir Tristram cried on high : Lo, here is a knight against
you for the love of Sir Launcelot. And there he slew two with
one spear and ten with his sword. And then came in Sir
Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the thirty knights
there went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw
Sir Bors de Ganis and his three fellows, and then they saw
well it was the same knight that jousted with them at the
bridge ; then they took their horses and rode unto Sir
Tristram, and praised him and thanked him of his good
deeds, and they all desired Sir Tristram to go with them to
their lodging ; and he said : Nay, he would not go to no lodg-
ing. Then they all four knights prayed him to tell them his
name. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will
not tell you my name.
Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way,
and came to a lodging two mile thence with a good man
in a priory, and there they were well at ease. And that
same night Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and
Sir Driant, abode still in the same place thereas Sir Tristram
fought with the thirty knights ; and there they met with
Sir Launcelot the same night, and had made promise to
lodge with Sir Colgrevance the same night.
But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of
the shield of Cornwall, then wist he well that it was Sir
Tristram that fought with his enemies. And then Sir
Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called him the man
of most worship in the world. Then Sir Tristram departed
and left Sir Dinadan in the priory, for he was so weary and
so sore bruised that he might not ride. And on the next
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PERSIDES 173
day following Sir Tristram met with pursuivants, and they
told him that there was made a great cry of tournament
between King Carados of Scotland and the King of North
Wales, and either should joust against other at the Castle
of Maidens ; and these pursuivants sought all the country
after the good knights, and in especial King Carados let
make seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of
Northgalis let seek after Sir Tristram de Liones. And at
that time Sir Tristram thought to be at that jousts. And
then Sir Tristram took his horse and sought lodging, and
there he met with a good ancient knight and prayed him to
lodge with him. So this old knight's name was Sir Pellounes,
and he told of the great tournament that should be at the
Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and thirty-
two knights of his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall.
And right so there came one unto Sir Pellounes, and told him
that Sir Persides de Bloise was come home ; then that knight
held up his hands and thanked God of his coming home.
And there Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years
he had not seen his son, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
I know your son well enough for a good knight.
So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their
lodging both at once, and so they unarmed them, and put
upon them their clothing. And then these two knights each
welcomed other. And when Sir Persides understood that Sir
Tristram was of Cornwall, he said he was once in Cornwall :
And there I jousted afore King Mark ; and so it happed me
at that time to overthrow ten knights, and then came to me
Sir Tristram de Liones and overthrew me, and took my
lady away from me, and that shall I never forget, but I shall
remember me an ever I see my time. Ah, said Sir Tristram,
174 OF SIR TRISTRAM
now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What deem ye,
ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice ?
Yes, said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a
noble knight and a much better knight than I, yet shall I not
owe him my good will. Right as they stood thus talking
at a bay-window of that castle, they saw many knights
riding to and fro toward the tournament. And then was
Sir Tristram ware of a likely knight riding upon a great black
horse, and a black-covered shield. What knight is that, said
Sir Tristram, with the black horse and the black shield ? he
seemeth a good knight. I know him well, said Sir Persides,
he is one of the best knights of the world. Then is it Sir
Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, said Sir Persides, it is Sir
Palomides, that is yet unchristened.
Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir
Palomides. And within a while after there came a squire
of the castle, that told Sir Pellounes that was lord of that
castle, that a knight with a black shield had smitten down
thirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir Tristram unto
Sir Persides, let us cast upon us cloaks, and let us go see
the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, we will not go like
knaves thither, but we will ride like men and good knights
to withstand our enemies. So they armed them, and took
their horses and great spears, and thither they went thereas
many knights assayed themselves before the tournament.
And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he sent
a squire unto him and said : Go thou to the yonder knight
with the green shield and therein a lion of gold, and say
him I require him to joust with me, and tell him that my
name is Sir Palomides. When Sir Persides understood
that request of Sir Palomides, he made him ready, and there
HOW SIR TRISTRAM HAD A FALL 175
anon they met together, but Sir Persides had a fall. Then
Sir Tristram dressed him to be revenged upon Sir Palomides,
and that saw Sir Palomides that was ready and so was not
Sir Tristram, and took him at an advantage and smote him
over his horse's tail when he had no spear in his rest. Then
stert up Sir Tristram and took his horse lightly, and was
wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall. Then
Sir Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and
prayed him to joust with him at his request. Nay, said
Sir Palomides, as at this time I will not joust with that
knight, for I know him better than he weeneth. And if
he be wroth he may right it to-morn at the Castle of Maidens,
where he may see me and many other knights.
With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tris-
tram wroth he list not to jape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here
may a man prove, be a man never so good yet may he have
a fall, and he was never so wise but he might be overseen,
and he rideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was passing
wroth, and said to Sir Persides and to Sir Dinadan : I will
revenge me. Right so as they stood talking there, there
came by Sir Tristram a likely knight riding passing soberly
and heavily with a black shield. What knight is that ? said
Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides. I know him well, said Sir
Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of North Wales ; so he
passed on among other knights of North Wales. And there
came in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms of
Cornwall, and he sent a squire unto Sir Briant, and required
him to joust with him. Well, said Sir Briant, sithen I am
required to joust I will do what I may ; and there Sir Launcelot
smote down Sir Briant from his horse a great fall. And then
Sir Tristram marvelled what knight he was that bare the
176 OF SIR TRISTRAM
shield of Cornwall. Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I
warrant you he is of King Ban's blood, the which be knights
of the most noble prowess in the world, for to account so many
for so many. Then there came two knights of Northgalis,
that one hight Hew de la Montaine, and the other Sir Madok
de la Montaine, and they challenged Sir Launcelot foot-hot.
Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made him ready, with one
spear he smote them down both over their horses' croups ;
and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said
Sir Tristram, he is a good knight that beareth the shield of
Cornwall, and meseemeth he rideth in the best manner that
ever I saw knight ride.
Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides
and prayed him heartily for his sake to joust with that knight
that hath done us of Northgalis despite. Sir, said Sir Palo-
mides, I am full loath to have ado with that knight, and cause
why is, for as to-morn the great tournament shall be; and
therefore I will keep myself fresh by my will. Nay, said the
King of Northgalis, I pray you require him of jousts. Sir,
said Sir Palomides, I will joust at your request, and require
that knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man
have a fall at his own request.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT JOUSTED WITH
PALOMIDES AND OVERTHREW HIM, AND
AFTER HE WAS ASSAILED WITH TWELVE
KNIGHTS. Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a
squire, and required him of jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir
Launcelot, tell me thy lord's name. Sir, said the squire, my
lord's name is Sir Palomides, the good knight. In good
hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR PALOMIDES 177
this seven years that I had liefer have ado withal than with
him. And so either knights made them ready with two
great spears. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, ye shall see that Sir
Palomides will quit him right well. It may be so, said Sir
Tristram, but I undertake that knight with the shield of
Cornwall shall give him a fall. I believe it not, said Sir
Dinadan. Right so they spurred their horses and feutred
their spears, and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake
a spear upon Sir Launcelot, and he sat and moved not ;
but Sir Launcelot smote him so lightly that he made his
horse to avoid the saddle, and the stroke brake his shield
and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been slain.
How now, said Sir Tristram, I wist well by the manner of
their riding both that Sir Palomides should have a fall.
Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well
to drink and to repose him, and they of Northgalis espied
him whither he rode; and then there followed him twelve
knights for to have mischieved him, for this cause that upon
the morn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that he
should not win the victory. So they came upon Sir Launcelot
suddenly, and unnethe he might put upon him his helm and
take his horse, but they were in hands with him ; and then Sir
Launcelot gat his spear, and rode through them, and there he
slew a knight and brake a spear in his body. Then he drew
his sword and smote upon the right hand and upon the left
hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain other three
knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them sore,
all that did abide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his
enemies of North Wales, and then Sir Launcelot rode his way
to a friend, and lodged him till on the morn ; for he would not
the first day have ado in the tournament because of his
178 OF SIR TRISTRAM
great labour. And on the first day he was with King Arthur,
there as he was set on high upon a scaffold to discern who was
best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with King
Arthur, and jousted not the first day.
OF THE TOURNAMENT AT THE
CASTLE OF MAIDENS, AND OF HOW
SIR TRISTRAM, SIR PALOMIDES,
AND SIR LAUNCELOT BEHAVED
THEM. Now turn we unto Sir Tristram
de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his
servant, to ordain him a black shield with none other
remembrance therein. And so Sir Persides and Sir Tris-
tram departed from their host Sir Pellounes, and they rode
early toward the tournament, and then they drew them
to King Carados' side, of Scotland ; and anon knights began
the field what of King Northgalis' part, and what of King
Carados' part, and there began great party. Then there was
hurling and rashing. Right so came in Sir Persides and Sir
Tristram, and so they did fare that they put the King of North-
galis aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and Sir
Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir Persides
smitten down and almost slain, for more than forty horse-
men went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of
arms, and Sir Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram
beheld them, and saw them do such deeds of arms he marvelled
what they were. Also Sir Tristram thought shame that
Sir Persides was so done to ; and then he gat a great spear in
his hand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down
from his horse. And then was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat
a spear and rode against Sir Tristram in great ire ; and there
THE TOURNEY AT MAIDENS CASTLE 179
Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir Bleoberis from his
horse. So then the King with the Hundred Knights was
wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris again,
and there began a great medley ; and ever Sir Tristram held
them passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busy
upon Sir Tristram ; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir
Tristram, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet that he
swooned in his saddle. Then anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir
Tristram and said : Sir, I know thee better than thou weenest ;
but here I promise thee my troth I will never come against
thee more, for I promise thee that sword of thine shall never
come on mine helm.
With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave
him such a buffet that down he laid his head ; and then
he raught him so sore by the helm that he pulled him under
his horse's feet. And then King Arthur blew to lodging.
Then Sir Tristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan
rode with him; and Sir Persides and King Arthur then,
and the kings upon both parties, marvelled what knight
that was with the black shield. Many said their advice,
and some knew him for Sir Tristram, and held their peace
and would nought say. So that first day King Arthur,
and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir Tris-
tram the prize ; howbeit they knew him not, but named
him the Knight with the Black Shield.
Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the
King of Northgalis, and rode to King Arthur's side, where
was King Carados, and the King of Ireland, and Sir Launce-
lot's kin, and Sir Gawaine's kin. Then will I be with the
King of Northgalis, said Sir Tristram, because Sir Palomides
will be on King Arthur's side, and else I would not but for
i8o OF SIR TRISTRAM
his sake. So when King Arthur was come they blew unto
the field ; and then there began a great party, and so King
Carados jousted with the King of the Hundred Knights,
and there King Carados had a fall : then was there hurling
and rashing, and right so came in knights of King Arthur's,
and they bare aback the King of Northgalis' knights.
Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so
bigly that there was none might withstand him, and thus
Sir Tristram dured long. And at the last Sir Tristram fell
among the fellowship of King Ban, and there fell upon him
Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore
de Ganis, and many other knights. And then Sir Tristram
smote on the right hand and on the left hand, that all lords
and ladies spake of his noble deeds. But at the last Sir Tris-
tram should have had the worse had not the King with the
Hundred Knights been. And then he came with his fellow-
ship and rescued Sir Tristram, and brought him away from
those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And then
Sir Tristram saw another fellowship by themselves, and there
were a forty knights together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal,
was their governor. Then Sir Tristram rode in amongst them,
and there he smote down Sir Kay from his horse ; and there
he fared among those knights like a greyhound among conies.
Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded
upon the head. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you
so sore ? Sir, he said, a knight that beareth a black shield,
and I may curse the time that ever I met with him, for he is
a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed from him
and thought to meet with Sir Tristram, and so he rode with
his sword drawn in his hand to seek Sir Tristram ; and then
he espied him how he hurled here and there, and at every
TRISTRAM HELPS LAUNCELOT'S KIN 181
stroke Sir Tristram well-nigh smote down a knight. O mercy !
said the king, sith the times I bare arms saw I never no
knight do so marvellous deeds of arms. And if I should set
upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I did shame to
myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. And
then the King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred
more of North Wales set upon the twenty of Sir Launcelot's
kin : and they twenty knights held them ever together as
wild swine, and none would fail other. And so when Sir
Tristram beheld the noblesse of these twenty knights he mar-
velled of their good deeds, for he saw by their fare and by
their rule that they had liefer die than avoid the field. Now
truly, said Sir Tristram, well may he be valiant and full of
prowess that hath such a sort of noble knights unto his kin,
and full like is he to be a noble man that is their leader and
governor. He meant it by Sir Launcelot du Lake. So when
Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shame to
see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights.
Then Sir Tristram rode unto the King with the Hundred
Knights and said : Sir, leave your fighting with those twenty
knights, for ye win no worship of them, ye be so many and they
so few ; and wit ye well they will not out of the field I see by
their cheer and countenance ; and worship get ye none an ye
slay them. Therefore leave your fighting with them, for I,
to increase my worship, I will ride to the twenty knights and
help them with all my might and power. Nay, said the King
with the Hundred Knights, ye shall not do so ; now I see your
courage and courtesy I will withdraw my knights for your
pleasure, for evermore a good knight will favour another,
and like will draw to like.
Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew
182 OF SIR TRISTRAM
his knights. And all this while, and long to-fore, Sir Launce-
lot had watched upon Sir Tristram with a very purpose to
have fellowshipped with him. And then suddenly Sir Tris-
tram, Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their way
into the forest, that no man perceived where they went.
So then King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave the King
of Northgalis the prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side.
And upon the morn the king blew unto the tournament upon
the third day.
So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred
Knights, they two encountered with King Carados and with
the King of Ireland ; and there the King with the Hundred
Knights smote down King Carados, and the King of North-
galis smote down the King of Ireland. With that came in
Sir Palomides, and when he came he made great work, for by
his indented shield he was well known. So came in King
Arthur, and did great deeds of arms together, and put the
King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights
to the worse. With this came in Sir Tristram with his black
shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides, and there by
fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his horse's
croup. Then King Arthur cried : Knight with the Black
Shield, make thee ready to me, and in the same wise Sir Tris-
tram smote King Arthur. And then by force of King Arthur's
knights the King and Sir Palomides were horsed again. Then
King Arthur with a great eager heart he gat a spear in his
hand, and there upon the one side he smote Sir Tristram
over his horse. Then foot-hot Sir Palomides came upon Sir
Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him.
Then Sir Tristram was ware of him, and there he stooped
aside, and with great ire he gat him by the arm, and pulled
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND KING ARTHUR 183
him down from his horse. Then Sir Palomides lightly
arose, and then they dashed together mightily with their
swords ; and many kings, queens, and lords stood and
beheld them. And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Palo-
mides upon the helm three mighty strokes, and at every stroke
that he gave him he said : This for Sir Tristram's sake. With
that Sir Palomides fell to the earth grovelling.
Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and
brought Sir Tristram an horse, and so was he horsed again.
By then was Sir Palomides horsed, and with great ire he
jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it was in the
rest, and gave him a great dash with his sword. Then Sir
Tristram avoided his spear, and gat him by the neck with
his both hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle, and
so he bare him afore him the length of ten spears, and then
in the presence of them all he let him fall at his adventure.
Then Sir Tristram was ware of King Arthur with a naked
sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram ran upon
King Arthur ; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and
with his sword he smote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir
Tristram stonied ; and so King Arthur gave him three or four
strokes or he might get out his sword, and at the last Sir
Tristram drew his sword and either assailed other passing
hard. With that the great press departed them. Then Sir
Tristram rode here and there and did his great pain, that
eleven of the good knights of the blood of King Ban, that was
of Sir Launcelot's kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down,
that all the estates marvelled of his great deeds and all
cried upon the Knight with the Black Shield.
Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it.
And then he gat a great spear in his hand and came towards
i8 4 OF SIR TRISTRAM
the cry. Then Sir Launcelot cried : The Knight with the
Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with me. When
Sir Tristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand,
and either abashed down their heads, and came together
as thunder; and Sir Tristram's spear brake in pieces, and
Sir Launcelot by malfortune struck Sir Tristram on the side
a deep wound nigh to the death ; but yet Sir Tristram avoided
not his saddle, and so the spear brake. Therewithal Sir
Tristram that was wounded gat out his sword, and he rushed
to Sir Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon the
helm that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed
his head lowly toward his saddle-bow. And therewithal Sir
Tristram departed from the field, for he felt him so wounded
that he weened he should have died ; and Sir Dinadan espied
him and followed him into the forest. Then Sir Launcelot
abode and did many marvellous deeds.
So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest's side
he alighted, and unlaced his harness and freshed his wound ;
then weened Sir Dinadan that he should have died. Nay,
nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread thee, for I
am heart-whole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole,
by the mercy of God. By that Sir Dinadan was ware where
came Palomides riding straight upon them. And then Sir
Tristram was ware that Sir Palomides came to have destroyed
him. And so Sir Dinadan gave him warning, and said : Sir
Tristram, my lord, ye are so sore wounded that ye may not
have ado with him, therefore I will ride against him and do
to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my
soul ; and in the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go
into the castle, or in the forest, that he shall not meet with
you. Sir Tristram smiled and said : I thank you, Sir Dina-
HOW TRISTRAM SMOTE PALOMIDES 185
dan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am able to
handle him. And then anon hastily he armed him, and took
his horse, and a great spear in his hand, and said to Sir Dina-
dan : Adieu ; and rode toward Sir Palomides a soft pace.
Then when Sir Palomides saw that, he made countenance to
amend his horse, but he did it for this cause, for he abode
Sir Gaheris that came after him. And when he was come
he rode toward Sir Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto
Sir Palomides, and required him to joust with him ; and if he
smote down Sir Palomides he would do no more to him ; and
if it so happened that Sir Palomides smote down Sir Tristram,
he bade him do his utterance. So they were accorded. Then
they met together, and Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides
that he had a grievous fall, so that he lay still as he had been
dead. And then Sir Tristram ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he
would not have jousted ; but whether he would or not Sir
Tristram smote him over his horse's croup, that he lay still as
though he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram rode his
way and left Sir Persides' squire within the pavilions, and Sir
Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to an old knight's place to
lodge them. And that old knight had five sons at the tourna-
ment, for whom he prayed God heartily for their coming home.
And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir
Launcelot held alway the stour like hard, as a man araged
that took no heed to himself, and wit ye well there was
many a noble knight against him. And when King Arthur
saw Sir Launcelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then
armed him, and took his horse and his armour, and rode
into the field to help Sir Launcelot ; and so many knights
came in with King Arthur. And to make short tale in
conclusion, the King of Northgalis and the King of the Hun-
186 OF SIR TRISTRAM
dred Knights were put to the worse ; and because Sir Launce-
lot abode and was the last in the field the prize was given
him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor
knight, have the prize, but where the cry was cried through
the field : Sir Launcelot, Sir Launcelot hath won the field
this day, Sir Launcelot let make another cry contrary: Sir
Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he
hath endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second,
and the third day.
Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir
Launcelot great worship, for the honour that he did unto Sir
Tristram ; and for that honour doing to Sir Tristram he was
at that time more praised and renowned than an he had over-
thrown five hundred knights ; and all the people wholly for
this gentleness, first the estates both high and low, and after
the commonalty cried at once : Sir Launcelot hath won the
field, whosoever say nay. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth and
ashamed, and so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas,
said the king, we are all dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus
departed from us. He is one of the noblest knights that
ever I saw hold spear or sword in hand, and the most cour-
teoust knight in his fighting. Then King Arthur, Sir Launce-
lot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses to seek Sir
Tristram, and Sir Persides had told King Arthur where Sir
Tristram was in his pavilion. But when they came there,
Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan were gone.
Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and
returned again to the Castle of Maidens making great dole
for the hurt of Sir Tristram, and his sudden departing.
OF THE RAGE OF SIR PALOMIDES
187
OF THE RAGE OF SIR PALO-
MIDES FOR DESPITE OF SIR
TRISTRAM, AND HOW SIR TRIS-
TRAM, SIR DINADAN, AND SIR
PALOMIDES LODGED WITH SIR
DARRAS, AND HOW SIR DAR-
RAS PUT THEM IN HIS PRISON
FOR THE DEATH OF HIS SONS,
BUT AT THE LAST HE LET
THEM GO. And thus we let pass King Arthur, and a little
we will turn unto Sir Palomides, that after he had a fall of
Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of his wit for
despite of Sir Tristram. And so he followed him by adven-
ture. And as he came by a river, in his woodness he would
have made his horse to have leapt over ; and the horse failed
footing and fell in the river, wherefore Sir Palomides was
adread lest he should have been drowned ; and then he
avoided his horse, and swam to the land, and let his horse
go down by adventure.
And when he came to the land he took off his harness,
and sat roaring and crying as a man out of his mind. Right
so came a damosel even by Sir Palomides, that was sent
from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir Mordred, that
lay sick in the same place with that old knight where Sir
Tristram was. For, as the French book saith, Sir Persides
hurt so Sir Mordred a ten days afore ; and had it not been
for the love of Sir Gawaine and his brother, Sir Persides
had slain Sir Mordred. And so this damosel came by Sir
Palomides, and she and he had language together, the which
pleased neither of them ; and so the damosel rode her ways
till she came to the old knight's place, and there she told that
188 OF SIR TRISTRAM
old knight how she met with the woodest knight by adven-
ture that ever she met withal. What bare he in his shield ?
said Sir Tristram. It was indented with white and black,
said the damosel. Ah, said Sir Tristram, that was Sir Palo-
mides, the good knight. For well I know him, said Sir
Tristram, for one of the best knights living in this realm.
Then that old knight took a little hackney, and rode for Sir
Palomides, and brought him unto his own manor ; and full
well knew Sir Tristram Sir Palomides, but he said but little,
for at that time Sir Tristram was walking upon his feet, and
well amended of his hurts ; and always when Sir Palomides
saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full marvellously, and
ever him seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say
unto Sir Dinadan : An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram
he shall not escape mine hands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan,
that ye boast behind Sir Tristram, for it is but late that he
was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why would ye not
hold him when ye had him ? for I saw myself twice or thrice
that ye gat but little worship of Sir Tristram. Then was
Sir Palomides ashamed.
And then there came a damosel that told Sir Darras
that three of his sons were slain at that tournament, and
two grievously wounded that they were never like to help
themself. And all this was done by a noble knight that
bare the black shield, and that was he that bare the prize.
Then came there one and told Sir Darras that the same
knight was within, him that bare the black shield. Then
Sir Darras went unto Sir Tristram's chamber, and there
he found his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir,
said the damosel, that same is he that slew your three sons.
Then without any tarrying Sir Darras put Sir Tristram, and
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR DARRAS 189
Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan, within a strong prison, and
there Sir Tristram was like to have died of great sickness;
and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram
of old hate betwixt them. And ever Sir Tristram spake
fair and said little. So Sir Tristram endured there great
pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that is the greatest
pain a prisoner may have. For all the while a prisoner may
have his health of body he may endure under the mercy of
God and in hope of good deliverance ; but when sickness
toucheth a prisoner's body, then may a prisoner say all wealth
is him bereft, and then he hath cause to wail and to weep.
Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had undertaken
him, for then he took such sorrow that he had almost slain
himself.
So a damosel came in to them and found them mourning.
Then she went unto Sir Darras, and told him how that mighty
knight that bare the black shield was likely to die. That
shall not be, said Sir Darras, for God defend when knights
come to me for succour that I should suffer them to die within
my prison. Therefore, said Sir Darras to the damosel, fetch
that knight and his fellows afore me. And then anon when
Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him, he said : Sir
knight, me repenteth of thy sickness, for thou art called a
full noble knight, and so it seemeth by thee ; and wit ye well
it shall never be said that Sir Darras shall destroy such a
noble knight as thou art in prison, howbeit that thou hast
slain three of my sons, whereby I was greatly aggrieved.
But now shalt thou go and thy fellows, and your harness and
horses have been fair and clean kept, and ye shall go where
it liketh you, upon this covenant, that thou, knight, wilt
promise me to be good friend to my sons two that be now
190 OF SIR TRISTRAM
alive, and also that thou tell me thy name. Sir, said he, as
for me, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and in Cornwall
was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark. And as for
the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had
been the next kin that I have I might have done none other-
wise. And if I had slain them by treason or treachery I had
been worthy to have died. All this I consider, said Sir
Darras, that all that ye did was by force of knighthood, and
that was the cause I would not put you to death. But sith
ye be Sir Tristram, the good knight, I pray you heartily to
be my good friend and to my sons. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
I promise you by the faith of my body, ever while I live I will
do you service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight
ought to do. Then Sir Tristram reposed him there till that
he was amended of his sickness ; and when he was big and
strong they took their leave, and every knight took their
horses and so departed and rode together till they came to a
crossway. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we
depart in sundry ways.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM SAVED SIR PALOMIDES'
LIFE, AND HOW THEY PROMISED TO FIGHT
TOGETHER WITHIN A FORTNIGHT, AND
HOW THEY WERE BOTH SMITTEN DOWN BY A
STRONG KNIGHT. Then in every place Sir Tristram asked
and demanded after Sir Launcelot, but in no place he could
not hear of him whether he were dead or alive ; wherefore
Sir Tristram made great dole and sorrow. So Sir Tristram
rode by a forest, and then was he ware of a fair tower by a
marsh on that one side, and on that other side a fair meadow.
And there he saw ten knights fighting together. And ever
HOW TRISTRAM SAVED PALOMIDES 191
the nearer he came he saw how there was but one knight did
battle against nine knights, and that one did so marvellously
that Sir Tristram had great wonder that ever one knight
might do so great deeds of arms. And then within a little
while he had slain half their horses and unhorsed them, and
their horses ran in the fields and forest. Then Sir Tristram
had so great pity of that one knight that endured so great
pain, and ever he thought it should be Sir Palomides, by his
shield. And so he rode unto the knights and cried unto
them, and bade them cease of their battle, for they did them-
selves great shame so many knights to fight with one. Then
answered the master of those knights, his name was called
Breuse Saunce Pite, that was at that time the most mis-
chievoust knight living, and said thus : Sir knight, what
have ye ado with us to meddle ? and therefore, an ye be wise,
depart on your way as ye came, for this knight shall not
escape us. That were pity, said Sir Tristram, that so good
a knight as he is should be slain so cowardly; and therefore
I warn you I will succour him with all my puissance.
So Sir Tristram alighted off his horse because they were
on foot, that they should not slay his horse, and then dressed
his shield, with his sword in his hand, and he smote on the
right hand and on the left hand passing sore, that well-nigh
at every stroke he struck down a knight. And when they
espied his strokes they fled all with Breuse Saunce Pite unto
the tower, and Sir Tristram followed fast after with his sword
in his hand, but they escaped into the tower, and shut Sir
Tristram without the gate. And when Sir Tristram saw this
he returned aback unto Sir Palomides, and found him sitting
under a tree sore wounded. Ah, fair knight, said Sir Tris-
tram, well be ye found. Gramercy, said Sir Palomides, of
i 9 2 OF SIR TRISTRAM
your great goodness, for ye have rescued me of my life, and
saved me from my death. What is your name ? said Sir
Tristram. He said : My name is Sir Palomides. O Jesu,
said Sir Tristram, thou hast a fair grace of me this day that
I should rescue thee, and thou art the man in the world that
I most hate ; but now make thee ready, for I will do battle
with thee. What is your name ? said Sir Palomides. My
name is Sir Tristram, your mortal enemy. It may be so,
said Sir Palomides ; but ye have done over much for me this
day that I should fight with you ; for inasmuch as ye have
saved my life it will be no worship for you to have ado with
me, for ye are fresh and I am wounded sore, and therefore, an
ye will needs have ado with me, assign me a day and then I
shall meet with you without fail. Ye say well, said Sir Tris-
tram, now I assign you to meet me in the meadow by the river
of Camelot, where Merlin set the peron. So they were agreed.
Then Sir Tristram asked Sir Palomides why the nine
knights did battle with him. For this cause, said Sir Palo-
mides ; as I rode upon mine adventures in a forest here be-
side I espied where lay a dead knight, and a lady weeping
beside him. And when I saw her making such dole, I asked
her who slew her lord. Sir, she said, the falsest knight of
the world now living, and he is the most villain that ever
man heard speak of, and his name is Sir Breuse Saunce Pite.
Then for pity I made the damosel to leap on her palfrey, and
I promised her to be her warrant, and to help her to inter her
lord. And so, suddenly, as I came riding by this tower, there
came out Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and suddenly he struck me
from my horse. And then or I might recover my horse this
Sir Breuse slew the damosel. And so I took my horse again,
and I was sore ashamed, and so began the medley betwixt
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PALOMIDES 193
us : and this is the cause wherefore we did this battle. Well,
said Sir Tristram, now I understand the manner of your battle,
but in any wise have remembrance of your promise that ye
have made with me to do battle with me this day fortnight.
I shall not fail you, said Sir Palomides. Well, said Sir Tris-
tram, as at this time I will not fail you till that ye be out of
the danger of your enemies.
So they mounted upon their horses, and rode together
unto that forest, and there they found a fair well, with clear
water burbling. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, to drink of that
water have I courage ; and then they alighted off their horses.
And then were they ware by them where stood a great horse
tied to a tree, and ever he neighed. And then were they ware
of a fair knight armed, under a tree, lacking no piece of harness,
save his helm lay under his head. By the good lord, said
Sir Tristram, yonder lieth a well-faring knight ; what is best
to do ? Awake him, said Sir Palomides. So Sir Tristram
awaked him with the butt of his spear. And so the knight
rose up hastily and put his helm upon his head, and gat a
great spear in his hand ; and without any more words he
hurled unto Sir Tristram, and smote him clean from his
saddle to the earth, and hurt him on the left side, that Sir
Tristram lay in great peril. Then he walloped farther, and
fetched his course, and came hurling upon Sir Palomides, and
there he struck him a part through the body, that he fell
from his horse to the earth. And then this strange knight
left them there, and took his way through the forest. With
this Sir Palomides and Sir Tristram were on foot, and gat
their horses again, and either asked counsel of other, what
was best to do. By my head, said Sir Tristram, I will follow
this strong knight that thus hath shamed us. Well, said
194 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Sir Palomides, and I will repose me hereby with a friend of
mine. Beware, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, that ye
fail not that day that ye have set with me to do battle, for,
as I deem, ye will not hold your day, for I am much bigger
than ye. As for that, said Sir Palomides, be it as it be may,
for I fear you not, for an I be not sick nor prisoner, I will not
fail you ; but I have cause to have much more doubt of you
that ye will not meet with me, for ye ride after yonder strong
knight. And if ye meet with him it is an hard adventure an
ever ye escape his hands. Right so Sir Tristram and Sir
Palomides departed, and either took their ways diverse.
And by fortune in a meadow Sir Tristram met with Sir
Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Dinadan. What tidings with
you, said Sir Tristram, with you knights ? Not good, said
these knights. Why so ? said Sir Tristram ; I pray you
tell me, for I ride to seek a knight. What cognisance beareth
he ? said Sir Kay. He beareth, said Sir Tristram, a covered
shield close with cloth. By my head, said Sir Kay, that is
the same knight that met with us, for this night we were
lodged within a widow's house, and there was that knight
lodged ; and when he wist we were of Arthur's court he spoke
great villainy by the king, and specially by the Queen Guen-
ever, and then on the morn was waged battle with him for that
cause. And at the first recounter, said Sir Kay, he smote
me down from my horse and hurt me passing sore ; and when
my fellow, Sir Dinadan, saw me smitten down and hurt he
would not revenge me, but fled from me ; and thus he de-
parted. And then Sir Tristram asked them their names, and
so either told other their names. And so Sir Tristram de-
parted from Sir Kay, and from Sir Dinadan, and so he passed
through a great forest into a plain, till he was ware of a priory,
HOW TRISTRAM SMOTE SAGRAMORE 195
and there he reposed him with a good man six days. And
then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded
him to go to a city thereby to fetch him new harness ; for it was
long time afore that that Sir Tristram had been refreshed, his
harness was brised and broken. And when Gouvernail, his
servant, was come with his apparel, he mounted upon his
horse, and rode his way early on the morn. And by sudden
adventure Sir Tristram met with Sir Sagramore le Desirous,
and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these two knights met
with Sir Tristram and questioned with him, and asked him
if he would joust with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram,
with a good will I would joust with you, but I have promised
at a day set, near hand, to do battle with a strong knight ;
and therefore I am loath to have ado with you, for an it mis-
fortuned me here to be hurt I should not be able to do my
battle which I promised. As for that, said Sagramore, maugre
your head, ye shall joust with us or ye pass from us. Well,
said Sir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto I must do what I
may. And then they dressed their shields, and came running
together with great ire. But through Sir Tristram's great
force he struck Sir Sagramore from his horse. Then he hurled
his horse farther, and said to Sir Dodinas : Knight, make
thee ready ; and so through fine force Sir Tristram struck
Dodinas from his horse. And when he saw them lie on the
earth he took his bridle, and rode forth on his way, and his
man Gouvernail with him.
196 OF SIR TRISTRAM
HOW SIR TRISTRAM MET AT THE
PERON WITH SIR LAUNCELOT, AND
HOW THEY FOUGHT TOGETHER UN-
KNOWN, AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT
BROUGHT SIR TRISTRAM TO THE
COURT, AND OF THE GREAT JOY THAT
THE KING AND OTHER MADE FOR THE COMING
OF SIR TRISTRAM. Then departed Sir Tristram and
rode straight unto Camelot, to the peron that Merlin had
made to-fore, where Sir Lanceor, that was the king's son
of Ireland, was slain by the hands of Balin. And in that
same place was the fair lady Colombe slain, that was love
unto Sir Lanceor ; for after he was dead she took his sword
and thrust it through her body. And by the craft of Merlin
he made to inter this knight, Lanceor, and his lady, Colombe,
under one stone. And at that time Merlin prophesied that
in that same place should fight two the best knights that ever
were in Arthur's days, and the best lovers. So when Sir
Tristram came to the tomb where Lanceor and his lady were
buried he looked about him after Sir Palomides. Then was
he ware of a seemly knight came riding against him all in
white, with a covered shield. When he came nigh Sir Tris-
tram he said on high : Ye be welcome, sir knight, and well
and truly have ye holden your promise. And then they
dressed their shields and spears, and came together with all
their might of their horses ; and they met so fiercely that both
their horses and knights fell to the earth, and as fast as they
might avoided their horses, and put their shields afore them :
and they struck together with bright swords, as men that
were of might, and either wounded other wonderly sore, that
the blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the
HOW TRISTRAM FOUGHT LAUNCELOT 197
space of four hours, that never one would speak to other one
word, and of their harness they had hewn off many pieces.
I marvel greatly of the strokes my master hath given to your
master, said Gouvernail. By my head, said Sir Launcelot's
servant, your master hath not given so many but your master
has received as many or more. So they stood and wept
both, and made great dole when they saw the bright swords
over-covered with blood of their bodies.
Then at the last spake Sir Launcelot and said : Knight,
thou fightest wonderly well as ever I saw knight, therefore,
an it please you, tell me your name. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
that is me loath to tell any man my name. Truly, said Sir
Launcelot, an I were required I was never loath to tell my
name. It is well said, said Sir Tristram, then I require
you to tell me your name ? Fair knight, he said, my name
is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Tristram, what
have I done ! for ye are the man in the world that I love
best. Fair knight, said Sir Launcelot, tell me your name ?
Truly, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. O Jesu,
said Sir Launcelot, what adventure is befallen me ! And
therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded him up
his sword. And therewith Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and
yielded him up his sword. And so either gave other the
degree. And then they both forthwithal went to the stone,
and set them down upon it, and took off their helms to cool
them, and either kissed other an hundred times. And then
anon after they took off their helms and rode to Camelot.
And there they met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris
that had made promise to Arthur never to come again to the
court till they had brought Sir Tristram with them.
Return again, said Sir Launcelot, for your quest is done,
198 OF SIR TRISTRAM
for I have met with Sir Tristram : lo, here is his own person !
Then was Sir Gawaine glad, and said to Sir Tristram : Ye
are welcome, for now have ye eased me greatly of my labour.
For what cause, said Sir Gawaine, came ye into this court ?
Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, I came into this country because
of Sir Palomides ; for he and I had assigned at this day to
have done battle together at the peron, and I marvel I hear
not of him. 1 And thus by adventure my lord, Sir Launcelot,
and I met together. With this came King Arthur, and when
he wist that there was Sir Tristram, then he ran unto him
and took him by the hand and said : Sir Tristram, ye are
as welcome as any knight that ever came to this court. And
when the king had heard how Sir Launcelot and he had
foughten, and either had wounded other wonderly sore, then
the king made great dole. Then Sir Tristram told the king
how he came thither for to have had ado with Sir Palomides.
And then he told the king how he had rescued him from the
nine knights and Breuse Saunce Pite ; and how he found a
knight lying by a well, and that knight smote down Sir Palo-
mides and me, but his shield was covered with a cloth. So
Sir Palomides left me, and I followed after that knight ; and
in many places I found where he had slain knights, and for-
jousted many. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, that same
knight smote me down and Sir Bleoberis, and hurt us sore
both, he with the covered shield. Ah, said Sir Kay, that
knight smote me adown and hurt me passing sore, and fain
would I have known him, but I might not. Mercy, said
Arthur, what knight was that with the covered shield ? I
know not, said Sir Tristram; and so said they all. Now,
1 The cause of this was that Palomides was made prisoner by a lord, so that he could
not keep his day.
HOW TRISTRAM CAME TO THE COURT 199
said King Arthur, then wot I, for it is Sir Launcelot. Then
they all looked upon Sir Launcelot and said : Ye have be-
guiled us with your covered shield. It is not the first time,
said Arthur, he hath done so. My lord, said Sir Launcelot,
truly wit ye well I was the same knight that bare the covered
shield ; and because I would not be known that I was of your
court I said no worship of your house. That is truth, said
Sir Gawaine, Sir Kay, and Sir Bleoberis.
Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand and
went to the Table Round. Then came Queen Guenever
and many ladies with her, and all the ladies said at one voice :
Welcome, Sir Tristram ! Welcome, said the damosels. Wel-
come, said knights. Welcome, said Arthur, for one of the
best knights, and the gentlest of the world, and the man of
most worship ; for of all manner of hunting thou bearest the
prize, and of all measures of blowing thou art the beginning,
and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the be-
ginner, of all instruments of music ye are the best ; therefore,
gentle knight, said Arthur, ye are welcome to this court.
And also, I pray you, said Arthur, grant me a boon. It shall
be at your commandment, said Tristram. Well, said Arthur,
I will desire of you that ye will abide in my court. Sir, said
Sir Tristram, thereto is me loath, for I have ado in many
countries. Not so, said Arthur, ye have promised it me, ye
may not say nay. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I will as ye will.
Then went Arthur unto the sieges about the Round Table,
and looked in every siege the which were void that lacked
knights. And then the king saw in the siege of Marhaus
letters that said : This is the siege of the noble knight, Sir
Tristram. And then Arthur made Sir Tristram Knight of
the Table Round, with great nobley and great feast as might
200 OF SIR TRISTRAM
be thought. For Sir Marhaus was slain afore by the hands
of Sir Tristram in an island ; and that was well known at that
time in the court of Arthur, for this Marhaus was a worthy
knight. So leave we of Sir Tristram and speak we of King
Mark.
HOW FOR THE DESPITE OF SIR TRISTRAM
KING MARK CAME WITH TWO KNIGHTS
INTO ENGLAND, AND HOW HE SLEW ONE
OF THE KNIGHTS, AND HOW HE WAS SCORNED
BY SIR LAMORAK AND SIR DINADAN. When Sir
Tristram departed out of Cornwall into England King Mark
heard of the great prowess that Sir Tristram did there, the
which grieved him sore. So he sent on his part men to espy
what deeds he did. And the queen sent privily on her part
spies to know what deeds he had done, for great love was
between them twain. So when the messengers were come
home they told the truth as they had heard, that he passed all
other knights but if it were Sir Launcelot. Then King Mark
was right heavy of these tidings, and as glad was La Beale
Isoud. Then in great despite he took with him two good
knights and two squires, and disguised himself, and took his
way into England, to the intent for to slay Sir Tristram.
And one of these two knights hight Bersules, and the other
knight was called Amant. So as they rode King Mark asked
a knight that he met, where he should find King Arthur.
He said : At Camelot. Also he asked that knight after Sir
Tristram, whether he heard of him in the court of King
Arthur. Wit you well, said that knight, ye shall find Sir
Tristram there for a man of as great worship as is now living ;
for through his prowess he won the tournament of the Castle
OF KING MARK'S TREASONS 201
of Maidens that standeth by the Hard Rock. And sithen
he hath won with his own hands thirty knights that were
men of great honour. And the last battle that ever he did
he fought with Sir Launcelot ; and that was a marvellous
battle. And not by force Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram
to the court, and of him King Arthur made passing great
joy, and so made him Knight of the Table Round ; and his
seat was where the good knight's, Sir Marhaus, seat was.
Then was King Mark passing sorry when he heard of the
honour of Sir Tristram ; and so they departed.
Then said King Mark unto his two knights : Now will
I tell you my counsel : ye are the men that I trust most to
alive, and I will that ye wit my coming hither is to this in-
tent, for to destroy Sir Tristram by wiles or by treason ; and
it shall be hard if ever he escape our hands. Alas, said Sir
Bersules, what mean you ? for ye be set in such a way ye are
disposed shamefully ; for Sir Tristram is the knight of most
worship that we know living, and therefore I warn you plainly
I will never consent to do him to the death ; and therefore I
will yield my service, and forsake you. When King Mark
heard him say so, suddenly he drew his sword and said :
Ah, traitor; and smote Sir Bersules on the head, that the
sword went to his teeth. When Amant, the knight, saw
him do that villainous deed, and his squires, they said it was
foul done, and mischievously: Wherefore we will do thee
no more service, and wit ye well, we will appeach thee of
treason afore Arthur. Then was King Mark wonderly wroth
and would have slain Amant ; but he and the two squires
held them together, and set nought by his malice. When
King Mark saw he might not be revenged on them, he said
thus unto the knight, Amant : Wit thou well, an thou ap-
202 OF SIR TRISTRAM
peach me of treason I shall thereof defend me afore King
Arthur ; but I require thee that thou tell not my name, that
I am King Mark, whatsomever come of me. As for that,
said Sir Amant, I will not discover your name ; and so they
departed, and Amant and his fellows took the body of
Bersules and buried it.
Then King Mark rode till he came to a fountain, and
there he rested him, and stood in a doubt whether he would
ride to Arthur's court or none, or return again to his country.
And as he thus rested him by that fountain there came by
him a knight well armed on horseback ; and he alighted, and
tied his horse until a tree, and set him down by the brink of
the fountain ; and there he made great languor and dole, and
made the dolefullest complaint of love that ever man heard ;
and all this while was he not ware of King Mark. And this
was a great part of his complaint : he cried and wept, saying :
fair Queen of Orkney, King Lot's wife, and mother of Sir
Gawaine, and to Sir Gaheris, and mother to many other, for
thy love I am in great pains. Then King Mark arose and
went near him and said : Fair knight, ye have made piteous
complaint. Truly, said the knight, it is an hundred part
more ruefuller than my heart can utter. I require you, said
King Mark, tell me your name. Sir, said he, as for my name
1 will not hide it from no knight that beareth a shield, and
my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. But when Sir Lamorak
heard King Mark speak, then wist he well by his speech that
he was a Cornish knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I under-
stand by your tongue ye be of Cornwall, wherein there dwelleth
the shamefullest king that is now living, for he is a great enemy
to all good knights ; and that proveth well, for he hath chased
out of that country Sir Tristram, that is the worshipfullest
OF KING MARK AND SIR LAMORAK 203
knight that now is living, and all knights speak of him wor-
ship ; and for jealousness of his queen he hath chased him out
of his country. It is pity, said Sir Lamorak, that ever any
such false knight-coward as King Mark is, should be matched
with such a fair lady and good as La Beale Isoud is, for all
the world of him speaketh shame, and of her worship that
any queen may have. I have not ado in this matter, said
King Mark, neither nought will I speak thereof.
Then there came Sir Dinadan, and saluted them both.
And when he wist that King Mark was a knight of Corn-
wall he reproved him for the love of King Mark a thousand
fold more than did Sir Lamorak. Then he proffered to
joust with King Mark. And he was full loath thereto, but
Sir Dinadan edged him so, that he jousted with Sir Lamorak.
And Sir Lamorak smote King Mark so sore that he bare him
on his spear end over his horse's tail. And then King Mark
arose again, and followed after Sir Lamorak. But Sir Dina-
dan would not joust with Sir Lamorak, but he told King Mark
that Sir Lamorak was Sir Kay, the Seneschal. That is not
so, said King Mark, for he is much bigger than Sir Kay ; and
so he followed and overtook him, and bade him abide. What
will you do ? said Sir Lamorak. Sir, he said, I will fight with
a sword, for ye have shamed me with a spear ; and therewith
they dashed together with swords, and Sir Lamorak suffered
him and forbare him. And King Mark was passing hasty,
and smote thick strokes. Sir Lamorak saw he would not
stint, and waxed somewhat wroth, and doubled his strokes,
for he was one of the noblest knights of the world ; and he
beat him so on the helm that his head hung nigh on the saddle
bow. When Sir Lamorak saw him fare so, he said : Sir
knight, what cheer ? meseemeth ye have nigh your fill of
204 OF SIR TRISTRAM
fighting, it were pity to do you any more harm, for ye are but
a mean knight, therefore I give you leave to go where ye list.
Gramercy, said King Mark, for ye and I be not matches.
HOW KING MARK SLEW SIR AMANT
WRONGFULLY TO-FORE KING
ARTHUR, AND SIR LAUNCELOT
FETCHED KING MARK AGAIN TO
KING ARTHUR. Then King Mark rode
as fast as he might unto Camelot ; and the same day he
found there Amant, the knight, ready, that afore Arthur had
appealed him of treason ; and so, lightly the king commanded
them to do battle. And by misadventure King Mark smote
Amant through the body. And yet was Amant in the
righteous quarrel. And right so he took his horse and de-
parted from the court for dread of Sir Dinadan, that he
would tell Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides what he was.
Then were there maidens that La Beale Isoud had sent to
Sir Tristram, that knew Sir Amant well.
Then by the license of King Arthur they went to him
and spake with him ; for while the truncheon of the spear
stuck in his body he spake : Ah, fair damosels, said Amant,
recommend me unto La Beale Isoud, and tell her that I am
slain for the love of her and of Sir Tristram. And there he
told the damosels how cowardly King Mark had slain him,
and Sir Bersules, his fellow. And for that deed I appealed
him of treason, and here am I slain in a righteous quarrel ;
and all was because Sir Bersules and I would not consent by
treason to slay the noble knight, Sir Tristram. Then the
two maidens cried aloud that all the court might hear it, and
said : O sweet Lord Jesu, that knowest all hid things, why
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND KING MARK 205
sufferest thou so false a traitor to vanquish and slay a true
knight that fought in a righteous quarrel ? Then anon it
was sprung to the king, and the queen, and to all the lords,
that it was King Mark that had slain Sir Amant, and Sir
Bersules aforehand ; wherefore they did their battle. Then
was King Arthur wroth out of measure, and so were all the
other knights. But when Sir Tristram knew all the matter he
made great dole and sorrow out of measure, and wept for sorrow
for the loss of the noble knights, Sir Bersules and Sir Amant.
When Sir Launcelot espied Sir Tristram weep he went
hastily to King Arthur, and said : Sir, I pray you give me
leave to return again to yonder false king and knight. I
pray you, said King Arthur, fetch him again, but I would
not that ye slew him, for my worship. Then Sir Launcelot
armed him in all haste, and mounted upon a great horse,
and took a spear in his hand and rode after King Mark.
And from thence a three mile English Sir Launcelot over-
took him, and bade him : Turn recreant king and knight,
for whether thou wilt or not thou shalt go with me to King
Arthur's court. King Mark returned and looked upon Sir
Launcelot, and said : Fair sir, what is your name ? Wit
thou well, said he, my name is Sir Launcelot, and therefore
defend thee. And when King Mark wist that it was Sir
Launcelot, and came so fast upon him with a spear, he cried
then aloud : I yield me to thee, Sir Launcelot, honourable
knight. But Sir Launcelot would not hear him, but came fast
upon him. King Mark saw that, and made no defence, but
tumbled adown out of his saddle to the earth as a sack, and
there he lay still, and cried Sir Launcelot mercy. Arise,
recreant knight and king. I will not fight, said King Mark,
but whither that ye will I will go with you. Alas, alas, said
206 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Sir Launcelot, that I may not give thee one buffet for the love
of Sir Tristram and of La Beale Isoud, and for the two knights
that thou hast slain traitorly. And so he mounted upon his
horse and brought him to King Arthur ; and there King Mark
alighted in that same place, and threw his helm from him
upon the earth, and his sword, and fell flat to the earth of
King Arthur's feet, and put him in his grace and mercy. So
God me help, said Arthur, ye are welcome in a manner, and
in a manner ye are not welcome. In this manner ye are
welcome, that ye come hither maugre thy head, as I suppose.
That is truth, said King Mark, and else I had not been here,
for my lord, Sir Launcelot, brought me hither through his
fine force, and to him am I yolden to as recreant. Well, said
Arthur, ye understand ye ought to do me service, homage,
and fealty. And never would ye do me none, but ever ye
have been against me, and a destroyer of my knights ; now,
how will ye acquit you ? Sir, said King Mark, right as your
lordship will require me, unto my power, I will make a large
amends. For he was a fair speaker, and false thereunder.
Then for great pleasure of Sir Tristram, to make them twain
accorded, the king withheld King Mark as at that time, and
made a broken love-day between them.
HOW KING ARTHUR MADE A JOUSTING,
AND HOW SIR LAMORAK CAME IN, AND
OVERTHREW SIR GAWAINE, AND HOW KING
ARTHUR MADE KING MARK TO BE ACCORDED
WITH SIR TRISTRAM AND THEY RODE TOGETHER
TO CORNWALL. Then within three days after the king
let make a jousting at a priory. And there made them ready
many knights of the Round Table, for Sir Gawaine and his
OF SIR LAMORAK AND SIR GAWAINE 207
brethren made them ready to joust ; but Tristram, Launcelot,
nor Dinadan, would not joust, but suffered Sir Gawaine, for
the love of King Arthur, with his brethren, to win the gree
if they might. Then on the morn they apparelled them to
joust, Sir Gawaine and his four brethren, and did there great
deeds of arms. And Sir Ector de Maris did marvellously
well, but Sir Gawaine passed all that fellowship ; wherefore
King Arthur and all the knights gave Sir Gawaine the honour
at the beginning.
Right so King Arthur was ware of a knight and two squires,
the which came out of a forest side, with a shield covered
with leather, and then he came slyly and hurtled here and
there, and anon with one spear he had smitten down two
knights of the Round Table. Then with this hurtling he
lost the covering of his shield : then was the king and all
other ware that he bare a red shield. See where rideth a stout
knight, said King Arthur, he with the red shield. And there
was noise and crying : Beware the Knight with the Red
Shield. So within a little while he had overthrown three
brethren of Sir Gawaine's. Truly, said King Arthur, me-
seemeth yonder is the best jouster that ever I saw. With that
he saw him encounter with Sir Gawaine, and he smote him
down with so great force that he made his horse to avoid the
saddle. How now, said the king, Sir Gawaine hath a fall ;
well were me an I knew what knight he were with the red
shield. I know him well, said Dinadan, but as at this time
ye shall not know his name. By my head, said Sir Tristram,
he jousted better than Sir Palomides, and if ye list to know
his name, wit ye well his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis.
As they stood thus talking, Sir Gawaine and he encountered
together again, and there he smote Sir Gawaine from his horse,
208 OF SIR TRISTRAM
and brised him sore. And in the sight of King Arthur he
smote down twenty knights, beside Sir Gawaine and his breth-
ren. And so clearly was the prize given him as a knight peer-
less. Then slyly and marvellously Sir Lamorak withdrew
him from all the fellowship into the forest side. All this
espied King Arthur, for his eye went never from him. Then
the king, Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Dinadan, took
their hackneys, and rode straight after the good knight, Sir
Lamorak de Galis, and there found him. And thus said the
king : Ah, fair knight, well be ye found. When he saw the
king he put off his helm and saluted him, and when he saw
Sir Tristram he alighted down off his horse and ran to him to
take him by the thighs, but Sir Tristram would not suffer
him, but he alighted or that he came, and either took other
in arms, and made great joy of other. The king was glad,
and also was all the fellowship of the Round Table, except
Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And when they wist that he
was Sir Lamorak, they had great despite at him, and were
wonderly wroth with him that he had put Gawaine to dis-
honour that day.
Then Gawaine called privily in council all his brethren,
and to them said thus : Fair brethren, here may ye see,
whom that we hate King Arthur loveth, and whom that we
love he hateth. And wit ye well, my fair brethren, that this
Sir Lamorak will never love us, because we slew his father,
King Pellinore, for we deemed that he slew our father, King
of Orkney. And for the despite of Pellinore, Sir Lamorak
did us a shame to our mother, therefore I will be revenged.
Sir, said Sir Gawaine's brethren, let see how ye will or may be
revenged, and ye shall find us ready. Well, said Gawaine,
hold you still and we shall espy our time.
HOW KING MARK WENT TO CORNWALL 209
Now pass we our matter, and leave we Sir Gawaine, and
speak of King Arthur, that on a day said unto King Mark :
Sir, I pray you give me a gift that I shall ask you. Sir, said
King Mark, I will give you whatsomever ye desire an it be
in my power. Sir, gramercy, said Arthur. This I will ask
you, that ye will be good lord unto Sir Tristram, for he is a
man of great honour ; and that ye will take him with you
into Cornwall, and let him see his friends, and there cherish
him for my sake. Sir, said King Mark, I promise you by the
faith of my body, and by the faith that I owe to God and to
you, I shall worship him for your sake in all that I can or may.
Sir, said Arthur, and I will forgive you all the evil will that
ever I owed you, an so be that you swear that upon a book
before me. With a good will, said King Mark; and so he
there sware upon a book afore him and all his knights, and
therewith King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by
the hands hard knit together. But for all this King Mark
thought falsely, as it proved after, for he put Sir Tristram in
prison, and cowardly would have slain him.
Then soon after King Mark took his leave to ride into
Cornwall, and Sir Tristram made him ready to ride with
him, whereof the most part of the Round Table were wroth
and heavy, and in especial Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak,
and Sir Dinadan, were wroth out of measure. For well they
wist King Mark would slay or destroy Sir Tristram. Alas,
said Dinadan, that my lord, Sir Tristram, shall depart. And
Sir Tristram took such sorrow that he was amazed like a fool.
Alas, said Sir Launcelot unto King Arthur, what have ye
done, for ye shall lose the most man of worship that ever
came into your court. It was his own desire, said Arthur,
and therefore I might not do withal, for I have done all that
210 OF SIR TRISTRAM
I can and made them at accord. Accord, said Sir Launcelot,
fie upon that accord, for ye shall hear that he shall slay Sir
Tristram, or put him in a prison, for he is the most coward
and the villainest king and knight that is now living.
And therewith Sir Launcelot departed, and came to King
Mark, and said to him thus : Sir king, wit thou well the good
knight Sir Tristram shall go with thee. Beware, I rede thee,
of treason, for an thou mischief that knight by any manner
of falsehood or treason, by the faith I owe to God and to the
order of knighthood, I shall slay thee with mine own hands.
Sir Launcelot, said the king, over-much have ye said to me,
and I have sworn and said over largely afore King Arthur in
hearing of all his knights, that I shall not slay nor betray him.
It were to me over-much shame to break my promise. Ye
say well, said Sir Launcelot, but ye are called so false and full
of treason that no man may believe you. Forsooth it is known
well wherefore ye came into this country, and for none other
cause but for to slay Sir Tristram. So with great dole King
Mark and Sir Tristram rode together, for it was by Sir Tris-
tram's will and his means to go with King Mark, and all was
for the intent to see La Beale Isoud, for without the sight of
her Sir Tristram might not endure.
HOW SIR PERCIVALE WAS MADE KNIGHT
OF KING ARTHUR, AND HOW A DUMB
MAID SPAKE, AND BROUGHT HIM TO THE
ROUND TABLE. So when King Mark and Sir Tristram
were departed from the court there was made great dole and
sorrow for the departing of Sir Tristram. Then the king
and his knights made no manner of joys eight days after.
And at the eight days' end there came to the court a knight
HOW PERCIVALE WAS MADE KNIGHT 211
with a young squire with him. And when this knight was un-
armed, he went to the king and required 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 some time good service, and he is a brother unto
Sir Lamorak de Galis, the good knight. Well, said the king,
for what cause desire ye that of me that I should make him
knight ? Wit you well, my lord the king, that this young squire
is brother to me as well as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is
Aglavale. Sir Aglavale, said Arthur, for the love of Sir Lam-
orak, and for his father's love, he shall be made knight to-mor-
row. Now tell me, said Arthur, what is his name ? Sir, said the
knight, his name is Percivale de Galis. So on the morn the king
made him knight in Camelot. But the king and all the knights
thought it would be long ere 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 com-
manded him to be set among mean knights ; and so was
Sir Percivale set as the king commanded. Then 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 there 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
departed and asked a priest. And as she was confessed and
houselled then she died. Then the king and all the court
made great joy of Sir Percivale.
212 OF SIR TRISTRAM
HOW AT A GREAT FEAST THAT
KING MARK MADE AN HARPER
CAME AND SANG A LAY OF SIR
DINADAN'S AGAINST KING MARK.
Then there came a knight out of Corn-
wall, his name was Fergus, a fellow of the
Round Table. And there he told the
king and Sir Launcelot good tidings of
Sir Tristram, and there were brought
goodly letters, and how he left him in the castle of Tintagil.
Then came the damosel that brought goodly letters unto
King Arthur and unto Sir Launcelot, and there she had pass-
ing good cheer of the king, and of the Queen Guenever, and
of Sir Launcelot. Then they wrote goodly letters again.
But Sir Launcelot bade ever Sir Tristram beware of King
Mark, for ever he called him in his letters King Fox, as who
saith, he fareth all with wiles and treason. Whereof Sir
Tristram in his heart thanked Sir Launcelot. Then the
damosel went unto La Beale Isoud, and bare her letters
from the king and from Sir Launcelot, whereof she was in
passing great joy. Fair damosel, said La Beale Isoud,
how fareth my Lord Arthur, and the Queen Guenever,
and the noble knight, Sir Launcelot ? She answered, and
to make short tale : Much the better that ye and Sir
Tristram be in joy. God reward them, said La Beale
Isoud, for Sir Tristram suffereth great pain for me, and
I for him.
So the damosel departed, and brought letters to King
Mark. And when he had read them, and understood them,
he was wroth with Sir Tristram, for he deemed that he had
sent the damosel unto King Arthur. For Arthur and Launce-
OF LETTERS FROM KING MARK 213
lot in a manner threated King Mark. And as King Mark
read these letters he deemed treason by Sir Tristram.
Then privily and secretly he sent letters unto King Arthur,
and unto Queen Guenever, and unto Sir Launcelot. So the
varlet departed, and found the king and the queen in Wales,
at Carlion. And as the king and the queen were at mass the
varlet came with the letters. And when mass was done the
king and the queen opened the letters privily by themselves.
And the beginning of the king's letters spake wonderly short
unto King Arthur, and bade him entermete with himself and
with his wife, and of his knights ; for he was able enough to
rule and keep his wife.
When King Arthur understood the letter, he mused of
many things, and thought on his sister's words, Queen Mor-
gan le Fay, that she had said betwixt Queen Guenever and
Sir Launcelot. And in this thought he studied a great while.
Then he bethought him again how his sister was his own
enemy, and that she hated the queen and Sir Launcelot, and
so he put all that out of his thought. Then King Arthur
read the letter again, and the latter clause said that King
Mark took Sir Tristram for his mortal enemy ; wherefore he
put Arthur out of doubt he would be revenged of Sir Tristram.
Then was King Arthur wroth with King Mark. And when
Queen Guenever read her letter and understood it, she was
wroth out of measure, for the letter spake shame by her and
by Sir Launcelot. And so privily she sent the letter unto
Sir Launcelot. And when he wist the intent of the letter he
was so wroth that he laid him down on his bed to sleep, whereof
Sir Dinadan was ware, for it was his manner to be privy with
all good knights. And as Sir Launcelot slept he stole the
letter out of his hand, and read it word by word. And then
2i 4 OF SIR TRISTRAM
he made great sorrow for anger. And so Sir Launcelot
awaked, and went to a window, and read the letter again,
the which made him angry.
Sir, said Dinadan, wherefore be ye angry ? discover your
heart to me : forsooth ye wot well I owe you good will, how-
beit I am a poor knight and a servitor unto you and to all
good knights. For though I be not of worship myself I love
all those that be of worship. It is truth, said Sir Launcelot,
ye are a trusty knight, and for great trust I will shew you my
counsel. And when Dinadan understood all, he said : This
is my counsel : set you right nought by these threats, for King
Mark is so villainous, that by fair speech shall never man
get of him. But ye shall see what I shall do ; I will make a
lay for him, and when it is made I shall make an harper to
sing it afore him. So anon he went and made it, and taught
it an harper that hight Eliot. And when he knew it, he
taught it to many harpers. And so by the will of Sir Launce-
lot, and of Arthur, the harpers went straight into Wales, and
into Cornwall, to sing the lay that Sir Dinadan made by King
Mark, the which was the worst lay that ever harper sang with
harp or with any other instruments.
And at a great feast that King Mark made came Eliot
the harper with the lay that Dinadan had made, and secretly
brought it unto Sir Tristram, and told him the lay that Dina-
dan had made by King Mark. And when Sir Tristram heard
it, he said : That Dinadan can make wonderly well and ill,
thereas it shall be. Sir, said Eliot, dare I sing this song afore
King Mark ? Yea, on my peril, said Sir Tristram, for I shall
be thy warrant. Then at the meat came in Eliot the harper,
and because he was a curious harper men heard him sing
the same lay that Dinadan had made, the which spake the
OF KING MARK AND SIR DINADAN'S LAY 215
most villainy by King Mark of his treason that ever man
heard.
When the harper had sung his song to the end King Mark
was wonderly wroth, and said : Thou harper, how durst thou
be so bold on thy head to sing this song afore me. Sir, said
Eliot, wit you well I am a minstrel, and I must do as I am
commanded of these lords that I bear the arms of. And sir,
wit ye well that Sir Dinadan, a knight of the Table Round,
made this song, and made me to sing it afore you. Thou
sayest well, said King Mark, and because thou art a minstrel
thou shalt go quit, but I charge thee hie thee fast out of my
sight. So the harper departed and went to Sir Tristram, and
told him how he had sped. Then Sir Tristram let make
letters as goodly as he could to Launcelot and to Sir Dinadan.
And so he let conduct the harper out of the country. But
to say that King Mark was wonderly wroth, he was, for he
deemed that the lay that was sung afore him was made by
Sir Tristram's counsel, wherefore he thought to slay him and
all his well-willers in that country.
HOW BY TREASON SIR TRISTRAM WAS
BROUGHT TO A TOURNAMENT FOR TO
HAVE BEEN SLAIN, AND HOW HE WAS PUT
IN PRISON, AND HOW HE AND LA BEALE ISOUD
CAME TO ENGLAND AND WERE LODGED BY SIR
LAUNCELOT AT JOYOUS CARD. Then there was cried
by the coasts of Cornwall a great tournament and jousts, and
all was done by Sir Galahalt the haut prince and King Bagde-
magus, to the intent to slay Launcelot, or else utterly destroy
him and shame him, because Sir Launcelot had always the
higher degree ; therefore this prince and this king made this
216 OF SIR TRISTRAM
jousts against Sir Launcelot. And thus their counsel was
discovered unto King Mark, whereof he was full glad.
Then King Mark bethought him that he would have
Sir Tristram unto that tournament disguised that no man
should know him, to that intent that the haut prince should
ween that Sir Tristram were Sir Launcelot. So at these
jousts came in Sir Tristram. And at that time Sir Launcelot
was not there, but when they saw a knight disguised do such
deeds of arms, they weened it had been Sir Launcelot. And
in especial King Mark said it was Sir Launcelot plainly.
Then they set upon him, both King Bagdemagus, and the
haut prince, and their knights, that it was wonder that ever
Sir Tristram might endure that pain. Notwithstanding for
all the pain that he had, Sir Tristram won the degree at that
tournament, and there he hurt many knights and brised them,
and they hurt him and brised him wonderly sore. So when
the jousts were all done they knew well that it was Sir Tris-
tram de Liones ; and all that were on King Mark's party were
glad that Sir Tristram was hurt, and the remnant were sorry
of his hurt ; for Sir Tristram was not so behated as was Sir
Launcelot within the realm of England.
Then came King Mark unto Sir Tristram and said : Fair
nephew, I am sorry of your hurts. Gramercy my lord, said
Sir Tristram. Then King Mark made Sir Tristram to be put
in an horse bier in great sign of love, and said : Fair cousin,
I shall be your leech myself. And so he rode forth with Sir
Tristram, and brought him to a castle by daylight. And
then King Mark made Sir Tristram to eat. And then after
he gave him a drink, the which as soon as he had drunk he
fell asleep. And when it was night he made him to be carried
to another castle, and there he put him in a strong prison, and
HOW TRISTRAM CAME TO ENGLAND 217
there he ordained a man and a woman to give him his meat
and drink. So there he was a great while.
When Queen Isoud understood that Sir Tristram was in
prison she made as great sorrow as ever made lady or gentle-
woman. Then Sir Tristram sent a letter unto La Beale
Isoud, and prayed her to be his good lady ; and if it pleased
her to make a vessel ready for her and him, he would go with
her unto the realm of Logris, that is this land. When La
Beale Isoud understood Sir Tristram's letters and his intent,
she sent him another, and bade him be of good comfort, for
she would do make the vessel ready, and all thing to purpose.
Then La Beale Isoud sent unto Sir Dinas, and to Sadok,
and prayed them in anywise to take King Mark, and put
him in prison, unto the time that she and Sir Tristram were
departed unto the realm of Logris. When Sir Dinas the
Seneschal understood the treason of King Mark he promised
her again, and sent her word that King Mark should be put
in prison. And as they devised it so it was done. And then
Sir Tristram was delivered out of prison ; and anon in all
the haste Queen Isoud and Sir Tristram went and took their
counsel with that they would have with them when they
departed.
Then La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram took their vessel,
and came by water into this land. And so they were not
in this land four days but there came a cry of a jousts and
tournament that King Arthur let make. When Sir Tristram
heard tell of that tournament he disguised himself, and La
Beale Isoud, and rode unto that tournament. And when he
came there he saw many knights joust and tourney; and so
Sir Tristram dressed him to the range, and to make short
conclusion, he overthrew fourteen knights of the Round
218 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Table. When Sir Launcelot saw these knights thus over-
thrown, Sir Launcelot dressed him to Sir Tristram. That
saw La Beale Isoud how Sir Launcelot was come into the
field. Then La Beale Isoud sent unto Sir Launcelot a ring,
and bade him wit that it was Sir Tristram de Liones. When
Sir Launcelot understood that there was Sir Tristram he was
full glad, and would not joust. Then Sir Launcelot espied
whither Sir Tristram went, and after him he rode ; and then
either made of other great joy. And so Sir Launcelot brought
Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud unto Joyous Card, that was
his own castle, that he had won with his own hands. And
there Sir Launcelot put them in to wield for their own. And
wit ye well that castle was garnished and furnished for a king
and a queen royal there to have sojourned. And Sir Launcelot
charged all his people to honour them and love them as they
would do himself.
So Sir Launcelot departed unto King Arthur ; and then
he told Queen Guenever how he that jousted so well at the
last tournament was Sir Tristram. And there he told her
how he had with him La Beale Isoud maugre King Mark,
and so Queen Guenever told all this unto King Arthur. When
King Arthur wist that Sir Tristram was escaped and come
from King Mark, and had brought La Beale Isoud with him,
then was he passing glad. So because of Sir Tristram King
Arthur let make a cry, that on May Day should be a jousts
before the castle of Lonazep ; and that castle was fast by
Joyous Gard. And thus Arthur devised, that all the knights
of this land, and of Cornwall, and of North Wales, should
joust against all these countries, Ireland, Scotland, and the
remnant of Wales, and the country of Gore, and Surluse, and
of Listinoise, and they of Northumberland, and all they that
HOW TRISTRAM ABODE AT JOYOUS CARD 219
held lands of Arthur on this half the sea. When this cry was
made many knights were glad and many were unglad. Sir,
said Launcelot unto Arthur, by this cry that ye have made
ye will put us that be about you in great jeopardy, for there
be many knights that have great envy to us ; therefore when
we shall meet at the day of jousts there will be hard shift
among us. As for that, said Arthur, I care not ; there shall
we prove who shall be best of his hands. So when Sir Launce-
lot understood wherefore King Arthur made this jousting, then
he made such purveyance that La Beale Isoud should behold
the jousts in a secret place that was honest for her estate.
Now turn we unto Sir Tristram and to La Beale Isoud,
how they made great joy daily together with all manner of
mirths that they could devise ; and every day Sir Tristram
would go ride a-hunting, for Sir Tristram was that time called
the best chaser of the world, and the noblest blower of an horn
of all manner of measures ; for as books report, of Sir Tristram
came all the good terms of venery and hunting, and all the
sizes and measures of blowing of an horn ; and of him we had
first all the terms of hawking, and which were beasts of chase
and beasts of venery, and which were vermins, and all the blasts
that long to all manner of games. First to the uncoupling,
to the seeking, to the rechate, to the flight, to the death, and
to strake, and many other blasts and terms, that all manner
of gentlemen have cause to the world's end to praise Sir Tris-
tram, and to pray for his soul.
220 OF SIR TRISTRAM
HOW BY THE COUNSEL OF LA BEALE
ISOUD SIR TRISTRAM RODE ARMED, AND
HOW HE MET WITH SIR PALOMIDES, AND
SIR BREUSE SAUNCE PITE BEGUILED
THREE GOOD KNIGHTS. So on a day La
Beale Isoud said unto Sir Tristram : I marvel me
much, said she, that ye remember not yourself,
how ye be here in a strange country, and here be
many perilous knights ; and well ye wot that King
Mark is full of treason ; and that ye will ride thus to chase
and to hunt unarmed ; ye might be destroyed. My fair lady
and my love, I cry you mercy, I will no more do so. So then
Sir Tristram rode daily a-hunting armed, and his men bear-
ing his shield and his spear. So on a day a little afore the
month of May, Sir Tristram chased an hart passing eagerly,
and so the hart passed by a fair well. And then Sir Tristram
alighted and put off his helm to drink of that burbly water.
Right so he heard and saw the Questing Beast come to the
well. When Sir Tristram saw that beast he put on his helm,
for he deemed he should hear of Sir Palomides, for that beast
was his quest. Right so Sir Tristram saw where came a
knight armed, upon a noble courser, and he saluted him,
and they spake of many things ; and this knight's name was
Breuse Saunce Pite. And right so withal there came unto
them the noble knight Sir Palomides, and either saluted
other, and spake fair to other.
Fair knights, said Sir Palomides, I can tell you tidings.
What is that ? said those knights. Sirs, wit ye well that
King Mark is put in prison by his own knights, and all was
for love of Sir Tristram ; for King Mark had put Sir Tristram
in prison, and Queen La Beale Isoud delivered him, and went
OF SIR BREUSE SAUNCE PITE 221
clearly away with him into this realm ; and all this while
King Mark, the false traitor, is in prison. Is this truth ?
said Palomides ; then shall we hastily hear of Sir Tristram.
And as for to say that I love La Beale Isoud I dare make good
that I do, and that she hath my service above all other ladies,
and shall have the term of my life.
And right so as they stood talking they saw afore them
where came a knight all armed, on a great horse, and one
of his men bare his shield, and the other his spear. And
anon as that knight espied them he gat his shield and his
spear and dressed him to joust. Fair fellows, said Sir Tris-
tram, yonder is a knight will joust with us, let see which of
us shall encounter with him, for I see well he is of the court
of King Arthur. It shall not be long or he be met withal,
said Sir Palomides, for I found never no knight in my quest
of this glasting beast, but an he would joust I never refused
him. As well may I, said Breuse Saunce Pite, follow that
beast as ye. Then shall ye do battle with me, said Palomides.
So Sir Palomides dressed him unto that other knight,
Sir Bleoberis, that was a full noble knight, nigh kin unto
Sir Launcelot. And so they met so hard that Sir Palomides
fell to the earth, horse and all. Then Sir Bleoberis cried aloud
and said thus : Make thee ready thou false traitor knight,
Breuse Saunce Pite, for wit thou certainly I will have ado
with thee to the utterance for the noble knights and ladies
that thou hast falsely betrayed. When this false knight and
traitor, Breuse Saunce Pite, heard him say so, he took his horse
by the bridle and fled his way as fast as ever his horse might
run, for sore he was of him afeard. When Sir Bleoberis saw
him flee he followed fast after, through thick and through
thin. And by fortune as Sir Breuse fled, he saw even afore
222 OF SIR TRISTRAM
him three knights of the Table Round, of the which the one
hight Sir Ector de Maris, the other hight Sir Percivale de
Galis, the third hight Sir Harry le Fise Lake, a good knight
and an hardy. And as for Sir Percivale, he was called that
time of his time one of the best knights of the world, and
the best assured. When Breuse saw these knights he rode
straight unto them, and cried unto them and prayed them of
rescues. What need have ye ? said Sir Ector. Ah, fair
knights, said Sir Breuse, here followeth me the most traitor
knight, and most coward, and most of villainy ; his name is
Breuse Saunce Pite, and if he may get me he will slay me
without mercy and pity. Abide with us, said Sir Percivale,
and we shall warrant you.
Then were they ware of Sir Bleoberis that came riding
all that he might. Then Sir Ector put himself forth to joust
afore them all. When Sir Bleoberis saw that they were four
knights and he but himself, he stood in a doubt whether he
would turn or hold his way. Then he said to himself: I am
a knight of the Table Round, and rather than I should shame
mine oath and my blood I will hold my way whatsoever fall
thereof. And then Sir Ector dressed his spear, and smote
either other passing sore, but Sir Ector fell to the earth.
That saw Sir Percivale, and he dressed his horse toward him
all that he might drive, but Sir Percivale had such a stroke
that horse and man fell to the earth. When Sir Harry saw
that they were both to the earth then he said to himself:
Never was Breuse of such prowess. So Sir Harry dressed
his horse, and they met together so strongly that both the
horses and knights fell to the earth, but Sir Bleoberis' horse
began to recover again. That saw Breuse and he came
hurtling, and smote him over and over, and would have slain
OF SIR BREUSE SAUNCE PITE 223
him as he lay on the ground. Then Sir Harry le Fise Lake
arose lightly, and took the bridle of Sir Breuse's horse, and
said : Fie for shame ! strike never a knight when he is at
the earth, for this knight may be called no shameful knight
of his deeds, for yet as men may see thereas he lieth on the
ground he hath done worshipfully, and put to the worse pass-
ing good knights. Therefore will I not let, said Sir Breuse.
Thou shalt not choose, said Sir Harry, as at this time. Then
when Sir Breuse saw that he might not choose nor have his
will he spake fair. Then Sir Harry let him go. And then
anon he made his horse to run over Sir Bleoberis, and rashed
him to the earth like if he would have slain him. When Sir
Harry saw him do so villainously he cried : Traitor knight,
leave off for shame. And as Sir Harry would have taken
his horse to fight with Sir Breuse, then Sir Breuse ran upon
him as he was half upon his horse, and smote him down, horse
and man, to the earth, and had near slain Sir Harry, the good
knight. That saw Sir Percivale, and then he cried : Traitor
knight, what dost thou ? And when Sir Percivale was upon
his horse Sir Breuse took his horse and fled all that ever he
might, and Sir Percivale and Sir Harry followed after him
fast, but ever the longer they chased the farther were they
behind.
Then they turned again and came to Sir Ector de Maris
and to Sir Bleoberis. Ah, fair knights, said Bleoberis, why
have ye succoured that false knight and traitor ? Why,
said Sir Harry, what knight is he ? for well I wot it is a false
knight, said Sir Harry, and a coward and a felonious knight.
Sir, said Bleoberis, he is the most coward knight, and a de-
vourer of ladies and a destroyer of good knights, and especially
of Arthur's. What is your name ? said Sir Ector. My name
224 OF SIR TRISTRAM
is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis. Alas, fair cousin, said Ector, for-
give it me, for I am Sir Ector de Maris. Then Sir Percivale
and Sir Harry made great joy that they met with Bleoberis,
but all they were heavy that Sir Breuse was escaped them,
whereof they made great dole.
Right so as they stood thus there came Sir Palomides,
and when he saw the shield of Bleoberis lie on the earth,
then said Palomides : He that oweth that shield let him dress
him to me, for he smote me down here fast by at a fountain,
and therefore I will fight with him on foot. I am ready,
said Bleoberis, here to answer thee, for wit thou well, sir
knight, it was I, and my name is Bleoberis de Ganis. Well
art thou met, said Palomides, and wit thou well my name is
Palomides the Saracen ; and either of them hated other to
the death. Sir Palomides, said Ector, wit thou well there is
neither thou nor none knight that beareth the life that slayeth
any of our blood but he shall die for it ; therefore an thou
list to fight go seek Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and there
shall ye find your match. With them have I met, said Palo-
mides, but I had never no worship of them. Was there never
no manner of knight, said Sir Ector, but they that ever matched
with you ? Yes, said Palomides, there was the third, a good
knight as any of them, and of his age he was the best that
ever I found ; for an he might have lived till he had been an
hardier man there liveth no knight now such, and his name
was Sir Lamorak de Galis. And as he had jousted at a tour-
nament there he overthrew me and thirty knights more, and
there he won the degree. And at his departing there met him
Sir Gawaine and his brethren, and with great pain they
slew him feloniously, unto all good knights' great damage.
Anon as Sir Percivale heard that his brother was dead, Sir
HOW DINADAN MOCKED AT LOVERS 225
Lamorak, he fell over his horse's mane swooning, and there
he made the greatest dole that ever made knight. And when
Sir Percivale arose he said : Alas, my good and noble brother
Sir Lamorak, now shall we never meet, and I trow in all the
wide world a man may not find such a knight as he was of
his age ; and it is too much to suffer the death of our father
King Pellinore, and now the death of our good brother Sir
Lamorak.
Then in the meanwhile there came a varlet from the
court of King Arthur, and told them of the great tourna-
ment that should be at Lonazep, and how these lands, Corn-
wall and Northgalis, should be against all them that would
come.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM MET WITH SIR DINA-
DAN, AND OF THEIR DEVICES, AND HOW
SIR DINADAN WAS SENT FOR BY LA BEALE
ISOUD, AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM IN JOUSTING
WITH SIR PALOMIDES WAS KNOWN BY SIR DINA-
DAN. Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that as he rode
a-hunting he met with Sir Dinadan, that was come into that
country to seek Sir Tristram. Then Sir Dinadan told Sir
Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram would not tell him his
name, wherefore Sir Dinadan was wroth. For such a foolish
knight as ye are, said Sir Dinadan, I saw but late this day
lying by a well, and he fared as he slept ; and there he lay
like a fool grinning, and would not speak, and his shield lay
by him, and his horse stood by him ; and well I wot he was a
lover. Ah, fair sir, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a lover ?
Mary, fie on that craft ! said Sir Dinadan. That is evil
said, said Sir Tristram, for a knight may never be of prowess
226 OF SIR TRISTRAM
but if he be a lover. It is well said, said Sir Dinadan ; now
tell me your name, sith ye be a lover, or else I shall do battle
with you. As for that, said Sir Tristram, it is no reason to
fight with me but I tell you my name ; and as for that my
name shall ye not wit as at this time. Fie for shame, said
Dinadan, art thou a knight and durst not tell thy name to
me ? therefore I will fight with thee. As for that, said Sir
Tristram, I will be advised, for I will not do battle but if me
list. And if I do battle, said Sir Tristram, ye are not able
to withstand me. Fie on thee, coward, said Sir Dinadan.
And thus as they hoved still, they saw a knight come
riding against them. Lo, said Sir Tristram, see where cometh
a knight riding, will joust with you. Anon, as Sir Dinadan
beheld him he said : That is the same doted knight that I
saw lie by the well, neither sleeping nor waking. Well, said
Sir Tristram, I know that knight well with the covered shield
of azure, he is the king's son of Northumberland, his name
is Epinegris ; and he is as great a lover as I know, and he
loveth the king's daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And
now I suppose, said Sir Tristram, an ye require him he will
joust with you, and then shall ye prove whether a lover be
a better knight, or ye that will not love no lady. Well, said
Dinadan, now shalt thou see what I shall do. Therewithal
Sir Dinadan spake on high and said : Sir knight, make thee
ready to joust with me, for it is the custom of errant knights
one to joust with other. Sir, said Epinegris, is that the rule
of you errant knights for to make a knight to joust, will he
or nill ? As for that, said Dinadan, make thee ready, for here
is for me. And therewithal they spurred their horses and met
together so hard that Epinegris smote down Sir Dinadan.
Then Sir Tristram rode to Sir Dinadan and said : How now,
OF LA BEALE ISOUD AND SIR DINADAN 227
meseemeth the lover hath well sped. Fie on thee, coward,
said Sir Dinadan, and if thou be a good knight revenge me.
Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not joust as at this time, but take
your horse and let us go hence. Defend me, said Sir Dina-
dan, from thy fellowship, for I never sped well since I met
with thee : and so they departed. Well, said Sir Tristram,
peradventure I could tell you tidings of Sir Tristram. God
defend me, said Dinadan, from thy fellowship, for Sir Tris-
tram were mickle the worse an he were in thy company :
and then they departed. Sir, said Sir Tristram, yet it may
happen I shall meet with you in other places.
So rode Sir Tristram unto Joyous Card, and told La
Beale Isoud of all his adventure, as ye have heard to-fore.
And when she heard him tell of Sir Dinadan : Sir, said she,
is not that he that made the song by King Mark ? That same
is he, said Sir Tristram, for he is the best bourder and japer,
and a noble knight of his hands, and the best fellow that I
know, and all good knights love his fellowship. Alas, sir,
said she, why brought ye not him with you ? Have ye no
care, said Sir Tristram, for he rideth to seek me in this country ;
and therefore he will not away till he have met with me.
And there Sir Tristram told La Beale Isoud how Sir Dinadan
held against all lovers. Right so there came in a varlet and
told Sir Tristram how there was come an errant knight into
the town, with such colours upon his shield. That is Sir
Dinadan, said Sir Tristram; wit ye what ye shall do, said
Sir Tristram : send ye for him, my Lady Isoud, and I
will not be seen, and ye shall hear the merriest knight that
ever ye spake withal, and the maddest talker; and I pray
you heartily that ye make him good cheer.
Then anon La Beale Isoud sent into the town, and prayed
228 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Sir Dinadan that he would come into the castle and repose
him there with a lady. With a good will, said Sir Dinadan ;
and so he mounted upon his horse and rode into the castle ;
and there he alighted, and was unarmed, and brought into
the castle. Anon La Beale Isoud came unto him, and either
saluted other ; then she asked him of whence that he was.
Madam, said Dinadan, I am of the court of King Arthur,
and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir Dinadan.
What do ye in this country ? said La Beale Isoud. Madam,
said he, I seek Sir Tristram the good knight, for it was told
me that he was in this country. It may well be, said La
Beale Isoud, but I am not ware of him. Madam, said Dina-
dan, I marvel of Sir Tristram and mo other lovers, what
aileth them to be so mad and so sotted upon women. Why,
said La Beale Isoud, are ye a knight and be no lover ? it is
shame to you : wherefore ye may not be called a good knight
but if ye make a quarrel for a lady. Defend me, said Dina-
dan, for the joy of love is too short, and the sorrow thereof,
and what cometh thereof, dureth over long. Ah, said La
Beale Isoud, say ye not so, for here fast by was the good
knight Sir Bleoberis, that fought with three knights at once
for a damosers sake, and he won her afore the King of North-
umberland. It was so, said Sir Dinadan, for I know him well
for a good knight and a noble, and come of noble blood ; for
all be noble knights of whom he is come of, that is Sir Launce-
lot du Lake.
Now I pray you, said La Beale Isoud, tell me will you
fight for my love with three knights that do me great wrong ?
and insomuch as ye be a knight of King Arthur's I require
you to do battle for me. Then Sir Dinadan said : I shall
say you ye be as fair a lady as ever I saw any, and much
HOW SIR DINADAN MET SIR TRISTRAM 229
fairer than is my lady Queen Guenever, but wit ye well at
one word, I will not fight for you with three knights. Then
Isoud laughed, and had good game at him. So he had all
the cheer that she might make him, and there he lay all that
night. And on the morn early Sir Tristram armed him, and
La Beale Isoud gave him a good helm ; and then he promised
her that he would meet with Sir Dinadan, and they two would
ride together into Lonazep, where the tournament should be :
And there shall I make ready for you where ye shall see the
tournament. Then departed Sir Tristram with two squires
that bare his shield and his spears that were great and long.
Then after that Sir Dinadan departed, and rode his way
a great pace until he had overtaken Sir Tristram. And when
Sir Dinadan had overtaken him he knew him anon, and he
hated the fellowship of him above all other knights. Ah,
said Sir Dinadan, art thou that coward knight that I met
with yesterday ? keep thee, for thou shalt joust with me
maugre thy head. Well, said Sir Tristram, and I am loath
to joust. And so they let their horses run, and Sir Tristram
missed of him a-purpose, and Sir Dinadan brake a spear upon
Sir Tristram, and therewith Sir Dinadan dressed him to draw
out his sword. Not so, said Sir Tristram, why are ye so
wroth ? I will not fight. Fie on thee, coward, said Dinadan,
thou shamest all knights. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I
care not, for I will wait upon you and be under your protec-
tion ; for because ye are so good a knight ye may save me.
The devil deliver me of thee, said Sir Dinadan, for thou art
as goodly a man of arms and of thy person as ever I saw, and
the most coward that ever I saw What wilt thou do with
those great spears that thou earnest with thee ? I shall give
them, said Sir Tristram, to some good knight when I come
230 OF SIR TRISTRAM
to the tournament ; and if I see you do best, I shall give them
to you.
So thus as they rode talking they saw where came an
errant knight afore them, that dressed him to joust. Lo,
said Sir Tristram, yonder is one will joust ; now dress thee
to him. Ah, shame betide thee, said Sir Dinadan. Nay,
not so, said Tristram, for that knight beseemeth a shrew.
Then shall I, said Sir Dinadan. And so they dressed their
shields and their spears, and they met together so hard that
the other knight smote down Sir Dinadan from his horse.
Lo, said Sir Tristram, it had been better ye had left. Fie on
thee, coward, said Sir Dinadan. Then Sir Dinadan started
up and gat his sword in his hand, and proffered to do battle
on foot. Whether in love or in wrath ? said the other knight.
Let us do battle in love, said Sir Dinadan. What is your
name, said that knight, I pray you tell me. Wit ye well my
name is Sir Dinadan. Ah, Dinadan, said that knight, and
my name is Gareth, the youngest brother unto Sir Gawaine.
Then either made of other great cheer, for this Gareth
was the best knight of all the brethren, and he proved a good
knight. Then they took their horses, and there they spake
of Sir Tristram, how such a coward he was ; and every word
Sir Tristram heard and laughed them to scorn.
Then were they ware where came a knight afore them
well horsed and well armed, and he made him ready to joust.
Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, look betwixt you who shall
joust with yonder knight, for I warn you I will not have ado
with him. Then shall I, said Sir Gareth. And so they en-
countered together, and there that knight smote down Sir
Gareth over his horse's croup. How now, said Sir Tristram
unto Sir Dinadan, dress thee now and revenge the good knight
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PALOMIDES 231
Gareth. That shall I not, said Sir Dinadan, for he hath
stricken down a much bigger knight than I am. Ah, said Sir
Tristram, now Sir Dinadan, I see and feel well your heart
faileth you, therefore now shall ye see what I shall do. And
then Sir Tristram hurtled unto that knight, and smote him
quite from his horse. And when Sir Dinadan saw that, he
marvelled greatly ; and then he deemed that it was Sir Tris-
tram.
Then this knight that was on foot pulled out his sword
to do battle. What is your name ? said Sir Tristram. Wit
ye well, said that knight, my name is Sir Palomides. What
knight hate ye most ? said Sir Tristram. Sir knight, said
he, I hate Sir Tristram to the death, for an I may meet with
him the one of us shall die. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram,
and wit ye well that I am Sir Tristram de Liones, and now
do your worst. When Sir Palomides heard him say so he
was astonied. And then he said thus : I pray you, Sir
Tristram, forgive me all mine evil will, and if I live I shall
do you service above all other knights that be living ; and
whereas I have owed you evil will me sore repenteth. I wot
not what aileth me, for meseemeth that ye are a good knight,
and none other knight that named himself a good knight
should not hate you ; therefore I require you, Sir Tristram,
take no displeasure at mine unkind words. Sir Palomides,
said Sir Tristram, ye say well, and well I wot ye are a good
knight, for I have seen ye proved ; and many great enter-
prises have ye taken upon you, and well achieved them;
therefore, said Sir Tristram, an ye have any evil will to me,
now may ye right it, for I am ready at your hand. Not so,
my lord Sir Tristram, I will do you knightly service in all
thing as ye will command. And right so I will take you,
232 OF SIR TRISTRAM
said Sir Tristram. And GO they rode forth on their ways
talking of many things. O my lord Sir Tristram, said Dina-
dan, foul have ye mocked me, for God knoweth I came into
this country for your sake, and by the advice of my lord Sir
Launcelot ; and yet would not Sir Launcelot tell me the
certainty of you, where I should find you. Truly, said Sir
Tristram, Sir Launcelot wist well where I was, for I abode
within his own castle.
HOW THEY APPROACHED THE CASTLE
LONAZEP, AND HOW THEY TALKED
OF THE DEATH OF SIR LAMORAK,
AND HOW ON HUMBER BANK THEY
FOUND A SHIP, WHEREIN LAY THE
BODY OF KING HERMANCE. Thus they rode until
they were ware of the Castle Lonazep. And then were they
ware of four hundred tents and pavilions, and marvellous
great ordinance. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, yonder
I see the greatest ordinance that ever I saw. Sir, said Palo-
mides, meseemeth that there was as great an ordinance at
the Castle of Maidens upon the rock, where ye won the prize,
for I saw myself where ye for-jousted thirty knights. Sir,
said Dinadan, and in Surluse, at that tournament that Gala-
halt of the Long Isles made, the which there dured seven days,
was as great a gathering as is here, for there were many
nations. Who was the best ? said Sir Tristram. Sir, it was
Sir Launcelot du Lake and the noble knight, Sir Lamorak
de Galis, and Sir Launcelot won the degree. I doubt not,
said Sir Tristram, but he won the degree, so he had not been
overmatched with many knights ; and of the death of Sir
Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, it was over great pity, for I dare
OF THE DEATH OF SIR LAMORAK 233
say he was the cleanest mighted man and the best winded
of his age that was alive ; for I knew him that he was the
biggest knight that ever I met withal, but if it were Sir Launce-
lot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, full woe is me for his death.
And if they were not the cousins of my lord Arthur that slew
him, they should die for it, and all those that were consent-
ing to his death. And for such things, said Sir Tristram, I
fear to draw unto the court of my lord Arthur ; I will that ye
wit it, said Sir Tristram unto Gareth.
Sir, I blame you not, said Gareth, for well I understand
the vengeance of my brethren Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris,
and Mordred. But as for me, said Sir Gareth, I meddle not
of their matters, therefore there is none of them that loveth
me. And for I understand they be murderers of good knights
I left their company ; and God would I had been by, said
Gareth, when the noble knight, Sir Lamorak, was slain.
Now as Jesu be my help, said Sir Tristram, it is well said of
you, for I had liefer than all the gold betwixt this and Rome
I had been there. Y-wis, said Palomides, and so would I
had been there, and yet had I never the degree at no jousts
nor tournament thereas he was, but he put me to the worse,
or on foot or on horseback ; 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 him was given the degree by my
lord Arthur, Sir Gawaine and his three brethren, Agravaine,
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 wound
behind him at his back, and all to-hew him : for one of his
squires told me that saw it. Fie upon treason, said Sir Tris-
234 OF SIR TRISTRAM
tram, for it killeth my heart to hear this tale. So it doth
mine, said Gareth ; brethren as they be mine I shall never
love them, nor draw in their fellowship for that deed.
So thus they rode until that they came to Humber bank,
where they heard a cry and a doleful noise. Then were they
ware in the wind where came a rich vessel covered over with
red silk, and the vessel landed fast by them. Therewith Sir
Tristram alighted and his knights. And so Sir Tristram went
afore and entered into that vessel. And when he came within
he saw a fair bed richly covered, and thereupon lay a dead
seemly knight, all armed save the head, was all be-bled with
deadly wounds upon him, the which seemed to be a passing good
knight. How may this be, said Sir Tristram, that this knight
is thus slain ? Then Sir Tristram was ware of a letter in the
dead knight's hand. Master mariners, said Sir Tristram,
what meaneth that letter ? Sir, said they, in that letter ye
shall hear and know how he was slain, and for what cause,
and what was his name. But sir, said the mariners, wit ye
well that no man shall take that letter and read it but if he
be a good knight, and that he will faithfully promise to re-
venge his death, else shall there be no knight see that letter
open. Wit ye well, said Sir Tristram, that some of us may
revenge his death as well as other, and if it be so as ye mariners
say his death shall be revenged. And therewith Sir Tristram
took the letter out of the knight's hand, and it said thus :
Hermance, king and lord of the Red City, I send unto all
knights errant, recommending unto you noble knights of
Arthur's court. I beseech them all among them to find one
knight that will fight for my sake with two brethren that I
brought up of nought, and feloniously and traitorly they
have slain me ; wherefore I beseech one good knight to re-
HOW PALOMIDES SAILED ALONG HUMBER 235
venge my death. And he that revengeth my death I will
that he have my Red City and all my castles.
Sir, said the mariners, wit ye well this king and knight
that here lieth was a full worshipful man and of full great
prowess, and full well he loved all manner knights errants.
Here is a piteous case, said Sir Tristram, and full fain would
I take this enterprise upon me ; but I have made such a
promise that needs I must be at this great tournament, or
else I am shamed. For well I wot for my sake in especial
my lord Arthur let make this jousts and tournament in this
country ; and well I wot that many worshipful people will
be there at that tournament for to see me ; therefore I fear
me to take this enterprise upon me that I shall not come
again by time to this jousts. Sir, said Palomides, I pray you
give me this enterprise, and ye shall see me achieve it wor-
shipfully, other else I shall die in this quarrel. Well, said
Sir Tristram, and this enterprise I give you, with this, that
ye be with me at this tournament that shall be as this day
seven night. Sir, said Palomides, I promise you that I shall
be with you by that day if I be unslain or unmaimed.
HOW PALOMIDES WENT FOR TO FIGHT WITH
TWO BRETHREN FOR THE DEATH OF KING
HERMANCE, AND SLEW THEM, AND CAME
UNTO JOYOUS CARD. Then Sir Palomides sailed even
long Humber to the coasts of the sea, where was a fair castle.
And at that time it was early in the morning, afore day.
Then the mariners went unto Sir Palomides that slept fast.
Sir knight, said the mariners, ye must arise, for here is a
castle there ye must go into. I assent me, said Sir Palomides ;
and therewithal he arrived. And then he blew his horn that
236 OF SIR TRISTRAM
the mariners had given him. And when they within the
castle heard that horn they put forth many knights ; and
there they stood upon the walls, and said with one voice :
Welcome be ye to this castle. And then it waxed clear day,
and Sir Palomides entered into the castle. And within a
while he was served with many divers meats. Then Sir
Palomides heard about him much weeping and great dole.
What may this mean ? said Sir Palomides ; I love not to hear
such a sorrow, and fain I would know what it meaneth. Then
there came afore him one whose name was Sir Ebel, that
said thus : Wit ye well, sir knight, this dole and sorrow is
here made every day, and for this cause : we had a king that
hight Hermance, and he was King of the Red City, and this
king that was lord was a noble knight, large and liberal of
his expense ; and in the world he loved nothing so much as he
did errant knights of King Arthur's court, and all jousting,
hunting, and all manner of knightly games ; for so kind a
king and knight had never the rule of poor people as he was ;
and because of his goodness and gentleness we bemoan him,
and ever shall. And all kings and estates may beware by
our lord, for he was destroyed in his own default ; for had he
cherished them of his blood he had yet lived with great riches
and rest : but all estates may beware by our king. But alas,
said Ebel, that we shall give all other warning by his death.
Tell me, said Palomides, and in what manner was your
lord slain, and by whom. Sir, said Sir Ebel, our king brought
up of children two men that now are perilous knights ; and
these two knights our king had so in charity, that he loved no
man nor trusted no man of his blood, nor none other that was
about him. And by these two knights our king was governed,
and so they ruled him peaceably and his lands, and never
HOW KING HERMANCE WAS SLAIN 237
would they suffer none of his blood to have no rule with our
king. And also he was so free and so gentle, and they so
false and deceivable, that they ruled him peaceably; and
that espied the lords of our king's blood, and departed from
him unto their own livelihood. Then when these two traitors
understood that they had driven all the lords of his blood from
him, they were not pleased with that rule, but then they
thought to have more, as ever it is an old saw : Give a churl
rule and thereby he will not be sufficed ; for whatsomever he
be that is ruled by a villain born, and the lord of the soil to
be a gentleman born, the same villain shall destroy all the
gentlemen about him : therefore all estates and lords, beware
whom ye take about you. And if ye be a knight of King
Arthur's court remember this tale, for this is the end and
conclusion. My lord and king rode unto the forest hereby
by the advice of these traitors, and there he chased at the
red deer, armed at all pieces full like a good knight ; and so
for labour he waxed dry, and then he alighted, and drank at
a well. And when he was alighted, by the assent of these
two traitors, that one that hight Helius he suddenly smote
our king through the body with a spear, and so they left him
there. And when they were departed, then by fortune I
came to the well, and found my lord and king wounded to
the death. And when I heard his complaint, I let bring
him to the water side, and in that same ship I put him
alive ; and when my lord King Hermance was in that vessel,
he required me for the true faith I owed unto him for to
write a letter in this manner.
Recommending unto King Arthur and to all his knights
errant, beseeching them all that insomuch as I, King Her-
mance, King of the Red City, thus am slain by felony and
238 OF SIR TRISTRAM
treason, through two knights of mine own, and of mine own
bringing up and of mine own making, that some worshipful
knight will revenge my death, insomuch I have been ever to
my power well willing unto Arthur's court. And who that
will adventure his life with these two traitors for my sake in
one battle, I, King Hermance, King of the Red City, freely
give him all my lands and rents that ever I wielded in my
life. This letter, said Ebel, I wrote by my lord's command-
ment, and then he received his Creator ; and when he was
dead, he commanded me or ever he were cold to put that
letter fast in his hand. And then he commanded me to put
forth that same vessel down Humber, and I should give these
mariners in commandment never to stint until that they came
unto Logris, where all the noble knights shall assemble at
this time. And there shall some good knight have pity on
me to revenge my death, for there was never king nor lord
falslier nor traitorlier slain than I am here to my death. Thus
was the complaint of our King Hermance. Now, said Sir
Ebel, ye know all how our lord was betrayed, we require you
for God's sake have pity upon his death, and worshipfully
revenge his death, and then may ye wield all these lands. For
we all wit well that an ye may slay these two traitors, the
Red City and all those that be therein will take you for their
lord.
Truly, said Sir Palomides, it grieveth my heart for to hear
you tell this doleful tale ; and to say the truth I saw the same
letter that ye speak of, and one of the best knights on the
earth read that letter to me, and by his commandment I
came hither to revenge your king's death ; and therefore
have done, and let me wit where I shall find those traitors,
for I shall never be at ease in my heart till I be in hands with
PALOMIDES AT THE DELECTABLE ISLE 239
them. Sir, said Sir Ebel, then take your ship again, and that
ship must bring you unto the Delectable Isle, fast by the
Red City, and we in this castle shall pray for you, and abide
your again-coming.
So Sir Palomides took his ship, and arrived up at the
Delectable Isle. And in the meanwhile Sir Hermind that
was the king's brother, he arrived up at the Red City, and
there he told them how there was come a knight of King
Arthur's to avenge King Hermance's death : And his name
is Sir Palomides, the good knight, that for the most part he
followeth the beast Glatisant. Then all the city made great
joy, for mickle had they heard of Sir Palomides, and of his
noble prowess. So let they ordain a messenger, and sent
unto the two brethren, and bade them to make them ready,
for there was a knight come that would fight with them both.
So the messenger went unto them where they were at a castle
there beside ; and there he told them how there was a knight
come of King Arthur's court to fight with them both at once.
He is welcome, said they ; but tell us, we pray you, if it be Sir
Launcelot or any of his blood ? He is none of that blood, said
the messenger. Then we care the less, said the two brethren,
for with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we keep not to
have ado withal. Wit ye well, said the messenger, that his
name is Sir Palomides, that yet is unchristened, a noble
knight. Well, said they, an he be now unchristened he shall
never be christened. So they appointed to be at the city
within two days.
So within the third day there came to the city these two
brethren, the one hight Helius, the other hight Helake, the
which were men of great prowess ; howbeit that they were
false and full of treason, and but poor men born, yet were
2 4 o OF SIR TRISTRAM
they noble knights of their hands. And with them they
brought forty knights, to that intent that they should be big
enough for the Red City. Thus came the two brethren with
great bobaunce and pride, for they had put the Red City in
fear and damage. Then they were brought to the lists, and
Sir Palomides came into the place and said thus : Be ye the
two brethren, Helius and Helake, that slew your king and
lord, Sir Hermance, by felony and treason, for whom that I
am come hither to revenge his death ? Wit thou well, said
Sir Helius and Sir Helake, that we are the same knights that
slew King Hermance ; and wit thou well, Sir Palomides
Saracen, that we shall handle thee so ere thou depart that thou
shalt wish that thou wert christened. It may well be, said
Sir Palomides, for yet I would not die or I were christened ;
and yet so am I not afeard of you both, but I trust to God
that I shall die a better Christian man than any of you both ;
and doubt ye not, said Sir Palomides, either ye or I shall be
left dead in this place.
Then they departed, and the two brethren came against
Sir Palomides, and he against them, as fast as their horses
might run. And by fortune Sir Palomides smote Helake
through his shield and through the breast more than a fathom.
All this while Sir Helius held up his spear, and for pride and
orgulite he would not smite Sir Palomides with his spear ;
but when he saw his brother lie on the earth, and saw he
might not help himself, then he said unto Sir Palomides :
Help thyself. And therewith he came hurtling unto Sir
Palomides with his spear, and smote him quite from his
saddle. Then Sir Helius rode over Sir Palomides twice or
thrice. And therewith Sir Palomides was ashamed, and gat
the horse of Sir Helius by the bridle, and therewithal the horse
HOW KING HERMANCE WAS AVENGED 241
areared, and Sir Palomides halp after, and so they fell both
to the earth ; but anon Sir Helius stert up lightly, and there
he smote Sir Palomides a great stroke upon the helm, that he
kneeled upon his own knee. Then they lashed together many
sad strokes, and traced and traversed, now backward, now
sideling, hurtling together like two boars, and that same time
they fell both grovelling to the earth.
Thus they fought still without any reposing two hours,
and never breathed ; and then Sir Palomides waxed faint
and weary, and Sir Helius waxed passing strong, and doubled
his strokes, and drove Sir Palomides overthwart and endlong
all the field, that they of the city when they saw Sir Palomides
in this case they wept and cried, and made great dole, and the
other party made as great joy. Alas, said the men of the city,
that this noble knight should thus be slain for our king's sake.
And as they were thus weeping and crying, Sir Palomides
that had suffered an hundred strokes, that it was wonder that
he stood on his feet, at the last Sir Palomides beheld as he
might the common people, how they wept for him ; and then
he said to himself: Ah, fie for shame, Sir Palomides, why
hangest thou thy head so low ; and therewith he bare up his
shield, and looked Sir Helius in the visage, and he smote him
a great stroke upon the helm, and after that another and an-
other. And then he smote Sir Helius with such a might that
he fell to the earth grovelling ; and then he raced off his helm
from his head, and there he smote him such a buffet that he
departed his head from the body. And then were the people
of the city the joyfullest people that might be. So they
brought him to his lodging with great solemnity, and there all
the people became his men. And then Sir Palomides prayed
them all to take keep unto all the lordship of King Hermance :
242 OF SIR TRISTRAM
For, fair sirs, wit ye well I may not as at this time abide with
you, for I must in all haste be with my lord King Arthur at
the Castle of Lonazep, the which I have promised. Then was
the people full heavy at his departing, for all that city prof-
fered Sir Palomides the third part of their goods so that he
would abide with them ; but in no wise as at that time he
would not abide.
And so Sir Palomides departed, and so he came unto
the castle thereas Sir Ebel was lieutenant. And when they
in the castle wist how Sir Palomides had sped, there was a
joyful company; and so Sir Palomides departed, and came
to the castle of Lonazep. And when he wist that Sir Tris-
tram was not there he took his way over Humber, and came
unto Joyous Card, whereas Sir Tristram was and La Beale
Isoud ; and there Sir Tristram talked unto Sir Palomides
of his battle, how he sped at the Red City, and as ye have
heard afore so was it ended. Truly, said Sir Tristram, I
am glad ye have well sped, for ye have done worshipfully.
Well, said Sir Tristram, we must forward to-morn. And
then he devised how it should be ; and Sir Tristram devised
to send his two pavilions to set them fast by the well of Lona-
zep, and therein shall be the queen La Beale Isoud. It is
well said, said Sir Dinadan, but when Sir Palomides heard
of that his heart was ravished out of measure : notwith-
standing he said but little. So when they came to Joyous
Card Sir Palomides would not have gone into the castle, but
as Sir Tristram took him by the finger, and led him into the
castle. And when Sir Palomides saw La Beale Isoud he was
ravished so that he might scarce speak. So they went unto
meat, but Palomides might not eat, and there was all the cheer
that might be had. And on the morn they were apparelled
OF THE TOURNEY OF LONAZEP 243
to ride toward Lonazep, and came to the well where Sir
Tristram's two pavilions were set ; and there they alighted,
and there they saw many pavilions and great array.
OF THE TOURNAMENT AT LONA-
ZEP, AND HOW THE PRIZE ON THE
FIRST DAY WAS GIVEN TO SIR
PALOMIDES. Now upon what party,
said Tristram, is it best we be withal as
to-morn ? Sir, said Palomides, ye shall
have mine advice to be against King Arthur
as to-morn, for on his party will be Sir
Launcelot and many good knights of his blood with him.
And the more men of worship that they be, the more worship
we shall win. That is full knightly spoken, said Sir Tristram ;
and right so as ye counsel me, so will we do. So that night
they were lodged with the best. And on the morn when it
was day they were arrayed all in green trappings, shields and
spears, and La Beale Isoud in the same colour, and her three
damosels. And right so these four knights came into the
field endlong and through. And so they led La Beale Isoud
thither as she should stand and behold all the jousts in a bay
window; but always she was wimpled that no man might
see her visage. And then these four knights rode straight
unto the party of the King of Scots.
Then came therein two brethren, cousins unto Sir Gawaine,
the one hight Sir Edward, that other hight Sir Sadok, the
which were two good knights ; and they asked of King Arthur
that they might have the first jousts, for they were of Orkney.
I am pleased, said King Arthur. Then Sir Edward en-
countered with the King of Scots, in whose party was Sir
244 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Tristram and Sir Palomides ; and Sir Edward smote the
King of Scots quite from his horse, and Sir Sadok smote down
the King of North Wales, and gave him a wonder great fall,
that there was a great cry on King Arthur's party, and that
made Sir Palomides passing wroth. And so Sir Palomides
dressed his shield and his spear, and with all his might he
met with Sir Edward of Orkney, that he smote him so hard
that his horse might not stand on his feet, and so they
hurtled to the earth ; and then with the same spear Sir Palo-
mides smote down Sir Sadok over his horse's croup.
This meanwhile there came into the place Sir Tristram
upon a black horse, and or ever he stint he smote down with
one spear four good knights of Orkney that were of the kin
of Sir Gawaine; and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan everych
of them smote down a good knight. Then Sir Tristram made
to horse again the two kings that Edward and Sadok had un-
horsed at the beginning. And then Sir Tristram drew his
sword and rode into the thickest of the press against them of
Orkney ; and there he smote down knights, and rashed off
helms, and pulled away their shields, and hurtled down many
knights : he fared so that Sir Arthur and all knights had
great marvel when they saw one knight do so great deeds of
arms. And Sir Palomides failed not upon the other side, but
did so marvellously well that all men had wonder. But ever
Sir Tristram did so much deeds of arms that they of Orkney
waxed weary of him, and so withdrew them unto Lonazep.
Then was the cry of heralds and all manner of common
people : The Green Knight hath done marvellously, and
beaten all them of Orkney. And there the heralds num-
bered that Sir Tristram that sat upon the black horse had
smitten down with spears and swords thirty knights ; and
SIR TRISTRAM UNHORSED 245
Sir Palomides had smitten down twenty knights, and the
most part of these fifty knights were of the house of King
Arthur, and proved knights. This is a great shame to us,
said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, to see four knights beat
so many knights of mine ; and therefore make you ready,
for we will have ado with them. Sir, said Launcelot, wit
ye well that these are two passing good knights, and great
worship were it not to us now to have ado with them, for
they have this day sore travailed. As for that, said Arthur,
I will be avenged ; and therefore take with you Sir Bleoberis
and Sir Ector, and I will be the fourth, said Arthur. Sir,
said Launcelot, ye shall find me ready, and my brother Sir
Ector, and my cousin Sir Bleoberis. And so when they were
ready and on horseback : Now choose, said Sir Arthur unto
Sir Launcelot, with whom that ye will encounter withal. Sir,
said Launcelot, I will meet with the green knight upon the
black horse (that was Sir Tristram) ; and my cousin Sir
Bleoberis shall match the green knight upon the white horse
(that was Sir Palomides) ; and my brother Sir Ector shall
match with the green knight upon the white horse (that was
Sir Gareth). Then must I, said Sir Arthur, have ado with
the green knight upon the grisled horse (and that was Sir
Dinadan). Now every man take heed to his fellow, said
Sir Launcelot. And so they trotted on together, and there
encountered Sir Launcelot against Sir Tristram. So Sir
Launcelot smote Sir Tristram so sore upon the shield that he
bare horse and man to the earth ; but Sir Launcelot weened
that it had been Sir Palomides, and so he passed forth. And
then Sir Bleoberis encountered with Sir Palomides, and he
smote him so hard upon the shield that Sir Palomides and
his white horse rustled to the earth. Then Sir Ector de
246 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Maris smote Sir Gareth so hard that down he fell off his
horse. And the noble King Arthur encountered with Sir
Dinadan, and he smote him quite from his saddle. And then
the noise turned awhile how the green knights were slain down.
When the King of Northgalis saw that Sir Tristram had
a fall, then he remembered him how great deeds of arms Sir
Tristram had done. Then he made ready many knights, for
the custom and cry was such, that what knight were smitten
down, and might not be horsed again by his fellows, outher
by his own strength, that as that day he should be prisoner
unto the party that had smitten him down. So came in the
King of Northgalis, and he rode straight unto Sir Tristram ;
and when he came nigh him he alighted down suddenly and
betook Sir Tristram his horse, and said thus : Noble knight,
I know thee not of what country that thou art, but for the
noble deeds that thou hast done this day take there my horse,
and let me do as well I may ; for thou art better worthy to
have mine horse than I myself. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram,
and if I may I shall quite you : look that ye go not far from
us, and as I suppose, I shall win you another horse. And
therewith Sir Tristram mounted upon his horse, and there
he met with King Arthur, and he gave him such a buffet
upon the helm with his sword that King Arthur had no power
to keep his saddle. And then Sir Tristram gave the King
of Northgalis King Arthur's horse. Then was there great
press about King Arthur for to horse him again ; but Sir
Palomides would not suffer King Arthur to be horsed again,
but ever Sir Palomides smote on the right hand and on the
left hand mightily as a noble knight. And this meanwhile
Sir Tristram rode through the thickest of the press, and smote
down knights on the right hand and on the left hand, and
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND HIS HARNESS 247
raced off helms, and so passed forth unto his pavilions, and
left Sir Palomides on foot ; and Sir Tristram changed his
horse and disguised himself all in red, horse and harness.
And when the queen La Beale Isoud saw that Sir Tris-
tram was unhorsed, and she wist not where he was, then
she wept greatly. But Sir Tristram, when he was ready,
came dashing lightly into the field, and then La Beale Isoud
espied him. And so he did great deeds of arms ; with one
spear, that was great, Sir Tristram smote down five knights
or ever he stint. Then Sir Launcelot espied him readily,
that it was Sir Tristram, and then he repented him that he
had smitten him down ; and so Sir Launcelot went out of
the press to repose him and lightly he came again. And now
when Sir Tristram came into the press, through his great
force he put Sir Palomides upon his horse, and Sir Gareth,
and Sir Dinadan, and then they began to do marvellously;
but Sir Palomides nor none of his two fellows knew not who
had holpen them on horseback again. But ever Sir Tristram
was nigh them and succoured them, and they knew not him,
because he was changed into red armour. And all this while
Sir Launcelot was away.
So when La Beale Isoud knew Sir Tristram again upon
his horse-back she was passing glad, and then she laughed
and made good cheer. And as it happened, Sir Palomides
looked up toward her where she lay in the window, and he
espied how she laughed ; and therewith he took such a rejoic-
ing that he smote down, what with his spear and with his
sword, all that ever he met ; for through the sight of her he
was so enamoured in her love that he seemed at that time,
that an both Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot had been both
against him they should have won no worship of him. And
248 OF SIR TRISTRAM
in his heart, as the book saith, Sir Palomides wished that with
his worship he might have ado with Sir Tristram before all
men, because of La Beale Isoud. Then Sir Palomides began
to double his strength, and he did so marvellously that all
men had wonder of him, and ever he cast up his eye unto
La Beale Isoud. And when he saw her make such cheer he
fared like a lion, that there might no man withstand him.
And then Sir Tristram beheld him, how that Sir Palomides
bestirred him ; and then he said unto Sir Dinadan : Sir
Palomides is a passing good knight and a well enduring, but
such deeds saw I him never do, nor never heard I tell that
ever he did so much in one day. It is his day, said Dinadan ;
and he would say no more unto Sir Tristram ; but to himself
he said : An if ye knew for whose love he doth all those deeds
of arms, soon would Sir Tristram abate his courage. Alas,
said Sir Tristram, that Sir Palomides is not christened. So
said King Arthur, and so said all those that beheld him. Then
all people gave him the prize, as for the best knight that day,
that he passed Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram. Well, said
Dinadan to himself, all this worship that Sir Palomides hath
here this day he may thank the Queen Isoud, for had she
been away this day Sir Palomides had not gotten the prize
this day.
Right so came into the field Sir Launcelot du Lake, and
saw and heard the noise and cry and the great worship that
Sir Palomides had. He dressed him against Sir Palomides,
with a great mighty spear and a long, and thought to smite
him down. And when Sir Palomides saw Sir Launcelot
come upon him so fast, he ran upon Sir Launcelot as fast with
his sword as he might ; and as Sir Launcelot should have
stricken him he smote his spear aside, and smote it a-two
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR PALOMIDES 249
with his sword. And Sir Palomides rashed unto Sir Launce-
lot, and thought to have put him to a shame ; and with his
sword he smote his horse's neck that Sir Launcelot rode upon,
and then Sir Launcelot fell to the earth. Then was the cry
huge and great : See how Sir Palomides the Saracen hath
smitten down Sir Launcelot's horse. Right then were there
many knights wroth with Sir Palomides because he had done
that deed ; therefore many knights held there against that
it was unknightly done in a tournament to kill an horse wil-
fully, but that it had been done in plain battle, life for life.
When Sir Ector de Maris saw Sir Launcelot his brother
have such a despite, and so set on foot, then he gat a spear
eagerly, and ran against Sir Palomides, and he smote him
so hard that he bare him quite from his horse. That saw
Sir Tristram, that was in red harness, and he smote down
Sir Ector de Maris quite from his horse. Then Sir Launce-
lot dressed his shield upon his shoulder, and with his sword
naked in his hand, and so came straight upon Sir Palomides
fiercely and said : Wit thou well thou hast done me this
day the greatest despite that ever any worshipful knight
did to me in tournament or in jousts, and therefore I will
be avenged upon thee, therefore take keep to yourself. Ah,
mercy, noble knight, said Palomides, and forgive me mine
unkindly deeds, for I have no power nor might to withstand
you, and I have done so much this day that well I wot I did
never so much, nor never shall in my life-days ; and therefore,
most noble knight, I require thee spare me as at this day, and
I promise you I shall ever be your knight while I live : an ye
put me from my worship now, ye put me from the greatest
worship that ever I had or ever shall have in my life-days.
Well, said Sir Launcelot, I see, for to say thee sooth, ye have
250 OF SIR TRISTRAM
done marvellously well this day ; and I understand a part for
whose love ye do it, and well I wot that love is a great mis-
tress. And if my lady were here, as she nis not, wit you well,
said Sir Launcelot, ye should not bear away the worship.
But beware your love be not discovered, for an Sir Tristram
may know it ye will repent it ; and sithen my quarrel is not
here, ye shall have this day the worship as for me ; consider-
ing the great travail and pain that ye have had this day, it
were no worship for me to put you from it. And therewithal
Sir Launcelot suffered Sir Palomides to depart.
Then Sir Launcelot by great force and might gat his
own horse maugre twenty knights. So when Sir Launcelot
was horsed he did many marvels, and so did Sir Tristram,
and Sir Palomides in like wise. And then the king let blow
to lodging ; and because Sir Palomides began first, and never
he went nor rode out of the field to repose, but ever he was
doing marvellously well either on foot or on horseback, and
longest during, King Arthur and all the kings gave Sir Palo-
mides the honour and the gree as for that day.
HOW KING ARTHUR AND SIR
LAUNCELOT CAME TO SEE LA
BEALE ISOUD, AND HOW PALO-
MIDES SMOTE DOWN KING
ARTHUR, AND OF THE SECOND
DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT
AND OF THE TREASON OF SIR
PALOMIDES TO SIR TRISTRAM. So on the morn
Sir Tristram was ready, and La Beale Isoud with Sir Palo-
mides and Sir Gareth. And so they rode all in green full
freshly beseen unto the forest. And Sir Tristram left Sir
PALOMIDES SMITES DOWN ARTHUR 251
Dinadan sleeping in his bed. And so as they rode it happed
the king and Launcelot stood in a window, and saw Sir Tris-
tram ride and Isoud. Sir, said Launcelot, yonder rideth
the fairest lady of the world except your queen, Dame Guen-
ever. Who is that? said Sir Arthur. Sir, said he, it is
Queen Isoud that, out-taken my lady your queen, she is
makeless. Take your horse, said Arthur, and array you at
all rights as I will do, and I promise you, said the king, I will
see her. Then anon they were armed and horsed, and either
took a spear and rode unto the forest. Sir, said Launcelot,
it is not good that ye go too nigh them, for wit ye well these
are two as good knights as now are living, and therefore, sir, I
pray you be not too hasty. For peradventure there will be
some knights be displeased an we come suddenly upon them.
As for that, said Arthur, I will see her, for I take no force
whom I grieve. Sir, said Launcelot, ye put yourself in great
jeopardy. As for that, said the king, we will take the ad-
venture. Right so anon the king rode even to her, and
saluted her, and said : God you save. Sir, said she, ye are wel-
come. Then the king beheld her, and liked her wonderly well.
With that came Sir Palomides unto Arthur, and said :
Uncourteous knight, what seekest thou here ? thou art un-
courteous to come upon a lady thus suddenly, therefore with-
draw thee. Sir Arthur took none heed of Sir Palomides'
words, but ever he looked still upon Queen Isoud. Then
was Sir Palomides wroth, and therewith he took a spear, and
came hurtling upon King Arthur, and smote him down with
a spear. When Sir Launcelot saw that despite of Sir Palo-
mides, he said to himself: I am loath to have ado with
yonder knight, and not for his own sake but for Sir Tristram.
And one thing I am sure of, if I smite down Sir Palomides
252 OF SIR TRISTRAM
I must have ado with Sir Tristram, and that were overmuch
for me to match them both, for they are two noble knights ;
notwithstanding, whether I live or I die, needs must I re-
venge my lord, and so will I, whatsomever befall of me. And
therewith Sir Launcelot cried to Sir Palomides : Keep thee
from me. And then Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides rushed
together with two spears strongly, but Sir Launcelot smote
Sir Palomides so hard that he went quite out of his saddle,
and had a great fall. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomides
have that fall, he said to Sir Launcelot : Sir knight, keep
thee, for I must joust with thee. As for to joust with me, said
Sir Launcelot, I will not fail you, for no dread I have of you ;
but I am loath to have ado with you an I might choose, for
I will that ye wit that I must revenge my special lord that was
unhorsed unwarly and unknightly. And therefore, though
I revenged that fall, take ye no displeasure therein, for he is
to me such a friend that I may not see him shamed.
Anon Sir Tristram understood by his person and by his
knightly words that it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, and verily
Sir Tristram deemed that it was King Arthur, he that Sir
Palomides had smitten down. And then Sir Tristram put
his spear from him, and put Sir Palomides again on horse-
back, and Sir Launcelot put King Arthur on horseback and
so departed. Ye did not worshipfully, said Sir Tristram
unto Palomides, when ye smote down that knight so sud-
denly as ye did. And wit ye well ye did yourself great shame,
for the knights came hither of their gentleness to see a fair
lady ; and that is every good knight's part, to behold a fair
lady ; and ye had not ado to play such masteries afore
my lady. Wit thou well it will turn to anger, for he that
ye smote down was King Arthur, and that other was the good
SECOND DAY OF THE TOURNEY 253
knight Sir Launcelot. But I shall not forget the words of
Sir Launcelot when that he called him a man of great wor-
ship, thereby I wist that it was King Arthur. And as for
Sir Launcelot, an there had been five hundred knights in the
meadow, he would not have refused them, and yet he said
he would refuse me. By that again I wist that it was Sir
Launcelot, for ever he forbeareth me in every place, and
showeth me great kindness ; and of all knights, I out-take
none, say what men will say, he beareth the flower of all
chivalry, say it him whosomever will. An he be well angered,
and that him list to do his utterance without any favour, I
know him not alive but Sir Launcelot is over hard for him,
be it on horseback or on foot. I may never believe, said
Palomides, that King Arthur will ride so privily as a poor
errant knight. Ah, said Sir Tristram, ye know not my lord
Arthur, for all knights may learn to be a knight of him. And
therefore ye may be sorry, said Sir Tristram, of your un-
kindly deeds to so noble a king. And a thing that is done
may not be undone, said Palomides. Then Sir Tristram sent
Queen Isoud unto her lodging in the priory, there to behold
all the tournament.
Then there was a cry unto all knights, that when they
heard an horn blow they should make jousts as they did the
first day. And like as the brethren Sir Edward and Sir
Sadok began the jousts the first day, Sir Uwaine the king's
son Urien and Sir Lucanere de Buttelere began the jousts
the second day. And at the first encounter Sir Uwaine
smote down the King's son of Scots ; and Sir Lucanere ran
against the King of Wales, and they brake their spears all
to pieces ; and they were so fierce both, that they hurtled
together that both fell to the earth.
254 OF SIR TRISTRAM
When Sir Tristram saw them so begin, he said to Palo-
mides : How feel ye yourself ? may ye do this day as ye
did yesterday ? Nay, said Palomides, I feel myself so weary,
and so sore bruised of the deeds of yesterday, that I may not
endure as I did yesterday. That me repenteth, said Sir
Tristram, for I shall lack you this day. Sir Palomides said :
Trust not to me, for I may not do as I did. All these words
said Palomides for to beguile Sir Tristram. Sir, said Sir
Tristram unto Sir Gareth, then must I trust upon you ; where-
fore I pray you be not far from me to rescue me. An need
be, said Sir Gareth, I shall not fail you in all that I may do.
Then Sir Palomides rode by himself; and then in despite of
Sir Tristram he put himself in the thickest press among them
of Orkney, and there he did so marvellously deeds of arms
that all men had wonder of him, for there might none stand
him a stroke.
When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomides do such deeds, he
marvelled and said to himself : He is weary of my company.
So Sir Tristram beheld him a great while and did but little
else, for the noise and cry was so huge and great that Sir
Tristram marvelled from whence came the strength that
Sir Palomides had there in the field. Sir, said Sir Gareth
unto Sir Tristram, let me know this day what ye be ; and
wonder ye not so upon Sir Palomides, for he enforceth him-
self to win all the worship and honour from you. I may
well believe it, said Sir Tristram. And sithen I understand
his evil will and his envy, ye shall see, if that I enforce
myself, that the noise shall be left that now is upon him.
Then Sir Tristram rode into the thickest of the press,
and then he did so marvellously well, and did so great deeds
of arms, that all men said that Sir Tristram did double so
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR DINADAN 255
much deeds of arms as Sir Palomides had done aforehand.
And then the noise went plain from Sir Palomides, and all
the people cried upon Sir Tristram.
But when Sir Palomides heard the noise and the cry
was turned from him, he rode out on a part and beheld Sir
Tristram. And when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram do so
marvellously well he wept passingly sore for despite, for he
wist well he should no worship win that day ; for well knew
Sir Palomides, when Sir Tristram would put forth his strength
and his manhood, he should get but little worship that day.
Then Sir Tristram rode privily out of the press, that
none espied him but La Beale Isoud and Sir Palomides, for
they two would not let off their eyes upon Sir Tristram.
And when Sir Tristram came to his pavilions he found Sir
Dinadan in his bed asleep. Awake, said Tristram, ye ought
to be ashamed so to sleep when knights have ado in the
field. Then Sir Dinadan arose lightly and said : What will
ye that I shall do ? Make you ready, said Sir Tristram, to
ride with me into the field. So when Sir Dinadan was armed
he looked upon Sir Tristram's helm and on his shield, and
when he saw so many strokes upon his helm and upon his
shield he said : In good time was I thus asleep, for had I
been with you I must needs for shame there have followed
you, more for shame than any prowess that is in me, that
I see well now by those strokes that I should have been truly
beaten as I was yesterday. Leave your japes, said Sir Tris-
tram, and come off, that we were in the field again. What,
said Sir Dinadan, is your heart up ? yesterday ye fared as
though ye had dreamed. So then Sir Tristram was arrayed
in black harness. What aileth you this day ? said Dinadan,
meseemeth ye be wilder than ye were yesterday. Then
256 OF SIR TRISTRAM
smiled Sir Tristram and said to Dinadan : Await well upon
me ; if ye see me overmatched look that ye be ever behind
me, and I shall make you ready way by God's grace. So Sir
Tristram and Sir Dinadan took their horses. All this espied
Sir Palomides, both their going and their coming, and so did
La Beale Isoud, for she knew Sir Tristram above all other.
Then when Sir Palomides saw that Sir Tristram was
disguised, then he thought to do him a shame. So Sir Palo-
mides rode to a knight that was sore wounded, that sat
under a fair well from the field. Sir knight, said Sir Palo-
mides, I pray you to lend me your armour and your shield,
for mine is over-well known in this field, and that hath done
me great damage ; and ye shall have mine armour and my
shield that is as sure as yours. I will well, said the knight,
that ye have mine armour and my shield, if they may do you
any avail. So Sir Palomides armed him hastily in that
knight's armour and his shield that shone as any crystal or
silver, and so he came riding into the field. And then there
was neither Sir Tristram nor none of King Arthur's party
that knew Sir Palomides. And right so as Sir Palomides was
come into the field Sir Tristram smote down three knights,
even in the sight of Sir Palomides. And then Sir Palomides
rode against Sir Tristram, and either met other with great
spears, that they brast to their hands. And then they dashed
together with swords eagerly. Then Sjr Tristram had marvel
what knight he was that did battle so knightly with him.
Then was Sir Tristram wroth, for he felt him passing strong,
so that he deemed he might not have ado with the remnant
of the knights, because of the strength of Sir Palomides. So
they lashed together and gave many sad strokes together,
and many knights marvelled what knight he might be that so
HOW LAUNCELOT FOUGHT TRISTRAM 257
encountered with the black knight, Sir Tristram. Full well
knew La Beale Isoud that there was Sir Palomides that fought
with Sir Tristram, for she espied all in her window where
that she stood, as Sir Palomides changed his harness with
the wounded knight. And then she began to weep so heartily
for the despite of Sir Palomides that there she swooned.
Then came in Sir Launcelot with the knights of Orkney.
And when the other party had espied Sir Launcelot, they
cried : Return, return, here cometh Sir Launcelot du Lake.
So there came knights and said : Sir Launcelot, ye must
needs fight with yonder knight in the black harness (that
was Sir Tristram), for he hath almost overcome that good
knight that fighteth with him with the silver shield (that was
Sir Palomides). Then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt Sir Tris-
tram and Sir Palomides, and Sir Launcelot said to Palo-
mides : Sir knight, let me have the battle, for ye have need
to be reposed. Sir Palomides knew Sir Launcelot well, and
so did Sir Tristram, but because Sir Launcelot was a far
hardier knight than himself therefore he was glad, and suf-
fered Sir Launcelot to fight with Sir Tristram. For well
wist he that Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram, and there
he hoped that Sir Launcelot should beat or shame Sir Tris-
tram, whereof Sir Palomides was full fain. And so Sir
Launcelot gave Sir Tristram many sad strokes, but Sir
Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram knew well
Sir Launcelot. And thus they fought long together, that
La Beale Isoud was well-nigh out of her mind for sorrow.
Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Gareth how that knight in
the black harness was Sir Tristram : And this is Launcelot
that fighteth with him, that must needs have the better of
him, for Sir Tristram hath had too much travail this day.
258 OF SIR TRISTRAM
Then let us smite him down, said Sir Gareth. So it is better
that we do, said Sir Dinadan, than Sir Tristram be shamed,
for yonder hoveth the strong knight with the silver shield
to fall upon Sir Tristram if need be. Then forthwithal
Gareth rushed upon Sir Launcelot, and gave him a great
stroke upon his helm so hard that he was astonied. And
then came Sir Dinadan with a spear, and he smote Sir Launce-
lot such a buffet that horse and all fell to the earth. Fie
for shame, said Sir Tristram to Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan,
why did ye smite down so good a knight as he is, and namely
when I had ado with him ? now ye do yourself great shame,
and him no disworship ; for I held him reasonable hot, though
ye had not holpen me.
Then came Sir Palomides that was disguised, and smote
down Sir Dinadan from his horse. Then Sir Launcelot,
because Sir Dinadan had smitten him aforehand, assailed
Sir Dinadan passing sore, and Sir Dinadan defended him
mightily. But well understood Sir Tristram that Sir Dina-
dan might not endure Sir Launcelot, wherefore Sir Tristram
was sorry. Then came Sir Palomides fresh upon Sir Tris-
tram. And when Sir Tristram saw him come, he thought to
deliver him at once, because that he would help Sir Dinadan,
because he stood in great peril with Sir Launcelot. Then
Sir Tristram hurtled unto Sir Palomides and gave him a great
buffet, and then Sir Tristram gat Sir Palomides and pulled
him down underneath him. And so fell Sir Tristram with
him ; and Sir Tristram leapt up lightly and left Sir Palomides,
and went betwixt Sir Launcelot and Dinadan, and then they
began to do battle together.
Right so Sir Dinadan gat Sir Tristram's horse, and said
on high that Sir Launcelot might hear it : My lord Sir Tris-
SIR TRISTRAM THE BEST KNIGHT 259
tram, take your horse. And when Sir Laimcelot heard him
name Sir Tristram : Alas ! said Launcelot, what have I done ?
I am dishonoured. Ah, my lord Sir Tristram, said Launce-
lot, why were ye disguised ? ye have put yourself in great
peril this day ; but I pray you noble knight to pardon me, for
an I had known you we had not done this battle. Sir, said
Sir Tristram, this is not the first kindness ye showed me.
So they were both horsed again.
Then all the people on the one side gave Sir Launcelot
the honour and the degree, and on the other side all the
people gave to the noble knight Sir Tristram the honour
and the degree ; but Launcelot said nay thereto : For I am
not worthy to have this honour, for I will report me unto
all knights that Sir Tristram hath been longer in the field
than I, and he hath smitten down many more knights this
day than I have done. And therefore I will give Sir Tris-
tram my voice and my name, and so I pray all my lords
and fellows so to do. Then there was the whole voice of
dukes and earls, barons and knights, that Sir Tristram this
day is proved the best knight.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED
WITH LA BEALE ISOUD, AND HOW
PALOMIDES FOLLOWED AND EX-
CUSED HIM, AND HOW KING
ARTHUR AND SIR LAUNCELOT
CAME UNTO THEIR PAVILIONS
AS THEY SAT AT SUPPER, AND
OF SIR PALOMIDES. Then they blew unto lodging, and
Queen Isoud was led unto her pavilions. But wit you well
she was wroth out of measure with Sir Palomides, for she
260 OF SIR TRISTRAM
saw all his treason from the beginning to the ending. And
all this while neither Sir Tristram, neither Sir Gareth nor
Dinadan, knew not of the treason of Sir Palomides ; but
afterward ye shall hear that there befell the greatest debate
betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides that might be.
So when the tournament was done, Sir Tristram, Gareth,
and Dinadan, rode with La Beale Isoud to these pavilions.
And ever Sir Palomides rode with them in their company
disguised as he was. But when Sir Tristram had espied
him that he was the same knight with the shield of silver
that held him so hot that day : Sir knight, said Sir Tristram,
wit ye well here is none that hath need of your fellowship,
and therefore I pray you depart from us. Sir Palomides
answered again as though he had not known Sir Tristram :
Wit you well, sir knight, from this fellowship will I never
depart, for one of the best knights of the world commanded
me to be in this company, and till he discharge me of my
service I will not be discharged. By that Sir Tristram knew
that it was Sir Palomides. Ah, Sir Palomides, said the
noble knight Sir Tristram, are ye such a knight ? Ye have
been named wrong, for ye have long been called a gentle
knight, and as this day ye have showed me great ungentle-
ness, for ye had almost brought me unto my death. But,
as for you, I suppose I should have done well enough, but
Sir Launcelot with you was overmuch ; for I know no knight
living but Sir Launcelot is over good for him, an he will do
his uttermost. Alas, said Sir Palomides, are ye my lord Sir
Tristram ? Yea, sir, and that ye know well enough. By
my knighthood, said Palomides, until now I knew you not ;
I weened that ye had been the King of Ireland, for well I
wot ye bare his arms. His arms I bare, said Sir Tristram,
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PALOMIDES 261
and that will I stand by, for I won them once in a field of a
full noble knight, his name was Sir Marhaus ; and with great
pain I won that knight, for there was none other recover, but
Sir Marhaus died through false leeches ; and yet was he
never yolden to me. Sir, said Palomides, I weened ye had
been turned upon Sir Launcelot's party, and that caused me
to turn. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, and so I take you,
and I forgive you.
So then they rode into their pavilions ; and when they
were alighted they unarmed them and washed their faces
and hands, and so went unto meat, and were set at their
table. But when Isoud saw Sir Palomides she changed
then her colours, and for wrath she might not speak. Anon
Sir Tristram espied her countenance and said : Madam,
for what cause make ye us such cheer ? we have been sore
travailed this day. Mine own lord, said La Beale Isoud, be
ye not displeased with me, for I may none otherwise do ;
for I saw this day how ye were betrayed and nigh brought
to your death. Truly, sir, I saw every deal, how and in
what wise, and therefore, sir, how should I suffer in your
presence such a felon and traitor as Sir Palomides ; for I saw
him with mine eyes, how he beheld you when ye went out of
the field. For ever he hoved still upon his horse till he saw you
come in againward. And then forthwithal I saw him ride to
the hurt knight, and changed harness with him, and then
straight I saw him how he rode into the field. And anon as
he had found you he encountered with you, and thus wilfully
Sir Palomides did battle with you ; and as for him, sir, I
was not greatly afraid, but I dread sore Launcelot, that knew
you not. Madam, said Palomides, ye may say whatso ye
will, I may not contrary you, but by my knighthood I knew
262 OF SIR TRISTRAM
not Sir Tristram. Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, I will
take your excuse, but well I wot ye spared me but little ; but
all is pardoned on my part. Then La Beale Isoud held down
her head and said no more at that time.
And therewithal two knights armed came unto the pa-
vilion, and there they alighted both, and came in armed
at all pieces. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, ye are to
blame to come thus armed at all pieces upon me while we
are at our meat ; if ye would anything when we were in
the field there might ye have eased your hearts. Not so,
said the one of those knights, we come not for that intent ;
but wit ye well Sir Tristram, we be come hither as your
friends. And I am come here, said the one, for to see you,
and this knight is come for to see La Beale Isoud. Then
said Sir Tristram : I require you do off your helms that I
may see you. That will we do at your desire, said the
knights. And when their helms were off, then, said Sir
Tristram unto La Beale Isoud, Madam arise, for here is
my lord, King Arthur. Then the king and the queen kissed,
and Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram braced either other in
arms, and then there was joy without measure ; and at the
request of La Beale Isoud, King Arthur and Launcelot were
unarmed, and then there was merry talking. Madam, said
Sir Arthur, it is many a day sithen that I have desired to see
you, for ye have been praised so far ; and now I dare say ye
are the fairest that ever I saw, and Sir Tristram is as fair and
as good a knight as any that I know ; therefore me seemeth
ye are well beset together. Sir, God thank you, said the
noble knight, Sir Tristram, and Isoud ; of your great good-
ness and largess ye are peerless. Thus they talked of many
things and of all the whole jousts. But for what cause, said
OF KING ARTHUR AND SIR LAUNCELOT 263
King Arthur, were ye, Sir Tristram, against us ? Ye are a
knight of the Table Round ; of right ye should have been with
us. Sir, said Sir Tristram, here is Dinadan, and Sir Gareth
your own nephew, caused me to be against you. My lord
Arthur, said Gareth, I may well bear the blame, but it were
Sir Tristram's own deeds. That may I repent, said Dina-
dan, for this unhappy Sir Tristram brought us to this
tournament, and many great buffets he caused us to have.
Then the king and Launcelot laughed that they might
not sit.
What knight was that, said Arthur, that held you so
short, this with the shield of silver ? Sir, said Sir Tristram,
here he sitteth at this board. What, said Arthur, was it
Sir Palomides ? Wit ye well it was he, said La Beale Isoud.
Truly, said Arthur, that was unknightly done of you of so
good a knight, for I have heard many people call you a cour-
teous knight. Sir, said Palomides, I knew not Sir Tris-
tram, for he was so disguised. It may well be, said Launce-
lot, for I knew not Sir Tristram ; but I marvel why ye turned
on our party. That was done for the same cause, said Palo-
mides. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I have pardoned him,
and I would be right loath to leave his fellowship, for I love
right well his company : so they left off and talked of other
things.
And in the evening King Arthur and Sir Launcelot de-
parted unto their lodging; but wit ye well Sir Palomides
had envy heartily, for all that night he had never rest in his
bed, but wailed and wept out of measure. So on the morn
Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Dinadan arose early, and then
they went unto Sir Palomides' chamber, and there they found
him fast asleep, for he had all night watched, and it was
264 OF SIR TRISTRAM
seen upon his cheeks that he had wept full sore. Say nothing,
said Sir Tristram, for I am sure he hath taken anger and
sorrow for the rebuke that I gave to him, and La Beale Isoud.
HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PALOMIDES
DID THE THIRD DAY OF THE TOURNA-
MENT, AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM TURNED
TO KING ARTHUR'S SIDE, AND OF THE SORROW
OF SIR PALOMIDES. Then Sir Tristram let call Sir
Palomides, and bade him make him ready, for it was time
to go to the field. When they were ready they were armed,
and clothed all in red, both Isoud and all they ; and so they
led her passing freshly through the field, into the priory
where was her lodging. And then they heard three blasts
blow, and every king and knight dressed him unto the field.
And the first that was ready to joust was Sir Palomides
and Sir Kainus le Strange, a knight of the Table Round.
And so they two encountered together, but Sir Palomides
smote Sir Kainus so hard that he smote him quite over his
horse's croup. And forthwithal Sir Palomides smote down
another knight, and brake then his spear, and pulled out his
sword and did wonderly well. And then the noise began
greatly upon Sir Palomides. Lo, said King Arthur, yonder
Palomides beginneth to play his pageant. Truly, said Ar-
thur, he is a passing good knight. And right as they stood
talking thus, in came Sir Tristram as thunder, and he en-
countered with Sir Kay the Seneschal, and there he smote
him down quite from his horse ; and with that same spear
Sir Tristram smote down three knights more, and then he
pulled out his sword and did marvellously. Then the noise
and cry changed from Sir Palomides and turned to Sir Tris-
THE THIRD DAY OF THE TOURNEY 265
tram, and all the people cried: O Tristram, O Tristram.
And then was Sir Palomides clean forgotten.
Then Sir Arthur and Sir Launcelot took their horses
and dressed them, and gat into the thickest of the press.
And there Sir Tristram unknowing smote down King Arthur,
and then Sir Launcelot would have rescued him, but there
were so many upon Sir Launcelot that they pulled him down
from his horse. And then the King of Ireland and the King
of Scots with their knights did their pain to take King Ar-
thur and Sir Launcelot prisoner. When Sir Launcelot heard
them say so, he fared as it had been an hungry lion, for he
fared so that no knight durst nigh him.
Then came Sir Ector de Maris, and he bare a spear
against Sir Palomides, and brast it upon him all to shivers.
And then Sir Ector came again and gave Sir Palomides
such a dash with a sword that he stooped down upon his
saddle bow. And forthwithal Sir Ector pulled down Sir
Palomides under his feet ; and then Sir Ector de Maris gat
Sir Launcelot du Lake an horse, and brought it to him, and
bade him mount upon him ; but Sir Palomides leapt afore
and gat the horse by the bridle, and leapt into the saddle.
So God me help, said Launcelot, ye are better worthy to
have that horse than I. Then Sir Ector brought Sir Launce-
lot another horse. Gramercy, said Launcelot unto his
brother. And so when he was horsed again, with one spear
he smote down four knights. And then Sir Launcelot brought
to King Arthur one of the best of the four horses. Then
Sir Launcelot with King Arthur and a few of his knights of
Sir Launcelot's kin did marvellous deeds ; for that time, as
the book recordeth, Sir Launcelot smote down and pulled
down thirty knights. Notwithstanding the other party held
266 OF SIR TRISTRAM
them so fast together that King Arthur and his knights were
overmatched. And when Sir Tristram saw that, what
labour King Arthur and his knights, and in especial the noble
deeds that Sir Launcelot did with his own hands, he mar-
velled greatly.
Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Palomides, Sir
Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, and said thus to them : My fair
fellows, wit ye well that I will turn unto King Arthur's party,
for I saw never so few men do so well, and it will be shame
unto us knights that be of the Round Table to see our lord
King Arthur, and that noble knight Sir Launcelot, to be
dishonoured. It will be well done, said Sir Gareth and Sir
Dinadan. Do your best, said Palomides, for I will not change
my party that I came in withal. That is for my sake, said
Sir Tristram ; God speed you in your journey. And so de-
parted Sir Palomides from them. Then Sir Tristram, Ga-
reth, and Dinadan, turned with Sir Launcelot. And then
Sir Launcelot smote down the King of Ireland quite from
his horse ; and so Sir Launcelot smote down the King of
Scots, and the King of Wales ; and then Sir Arthur ran unto
Sir Palomides and smote him quite from his horse ; and
then Sir Tristram bare down all that he met, and Sir Gareth
and Sir Dinadan did there as noble knights ; then all the
parties began to flee. Alas, said Palomides, that ever I should
see this day, for now have I lost all the worship that I won ;
and then Sir Palomides went his way wailing, and so with-
drew him till he came to a well, and there he put his horse
from him, and did off his armour, and wailed and wept like
as he had been a wood man. Then many knights gave the
prize to Sir Tristram, and there were many that gave the
prize unto Sir Launcelot. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, I
HOW SIR PALOMIDES MADE DOLE 267
thank you of the honour ye would give me, but I pray you
heartily that ye would give your voice to Sir Launcelot, for
by my faith, said Sir Tristram, I will give Sir Launcelot my
voice. But Sir Launcelot would not have it, and so the prize
was given betwixt them both.
Then every man rode to his lodging, and Sir Bleoberis
and Sir Ector rode with Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud
unto their pavilions. Then as Sir Palomides was at the
well wailing and weeping, there came by him fleeing the
kings of Wales and of Scotland, and they saw Sir Palomides
in that arage. Alas, said they, that so noble a man as ye
be should be in this array. And then those kings gat Sir
Palomides' horse again, and made him to arm him and
mount upon his horse, and so he rode with them, making
great dole. So when Sir Palomides came nigh the pavilions
thereas Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud was in, then Sir
Palomides prayed the two kings to abide him there the while
that he spake with Sir Tristram. And when he came to the
port of the pavilions, Sir Palomides said on high : Where
art thou, Sir Tristram de Liones ? Sir, said Dinadan, that
is Palomides. What, Sir Palomides, will ye not come in here
among us ? Fie on thee, traitor, said Palomides, for wit
you well an it were daylight as it is night I should slay thee,
mine own hands. And if ever I may get thee, said Palomides,
thou shalt die for this day's deed. Sir Palomides, said Sir
Tristram, ye wite me with wrong, for had ye done as I did
ye had won worship. But sithen ye give me so large warn-
ing I shall be well ware of you. Fie on thee, traitor, said
Palomides, and therewith departed.
Then on the morn Sir Tristram, Bleoberis, and Sir Ector
de Maris, Sir Gareth, Sir Dinadan, what by water and what
268 OF SIR TRISTRAM
by land, they brought La Beale Isoud unto Joyous Card,
and there reposed them a seven night, and made all the mirths
and disports that they could devise. And King Arthur and
his knights drew unto Camelot, and Sir Palomides rode with
the two kings ; and ever he made the greatest dole that any
man could think, for he was not all only so dolorous for the
departing from La Beale Isoud, but he was a part as sorrow-
ful to depart from the fellowship of Sir Tristram ; for Sir
Tristram was so kind and so gentle that when Sir Palomides
remembered him thereof he might never be merry.
HOW ON A DAY SIR TRISTRAM
DEPARTED UNARMED AND MET
WITH SIR PALOMIDES, AND HOW
THEY SMOTE EACH OTHER, AND
HOW SIR PALOMIDES FORBARE
HIM, AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM GAT HARNESS
OF A HURT KNIGHT AND OVERTHREW SIR
PALOMIDES AND MADE HIM BE 'CHRISTENED.
And so on a day Sir Tristram was riding with no more harness
of war but his spear and his sword, and saw afore him where
Sir Palomides had stricken down a knight, and almost wounded
him to the death. Then Sir Tristram repented him that he
was not armed, and then he hoved still. With that Sir Palo-
mides knew Sir Tristram, and cried on high : Sir Tristram,
now be we well met, for ere we depart we will redress our
old sores. As for that, said Sir Tristram, there was yet never
Christian man might make his boast that ever I fled from him ;
and wit ye well, Sir Palomides, thou that art a Saracen shall
never make thy boast that Sir Tristram de Liones shall flee
from thee. And therewith Sir Tristram made his horse to run,
OF SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PALOMIDES 269
and with all his might he came straight upon Sir Palomides,
and brast his spear upon him an hundred pieces. And forth-
withal Sir Tristram drew his sword. And then he turned his
horse and struck at Palomides six great strokes upon his helm ;
and then Sir Palomides stood still, and beheld Sir Tristram,
and marvelled of his woodness, and of his folly. And then Sir
Palomides said to himself: An Sir Tristram were armed, it
were hard to cease him of this battle, and if I turn again and
slay him I am ashamed wheresomever that I go.
Then Sir Tristram spake and said : Thou coward knight,
what castest thou to do ; why wilt thou not do battle with
me ? for have thou no doubt I shall endure all thy malice.
Ah, Sir Tristram, said Palomides, full well thou wottest
I may not fight with thee for shame, for thou art here naked
and I am armed, and if I slay thee, dishonour shall be mine.
Now, I require you, tell me a question that I shall say to
you. Tell me what it is, said Sir Tristram, and I shall answer
you the truth. I put case, said Sir Palomides, that ye were
armed at all rights as well as I am, and I naked as ye be,
what would you do to me now, by your true knighthood ?
Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand thee well, Sir Palo-
mides, for now must I say mine own judgment, and as God
me bless, that I shall say shall not be said for no fear that
I have of thee. But this is all : wit, Sir Palomides, as at
this time thou shouldest depart from me, for I would not
have ado with thee. No more will I, said Palomides, and
therefore ride forth on thy way. As for that I may choose,
said Sir Tristram, either to ride or to abide. But Sir Palo-
mides, said Sir Tristram, I marvel of one thing, that thou
that art so good a knight, that thou wilt not be christened,
and thy brother, Sir Safere, hath been christened many a day.
270 OF SIR TRISTRAM
As for that, said Sir Palomides, I may not yet be chris-
tened, for one avow that I have made many years agone ;
howbeit in my heart I believe in Jesu Christ and his mild
mother Mary ; but I have but one battle to do, and when that
is done I will be baptised with a good will. By my head, said
Tristram, as for one battle thou shalt not seek it no longer.
For God defend, said Sir Tristram, that through my default
thou shouldst longer live thus a Saracen. For yonder is a
knight that ye, Sir Palomides, have hurt and smitten down ;
now help me that I were armed in his armour, and I shall soon
fulfil thine avows. As ye will, said Palomides, so it shall be.
So they rode both unto that knight that sat upon a bank,
and then Sir Tristram saluted him, and he weakly saluted
him again. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I require you tell
me your right name. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Galleron
of Galway, and knight of the Table Round. Truly, said
Sir Tristram, I am right heavy of your hurts ; but this is all,
I must pray you to lend me all your whole armour, for ye
see I am unarmed, and I must do battle with this knight.
Sir, said the hurt knight, ye shall have it with a good will ;
but ye must beware, for I warn you that knight is wight.
Sir, said Galleron, I pray you tell me your name, and what
is that knight's name that hath beaten me. Sir, as for my
name it is Sir Tristram de Liones, and as for the knight's
name that hath hurt you it is Sir Palomides, brother to the
good knight Sir Safere, and yet is Sir Palomides unchristened.
Alas, said Sir Galleron, that is pity that so good a knight and
so noble a man of arms should be unchristened. Either he
shall slay me, said Sir Tristram, or I him, but that he shall
be christened or ever we depart insunder. My lord Sir Tris-
tram, said Sir Galleron, your renown and worship is well
HOW SIR TRISTRAM GAT HARNESS 271
known through many realms, and God save you this day
from shenship and shame.
Then Sir Tristram unarmed Galleron, the which was a
noble knight, and had done many deeds of arms, and he
was a large knight of flesh and bone. And when he was
unarmed he stood upon his feet, for he was brised in the
back with a spear ; yet so as Sir Galleron might, he armed
Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram mounted upon his
own horse, and in his hand he gat Sir Galleron's spear ; and
therewithal Sir Palomides was ready. And so they came
hurtling together, and either smote other in midst of their
shields ; and therewithal Sir Palomides' spear brake, and
Sir Tristram smote down the horse ; and Sir Palomides, as
soon as he might, avoided his horse, and dressed his shield,
and pulled out his sword. That saw Sir Tristram, and
therewithal he alighted and tied his horse to a tree.
And then they came together as two wild boars, lashing
together, tracing and traversing as noble men that oft had
been well proved in battle ; but ever Sir Palomides dread
the might of Sir Tristram, and therefore he suffered him
to breathe him. Thus they fought more than two hours,
but often Sir Tristram smote such strokes at Sir Palomides
that he made him to kneel ; and Sir Palomides brake and
cut away many pieces of Sir Tristram's shield ; and then
Sir Palomides wounded Sir Tristram, for he was a well
fighting man. Then Sir Tristram was wood wroth out of
measure, and rushed upon Sir Palomides with such a might
that Sir Palomides fell grovelling to the earth ; and there-
withal he leapt up lightly upon his feet, and then Sir Tris-
tram wounded Palomides sore through the shoulder. And
ever Sir Tristram fought still in like hard, and Sir Palomides
272 OF SIR TRISTRAM
failed not, but gave him many sad strokes. And at the last
Sir Tristram doubled his strokes, and by fortune Sir Tristram
smote Sir Palomides' sword out of his hand, and if Sir Palo-
mides had stooped for his sword he had been slain.
Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with
a sorrowful heart. How now, said Sir Tristram unto Palo-
mides, now have I thee at advantage as thou haddest me
this day; but it shall never be said in no court, nor among
good knights, that Sir Tristram shall slay any knight that is
weaponless ; and therefore take thou thy sword, and let
us make an end of this battle. As for to do this battle,
said Palomides, I dare right well end it ; but I have no great
lust to fight no more. And for this cause, said Palomides :
mine offence to you is not so great but that we may be friends.
All that I have offended is and was for the love of La Beale
Isoud. And as for her, I dare say she is peerless above
all other ladies, and also I proffered her never no dishonour ;
and by her I have gotten the most part of my worship. And
sithen I offended never as to her own person, and as for the
offence that I have done, it was against your own person,
and for that offence ye have given me this day many sad
strokes, and some I have given you again ; and now I dare
say I felt never man of your might, nor so well breathed,
but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake ; wherefore I require
you, my lord, forgive me all that I have offended unto you ;
and this same day have me to the next church, and first let
me be clean confessed, and after see you now that I be truly
baptised. And then will we all ride together unto the court
of Arthur, that we be there at the high feast. Now take
your horse, said Sir Tristram, and as ye say so it shall be,
and all thine evil will God forgive it you, and I do. And here
HOW SIR PALOMIDES WAS CHRISTENED 273
within this mile is the Suffragan of Carlisle that shall give
you the sacrament of baptism.
Then they took their horses and Sir Galleron rode with
them. And when they came to the Suffragan Sir Tristram
told him their desire. Then the Suffragan let fill a great
vessel with water, and when he had hallowed it he then
confessed clean Sir Palomides, and Sir Tristram and Sir
Galleron were his godfathers. And then soon after they
departed, riding toward Camelot, where King Arthur and
Queen Guenever was, and for the most part all the knights
of the Round Table. And so the king and all the court
were glad that Sir Palomides was christened. And at the
same feast in came Galahad and sat in the Siege Perilous.
And so therewithal departed and dissevered all the knights
of the Round Table. And Sir Tristram returned again unto
Joyous Card, and Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast.
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME
ELAINE
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT HOLP A
DOLOROUS LADY FROM HER
PAIN, AND FOUGHT WITH A
DRAGON, AND OF THE BE-
GETTING OF SIR GALAHAD.
Now leave we Sir Tristram de Liones,
and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake,
and of Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot's son,
how he was born, and in what manner,
as the book of French rehearseth. Afore the time that Sir
Galahad was born, there came in an hermit unto King Ar-
thur upon Whitsunday, as the knights sat at the Table Round.
And when the hermit saw the Siege Perilous, he asked the
king and all the knights why that siege was void. Sir Ar-
thur and all the knights answered : There shall never none
sit in that siege but one, but if he be destroyed. Then said
the hermit : Wot ye what is he ? Nay, said Arthur and
all the knights, we wot not who is he that shall sit therein.
Then wot I, said the hermit, for he that shall sit there is
unborn, and this same year he shall be born that shall sit
there in that Siege Perilous, and he shall win the Sangreal.
When this hermit had made this mention he departed from
the court of King Arthur.
274
OF SIR LAUNCELOT 275
And then after this feast Sir Launcelot rode on his adven-
ture, till on a time by adventure he passed over the bridge
of Corbin ; and there he saw the fairest tower that ever he
saw, and there-under was a fair town full of people ; and
all the people, men and women, cried at once : Welcome,
Sir Launcelot du Lake, the flower of all knighthood, for
by thee all we shall be holpen out of danger. What mean
ye, said Sir Launcelot, that ye cry so upon me ? Ah, fair
knight, said they all, here is within this tower a dolorous
lady that hath been there in pains many winters and days,
for ever she boileth in scalding water ; and but late, said all
the people, Sir Gawaine was here and he might not help
her, and so he left her in pain. So may I, said Sir Launcelot,
leave her in pain as well as Sir Gawaine did. Nay, said the
people, we know well that it is Sir Launcelot that shall de-
liver her. Well, said Launcelot, then shew me what I shall
do.
Then they brought Sir Launcelot into the tower; and
when he came to the chamber thereas this lady was, the
doors of iron unlocked and unbolted. And so Sir Launce-
lot went into the chamber that was as hot as any stew. And
there Sir Launcelot took the fairest lady by the hand that
ever he saw, and she was naked as a needle ; and by enchant-
ment Queen Morgan le Fay and the Queen of Northgalis
had put her there in that pains, because she was called the
fairest lady of that country; and there she had been five
years, and never might she be delivered out of her great
pains unto the time the best knight of the world had taken
her by the hand. Then the people brought her clothes.
And when she was arrayed, Sir Launcelot thought she was
the fairest lady of the world, but if it were Queen Guenever.
276 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
Then this lady said to Sir Launcelot : Sir, if it please
you will ye go with me hereby into a chapel that we may
give loving and thanking unto God ? Madam, said Sir
Launcelot, come on with me, I will go with you. So when
they came there and gave thankings to God all the people,
both learned and lewd, gave thankings unto God and him,
and said : Sir knight, since ye have delivered this lady, ye
shall deliver us from a serpent there is here in a tomb. Then
Sir Launcelot took his shield and said : Bring me thither,
and what I may do unto the pleasure of God and you I will
do. So when Sir Launcelot came thither he saw written
upon the tomb letters of gold that said thus : Here shall
come a leopard of king's blood, and he shall slay this serpent,
and this leopard shall engender a lion in this foreign country,
the which lion shall pass all other knights. So then Sir
Launcelot lift up the tomb, and there came out an horrible
and a fiendly dragon, spitting fire out of his mouth. Then
Sir Launcelot drew his sword and fought with the dragon
long, and at the last with great pain Sir Launcelot slew that
dragon.
Therewithal came King Pelles, the good and noble knight,
and saluted Sir Launcelot, and he him again. Fair knight,
said the king, what is your name ? I require you of your
knighthood tell me ! Sir, said Launcelot, wit you well my
name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. And my name is, said the
king, Pelles, king of the foreign country, and cousin nigh
unto Joseph of Aramathie. And then either of them made
much of other, and so they went into the castle to take their
repast. And anon there came in a dove at a window, and
in her mouth there seemed a little censer of gold. And
therewithal there was such a savour as all the spicery of the
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME TO PELLES 277
world had been there. And forthwithal there was upon
the table all manner of meats and drinks that they could
think upon. So came in a damosel passing fair and young,
and she bare a vessel of gold betwixt her hands ; and thereto
the king kneeled devoutly, and said his prayers, and so did
all that were there. Then, said Sir Launcelot, What may
this mean ? This is, said the king, the richest thing that
any man hath living. And when this thing goeth about,
the Round Table shall be broken ; and wit thou well, said
the king, this is the holy Sangreal that ye have here seen.
So the king and Sir Launcelot led their life the most part
of that day. And fain would King Pelles have found the
mean to have had Sir Launcelot to love his daughter, fair
Elaine. And for this intent : the king knew well that
Sir Launcelot should have a child by his daughter, the which
should be named Sir Galahad the good knight, by whom
all the foreign country should be brought out of danger, and
by him the Holy Greal should be achieved.
Then came forth a lady that hight Dame Brisen, and
she said unto the king : Sir, wit ye well Sir Launcelot loveth
no lady in the world but all only Queen Guenever ; and
therefore work ye by counsel, and I shall make him to see
your daughter, and he shall not wit but that he seeth Queen
Guenever. O fair lady, Dame Brisen, said the king, hope ye
to bring this about ? Sir, said she, upon pain of my life
let me deal. For this Brisen was one of the greatest enchant-
resses that was at that time in the world living. Then anon
by Dame Brisen's wit she made one to come to Sir Launcelot
that he knew well. And this man brought him a ring from
Queen Guenever like as it had come from her, and such one
as she was wont for the most part to wear; and when Sir
278 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
Launcelot saw that token wit ye well he was never so fain.
Where is my lady ? said Sir Launcelot. In the Castle of
Case, said the messenger, but five mile hence. Then Sir
Launcelot thought to be there the same night. And then
this Brisen by the commandment of King Pelles let send
Elaine to this castle with twenty-five knights unto the Castle
of Case. Then Sir Launcelot against night rode unto that
castle, and there anon he was received worshipfully with such
people, to his seeming, as were about Queen Guenever.
So when Sir Launcelot was alighted, then Dame Brisen
brought him a cup full of wine ; and anon as he had drunken
that wine he was so assotted that he weened that maiden
Elaine had been Queen Guenever. Wit you well that Sir
Launcelot was glad, and so was that lady Elaine, for well
she knew that of them should be born Galahad that should
prove the best knight of the world ; and all the windows
and holes of that chamber were stopped that no manner of
day might be seen. And then Sir Launcelot remembered
him, and he arose up and went to the window.
And anon as he had unshut the window the enchantment
was gone ; then he knew himself that he had been deceived.
Alas, he said, that I have lived so long ; now I am shamed.
So then he gat his sword in his hand and said : Thou traitress,
what art thou ? thou shalt die right here of my hands. Then
this fair lady Elaine kneeled down afore Sir Launcelot, and
said : Fair courteous knight, come of king's blood, I require
you have mercy upon me, and as thou art renowned the
most noble knight of the world, slay me not, for I shall have
a son by thee that shall be the most noblest knight of the
world. Ah, false traitress, said Sir Launcelot, why hast
thou betrayed me ? anon tell me what thou art. Sir, she
OF THE BIRTH OF GALAHAD 279
said, I am Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles. Well, said
Sir Launcelot, I will forgive you this deed ; and therewith
he took her up in his arms, and kissed her, for she was as
fair a lady, and thereto lusty and young, and as wise, as any
was that time living. I may not wite this to you, said Sir
Launcelot ; but her that made this enchantment upon me as
between you and me, an I may find her, that same Lady Brisen,
she shall lose her head for witchcrafts, for there was never
knight deceived so as I am this night. And so Sir Launcelot
arrayed him, and armed him, and took his leave mildly at
that lady young Elaine, and so he departed. Then she
said : My lord Sir Launcelot, I beseech you see me as soon
as ye may, for I have obeyed me unto the prophecy that my
father told me. And by his commandment to fulfil this
prophecy I have given the greatest riches and the fairest
flower that ever I had, and that is my maidenhood that I
shall never have again ; and therefore, gentle knight, owe
me your goodwill.
And so Sir Launcelot arrayed him and was armed, and
took his leave mildly at that young lady Elaine ; and so he
departed, and rode till he came to the Castle of Corbin, where
her father was. And as fast as her time came she was de-
livered of a fair child, and they christened him Galahad ; and
wit ye well that child was well kept and well nourished, and
he was named Galahad because Sir Launcelot was so named
at the fountain stone ; and after that the Lady of the Lake
confirmed him Sir Launcelot du Lake.
Then after this lady was delivered and churched, there
came a knight unto her, his name was Sir Bromel la Pleche,
the which was a great lord ; and he had loved that lady long,
and he evermore desired her to wed her ; and so by no mean
280 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
she could put him off, till on a day she said to Sir Bromel :
Wit thou well, sir knight, I will not love you, for my love is
set upon the best knight of the world. Who is he ? said Sir
Bromel. Sir, she said, it is Sir Launcelot du Lake that I
love and none other, and therefore woo me no longer. Ye
say well, said Sir Bromel, and sithen ye have told me so much,
ye shall have but little joy of Sir Launcelot, for I shall slay
him wheresomever I meet him. Sir, said the Lady Elaine,
do to him no treason. Wit ye well, my lady, said Bromel, and
I promise you this twelvemonth I shall keep the pont of
Corbin for Sir Launcelot's sake, that he shall neither come nor
go unto you, but I shall meet with him.
OF THE ADVENTURES OF SIR BORS AT
THE CASTLE OF CORBIN, AND HOW HE
WAS FED WITH THE SANGREAL. Then as
it fell by fortune and adventure, Sir Bors de Ganis,
that was nephew unto Sir Launcelot, came over
that bridge ; and there Sir Bromel and Sir Bors jousted, and
Sir Bors smote Sir Bromel such a buffet that he bare him
over his horse's croup. And then Sir Bromel, as an hardy
knight, pulled out his sword, and dressed his shield to do
battle with Sir Bors. And then Sir Bors alighted and avoided
his horse, and there they dashed together many sad strokes ;
and long thus they fought, till at the last Sir Bromel was
laid to the earth, and there Sir Bors began to unlace his
helm to slay him. Then Sir Bromel cried Sir Bors mercy,
and yielded him. Upon this covenant thou shalt have
thy life, said Sir Bors, so thou go unto Sir Launcelot upon
Whitsunday that next cometh, and yield thee unto him as
knight recreant. I will do it, said Sir Bromel, and that he
XXX
OF KING PELLES AND SIR BORS 281
sware upon the cross of the sword. And so Sir Bors let him
depart, and rode unto King Pelles, that was within Corbin.
And when the king and Elaine his daughter wist that
Sir Bors was nephew unto Sir Launcelot, they made him
great cheer. Then said Dame Elaine : We marvel where
Sir Launcelot is, for he came never here but once. Marvel
not, said Sir Bors, for this half year he hath been in prison
with Queen Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's sister. Alas,
said Dame Elaine, that me repenteth. And ever Sir Bors
beheld that child in her arms, and ever him seemed it was
passing like Sir Launcelot. Truly, said Elaine, wit ye well
this is his child. Then Sir Bors wept for joy, and he prayed
to God it might prove as good a knight as his father was.
And so came in a white dove, and she bare a little censer
of gold in her mouth, and there was all manner of meats and
drinks ; and a maiden bare that Sangreal, and she said openly :
Wit you well, Sir Bors, that this child is Galahad, that shall
sit in the Siege Perilous, and achieve the Sangreal, and he
shall be much better than ever was Sir Launcelot du Lake,
that is his own father. And then they kneeled down and
made their devotions, and there was such a savour as all the
spicery in the world had been there. And when the dove
took her flight, the maiden vanished with the Sangreal as
she came.
Sir, said Sir Bors unto King Pelles, this castle may be
named the Castle Adventurous, for here be many strange
adventures. That is sooth, said the king, for well may this
place be called the adventurous place, for there come but
few knights here that go away with any worship ; be he never
so strong, here he may be proved ; and but late Sir Gawaine,
the good knight, gat but little worship here. For I let you
282 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
wit, said King Pelles, here shall no knight win no worship
but if he be of worship himself and of good living, and that
loveth God and dreadeth God, and else he getteth no wor-
ship here, be he never so hardy. That is a wonderful thing,
said Sir Bors. What ye mean in this country I wot not, for
ye have many strange adventures, and therefore I will lie in
this castle this night. Ye shall not do so, said King Pelles,
by my counsel, for it is hard an ye escape without a shame.
I shall take the adventure that will befall me, said Sir Bors.
Then I counsel you, said the king, to be confessed clean.
As for that, said Sir Bors, I will be shriven with a good will.
So Sir Bors was confessed, and for all women Sir Bors was
a virgin, save for one, that was the daughter of King Bran-
goris, and their child hight Elaine, and save for her Sir Bors
was a clean maiden.
And so Sir Bors was led unto bed in a fair large chamber,
and many doors were shut about the chamber. When Sir
Bors espied all those doors, he avoided all the people, for he
might have nobody with him ; but in no wise Sir Bors would
unarm him, but so he laid him down upon the bed. And
right so he saw come in a light, that he might well see a spear
great and long that came straight upon him pointling, and
to Sir Bors seemed that the head of the spear brent like a
taper. And anon, ere Sir Bors wist, the spear head smote
him into the shoulder an handbreadth in deepness, and that
wound grieved Sir Bors passing sore. And then he laid him
down again for pain ; and anon therewithal there came a
knight armed with his shield on his shoulder and his sword
in his hand, and he bade Sir Bors : Arise, sir knight, and
fight with me. I am sore hurt, he said, but yet I shall not
fail thee. And then Sir Bors started up and dressed his
OF SIR BORS AND HIS ADVENTURES 283
shield ; and then they lashed together mightily a great while ;
and at the last Sir Bors bare him backward until that he came
unto a chamber door, and there that knight went into that
chamber and rested him a great while. And when he had
reposed him he came out freshly again, and began new battle
with Sir Bors mightily and strongly.
Then Sir Bors thought he should no more go into that
chamber to rest him, and so Sir Bors dressed him betwixt
the knight and that chamber door, and there Sir Bors smote
him down, and then that knight yielded him. What is
your name ? said Sir Bors. Sir, said he, my name is Pedivere
of the Straight Marches. So Sir Bors made him to swear
at Whitsunday next coming to be at the court of King Arthur,
and yield him there as a prisoner as an overcome knight
by the hands of Sir Bors. So thus departed Sir Pedivere
of the Straight Marches. And then Sir Bors laid him down
to rest, and then he heard and felt much noise in that chamber ;
and then Sir Bors espied that there came in, he wist not
whether at the doors nor windows, shot of arrows and of
quarrels so thick that he marvelled, and many fell upon him
and hurt him in the bare places.
And then Sir Bors was ware where came in an hideous
lion ; so Sir Bors dressed him unto the lion, and anon the
lion bereft him his shield, and with his sword Sir Bors smote
off the lion's head. Right so Sir Bors forthwithal saw a
dragon in the court passing horrible, and there seemed letters
of gold written in his forehead ; and Sir Bors thought that
the letters made a signification of King Arthur. Right
so there came an horrible leopard and an old, and there
they fought long, and did great battle together. And at
the last the dragon spit out of his mouth as it had been an
284 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
hundred dragons ; and lightly all the small dragons slew
the old dragon and tare him all to pieces.
Anon withal there came an old man into the hall, and
he sat him down in a fair chair, and there seemed to be two
adders about his neck ; and then the old man had an harp,
and there he sang an old song how Joseph of Aramathie
came into this land. Then when he had sung, the old man
bade Sir Bors go from thence. For here shall ye have no
more adventures ; and full worshipfully have ye done, and
better shall ye do hereafter. And then Sir Bors seemed
that there came the whitest dove with a little golden censer
in her mouth. And anon therewithal the tempest ceased
and passed, that afore was marvellous to hear. So was all
that court full of good savours. Then Sir Bors saw four
children bearing four fair tapers, and an old man in the
midst of the children with a censer in his one hand, and a
spear in his other hand, and that spear was called the Spear
of Vengeance.
Now, said that old man to Sir Bors, go ye to your cousin,
Sir Launcelot, and tell him of this adventure the which
had been most convenient for him of all earthly knights ;
but sin is so foul in him he may not achieve such holy deeds,
for had not been his sin he had passed all the knights that
ever were in his days ; and tell thou Sir Launcelot, of all
worldly adventures he passeth in manhood and prowess
all other, but in these spiritual matters he shall have many
his better. And then Sir Bors saw four gentlewomen come
by him, purely beseen : and he saw where that they entered
into a chamber where was great light as it were a summer
light ; and the women kneeled down afore an altar of silver
with four pillars, and as it had been a bishop kneeled down
HOW DAME ELAINE CAME TO CAMELOT 285
afore that table of silver. And as Sir Bors looked over his
head he saw a sword like silver, naked, hoving over his head,
and the clearness thereof smote so in his eyes that as at that
time Sir Bors was blind ; and there he heard a voice that
said : Go hence, thou Sir Bors, for as yet thou art not worthy
for to be in this place. And then he went backward to his
bed till on the morn. And on the morn King Pelles made great
joy of Sir Bors ; and then he departed and rode to Camelot,
and there he found Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of
the adventures that he had seen with King Pelles at Corbin.
So the noise sprang in Arthur's court that Launcelot
had a child by Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, where-
fore Queen Guenever was wroth, and gave many rebukes
to Sir Launcelot, and called him false knight. And then
Sir Launcelot told the queen all, and how he was made to
meet her by enchantment in likeness of the queen. So
the queen held Sir Launcelot excused. And as the book
saith, King Arthur had been in France, and had made war
upon the mighty King Claudas, and had won much of his
lands. And when the king was come again he let cry a
great feast, that all lords and ladies of all England should be
there, but if it were such as were rebellious against him.
HOW DAME ELAINE, GALAHAD'S MOTHER,
CAME IN GREAT ESTATE UNTO CAME-
LOT, AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT BE-
HAVED HIM THERE. And when Dame Elaine, the
daughter of King Pelles, heard of this feast she went to her
father and required him that he would give her leave to ride
to that feast. The king answered : I will well ye go thither,
but in any wise as ye love me and will have my blessing, that
286 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
ye be well beseen in the richest wise ; and look that ye spare
not for no cost ; ask and ye shall have all that you needeth.
Then by the advice of Dame Brisen, her maiden, all thing was
apparelled unto the purpose, that there was never no lady
more richlier beseen. So she rode with twenty knights, and
ten ladies, and gentlewomen, to the number of an hundred
horses. And when she came to Camelot, King Arthur and
Queen Guenever said, and all the knights, that Dame Elaine
was the fairest and the best beseen lady that ever was seen
in that court. And anon as King Arthur wist that she was
come he met her and saluted her, and so did the most part
of all the knights of the Round Table, both Sir Tristram,
Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Gawaine, and many more that I will
not rehearse. But when Sir Launcelot saw her he was so
ashamed, and that because he drew his sword on her, that
he would not salute her nor speak to her ; and yet Sir Launce-
lot thought she was the fairest woman that ever he saw in
his life-days.
But when Dame Elaine saw Sir Launcelot that would
not speak unto her she was so heavy that she weened her
heart would have to-brast ; for wit you well, out of measure
she loved him. And then Elaine said unto her woman,
Dame Brisen : The unkindness of Sir Launcelot slayeth
me near. Ah, peace, madam, said Dame Brisen, I will
undertake that he shall come to you, an ye would hold you
still. That were me liefer, said Dame Elaine, than all the
gold that is above the earth. Let me deal, said Dame Brisen.
So when Elaine was brought unto Queen Guenever either
made other good cheer by countenance, but nothing with
hearts. But all men and women spake of the beauty of
Dame Elaine, and of her great riches.
OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER 287
Then the queen commanded that Dame Elaine should
sleep in a chamber nigh her chamber, and all under one
roof; and so it was done as the queen commanded. Then
the queen sent for Sir Launcelot and bade him come to her :
Or else I am sure, said the queen, that ye will go to your
lady, Dame Elaine, by whom ye had Galahad. Ah, madam,
said Sir Launcelot, never say ye so, for that was against my
will. Then, said the queen, look that ye come to me when I
send for you. Madam, said Launcelot, I shall not fail you,
but I shall be ready at your commandment. This bargain
was soon done and made between them, but Dame Brisen
knew it by her crafts, and told it to her lady, Dame Elaine.
Alas, said she, how shall I do ? Let me deal, said Dame
Brisen, for I shall bring him by the hand even to you, and
he shall ween that I am Queen Guenever's messenger. Now
well is me, said Dame Elaine, for all the world I love not
so much as I do Sir Launcelot.
So then Dame Brisen came to Sir Launcelot and said :
Sir Launcelot du Lake, my lady, Queen Guenever, awaiteth
upon .you. O my fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, I am ready
to go with you where ye will have me. So Sir Launcelot
took his sword in his hand ; and then Dame Brisen took him
by the finger and led him to her lady, Dame Elaine ; and
then she departed and left them together. Wit ye well the
lady was glad, and so was Sir Launcelot, for he weened that
it was the queen.
Then Queen Guenever sent one of her women unto Sir
Launcelot ; and when she came there she found he was away ;
so she came to the queen and told her all. Alas, said the
queen, where is that false knight become ? Then the queen
was nigh out of her wit, and then she writhed and weltered
288 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
as a mad woman, and at the last the queen met with Sir
Launcelot ; and thus she said : False traitor knight that
thou art, look thou never abide in my court, and not so hardy,
thou false traitor knight that thou art, that ever thou come
in my sight. Alas, said Sir Launcelot ; and therewith he
took such an heartly sorrow at her words that he fell down
to the floor in a swoon. And therewithal Queen Guenever
departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of his swoon, he
leapt out at a bay window into a garden, and there with
thorns he was all to-scratched in his visage and his body ;
and so he ran forth he wist not whither, and was wild wood
as ever was man ; and so he ran two year, and never man
might have grace to know him.
HOW DAME ELAINE WAS COM-
MANDED BY QUEEN GUENEVER TO
AVOID THE COURT, AND HOW SIR
LAUNCELOT BECAME MAD, AND OF
THE SORROW OF QUEEN GUEN-
EVER. Now turn we unto Queen Guenever and to the fair
Lady Elaine. When Dame Elaine heard the queen so to
rebuke Sir Launcelot, and also she saw how he swooned, and
how he leaped out at a bay window, then she said unto Queen
Guenever : Madam, ye are greatly to blame for Sir Launce-
lot, for now have ye lost him, for I saw and heard by his
countenance that he is mad for ever. Alas, madam, ye do
great sin, and to yourself great dishonour, for ye have a lord
of your own, and therefore it is your part to love him ; for
there is no queen in this world hath such another king as
ye have. And, if ye were not, I might have the love of
my lord Sir Launcelot ; and cause I have to love him for
OF QUEEN GUENEVER AND ELAINE 289
I am his, and by him I have borne a fair son, and his name
is Galahad, and he shall be in his time the best knight of the
world. Dame Elaine, said the queen, when it is daylight I
charge you and command you to avoid my court ; and for
the love ye owe unto Sir Launcelot discover not his counsel,
for an ye do, it will be his death. As for that, said Dame
Elaine, I dare undertake he is marred for ever, and that
have ye made ; for ye, nor I, are like to rejoice him ; for he
made the most piteous groans when he leapt out at yonder
bay window that ever I heard man make. Alas, said fair
Elaine, and alas, said the Queen Guenever, for now I wot
well we have lost him for ever.
So on the morn Dame Elaine took her leave to depart,
and she would no longer abide. Then King Arthur brought
her on her way with mo than an hundred knights through
a forest. And by the way she told Sir Bors de Ganis all
how it betid, and how Sir Launcelot leapt out at a window,
araged out of his wit. Alas, said Sir Bors, where is my lord,
Sir Launcelot, become ? Sir, said Elaine, I wot never. Alas,
said Sir Bors, betwixt you both ye have destroyed that good
knight. As for me, said Dame Elaine, I said never nor did
never thing that should in any wise displease him, but with
the rebuke that Queen Guenever gave him I saw him swoon
to the earth ; and when he awoke he took his sword in his
hand and leapt out at a window with the grisliest groan
that ever I heard man make. Now farewell, Dame Elaine,
said Sir Bors, and hold my lord Arthur with a tale as long
as ye can, for I will turn again to Queen Guenever and give
her a hete ; and I require you, as ever ye will have my service,
make good watch and espy if ever ye may see my lord Sir
Launcelot. Truly, said fair Elaine, I shall do all that I may
2 9 o OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
do, for as fain would I know and wit where he is become,
as you, or any of his kin, or Queen Guenever ; and cause
great enough have I thereto as well as any other. And
wit ye well, said fair Elaine to Sir Bors, I would lose my life
for him rather than he should be hurt ; but alas, I cast me
never for to see him, and the chief causer of this is Dame
Guenever. Madam, said Dame Brisen, the which had made the
enchantment before betwixt Sir Launcelot and her, I pray
you heartily, let Sir Bors depart, and hie him with all his
might as fast as he may to seek Sir Launcelot, for I warn
you he is clean out of his mind ; and yet he shall be well
holpen an but by miracle.
Then wept Dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis ;
and so they departed, and Sir Bors rode straight unto Queen
Guenever. And when she saw Sir Bors she wept as she
were wood. Fie on your weeping, said Sir Bors de Ganis,
for ye weep never but when there is no bote. Alas, said Sir
Bors, that ever Sir Launcelot's kin saw you, for now have
ye lost the best knight of our blood, and he that was all our
leader and our succour; and I dare say and make it good
that all kings, Christian nor heathen, may not find such a
knight, for to speak of his nobleness and courtesy, with his
beauty and his gentleness. Alas, said Sir Bors, what shall
we do that be of his blood ? Alas, said Sir Ector de Maris.
Alas, said Lionel.
And when the queen heard them say so she fell to the
earth in a dead swoon. And then Sir Bors took her up,
and dawed her; and when she was awaked she kneeled
afore the three knights, and held up both her hands, and
besought them to seek him. And spare not for no goods
but that he be found, for I wot he is out of his mind. And
OF THE SORROW FOR SIR LAUNCELOT 291
Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel departed from the queen,
for they might not abide no longer for sorrow. And then
the queen sent them treasure enough for their expenses,
and so they took their horses and their armour, and departed.
And then they rode from country to country, in forests, and
in wilderness, and in wastes ; and ever they laid watch both
at forests and at all manner of men as they rode, to hearken
and spere after him, as he that was a naked man, in his shirt,
with a sword in his hand. And thus they rode nigh a quarter
of a year, endlong and overthwart, in many places, forests
and wilderness, and oft-times were evil lodged for his sake ;
and yet for all their labour and seeking could they never
hear word of him. And wit you well these three knights
were passing sorry.
Then at the last Sir Bors and his fellows met with a knight
that hight Sir Melion de Tartare. Now fair knight, said
Sir Bors, whither be ye away ? for they knew either other
afore time. Sir, said Melion, I am in the way toward the court
of King Arthur. Then we pray you, said Sir Bors, that ye
will tell my lord Arthur, and my lady, Queen Guenever,
and all the fellowship of the Round Table, that we cannot
in no wise hear tell where Sir Launcelot is become. Then
Sir Melion departed from them, and said that he would tell
the king, and the queen, and all the fellowship of the Round
Table, as they had desired him. So when Sir Melion came
to the court of King Arthur he told the king, and the queen,
and all the fellowship of the Round Table, what Sir Bors
had said of Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine,
Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Aglovale, and Sir Percivale
de Galis took upon them by the great desire of King Arthur,
and in especial by the queen, to seek throughout all England,
292 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
Wales, and Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot, and with them
rode eighteen knights mo to bear them fellowship ; and
wit ye well, they lacked no manner of spending; and so
were they three and twenty knights.
And thus as these noble knights rode together, they by
one assent departed, and then they rode by two, by three,
and by four, and by five, and ever they assigned where they
should meet. And so Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale rode
together unto their mother that was a queen in those days.
And when she saw her two sons, for joy she wept tenderly.
And then she said : Ah, my dear sons, when your father
was slain he left me four sons, of the which now be twain
slain. And for the death of my noble son, Sir Lamorak,
shall my heart never be glad. And then she kneeled down
upon her knees to-fore Aglovale and Sir Percivale, and be-
sought them to abide at home with her. Ah, sweet mother,
said Sir Percivale, we may not, for we be come of king's
blood of both parties, and therefore, mother, it is our kind
to haunt arms and noble deeds. Alas, my sweet sons, then
she said, for your sakes I shall lose my liking and lust, and
then wind and weather I may not endure, what for the death
of your father, King Pellinore, that was shamefully slain
by the hands of Sir Gawaine, and his brother, Sir Gaheris :
and they slew him not manly but by treason. Ah, my
dear sons, this is a piteous complaint for me of your father's
death, considering also the death of Sir Lamorak, that of
knighthood had but few fellows. Now, my dear sons,
have this in your mind. Then there was but weeping and
sobbing in the court when they should depart, and she fell
a-swooning in midst of the court.
OF SIR PERCIVALE AND SIR PERSIDES 293
HOW SIR PERCIVALE SOUGHT FOR SIR
LAUNCELOT, HOW HE FOUGHT WITH SIR
ECTOR, AND HOW THEY WERE BOTH
MADE WHOLE BY THE COMING OF THE SAN-
GREAL. Then Sir Percivale and Sir Aglovale rode into
many countries, ever inquiring after Sir Launcelot, but never
they could hear of him ; and at the last they came to a castle
that hight Cardican, and there they were lodged together.
And privily about midnight Sir Percivale came to Aglovale's
squire and said : Arise and make thee ready, for ye and I
will ride away secretly. Sir, said the squire, I would full
fain ride with you where ye would have me, but an my lord,
your brother, take me he will slay me. As for that care
thou not, for I shall be thy warrant.
And so Sir Percivale rode till it was after noon, and then
he came upon a bridge of stone, and there he found a knight
that was bound with a chain fast about the waist unto a
pillar of stone. O fair knight, said that bound knight, I
require thee loose me of my bonds. What knight are ye,
said Sir Percivale, and for what cause are ye so bound ? Sir,
I shall tell you, said that knight : I am a knight of the Table
Round, and my name is Sir Persides ; and thus by adven-
ture I came this way, and here I lodged in this castle at the
bridge foot, and therein dwelleth an uncourteous lady ;
and because she proffered me to be her paramour, and I
refused her, she set her men upon me suddenly or ever I
might come to my weapon ; and thus they bound me, and
here I wot well I shall die but if some man of worship break
my bands. Be ye of good cheer, said Sir Percivale, and
because ye are a knight of the Round Table as well as I, I
trust to God to break your bands. And therewith Sir Per-
294 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
civale pulled out his sword and struck at the chain with
such a might that he cut a-two the chain, and through Sir
Persides' hauberk and hurt him a little. That was a mighty
stroke as ever I felt one, said Sir Persides, for had not the
chain been ye had slain me.
And therewithal Sir Persides saw a knight coming out
of a castle all that ever he might fling. Beware, sir, said
Sir Persides, yonder cometh a man that will have ado with
you. Let him come, said Sir Percivale. And so he met
with that knight in midst of the bridge ; and Sir Percivale
gave him such a buffet that he smote him quite from his
horse and over a part of the bridge, that, had not been a
little vessel under the bridge, that knight had been drowned.
And then Sir Percivale took the knight's horse and made
Sir Persides to mount up him ; and so they rode unto the
castle, and bade the lady deliver Sir Persides' servants, or
else he would slay all that ever he found ; and so for fear
she delivered them all. Then was Sir Percivale ware of a
lady that stood in that tower. Ah, madam, said Sir Percivale,
what use and custom is that in a lady to destroy good knights
but if they will be your paramour ? Forsooth this is a shame-
ful custom of a lady, and if I had not a great matter in my
hand I should fordo your evil customs.
And so Sir Persides brought Sir Percivale unto his own
castle, and there he made him great cheer all that night.
And on the morn, when Sir Percivale had heard mass and
broken his fast, he bade Sir Persides ride unto King Arthur:
And tell the king how that ye met with me ; and tell my
brother, Sir Aglovale, how I rescued you ; and bid him
seek not after me, for I am in the quest to seek Sir Launcelot
du Lake, and though he seek me he shall not find me ; and
OF SIR PERCIVALE AND SIR ECTOR 295
tell him I will never see him, nor the court, till I have found
Sir Launcelot. And so Sir Persides departed from Sir Per-
civale, and then he 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.
And now will we turn unto Sir Percivale that rode long;
and in a forest he met a knight with a broken shield and a
broken helm ; and as soon as either saw other readily they
made them ready to joust, and so hurtled together with all
the might of their horses, and met together so hard, that
Sir Percivale was smitten to the earth. And then Sir Perci-
vale arose lightly, and cast his shield on his shoulder and
drew his sword, and bade the other knight : Alight, and
do we battle unto the uttermost. Will ye more ? said that
knight. And therewith he alighted, and put his horse from
him ; and then they came together an easy pace, and there
they lashed together with noble swords, and sometime they
struck and sometime they foined, and either gave other
many great wounds. Thus they fought near half a day,
and never rested but right little, and there was none of them
both that had less wounds than fifteen, and they bled so
much that it was marvel they stood on their feet. But
this knight that fought with Sir Percivale was a proved knight
and a wise-fighting knight, and Sir Percivale was young
and strong, not knowing in fighting as the other was.
Then Sir Percivale spoke first, and said : Sir knight,
hold thy hand a while still, for we have fought for a simple
matter and quarrel overlong, and therefore I require thee
tell me thy name, for I was never or this time matched.
So God me help, said that knight, and never or this time
296 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
was there never knight that wounded me so sore as thou
hast done, and yet have I fought in many battles ; and now
shalt thou wit that I am a knight of the Table Round, and
my name is Sir Ector de Maris, brother unto the good knight,
Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Percivale, and my
name is Sir Percivale de Galis that hath made my quest
to seek Sir Launcelot, and now I am sure that I shall never
finish my quest, for ye have slain me with your hands. It
is not so, said Sir Ector, for I am slain by your hands, and
may not live. Therefore I require you, said Sir Ector unto
Sir Percivale, ride ye hereby to a priory, and bring me a
priest that I may receive my Saviour, for I may not live.
And when ye come to the court of King Arthur tell not my
brother, Sir Launcelot, how that ye slew me, for then he
would be your mortal enemy, but ye may say that I was
slain in my quest as I sought him. Alas, said Sir Percivale,
ye say that never will be, for I am so faint for bleeding that
I may unnethe stand, how should I then take my horse ?
Then they made both great dole out of measure. This
will not avail, said Sir Percivale. And then he kneeled
down and made his prayer devoutly unto Almighty Jesu,
for he was one of the best knights of the world that at that
time was, in whom the very faith stood most in. Right
so there came by the holy vessel of the Sangreal with all
manner of sweetness and savour ; but they could not readily
see who that bare that vessel, but Sir Percivale had a glimmer-
ing of the vessel and of the maiden that bare it, for he was
a perfect clean maiden. And forthwithal they both were as
whole of hide and limb as ever they were in their life-days :
then they gave thankings to God with great mildness. O
Jesu, said Sir Percivale, what may this mean, that we be
OF THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT 297
thus healed, and right now we were at the point of dying ?
I wot full well, said Sir Ector, what it is ; it is an holy vessel
that is borne by a maiden, and therein is part of the holy
blood of our Lord Jesu Christ, blessed mote he be. But it
may not be seen, said Sir Ector, but if it be by a perfect
man. Truly, said Sir Percivale, I saw a damosel, as me
thought, all in white, with a vessel in both her hands, and
forthwithal I was whole.
So then they took their horses and their harness, and
amended their harness as well as they might that was broken ;
and so they mounted upon their horses, and rode talking
together. And there Sir Ector de Maris told Sir Percivale
how he had sought his brother, Sir Launcelot, long, and
never could hear witting of him : In many strange adven-
tures have I been in this quest. And so either told other
of their adventures.
OF THE MADNESS OF SIR
LAUNCELOT, AND HOW HE
WAS HEALED BY THE SAN-
GREAL. And now leave we off a
while of Sir Ector and of Sir Percivale,
and speak we of Sir Launcelot that
suffered and endured many sharp showers, that ever ran wild
wood from place to place, and lived by fruit and such as he
might get, and drank water two year ; and other clothing had
he but little but his shirt and his breech. Thus as Sir Launce-
lot wandered here and there he came in a fair meadow where
he found a pavilion ; and there by, upon a tree, there hung
a white shield, and two swords hung thereby, and two spears
leaned there by a tree. And when Sir Launcelot saw the
298 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
swords, anon he leapt to the one sword, and took it in his
hand, and drew it out. And then he lashed at the shield,
that all the meadow rang of the dints, that he gave such a
noise as ten knights had foughten together.
Then came forth a dwarf, and leapt unto Sir Launcelot,
and would have had the sword out of his hand. And then
Sir Launcelot took him by the both shoulders and threw
him to the ground upon his neck, that he had almost broken
his neck ; and therewithal the dwarf cried help. Then
came forth a likely knight, and well apparelled in scarlet
furred with minever. And anon as he saw Sir Launcelot
he deemed that he should be out of his wit. And then he
said with fair speech : Good man, lay down that sword, for
as meseemeth thou hadst more need of sleep and of
warm clothes than to wield that sword. As for that, said Sir
Launcelot, come not too nigh, for an thou do, wit thou
well I will slay thee.
And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he stert
backward within the pavilion. And then the dwarf armed
him lightly ; and so the knight thought by force and might
to take the sword from Sir Launcelot, and so he came stepping
out ; and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so all armed
with his sword in his hand, then Sir Launcelot flew to him
with such a might, and hit him upon the helm such a buffet,
that the stroke troubled his brains, and therewith the sword
brake in three. And the knight fell to the earth as he had
been dead, the blood brasting out of his mouth, the nose,
and the ears. And then Sir Launcelot ran into the pavilion,
and rushed even into the warm bed ; and there was a lady
in that bed, and she gat her smock, and ran out of the pavilion.
And when she saw her lord lie at the ground like to be dead,
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR BLIANT 299
then she cried and wept as she had been mad. Then with
her noise the knight awaked out of his swoon, and looked
up weakly with his eyes ; and then he asked her, where was
that mad man that had given him such a buffet : For such
a buffet had I never of man's hand. Sir, said the dwarf,
it is not worship to hurt him, for he is a man out of his wit ;
and doubt ye not he hath been a man of great worship, and
for some heartly sorrow that he hath taken, he is fallen mad ;
and me beseemeth, said the dwarf, he resembleth much
unto Sir Launcelot, for him I saw at the great tournament
beside Lonazep. Jesu defend, said that knight, that ever
that noble knight, Sir Launcelot, should be in such a plight ;
but whatsomever he be, said that knight, harm will I none
do him. And this knight's name was Bliant. Then he said
unto the dwarf: Go thou fast on horseback, unto my brother
Sir Selivant, that is at the Castle Blank, and tell him of mine
adventure, and bid him bring with him an horse litter, and
then will we bear this knight unto my castle.
So the dwarf rode fast, and he came again and brought
Sir Selivant with him, and six men with an horse litter;
and so they took up the feather bed with Sir Launcelot,
and so carried all away with them unto the Castle Blank, and
he never awaked till he was within the castle. And then
they bound his hands and his feet, and gave him good
meats and good drinks, and brought him again to his strength
and his fairness ; but in his wit they could not bring him
again, nor to know himself. Thus was Sir Launcelot there
more than a year and a half, honestly arrayed and fair faren
withal.
Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, took
his arms, on horseback, with a spear, to seek adventures.
300 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
And as he rode in a forest there met with him two knights
adventurous, the one was Breuse Saunce Pite, and his brother,
Sir Bertelot ; and these two ran both at once upon Sir Bliant,
and brake their spears upon his body. And then they drew
out swords and made great battle, and fought long together.
But at the last Sir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself
faint ; and then he fled on horseback toward his castle. And
as they came hurling under the castle whereas Sir Launcelot
lay in a window, he saw how two knights laid upon Sir Bliant
with their swords. And when Sir Launcelot saw that, yet as
wood as he was he was sorry for his lord, Sir Bliant. And then
Sir Launcelot brake the chains from his legs and off his arms,
and in the breaking he hurt his hands sore ; and so Sir Launce-
lot ran out at a postern, and there he met with the two knights
that chased Sir Bliant ; and there he pulled down Sir Bertelot
with his bare hands from his horse, and therewithal he wrothe
his sword out of his hand ; and so he leapt unto Sir Breuse,
and gave him such a buffet upon the head that he tumbled
backward over his horse's croup. And when Sir Bertelot
saw there his brother have such a fall, he gat a spear in his
hand, and would have run Sir Launcelot through : that
saw Sir Bliant, and struck off the hand of Sir Bertelot. And
then Sir Breuse and Sir Bertelot gat their horses and fled
away.
When Sir Selivant came and saw what Sir Launcelot
had done for his brother, then he thanked God, and so did
his brother, that ever they did him any good. But when
Sir Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt with the break-
ing of his irons, then was he heavy that ever he bound him.
Bind him no more, said Sir Selivant, for he is happy and
gracious. Then they made great joy of Sir Launcelot, and
OF THE MADNESS OF SIR LAUNCELOT 301
they bound him no more ; and so he abode there an half
year and more. And on. the morn early Sir Launcelot was
ware where came a great boar with many hounds nigh him.
But the boar was so big there might no hounds tear him ;
and the hunters came after, blowing their horns, both upon
horseback and some upon foot ; and then Sir Launcelot
was ware where one alighted and tied his horse to a tree,
and leaned his spear against the tree.
So came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bounden till
a tree, and a spear leaning against a tree, and a sword tied
to the saddle bow; and then Sir Launcelot leapt into the
saddle and gat that spear in his hand, and then he rode after
the boar; and then Sir Launcelot was ware where the boar
set his back to a tree fast by an hermitage. Then Sir Launce-
lot ran at the boar with his spear, and therewith the boar
turned him nimbly, and rove out the lungs and the heart
of the horse, so that Launcelot fell to the earth ; and, or
ever Sir Launcelot might get from the horse, the boar rove
him on the brawn of the thigh up to the hough bone. And
then Sir Launcelot was wroth, and up he gat upon his feet,
and drew his sword, and he smote off the boar's head at one
stroke. And therewithal came out the hermit, and saw him have
such a wound. Then the hermit came to Sir Launcelot and
bemoaned him, and would have had him home unto his
hermitage ; but when Sir Launcelot heard him speak, he
was so wroth with his wound that he ran upon the hermit
to have slain him, and the hermit ran away. And when
Sir Launcelot might not overget him, he threw his sword
after him, for Sir Launcelot might go no further for bleeding ;
then the hermit turned again, and asked Sir Launcelot how
he was hurt. Fellow, said Sir Launcelot, this boar hath
302 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
bitten me sore. Then come with me, said the hermit, and
I shall heal you. Go thy way, said Sir Launcelot, and deal
not with me.
Then the hermit ran his way, and there he met with a
good knight with many men. Sir, said the hermit, here
is fast by my place the goodliest man that ever I saw, and
he is sore wounded with a boar, and yet he hath slain the
boar. But well I wot, said the hermit, and he be not holpen,
that goodly man shall die of that wound, and that were
great pity. Then that knight at the desire of the hermit
gat a cart, and in that cart that knight put the boar and
Sir Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot was so feeble that they
might right easily deal with him ; and so Sir Launcelot was
brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit healed
him of his wound. But the hermit might not find Sir Launce-
lot's sustenance, and so he impaired and waxed feeble, both
of his body and of his wit : for the default of his sustenance
he waxed more wooder than he was aforehand.
And then upon a day Sir Launcelot ran his way into
the forest ; and by adventure he came to the city of Corbin,
where Dame Elaine was, that bare Galahad, Sir Launcelot's
son. And so when he was entered into the town he ran
through the town to the castle ; and then all the young
men of that city ran after Sir Launcelot, and there they
threw turves at him, and gave him many sad strokes. And
ever as Sir Launcelot might overreach any of them, he threw
them so that they would never come in his hands no more ;
for of some he brake the legs and the arms, and so fled into
the castle ; and then came out knights and squires and res-
cued Sir Launcelot. And when they beheld him and looked
upon his person, they thought they saw never so goodly
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE 303
a man. And when they saw so many wounds upon him,
all they deemed that he had been a man of worship. And
then they ordained him clothes to his body, and straw under-
neath him, and a little house. And then every day they
would throw him meat, and set him drink, but there was
but few would bring him meat to his hands.
So it befell that King Pelles had a nephew, his name was
Castor; and so he desired of the king to be made knight,
and so at the request of this Castor the king made him
knight at the feast of Candlemas. And when Sir Castor
was made knight, that same day he gave many gowns. And
then Sir Castor sent for the fool that was Sir Launcelot.
And when he was come afore Sir Castor, he gave Sir Launce-
lot a robe of scarlet and all that longed unto him. And
when Sir Launcelot was so arrayed like a knight, he was
the seemliest man in all the court, and none so well made.
So when he saw his time he went into the garden, and there
Sir Launcelot laid him down by a well and slept. And so
at afternoon Dame Elaine and her maidens came into the
garden to play them; and as they roamed up and down
one of Dame Elaine's maidens espied where lay a goodly
man by the well sleeping, and then she brought Dame Elaine
where he lay. And when that she beheld him, anon she
fell in remembrance of him, and knew him verily for Sir
Launcelot ; and therewithal she fell a-weeping so heartily
that she sank even to the earth; and when she had thus
wept a great while, then she arose and called her maidens
and said she was sick.
And so she yede out of the garden, and she went straight
to her father, and there she took him apart by herself; and
then she said : O father, now have I need of your help, and
3 o 4 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
but if that ye help me farewell my good days for ever. What
is that, daughter? said King Pelles. Sir, she said, thus is
it : in your garden I went for to sport, and there, by the
well, I found Sir Launcelot du Lake sleeping. I may not
believe that, said King Pelles. Sir, she said, truly he is
there, and meseemeth he should be distract out of his wit.
Then hold you still, said the king, and let me deal. Then
the king called to him such as he most trusted, a four persons,
and Dame Elaine, his daughter. And when they came
to the well and beheld Sir Launcelot, anon Dame Brisen
knew him. Sir, said Dame Brisen, we must be wise how
we deal with him, for this knight is out of his mind, and if
we awake him rudely what he will do we all know not ; but
ye shall abide, and I shall throw such an enchantment upon
him that he shall not awake within the space of an hour ;
and so she did.
Then within a little while after, the king commanded
that all people should avoid, that none should be in that way
there as the king would come. And so when this was done,
these four men and these ladies laid hand on Sir Launce-
lot, and so they bare him into a tower, and so into a chamber
where was the holy vessel of the Sangreal, and by force Sir
Launcelot was laid by that holy vessel ; and there came
an holy man and unbilled that vessel, and so by miracle and
by virtue of that holy vessel Sir Launcelot was healed and
recovered. And when that he was awaked he groaned and
sighed, and complained greatly that he was passing sore.
LAUNCELOT COMES TO JOYOUS ISLE 305
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT, AFTER THAT
HE WAS WHOLE AND HAD HIS MIND,
HE WAS ASHAMED, AND HOW HE
CAME TO THE JOYOUS ISLE. And
when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and
Elaine, he waxed ashamed and said thus : O
Lord Jesu, how came I here ? for God's sake, my lord, let me
wit how I came here. Sir, said Dame Elaine, into this country
ye came like a madman, clean out of your wit, and here have
ye been kept as a fool ; and no creature here knew what ye
were, until by fortune a maiden of mine brought me unto
you whereas ye lay sleeping by a well, and anon as I verily
beheld you I knew you. And then I told my father, and
so were ye brought afore this holy vessel, and by the virtue
of it thus were ye healed. O Jesu, mercy, said Sir Launcelot ;
if this be sooth, how many there be that know of my wood-
ness ! So God me help, said Elaine, no more but my father,
and I, and Dame Brisen. Now for Christ's love, said Sir
Launcelot, keep it in counsel, and let no man know it in
the world, for I am sore ashamed that I have been thus
miscarried ; for I am banished out of the country of Logris
for ever, that is for to say the country of England.
And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight or ever
that he might stir for soreness. And then upon a day he
said unto Dame Elaine these words : Lady Elaine, for your
sake I have had much travail, care, and anguish ; it needeth
not to rehearse it, ye know how. Notwithstanding I know
well I have done foul to you when that I drew my sword
to you, to have slain you. And all was the cause, that ye
and Dame Brisen deceived me. Now will ye for my love,
said Sir Launcelot, go unto your father and get me a place of
306 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
him wherein I may dwell ? for in the court of King Arthul
may I never come. Sir, said Dame Elaine, I will live and
die with you, and only for your sake ; and if my life might
not avail you and my death might avail you, wit you well I
would die for your sake. And I will go to my father, and
I am sure there is nothing that I can desire of him but I
shall have it. And where ye be, my lord Sir Launcelot,
doubt ye not but I will be with you with all the service that
I may do. So forthwithal she went to her father and said, Sir,
my lord, Sir Launcelot, desireth to be here by you in some castle
of yours. Well daughter, said the king, sith it is his desire to
abide in these marches he shall be in the Castle of Bliant, and
there shall ye be with him, and twenty of the fairest ladies that
be in the country, and they shall all be of the great blood, and
ye shall have ten knights with you ; for, daughter, I will that
ye wit we all be honoured by the blood of Sir Launcelot.
Then went Dame Elaine unto Sir Launcelot, and told
him all how her father had devised for him and her. And
then, after this, King Pelles with ten knights, and Dame
Elaine, and twenty ladies, rode unto the Castle of Bliant
that stood in an island beclosed in iron, with a fair water
deep and large. And when they were there Sir Launcelot
let call it the Joyous Isle ; and there was he called none
otherwise but Le Chevaler Mai Fet, the knight that hath
trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all
of sable, and a queen crowned in the midst, all of silver, and
a knight clean armed kneeling afore her. And every day
once, for any mirths that all the ladies might make him, he
would once every day look toward the realm of Logris, where
King Arthur and Queen Guenever was. And then would
he fall upon a weeping as his heart should to-brast.
OF SIR PERCIVALE AND SIR ECTOR 307
So it fell that time Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting
fast by his castle, within three leagues. Then he called
unto him a dwarf, and he bade him go unto that jousting:
And or ever the knights depart, look thou make there a
cry, in hearing of all the knights, that there is one knight
in the Joyous Isle, that is the Castle of Bliant, and say his
name is Le Chevaler Mai Fet, that will joust against knights
that will come. And who that putteth that knight to the
worse shall have a fair maid and a gerfalcon.
OF A GREAT TOURNEYING IN THE JOYOUS
ISLE, AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT
WITH SIR PERCIVALE, AND HOW THEY
RETURNED TO KING ARTHUR'S COURT. So
when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to
the number of five hundred ; and wit ye well there was never
seen in Arthur's days one knight that did so much deeds
of arms as Sir Launcelot did three days together ; for as the
book maketh truly mention, he had the better of all the
five hundred knights, and there was not one slain of them.
And after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast.
And in the meanwhile came Sir Percivale de Galis and
Sir Ector de Maris under that castle that was called the
Joyous Isle. And as they beheld that gay castle they would
have gone to that castle, but they might not for the broad
water, and bridge could they find none. Then they saw
on the other side a lady with a sperhawk on her hand, and
Sir Percivale called unto her, and asked that lady who was
in that castle. Fair knights, she said, here within this castle
is the fairest lady in this land, and her name is Elaine. Also
we have in this castle the fairest knight and the mightiest
3 o8 OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
man that is I dare say living, and he calleth himself Le Chev-
aler Mai Fet. How came he into these marches ? said
Sir Percivale. Truly, said the damosel, he came into this
country like a mad man, with dogs and boys chasing him
through the city of Corbin, and by the holy vessel of the
Sangreal he was brought into his wit again ; but he will
not do battle with no knight, but by underne or by noon.
And if ye list to come into the castle, said the lady, ye must
ride unto the further side of the castle and there shall ye
find a vessel that will bear you and your horse. Then they
departed, and came unto the vessel. And then Sir Per-
civale alighted, and said to Sir Ector de Maris : Ye shall
abide me here until that I wit what manner a knight he is ;
for it were shame unto us, inasmuch as he is but one knight,
an we should both do battle with him. Do ye as ye list,
said Sir Ector, and here I shall abide you until that I hear
of you.
Then passed Sir Percivale the water, and when he came
to the castle gate he bade the porter : Go thou to the good
knight within the castle, and tell him here is come an errant
knight to joust with him. Sir, said the porter, ride ye within
the castle, and there is a common place for jousting, that
lords and ladies may behold you. So anon as Sir Launce-
lot had warning he was soon ready ; and there Sir Percivale
and Sir Launcelot encountered with such a might, and their
spears were so rude, that both the horses and the knights
fell to the earth. Then they avoided their horses, and flang
out noble swords, and hewed away cantels of their shields,
and hurtled together with their shields like two boars, and
either wounded other passing sore. At the last Sir Per-
civale spake first when they had foughten there more than
SIR LAUNCELOT RETURNS TO COURT 309
two hours. Fair knight, said Sir Percivale, I require thee
tell me thy name, for I met never with such a knight. Sir,
said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le Chevaler Mai Fet. Now
tell me your name, said Sir Launcelot, I require you, gentle
knight. Truly, said Sir Percivale, my name is Sir Percivale
de Galis, that was brother unto the good knight, Sir Lamorak
de Galis, and King Pellinore was our father, and Sir Ag-
lovale is my brother. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, what have
I done to fight with you that art a knight of the Round Table,
that sometime was your fellow ?
And therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his
knees, and threw away his shield and his sword from him.
When Sir Percivale saw him do so he marvelled what he
meant. And then thus he said : Sir knight, whatsomever
thou be, I require thee upon the high order of knighthood,
tell me thy true name. Then he said : So God me help,
my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son of Benoy.
Alas, said Sir Percivale, what have I done ? I was sent by
the queen for to seek you, and so I have sought you nigh
this two year, and yonder is Sir Ector de Maris, your brother,
abideth me on the other side of the yonder water. Now,
I pray you, said Sir Percivale, forgive me mine offence that
I have here done. It is soon forgiven, said Sir Launcelot.
Then Sir Percivale sent for Sir Ector de Maris ; and
when Sir Launcelot had a sight of him, he ran unto him and
took him in his arms ; and then Sir Ector kneeled down,
and either wept upon other, that all had pity to behold them.
Then came Dame Elaine, and she there made them great
cheer as might lie in her power.
Then it befell upon a day Sir Ector and Sir Percivale came
to Sir Launcelot and asked him what he would do, and whether
3 io OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND DAME ELAINE
he would go with them unto King Arthur or not. Nay,
said Sir Launcelot, that may not be by no mean, for I was
so entreated at the court that I cast me never to come there
more. Sir, said Sir Ector, I am your brother, and ye are
the man in the world that I love most ; and if I understood
that it were your disworship, ye may understand I would
never counsel you thereto ; but King Arthur and all his
knights, and in especial Queen Guenever, made such dole
and sorrow that it was marvel to hear and see. And ye must
remember the great worship and renown that ye be of, how
that ye have been more spoken of than any other knight
that is now living ; for there is none that beareth the name
now but ye and Sir Tristram. Therefore brother, said Sir
Ector, make you ready to ride to the court with us, and I
dare say there was never knight better welcome to the court
than ye ; and I wot well and can make it good, said Sir Ector,
it hath cost my lady, the queen, twenty thousand pound
the seeking of you. Well brother, said Sir Launcelot, I will
do after your counsel, and ride with you.
So then they took their horses and made them ready,
and took their leave at King Pelles and at Dame Elaine.
And when Sir Launcelot should depart Dame Elaine made
great sorrow. My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Dame Elaine,
at this same feast of Pentecost shall your son and mine,
Galahad, be made knight, for he is fully now fifteen winter
old. Do as ye list, said Sir Launcelot ; God give him grace
to prove a good knight. As for that, said Dame Elaine,
I doubt not he shall prove the best man of his kin except
one. Then shall he be a man good enough, said Sir Launce-
lot.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME TO COURT 311
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WITH SIR PERCI-
VALE AND SIR ECTOR CAME TO THE
COURT, AND OF THE GREAT JOY OF HIM.
Then they departed, and within five days' journey they
came to Camelot, that is called in English, Winchester.
And when Sir Launcelot was come among them, the king
and all the knights made great joy of him. And there Sir
Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began and told
the whole adventures : that Sir Launcelot had been out
of his mind the time of his absence, and how he called him-
self Le Chevaler Mai Fet, the knight that had trespassed ;
and in three days Sir Launcelot smote down five hundred
knights. And ever as Sir Ector and Sir Percivale told these
tales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever wept as she should
have died. Then the queen made great cheer. I marvel,
said King Arthur, for what cause ye, Sir Launcelot, went
out of your mind. I ajid many others deem it was for the
love of fair Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, by whom ye
are noised that ye have a child, and his name is Galahad,
and men say he shall do marvels. My lord, said Sir Launcelot,
if I did any folly I have that I sought. And therewithal the
king spake no more. But all Sir Launcelot's kin knew for
whom he went out of his mind. And then there were great
feasts made and great joy ; and many great lords and ladies,
when they heard that Sir Launcelot was come to the court
again, they made great joy.
OF SIR GALAHAD AND THE QUEST
OF THE HOLY GRAIL
HOW AT THE VIGIL OF THE FEAST OF
PENTECOST A DAMOSEL DESIRED SIR
LAUNCELOT FOR TO COME AND DUB A
KNIGHT, AND OF THE MARVELLOUS ADVENTURE
OF THE SWORD IN A STONE. At the vigil of Pen-
tecost, when all the fellowship of the Round Table were
come unto Camelot and there heard their service, and the
tables were set ready to the meat, right so entered into
the hall a full fair gentlewoman on horseback, that had
ridden full fast, for her horse was all besweated. Then
she there alighted, and came before the king and saluted
him ; and he said : Damosel, God thee bless. Sir, said
she, I pray you say me where Sir Launcelot is. Yon-
der ye may see him, said the king. Then she went unto
Launcelot and said : Sir Launcelot, I salute you on King
312
OF LETTERS IN THE SIEGE PERILOUS 313
Pelles' behalf, and I require you come on with me hereby
into a forest. Then Sir Launcelot asked her with whom
she dwelled. I dwell, said she, with King Pelles. What
will ye with me ? said Launcelot. Ye shall know, said she,
when ye come thither. Well, said he, I will gladly go with
you. So Sir Launcelot bade his squire saddle his horse and
bring his arms ; and in all haste he did his commandment.
Then came the queen unto Launcelot, and said : Will
ye leave us at this high feast ? Madam, said the gentle-
woman, wit ye well he shall be with you to-morn by dinner
time. If I wist, said the queen, that he should not be with
us here to-morn he should not go with you by my good
will. Right so departed Sir Launcelot with the gentle-
woman, and rode until that he came into a forest and into
a great valley, where they saw an abbey of nuns ; and there
was a squire ready and opened the gates, and so they entered
and descended off their horses ; and there came a fair fel-
lowship about Sir Launcelot, and welcomed him, and were
passing glad of his coming. And then they led him unto
the Abbess's chamber and unarmed him ; and right so he
was ware upon a bed lying two of his cousins, Sir Bors and
Sir Lionel, and then he waked them ; and when they saw
him they made great joy. Sir, said Sir Bors unto Sir Launce-
lot, what adventure hath brought you hither, for we weened
to-morn to have found you at Camelot ? Truly, said Sir
Launcelot, a gentlewoman brought me hither, but I know
not the cause.
In the meanwhile that they thus stood talking together,
therein came twelve nuns that brought with them Galahad,
the which was passing fair and well made, that unnethe in
the world men might not find his mafcch : and all those
3 i4 OF SIR GALAHAD
ladies wept. Sir, said they all, we bring you here this child
the which we have nourished, and we pray you to make
him a knight, for of a more worthier man's hand may he
not receive the order of knighthood. Sir Launcelot be-
held the young squire and saw him seemly and demure as
a dove, with all manner of good features, that he weened
of his age never to have seen so fair a man of form. Then
said Sir Launcelot : Cometh this desire of himself ? He
and all they said Yea. Then shall he, said Sir Launcelot,
receive the high order of knighthood as to-morn at the rever-
ence of the high feast. That night Sir Launcelot had pass-
ing good cheer ; and on the morn at the hour of prime, at
Galahad's desire, he made him knight and said : God make
him a good man, for of beauty faileth you not as any that
liveth.
Now fair sir, said Sir Launcelot, will ye come with me
unto the court of King Arthur ? Nay, said he, I will not
go with you as at this time. Then Sir Launcelot departed
from them and took his two cousins with him, and so they
came unto Camelot by the hour of underne on Whitsunday.
By that time the king and the queen were gone to the minster
to hear their service. Then the king and the queen were
passing glad of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel, and so was all the
fellowship. So when the king and all the knights were
come from service, the barons espied in the sieges of the
Round Table all about, written with golden letters : Here
ought to sit he, and he ought to sit here. And thus they
went so long till that they came to the Siege Perilous, where
they found letters newly written of gold which said : Four
hundred winters and four and fifty accomplished after the
passion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be fulfilled.
OF LETTERS IN THE SIEGE PERILOUS 315
Then all they said : This is a marvellous thing and an adven-
turous. In the name of God, said Sir Launcelot ; and then
he accompted the term of the writing from the birth of our
Lord unto that day. It seemeth me, said Sir Launcelot,
this siege ought to be fulfilled this same day, for this is the
feast of Pentecost after the four hundred and four and fifty
year; and if it would please all parties, I would none of
these letters were seen this day, till he be come that ought
to enchieve this adventure. Then made they to ordain a
cloth of silk, for to cover these letters in the Siege Perilous.
Then the king bade haste unto dinner. Sir, said Sir
Kay the Steward, if ye go now unto your meat ye shall break
your old custom of your court, for ye have not used on this
day to sit at your meat or that ye have seen some adven-
ture. Ye say sooth, said the king, but I had so great joy
of Sir Launcelot and of his cousins, which be come to the
court whole and sound, so that I bethought me not of mine
old custom. So, as they stood speaking, in came a squire
and said unto the king: Sir, I bring unto you marvellous
tidings. What be they? said the king. Sir, there is here
beneath at the river a great stone which I saw fleet above
the water, and therein I saw sticking a sword. The king
said : I will see that marvel. So all the knights went with
him, and when they came to the river they found there a
stone fleeting, as it were of red marble, and therein stuck
a fair rich sword, and in the pommel thereof were precious
stones wrought with subtle letters of gold. Then the barons
read the letters which said in this wise : Never shall man
take me hence, but only he by whose side I ought to hang,
and he shall be the best knight of the world.
When the king had seen the letters, he said unto Sir
316 OF SIR GALAHAD
Launcelot : Fair Sir, this sword ought to be yours, for I
am sure ye be the best knight of the world. Then Sir Launce-
lot answered full soberly : Certes, sir, it is not my sword ;
also, Sir, wit ye well I have no hardiness to set my hand
to it, for it longeth not to hang by my side. Also, who
that assayeth to take the sword and faileth of it, he shall
receive a wound by that sword that he shall not be whole
long after. And I will that ye wit that this same day shall
the adventures of the Sangreal, that is called the Holy Ves-
sel, begin.
HOW SIR GAWAINE ASSAYED TO DRAW
OUT THE SWORD, AND HOW AN OLD MAN
BROUGHT IN GALAHAD, AND SET HIM
IN THE SIEGE PERILOUS, AND HOW HE DREW
OUT THE SWORD. Now, fair nephew, said the king unto
Sir Gawaine, assay ye, for my love. Sir, he said, save your
good grace I shall not do that. Sir, said the king, assay to
take the sword and at my commandment. Sir, said Gawaine,
your commandment I will obey. And therewith he took up
the sword by the handles, but he might not stir it. I thank
you, said the king to Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine,
said Sir Launcelot, now wit ye well this sword shall touch you
so sore that ye shall will ye had never set your hand thereto
for the best castle of this realm. Sir, he said, I might not
withsay mine uncle's will and commandment. But when
the king heard this he repented it much, and said unto Sir
Percivale that he should assay, for his love. And he said :
Gladly, for to bear Sir Gawaine fellowship. And therewith
he set his hand on the sword and drew it strongly, but he
might not move it. Then were there no mo that durst be
OF SIR GAWAINE AND THE SWORD 317
so hardy to set their hands thereto. Now may ye go to
your dinner, said Sir Kay unto the king, for a marvellous
adventure have ye seen. So the king and all went unto
the court, and every knight knew his own place, and set
him therein, and young men that were knights served them.
So when they were served, and all sieges fulfilled save
only the Siege Perilous, anon there befell a marvellous ad-
venture, that all the doors and windows of the palace shut
by themself. Not for then the hall was not greatly darked ;
and therewith they were all abashed both one and other.
Then King Arthur spake first and said: Fair fellows and
lords, we have seen this day marvels, but ere night I suppose
we shall see greater marvels.
In the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient,
clothed all in white, and there was no knight knew from
whence he came. And with him he brought a young knight,
both on foot, in red arms, without sword or shield, save
a scabbard hanging by his side. And these words he said :
Peace be with you, fair lords. Then the old man said unto
Arthur : Sir, I bring here a young knight, the which is of
king's lineage, and of the kindred of Joseph of Aramathie,
whereby the marvels of this court, and of strange realms,
shall be fully accomplished.
The king was right glad of his words, and said unto the
good man : Sir, ye be right welcome, and the young knight
with you. Then the old man made the young man to un-
arm him, and he was in a coat of red sendal, and bare a
mantle upon his shoulder that was furred with ermine, and
put that upon him. And the old knight said unto the young
knight : Sir, follow me. And anon he led him unto the
Siege Perilous, where beside sat Sir Launcelot ; and the
3 i8 OF SIR GALAHAD
good man lift up the cloth, and found there letters that
said thus : This is the siege of Galahad, the haut prince.
Sir, said the old knight, wit ye well that place is yours. And
then he set him down surely in that siege. And then he
said to the old man : Sir, ye may now go your way, for well
have ye done that ye were commanded to do ; and recom-
mend me unto my grandsire, King Pelles, and unto my lord
Petchere, and say them on my behalf, I shall come and see
them as soon as ever I may. So the good man departed ;
and there met him twenty noble squires, and so took their
horses and went their way.
Then all the knights of the Table Round marvelled
greatly of Sir Galahad, that he durst sit there in that Siege
Perilous, and was so tender of age ; and wist not from whence
he came but all only by God ; and said : This is he by whom
the Sangreal shall be enchieved, for there sat never none but
he, but he were mischieved. Then Sir Launcelot beheld his
son and had great joy of him. Then Bors told his fellows :
Upon pain of my life this young knight shall come unto great
worship. This noise was great in all the court, so that it
came to the queen. Then she had marvel what knight it
might be that durst adventure him to sit in the Siege Peri-
lous. Many said unto the queen he resembled much unto
Sir Launcelot. I may well suppose, said the queen, that
he is son of Sir Launcelot and King Pelles' daughter, and
his name is Galahad. I would fain see him, said the queen,
for he must needs be a noble man, for so is his father, I
report me unto all the Table Round.
So when the meat was done that the king and all were
risen, the king went unto the Siege Perilous and lift up the
cloth, and found there the name of Galahad ; and then he
OF KING ARTHUR AND SIR GALAHAD 319
shewed it unto Sir Gawaine, and said : Fair nephew, now
have we among us Sir Galahad, the good knight that shall
worship us all ; and upon pain of my life he shall enchieve
the Sangreal, right as Sir Launcelot hath done us to under-
stand. Then came King Arthur unto Galahad and said :
Sir, ye be welcome, for ye shall move many good knights
to the quest of the Sangreal, and ye shall enchieve that
never knights might bring to an end. Then the king took
him by the hand, and went down from the palace to shew
Galahad the adventures of the stone.
The queen heard thereof, and came after with many
ladies, and shewed them the stone where it hoved on the
water. Sir, said the king unto Sir Galahad, here is a great
marvel as ever I saw, and right good knights have assayed
and failed. Sir, said Galahad, that is no marvel, for this
adventure is not theirs but mine ; and for the surety of
this sword I brought none with me, for here by my side
hangeth the scabbard. And anon he laid his hand on the
sword, and lightly drew it out of the stone, and put it in
the sheath, and said unto the king: Now it goeth better
than it did aforehand. Now have I that sword that sometime
was the good knight's, Balin le Savage, and he was a passing
good man of his hands ; and with this sword he slew his
brother Balan, and that was great pity, for he was a good
knight, and either slew other through a dolorous stroke
that Balin gave unto my grandfather King Pelles, the
which is not yet whole, nor not shall be till I heal him.
320 OF SIR GALAHAD
HOW A DAMOSEL ANNOUNCED TO
KING ARTHUR THAT THE SAN-
GREAL SHOULD APPEAR IN HIS
HOUSE, AND HOW KING ARTHUR
HAD ALL HIS KNIGHTS TOGETHER
FOR TO JOUST OR THEY DEPARTED,
AND HOW THE SANGREAL APPEARED
AS THEY SAT AT SUPPER, AND HOW ALL THE
KNIGHTS TOOK UPON THEM THE QUEST, AND
OF THE SORROW OF THE KING AND QUEEN AT
THEIR DEPARTING. Therewith the king and all espied
where came riding down the river a lady on a white palfrey
toward them. Then she saluted the king and the queen, and
asked if that Sir Launcelot was there. And then he answered
himself: I am here, fair lady. Then she said all with weep-
ing : How your great doing is changed sith this day in the
morn. Damosel, why say you so ? said Launcelot. I say
you sooth, said the damosel, for ye were this day the best
knight of the world, but who should say so now, he should
be a liar, for there is now one better than ye, and well it
is proved by the adventures of the sword whereto ye durst
not set to your hand ; and that is the change and leaving
of your name. Wherefore I make unto you a remembrance,
that ye shall not ween from henceforth that ye be the best
knight of the world. As touching unto that, said Launce-
lot, I know well I was never the best. Yes, said the damosel,
that were ye, and are yet, of any sinful man of the world.
And, Sir king, Nacien, the hermit, sendeth thee word, that
thee shall befall the greatest worship that ever befell king
in Britain ; and I say you wherefore, for this day the San-
greal shall appear in thy house and shall feed thee and all
OF THE TOURNAMENT AT CAMELOT 321
thy fellowship of the Round Table. So she departed and
went that same way that she came.
Now, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the San-
greal shall all ye of the Table Round depart, and never shall
I see you again whole together ; therefore I will see you all
whole together in the meadow of Camelot to joust and to
tourney, that after your death men may speak of it that
such good knights were wholly together such a day. As
unto that counsel and at the king's request they accorded
all, and took on their harness that longed unto jousting.
But all this moving of the king was for this intent, for to see
Galahad proved ; for the king deemed he should not lightly
come again unto the court after his departing. So were
they assembled in the meadow, both more and less. Then
Sir Galahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did
upon him a noble jesseraunce, and also he did on his helm,
but shield would he take none for no prayer of the king.
And then Sir Gawaine and other knights prayed him to
take a spear. Right so he did ; and the queen was in a
tower with all her ladies, for to behold that tournament.
Then Sir Galahad dressed him in midst of the meadow, and
began to break spears marvellously, that all men had wonder
of him ; for he there surmounted all other knights, for within
a while he had defouled many good knights of the Table
Round save twain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale.
Then the king, at the queen's request, made him to
alight and to unlace his helm, that the queen might see
him in the visage. When she beheld him she said : Soothly
I dare well say that Sir Launcelot is his father, for never
two men resembled more in likeness, therefore it nis no
marvel though he be of great prowess. So a lady that stood
322 OF SIR GALAHAD
by the queen said : Madam, ought he of right to be so good
a knight ? Yea, forsooth, said the queen, for he is of all
parties come of the best knights of the world and of the
highest lineage ; for Sir Launcelot is come but of the eighth
degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, and Sir Galahad is of the
ninth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, therefore I dare
say they be the greatest gentlemen of the world.
And then the king and all estates went home unto Camelot,
and so went to evensong to the great minster, and so after
upon that to supper, and every knight sat in his own place
as they were toforehand. Then anon they heard cracking
and crying of thunder, that them thought the place should
all to-drive. In the midst of this blast entered a sunbeam
more clearer by seven times than ever they saw day, and
all they were alighted of the grace of the Holy Ghost. Then
began every knight to behold other, and either saw other,
by their seeming, fairer than ever they saw afore. Not
for then there was no knight might speak one word a great
while, and so they looked every man on other as they had
been dumb. Then there entered into the hall the Holy
Grail covered with white samite, but there was none might
see it, nor who bare it. And there was all the hall fulfilled
with good odours, and every knight had such meats and
drinks as he best loved in this world. And when the Holy
Grail had been borne through the hall, then the holy vessel
departed suddenly, that they wist not where it became :
then had they all breath to speak. And then the king
yielded thankings to God, of His good grace that he had
sent them. Certes, said the king, we ought to thank our
Lord Jesu greatly for that He hath shewed us this day, at the
reverence of this high feast of Pentecost.
OF THE VOW OF THE KNIGHTS 323
Now, said Sir Gawaine, we have been served this day
of what meats and drinks we thought on ; but one thing
beguiled us, we might not see the Holy Grail, it was so pre-
ciously covered. Wherefore I will make here avow, that
to-morn, without longer abiding, I shall labour in the quest
of the Sangreal, that I shall hold me out a twelvemonth
and a day, or more if need be, and never shall I return again
unto the court till I have seen it more openly than it hath
been seen here ; and if I may not speed I shall return again
as he that may not be against the will of our Lord Jesu Christ.
When they of the Table Round heard Sir Gawaine say
so, they arose up the most part and made such avows as
Sir Gawaine had made. Anon as King Arthur heard this
he was greatly displeased, for he wist well they might not
again-say their avows. Alas, said King Arthur unto Sir
Gawaine, ye have nigh slain me with the avow and promise
that ye have made ; for through you ye have bereft me the
fairest fellowship and the truest of knighthood that ever
were seen together in any realm of the world ; for when
they depart from hence I am sure they all shall never meet
more in this world, for there shall die many in the quest.
And so it forthinketh me a little, for I have loved them as
well as my life, wherefore it shall grieve me right sore, the
departition of this fellowship : for I have had an old custom
to have them in my fellowship. And therewith the tears
fell in his eyes.
When the queen, ladies, and gentlewomen, wist these
tidings, they had such sorrow and heaviness that there might
no tongue tell it, for those knights had held them in honour
and chierte. But among all other Queen Guenever made
great sorrow. I marvel, said she, my lord would suffer
324 OF SIR GALAHAD
them to depart from him. Thus was all the court troubled
for the departition of those knights.
After this the queen came unto Galahad and asked him
of whence he was, and of what country. He told her of
whence he was. And son unto Launcelot, she said he was.
As to that he said neither yea nor nay. So God me help,
said the queen, of your father ye need not to shame you,
for he is the goodliest knight, and of the best men of the
world come, and of the strain, of all parties, of kings. Where-
fore ye ought of right to be, of your deeds, a passing good
man ; and certainly, she said, ye resemble him much. Then
Sir Galahad was a little ashamed and said : Madam, sith
ye know in certain, wherefore do ye ask it me ? for he that
is my father shall be known openly and all betimes. And
then they went to rest them. And in the honour of the
highness of Galahad he was led into King Arthur's chamber,
and there rested in his own bed.
And as soon as it was day the king arose, for he had no
rest of all that night for sorrow. Then he went unto Gawaine
and to Sir Launcelot that were arisen for to hear mass. And
then the king again said : Ah Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have
betrayed me ; for never shall my court be amended by you,
but ye will never be sorry for me as I am for you. And
therewith the tears began to run down by his visage. And
therewith the king said : Ah, knight Sir Launcelot, I require
thee thou counsel me, for I would that this quest were un-
done, an it might be. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, ye saw yester-
day so many worthy knights that then were sworn that
they may not leave it in no manner of wise. That wot
I well, said the king, but it shall so heavy me at their de-
parting that I wot well there shall no manner of joy remedy
THE DEPARTURE OF THE KNIGHTS 325
me. And then the king and the queen went unto the min-
ster. So anon Launcelot and Gawaine commanded their
men to bring their arms. And when they all were armed
save their shields and their helms, then they came to their
fellowship, which were all ready in the same wise, for to go
to the minster to hear their service.
Then after the service was done the king would wit how
many had undertaken the quest of the Holy Grail ; and to
accompt them he prayed them all. Then found they by
the tale an hundred and fifty, and all were knights of the
Round Table. And then they put on their helms and de-
parted, and recommended them all wholly unto the queen ;
and there was weeping and great sorrow. Then the queen
departed into her chamber and held her, so that no man
should perceive her great sorrows. When Sir Launcelot
missed the queen he went to her chamber, and when she
saw him she cried aloud : O Launcelot, Launcelot, ye have
betrayed me and put me to the death, for to leave thus my
lord. Ah, madam, I pray you be not displeased, for I shall
come again as soon as I may with my worship. Alas, said
she, that ever I saw you ; but he that suffered upon the cross
for all mankind, he be unto you good conduct and safety,
and to all the whole fellowship.
Right so departed Sir Launcelot, and found his fellow-
ship that abode his coming. And so they mounted upon
their horses and rode through the streets of Camelot ; and
there was weeping of rich and poor, and the king turned
away and might not speak for weeping.
326 OF SIR GALAHAD
HOW GALAHAD GAT HIM A SHIELD,
AND HOW THEY SPED THAT PRE-
SUMED TO TAKE DOWN THE SAID
SHIELD, AND HOW KING EVELAKE
HAD RECEIVED THAT SHIELD OF
JOSEPH OF ARAMATHIE. Now rideth Sir Galahad yet
without shield, and so he rode four days without any adven-
ture. And at the fourth day after evensong he came to a
White Abbey, and there he was received with great reverence,
and led unto a chamber, and there was he unarmed ; and then
was he ware of two knights of the Table Round, one was Sir
Bagdemagus, and that other was Sir Uwaine. And when
they saw him they went unto Galahad and made of him
great solace, and so they went unto supper. Sirs, said Sir
Galahad, what adventure brought you hither ? Sir, said
they, it is told us that within this place is a shield that no
man may^bear about his neck but he be mischieved outher
dead within three days, or maimed for ever. Ah sir, said
King Bagdemagus, I shall it bear to-morrow for to assay this
adventure. In the name of God, said Sir Galahad. Sir,
said Bagdemagus, an I may not enchieve the adventure of
this shield ye shall take it upon you, for I am sure ye shall
not fail. Sir, said Galahad, I right well agree me thereto, for
I have no shield. So on the morn they arose and heard mass.
Then Bagdemagus asked where the adventurous shield
was. Anon a monk led him behind an altar where the shield
hung as white as any snow, but in the midst was a red cross.
Sir, said the monk, this shield ought not to be hanged about
no knight's neck but he be the worthiest knight of the world ;
therefore I counsel you knights to be well advised. Well,
said Bagdemagus, I wot well that I am not the best knight
HOW SIR GALAHAD GAT A SHIELD 327
of the world, but yet I shall assay to bear it, and so bare it
out of the minster. And then he said unto Galahad : An it
please you, abide here still, till ye wit how that I speed. I
shall abide you, said Galahad. Then King Bagdemagus took
with him a good squire, to bring tidings unto Sir Galahad
how he sped.
Then when they had ridden a two mile and came to a
fair valley afore an hermitage, then they saw a knight come
from that part in white armour, horse and all ; and he came
as fast as his horse might run, and his spear in his rest, and
Bagdemagus dressed his spear against him and brake it
upon the white knight. But the other struck him so hard
that he brast the mails, and sheef him through the right
shoulder, for the shield covered him not as at that time ;
and so he bare him from his horse. And therewith he
alighted and took the white shield from him, saying : Knight,
thou hast done thyself great folly, for this shield ought not
to be borne but by him that shall have no peer that liveth.
And then he came to Bagdemagus' squire and said : Bear
this shield unto the good knight Sir Galahad, that thou
left in the abbey, and greet him well by me. Sir, said the
squire, what is your name ? Take thou no heed of my
name, said the knight, for it is not for thee to know, nor
for none earthly man. Now, fair sir, said the squire, at
the reverence of Jesu Christ, tell me for what cause this
shield may not be borne but if the bearer thereof be mis-
chieved. Now sith thou hast conjured me so, said the
knight, this shield behoveth unto no man but unto Galahad.
And the squire went unto Bagdemagus and asked whether
he were sore wounded or not. Yea forsooth, said he, I
shall escape hard from the death. Then he fetched his
328 OF SIR GALAHAD
horse, and brought him with great pain unto an abbey.
Then was he taken down softly and unarmed, and laid in a
bed, and there was looked to his wounds. And as the book
telleth, he lay there long, and escaped hard with the life.
Sir Galahad, said the squire, that knight that wounded
Bagdemagus sendeth you greeting, and bade that ye should
bear this shield, wherethrough great adventures should
befall. Now blessed be God and fortune, said Galahad.
And then he asked his arms, and mounted upon his horse,
and hung the white shield about his neck, and commended
them unto God. And Sir Uwaine said he would bear him
fellowship if it pleased him. Sir, said Galahad, that may
ye not, for I must go alone, save this squire shall bear me
fellowship : and so departed Uwaine.
Then within a while came Galahad thereas the White
Knight abode him by the hermitage, and everych saluted
other courteously. Sir, said Galahad, by this shield be
many marvels fallen. Sir, said the knight, it befell after
the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ thirty-two year, that
Joseph of Aramathie, the gentle knight, the which took
down our Lord off the holy Cross, at that time he departed
from Jerusalem with a great party of his kindred with him.
And so he laboured till that they came to a city that hight
Sarras. And at that same hour that Joseph came to Sarras
there was a king that hight Evelake, that had great war
against the Saracens, and in especial against one Saracen,
the which was King Evelake's cousin, a rich king and a
mighty, which marched nigh this land, and his name was
called Tolleme la Feintes. So on a day these two met to do
battle. Then Joseph, the son of Joseph of Aramathie, went
to King Evelake and told him he should be discomfit and
OF JOSEPH AND THE WHITE SHIELD 329
slain, but if he left his belief of the old law and believed upon
the new law. And then there he shewed him the right
belief of the Holy Trinity, to the which he agreed unto with
all his heart ; and there this shield was made for King Eve-
lake, in the name of Him that died upon the Cross. And
then through his good belief he had the better of King Tol-
leme. For when Evelake was in the battle there was a
cloth set afore the shield, and when he was in the greatest
peril he let put away the cloth, and then his enemies saw a
figure of a man on the Cross, wherethrough they all were
discomfit. And so it befell that a man of King Evelake's
was smitten his hand off, and bare that hand in his other
hand ; and Joseph called that man unto him and bade him
go with good devotion touch the Cross. And as soon as
that man had touched the Cross with his hand it was as whole
as ever it was to-fore. Then soon after there fell a great
marvel, that the cross of the shield at one time vanished
away that no man wist where it became. And then King
Evelake was baptised, and for the most part all the people
of that city. So, soon after Joseph would depart, and King
Evelake would go with him, whether he wold or nold. And
so by fortune they came into this land, that at that time
was called Great Britain ; and there they found a great
felon paynim, that put Joseph into prison. And so by for-
tune tidings came unto a worthy man that hight Mondrames,
and he assembled all his people for the great renown he had
heard of Joseph ; and so he came into the land of Great
Britain and disherited this felon paynim and consumed
him, and therewith delivered Joseph out of prison. And
after that all the people were turned to the Christian faith.
Not long after that Joseph was laid in his deadly bed.
330 OF SIR GALAHAD
And when King Evelake saw that he made much sorrow,
and said : For thy love I have left my country, and sith
ye shall depart out of this world, leave me some token of
yours that I may think on you. Joseph said : That will
I do full gladly ; now bring me your shield that I took you
when ye went into battle against King Tolleme. Then
Joseph bled sore at the nose, so that he might not by no
mean be staunched. And there upon that shield he made
a cross of his own blood. Now may ye see a remembrance
that I love you, for ye shall never see this shield but ye shall
think on me, and it shall be always as fresh as it is now.
And never shall man bear this shield about his neck but he
shall repent it, unto the time that Galahad, the good knight,
bear it ; and the last of my lineage shall have it about his
neck, that shall do many marvellous deeds. Now, said King
Evelake, where shall I put this shield, that this worthy
knight may have it ? Ye shall leave it thereas Nacien, the
hermit, shall be put after his death; for thither shall that
good knight come the fifteenth day after that he shall receive
the order of knighthood. And so that day that they set
is this time that ye have his shield, and in the same abbey
lieth Nacien, the hermit. And then the White Knight
vanished away.
HOW SIR GALAHAD DESTROYED THE
WICKED CUSTOM OF THE CASTLE OF
MAIDENS, AND HOW HE MET WITH SIR
LAUNCELOT AND SIR PERCIVALE AND SMOTE
THEM DOWN. Now departed Galahad, and rode many
journeys forward and backward, as adventure would lead
him. And at the last Sir Galahad came unto a mountain
THE CASTLE OF MAIDENS 331
where he found an old chapel, and found there nobody, for
all, all was desolate ; and there he kneeled to-fore the altar,
and besought God of wholesome counsel. So as he prayed
he heard a voice that said : Go thou now, thou adventurous
knight, to the Castle of Maidens, and there do thou away
the wicked customs.
When Sir Galahad heard this he thanked God, and took
his horse ; and he had not ridden but half a mile, he saw
in the valley afore him a strong castle with deep ditches,
and there ran beside it a fair river that hight Severn ; and
there he met with a man of great age, and either saluted
other, and Galahad asked him the castle's name. Fair sir,
said he, it is the Castle of Maidens. That is a cursed castle,
said Galahad, and all they that be conversant therein, for
all pity is out thereof, and all hardiness and mischief is there-
in. Therefore, I counsel you, sir knight, to turn again.
Sir, said Galahad, wit you well I shall not turn again. Then
looked Sir Galahad on his arms that nothing failed him,
and then he put his shield afore him; and anon there met
him seven fair maidens, the which said unto him : Sir knight,
ye ride here in a great folly, for ye have the water to pass
over. Why should I not pass the water ? said Galahad.
So rode he away from them and met with a squire that said :
Knight, those knights in the castle defy you, and defenden
you ye go no further till that they wit what ye would. Fair
sir, said Galahad, I come for to destroy the wicked custom
of this castle. Sir, an ye will abide by that ye shall have
enough to do. Go you now, said Galahad, and haste my needs.
Then the squire entered into the castle. And anon
after there came out of the castle seven knights, and all
were brethren. And when they saw Galahad they cried :
332 OF SIR GALAHAD
Knight, keep thee, for we assure thee nothing but death.
Why, said Galahad, will ye all have ado with me at once ?
Yea, said they, thereto mayst thou trust. Then Galahad
put forth his spear and smote the foremost to the earth,
that near he brake his neck. And therewithal the other
smote him on his shield great strokes, so that their spears
brake. Then Sir Galahad drew out his sword, and set upon
them so hard that it was marvel to see it, and so through
great force he made them to forsake the field ; and Galahad
chased them till they entered into the castle, and so passed
through the castle at another gate.
And there met Sir Galahad an old man clothed in religious
clothing, and said : Sir, have here the keys of this castle.
Then Sir Galahad opened the gates, and saw so much people
in the streets that he might not number them, and all said :
Sir, ye be welcome, for long have we abiden here our deliver-
ance. Then came to him a gentlewoman and said : These
knights be fled, but they will come again this night, and
here to begin again their evil custom. What will ye that I
shall do ? said Galahad. Sir, said the gentlewoman, that
ye send after all the knights hither that hold their lands of
this castle, and make them to swear for to use the customs
that were used heretofore of old time. I will well, said
Galahad. And there she brought him an horn of ivory,
bounden with gold richly, and said : Sir, blow this horn
which will be heard two mile about this castle. When Sir
Galahad had blown the horn he set him down upon a bed.
Then came a priest to Galahad, and said : Sir, it is past
a seven year agone that these seven brethren came into this
castle, and harboured with the lord of this castle, that hight
the Duke Lianour, and he was lord of all this country. And
OF SIR GALAHAD AND THE KNIGHTS 333
when they espied the duke's daughter, that was a full fair
woman, then by their false covin they made debate betwixt
themselves, and the duke of his goodness would have departed
them, and there they slew him and his eldest son. And
then they took the maiden and the treasure of the castle.
And then by great force they held all the knights of this
castle against their will under their obeissance, and in great
service and truage, robbing and pilling the poor common
people of all that they had. So it happened on a day the
duke's daughter said : Ye have done unto me great wrong
to slay mine own father, and my brother, and thus to hold
our lands : not for then, she said, ye shall not hold this castle
for many years, for by one knight ye shall be overcome.
Thus she prophesied seven years agone. Well, said the
seven knights, sithen ye say so, there shall never lady nor
knight pass this castle but they shall abide maugre their
heads, or die therefore, till that knight be come by whom
we shall lose this castle. And therefore is it called the
Maidens' Castle, for they have devoured many maidens.
Now, said Galahad, is she here for whom this castle was lost ?
Nay, sir, said the priest, she was dead within these three
nights after that she was thus enforced ; and sithen have
they kept her younger sister, which endureth great pains
with many other ladies.
By this were the knights of the country come, and then
he made them do homage and fealty to the king's daughter,
and set them in great ease of heart. And in the morn there
came one to Galahad and told him how that Gawaine, Gareth,
and Uwaine, had slain the seven brethren. I suppose well,
said Sir Galahad, and took his armour and his horse, and
commended them unto God.
334 OF SIR GALAHAD
So when Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle of
Maidens he rode till he came to a waste forest, and there
he met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale, but they knew
him not, for he was new disguised. Right so Sir Launcelot,
his father, dressed his spear and brake it upon Sir Galahad,
and Galahad smote him so again that he smote down horse
and man. And then he drew his sword, and dressed him
unto Sir Percivale, and smote him so on the helm, that it
rove to the coif of steel ; and had not the sword swerved
Sir Percivale had been slain, and with the stroke he fell out
of his saddle. This jousts was done to-fore the hermitage
where a recluse dwelled. And when she saw Sir Galahad
ride, she said : God be with thee, best knight of the world.
Ah certes, said she, all aloud that Launcelot and Percivale
might hear it, an yonder two knights had known thee as
well as I do they would not have encountered with thee.
When Sir Galahad heard her say so he was adread to be
known : therewith he smote his horse with his spurs and
rode a great pace froward them. Then perceived they both
that he was Galahad ; and up they gat on their horses,
and rode fast after him, but in a while he was out of their
sight.
And then Sir Launcelot rode overthwart and endlong
in a wild forest, and held no path but as wild adventure
led him. And at the last he came to a stony cross which de-
parted two ways in waste land ; and by the cross was a
stone that was of marble, but it was so dark that Sir Launcelot
might not wit what it was. Then Sir Launcelot looked by
him, and saw an old chapel, and there he weened to have
found people ; and Sir Launcelot tied his horse till a tree,
and there he did off his shield and hung it upon a tree, and
OF SIR LAUNCELOT'S VISION 335
then went to the chapel door, and found it waste and broken.
And within he found a fair altar, full richly arrayed with
cloth of clean silk, and there stood a fair clean candlestick,
which bare six great candles, and the candlestick was of
silver. And when Sir Launcelot saw this light he had great
will for to enter into the chapel, but he could find no place
where he might enter; then was he passing heavy and dis-
mayed. Then he returned and came to his horse and did
off his saddle and bridle, and let him pasture, and unlaced
his helm, and ungirt his sword, and laid him down to sleep
upon his shield to-fore the cross.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT, HALF SLEEP-
ING AND HALF WAKING, SAW A SICK
MAN HEALED WITH THE SANGREAL,
AND HOW A VOICE SPAKE TO SIR
LAUNCELOT, AND HOW HE WAS
SHRIVEN, AND HOW A GOOD MAN
GAVE HIM A HAIR SHIRT TO WEAR, AND HOW
HE WAS OVERCOME AT A JOUSTING AND AT LAST
CAME TO A RIVER. And so he fell asleep; and half
waking and sleeping he saw come by him two palfreys all
fair and white, the which bare a litter, therein lying a sick
knight. And when he was nigh the cross he there abode
still. All this Sir Launcelot saw and beheld, for he slept
not verily ; and he heard him say : O sweet Lord, when
shall this sorrow leave me ? and when shall the holy vessel
come by me, wherethrough I shall be blessed ? For I have
endured thus long for little trespass. A full great while
complained the knight thus, and always Sir Launcelot heard
it. With that Sir Launcelot saw the candlestick with the
336 OF SIR GALAHAD
six tapers come before the cross, and he saw nobody that
brought it. Also there came a table of silver, and the holy
vessel of the Sangreal, which Launcelot had seen aforetime
in King Pescheour's house. And therewith the sick knight
set him up, and held up both his hands, and said : Fair sweet
Lord, which is here within this holy vessel ; take heed unto
me that I may be whole of this malady. And therewith on
his hands and on his knees he went so nigh that he touched
the holy vessel and kissed it, and anon he was whole ; and
then he said : Lord God, I thank thee, for I am healed of
this sickness.
So when the holy vessel had been there a great while
it went unto the chapel with the chandelier and the light,
so that Launcelot wist not where it was become ; for he was
overtaken with sin that he had no power to rise again the
holy vessel; wherefore after that many men said of him
shame, but he took repentance after that. Then the sick
knight dressed him up and kissed the cross ; anon his squire
brought him his arms, and asked his lord how he did. Certes,
said he, I thank God right well, through the holy vessel I
am healed. But I have marvel of this sleeping knight that
had no power to awake when this holy vessel was brought
hither. I dare right well say, said the squire, that he dwelleth
in some deadly sin whereof he was never confessed. By my
faith, said the knight, whatsomever he be he is unhappy, for
as I deem he is of the fellowship of the Round Table, the
which is entered into the quest of the Sangreal. Sir, said
the squire, here I have brought you all your arms save your
helm and your sword, and therefore by mine assent now may
ye take this knight's helm and his sword : and so he did.
And when he was clean armed he took Sir Launcelot's horse,
OF THE GRIEF OF SIR LAUNCELOT 337
for he was better than his ; and so departed they from the
cross.
Then anon Sir Launcelot waked, and set him up, and
bethought him what he had seen there, and whether it were
dreams or not. Right so heard he a voice that said : Sir
Launcelot, more harder than is the stone, and more bitter
than is the wood, and more naked and barer than is the
leaf of the fig tree ; therefore go thou from hence, and with-
draw thee from this holy place. And when Sir Launce-
lot heard this he was passing heavy and wist not what to do,
and so departed sore weeping, and cursed the time that he
was born. For then he deemed never to have had worship
more. For those words went to his heart. Then Sir Launce-
lot went to the cross and found his helm, his sword, and his
horse taken away. And then he called himself a very wretch,
and most unhappy of all knights ; and there he said : My
sin and my wickedness have brought me unto great dis-
honour. For when I sought worldly adventures for worldly
desires, I ever enchieved them and had the better in every
place, and never was I discomfit in no quarrel, were it right
or wrong. And now I take upon me the adventures of
holy things, and now I see and understand that mine old
sin hindereth me and shameth me, so that I had no power
to stir nor speak when the holy blood appeared afore me.
So thus he sorrowed till it was day, and heard the fowls
sing: then somewhat he was comforted. But when Sir
Launcelot missed his horse and his harness then he wist
well God was displeased with him.
Then he departed from the cross on foot into a forest;
and so by prime he came to an high hill, and found an her-
mitage and a hermit therein which was going unto mass.
338 OF SIR GALAHAD
And then Launcelot kneeled down and cried on Our Lord
mercy for his wicked works. So when mass was done Launce-
lot called the hermit, and prayed him for charity for to
hear his life. With a good will, said the good man. Sir,
said he, be ye of King Arthur's court and of the fellowship
of the Round Table ? Yea forsooth, and my name is Sir
Launcelot du Lake that hath been right well said of, and
now my good fortune is changed, for I am the most wretch
of the world. The hermit beheld him and had marvel how
he was so abashed. Sir, said the hermit, ye ought to thank
God more than any knight living, for He hath caused you
to have more worldly worship than any knight that now
liveth. And for your presumption to take upon you in
deadly sin for to be in His presence, where His flesh and
His blood was, that caused you ye might not see it with
worldly eyes ; for He will not appear where such sinners
be, but if it be unto their great hurt and unto their great
shame ; and there is no knight living now that ought to give
God so great thank as ye, for He hath given you beauty,
seemliness, and great strength above all other knights ; and
therefore ye are the more beholding unto God than any
other man, to love Him and dread Him, for your strength
and manhood will little avail you an God be against you.
Then Sir Launcelot wept with heavy cheer, and said :
Now I know well ye say me sooth. Sir, said the good man,
hide none old sin from me. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, that
were me full loath to discover. For this fourteen year I
never discovered one thing that I have used, and that may
I now wite my shame and my disadventure. And then
he told there that good man all his life. And how he had
loved a queen unmeasurably and out of measure long. And
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE HERMIT 339
all my great deeds of arms that I have done, I did for the
most part for the queen's sake, and for her sake would I
do battle were it right or wrong; and never did I battle
all only for God's sake, but for to win worship and to cause
me to be the better beloved, and little or nought I thanked
God of it. Then Sir Launcelot said : I pray you counsel
me. I will counsel you, said the hermit, if ye will ensure
me that ye will never come in that queen's fellowship as
much as ye may forbear. And then Sir Launcelot promised
him he nold, by the faith of his body. Look that your heart
and your mouth accord, said the good man, and I shall en-
sure you ye shall have more worship than ever ye had.
Then the good man enjoined Sir Launcelot such penance
as he might do and to sewe knighthood, and so assoiled
him, and when he had kept Sir Launcelot three days, he
gat him an horse, an helm, and a sword. And then Sir
Launcelot departed about the hour of noon. And then
he saw a little house. And when he came near he saw a
chapel, and there beside he saw an old man that was clothed
all in white full richly ; and then Sir Launcelot said : God
save you. God keep you, said the good man, and make
you a good knight. Be ye not Sir Launcelot ? Yea, sir,
said he. What seek ye in this country ? Sir, said Sir Launce-
lot, I go to seek the adventures of the Sangreal. Well,
said he, seek it ye may well, but though it were here ye shall
have no power to see it no more than a blind man should
see a bright sword, and that is long on your sin, and else
ye were more abler than any man living. And then Sir
Launcelot began to weep, and said : Father, what shall I
do ? Now, said the good man, I require you take this hair
that was an holy man's and put it next thy skin, and it shall
340 OF SIR GALAHAD
prevail thee greatly. Sir, and I will do it, said Sir Launcelot.
Also I charge you that ye eat no flesh as long as ye be in
the quest of the Sangreal, nor ye shall drink no wine, and
that ye hear mass daily an ye may do it. So he took the
hair and put it upon him, and so departed at evensong-time.
Then he rode till that he came to a Cross, and took that for
his host as for that night, and made his prayers unto the
Cross that he never fall in deadly sin again. And on the
morn he took his horse and rode till midday; and there by
adventure he met with the same knight that took his horse,
his helm, and his sword, when he slept when the Sangreal
appeared afore the Cross. When Sir Launcelot saw him
he saluted him not fair, but cried on high : Knight, keep
thee, for thou hast done to me great unkindness. And then
they put afore them their spears, and Sir Launcelot came so
fiercely upon him that he smote him and his horse down to the
earth, that he had nigh broken his neck. Then Sir Launcelot
took the knight's horse that was his own aforehand, and
descended from the horse he sat upon, and mounted upon
his own horse, and tied the knight's own horse to a tree,
that he might find that horse when that he was arisen.
Then Sir Launcelot rode into a forest, and held no high-
way. And as he looked afore him he saw a fair plain, and
beside that a fair castle, and afore the castle were many
pavilions of silk and of divers hue. And him seemed that
he saw there five hundred knights riding on horseback ; and
there were two parties : they that were of the castle were all
on black horses and their trappings black, and they that were
without were all on white horses and trappings, and everych
hurtled to other that it marvelled Sir Launcelot. And at the
last him thought they of the castle were put to the worse.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS OVERCOME 341
Then thought Sir Launcelot for to help there the weaker
party in increasing of his chivalry. And so Sir Launcelot
thrust in among the party of the castle, and smote down
a knight, horse and man, to the earth. And then he rashed
here and there, and did marvellous deeds of arms. And
then he drew out his sword, and struck many knights to
the earth, so that all those that saw him marvelled that ever
one knight might do so great deeds of arms. But always
the white knights held them nigh about Sir Launcelot, for
to tire him and wind him. But at the last, as a man may
not ever endure, Sir Launcelot waxed so faint of fighting
and travailing, and was so weary of his great deeds, that
he might not lift up his arms for to give one stroke, so that
he weened never to have borne arms ; and then they all
took and led him away into a forest, and there made him to
alight and to rest him. And then all the fellowship of the
castle were overcome for the default of him. Then they
said all unto Sir Launcelot : Blessed be God that ye be now
of our fellowship, for we shall hold you in our prison ; and
so they left him with few words. And then Sir Launcelot
made great sorrow, For never or now was I never at tourna-
ment nor jousts but I had the best, and now I am shamed ;
and then he said : Now I am sure that I am more sinfuller
than ever I was.
Thus he rode sorrowing, and half a day he was out of
despair, till that he came into a deep valley, and there he
saw a river and an high mountain. And through the water
he must needs pass, the which was hideous ; and then in
the name of God he took it with good heart. And when
he came over he saw an armed knight, horse and man black
as any bear; without any word he smote Sir Launcelot's
342 OF SIR GALAHAD
horse to the earth ; and so he passed on, he wist not where
he was become. And then he took his helm and his shield,
and thanked God of his adventure.
HOW SIR PERCIVALE FOUND KING
EVELAKE, AND HOW HE WAS RES-
CUED FROM TWENTY KNIGHTS
BY SIR GALAHAD, AND HOW THE
FIEND DISGUISED AS THE LADY OF A SHIP
BEGUILED HIM, AND OF HIS PENANCE. Now
saith the tale that, when Sir Launcelot was ridden after
Sir Galahad, Sir Percivale rode till he was ware of an house
closed well with walls and deep ditches, and there he knocked
at the gate and was let in, and he alighted and was led unto
a chamber, and soon he was unarmed. And there he had
right good cheer all that night ; and on the morn he heard
his mass, and in the monastery he found a priest ready at the
altar. And on the right side he saw a pew closed with iron,
and behind the altar he saw a rich bed and a fair, as of cloth
of silk and gold.
Then Sir Percivale espied that therein was a man or a
woman, for the visage was covered ; then he left off his
looking and heard his service. And when it came to the
sacring, he that lay within that parclos dressed him up, and
uncovered his head ; and then him beseemed a passing old
man, and he had a crown of gold upon his head, and his
shoulders were naked and uncovered unto his middle. And
then Sir Percivale espied his body was full of great wounds,
both on the shoulders, arms, and visage. And ever he held
up his hands against Our Lord's body, and cried : Fair,
sweet Father, Jesu Christ, forget not me. And so he lay
HOW SIR PERCIVALE FOUND EVELAKE 343
down, but always he was in his prayers and orisons ; and
him seemed to be of the age of three hundred winter. And
when the mass was done the priest took Our Lord's body
and bare it to the sick king. And when he had used it he
did off his crown, and commanded the crown to be set on
the altar.
Then Sir Percivale asked one of the brethren what he
was. Sir, said the good man, ye have heard much of Joseph
of Aramathie, how he was sent by Jesu Christ into this land
for to teach and preach the holy Christian faith ; and there-
fore he suffered many persecutions the which the enemies
of Christ did unto him, and in the city of Sarras he con-
verted a king whose name was Evelake. And so this king
came with Joseph into this land, and ever he was busy to
be thereas the Sangreal was ; and on a time he nighed it so
nigh that Our Lord was displeased with him, but ever he
followed it more and more, till God struck him almost blind.
Then this king cried mercy, and said : Fair Lord, let me
never die till the good knight of my blood of the ninth de-
gree be come, that I may see him openly that he shall enchieve
the Sangreal, that I may kiss him.
When the king thus had made his prayers he heard a
voice that said : Heard be thy prayers, for thou shalt not
die till he have kissed thee. And when that knight shall
come the clearness of your eyes shall come again, and thou
shalt see openly, and thy wounds shall be healed, and erst
shall they never close. And this befell of King Evelake,
and this same king hath lived this three hundred winters
this holy life, and men say the knight is in the court that
shall heal him. Sir, said the good man, I pray you tell me
what knight that ye be, and if ye be of King Arthur's court
344 OF SIR GALAHAD
and of the Table Round. Yea forsooth, said he, and my
name is Sir Percivale de Galis. And when the good man
understood his name he made great joy of him.
And then Sir Percivale departed and rode till the hour
of noon. And he met in a valley about a twenty men of
arms, which bare in a bier a knight deadly slain. And when
they saw Sir Percivale they asked him of whence he was.
And he answered : Of the court of King Arthur. Then
they cried all at once : Slay him. Then Sir Percivale
smote the first to the earth and his horse upon him. And
then seven of the knights smote upon his shield all at once,
and the remnant slew his horse so that he fell to the earth.
So had they slain him, or taken him, had not the good knight,
Sir Galahad, with the red arms, come there by adventure
into those parts. And when he saw all those knights upon
one knight he cried : Save me that knight's life. And then
he dressed him toward the twenty men of arms as fast as
his horse might drive, with his spear in the rest, and smote
the foremost horse and man to the earth. And when his
spear was broken he set his hand to his sword, and smote
on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel
to see, and at every stroke he smote one down or put him
to a rebuke, so that they would fight no more but fled to
a thick forest, and Sir Galahad followed them.
And when Sir Percivale saw him chase them so, he made
great sorrow that his horse was away. And then he wist
well it was Sir Galahad. And then he cried aloud : Ah
fair knight, abide and suffer me to do thankings unto thee,
for much have ye done for me. But ever Sir Galahad rode
so fast that at the last he passed out of his sight.
Then Sir Percivale came to a rough water and saw a ship
OF SIR PERCIVALE AND THE LADY 345
come rowing in the sea, as all the wind of the world had
driven it. And so it drove under a rock. And when Sir
Percivale saw this he hied him thither, and found the ship
covered with silk more blacker than any bear, and therein
was a gentlewoman of great beauty, and she was clothed
richly that none might be better. And when she saw Sir
Percivale she said: Who brought you in this wilderness
where ye be never like to pass hence ? for ye shall die here
for hunger and mischief and be eaten with wild beasts ; and
ye be a young man and a goodly knight, and I shall
help you an ye will. What are ye, said Sir Percivale, that
proffered me thus great kindness ? I am, said she, a gentle-
woman that am disherited, which was sometime the richest
woman of the world. Damosel, said Sir Percivale, who hath
disherited you ? for I have great pity of you. Sir, said she,
I dwelled with the greatest man of the world, and he made
me so fair and so clear that there was none like me ; and
of that great beauty I had a little pride more than I ought
to have had. Also I said a word that pleased him not. And
then he would not suffer me to be any longer in his com-
pany, and so drove me from mine heritage, and so disherited
me, and he had never pity of me nor of none of my council,
nor of my court. And sithen, sir knight, it hath befallen
me so, through me and mine I have taken from him many of
his men, and made them to become my men. For they ask
never nothing of me but I give it them, that and much more.
Thus I and all my servants war against him night and day.
Therefore I know now no good knight, nor no good man, but
I get them on my side an I may. And for that I know that
thou art a good knight, I beseech you to help me ; and for
ye be a fellow of the Round Table, wherefore ye ought not to
346 OF SIR GALAHAD
fail no gentlewoman which is disherited, an she besought
you of help.
Then Sir Percivale promised her all the help that he
might ; and then she thanked him. And at that time the
weather was hot. Then she called unto her a gentlewoman
and bade her bring forth a pavilion ; and so she did, and
pight it upon the gravel. Sir, said she, now may ye rest you
in this heat of the day. Then he thanked her, and she put
off his helm and his shield, and there he slept a great while.
And then he awoke and asked her if she had any meat, and
she said : Yea, also ye shall have enough. And so there
was set enough upon the table, and thereon so much that
he had marvel, for there was all manner of meats that he
could think on. Also he drank there the strongest wine
that ever he drank, him thought, and therewith he was a
little chafed more than he ought to be ; with that he beheld
the gentlewoman, and him thought she was the fairest creature
that ever he saw. And then Sir Percivale proffered her
love, and prayed her that she would be his. Then she re-
fused him, in a manner, when he required her, for the cause
he should be the more ardent on her, and ever he ceased not
to pray her of love. And when she saw him well enchafed,
then she said : Sir Percivale, wit you well I shall not fulfil
your will but if ye swear from henceforth ye shall be my true
servant, and to do nothing but that I shall command you.
Will ye ensure me this as ye be a true knight ? Yea, said
he, fair lady, by the faith of my body. Well, said she, now
shall ye do with me whatso it please you ; and now wit ye well
ye are the knight in the world that I have most desire to.
And then Sir Percivale by adventure and grace saw his
sword lie on the ground naked, in whose pommel was a red
SIR PERCIVALE SAVED FROM THE FIEND 347
cross and the sign of the crucifix therein, and bethought him
on his knighthood, and then he made a sign of the cross in
his forehead, and there with the pavilion turned up-so-down,
and then it changed unto a smoke, and a black cloud, and
then he was adread and cried aloud : Fair sweet Father,
Jesu Christ, ne let me not be shamed, the which was nigh lost
had not thy good grace been. And then he looked into a
ship, and saw her enter therein, which said : Sir Percivale,
ye have betrayed me. And so she went with the wind roar-
ing and yelling, that it seemed all the water brent after her.
Then Sir Percivale made great sorrow, and drew his sword
unto him, saying : Sithen my flesh will be my master I shall
punish it ; and therewith he rove himself through the thigh
that the blood stert about him, and said : O good Lord, take
this in recompensation of that I have done against thee, my
Lord. So then he clothed him and armed him, and called
himself a wretch, saying : How nigh was I lost, and to have
lost that I should never have gotten again, that was my vir-
ginity, for that may never be recovered after it is once lost.
And then he stopped his bleeding wound with a piece of his
shirt.
Thus as he made his moan he saw a ship come from
Orient covered within and without with white samite. Then
Sir Percivale took his arms, and entered into the ship, and so
departed from thence.
HOW SIR BORS RESCUED A DAMOSEL
RATHER THAN HIS BROTHER SIR
LIONEL, AND HOW THEREAFTER SIR
LIONEL WOULD FIGHT WITH SIR BORS, BUT
SIR BORS WOULD NOT. Now turn we to Sir Bors
348 OF SIR GALAHAD
that when he was departed from Camelot rode into a forest,
and there befell him a marvellous adventure. So he met at
the departing of two ways two knights that led Lionel, his
brother, all naked, bounden upon a strong hackney, and his
hands bounden to-fore his breast. And everych of them
held in his hands 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 to-fore 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 dressed him to rescue him that was his
brother ; and so he looked upon the other side of him, and
saw a knight which brought a fair gentlewoman, and would
have set her in the thickest place of the forest for to have
been the more surer out of the way from them that sought
him. And she, which was nothing assured, cried with an
high voice: Saint Mary, succour your maid. And anon she
espied where Sir Bors came riding. And when she came
nigh him she deemed him a knight of the Round Table,
whereof she hoped to have some comfort ; and then she
conjured him : By the faith that ye owe unto Him in whose
service thou art entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto the
high order of knighthood, and for the noble King Arthur's
sake, that I suppose made thee knight, that thou help me,
and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight. When
Bors heard her say 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 earth. And
if I help not the maid she is shamed for ever, and also she
shall lose her virginity the which she shall never get again.
HOW SIR BORS MET SIR LIONEL 349
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.
Then dressed he him unto the knight the which had the
gentlewoman, and then he cried : Sir knight, let your hand
off that maiden, or ye be but dead. And then he set down
the maiden, and was armed at all pieces save he lacked his
spear. Then he dressed his shield, and drew out his sword,
and Bors smote him so hard that it went through his shield
and habergeon on the left shoulder. And through great
strength he beat him down to the earth, and at the pulling
out of Bors' spear there he swooned. Then came Bors to
the maid and said : How seemeth it you ? of this knight ye
be delivered at this time. Now sir, said she, I pray you lead
me thereas this knight had me. So shall I do gladly: and
took the horse of the wounded knight, and set the gentle-
woman upon him, and so brought her as she desired.
Then Sir Bors rode after Lionel, his brother, by the trace
of their horses. Thus he rode seeking a great while, and
then he turned to an hermitage that was in the entry of a
forest.
And when he was come thither he found there Sir Lionel,
his brother, which sat all armed at the entry of the chapel
door for to abide there harbour till on the morn that a tour-
nament should be. And when Sir Bors saw him he had great
joy of him, that it were marvel to tell of his joy. And then
he alighted off his horse, and said : Fair sweet brother, when
came ye hither ? Anon as Lionel saw him he said : Ah Bors,
ye may not make none avaunt, but as for you I might have
been slain ; when ye saw two knights leading me away beat-
350 OF SIR GALAHAD
ing me, ye left me for to succour a gentlewoman, and suffered
me in peril of death ; for never erst ne did no brother to another
so great an untruth. And for that misdeed now I ensure
you but death, for well have ye deserved it ; therefore keep
thee from henceforward, and that shall ye find as soon as I
am armed. When Sir Bors understood his brother's wrath
he kneeled down to the earth and cried him mercy, holding
up both his hands, and prayed him to forgive him his evil will.
Nay, said Lionel, that shall never be an I may have the
higher hand, that I make mine avow to God, thou shalt have
death for it, for it were pity ye lived any longer.
Right so he went in and took his harness, and mounted
upon his horse, and came to-fore him and said : Bors, keep
thee from me, for I shall do to thee as I would to a felon
or a traitor, for ye be the untruest knight that ever came out
of so worthy an house as was King Bors de Ganis which was
our father; therefore start upon thy horse, and so shall ye
be most at your advantage. And but if ye will I will run upon
you thereas ye stand upon foot, and so the shame shall be
mine and the harm yours, but of that shame ne reck I nought.
HOW WHEN SIR BORS WOULD NOT
FIGHT WITH HIM SIR LIONEL WOULD
HAVE SLAIN HIM, AND HOW HE SLEW
A HERMIT AND SIR COLGREVANCE
WHO WOULD HAVE SAVED SIR BORS, AND HOW
SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL WERE PARTED BY A
CLOUD. When Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his
brother or else to die, he nist what to do ; then his heart
counselled him not thereto, inasmuch as Lionel was born or
he, wherefore he ought to bear him reverence ; yet kneeled
OF SIR LIONEL AND SIR COLGREVANCE 351
he down afore Lionel's horse's feet, and said : Fair sweet
brother, have mercy upon me and slay me not, and have in
remembrance the great love which ought to be between us
twain. What Sir Bors said to Lionel he recked not, for the
fiend had brought him in such a will that he should slay him.
Then when Lionel saw he would none other, and that he
would not have risen to give him battle, he rashed over him
so that he smote Bors with his horse, feet upward, to the
earth, and hurt him so sore that he swooned of distress, the
which he felt in himself to have died without confession.
So when Lionel saw this, he alighted off his horse to have
smitten off his head. And so he took him by the helm, and
would have rent it from his head. Then came the hermit
running unto him, which was a good man and of great age,
and well had heard all the words that were between them,
and so fell down upon Sir Bors.
Then he said to Lionel : Ah gentle knight, have mercy
upon me and on thy brother, for if thou slay him thou shalt
be dead of sin, and that were sorrowful, for he is one of the
worthiest knights of the world, and of the best conditions.
So God me help, said Lionel, sir priest, but if ye flee from
him I shall slay you, and he shall never the sooner be quit.
Certes, said the good man, I have liefer ye slay me than him,
for my death shall not be great harm, not half so much as of
his. Well, said Lionel, I am greed ; and set his hand to his
sword and smote him so hard that his head went backward.
Not for that he restrained him of his evil will, but took his
brother by the helm, and unlaced it to have stricken off his
head, and had slain him without fail, but so it happed,
Colgrevance, a fellow of the Round Table, came at that time
thither as Our Lord's will was. And when he saw the good
3$2 OF SIR GALAHAD
man slain he marvelled much what it might be. And then
he beheld Lionel would have slain his brother, and knew Sir
Bors, which he loved right well. Then stert he down and
took Lionel by the shoulders, and drew him strongly aback
from Bors, and said : Lionel, will ye slay your brother, one
of the worthiest knights of the world ? and that should no good
man suffer. Why, said Lionel, will ye let me ? therefore if
ye entermete you in this I shall slay you, and him after.
Why, said Colgrevance, is this sooth that ye will slay him?
Slay him will I, said he, whoso say the contrary, for he hath
done so much against me that he hath well deserved it. And
so ran upon him, and would have smitten him through the
head, and Sir Colgrevance ran betwixt them, and said : An
ye be so hardy to do so more, we two shall meddle together.
When Lionel understood his words he took his shield afore
him, and asked him what that he was. And he told him,
Colgrevance, one of his fellows. Then Lionel defied him,
and gave him a great stroke through the helm. Then he
drew his sword, for he was a passing good knight, and de-
fended him right manfully. So long dured the battle that
Bors rose up all anguishly, and beheld how Colgrevance,
the good knight, fought with his brother for his quarrel ;
then was he full sorry and heavy, and thought if Colgrevance
slew him that was his brother he should never have joy ;
and if his brother slew Colgrevance the shame should ever
be his. Then would he have risen to have departed them,
but he had not so much might to stand on foot ; so he abode
him so long till Colgrevance had the worse, for Lionel
was of great chivalry and right hardy, for he had pierced
the hauberk and the helm, that he abode but death, for he
had lost much of his blood that it was marvel that he might
HOW LIONEL SLEW COLGREVANCE 353
stand upright. Then beheld he Sir Bors which sat dressing
him upward and said : Ah, Bors, why come ye not to cast
me out of peril of death, wherein I have put me to succour
you which were right now nigh the death ? Certes, said
Lionel, that shall not avail you, for none of you shall bear
other's warrant, but that ye shall die both of my hand.
When Bors heard that, he did so much, he rose and put on
his helm. Then perceived he first the hermit-priest which
was slain, then made he a marvellous sorrow upon him.
Then oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors : Why will
ye let me die here for your sake ? if it please you that I die
for you the death, it will please me the better for to save a
worthy man. With that word Sir Lionel smote off the helm
from his head. Then Colgrevance saw that he might not
escape ; then he said : Fair sweet Jesu, that I have misdone
have mercy upon my soul, for such sorrow that my heart
suffereth for goodness, and for alms deed that I would have
done here, be to me aligement of penance unto my soul's
health. At these words Lionel smote him so sore that he
bare him to the earth. So when he had slain Colgrevance
he ran upon his brother as a fiendly man, and gave him such
a stroke that he made him stoop. And he that was full of
humility prayed him for God's love to leave this battle :
For an it befell, fair brother, that I slew you or ye me, we
should be dead of that sin. Never God me help but if I
have on you mercy, an I may have the better hand. Then
drew Bors his sword, all weeping, and said : Fair brother,
God knoweth mine intent. Ah, fair brother, ye have done
full evil this day to slay such an holy priest the which never
trespassed. Also ye have slain a gentle knight, and one of
our fellows. And well wot ye that I am not afeard of you
2A
354 OF SIR GALAHAD
greatly, but I dread the wrath of God, and this is an unkindly
war, therefore God show miracle upon us both. Now God
have mercy upon me though I defend my life against my
brother. With that Bors lift up his hand and would have
smitten his brother.
And then he heard a voice that said : Flee Bors, and
touch him not, or else thou shalt slay him. Right so alighted
a cloud betwixt them in likeness of a fire and a marvellous
flame, that both their two shields brent. Then were they
sore afraid, that they fell both to the earth, and lay there a
great while in a swoon. And when they came to themself,
Bors saw that his brother had no harm ; then he held up
both his hands, for he dread God had taken vengeance upon
him. With that he heard a voice say : Bors, go hence, and
bear thy brother no longer fellowship, but take thy way
anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale abideth thee there.
Then he said to his brother: Fair sweet brother, forgive
me for God's love all that I have trespassed unto you. Then
he answered : God forgive it thee and I do gladly.
So Sir Bors departed from him and rode the next way
to the sea. And at the last by fortune he came to an abbey
which was nigh the sea. That night Bors rested him there ;
and in his sleep there came a voice to him and bade him go
to the sea. Then he stert up and made a sign of the cross
in the midst of his forehead, and took his harness, and made
ready his horse, and mounted upon him ; and at a broken
wall he rode out, and rode so long till that he came to the
sea. And on the strand he found a ship covered all with
white samite, and he alighted, and betook him to Jesu Christ.
And as soon as he entered into the ship, the ship departed
into the sea, and went so fast that him seemed the ship went
OF SIR GALAHAD AT A TOURNAMENT 355
flying, but it was soon dark so that he might know no man,
and so he slept till it was day. Then he awaked, and saw
in midst of the ship a knight lie all armed save his helm.
Then knew he that it was Sir Percivale of Wales, and then
he made of him right great joy ; and either told other of their
temptations, as ye have heard to-forehand. So went they
downward in the sea, one while backward, another while
forward, and everych comforted other, and oft were in their
prayers. Then said Sir Percivale : We lack nothing but
Galahad, the good knight.
HOW SIR GALAHAD FOUGHT AT A TOUR-
NAMENT, AND OF THE STROKE THAT HE
GAVE SIR GAWAINE, AND HOW HE RODE
WITH A DAMOSEL AND CAME TO A SHIP
WHEREIN WERE SIR BORS AND SIR PERCIVALE.
Now saith this story, when Galahad had rescued Percivale
from the twenty knights, he went then into a waste forest
wherein he rode many journeys ; and he found many
adventures the which he brought to an end, whereof the
story maketh here no mention. Then he took his way
to the sea on a day, and it befell as he passed by a castle
where was a wonder tournament, but they without had done
so much that they within were put to the worse, yet were
they within good knights enough. When Galahad saw
that those within were at so great a mischief that men slew
them at the entry of the castle, then he thought to help
them, and put a spear forth and smote the first that he fell
to the earth, and the spear brake to pieces. Then he drew
his sword and smote thereas they were thickest, and so he
did wonderful deeds of arms that all they marvelled. Then
356 OF SIR GALAHAD
it happed that Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris were with
the knights without. But when they espied the white shield
with the red cross the one said to the other : Yonder is the
good knight, Sir Galahad, the haut prince : now he should
be a great fool which should meet with him to fight. So
by adventure he came by Sir Gawaine, and he smote him
so hard that he clave his helm and the coif of iron unto his
head, so that Gawaine fell to the earth ; but the stroke was
so great that it slanted down to the earth and carved the
horse's shoulder in two.
When Ector saw Gawaine down he drew him aside, and
thought it no wisdom for to abide Galahad, and also for
natural love, that he was his uncle. Thus through his great
hardiness he beat aback all the knights without. And then
they within came out and chased them all about. But
when Galahad saw there would none turn again he stole away
privily, so that none wist where he was become. Now by
my head, said Gawaine to Ector, now are the wonders true
that were said of Launcelot du Lake, that the sword which
stuck in the stone should give me such a buffet that I would
not have it for the best castle in this world ; and soothly now
it is proved true, for never ere had I such a stroke of man's
hand. Sir, said Ector, meseemeth your quest is done. And
yours is not done, said Gawaine, but mine is done, I shall seek
no further. Then Gawaine was borne into a castle and un-
armed him, and laid him in a rich bed, and a leech found that
he might live, and to be whole within a month. Thus Ga-
waine and Ector abode together, for Sir Ector would not
away till Gawaine were whole.
And the good knight, Galahad, rode so long till he came
that night to the Castle of Carboneck; and it befell him
HOW GALAHAD RODE WITH A DAMOSEL 357
thus that he was benighted in an hermitage. So the good
man was fain when he saw he was a knight-errant. Then
when they were at rest there came a gentlewoman knocking
at the door, and called Galahad, and so the good man came
to the door to wit what she would. Then she called the
hermit : Sir Ulfin, I am a gentlewoman that would speak
with the knight which is with you. Then the good man
awaked Galahad, and bade him : Arise, and speak with a
gentlewoman that seemeth hath great need of you. Then
Galahad went to her and asked her what she would. Gala-
had, said she, I will that ye arm you, and mount upon your
horse and follow me, for I shall show you within these three
days the highest adventure that ever any knight saw. Anon
Galahad armed him, and took his horse, and commended
him to God, and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would
follow thereas she liked.
So she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till that
she came to the sea ; and there they found the ship where
Bors and Percivale were in, the which cried on the ship's
board : Sir Galahad, ye be welcome, we have abiden you
long. And when he heard them he asked them what they
were. Sir, said she, leave your horse here, and I shall leave
mine ; and took their saddles and their bridles with them,
and made a cross on them, and so entered into the ship.
And the two knights received them both with great joy,
and everych knew other ; and so the wind arose, and drove
them through the sea in a marvellous pace. And within a
while it dawned.
By then the ship went from the land of Logris, and by
adventure it arrived up betwixt two rocks passing great
and marvellous ; but there they might not land, for there
358 OF SIR GALAHAD
was a swallow of the sea, save there was another ship, and
upon it they might go without danger. Go we thither,
said the gentlewoman, and there shall we see adventures,
for so is Our Lord's will. And when they came thither
they found the ship rich enough, but they found neither
man nor woman therein. But they found in the end of
the ship two fair letters written, which said a dreadful word
and a marvellous : Thou man, which shall enter into this
ship, beware thou be in steadfast belief, for I am Faith, and
therefore beware how thou enterest, for an thou fail I shall
not help thee. Then said the gentlewoman : Percivale,
wot ye what I am ? Certes, said he, nay, to my witting.
Wit ye well, said she, that I am thy sister, which am daughter
of King Pellinore, and therefore wit ye well ye are the man
in the world that I most love ; and if ye be not in perfect
belief of Jesu Christ enter not in no manner of wise, for then
should ye perish the ship, for he is so perfect he will suffer
no sinner in him. When Percivale understood that she
was his very sister he was inwardly glad, and said : Fair
sister, I shall enter therein, for if I be a miscreature, or an un-
true knight, there shall I perish.
HOW SIR GALAHAD, SIR BORS, AND
SIR PERCIVALE ENTERED INTO THE
SHIP, AND OF A FAIR BED THEREIN,
AND OF A SWORD, AND OF HOW
KING PELLES HAD BEEN MAIMED
FOR DRAWING IT. In the meanwhile
Galahad blessed him, and entered therein ;
and then next the gentlewoman, and then
Sir Bors and Sir Percivale. And when they were in, it was so
HOW SIR GALAHAD GRIPPED THE SWORD 359
marvellous fair and rich that they marvelled ; and in midst
of the ship was a fair bed, and Galahad went thereto, and
found there a crown of silk. And at the feet was a sword,
rich and fair, and it was drawn out of the sheath half a foot
and more ; and the sword was of divers fashions, and the pom-
mel was of stone, and there was in him all manner of colours
that any man might find, and everych of the colours had
divers virtues.
Then Galahad beheld the sword and saw letters like
blood that said : Let see who shall assay to draw me out of
my sheath, but if he be more hardier than any other ; and
who that draweth me, wit ye well that he shall never fail
of shame of his body, or to be wounded to the death. By
my faith, said Galahad, I would draw this sword out of the
sheath, but the offending is so great that I shall not set my
hand thereto. Now sirs, said the gentlewoman, wit ye
well that the drawing of this sword is warned to all men save
all only to you. In the name of God, said Galahad, ye are
right wise of these works.
Sir, said she, there was a king that hight Pelles, the
maimed king. And while he might ride he supported much
Christendom and Holy Church. So upon a day he hunted
in a wood of his which lasted unto the sea ; and at the last
he lost his hounds and his knights save only one : and there
he and his knight went till that they came toward Ireland,
and there he found the ship. And when he saw the letters
and understood them, yet he entered, for he was right per-
fect of his life, but his knight had none hardiness to enter ;
and there found he this sword, and drew it out as much as
ye may see. So therewith entered a spear wherewith he
was smitten him through both the thighs, and never sith
3 6o OF SIR GALAHAD
might he be healed, nor nought . shall to-fore we come to
him. Thus, said she, was not King Pelles, your grandsire,
maimed for his hardiness ? In the name of God, damosel,
said Galahad.
HOW SIR GALAHAD GRIPPED THE SWORD,
AND OF THE CUSTOM OF A CASTLE, AND
HOW SIR PERCIVALE'S SISTER BLED A
DISH FULL OF BLOOD FOR TO HEAL A LADY,
WHEREFORE SHE DIED; AND HOW THAT HER
BODY WAS PUT IN A SHIP. Now let me begin, said
Galahad, to grip this sword for to give you courage ; but
wit ye well it longeth no more to me than it doth to you.
And then he gripped about it with his fingers a great deal ;
and then she girt him about the middle with the sword.
Now reck I not though I die, for now I hold me one of the
blessed maidens of the world, which hath made the worthiest
knight of the world. Damosel, said Galahad, ye have done
so much that I shall be your knight all the days of my life.
Then they went from that ship, and went to the other.
And anon the wind drove them into the sea a great pace, but
they had no victuals : but it befell that they came on the morn
to a castle, and passed by. So there came a knight armed
after them and said : Lords, hark what I shall say to you.
This gentlewoman that ye lead with you is a maid ? Sir, said
she, a maid I am. Then he took her by the bridle and said :
By the Holy Cross, ye shall not escape me to-fore ye have
yolden the custom of this castle. Let her go, said Percivale,
ye be not wise, for a maid in what place she cometh is free.
So in the meanwhile there came out a ten or twelve knights
armed, out of the castle, and with them came gentlewomen
THE STRANGE CUSTOM OF A CASTLE 361
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 so God me save, I ensure
you of this gentlewoman ye shall fail while that I live. So
God me help, said Percivale, I had liefer be slain. And I
also, said Sir Bors. By my troth, said the knight, then shall
ye die, for ye may not endure against us though ye were
the best knights of the world.
Then let they run each to other, and the three fellows
beat the ten knights, and then set their hands to their swords
and beat them down and slew them. Then there came
out of the castle a three score knights armed. Fair lords,
said the three fellows, have mercy on yourself and have not
ado with us. Nay, fair lords, said the knights of the castle,
we counsel you to withdraw you, for ye be the best
knights of the world, and therefore "do no more, for ye have
done enough. We will let you go with this harm, but we
must needs have the custom. Certes, said Galahad, for
nought speak ye. Well, said they, will ye die ? We be
not yet come thereto, said Galahad. Then began they to
meddle together, and Galahad, with the strange girdles,
drew his sword, and smote on the right hand and on the
left hand, and slew what that ever abode him, and did such
marvels that there was none that saw him but weened he
had been none earthly man, but a monster. And his two
fellows halp him passing well, and so they held the journey
everych in like hard till it was night : then must they needs
depart.
So came in a good knight, and said to the three fellows :
362 OF SIR GALAHAD
If ye will come in to-night and take such harbour as here
is ye shall be right welcome, and we shall ensure you by
the faith of our bodies, and as we be true knights, to leave
you in such estate to-morrow as we find you, without any
falsehood. And as soon as ye know of the custom we dare
say ye will accord therefore. For God's love, said the gen-
tlewoman, go thither and spare not for me. Go we, said
Galahad ; and so they entered into the chapel. And when
they were alighted they made great joy of them. So within
a while 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, and many other. So it befell many years
agone there fell upon her a malady; and when she had
lain a great while she fell unto a measle, and of no leech she
could have no remedy. But at the last an old man said
an she might have a dish full of blood of a maid and a clean
virgin in will and in work, and a king's daughter, that blood
should be her health, and for to anoint her withal ; and for
this thing was this custom made. Now, said Percivale's
sister, fair knights, I see well that this gentlewoman is but
dead. Certes, said Galahad, an ye bleed so much ye may
die. Truly, said she, an 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 therefore there
shall be no more battle, but to-morn I shall yield you your
custom of this castle. And then there was great joy more
than there was to-fore, for else had there been mortal war
upon the morn ; notwithstanding she would none other,
whether they wold or nold.
That night were the three fellows eased with the best;
HOW SIR PERCIVALE'S SISTER DIED 363
and on the morn they heard mass, and Sir Percivale's sister
bade bring forth the sick lady. So she was, the which was
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 up and staunched
her, but she had bled so much that she might not live. Then
she said when she was awaked : Fair brother Percivale, I
die for the healing of this lady, so I require you that ye bury
me not in this country, but as soon as I am dead put me in
a boat at the next haven, and let me go as adventure will
lead me ; and as soon as ye three come to the City of Sarras,
there to enchieve the Holy Grail, ye shall find me under a
tower arrived, and there bury me in the spiritual place ;
for I say you so much, there Galahad shall be buried, and
ye also, in the same place.
Then Percivale understood these words, and granted
it her, weeping. And then said a voice : Lords and fellows,
to-morrow at the hour of prime ye three shall depart everych
from other, till the adventure bring you to the Maimed
King. Then asked she her Saviour ; and as soon as she had
received it the soul departed from the body. So the same
day was the lady healed, when she was anointed withal.
Then Sir Percivale made a letter of all that she had holpen
them as in strange adventures, and put it in her right hand,
and so laid her in a barge, and covered it with black silk;
and so the wind arose, and drove the barge from the land,
and all knights beheld it till it was out of their sight. Then
364 OF SIR GALAHAD
they drew all to the castle, and so forthwith there fell a sudden
tempest and a thunder, lightning, and rain, as all the earth
would have broken. So half the castle turned up-so-down.
So it passed evensong or the tempest was ceased.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT ENTERED INTO THE
SHIP WHERE SIR PERCIVALE'S SISTER
LAY DEAD, AND HOW HE CAME TO A
CASTLE AND WAS BEFORE THE DOOR OF A
CHAMBER WHEREIN WAS THE SANGREAL. Now
saith the history, that when Launcelot was come to the
water of Mortoise, as it is rehearsed before, he was in great
peril, and so he laid him down and slept, and took the ad-
venture that God would send him. So when he was asleep
there came a vision unto him and said : Launcelot, arise
up and take thine armour, and enter into the first ship
that thou shalt find. And when he heard these words he
start up and saw great clearness about him. And then he
lifted up his hand and blessed him, and so took his arms
and made him ready; and so by adventure he came by a
strand, and found a ship the which was without sail or oar.
And as soon as he was within the ship there he felt the most
sweetness that ever he felt, and he was fulfilled with all
thing that he thought on or desired. Then he said : Fair
sweet Father, Jesu Christ, I wot not in what joy I am, for
this joy passeth all earthly joys that ever I was in. And so
in this joy he laid him down to the ship's board, and slept
till day. And when he awoke he found there a fair bed,
and therein lying a gentlewoman dead, the which was Sir
Percivale's sister. And as Launcelot devised her, he espied
in her right hand a writ, the which he read, the which told
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE SANGREAL 365
him all the adventures that ye have heard to-fore, and of
what lineage she was come.
Then the wind arose, and drove Launcelot more than a
month throughout the sea, where he slept but little, but
prayed to God that he might see some tidings of the Sangreal.
So it befell on a night, at midnight, he arrived afore a castle,
on the back side, which was rich and fair, and there was a
postern opened toward the sea, and was open without any
keeping, save two lions kept the entry ; and the moon shone
clear. Anon Sir Launcelot heard a voice that said : Launce-
lot, go out of this ship and enter into the castle, where thou
shalt see a great part of thy desire. Then he ran to his
arms, and so armed him, and so went to the gate and saw
the lions. Then set he hand to his sword and drew it. Then
there came a dwarf suddenly, and smote him on the arm
so sore that the sword fell out of his hand. Then heard he
a voice say : O man of evil faith and poor belief, wherefore
trowest thou more on thy harness than in thy Maker, for He
might more avail thee than thine armour, in whose service
thou art set. Then said Launcelot : Fair Father Jesu Christ,
I thank thee of Thy great mercy that Thou reprovest me of
my misdeed ; now see I well that ye hold me for your servant.
Then took he again his sword and put it up in his sheath, and
made a cross in his forehead, and came to the lions, and they
made semblaunt to do him harm. Notwithstanding he passed
by them without hurt, and entered into the castle to the chief
fortress, and there were they all at rest. Then Launcelot en-
tered in so armed, for he found no gate nor door but it was open.
And at the last he found a chamber whereof the door was shut,
and he set his hand thereto to have opened it, but he might not.
Then he enforced him mickle to undo the door. Then
366 OF SIR GALAHAD
he listened and heard a voice which sang so sweetly that it
seemed none earthly thing; and him thought the voice
said : Joy and honour be to the Father of Heaven. Then
Launcelot kneeled down to-fore the chamber, for well wist
he that there was the Sangreal within that chamber. Then
said he : Fair sweet Father, Jesu Christ, if ever I did thing that
pleased Thee, Lord for Thy pity ne have me not in despite for
my sins done aforetime, and that Thou show me something of
that I seek. And with that he saw the chamber door open,
and there came out a great clearness, that the house was as
bright as all the torches of the world had been there.
So came he to the chamber door, and would have entered.
And anon a voice said to him : Flee, Launcelot, and enter
not, for thou oughtest not to do it ; and if thou enter thou
shalt for-think it. Then he withdrew him aback right heavy.
Then looked he up in the midst of the chamber, and saw a
table of silver, and the Holy Vessel, covered with red samite,
and many angels about it, whereof one held a candle of wax
burning, and the other held a cross, and the ornaments of
an altar. And before the Holy Vessel he saw a good man
clothed as a priest. And it seemed that he was at the sacring
of the mass. And it seemed to Launcelot that above the
priest's hands were three men, whereof the two put the
youngest by likeness between the priest's hands ; and so he
lifted it up right high, and it seemed to show so to the people.
And then Launcelot marvelled not a little, for him thought
the priest was so greatly charged of the figure that him seemed
that he should fall to the earth. And when he saw none
about him that would help him, then came he to the door a
great pace, and said : Fair Father Jesu Christ, ne take it for no
sin though I help the good man which hath great need of help.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT LAY IN A TRANCE 367
Right so entered he into the chamber, and came toward
the table of silver ; and when he came nigh he felt a breath,
that him thought it was intermeddled with fire, which smote
him so sore in the visage that him thought it brent his visage ;
and therewith he fell to the earth, and had no power to arise,
as he that was so araged, that had lost the power of his body,
and his hearing, and his seeing. Then felt he many hands
about him, which took him up and bare him out of the cham-
ber door, without any amending of his swoon, and left him
there, seeming dead to all people.
So upon the morrow when it was fair day they within
were arisen, and found Launcelot lying afore the chamber
door. All they marvelled how that he came in, and so they
looked upon him, and felt his pulse to wit whether there were
any life in him ; and so they found life in him, but he might
not stand nor stir no member that he had. And so they
took him by every part of the body, and bare him into a
chamber> and laid him in a rich bed, far from all folk ; and
so he lay four days. Then the one said he was alive, and
the other said, Nay. In the name of God, said an old man,
for I do you verily to wit he is not dead, but he is so full of
life as the mightiest of you all ; and therefore I counsel you
that he be well kept till God send him life again.
HOW AFTER THAT SIR LAUNCELOT
HAD LAIN FOUR-AND-TWENTY DAYS
AND NIGHTS AS A DEAD MAN, IT WAS
TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD ACHIEVED
ALL HE MIGHT OF THE QUEST OF
THE SANGREAL, AND HE RETURNED
TO KING ARTHUR'S COURT. In such manner they
368 OF SIR GALAHAD
kept Launcelot four-and-twenty days and all so many nights,
that ever he lay still as a dead man ; and at the twenty-fifth
day befell him after midday that he opened his eyes. And
when he saw folk he made great sorrow, and said : Why
have ye awaked me, for I was more at ease than I am now.
O Jesu Christ, who might be so blessed that might see openly
thy great marvels of secretness there where no sinner may
be ! What have ye seen ? said they about him. I have
seen, said he, so great marvels that no tongue may tell, and
more than any heart can think.
Then they told him how he had lain there four-and-
twenty days and nights. Then him thought it was punish-
ment for the four-and-twenty years that he had been a sin-
ner, wherefore Our Lord put him in penance four-and-twenty
days and nights. Then looked Sir Launcelot afore him,
and saw the hair which he had borne nigh a year, for that
he for-thought him right much that he had broken his prom-
ise unto the hermit, which he had avowed to do. Then
they asked how it stood with him. Forsooth, said he, I am
whole of body, thanked be Our Lord ; therefore, sirs, for
God's love tell me where I am. Then said they all that he
was in the castle of Carbonek.
Therewith came a gentlewoman and brought him a shirt
of small linen cloth, but he changed not there, but took
the hair to him again. Sir, said they, the quest of the San-
greal is achieved now right in you, that never shall ye see
of the Sangreal no more than ye have seen. Now I thank
God, said Launcelot, of His great mercy of that I have seen,
for it sufficeth me ; for as I suppose no man in this world
hath lived better than I have done to enchieve that I have
done. And therewith he took the hair and clothed him in
HOW LAUNCELOT CAME TO CAMELOT 369
it, and above that he put a linen shirt, and after a robe of
scarlet, fresh and new. And when he was so arrayed they
marvelled all, for they knew him that he was Launcelot, the
good knight. And then they said all : O my lord Sir Launce-
lot, be that ye ? And he said : Truly I am he.
Then came word to King Pelles that the knight that had
lain so long dead was Sir Launcelot. Then was the king
right glad, and went to see him. And when Launcelot saw
him come he dressed him against him, and there made the
king great joy of him. And there the king told him tidings
that his fair daughter was dead. Then Launcelot was right
heavy of it, and said : Sir, me forthinketh the death of your
daughter, for she was a full fair lady, fresh and young. And
well I wot she bare the best knight that is now on the earth,
or that ever was sith God was born. So the king held him
there four days, and on the morrow he took his leave at
King Pelles and at all the fellowship, and thanked them of
their great labour.
So Sir Launcelot departed, and took his arms, and said
he would go see the realm of Logris, which I have not seen
in twelve months. And therewith he commended the king
to God, and so rode through many realms. And at the
last he came to a white abbey, and there they made him
that night great cheer ; and on the morn he rose and heard
mass. And a fore an altar he found a rich tomb, which was
newly made ; and then he took heed, and saw the sides
written with gold which said : Here lieth King Bagdemagus
of Gore, which King Arthur's nephew slew; and named
him, Sir Gawaine. Then was not he a little sorry, for Launce-
lot loved him much more than any other, and had it been
any other than Gawaine he should not have escaped from
2B
370 OF SIR GALAHAD
death to life ; and said to himself : Ah Lord God, this is
a great hurt unto King Arthur's court, the loss of such a man.
And then he departed and came to the abbey where Gala-
had won the white shield with the red cross ; and there had
he great cheer all that night.
And on the morn he turned unto Camelot, where he
found King Arthur and the queen. But many of the knights
of the Round Table were slain and destroyed, more than
half. And all the court was passing glad of Sir Launcelot,
and the king asked him many tidings of his son Galahad.
And there Launcelot told the king of his adventures that
had befallen him since he departed. And also he told him
of the adventures of Galahad, Percivale, and Bors, which
that he knew by the letter of the dead damosel, and as Gal-
ahad had told him. Now God would, said the king, that
they were all three here. That shall never be, said Launcelot,
for two of them shall ye never see, but one of them shall
come again.
Now leave we this story and speak of Galahad.
HOW GALAHAD CAME TO KING MOR-
DRAINS, AND HOW SIR PERCIVALE AND
SIR BORS MET WITH HIM, AND HOW
THEY CAME TO THE CASTLE OF CARBONEK.
Now, saith the story, Galahad rode many journeys in vain.
And at the last he came to the abbey where King Mordrains
was, and when he heard that, he thought he would abide
to see him. And upon the morn, when he had heard mass,
Galahad came unto King Mordrains, and anon the king
saw him, the which had lain blind of long time. And then
he dressed him against him, and said : Galahad, the servant
OF PERCIVALE, BORS, AND GALAHAD 371
of Jesu Christ, whose coming I have abiden so long, now
embrace me and let me rest on thy breast, so that I may
rest between thine arms, for thou art a clean virgin above
all knights, as the flower of the lily in whom virginity is
signified, and thou art the rose the which is the flower of all
good virtues, and in colour of fire. For the fire of the Holy
Ghost is taken so in thee that my flesh which was all dead of
oldness is become young again. When Galahad heard his
words, then he embraced him and all his body. Then said
he : Fair Lord Jesu Christ, now I have my will. Now I
require thee, in this point that I am in, thou come and visit
me. And anon Our Lord heard his prayer: therewith the
soul departed from the body.
And then Galahad put him in the earth as a king ought
to be, and so departed and rode till that he came to the
Maimed King. And ever followed Percivale, asking where
he had been. So on a day it befell that they came out of a
great forest, and there they met at traverse with Sir Bors,
the which rode alone. It is none need to tell if they were
glad ; and them he saluted, and they yielded him honour
and good adventure, and everych told other. Then said
Bors : It is mo than a year and an half that I ne lay ten times
where men dwelled, but in wild forests and in mountains,
but God was ever my comfort.
Then rode they a great while till that they came to the
castle of Carbonek. And when they were entered within
the castle King Pelles knew them ; then there was great
joy, for they wist well by their coming that they had fulfilled
the quest of the Sangreal. Then Eliazar, King Pelles' son,
brought to-fore them the broken sword wherewith Joseph
was stricken through the thigh. Then Bors set his hand
372 OF SIR GALAHAD
thereto, if that he might have soldered it again ; but it would
not be. Then he took it to Percivale, but he had no more
power thereto than he. Now have ye it again, said Percivale
to Galahad, for an it be ever enchieved by any bodily man
ye must do it. And then he took the pieces and set them
together, and they seemed that they had never been broken,
and as well as it had been first forged. And when they within
espied that the adventure of the sword was enchieved, then
they gave the sword to Bors, for it might not be better set ;
for he was a good knight and a worthy man.
And a little afore even the sword arose great and mar-
vellous, and was full of great heat that many men fell for
dread. And anon alighted a voice among them, and said :
They that ought not to sit at the table of Jesu Christ arise,
for now shall very knights be fed. So they went thence,
all save King Pelles and Eliazar, his son, the which were
holy men, and a maid which was his niece ; and so these
three fellows and they three were there, no mo. Anon they
saw knights all armed came in at the hall door, and did off
their helms and their arms, and said unto Galahad : Sir, we
have hied right much for to be with you at this table where
the holy meat shall be departed. Then said he : Ye be
welcome, but of whence be ye ? So three of them said they
were of Gaul, and other three said they were of Ireland,
and the other three said they were of Denmark. So as they
sat thus there came out a bed of tree, of a chamber, the which
four gentlewomen brought ; and in the bed lay a good man
sick, and a crown of gold upon his head ; and there in the
midst of the place they set him down, and went again their
way. Then he lifted up his head, and said : Galahad, Knight,
ye be welcome, for much have I desired your coming, for in
OF SIR GALAHAD AND HIS FELLOWS 373
such pain and in such anguish I have been long. But now
I trust to God the term is come that my pain shall be al-
layed, that I shall pass out of this world so as it was promised
me long ago. Therewith a voice said : There be two among
you that be not in the quest of the Sangreal, and therefore
depart ye.
HOW GALAHAD AND HIS FELLOWS
WERE FED OF THE HOLY SANGREAL,
AND HOW OUR LORD APPEARED
TO THEM, AND HOW GALAHAD
ANOINTED THE MAIMED KING, AND HOW
THEY DEPARTED AND TOOK SHIP AND CAME
TO THE CITY OF SARRAS, AND FOUND THERE
THE SHIP WITH THE BODY OF PERCIVALE'S
SISTER. Then King Pelles and his son departed. And
therewithal beseemed them that there came a man, and four
angels from heaven, clothed in likeness of a bishop, and had a
cross in his hand ; and these four angels bare him up in a
chair, and set him down before the table of silver where-
upon the Sangreal was ; and it seemed that he had in midst
of his forehead letters the which said : See ye here Joseph,
the first bishop of Christendom, the same which Our Lord
succoured in the city of Sarras in the spiritual place. Then
the knights marvelled, for that bishop was dead more than
three hundred year to-fore. O knights, said he, marvel
not, for I was sometime an earthly man. With that they
heard the chamber door open, and there they saw angels ;
and two bare candles of wax, and the third a towel, and the
fourth a spear which bled marvellously, that three drops
fell within a box which he held with his other hand. And
374 OF SIR GALAHAD
they set the candles upon the table, and the third the towel
upon the vessel, and the fourth the holy spear even upright
upon the vessel. And then the bishop made semblaunt
as though he would have gone to the sacring of the mass.
And then he took an ubblie which was made in likeness of
bread. And at the lifting up there came a figure in likeness
of a child, and the visage was as red and as bright as any
fire, and smote himself into the bread, so that they all saw
it that the bread was formed of a fleshly man ; and then he
put it into the Holy Vessel again, and then he did that longed
to a priest to do to a mass. And then he went to Galahad
and kissed him, and bade him go and kiss his fellows : and
so he did anon. Now, said he, servants of Jesu Christ, ye
shall be fed afore this table with sweet meats that never
knights tasted. And when he had said, he vanished away.
And they set them at the table in great dread, and made their
prayers.
Then looked they and saw a man come out of the Holy
Vessel, that had all the signs of the passion of Jesu Christ,
bleeding all openly, and said : My knights, and my servants,
and my true children, which be come out of deadly life into
spiritual life, I will now no longer hide me from you, but ye
shall see now a part of my secrets and of my hidden things :
now hold and receive the high meat which ye have so much
desired. Then took he himself the Holy Vessel and came
to Galahad ; and he kneeled down, and there he received
his Saviour, and after him so received all his fellows ; and
they thought it so sweet that it was marvellous to tell. Then
said he to Galahad : Son, wottest thou what I hold betwixt
my hands ? Nay, said he, but if ye will tell me. This is,
said he, the holy dish wherein I ate the lamb on Sheer-Thurs-
SIR GALAHAD ANOINTS THE KING 375
day. And now hast thou seen that thou most desired
to see, but yet hast thou not seen it so openly as thou shalt
see it in the city of Sarras in the spiritual place. Therefore
thou must go hence and bear with thee this Holy Vessel ;
for this night it shall depart from the realm of Logris, that
it shall never be seen more here. And wottest thou where-
fore ? For he is not served nor worshipped to his right by
them of this land, for they be turned to evil living ; therefore
I shall disherit them of the honour which I have done them.
And therefore go ye three to-morrow unto the sea, where
ye shall find your ship ready, and with you take the sword
with the strange girdles, and no more with you but Sir Per-
civale and Sir Bors. Also I will that ye take with you of the
blood of this spear for to anoint the Maimed King, both his
legs and all his body, and he shall have his health. Sir,
said Galahad, why shall not these other fellows go with
us ? For this cause : for right as I departed my apostles
one here and another there, so I will that ye depart ; and
two of you shall die in my service, but one of you shall
come again and tell tidings. Then gave he them his blessing
and vanished away.
And Galahad went anon to the spear which lay upo'n the
table, and touched the blood with his fingers, and came
after to the Maimed King and anointed his legs. And there-
with he clothed him anon, and started upon his feet out
of his bed as an whole man, and thanked Our Lord that
He had healed him. And that was not to the worldward,
for anon he yielded him to a place of religion of white monks,
and was a full holy man. That same night about midnight
came a voice among them which said : My sons and not
my chief sons, my friends and not my warriors, go ye hence
376 OF SIR GALAHAD
where ye hope best to do and as I bade you. And anon in
all haste they took their harness and departed. But the
three knights of Gaul, one of them hight Claudine, King
Claudas' son, and the other two were great gentlemen.
Then prayed Galahad to everych of them, that if they come
to King Arthur's court that they should salute my lord,
Sir Launcelot, my father, and all the fellowship of the Round
Table ; and prayed them if that they came on that part that
they should not forget it.
Right so departed Galahad, Percivale and Bors with
him ; and so they rode three days, and then they came to
a rivage, and found the ship whereof the tale speaketh of
to-fore. And when they came to the board they found in
the midst the table of silver which they had left with the
Maimed King, and the Sangreal which was covered with
red samite. Then were they glad to have such things in
their fellowship ; and so they entered and made great rev-
erence thereto ; and Galahad fell in his prayer long time
to Our Lord, that at what time he asked, that he should
pass out of this world. So much he prayed till a voice said
to him : Galahad, thou shalt have thy request ; and when
thou askest the death of thy body thou shalt have it, and then
shalt thou find the life of the soul. Percivale heard this,
and prayed him, of fellowship that was between them, to
tell him wherefore he asked such things. That shall I tell
you, said Galahad ; the other day when we saw a part of
the adventures of the Sangreal I was in such a joy of heart,
that I trow never man was that was earthly. And therefore
I wot well, when my body is dead my soul shall be in great
joy to see the blessed Trinity every day, and the majesty
of Our Lord, Jesu Christ.
HOW SIR GALAHAD WAS MADE KING 377
So long were they in the ship that they said to Galahad :
Sir, in this bed ought ye to lie, for so saith the scripture. And
so he laid him down and slept a great while ; and when he
awaked he looked afore him and saw the city of Sarras.
And as they would have landed they saw the ship wherein
Percivale had put his sister in. Truly, said Percivale, in
the name of God, well hath my sister holden us covenant.
Then took they out of the ship the table of silver, and he
took it to Percivale and to Bors, to go to-fore, and Galahad
came behind. And right so they went to the city, and at
the gate of the city they saw an old man crooked. Then
Galahad called him and bade him help to bear this heavy
thing. Truly, said the old man, it is ten year ago that I
might not go but with crutches. Care thou not, said Gala-
had, and arise up and shew thy good will. And so he as-
sayed, and found himself as whole as ever he was. Then
ran he to the table, and took one part against Galahad.
And anon arose there great noise in the city, that a cripple was
made whole by knights marvellous that entered into the city.
HOW THEY BURIED PERCIVALE'S SISTER
AND WERE PUT IN PRISON BY THE KING
OF THE CITY, AND HOW THEY WERE FED
WITH THE SANGREAL AND HOW GALAHAD WAS
MADE KING, AND HOW GALAHAD AND PERCI-
VALE DIED. Then anon after, the three knights went
to the water, and brought up into the palace Percivale's
sister, and buried her as richly as a king's daughter ought
to be. And when the king of the city, which was cleped
Estorause, saw the fellowship, he asked them of whence
they were, and what thing it was that they had brought
378 OF SIR GALAHAD
upon the table of silver. And they told him the truth of
the Sangreal, and the power which that God had sent there.
Then 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
Sangreal, through whose grace they were always fulfilled
while that they were in prison. So at the 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 as they
were in counsel there came a voice among them, and bade
them choose the youngest knight of them three to be their
king: For he shall well maintain you and all yours. So
they made Galahad king by all the assent of the holy city,
and else they would have slain him. And when he was
come to behold the land, he let make above the table of
silver a chest of gold and of precious stones, that covered the
Holy Vessel. And every day early the three fellows would
come afore it, and make their prayers.
Now at the year's end, and the self day after Galahad
had borne the crown of gold, he arose up early and his fel-
lows, and came to the palace, and saw to-fore them the
Holy Vessel, and a man kneeling on his knees in likeness
of a bishop, that had about him a great fellowship of angels,
as it had been Jesu Christ himself; and then he arose and
began a mass of Our Lady. And when he came to the sac-
rament of the mass, and had done, anon he called Galahad,
OF THE DEATH OF SIR GALAHAD 379
and said to him : Come forth the servant of Jesu Christ,
and thou shalt see that thou hast much desired to see. And
then he began to tremble right hard when the deadly flesh
began to behold the spiritual things. Then he held up his
hands toward heaven and said : Lord, I thank thee, for now
I see that that hath been my desire many a day. Now,
blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if it might please thee,
Lord. And therewith the good man took Our Lord's body
betwixt his hands, and proffered it to Galahad, and he re-
ceived it right gladly and meekly. Now wottest thou what
I am ? said the good man. Nay, said Galahad. I am
Joseph of Aramathie, the which Our Lord hath sent here to
thee to bear thee fellowship ; and wottest thou wherefore
that he hath sent me more than any other ? For thou hast
resembled me in two things ; in that thou hast seen the
marvels of the Sangreal, in that thou hast been a clean maiden,
as I have been and am.
And when he had said these words Galahad went to
Percivale and kissed him, and commended him to God ; and
so he went to Sir Bors and kissed him, and commended him to
God, and said : Fair lord, salute me to my lord, Sir Launce-
lot, my father, and as soon as ye see him, bid him remem-
ber of this unstable world. And therewith he kneeled down
to-fore the table and made his prayers, and then suddenly
his soul departed to Jesu Christ, and a great multitude of
angels bare his soul up to heaven, that the two fellows might
well behold it. Also the two fellows saw come from heaven
an hand, but they saw not the body. And then it came
right to the vessel, and took it and the spear, and so bare
it up to heaven. Sithen was there never man so hardy
to say that he had seen the Sangreal.
380 OF SIR GALAHAD
When Percivale and Bors saw Galahad dead they made
as much sorrow as ever did two men. And if they had
not been good men they might lightly have fallen in despair.
And the people of the country and of the city were right
heavy. And then he was buried ; and as soon as he was
buried Sir Percivale yielded him to an hermitage out of the
city, and took a religious clothing. And Bors was alway
with him, but never changed he his secular clothing, for
that he purposed him to go again into the realm of Logris.
Thus a year and two months lived Sir Percivale in the her-
mitage a full holy life, and then passed out of this world ;
and Bors let bury him by his sister and by Galahad in the
spiritualities.
When Bors saw that he was in so'far countries as in the
parts of Babylon he departed from Sarras, and armed him
and came to the sea, and entered into a ship ; and so it be-
fell him in good adventure he came into the realm of Logris ;
and he rode so fast till he came to Camelot where the king
was. And then was there great joy made of him in the
court, for they weened all he had been dead, forasmuch as
he had been so long out of the country. And when they
had eaten, the king made great clerks to come afore him,
that they should chronicle of the high adventures of the
good knights. When Bors had told him of the adventures
of the Sangreal, such as had befallen him and his three fel-
lows, that was Launcelot, Percivale, Galahad, and himself,
there Launcelot told the adventures of the Sangreal that he
had seen. All this was made in great books, and put up in
almeries at Salisbury. And anon Sir Bors said to Sir Laun-
celot : Galahad, your own son, saluted you by me, and
after you King Arthur and all the court, and so did Sir Per-
OF THE DEATH OF SIR GALAHAD
civale, for I buried them with mine own hands in the city
of Sarras. Also, Sir Launcelot, Galahad prayed you to
remember of this unsiker world. Now I trust to God, said
Launcelot, his prayer shall avail me.
OF LAUNCELOT, GUENEVER, AND
KING ARTHUR
HOW LAUNCELOT FELL TO HIS
OLD LOVE AGAIN, BUT WITHDREW
HIM FROM GUENEVER TO ESCHEW
SLANDER, AND HOW THE QUEEN
COMMANDED HIM TO AVOID THE
COURT. So after the quest of the Sangreal
was fulfilled, and all knights that were left alive
were come again unto the Table Round, as the
book of the Sangreal maketh mention, then was
there great joy in the court ; and in especial King Arthur and
Queen Guenever made great joy of the remnant that were
come home, and passing glad was the king and the queen
of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Bors, for they had been passing
long away in the quest of the Sangreal.
Then, as the book saith, Sir Launcelot began to resort
unto Queen Guenever again, and forgat the promise and
the perfection that he made in the quest, and so they loved
together more hotter than they did to-forehand, that many
in the court spake of it, and in especial Sir Agravaine, Sir
Gawaine's brother, for he was ever open-mouthed.
So befell that Sir Launcelot had many resorts of ladies
and damosels that daily resorted unto him, that besought
382
OF THE QUEEN AND SIR LAUNCELOT 383
him to be their champion, and in all such matters of right
Sir Launcelot applied him daily to do for the pleasure of
Our Lord, Jesu Christ. And ever as much as he might
he withdrew him from the company and fellowship of Queen
Guenever, for to eschew the slander and noise ; wherefore
the queen waxed wroth with Sir Launcelot. And upon a
day she called Sir Launcelot unto her chamber, and said
thus : Sir Launcelot, I see and feel daily that thy love be-
ginneth to slake, for thou hast no joy to be in my presence,
but ever thou art of this court, and quarrels and matters
thou hast nowadays for ladies and gentlewomen more than
ever thou wert wont to have aforehand.
Ah madam, said Launcelot, in this ye must hold me
excused for divers causes ; one is, I was but late in the quest
of the Sangreal ; and I thank God of his great mercy, and
never of my desert, that I saw in that my quest as much
as ever saw any sinful man, and so was it told me. And if
I had not had my privy thoughts to return to your love
again as I do, I had seen as great mysteries as ever saw my
son Galahad, outher Percivale, or Sir Bors ; and therefore,
madam, I was but late in that quest. Wit ye well, madam,
it may not be yet lightly forgotten the high service in whom
I did my diligent labour. Also, madam, wit ye well that
there be many men speak of our love in this court, and have
you and me greatly in await, as Sir Agravaine and Sir Mor-
dred ; and madam, wit ye well I dread them more for your
sake than for any fear I have of them myself, for I may happen
to escape and rid myself in a great need, where ye must
abide all that will be said unto you. And then if that ye
fall in any distress through wilful folly, then is there none
other remedy or help but by me and my blood. And wit
384 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
ye well, madam, the boldness of you and me will bring us
to great shame and slander ; and that were me loath, to see
you dishonoured. And that is the cause I take upon me
more for to do for damosels and maidens than ever I did
to-fore, that men should understand my joy and my delight
is my pleasure to have ado for damosels and maidens.
All this while the queen stood still and let Sir Launcelot
say what he would. And when he had all said she brast
out a-weeping, and so she sobbed and wept a great while.
And when she might speak she said : Launcelot, now I well
understand that thou art a false recreant knight and lovest
and holdest other ladies, and by me thou hast disdain and
scorn. For wit thou well, she said, now I understand thy
falsehood, and therefore shall I never love thee no more.
And never be thou so hardy to come in my sight ; and right
here I discharge thee this court, that thou never come within
it ; and I forfend thee my fellowship, and upon pain of thy
head that thou see me no more. Right so Sir Launcelot
departed with great heaviness, that unnethe he might sustain
himself for great dole-making.
Then he called Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir
Lionel, and told them how the queen had forfended him
the court, and so he was in will to depart into his own country.
Fair sir, said Sir Bors de Ganis, ye shall not depart out of
this land by mine advice. Ye must remember in what
honour ye are renowned, and called the noblest knight of
the world ; and many great matters ye have in hand. And
women in their hastiness will do ofttimes that sore repenteth
them; and therefore by mine advice ye shall take your
horse, and ride to the good hermit here beside Windsor,
that sometime was a good knight, his name is Sir Brasias,
HOW THE QUEEN MADE A DINNER 385
and there shall ye .abide till I send you word of better tidings.
And then the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, departed
with right heavy cheer suddenly, that none earthly creature
wist of him, nor where he was become, but Sir Bors. So
when Sir Launcelot was departed, the queen outward made
no manner of sorrow in showing, to none of his blood, nor
to none other. But wit ye well, inwardly, as the book saith,
she took great thought, but she bare it out with a proud
countenance as though she felt nothing nor danger.
HOW AT A DINNER THAT THE QUEEN
MADE THERE WAS A KNIGHT EN-
POISONED, WHICH SIR MADOR LAID ON
THE QUEEN, AND APPEACHED HER FOR IT AND
HOW SIR BORS TOOK ON HIM TO FIGHT FOR
THE QUEEN UPON CONDITION. And then the queen
let make a privy dinner in London unto the knights of the
Round Table. And all was for to show outward that she
had as great joy in all other knights of the Table Round as
she had in Sir Launcelot. All only at that dinner she had
Sir Gawaine and his brethren, that is for to say Sir Agravaine,
Sir Gaheris, Sir Gareth, and Sir Mordred. Also there was
Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de
Ganis, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir
Lionel, Sir Palomides, Sir Safere his brother, Sir La Cote Male
Taile, Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Brandiles, Sir Kay le
Seneschal, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Patrise, a knight of
Ireland, Aliduk, Sir Astamore, and Sir Pinel le Savage, the
which was cousin to Sir Lamorak de Galis, the good knight
that Sir Gawaine and his brethren slew by treason. And so
these four-and-twenty knights should dine with the queen
2C
386 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
in a privy place by themself, and there was made a great
feast of all manner of dainties.
But Sir Gawaine had a custom that he used daily at
dinner and at supper, that he loved well all manner of fruit,
and in especial apples and pears. And therefore whosomever
dined or feasted Sir Gawaine would commonly purvey for
good fruit for him, and so did the queen for to please Sir
Gawaine ; she let purvey for him all manner of fruit, for
Sir Gawaine was a passing hot knight of nature. And this
Pinel hated Sir Gawaine because of his kinsman Sir Lamorak
de Galis ; and therefore for pure envy and hate Sir Pinel
enpoisoned certain apples for to enpoison Sir Gawaine.
And so this was well unto the end of the meat ; and so it
befell by misfortune a good knight named Patrise, cousin
unto Sir Mador de la Porte, to take a poisoned apple. And
when he had eaten it he swelled so till he brast, and there
Sir Patrise fell down suddenly dead among them.
Then every knight leapt from the board ashamed, and
araged for wrath, nigh out of their wits. For they wist
not what to say; considering Queen Guenever made the
feast and dinner, they all had suspicion unto her. My
lady, the queen, said Gawaine, wit ye well, madam, that
this dinner was made for me, for all folks that know my
condition understand that I love well fruit, and now I see
well I had near been slain ; therefore, madam, I dread me
lest ye will be shamed. Then the queen stood still and was
sore abashed, that she nist not what to say. This shall
not so be ended, said Sir Mador de la Porte, for here have
I lost a full noble knight of my blood ; and therefore upon
this shame and despite I will be revenged to the utterance.
And there openly Sir Mador appealed the queen of the death
THE QUEEN APPEACHED OF TREASON 387
of his cousin, Sir Patrise. Then stood they all still, that
none would speak a word against him, for they all had great
suspicion unto the queen because she let make that dinner.
And the queen was so abashed that she could none other
ways do, but wept so heartily that she fell in a swoon. With
this noise and cry came to them King Arthur, and when
he wist of that trouble he was a passing heavy man.
And ever Sir Mador stood still afore the king, and ever
he appealed the queen of treason ; for the custom was such
that time that all manner of shameful death was called
treason. Fair lords, said King Arthur, me repenteth of this
trouble, but the case is so I may not have ado in this matter,
for I must be a rightful judge ; and that repenteth me that
I may not do battle for my wife, for as I deem this deed
came never by her. And therefore I suppose she shall not
be all distained, but that some good knight shall put his
body in jeopardy for my queen rather than she shall be
brent in a wrong quarrel. And therefore, Sir Mador, be
not so hasty, for it may happen she shall not be all friendless ;
and therefore desire thou thy day of battle, and she shall
purvey her of some good knight that shall answer you, or
else it were to me great shame, and to all my court.
My gracious lord, said Sir Mador, ye must hold me ex-
cused, for though ye be our king in that degree, ye are but
a knight as we are, and ye are sworn unto knighthood as
well as we ; and therefore I beseech you that ye be not dis-
pleased, for there is none of the four-and-twenty knights
that were bidden to this dinner but all they have great sus-
picion unto the queen. What say ye all, my lords ? said
Sir Mador. Then they answered by and by that they could
not excuse the queen, forwhy she made the dinner, and
3 88 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
either it must come by her or by her servants. Alas, said
the queen, I made this dinner for a good intent, and never
for none evil, so Almighty God help me in my right, as I
was never purposed to do such evil deeds, and that I report
me unto God.
My lord, the king, said Sir Mador, I require you as ye
be a righteous king give me a day that I may have justice.
Well, said the king, I give the day this day fifteen days that
thou be ready armed on horseback in the meadow beside
Westminster. And if it so fall that there be any knight
to encounter with you, there mayst thou do the best, and
God speed the right. And if it so fall that there be no knight
at that day, then must my queen be burnt, and there she
shall be ready to have her judgment. I am answered, said
Sir Mador. And every knight went where it liked them.
So when the king and the queen were together the king
asked the queen how this case befell. The queen answered :
So God me help, I wot not how or in what manner. Where
is Sir Launcelot ? said King Arthur ; an he were here he
would not grudge to do battle for you. Sir, said the queen,
I wot not where he is, but his brother and his kinsmen deem
that he be not within this realm. That me repenteth, said
King Arthur, for an he were here he would soon stint this
strife. Then I will counsel you, said the king, send unto
Sir Bors, that he will do battle for you for Sir Launcelot's
sake, and upon my life he will not refuse you. For well
I see, said the king, that none of these four-and-twenty
knights that were with you at your dinner where Sir Patrise
was slain, will do battle for you, nor none of them will say
well of you, and that shall be a great slander for you in this
court. Alas, said the queen, and I may not do withal ; but
THE QUEEN APPEACHED OF TREASON 389
now I miss Sir Launcelot, for an he were here he would put
me soon to my heart's ease. What aileth you, said the
king, ye cannot keep Sir Launcelot upon your side ? For
wit ye well, said the king, who that hath Sir Launcelot upon his
party hath the most man of worship in the world upon his
side. Now go your way, said the king unto the queen, and
require Sir Bors to do battle for you for Sir Launcelot's sake.
So the queen departed from the king, and sent for Sir
Bors into her chamber. And when he was come she be-
sought him of succour. Madam, said he, what would ye
that I did ? for I may not with my worship have ado in this
matter, because I was at the same dinner, for dread that
any of those knights would have me in suspicion. Also,
madam, said Sir Bors, now miss ye Sir Launcelot, for he
would not have failed you, neither in right nor in wrong,
as ye have well proved when ye have been in danger; and
now ye have driven him out of this country, by whom ye
and all we were daily worshipped ; therefore, madam, I
marvel how ye dare for shame require me to do any thing
for you, in so much ye have chased him out of your country
by whom we were borne up and honoured. Alas, fair knight,
said the queen, I put me wholly in your grace, and all that
is done amiss I will amend as ye will counsel me. And
therewith she kneeled down upon both her knees, and be-
sought Sir Bors to have mercy upon her: Outher I shall
have a shameful death, and thereto I never offended.
Right so came King Arthur, and found the queen kneel-
ing afore Sir Bors ; then Sir Bors pulled her up, and said :
Madam, ye do me great dishonour. Ah, gentle knight, said
the king, have mercy upon my queen, courteous knight,
for I am now in certain she is untruly defamed. And there-
j 9 o OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
fore, courteous knight, said the king, promise her to do
battle for her : I require you for the love of Sir Launcelot.
My lord, said Sir Bors, ye require me the greatest thing
that any man may require me; and wit ye well if I grant
to do battle for the queen I shall wrath many of my fellowship
of the Table Round. But as for that, said Bors, I will grant
my lord that for my lord Sir Launcelot's sake, and for your
sake I will at that day be the queen's champion, unless that
there come by adventure a better knight than I am to do
battle for her. Will ye promise me this, said the king, by
your faith ? Yea sir, said Sir Bors, of that I will not fail
you, nor her both, but if there come a better knight than I
am, and then shall he have the battle. Then was the king
and the queen passing glad, and so departed, and thanked
him heartily.
So then Sir Bors departed secretly upon a day, and rode
unto Sir Launcelot, there as he was with the hermit, Sir
Brasias, and told him of all their adventure. Ah Jesu,
said Sir Launcelot, this is come happily as I would have
it, and therefore I pray you make you ready to do battle,
but look that ye tarry till ye see me come, as long as ye may.
For I am sure Mador is an hot knight when he is enchafed,
for the more ye suffer him the hastier will he be to battle.
Sir, said Bors, let me deal with him ; doubt ye not ye shall
have all your will. Then departed Sir Bors from him and
came to the court again. Then was it noised in all the court
that Sir Bors should do battle for the queen ; wherefore many
knights were displeased with him, that he would take upon
him to do battle in the queen's quarrel ; for there were but
few knights in all the court but they deemed the queen was
in the wrong, and that she had done that treason.
THE QUEEN AND SIR BORS 391
HOW AT THE DAY SIR BORS MADE HIM
READY FOR TO FIGHT FOR THE QUEEN,
BUT SIR LAUNCELOT DISCHARGED HIM,
AND OVERCAME SIR MADOR, AND HOW
THE TRUTH WAS KNOWN BY THE DAMOSEL OF
THE LAKE. The day came on fast that the battle should
be, and the king and the queen and all manner of knights
that were there at that time drew them unto the meadow
beside Westminster. And so when the king was come with
the queen and many knights of the Round Table, then the
queen was put there in the Constable's ward, and a great fire
made about an iron stake, that an Sir Mador de la Porte
had the better, she should be burnt : such custom was used
in those days, that neither for favour, neither for love nor
affinity, there should be none other but righteous judgment,
as well upon a king as upon a knight, and as well upon a
queen as upon another poor lady.
So in this meanwhile came in Sir Mador de la Porte,
and took his oath afore the king, that the queen did this
treason until his cousin Sir Patrise, and unto his oath he
would prove it with his body, hand for hand, who that would
say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors de Ganis,
and said : That as for Queen Guenever she is in the right,
and that will I make good with my hands that she is not
culpable of this treason that is put upon her. Then make
thee ready, said Sir Mador, and we shall prove whether
thou be in the right or I. Sir Mador, said Sir Bors, wit
thou well I know you for a good knight. Not for then I
shall not fear you so greatly, but I trust to God I shall be
able to withstand your malice. But thus much have I
promised my lord Arthur and my lady the queen, that I
392 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, unless
that there come a better knight than I am and discharge
me. Is that all ? said Sir Mador, either come thou off and
do battle with me, or else say nay. Take your horse, said
Sir Bors, and as I suppose, ye shall not tarry long but ye
shall be answered.
Then either departed to their tents and made them
ready to horseback as they thought best. And anon Sir
Mador came into the field with his shield on his shoulder
and his spear in his hand ; and so rode about the place cry-
ing unto Arthur : Bid your champion come forth an he
dare. Then was Sir Bors ashamed and took his horse and
came to the lists' end. And then was he ware where came
from a wood there fast by a knight all armed, upon a white
horse, with a strange shield of strange arms ; and he came
riding all that he might run, and so he came to Sir Bors,
and said thus : Fair knight, I pray you be not displeased,
for here must a better knight than ye are have this battle :
therefore I pray you withdraw you. For wit ye well I have
had this day a right great journey, and this battle ought
to be mine, and so I promised you when I spake with you
last, and with all my heart I thank you of your good will.
Then Sir Bors rode unto King Arthur and told him how
there was a knight come that would have the battle for to
fight for the queen. What knight is he ? said the king. I
wot not, said Sir Bors, but such covenant he made with me
to be here this day. Now my lord, said Sir Bors, here am I
discharged.
Then the king called to that knight, and asked him if
he would fight for the queen. Then he answered to the
king : Therefore came I hither, and therefore, sir king, he
HOW LAUNCELOT DISCHARGED BORS 393
said, tarry me no longer, for I may not tarry. For anon
as I have finished this battle I must depart hence, for I have
ado many matters elsewhere. For wit you well, said that
knight, this is dishonour to you all knights of the Round
Table, to see and know so noble a lady and so courteous
a queen as Queen Guenever is, thus to be rebuked and Ashamed
amongst you. Then they all marvelled what knight that
might be that so took the battle upon him. For there was
not one that knew him, but if it were Sir Bors.
Then said Sir Mador de la Porte unto the king: Now
let me wit with whom I shall have ado withal. And then
they rode to the lists' end, and there they couched their
spears, and ran together with all their might, and Sir Mador's
spear brake all to pieces, but the other's spear held, and
bare Sir Mador's horse and all backward to the earth a great
fall. But mightily and suddenly he avoided his horse and
put his shield afore him, and then drew his sword, and bade
the other knight alight and do battle with him on foot. Then
that knight descended from his horse lightly like a valiant
man, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword ; and
so they came eagerly unto battle, and either gave other
many great strokes. But at the last this knight smote Sir
Mador grovelling upon the earth, and the knight stepped
near him to have pulled Sir Mador flatling upon the ground ;
and therewith suddenly Sir Mador arose, and in his rising
he smote that knight through the thick of the thighs that
the blood ran out fiercely. And when he felt himself so
wounded, and saw his blood, he let him arise upon his feet.
And then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he
fell to the earth flatling, and therewith he strode to him to
have pulled off his helm off his head. And then Sir Mador
394 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
prayed that knight to save his life, and so he yielded him
as overcome, and released the queen of his quarrel. I will
not grant thee thy life, said that knight, only that thou
freely release the queen for ever, and that no mention be
made upon Sir Patrise's tomb that ever Queen Guenever
consented to that treason. All this shall be done, said Sir
Mador, I clearly discharge my quarrel for ever.
Then the knights parters of the lists took up Sir Mador,
and led him to his tent, and the other knight went straight
to the stair-foot where sat King Arthur; and by that time
was the queen come to the king, and either kissed other
heartily. And when the king saw that knight, he stooped
down to him, and thanked him, and in likewise did the
queen ; and the king prayed him to put off his helmet, and
to repose him, and to take a sop of wine. And then he put
off his helm to drink, and then every knight knew him that
it was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Anon as the king wist that,
he took the queen in his hand, and yode unto Sir Launcelot,
and said : Sir, grand merci of your great travail that ye
have had this day for me and for my queen. My lord, said
Sir Launcelot, wit ye well I ought of right ever to be in your
quarrel, and in my lady the queen's quarrel, to do battle ;
for ye are the man that gave me the high order of knight-
hood, and that day my lady, your queen, did me great wor-
ship, and else I had been shamed ; for that same day ye
made me knight, through my hastiness I lost my sword, and
my lady, your queen, found it, and lapped it in her train,
and gave me my sword when I had need thereto, and else
had I been shamed among all knights ; and therefore, my
lord Arthur, I promised her at that day ever to be her knight
in right or in wrong. Grand merci, said the king, for this
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE QUEEN 395
journey ; and wit ye well, said the king, I shall acquit your
goodness.
And ever the queen beheld Sir Launcelot, and wept so
tenderly that she sank almost to the ground for sorrow
that he had done to her so great goodness, where she shewed
him great unkindness. Then the knights of his blood drew
unto him, and there either of them made great joy of other.
And so came all the knights of the Table Round that were
there at that time, and welcomed him. And then Sir Mador
was had to leech-craft, and Sir Launcelot was healed of his
wound. And then there was made great joy and mirths
in that court.
And so it befell that the damosel of the lake, her name
was Nimue, the which wedded the good knight Sir Pelleas,
when she heard how the queen was an-angered for the death
of Sir Patrise, then she told it openly that she was never
guilty ; and there she disclosed by whom it was done, and
named him, Sir Pinel ; and for what cause he did it ; and
so the queen was excused, and the knight Pinel fled into
his country. And then Sir Mador sued daily and long, to
have the queen's good grace ; and so by the means of Sir
Launcelot he caused him to stand in the queen's good grace,
and all was forgiven.
HOW KING ARTHUR LET CRY A TOURNA-
MENT AT CAMELOT OR WINCHESTER,
AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT, RIDING
THITHER, LODGED AT ASTOLAT, AND RE-
CEIVED A SLEEVE TO WEAR ON HIS HELM
AT REQUEST OF A MAID. Thus it passed on till our
Lady Day, Assumption. Within a fifteen days of that
396 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
feast the king let cry a great jousts and a tournament that
should be at that day at Camelot, that is Winchester ; and
the king let cry that he and the King of Scots would joust
against all that would come against them. And when this
cry was made, thither came many knights. So there came
thither the King of Northgalis, and King Anguish of Ire-
land, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and Galahad,
the haut prince, and the King of Northumberland, and many
other noble dukes and earls of divers countries. So King
Arthur made him ready to depart to these jousts, and would
have had the queen with him ; but at that time she would
not, she said, for she was sick and might not ride at that time.
And many deemed the queen would not be there because of
Sir Launcelot du Lake ; for Sir Launcelot would not ride
with the king, for he said that he was not whole of the wound
the which Sir Mador had given him. Wherefore the king
was heavy and passing wroth. And so he departed toward
Winchester with his fellowship ; and so by the way the king
lodged in a town called Astolat, that is now in English called
Guildford, and there the king lay in the castle.
So when the king was departed the queen called Sir
Launcelot to her, and said thus : Sir Launcelot, ye are greatly
to blame thus to hold you behind my lord ; what, trow ye,
what will your enemies and mine say and deem ? nought
else but, See how Sir Launcelot holdeth him ever behind
the king, and so doth the queen, for that they would be
together. And thus will they say, said the queen to Sir
Launcelot, have ye no doubt thereof.
Madam, said Sir Launcelot, I allow your wit ; it is of late
come since ye were wise. And therefore, madam, at this
time I will be ruled by your counsel, and this night I will
OF THE MAID OF ASTOLAT 397
take my rest, and to-morrow by time I will take my way
toward Winchester. But wit you well, said Sir Launcelot
to the queen, that at that jousts I will be against the king,
and against all his fellowship. Ye may there do as ye list,
said the queen, but by my counsel ye shall not be against
your king and your fellowship. For therein be full many
hard knights of your blood, as ye wot well enough, it needeth
not to rehearse them. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, I pray
you that ye be not displeased with me, for I will take the
adventure that God will send me.
And so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard mass
and brake his fast, and so took his leave of the queen and
departed. And then he rode so much until he came to
Astolat, that is Guildford ; and there it happed him in the
eventide he came to an old baron's place that hight Sir Ber-
nard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered into his
lodging, King Arthur espied him as he did walk in a garden
beside the castle, how he took his lodging, and knew him
full well. It is well, said King Arthur unto the knights that
were with him in that garden beside the castle, I have now
espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts to the
which we be gone toward ; I undertake he will do marvels.
Who is that, we pray you tell us ? said many knights that
were there at that time. Ye shall not wit for me, said the
king, as at this time. And so the king smiled, and went to
his lodging.
So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed
him in his chamber, the old baron came to him making his
reverence, and welcomed him in the best manner; but the
old knight knew not Sir Launcelot. Fair sir, said Sir Laun-
celot to his host, I would pray you to lend me a shield that
398 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
were not openly known, for mine is well known. Sir, said
his host, ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be one
of the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall
shew you friendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons that
were but late made knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre,
and he was hurt that same day he was made knight, that he
may not ride, and his shield ye shall have ; for that is not
known I dare say but here, and in no place else. And my
youngest son hight Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall
ride with you unto that jousts, and he is of his age strong
and wight ; for much my heart giveth unto you that ye should
be a noble knight, therefore I pray you, tell me your name,
said Sir Bernard. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, ye must
hold me excused as at this time, and if God give me grace
to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you.
But I pray you, said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have
your son, Sir Lavaine, with me, and that I may have his
brother's shield. All this shall be done, said Sir Bernard.
This old baron had a daughter that was called that time
the Fair Maiden of Astolat. And ever she beheld Sir Launce-
lot wonderfully, and her name was Elaine le Blank. So
thus as she came to and fro she was so hot in her love that
she besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon him at the jousts
a token of hers. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, an if
I grant you that, ye may say I do more for your love than
ever I did for lady or damosel. Then he remembered him
he would go to the jousts disguised. And because he had
never before that time borne no manner of token of no dam-
osel, then he bethought him that he would bare one of her,
that none of his blood thereby might know him, and then
he said : Fair maiden, I will grant you to wear a token of
OF THE TOURNEY AT WINCHESTER 399
yours upon mine helmet, and therefore what it is, shew it
me. Sir, she said, it is a red sleeve of mine, of scarlet, well
embroidered with great pearls : and so she brought it him.
So Sir Launcelot received it, and said : Never did I erst so
much for no damosel. And then Sir Launcelot betook
the fair maiden his shield in keeping, and prayed her to
keep that until that he came again ; and so that night he had
merry rest and great cheer, for ever the damosel Elaine was
about Sir Launcelot all the while she might be suffered.
OF THE TOURNEY AT WINCHESTER,
AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS SORE
WOUNDED. So upon a day, on the morn,
King Arthur and all his knights departed, for the
king had tarried there three days to abide his
noble knights. And so when the king was
ridden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them ready to
ride, and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeve
Sir Launcelot let carry with him. And so they took their
leave at Sir Bernard, the old baron, and at his daughter,
the Fair Maiden of Astolat. And then they rode so long
till that they came to Camelot, that time called Winchester ;
and there was great press of kings, dukes, earls, and barons,
and many noble knights. But there Sir Launcelot was
lodged privily by the means of Sir Lavaine with a rich bur-
gess, that no man in that town was ware what they were.
And so they reposed them there till our Lady Day, Assump-
tion, as the great feast should be. So then trumpets blew
unto the field, and King Arthur was set on high upon a
scaffold to behold who did best. But, as the French book
saith, King Arthur would not suffer Sir Gawaine to go from
400 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
him ; for never had Sir Gawaine the better, an Sir Launcelot
were in the field ; and many times was Sir Gawaine rebuked
when Launcelot came into any jousts disguised.
Then Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine came in at the thick-
est of the press, and there Sir Launcelot smote down Sir
Brandiles, Sir Sagramore, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet,
and all this he did with one spear ; and Sir Lavaine smote
down Sir Lucan de Butler and Sir Bedevere. And then
Sir Launcelot gat another spear, and there he smote down
Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, and Sir Meliot
de Logris ; and Sir Lavaine smote Ozanna le Cure Hardy.
And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and there he smote
on the right hand and on the left hand, and by great force
he unhorsed Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron;
and then the knights of the Table Round withdrew them
aback, after they had gotten their horses as well as they
might. What knight is yonder, said Sir Gawaine, that doth
so marvellous deeds of arms in that field ? I wot well what
he is, said King Arthur, but as at this time I will not name
him. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I would say it were Sir Launce-
lot by his riding and his buffets that I see him deal, but ever
meseemeth it should not be he, for that he beareth the red
sleeve upon his head ; for I wist him never bear token at
no jousts, of lady nor gentlewoman. Let him be, said King
Arthur, he will be better known, and do more, or ever he
depart.
Then the party that was against King Arthur were well
comforted, and then they held them together that before-
hand were sore rebuked. Then Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris,
and Sir Lionel called unto them the knights of their blood,
as Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Aliduke, Sir Gali-
OF SIR LAUNCELOT'S WOUND 401
hud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere le Beuse. So these nine
knights of Sir Launcelot's kin thrust in mightily, for they
were all noble knights ; and they, of great hate and despite
that they had unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight
Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lavaine, for they knew them not ;
and so they came hurling together, and smote down many
knights of Northgalis and of Northumberland. And when
Sir Launcelot saw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand ;
and there encountered with him all at once Sir Bors, Sir
Ector, and Sir Lionel, and all they three smote him at once
with their spears. And with force of themselves they smote
Sir Launcelot's horse to the earth ; and by misfortune Sir
Bors smote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the side,
and the spear brake, and the head left still in his side.
When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie on the ground, he
ran to the King of Scots and smote him to the earth ; and by
great force he took his horse, and brought him to Sir Launce-
lot, and maugre of them all he made him to mount upon
that horse. And then Launcelot gat a spear in his hand,
and there he smote Sir Bors, horse and man, to the earth.
In the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel ; and
Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Blamore de Ganis. And there
Sir Launcelot with his sword smote down and pulled down,
as the French book maketh mention, mo than thirty knights,
and the most part were of the Table Round ; and Sir Lavaine
did full well that day, for he smote down ten knights of the
Table Round.
Mercy, said Sir Gawaine to Arthur, I marvel what knight
that he is with the red sleeve. Sir, said King Arthur, he
will be known or he depart. And then the king blew unto
lodging, and the prize was given by heralds unto the knight
2D
402 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
with the white shield that bare the red sleeve. Then came
the King with the Hundred Knights, the King of Northgalis,
and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the
haut prince, and said unto Sir Launcelot : Fair knight, God
bless thee, for much have ye done this day for us, therefore
we pray you that ye will come with us that ye may receive
the honour and the prize as ye have worshipfully deserved it.
My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well if I have de-
served thanks I have sore bought it, and that me repenteth,
for I am like never to escape with my life ; therefore, fair lords,
I pray you that ye will suffer me to depart where me liketh,
for I am sore hurt. I take none force of none honour, for I
had liefer to repose me than to be lord of all the world. And
therewithal he groaned piteously, and rode a great wallop
away-ward from them until he came under a wood's side.
And when he saw that he was from the field nigh a mile,
that he was sure he might not be seen, then he said with an
high voice : O gentle knight, Sir Lavaine, help me that
this truncheon were out of my side, for it sticketh so sore
that it nigh slayeth me. O mine own lord, said Sir Lavaine,
I would fain do that might please you, but I dread me sore
an I pull out the truncheon that ye shall be in peril of death.
I charge you, said Sir Launcelot, as ye love me, draw it out.
And therewithal he descended from his horse, and right so did
Sir Lavaine ; and forthwithal Sir Lavaine drew the trun-
cheon out of his side, and he gave a great shriek and a mar-
vellous grisly groan, and the blood brast out nigh a pint at
once, that at the last he sank down, and so swooned pale and
deadly. Alas, said Sir Lavaine, what shall I do ? And then
he turned Sir Launcelot into the wind, but so he lay there
nigh half an hour as he had been dead.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS HEALED 403
And so at the last Sir Launcelot cast up his eyes, and
said : O Lavaine, help me that I were on my horse, for here
is fast by within this two mile a gentle hermit that some-
time was a full noble knight and a great lord of possessions.
And for great goodness he hath taken him to wilful poverty,
and forsaken many lands, and his name is Sir Baudwin of
Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon and a good leech.
Now let see, help me up that I were there ; for ever my heart
giveth me that I shall never die of my cousin-germain's hands.
And then with great pain Sir Lavaine halp him upon his horse.
And then they rode a great wallop together, and ever Sir
Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth ; and so by
fortune they came to that hermitage, the which was under a
wood, and a great cliff on the other side, and a fair water
running under it. And then Sir Lavaine beat on the gate
with the butt of his spear, and cried fast : Let in for Jesu's
sake.
And there came a fair child to them, and asked them
what they would. Fair son, said Sir Lavaine, go and pray
thy lord, the hermit, for God's sake to let in here a knight
that is full sore wounded ; and this day, tell thy lord, I saw
him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any
man did. So the child went in lightly, and then he brought
the hermit, the which was a passing good man. When Sir
Lavaine saw him he prayed him for God's sake of succour.
What knight is he ? said the hermit. Is he of the house
of King Arthur, or not ? I wot not, said Sir Lavaine, what
is he, nor what is his name, but well I wot I saw him do mar-
vellously this day as of deeds of arms. On whose party
was he ? said the hermit. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, he was this
day against King Arthur, and there he won the prize of all
404 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
the knights of the Round Table. I have seen the day, said
the hermit, I would have loved him the worse because he
was against my lord, King Arthur, for sometime I was one
of the fellowship of the Round Table, but I thank God now
I am otherwise disposed. But where is he ? let me see
him. Then Sir Lavaine brought the hermit to him.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS BROUGHT TO
AN HERMIT FOR TO BE HEALED, AND
HOW IT BECAME KNOWN THAT IT WAS
HE THAT BARE THE RED SLEEVE, AND OF
THE ANGER OF THE QUEEN. And when the hermit
beheld him, as he sat leaning upon his saddle-bow ever bleed-
ing piteously, and ever the knight-hermit thought that he
should know him, but he could not bring him to knowledge
because he was so pale for bleeding. What knight are ye,
said the hermit, and where were ye born ? My fair lord,
said Sir Launcelot, I am a stranger and a knight adven-
turous, that laboureth throughout many realms for to
win worship. Then the hermit advised him better, and
saw by a wound on his cheek that he was Sir Launcelot.
Alas, said the hermit, mine own lord why hide you your
name from me ? Forsooth I ought to know you of right,
for ye are the most noblest knight of the world, for well I
know you for Sir Launcelot. Sir, said he, sith ye know me,
help me an ye may, for God's sake, for I would be out of
this pain at once, either to death or to life. Have ye no
doubt, said the hermit, ye shall live and fare right well. And
so the hermit called to him two of his servants, and so he
and his servants bare him into the hermitage, and lightly
unarmed him, and laid him in his bed. And then anon
OF SIR GAWAINE AT ASTOLAT 405
the hermit staunched his blood, and made him to drink
good wine, so that Sir Launcelot was well refreshed and knew
himself; for in those days it was not the guise of hermits
as is nowadays, for there were none hermits in those days
but that they had been men of worship and of prowess ; and
those hermits held great household, and refreshed people
that were in distress.
Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir Launce-
lot in the hermitage. So when the kings were come together
on both parties, and the great feast should be holden, King
Arthur asked the King of Northgalis and their fellowship,
where was that knight that bare the red sleeve : Bring him
afore me that he may have his laud, and honour, and the
prize, as it is right. Then spake Sir Galahad, the haut
prince, and the King with the Hundred Knights : We sup-
pose that knight is mischieved, and that he is never like
to see you nor none of us all, and that is the greatest pity
that ever we wist of any knight. Alas, said Arthur, how
may this be ? is he so hurt ? What is his name ? said King
Arthur. Truly, said they all, we know not his name, nor
from whence he came, nor whither he would. Alas, said
the king, these be to me the worst tidings that came to me
this seven year, for I would not for all the lands I wield to
know and wit it were so that that noble knight were slain.
Know ye him ? said they all. As for that, said Arthur,
whether I know him or know him not, ye shall not know
for me what man he is, but Almighty Jesu send me good
tidings of him. And so said they all. By my head, said
Sir Gawaine, if it so be that the good knight be so sore hurt,
it is great damage and pity to all this land, for he is one of
the noblest knights that ever I saw in a field handle a spear
406 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
or a sword ; and if he may be found I shall find him, for I
am sure he nis not far from this town.
Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him upon hack-
neys, and rode all about Camelot within six or seven mile,
but so he came again and could hear no word of him. Then
within two days King Arthur and all the fellowship returned
unto London again. And so as they rode by the way it
happed Sir Gawaine at Astolat to lodge with Sir Bernard
thereas was Sir Launcelot lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine
was in his chamber to repose him, Sir Bernard, the old baron,
came unto him, and his daughter Elaine, to cheer him and
to ask him what tidings, and who did best at that tournament
of Winchester. So God me help, said Sir Gawaine, there
were two knights that bare two white shields, but the one
of them bare a red sleeve upon his head, and certainly he was
one of the best knights that ever I saw joust in field. For
I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that one knight with the red
sleeve smote down forty knights of the Table Round, and
his fellow did right well and worshipfully. Now blessed
be God, said the Fair Maiden of Astolat, that that knight
sped so well, for he is the man in the world that I first loved,
and truly he shall be last that ever I shall love. Now, fair
maid, said Sir Gawaine, is that good knight your love ? Cer-
tainly sir, said she, wit ye well he is my love. Then know
ye his name ? said Sir Gawaine. Nay truly, said the damosel,
I know not his name nor from whence he cometh, but to
say that I love him, I promise you and God that I love him.
How had ye knowledge of him first ? said Sir Gawaine.
Then she told him as ye have heard to-fore, and how her
father betook him her brother to do him service, and how
her father lent him her brother's, Sir Tirre's, shield : And
OF SIR GAWAINE AT ASTOLAT 407
here with me he left his own shield. For what cause did
he so ? said Sir Gawaine. For this cause, said the damosel,
for his shield was too well known among many noble knights.
Ah, fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, please it you let me have
a sight of that shield. Sir, said she, it is in my chamber,
covered with a case, and if ye will come with me ye shall see
it. Not so, said Sir Bernard to his daughter, let send for it.
So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the
case, and when he beheld that shield he knew anon that it
was Sir Launcelot's shield, and his own arms. Ah Jesu
mercy, said Sir Gawaine, now is my heart more heavier
than ever it was to-fore. Why ? said Elaine. For I have
great cause, said Sir Gawaine. Is that knight that oweth
this shield your love ? Yea truly, said she, my love he is ;
God would I were his love. So God me speed, said Sir Ga-
waine, fair damosel ye have right, for an he be your love
ye love the most honourable knight of the world, and the
man of most worship. But I dread me, said Sir Gawaine,
that ye shall never see him in this world, and that is great
pity that ever was of earthly knight. Alas, said she, how
may this be, is he slain ? I say not so, said Sir Gawaine,
but wit ye well he is grievously wounded, by all manner
of signs, and by men's sight more likelier to be dead than
to be alive ; and wit ye well he is the noble knight, Sir Launce-
lot, for by this shield I know him. Alas, said the Fair Maiden
of Astolat, how may this be, and what was his hurt ? Truly,
said Sir Gawaine, the man in the world that loved him best
hurt him so ; and I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, an that knight
that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had hurt
Sir Launcelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever came
to his heart.
4 o8 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
Now fair father, said then Elaine, I require you give
me leave to ride and to seek him, or else I wot well I shall
go out of my mind, for I shall never stint till that I find him
and my brother, Sir Lavaine. Do as it liketh you, said her
father, for me sore repenteth of the hurt of that noble knight.
Right so the maid made her ready, and before Sir Gawaine,
making great dole.
Then on the morn Sir Gawaine came to King Arthur,
and told him how he had found Sir Launcelot's shield in
the keeping of the Fair Maiden of Astolat. So the king
and all came to London, and there Sir Gawaine openly dis-
closed to all the court that it was Sir Launcelot that jousted
best.
And when Sir Bors heard that, wit ye well he was an
heavy man, and so were all his kinsmen. But when Queen
Guenever wist that Sir Launcelot bare the red sleeve of the
Fair Maiden of Astolat she was nigh out of her mind for
wrath. And then she sent for Sir Bors de Ganis in all the
haste that might be. So when Sir Bors was come to-fore
the queen, then she said : Ah, Sir Bors, have ye heard say
how falsely Sir Launcelot hath betrayed me ? Alas madam,
said Sir Bors, I am afeard he hath betrayed himself and us
all. No force, said the queen, though he be destroyed, for he
is a false traitor-knight. Madam, said Sir Bors, I pray you
say ye not so, for wit you well I may not hear such language
of him. Why, Sir Bors, said she, should I not call him traitor
when he bare the red sleeve upon his head at Winchester,
at the great jousts ? Madam, said Sir Bors, that sleeve-
bearing repenteth me sore, but I dare say he did it to none
evil intent, but for this cause he bare the red sleeve that
none of his blood should know him. For ere then we, nor
LAUNCELOT AND THE MAID OF ASTOLAT 409
none of us all, never knew that ever he bare token or sign of
maid, lady, ne gentlewoman. Fie on him, said the queen,
for I heard Sir Gawaine say before my lord Arthur that it
were marvel to tell the great love that is between the Fair
Maiden of Astolat and him. Madam, said Sir Bors, I may
not warn Sir Gawaine to say what it pleased him; but I
dare say, as for my lord, Sir Launcelot, that he loveth no
lady, gentlewoman, nor maid, but all he loveth in like much.
And therefore madam, said Sir Bors, ye may say what ye
will, but wit ye well I will haste me to seek him, and find
him wheresomever he be, and God send me good tidings of
him. And so leave we them there, and speak we of Sir Launce-
lot that lay in great peril.
HOW THE MAIDEN ELAINE
DID ATTENDANCE UNTO SIR
LAUNCELOT, AND OF HER
LAMENTATION THAT HE
SHOULD DEPART, AND HOW
SHE DIED FOR HIS LOVE, AND HOW HER BODY
WAS BROUGHT TO THE COURT AND OF HER
BURYING. So as fair Elaine came to Winchester she
sought there all about, and by fortune Sir Lavaine was ridden
to play him, to enchafe his horse. And anon as Elaine
saw him she knew him, and then she cried aloud unto him.
And when he heard her anon he came to her, and then she
asked her brother how did my lord, Sir Launcelot. Who
told you, sister, that my lord's name was Sir Launcelot ?
Then she told him how Sir Gawaine by his shield knew him.
So they rode together till that they came to the hermitage,
and anon she alighted.
4 io OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
So Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Launcelot ; and
when she saw him lie so sick and pale in his bed she might
not speak, but suddenly she fell to the earth down suddenly
in a swoon, and there she lay a great while. And when
she was relieved, she shrieked and said : My lord, Sir Launce-
lot, alas why be ye in this plight ? and then she swooned
again. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to take
her up : And bring her to me. And when she came to her-
self Sir Launcelot kissed her, and said : Fair maiden, why
fare ye thus ? ye put me to pain ; wherefore make ye no
more such cheer, for an ye be come to comfort me ye be
right welcome ; and of this little hurt that I have I shall
be right hastily whole by the grace of God. But I marvel,
said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name ? Then the fair
maiden told him all how Sir Gawaine was lodged with her
father : And there by your shield he discovered your name.
Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that me repenteth that my name
is known, for I am sure it will turn unto anger. And then
Sir Launcelot compassed in his mind that Sir Gawaine would
tell Queen Guenever how he bare the red sleeve, and for
whom ; that he wist well would turn into great anger.
So this maiden Elaine never went from Sir Launcelot,
but watched him day and night, and did such attendance
to him, that the French book saith there was never woman
did more kindlier for man than she. And so Sir Launcelot
was big and strong again.
So then they made them ready to depart from the hermit.
And so upon a morn they took their horses and Elaine le
Blank with them; and when they came to Astolat there
were they well lodged, and had great cheer of Sir Bernard,
the old baron, and of Sir Tirre, his son. And so upon the
LAUNCELOT AND THE MAID OF ASTOLAT 411
morn when Sir Launcelot should depart, fair Elaine brought
her father with her, and Sir Lavaine, and Sir Tirre, and thus
she said :
My lord, Sir Launcelot, now I see ye will depart ; now
fair knight and courteous knight, have mercy upon me,
and suffer me not to die for thy love. What would ye that
I did ? said Sir Launcelot. I would have you to my husband,
said Elaine. Fair damosel, I thank you, said Sir Launcelot,
but truly, said he, I cast me never to be wedded man. Then,
fair knight, said she, will ye be my lover ? Jesu defend
me, said Sir Launcelot, for then I rewarded your father
and your brother full evil for their great goodness. Alas,
said she, then must I die for your love. Ye shall not so,
said Sir Launcelot, for wit ye well, fair maiden, I might
have been married an I had would, but I never applied me
to be married yet ; but because, fair damosel, that ye love
me as ye say ye do, I will for your good will and kindness
show you some goodness, and that is this, that wheresomever
ye will beset your heart upon some good knight that will
wed you, I shall give you together a thousand pound yearly
to you and to your heirs ; thus much will I give you, fair
madam, for your kindness, and always while I live to be
your own knight. Of all this, said the maiden, I will none,
for but if ye will wed me, or else be my lover at the least,
wit you well, Sir Launcelot, my good days are done. Fair
damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of these two things ye must
pardon me.
Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon ;
and then women bare her into her chamber, and there she
made overmuch sorrow; and then Sir Launcelot would
depart, and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he would do.
4 i2 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
What should I do, said Sir Lavaine, but follow you, but
if ye drive me from you, or command me to go from you.
Then came Sir Bernard to Sir Launcelot and said to him :
I cannot see but that my daughter Elaine will die for your
sake. Father, said Sir Lavaine, she doth as I do, for sithen
I first saw my lord Sir Launcelot, I could never depart from
him, nor nought I will an I may follow him.
Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they departed,
and came unto Winchester. And when Arthur wist that
Sir Launcelot was come whole and sound the king made
great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawaine and all the knights
of the Round Table except Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.
Also Queen Guenever was wood wroth with Sir Launcelot,
and would by no means speak with him, but estranged her-
self from him ; and Sir Launcelot made all the means that
he might for to speak with the queen, but it would not be.
Now speak we of the Fair Maiden of Astolat that made
such sorrow day and night that she never slept, ate, nor
drank, and ever she made her complaint unto Sir Launcelot.
So when she had thus endured a ten days, that she feebled
so that she must needs pass out of this world, then she shrived
her clean, and received her Creator. And ever she com-
plained still upon Sir Launcelot. Then her ghostly father
bade her leave such thoughts. Then she said, why should
I leave such thoughts ? An I not an earthly woman ? And
all the while the breath is in my body I may complain me,
for my belief is I do none offence though I love an earthly
man ; and I take God to my record I loved never none but
Sir Launcelot du Lake, nor never shall, and a clean maiden
I am for him and for all other ; and sithen it is the sufferance
of God that I shall die for the love of so noble a knight, I
HOW THE MAID OF ASTOLAT DIED 413
beseech the High Father of Heaven to have mercy upon
my soul, and that mine innumerable pains that I suffered
may be allegiance of part of my sins. For sweet Lord Jesu,
said the fair maiden, I take thee to record, on thee I was never
great offencer against thy laws ; but that I loved this noble
knight, Sir Launcelot, out of measure, and of myself, good
Lord, I might not withstand the fervent love wherefore I
have my death.
And then she called her father, Sir Bernard, and her
brother, Sir Tirre, and heartily she prayed her father that
her brother might write a letter like as she did indite it:
and so her father granted her. And when the letter was
written word by word like as she devised, then she prayed
her father that she might be watched until she were dead.
And while my body is hot let this letter be put in my right
hand, and my hand bound fast with the letter until that I
be cold ; and let me be put in a fair bed with all the richest
clothes that I have about me, and so let my bed and all my
richest clothes be laid with me in a chariot unto the next
place where Thames is ; and there let me be put within a
barget, and but one man with me, such as ye trust to steer
me thither, and that my barget be covered with black samite
over and over : thus father I beseech you let it be done.
So her father granted it her faithfully, all things should be
done like as she had devised. Then her father and her
brother made great dole, for when this was done anon she
died. And so the corpse and the bed were borne the next
way unto Thames, and there a man, and the corpse, and all,
were put into Thames ; and so the man steered the barget
unto Westminster, and there he rowed a great while to and
fro ere any espied it.
4 i4 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
So by fortune King Arthur and the Queen Guenever were
speaking together at a window, and so as they looked into
Thames they espied this black barget, and had marvel what
it meant. Then the king called Sir Kay, and showed it
him. Sir, said Sir Kay, wit you well there is some new
tidings. Go thither, said the king to Sir Kay, and take
with you Sir Brandiles and Agravaine, and bring me ready
word what is there. Then these knights departed and came
to the barget and went in ; and there they found the fairest
corpse lying in a rich bed, and a poor man sitting in the
barget's end, and no word would he speak. So these knights
returned unto the king again, and told him what they found.
That fair corpse will I see, said the king. And so then the
king took the queen by the hand, and went thither.
Then the king made the barget to be holden fast, and
then the king and the queen entered with certain knights
with them ; and there he saw the fairest woman lie in a rich
bed, covered unto her middle with many rich clothes, and
all was of cloth of gold, and she lay as though she had smiled.
Then the queen espied a letter in her right hand, and told
it to the king. Then the king took it and said : Now am
I sure this letter will tell what she was, and why she is come
hither. So then the king and the queen went out of the
barget, and so commanded a certain man to wait upon the
barget.
And so when the the king was come within his chamber, he
called many knights about him, and said that he would wit
openly what was written within that letter. Then the king
brake it, and made a clerk to read it, and this was the intent
of the letter. Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot, now hath
death made us two at debate for your love. I was your
OF ARTHUR AND THE DEAD MAID 415
lover, that men called the Fair Maiden of Astolat ; therefore
unto all ladies I make my moan ; yet pray for my soul and
bury me at least, and offer ye my mass-penny : this is my
last request. And a clean maiden I died, I take God to
witness : pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art peer-
less. This was all the substance in the letter. And when
it was read, the king, the queen, and all the knights wept
for pity of the doleful complaints. Then was Sir Launcelot
sent for ; and when he was come King Arthur made the letter
to be read to him.
And when Sir Launcelot heard it word by word, he said :
My lord Arthur, wit ye well I am right heavy of the death
of this fair damosel : God knoweth I was never causer of her
death by my willing, and that will I report me to her own
brother : here he is, Sir Lavaine. I will not say nay, said
Sir Launcelot, but that she was both fair and good, and much
I was beholden unto her, but she loved me out of measure.
Ye might have shewed her, said the queen, some bounty
and gentleness that might have preserved her life. Madam,
said Sir Launcelot, she would none other ways be answered
but that she would be my wife, or else my love ; and of these
two I would not grant her, but I proffered her, for her good
love that she shewed me, a thousand pound yearly to her,
and to her heirs, and to wed any manner knight that she
could find best to love in her heart. For madam, said Sir
Launcelot, I love not to be constrained to love ; for love must
arise of the heart, and not by no constraint. That is truth,
said the king and many knights : love is free in himself,
and never will be bounden, for where he is bounden he looseth
himself.
Then said the king unto Sir Launcelot : It will be your
416 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
worship that ye oversee that she be interred worshipfully.
Sir, said Sir Launcelot, that shall be done as I can best de-
vise. And so many knights went thither to behold that
fair maiden. And so upon the morn she was interred richly,
and Sir Launcelot offered her mass-penny ; and all the knights
of the Table Round that were there at that time offered
with Sir Launcelot. And then the poor man went again
with the barget. Then the queen sent for Sir Launcelot,
and prayed him of mercy, for why that she had been wroth
with him causeless. This is not the first time, said Sir Launce-
lot, that ye have been displeased with me causeless ; but,
madam, ever I must suffer you, but what sorrow I endure
I take no force. So thus passed on all that winter, with all
manner of hunting and hawking; and jousts and tourneys
were many betwixt many great lords, and ever in all places
Sir Lavaine gat great worship.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WENT TO RE-
POSE HIM AT A HERMITAGE, AND
HOW HE WAS HURT OF A GENTLE-
WOMAN, AND OF A GREAT TOURNEY
ORDAINED BY KING ARTHUR. Thus
it passed on till Christmas, and then every day
there was jousts made for a diamond, who that jousted best
should have a diamond. But Sir Launcelot would not joust
but if it were at a great jousts cried. But Sir Lavaine jousted
there all that Christmas passingly well, and best was praised,
for there were but few that did so well. Wherefore all manner
of knights deemed that Sir Lavaine should be made knight
of the Table Round at the next feast of Pentecost. So
at-after Christmas King Arthur let call unto him many
OF GREAT JOUSTS AT CHRISTMAS 417
knights, and there they advised together to make a party and
a great tournament and jousts, beside Westminster upon
Candlemas Day.
Then Queen Guenever sent for Sir Launcelot, and said
thus : I warn you that ye ride no more in no jousts nor tour-
naments but that your kinsmen may know you. And at
these jousts that shall be ye shall have of me a sleeve of
gold ; and I pray you for my sake enforce yourself there,
that men may speak of you worship ; but I charge you as
ye will have my love, that ye warn your kinsmen that ye
will bear that day the sleeve of gold upon your helmet.
Madam, said Sir Launcelot, it shall be done. And so either
made great joy of other. And when Sir Launcelot saw
his time he told Sir Bors that he would depart, and have
no more with him but Sir Lavaine, unto the good hermit that
dwelt in that forest of Windsor ; his name was Sir Brasias ;
and there he thought to repose him, and take all the rest that
he might, because he would be fresh at that day of jousts.
So Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed, that no
creature wist where he was become, but the noble men of
his blood. And when he was come to the hermitage, wit
ye well he had good cheer. And so daily Sir Launcelot
would go to a well fast by the hermitage, and there he would
lie down, and see the well spring and burble, and sometime
he slept there. So at that time there was a lady dwelt in
that forest, and she was a great huntress, and daily she used
to hunt, and ever she bare her bow with her ; and no men
went never with her, but always women, and they were
shooters, and could well kill a deer, both at the stalk and
at the trest ; and they daily bare bows and arrows, horns
and wood-knives, and many good dogs they had, both for
2E
4i8 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
the string and for a bate. So it happed this lady the hunt-
ress had abated her dog for the bow at a barren hind, and
so this barren hind took the flight over hedges and woods.
And ever this lady and part of her women costed the hind,
and checked it by the noise of the hounds, to have met with
the hind at some water ; and so it happed, the hind came to
the well whereas Sir Launcelot was sleeping and slumber-
ing. And so when the hind came to the well, for heat she
went to soil, and there she lay a great while ; and the dogs
came after, and umbecast about, for they had lost the very
perfect feute of the hind. Right so came that lady the hunt-
ress, that knew by the dog that she had, that the hind was
at the soil in that well ; and there she came stiffly and found
the hind, and she put a broad arrow in her bow, and shot
at the hind, and over-shot the hind ; and so by misfortune
the arrow smote Sir Launcelot in the thick of the thigh,
over the barbs. When Sir Launcelot felt himself so hurt,
he hurled up woodly, and saw the lady that had smitten him.
And when he saw she was a woman, he said thus : Lady or
damosel, what that thou be, in an evil time bear ye a bow ;
the devil made you a shooter.
Now mercy, fair sir, said the lady, I am a gentlewoman
that useth here in this forest hunting, and God knoweth I
saw ye not ; but as here was a barren hind at the soil in this
well, and I weened to have done well, but my hand swerved.
Alas, said Sir Launcelot, ye have mischieved me. And so
the lady departed, and Sir Launcelot, as he might, pulled
out the arrow, and so he went weakly to the hermitage ever
more bleeding as he went. And when Sir Lavaine and the
hermit espied that Sir Launcelot was hurt, wit you well they
were passing heavy. Then with great pain the hermit gat
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS HURT 419
out the arrow's head out of Sir Launcelot's thigh, and much
of his blood he shed ; and the wound was passing sore, and
unhappily smitten ; for it was in such a place that he might not
sit in no saddle. Now so heaven me help, said Sir Launcelot,
I shall be in the field upon Candlemas Day at the jousts,
whatsomever fall of it. So all that might be gotten to heal
Sir Launcelot was had.
So when the day was come Sir Launcelot let devise that
he was arrayed, and Sir Lavaine, and their horses, as though
they had been Saracens. Then they blew to the field ; and
there the King of Northgalis encountered with the King of
Scots, and there the King of Scots had a fall ; and the King
of Ireland smote down King Uriens ; and the King of North-
umberland smote down King Howel of Brittany ; and Sir
Galahad, the haut prince, smote down Chaleins of Clarance.
And then King Arthur was wood wroth, and ran to the King
with the Hundred Knights, and there King Arthur smote
him down; and after with that same spear King Arthur
smote down three other knights.
All this doing saw Sir Launcelot, and then he came into
the field with Sir Lavaine as it had been thunder. And
then anon Sir Bors and the knights of his blood espied Sir
Launcelot, and said to them all : I warn you beware of him
with the sleeve of gold upon his head, for he is himself Sir
Launcelot du Lake ; and for great goodness Sir Bors warned
Sir Gareth. I am well apaid, said Sir Gareth, that I may
know him. But who is he, said they all, that rideth with
him in the same array ? That is the good and gentle knight
Sir Lavaine, said Sir Bors. So Sir Launcelot encountered
with Sir Gawaine, and there by force Sir Launcelot smote
down Sir Gawaine and his horse to the earth, and so he smote
420 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and also he smote down
Sir Mordred, and all this was with one spear. Then Sir
Lavaine met with Sir Palomides, and either met other so
hard and so fiercely that both their horses fell to the earth.
And then were they horsed again, and then met Sir Launce-
lot with Sir Palomides, and there Sir Palomides had a fall ;
and so Sir Launcelot or ever he stint, as fast as he might get
spears, he smote down thirty knights, and the most part of
them were knights of the Table Round ; and ever the knights
of his blood withdrew them, and made them ado in other
places where Sir Launcelot came not.
And then King Arthur was wroth when he saw Sir Launce-
lot do such deeds ; and then the king called unto him Sir
Gawaine, Sir Mordred, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, Sir Lucan the
Butler, Sir Bedevere, Sir Palomides, Sir Safere, his brother ;
and so the king with these nine knights made them ready to
set upon Sir Launcelot, and upon Sir Lavaine. All this espied
Sir Bors and Sir Gareth. Now I dread me sore, said Sir
Bors, that my lord, Sir Launcelot, will be hard matched. By
my head, said Sir Gareth, I will ride unto my lord Sir Launce-
lot, for to help him, fall of him what fall may, for he is the
same man that made me knight. Ye shall not so, said Sir
Bors, by my counsel, unless that ye were disguised. Ye shall
see me disguised, said Sir Gareth ; and therewithal he espied
a Welsh knight where he was to repose him, and he was sore
hurt afore by Sir Gawaine, and to him Sir Gareth rode, and
prayed him of his knighthood to lend him his shield for his.
I will well, said the Welsh knight. And when Sir Gareth
had his shield, the book saith it was green, with a maiden
that seemed in it.
Then Sir Gareth came driving to Sir Launcelot all that
OF THE JOUSTS AT CANDLEMAS 421
he might and said : Knight, keep thyself, for yonder cometh
King Arthur with nine noble knights with him to put you
to a rebuke, and so I am come to bear you fellowship for old
love ye have shewed me. Gramercy, said Sir Launcelot.
Sir, said Sir Gareth, encounter ye with Sir Gawaine, and I
shall encounter with Sir Palomides ; and let Sir Lavaine
match with the noble King Arthur. And when we have
delivered them, let us three hold us sadly together. Then
came King Arthur with his nine knights with him, and Sir
Launcelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and gave him
such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brast, and Sir
Gawaine fell to the earth. Then Sir Gareth encountered
with the good knight Sir Palomides, and he gave him such
a buffet that both his horse and he dashed to the earth.
Then encountered King Arthur with Sir Lavaine, and there
either of them smote other to the earth, horse and all, that
they lay a great while. Then Sir Launcelot smote down
Sir Agravaine, and Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred ; and Sir
Gareth smote down Sir Kay, and Sir Safere, and Sir Griflet.
And then Sir Lavaine was horsed again, and he smote down
Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedevere ; and then there began
great throng of good knights.
So this tournament and this jousts dured long, till it was
near night, for the knights of the Round Table relieved ever
unto King Arthur ; for the king was wroth out of measure
that he and his knights might not prevail that day. Then
Sir Gawaine said to the king : I marvel where all this day be
Sir Bors de Ganis and his fellowship of Sir Launcelot's blood,
I marvel all this day they be not about you : it is for some
cause said Sir Gawaine. By my head, said Sir Kay, Sir Bors
is yonder all this day upon the right hand of this field, and
422 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
there he and his blood do more worshipfully than we do. It
may well be, said Sir Gawaine, but I dread me ever of guile ;
for on pain of my life, said Sir Gawaine, this knight with the
red sleeve of gold is himself Sir Launcelot, I see well by his
riding and by his great strokes ; and the other knight in the
same colours is the good young knight, Sir Lavaine. Also
that knight with the green shield is my brother, Sir Gareth,
and yet he hath disguised himself, for no man shall never
make him be against Sir Launcelot, because he made him
knight. By my head, said Arthur, nephew, I believe you ;
therefore tell me now what is your best counsel. Sir, said
Sir Gawaine, ye shall have my counsel : let blow unto lodging,
for an he be Sir Launcelot du Lake, and my brother, Sir
Gareth, with him, with the help of that good young knight,
Sir Lavaine, trust me truly it will be no boot to strive with
them but if we should fall ten or twelve upon one knight, and
that were no worship, but shame. Ye say truth, said the king ;
and for to say sooth, said the king, it were shame to us so
many as we be to set upon them any more ; for wit ye well,
said King Arthur, they be three good knights, and namely
that knight with the sleeve of gold.
So then they blew into lodging ; but forthwithal King
Arthur let send unto the four kings, and to the mighty duke,
and prayed them that the knight with the sleeve of gold
depart not from them, but that the king may speak with
him. Then forthwithal King Arthur alighted and unarmed
him, and took a little hackney and rode after Sir Launcelot,
for ever he had a spy upon him. And so he found him among
the four kings and the duke ; and there the king prayed them
all unto supper, and they said they would with good will.
And when they were unarmed then King Arthur knew Sir
HOW ARTHUR FOUND LAUNCELOT 423
Launcelot, Sir Lavaine, and Sir Gareth. Ah, Sir Launcelot,
said King Arthur, this day ye have heated me and my
knights.
So they went unto Arthur's lodging all together, and there
was a great feast and great revel, and the prize was given
unto Sir Launcelot ; and by heralds they named him that he
had smitten down fifty knights, and Sir Gareth five-and-
thirty, and Sir Lavaine four-and-twenty knights. Then
Arthur blamed Sir Gareth because he left his fellowship and
held with Sir Launcelot. My lord, said Sir Gareth, he made
me a knight, and when I saw him so hard bestead, methought
it was my worship to help him, for I saw him do so much, and
so many noble knights against him ; and when I understood
that he was Sir Launcelot du Lake, I shamed to see so many
knights against him alone. Truly, said King Arthur unto
Sir Gareth, ye say well, and worshipfully have ye done and
to yourself great worship ; and all the days of my life, said
King Arthur unto Sir Gareth, wit you well I shall love you,
and trust you the more better. For ever, said Arthur, it is
a worshipful knight's deed to help another worshipful knight
when he seeth him in a great danger ; for ever a worshipful
man will be loath to see a worshipful man shamed ; and he
that is of no worship, and fareth with cowardice, never shall
he show gentleness, nor no manner of goodness where he seeth
a man in any danger, for then ever will a coward show no
mercy ; and always a good man will do ever to another man
as he would be done to himself. So then there were great
feasts unto kings and dukes, and revel, game, and play, and
all manner of noblesse was used ; and he that was courteous,
true, and faithful, to his friend was that time cherished.
424 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
OF THE MONTH OF MAY AND OF TRUE
LOVERS, AND HOW QUEEN GUENEVER
RODE A-MAYING WITH CERTAIN
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE, AND
CLAD ALL IN GREEN, AND HOW SIR
MELIAGRANCE TOOK THE QUEEN AND HER
KNIGHTS. And thus it passed on from Candlemas until
after Easter, that the month of May was come, when
every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and to bring forth
fruit ; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and
flourish in May, in like wise every lusty heart, that is in any
manner a lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds.
For it giveth unto all lovers courage, that lusty month of
May, in something to constrain him to some manner of thing
more in that month than in any other month, for divers causes.
For then all herbs and trees renew a man and woman, and
likewise lovers call again to their mind old gentleness and
old service, and many kind deeds that were forgotten by
negligence. For like as winter rasure doth alway arase and
deface green summer, so fareth it by unstable love in man
and woman. For in many persons there is no stability ; for
we may see all day, for a little blast of winter's rasure, anon
we shall deface and lay apart true love for little or nought,
that cost much thing; this is no wisdom nor stability, but
it is feebleness of nature and great disworship, whosomever
useth this. Therefore, like as May month flowereth and
flourisheth in many gardens, so in like wise let every man
of worship flourish his heart in this world, first unto God,
and next unto the joy of them that he promised his faith
unto ; for there was never worshipful man or worshipful
woman, but they loved one better than another ; and worship
HOW LOVE IS LIKENED TO SUMMER 425
in arms may never be foiled, but first reserve the honour
to God, and secondly the quarrel must come of thy lady:
and such love I call virtuous love.
But nowadays men can not love seven night but they
must have all their desires : that love may not endure by
reason ; for where they be soon accorded and hasty heat,
soon it cooleth. Right so fareth love nowadays, soon hot
soon cold : this is no stability. But the old love was not
so ; men and women could love together seven years, and
no wanton lusts were between them, and then was love truth
and faithfulness : and lo, in like wise was used love in King
Arthur's days. Wherefore I liken love nowadays unto sum-
mer and winter ; for like as the one is hot and the other cold,
so fareth love nowadays. Therefore all ye that be lovers
call unto your remembrance the month of May, like as did
Queen Guenever, for whom I make here a little mention,
that while she lived she was a true lover, and therefore she
had a good end.
So it befell in the month of May, Queen Guenever called
unto her knights of the Table Round, and she gave them
warning that early upon the morrow she would ride a-May-
ing into woods and fields beside Westminster. And I warn
you that there be none of you but that he be well horsed, and
that ye all be clothed in green, outher in silk outher in cloth ;
and I shall bring with me ten ladies, and every knight shall
have a lady behind him, and every knight shall have a squire
and two yeomen ; and I will that ye all be well horsed. So
they made them ready in the freshest manner. And these
were the names of the knights : Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir
Agravaine, Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir
Dodinas le Savage, Sir Qzanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Ladinas of
426 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
the Forest Savage, Sir Persant of Inde, Sir Ironside, that
was called the Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Pelleas, the
lover ; and these ten knights made them ready in the freshest
manner to ride with the queen. And so upon the morn they
took their horses with the queen, and rode a-Maying in woods
and meadows as it pleased them, in great joy and delights ;
for the queen had cast to have been again with King Arthur
at the furthest by ten of the clock, and so was that time her
purpose.
Then there was a knight that hight Meliagrance, and he
was son unto King Bagdemagus, and this knight had at that
time a castle of the gift of King Arthur within seven mile of
Westminster. And this knight, Sir Meliagrance, loved pass-
ing well Queen Guenever, and so had he done long and many
years. And the book saith he had lain in await for to steal
away the queen, but evermore he forbare for because of Sir
Launcelot ; for in no wise he would meddle with the queen
an Sir Launcelot were in her company, or else an he were
near-hand her. And that time was such a custom the queen
rode never without a great fellowship of men of arms about
her, and they were many good knights, and the most part
were young men that would have worship ; and they were
called the Queen's Knights, and never in no battle, tourna-
ment, nor jousts, they bare none of them no manner of knowl-
edging of their own arms, but plain white shields, and thereby
they were called the Queen's Knights. And then when it
happed any of them to be of great worship by his noble deeds,
then at the next Feast of Pentecost, if there were any slain
or dead, as there was none year that there failed but some
were dead, then was there chosen in his stead that was dead
the most men of worship, that were called the Queen's Knights.
HOW THE QUEEN WAS TAKEN 427
And thus they came up all first, ere they were renowned men
of worship, both Sir Launcelot and all the remnant of them.
But this knight, Sir Meliagrance, had espied the queen
well and her purpose, and how Sir Launcelot was not with
her, and how she had no men of arms with her but the ten
noble knights all arrayed in green for Maying. Then he
purveyed him a twenty men of arms and an hundred archers
for to destroy the queen and her knights, for he thought that
time was best season to take the queen.
So as the queen had mayed and all her knights, all were
bedashed with herbs, mosses and flowers, in the best manner
and freshest. Right so came out of a wood Sir Meliagrance
with an eight score men well harnessed, as they should fight
in a battle of arrest, and bade the queen and her knights
abide, for maugre their heads they should abide. Traitor
knight, said Queen Guenever, what cast thou for to do ?
Wilt thou shame thyself? Bethink thee how thou art a
king's son, and knight of the Table Round, and thou to be
about to dishonour the noble king that made thee knight ;
thou shamest all knighthood and thyself; and me, I let thee
wit, shalt thou never shame, for I had liefer cut mine own
throat in twain rather than thou shouldest dishonour me.
As for all this language, said Sir Meliagrance, be it as it be
may, for wit you well, madam, I have loved you many a
year, and never or now could I get you at such an advantage
as I do now, and therefore I will take you as I find you.
Then spake all the ten noble knights at once and said :
Sir Meliagrance, wit thou well ye are about to jeopard your
worship to dishonour, and also ye cast to jeopard our persons
howbeit we be unarmed. Ye have us at a great avail, for
it seemeth by you that ye have laid watch upon us ; but
428 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
rather than ye should put the queen to a shame and us all,
we had as lief to depart from our lives, for an if we other
ways did, we were shamed for ever. Then said Sir Melia-
grance : Dress you as well ye can, and keep the queen.
Then the ten knights of the Table Round drew their swords,
and the other let run at them with their spears, and the ten
knights manly abode them, and smote away their spears
that no spear did them none harm. Then they lashed to-
gether with swords, and anon Sir Kay, Sir Sagramore, Sir
Agravaine, Sir Dodinas, Sir Ladinas, and Sir Ozanna were
smitten to the earth with grimly wounds. Then Sir Brandiles,
and Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Pelleas fought long, and
they were sore wounded ; for these ten knights, or ever they
were laid to the ground, slew forty men of the boldest and
the best of them.
So when the queen saw her knights thus dolefully wounded,
and needs must be slain at the last, then for pity and sorrow
she cried Sir Meliagrance : Slay not my noble knights, and
I will go with thee upon this covenant, that thou save them,
and suffer them not to be more hurt, with this, that they be
led with me wheresomever thou leadest me, for I will rather
slay myself than I will go with thee, unless that these my
noble knights may be in my presence. Madam, said Melia-
grance, for your sake they shall be led with you into mine
own castle, with that ye will be ruled and ride with me. Then
the queen prayed the four knights to leave their fighting, and
she and they would not depart. Madam, said Sir Pelleas,
we will do as ye do, for as for me I take no force of my life
nor death. For as the French book saith, Sir Pelleas gave
such buffets there that none armour might hold him.
HOW THE QUEEN SENT FOR LAUNCELOT- 429
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT HAD WORD HOW
THE QUEEN WAS TAKEN, AND HOW SIR
MELIAGRANCE LAID A BUSHMENT FOR
LAUNCELOT, SO THAT HIS HORSE WAS SLAIN,
AND HE RODE IN A CART TO SAVE THE QUEEN.
Then by the queen's commandment they left battle, and
dressed the wounded knights on horseback, some sitting,
some overthwart their horses, that it was pity to behold
them. And then Sir Meliagrance charged the queen and
all her knights that none of all her fellowship should depart
from her ; for full sore he dread Sir Launcelot du Lake, lest
he should have any knowledging. All this espied the queen,
and privily she called unto her a child of her chamber that
was swiftly horsed, to whom she said : Go thou, when thou
seest thy time, and bear this ring unto Sir Launcelot du Lake,
and pray him as he loveth me that he will see me and rescue
me, if ever he will have joy of me ; and spare not thy horse,
said the queen, neither for water, neither for land. So the
child espied his time, and lightly he took his horse with the
spurs, and departed as fast as he might. And when Sir
Meliagrance saw him so flee, he understood that it was by
the queen's commandment for to warn Sir Launcelot. Then
they that were best horsed chased him and shot at him, but
from them all the child went suddenly. And then Sir Melia-
grance said to the queen : Madam, ye are about to betray
me, but I shall ordain for Sir Launcelot that he shall not come
lightly at you. And then he rode with her, and they all, to
his castle, in all the haste that they might. And by the way
Sir Meliagrance laid in an embushment the best archers that
he might get in his country, to the number of thirty, to await
upon Sir Launcelot, charging them that if they saw such a
430 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
manner of knight come by the way upon a white horse, that
in any wise they slay his horse, but in no manner of wise have
not ado with him bodily, for he is over-hardy to be overcome.
So this was done, and they were come to his castle, but
in no wise the queen would never let none of the ten knights
and her ladies out of her sight, but always they were in her
presence ; for the book saith, Sir Meliagrance durst make
no masteries, for dread of Sir Launcelot, insomuch he deemed
that he had warning. So when the child was departed from
the fellowship of Sir Meliagrance, within a while he came to
Westminster, and anon he found Sir Launcelot. And when
he had told his message, and delivered him the queen's ring :
Alas, said Sir Launcelot, now I am shamed for ever, unless
that I may rescue that noble lady from dishonour. Then
eagerly he asked his armour ; and ever the child told Sir
Launcelot how the ten knights fought marvellously, and how
Sir Pelleas, and Sir Ironside, and Sir Brandiles, and Sir Pers-
ant of Inde, fought strongly, but namely Sir Pelleas, there
might none withstand him ; and how they all fought till at
the last they were laid to the earth ; and then the queen
made appointment for to save their lives, and go with Sir
Meliagrance.
Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that most noble lady, that she
should be so destroyed ; I had liefer, said Sir Launcelot,
than all France, that I had been there well armed. So when
Sir Launcelot was armed and upon his horse, he prayed
the child of the queen's chamber to warn Sir Lavaine how
suddenly he was departed, and for what cause. And pray
him as he loveth me, that he will hie him after me, and that
he stint not until he come to the castle where Sir Meliagrance
abideth, or dwelleth ; for there, said Sir Launcelot, he shall
HOW LAUNCELOT'S HORSE WAS SLAIN 431
hear of me an I am a man living, and rescue the queen and
the ten knights the which he traitorously hath taken, and that
shall I prove upon his head, and all them that hold with him.
Then Sir Launcelot rode as fast as he might, and the
book saith he took the water at Westminster Bridge, and
made his horse to swim over Thames unto Lambeth. And
then within a while he came to the same place thereas the
ten noble knights fought with Sir Meliagrance. And then
Sir Launcelot followed the track until that he came to a
wood, and there was a strait way, and there the thirty archers
bade Sir Launcelot turn again, and follow no longer that
track. What commandment have ye thereto, said Sir Launce-
lot, to cause me that am a, knight of the Round Table to
leave my right way ? This way shalt thou leave, other-else
thou shalt go it on thy foot, for wit thou well thy horse shall
be slain. That is little mastery, said Sir Launcelot, to slay
mine horse ; but as for myself, when my horse is slain, I give
right nought for you, not an ye were five hundred more. So
then they shot Sir Launcelot's horse, and smote him with
many arrows ; and then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and
went on foot ; but there were so many ditches and hedges
betwixt them and him that he might not meddle with none
of them. Alas for shame, said Launcelot, that ever one
knight should betray another knight ; but it is an old saw,
A good man is never in danger but when he is in the danger
of a coward. Then Sir Launcelot went a while, and then he
was foul cumbered of his armour, his shield, and his spear,
and all that longed unto him. Wit ye well he was full sore
annoyed, and full loath he was for to leave anything that
longed unto him, for he dread sore the treason of Sir Melia-
grance.
432 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
Then by fortune there came by him a chariot that came
thither for to fetch wood. Say me, carter, said Sir Launce-
lot, what shall I give thee to suffer me to leap into thy chariot,
and that thou bring me unto a castle within this two mile ?
Thou shalt not come within my chariot, said the carter, for
I am sent for to fetch wood for my lord, Sir Meliagrance.
With him would I speak. Thou shalt not go with me, said
the carter. Then Sir Launcelot leapt to him, and gave
him such a buffet that he fell to the earth stark dead. Then
the other carter, his fellow, was afeard, and weened to have
gone the same way ; and then he cried : Fair lord, save
my life, and I shall bring you where ye will. Then I charge
thee, said Sir Launcelot, that thou drive me and this chariot
even unto Sir Meliagrance's gate. Leap up into the chariot,
said the carter, and ye shall be there anon. So the carter
drove on a great wallop, and Sir Launcelot's horse followed
the chariot, with more than a forty arrows broad and rough
in him.
And more than an hour and an half Dame Guenever
was awaiting in a bay window with her ladies, and espied
an armed knight standing in a chariot. See, madam, said
a lady, where rideth in a chariot a goodly armed knight ;
I suppose he rideth unto hanging. Where ? said the queen.
Then she espied by his shield that he was there himself, Sir
Launcelot du Lake. And then she was ware where came
his horse ever after that chariot, with the forty arrows in
him. Alas, said the queen, now I see well and prove, that
well is him that hath a trusty friend. Ha, ha, most noble
knight, said Queen Guenever, I see well thou art hard bestead
when thou ridest in a chariot. Then she rebuked that lady
that likened Sir Launcelot to ride in a chariot to hanging.
OF MELIAGRANCE AND THE QUEEN 433
It was foul mouthed, said the queen, and evil likened, so for
to liken the most noble knight of the world unto such a shame-
ful death. O Jesu defend him and keep him, said the queen,
from all mischievous end. By this was Sir Launcelot come
to the gates of that castle, and there he descended down, and
cried, that all the castle rang of it : Where art thou, false
traitor, Sir Meliagrance, and knight of the Table Round ?
now come forth here, thou traitor knight, thou and thy fellow-
ship with thee ; for here I am, Sir Launcelot du Lake, that
shall fight with you. And therewithal he bare the gate wide
open upon the porter, and smote him under his ear with his
gauntlet, that his neck brast a-sunder.
HOW SIR MELIAGRANCE REQUIRED
FORGIVENESS OF THE QUEEN, AND
HOW SHE APPEASED SIR LAUNCE-
LOT, AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT
CAME IN THE NIGHT TO THE QUEEN,
AND HOW SIR MELIAGRANCE AP-
PEACHED HER OF TREASON. When Sir Meliagrance
heard that Sir Launcelot was there he ran unto Queen Guen-
ever, and fell upon his knee, and said : Mercy, madam, now
I put me wholly into your grace. What aileth you now ?
said Queen Guenever; forsooth I might well wit some good
knight would revenge me, though my lord Arthur wist not
of this your work. Madam, said Sir Meliagrance, all this that
is amiss on my part shall be amended right as yourself will
devise, and wholly I put me in your grace. What would ye
that I did ? said the queen. I would no more, said Melia-
grance, but that ye would take all in your own hands, and
that ye will rule my lord Sir Launcelot ; and such cheer as
2F
434 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
may be made him in this poor castle ye and he shall have
until to-morn, and then may ye and all they return unto
Westminster ; and my body and all that I have I shall put in
your rule. Ye say well, said the queen, and better is peace
than ever war, and the less noise the more is my worship.
Then the queen and her ladies went down unto the knight,
Sir Launcelot, that stood wroth out of measure in the inner
court, to abide battle ; and ever he bade : Thou traitor
knight come forth. Then the queen came to him and said :
Sir Launcelot, why be ye so moved ? Ha, madam, said Sir
Launcelot, why ask ye me that question ? Meseemeth, said
Sir Launcelot, ye ought to be more wroth than I am, for ye
have the hurt and the dishonour, for wit ye well, madam, my
hurt is but little for the killing of a mare's son, but the despite
grieveth me much more than all my hurt. Truly, said the
queen, ye say truth ; but heartily I thank you, said the queen,
but ye must come in with me peaceably, for all thing is put
in my hand, and all that is evil shall be for the best, for the
knight full sore repenteth him of the misadventure that is
befallen him. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, sith it is so that
ye been accorded with him, as for me I may not be again it,
howbeit Sir Meliagrance hath done full shamefully to me, and
cowardly. Ah madam, said Sir Launcelot, an I had wist ye
would have been so soon accorded with him, I would not have
made such haste unto you. Why say ye so, said the queen,
do ye forthink yourself of your good deeds ? Wit you well,
said the queen, I accorded never unto him for favour nor love
that I had unto him, but for to lay down every shameful
noise. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, ye understand full well
I was never willing nor glad of shameful slander nor noise ;
and there is neither king, queen, nor knight, that beareth
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE QUEEN 435
the life, except my lord King Arthur, and you, madam,
should let me, but I should make Sir Meliagrance's heart
full cold or ever I departed from hence. That wot I well,
said the queen, but what will ye more ? Ye shall have all
thing ruled as ye list to have it. Madam, said Sir Launcelot,
so ye be pleased I care not, as for my part ye shall soon please.
Right so the queen took Sir Launcelot by the bare hand,
for he had put off his gauntlet, and so she went with him till
her chamber ; and then she commanded him to be unarmed.
And then Sir Launcelot asked where were the ten knights
that were wounded sore ; so she showed them unto Sir Launce-
lot, and there they made great joy of the coming of him, and
Sir Launcelot made great dole of their hurts, and bewailed
them greatly. And there Sir Launcelot told them how
cowardly and traitorly Meliagrance set archers to slay his horse,
and how he was fain to put himself in a chariot. Thus they
complained everych to other ; and full fain they would have
been revenged, but they peaced themselves because of the
queen. Then, as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot was
called many a day after le Chevaler du Chariot, and did many
deeds, and great adventures he had. And so leave we of
this tale le Chevaler du Chariot, and turn we to this tale.
So Sir Launcelot had great cheer with the queen, and then
Sir Launcelot made a promise with the queen that the same
night Sir Launcelot should come to a window outward toward
a garden ; and that window was y-barred with iron, and there
Sir Launcelot promised to meet her when all folks were asleep.
So then came Sir Lavaine driving to the gates, crying : Where
is my lord, Sir Launcelot du Lake ? Then was he sent for,
and when Sir Lavaine saw Sir Launcelot, he said : My lord,
I found well how ye were hard bestead, for I have found your
436 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
horse that was slain with arrows. As for that, said Sir Launce-
lot, I pray you, Sir Lavaine, speak ye of other matters, and
let ye this pass, and we shall right it another time when we
best may.
Then the knights that were hurt were searched, and soft
salves were laid to their wounds ; and so it passed on till
supper time, and all the cheer that might be made them there
was done unto the queen and all her knights. Then when
season was, they went unto their chambers, but in no wise the
queen would not suffer the wounded knights to be from her,
but that they were laid within draughts by her chamber, upon
beds and pillows, that she herself might see to them, that they
wanted nothing.
So when Sir Launcelot was in his chamber that was assigned
unto him, he called unto him Sir Lavaine, and told him that
night he must go speak with his lady, Dame Guenever. Sir,
said Sir Lavaine, let me go with you an it please you, for I
dread me sore of the treason of Sir Meliagrance. Nay, said
Sir Launcelot, I thank you, but I will have nobody with me.
Then Sir Launcelot took his sword in his hand, and privily went
to a place where he had espied a ladder to-forehand, and that
he took under his arm, and bare it through the garden, and
set it up to the window, and there anon the queen was ready
to meet him. And then they made either to other their com-
plaints of many divers things, and then Sir Launcelot wished
that he might have come in to her. Wit ye well, said the
queen, I would as fain as ye, that ye might come in to me.
Would ye, madam, said Sir Launcelot, with your heart that
I were with you ? Yea, truly, said the queen. Now shall I
prove my might, said Sir Launcelot, for your love ; and
then he set his hands upon the bars of iron, and he pulled at
THE QUEEN APPEACHED OF TREASON 437
them with such a might that he brast them clean out of the
stone walls, and therewithal one of the bars of iron cut the
brawn of his hand throughout to the bone ; and then he leapt
into the chamber to the queen. Make ye no noise, said the
queen, for my wounded knights lie here fast by me. And when
he saw his time that he might tarry no longer he took his leave
and departed at the window, and put it together as well as
he might again, and so departed unto his own chamber ; and
there he told Sir Lavaine how he was hurt. Then Sir Lavaine
dressed his hand and staunched it, and put upon it a glove,
that it should not be espied ; and so the queen lay long in
her bed until it was nine of the clock.
Then Sir Meliagrance went to the queen's chamber,
and found her ladies there ready clothed. What aileth you,
madam, said Sir Meliagrance, that ye sleep thus long ? And
right therewithal he opened the curtain for to behold her ;
and then was he ware of the blood of Sir Launcelot's hurt
hand. When Sir Meliagrance espied that blood, then he
deemed in himself that she was false to the king, and that
it was the blood of some of the wounded knights. Ah,
madam, said Sir Meliagrance, now I have found you a false
traitress unto my lord Arthur ; for now I prove well it was
not for nought that ye laid these wounded knights within the
bounds of your chamber ; therefore I will call you of treason
before my lord, King Arthur. And now I have proved you,
madam, with a shameful deed ; and that they be all false,
or some of them, I will make good, for a wounded knight
hath been here. That is false, said the queen, and that I
will report me unto them all. Then when the ten knights
heard Sir Meliagrance's words, they spake all in one voice
and said to Sir Meliagrance : Thou sayest falsely, and wrong-
438 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
fully puttest upon us such a deed, and that we will make good
any of us ; choose which thou list of us when we are whole
of our wounds. Ye shall not, said Sir Meliagrance, away with
your proud language, for here ye may all see, that a wounded
knight hath been here. Then were they all ashamed when they
saw that blood ; and wit you well Sir Meliagrance was passing
glad that he had the queen at such an advantage, for he deemed
by that to hide his treason. So with this rumour came in
Sir Launcelot, and found them all at a great array.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT ANSWERED
FOR THE QUEEN, TO WAGE BATTLE
AGAINST SIR MELIAGRANCE; AND
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS TAKEN
IN A TRAP, BUT WAS DELIVERED
OF A LADY, AND HOW HE FOUGHT
WITH SIR MELIAGRANCE, HALF UN-
ARMED, AND SLEW HIM. What array is this? said
Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Meliagrance told him what he had
found, and showed him the blood, And well I am sure, said
Sir Meliagrance, here hath been one of her wounded knights,
and therefore I will prove with my hands that she is a traitress
unto my lord Arthur. Beware what ye do, said Launcelot,
for an ye say so, an ye will prove it, it will be taken at your
hands.
My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Meliagrance, I rede
you beware what ye do ; for though ye are never so good a
knight, as ye wot well ye are renowned the best knight of
the world, yet should ye be advised to do battle in a wrong
quarrel, for God will have a stroke in every battle. As for
that, said Sir Launcelot, God is to be dread ; but as to that
OF LAUNCELOT AND MELIAGRANCE 439
I say nay plainly, that this night none of these ten wounded
knights was here with my lady Queen Guenever, and that
will I prove with my hands, that ye say untruly in that now.
Hold, said Sir Meliagrance, here is my glove that she is
traitress unto my lord, King Arthur, and that this night one
of the wounded knights was here. And I receive your glove,
said Sir Launcelot. And so they were sealed with their sig-
nets, and delivered unto the ten knights. At what day shall
we do battle together ? said Sir Launcelot. This day eight
days, said Sir Meliagrance, in the field beside Westminster.
I am agreed, said Sir Launcelot. But now, said Sir Melia-
grance, sithen it is so that we must fight together, I pray you,
as ye be a noble knight, await me with no treason, nor none
villainy the meanwhile, nor none for you. So God me help,
said Sir Launcelot, ye shall right well wit I was never of no
such conditions, for I report me to all knights that ever have
known me, I fared never with no treason, nor I loved never
the fellowship of no man that fared with treason. Then let
us go to dinner, said Meliagrance, and after dinner ye and
the queen and ye may ride all to Westminster. I will well,
said Sir Launcelot.
Then Sir Meliagrance said to Sir Launcelot : Pleaseth
it you to see the eftures of this castle ? With a good will,
said Sir Launcelot. And then they went together from
chamber to chamber, for Sir Launcelot dread no perils ;
for ever a man of worship and of prowess dreadeth least
always perils, for they ween every man be as they be ; but
ever he that fareth with treason putteth oft a man in great
danger. So it befell upon Sir Launcelot that no peril dread,
as he went with Sir Meliagrance he trod on a trap and the
board rolled, and there Sir Launcelot fell down more than
440 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
ten fathom into a cave full of straw ; and then Sir Melia-
grance departed and made no fare, as that he nist where he
was.
And when Sir Launcelot was thus missed they marvelled
where he was become ; and then the queen and many of
them deemed that he was departed as he was wont to do,
suddenly. For Sir Meliagrance made suddenly to put
away aside Sir Lavaine's horse, that they might all under-
stand that Sir Launcelot was departed suddenly. So it
passed on till after dinner ; and then Sir Lavaine would
not stint until that he ordained litters for the wounded
knights, that they might be laid in them ; and so with the
queen and them all, both ladies and gentlewomen and other,
went unto Westminster ; and there the knights told King
Arthur how Meliagrance had appealed the queen of high
treason, and how Sir Launcelot had received the glove of
him : And this day eight days they shall do battle afore
you. By my head, said King Arthur, I am afeard Sir Melia-
grance hath taken upon him a great charge ; but where is
Sir Launcelot ? said the king. Sir, said they all, we wot not
where he is, but we deem he is ridden to some adventures, as
he is ofttimes wont to do, for he hath Sir Lavaine's horse.
Let him be, said the king, he will be founden, but if he be
trapped with some treason.
So leave we Sir Launcelot lying within that cave in great
pain ; and every day there came a lady and brought him his
meat and his drink, and wooed him to love her ; and ever
the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, said her nay. Sir Launcelot,
said she, ye are not wise, for ye may never out of this prison,
but if ye have my help ; and also your lady, Queen Guenever,
shall be brent in your default, unless that ye be there at the
OF SIR LAUNCELOT IN PRISON 441
day of battle. God defend, said Sir Launcelot, that she
should be brent in my default ; and if it be so, said Sir Launce-
lot, that I may not be there, it shall be well understanded,
both at the king and at the queen, and with all men of wor-
ship, that I am dead, sick, or in prison. For all men that know
me will say for me that I am in some evil case an I be not there
that day ; and well I wot there is some good knight either of
my blood, or some other that loveth me, that will take my
quarrel in hand ; and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye
well ye shall not fear me ; and if there were no more women in
all this land but ye, I would not say you otherwise. Then
art thou shamed, said the lady, and destroyed for ever. As
for world's shame, Jesu defend me ; and as for my distress, it
is welcome whatsoever it be that God sendeth me.
So she came to him the same day that the battle should
be, and said : Sir Launcelot, methinketh ye are too hard-
hearted, but wouldst thou but kiss me once I should deliver
thee, and thine armour, and the best horse that is within
Sir Meliagrance's stable. As for to kiss you, said Sir Launce-
lot, I may do that and lose no worship ; and wit ye well an
I understood there were any disworship for to kiss you I
would not do it. Then he kissed her, and then she gat him,
and brought him to his armour. And when he was armed,
she brought him to a stable, where stood twelve good coursers,
and bade him choose the best. Then Sir Launcelot looked
upon a white courser the which liked him best ; and anon
he commanded the keepers fast to saddle him with the best
saddle of war that there was ; and so it was done as he bade.
Then gat he his spear in his hand, and his sword by his side,
and commended the lady unto God, and said : Lady, for this
good deed I shall do you service if ever it be in my power.
442 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
Now leave we Sir Launcelot wallop all that he might, and
speak we of Queen Guenever that was brought to a fire to
be brent ; for Sir Meliagrance was sure, him thought, that
Sir Launcelot should not be at that battle ; therefore he ever
cried upon King Arthur to do him justice, or else bring forth
Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then was the king and all the court
full sore abashed and shamed that the queen should be
brent in the default of Sir Launcelot. My lord Arthur, said
Sir Lavaine, ye may understand that it is not well with
my lord Sir Launcelot, for an he were alive, so he be not sick
or in prison, wit ye well he would be here ; for never heard ye
that ever he failed his part for whom he should do battle for.
And therefore, said Sir Lavaine, my lord, King Arthur, I
beseech you give me license to do battle here this day for my
lord and master, and for to save my lady, the queen. Gra-
mercy, gentle Sir Lavaine, said King Arthur, for I dare say all
that Sir Meliagrance putteth upon my lady the queen is
wrong, for I have spoken with all the ten wounded knights,
and there is not one of them, an he were whole and able to
do battle, but he would prove upon Sir Meliagrance's body
that it is false that he putteth upon my queen. So shall I,
said Sir Lavaine, in the defence of my lord, Sir Launcelot, an
ye will give me leave. Now I give you leave, said King
Arthur, and do your best, for I dare well say there is some
treason done to Sir Launcelot.
Then was Sir Lavaine armed and horsed, and suddenly
at the lists' end he rode to perform this battle ; and right
as the heralds should cry: Lesses les aler, right so came in
Sir Launcelot driving with all the force of his horse. And
then Arthur cried : Ho ! and Abide ! Then was Sir Launce-
lot called on horseback to-fore King Arthur, and there he told
LAUNCELOT FIGHTS FOR THE QUEEN 443
openly to-fore the king and all, how Sir Meliagrance had
served him first and last. And when the king, and the queen,
and all the lords, knew of the treason of Sir Meliagrance they
were all ashamed on his behalf. Then was Queen Guenever
sent for, and set by the king in great trust of her champion.
And then there was no more else to say, but Sir Launcelot
and Sir Meliagrance dressed them unto battle, and took their
spears ; and so they came together as thunder, and there
Sir Launcelot bare him down quite over his horse's croup.
And then Sir Launcelot alighted and dressed his shield on
his shoulder, with his sword in his hand, and Sir Meliagrance
in the same wise dressed him unto him, and there they smote
many great strokes together ; and at the last Sir Launcelot
smote him such a buffet upon the helmet that he fell on the
one side to the earth. And then he cried upon him aloud :
Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake, save my life, for
I yield me unto you, and I require you, as ye be a knight and
fellow of the Table Round, slay me not, for I yield me as
overcome ; and whether I shall live or die I put me in the
king's hands and yours.
Then Sir Launcelot wist not what to do, for he had had
liefer than all the good of the world he might have been
revenged upon Sir Meliagrance ; and Sir Launcelot looked
up to the Queen Guenever, if he might espy by any sign
or countenance what she would have done. And then the
queen wagged her head upon Sir Launcelot, as though she
would say: Slay him. Full well knew Sir Launcelot by
the wagging of her head that she would have him dead ;
then Sir Launcelot bade him rise for shame and perform
that battle to the utterance. Nay, said Sir Meliagrance, I
will never arise until ye take me as yolden and recreant.
444 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
I shall proffer you large proffers, said Sir Launcelot, that is
for to say, I shall unarm my head and my left quarter of
my body, all that may be unarmed, and let bind my left
hand behind me, so that it shall not help me, and right so
I shall do battle with you. Then Sir Meliagrance started
up upon his legs, and said on high : My lord Arthur, take
heed to this proffer, for I will take it, and let him be disarmed
and bounden according to his proffer. What say ye, said
King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, will ye abide by your proffer ?
Yea, my lord, said Sir Launcelot, I will never go from that
I have once said.
Then the knights parters of the field disarmed Sir Launce-
lot, first his head, and sithen his left arm, and his left side,
and they bound his left arm behind his back, without shield
or anything, and then they were put together. Wit you well
there was many a lady and knight marvelled that Sir Launce-
lot would jeopardy himself in such wise. Then Sir Melia-
grance came with his sword all on high, and Sir Launcelot
showed him openly his bare head and the bare left side ; and
when he weened to have smitten him upon the bare head,
then lightly he avoided the left leg and the left side, and put
his right hand and his sword to that stroke, and so put it on
side with great sleight ; and then with great force Sir Launce-
lot smote him on the helmet such a buffet that the stroke
carved the head in two parts. Then there was no more to
do, but he was drawn out of the field. And at the great in-
stance of the knights of the Table Round, the king suffered
him to be interred, and the mention made upon him, who slew
him, and for what cause he was slain ; and then the king and
the queen made more of Sir Launcelot du Lake, and more
he was cherished, than ever he was aforehand.
HOW SIR URRE GAT HIS WOUNDS 445
HOW SIR URRE CAME INTO ARTHUR'S
COURT FOR TO BE HEALED OF HIS
WOUNDS BY THE BEST KNIGHT OF THE
WORLD, AND HOW HE WAS HEALED BY SIR
LAUNCELOT. Then as the French book maketh mention,
there was a good knight in the land of Hungary, his name was
Sir Urre, and he was an adventurous knight, and in all places
where he might hear of any deeds of worship there would he
be. So it happened in Spain there was an earl's son, his name
was Alphegus, and at a great tournament in Spain this Sir
Urre, knight of Hungary, and Sir Alphegus of Spain en-
countered together for very envy; and so either undertook
other to the utterance. And by fortune Sir Urre slew Sir
Alphegus, the earl's son of Spain ; but this knight that was
slain had given Sir Urre, or ever he was slain, seven great
wounds, three on the head, and four on his body and upon his
left hand. And this Sir Alphegus had a mother, the which
was a great sorceress ; and she, for the despite of her son's
death, wrought by her subtle crafts that Sir Urre should
never be whole, but ever his wounds should one time fester
and another time bleed, so that he should never be whole until
the best knight of the world had searched his wounds ; and
thus she made her avaunt, wherethrough it was known that
Sir Urre should never be whole.
Then his mother let make an horse litter, and put him
therein under two palfreys ; and then she took Sir Urre's
sister with him, a full fair damosel, whose name was Felelolie ;
and then she took a page with him to keep their horses, and
so they led Sir Urre through many countries. For as the
French book saith, she led him so seven year through all lands
christened, and never she could find no knight that might
446 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
ease her son. So she came into Scotland and into the lands
of England, and by fortune she came nigh the feast of Pente-
cost until King Arthur's court, that at that time was holden
at Carlisle. And when she came there, then she made it
openly to be known how that she was come into that land
for to heal her son.
Then King Arthur let call that lady, and asked her the
cause why she brought that hurt knight into that land.
My most noble king, said that lady, wit you well I brought
him hither for to be healed of his wounds, that of all this
seven year he might not be whole. And then she told the
king where he was wounded, and of whom ; and how his
mother had made known in her pride how she had wrought
that by enchantment, so that he should never be whole until
the best knight of the world had searched his wounds. And
so I have passed through all the lands christened to have
him healed, except this land. And if I fail to heal him
here in this land, I will never take more pain upon me, and
that is pity, for he was a good knight, and of great nobleness.
What is his name ? said Arthur. My good and gracious
lord, she said, his name is Sir Urre of the Mount. In good
time, said the king, and sith ye are come into this land, ye
are right welcome ; and wit you well here shall your son be
healed, an ever any Christian man may heal him. And for
to give all other men of worship courage, I myself will assay
to handle your son, and so shall all the kings, dukes, and earls
that be here present with me at this time ; thereto will I
command them, and well I wot they shall obey and do after
my commandment. And wit you well, said King Arthur
unto Urre's sister, I shall begin to handle him, and search
unto my power, not presuming upon me that I am so worthy
OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND KING ARTHUR 447
to heal your son by my deeds, but I will courage other men
of worship to do as I will do. And then the king commanded
all the kings, dukes, and earls, and all noble knights of the
Round Table that were there that time present, to come into
the meadow of Carlisle. And so at that time there were but
an hundred and ten of the Round Table, for forty knights
were that time away. All these hundred knights and ten
searched Sir Urre's wounds by the commandment of King
Arthur.
Mercy, said King Arthur, where is Sir Launcelot du
Lake that he is not here at this time ? Thus, as they stood
and spake of many things, there was espied Sir Launcelot
that came riding toward them, and told the king. Peace,
said the king, let no manner thing be said until he be come
to us. So when Sir Launcelot espied King Arthur, he de-
scended from his horse and came to the king, and saluted him
and them all. Anon as the maid, Sir Urre's sister, saw Sir
Launcelot, she ran to her brother thereas he lay in his litter,
and said : Brother, here is come a knight that my heart giveth
greatly unto. Fair sister, said Sir Urre, so doth my heart light
against him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, for my
heart giveth unto him more than to all these that have
searched me.
Then said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot : Ye must do as
we have done ; and told Sir Launcelot what they had done,
and showed him them all, that had searched him. Jesu
defend me, said Sir Launcelot, when so many kings and
knights have assayed and failed, that I should presume upon
me to enchieve that all ye, my lords, might not enchieve.
Ye shall not choose, said King Arthur, for I will command
you for to do as we all have done. My most renowned lord,
448 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
said Sir Launcelot, ye know well I dare not nor may not dis-
obey your commandment, but an I might or durst, wit you
well I would not take upon me to touch that wounded knight
in that intent that I should pass all other knights ; Jesu defend
me from that shame. Ye take it wrong, said King Arthur,
ye shall not do it for no presumption, but for to bear us fellow-
ship, insomuch ye be a fellow of the Table Round ; and wit
you well, said King Arthur, an ye prevail not and heal him,
I dare say there is no knight in this land may heal him,
and therefore I pray you, do as we have done.
And then all the kings and knights for the most part
prayed Sir Launcelot to search him ; and then the wounded
knight, Sir Urre, set him up weakly, and prayed Sir Launce-
lot heartily, saying : Courteous knight, I require thee for
God's sake heal my wounds, for methinketh ever sithen ye
came here my wounds grieve me not. Ah, my fair lord,
said Sir Launcelot, Jesu would that I might help you ; I
shame me sore that I should be thus rebuked, for never
was I able in worthiness to do so high a thing. Then Sir
Launcelot kneeled down by the wounded knight saying :
My lord Arthur, I must do your commandment, the which
is sore against my heart. And then he held up his hands,
and looked into the east, saying secretly unto himself: Thou
blessed Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I beseech thee of thy
mercy, that my simple worship and honesty be saved, and
thou blessed Trinity, thou mayst give power to heal this sick
knight by thy great virtue and grace of thee, but, Good
Lord, never of myself. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir
Urre to let him see his head ; and then devoutly kneeling
he ransacked the three wounds, that they bled a little, and
forthwith all the wounds fair healed, and seemed as they
HOW SIR URRE WAS HEALED 449
had been whole a seven year. And in likewise he searched
his body of other three wounds, and they healed in likewise ;
and then the last of all he searched that which was in his
hand, and anon it healed fair.
Then King Arthur and all the kings and knights kneeled
down and gave thankings and lovings unto God and to
His Blessed Mother. And ever Sir Launcelot wept as he
had been a child that had been beaten. Then King Arthur
let array priests and clerks in the most devoutest manner,
to bring in Sir Urre within Carlisle, with singing and loving
to God. And when this was done, the king let clothe him
in the richest manner that could be thought ; and then
were there but few better made knights in all the court,
for he was passingly well made and bigly ; and Arthur asked
Sir Urre how he felt himself. My good lord, he said, I felt
myself never so lusty. Will ye joust and do deeds of arms ?
said King Arthur. Sir, said Urre, and I had all that longed
unto jousts I would be soon ready.
Then Arthur made a party of hundred knights to be
against an hundred knights. And so upon the morn they
jousted for a diamond, but there jousted none of the dangerous
knights ; and so for to shorten this tale, Sir Urre and Sir
Lavaine jousted best that day, for there was none of them
but he overthrew and pulled down thirty knights ; and then
by the assent of all the kings and lords, Sir Urre and Sir
Lavaine were made knights of the Table Round. And
Sir Lavaine cast his love unto Dame Felelolie, Sir Urre's
sister, and then they were wedded together with great joy,
and King Arthur gave to everych of them a barony of lands.
And this Sir Urre would never go from Sir Launcelot, but he
and Sir Lavaine awaited evermore upon him ; and they were
2G
450 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
in all the court accounted for good knights, and full desirous
in arms ; and many noble deeds they did, for they would
have no rest, but ever sought adventures.
HOW SIR AGRAVAINE AND SIR MOR-
DRED WERE BUSY UPON SIR GAWAINE
FOR TO DISCLOSE THE LOVE BETWEEN
SIR LAUNCELOT AND QUEEN GUENEVER.
In May when every lusty heart flourisheth and
bourgeoneth for as the season is lusty to behold and com-
fortable, so man and woman rejoice and gladden of summer
coming with his fresh flowers : for winter with his rough winds
and blasts causeth a lusty man and woman to cower, and sit
fast by the fire so in this season, as in the month of May,
befell a great anger and unhap that stinted not till the flower
of chivalry of all the world was destroyed and slain ; and all
was long upon two unhappy knights, the which were named
Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that were brethren unto Sir
Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred had ever
a privy hate unto the queen Dame Guenever and to Sir Launce-
lot, and daily and nightly they ever watched upon Sir Launce-
lot.
So it mishapped, Sir Gawaine and all his brethren were in
King Arthur's chamber ; and then Sir Agravaine said thus
openly, and not in no counsel, that many knights might
hear it : I marvel that we all be not ashamed both to see
and to know how Sir Launcelot goeth with the queen, and
all we know it so; and it is shamefully suffered of us all,
that we all should suffer so noble a king as King Arthur is
so to be shamed.
Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said : Brother Sir Agra-
OF SIR AGRAVAINE AND SIR MORDRED 451
vaine, I pray you and charge you move no such matters
no more afore me ; for wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, I
will not be of your counsel. So God me help, said Sir Gaheris
and Sir Gareth, we will not be knowing, brother Agravaine,
of your deeds. Then will I, said Sir Mordred. I lieve well
that, said Sir Gawaine, for ever unto all unhappiness, brother
Sir Mordred, thereto will ye grant ; and I would that ye
left all this, and made you not so busy, for I know, said Sir
Gawaine, what will fall of it. Fall of it what fall may, said
Sir Agravaine, I will disclose it to the king. Not by my
counsel, said Sir Gawaine, for an there rise war and wrack
betwixt Sir Launcelot and us, wit you well brother, there
will many kings and great lords hold with Sir Launcelot.
Also, brother Sir Agravaine, said Sir .Gawaine, ye must re-
member how ofttimes Sir Launcelot hath rescued the king
and the queen ; and the best of us all had been full cold at
the heart-root had not Sir Launcelot been better than we,
and that hath he proved himself full oft. And as for my part,
said Sir Gawaine, I will never be against Sir Launcelot for
one day's deed, when he rescued me from King Carados of
the Dolorous Tower, and slew him, and saved my life. Also,
brother Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, in like wise Sir Launce-
lot rescued you both, and threescore and two, from Sir Tur-
quin. Methinketh brother, such kind deeds and kindness
should be remembered. Do as ye list, said Sir Agravaine,
for I will hide it no longer. With these words came to them
King Arthur. Now, brother, stint your noise, said Sir Ga-
waine. We will not, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.
Will ye so ? said Sir Gawaine ; then God speed you, for I
will not hear your tales ne be of your counsel. No more will
I, said Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for we will never say evil
452 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
by that man; for because, said Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot
made me knight, by no manner owe I to say ill of him. And
therewithal they three departed, making great dole. Alas,
said Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth, now is this realm wholly
mischieved, and the noble fellowship of the Round Table
shall be disparpled : so they departed.
And then Sir Arthur asked them what noise they made.
My lord, said Agravaine, I shall tell you that I may keep
no longer. Here is I, and my brother Sir Mordred, brake
unto my brothers Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and to Sir Gareth,
how this we know all, that Sir Launcelot holdeth your
queen, and hath done long; and we be your sister's sons,
and we may suffer it no longer, and all we wot that ye should
be above Sir Launcelot ; and ye are the king that made him
knight, and therefore we will prove it, that he is a traitor
to your person.
If it be so, said Sir Arthur, wit you well he is none other,
but I would be loath to begin such a thing but I might have
proofs upon it ; for Sir Launcelot is an hardy knight, and
all ye know he is the best knight among us all ; and but
if he be taken with the deed, he will fight with him that
bringeth up the noise, and I know no knight that is able to
match him. Therefore an it be sooth as ye say, I would he
were taken with the deed. For as the French book saith,
the king was full loath thereto, that any noise should be
upon Sir Launcelot and his queen ; for the king had a
deeming, but he would not hear of it, for Sir Launcelot had
done so much for him and the queen so many times, that
wit ye well the king loved him passingly well. My lord,
said Sir Agravaine, ye shall ride to-morn a-hunting, and
doubt ye not Sir Launcelot will not go with you. Then
OF SIR AGRAVAINE AND KING ARTHUR 453
when it draweth toward night, ye may send the queen word
that ye will lie out all that night, and so may ye send for
your cooks, and then upon pain of death we shall take him
that night with the queen, and outher we shall bring him
to you dead or quick. I will well, said the king; then I
counsel you, said the king, take with you sure fellowship.
Sir, said Agravaine, my brother, Sir Mordred, and I, will take
with us twelve knights of the Round Table. Beware, said
King Arthur, for I warn you ye shall find him wight. Let
us deal, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.
So on the morn King Arthur rode a-hunting, and sent
word to the queen that he would be out all that night. Then
Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred gat to them twelve knights,
and hid themself in a chamber in the Castle of Carlisle, and
these were their names : Sir Colgrevance, Sir Mador de la
Porte, Sir Gingaline, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Petipase of
Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the Moun-
tain, Sir Astamore, Sir Gromore Somir Joure, Sir Curselaine,
Sir Florence, Sir Lovel. So these twelve knights were with
Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine, and all they were of Scotland,
outher of Sir Gawaine's kin, either well-willers to his brethren.
So when the night came, Sir Launcelot told Sir Bors
how he would go that night and speak with the queen. Sir,
said Sir Bors, ye shall not go this night by my counsel. Why ?
said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors, I dread me ever of
Sir Agravaine, that waiteth you daily to do you shame and
us all ; and never gave my heart against no going, that ever
ye went to the queen, so much as now ; for I mistrust that
the king is out this night from the queen because peradven-
ture he hath lain some watch for you and the queen, and
therefore I dread me sore of treason. Have ye no dread,
454 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
said Sir Launcelot, for I shall go and come again, and make
no tarrying. Sir, said Sir Bors, that me repenteth, for I
dread me sore that your going out this night shall wrath us
all. Fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot, I marvel much why
ye say thus, sithen the queen hath sent for me ; and wit
ye well I will not be so much a coward, but she shall under-
stand I will see her good grace. God speed you well, said
Sir Bors, and send you sound and safe again.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS ESPIED IN THE
QUEEN'S CHAMBER, AND HOW SIR AGRA-
VAINE AND SIR MORDRED CAME WITH
TWELVE KNIGHTS TO SLAY HIM. So Sir Launcelot
departed, and took his sword under his arm, and so in his
mantle that noble knight put himself in great jeopardy;
and so he passed till he came to the queen's chamber. And
then, as the French book saith, there came Sir Agravaine and
Sir Mordred, with twelve knights with them of the Round
Table, and they said with crying voice : Traitor-knight,
Sir Launcelot du Lake, now art thou taken. And thus they
cried with a loud voice, that all the court might hear it ;
and they all fourteen were armed at all points as they should
fight in a battle. Alas, said Queen Guenever, now are we
mischieved both. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, is there here
any armour within your chamber, that I might cover my
poor body withal ? An if there be any give it me, and I
shall soon stint their malice, by the grace of God. Truly,
said the queen, I have none armour, shield, sword, nor spear ;
wherefore I dread me sore our long love is come to a mis-
chievous end, for I hear by their noise there be many noble
knights, and well I wot they be surely armed ; against them
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WAS ESPIED 455
ye may make no resistance. Wherefore ye are likely to be
slain, and then shall I be brent. For an ye might escape
them, said the queen, I would not doubt but that ye would
rescue me in what danger that ever I stood in. Alas, said
Sir Launcelot, in all my life thus was I never bestead, that
I should be thus shamefully slain for lack of mine armour.
But ever in one Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred cried :
Traitor-knight, come out of the queen's chamber, for wit
thou well thou art so beset that thou shalt not escape. O
Jesu mercy, said Sir Launcelot, this shameful cry and noise
I may not suffer, for better were death at once than thus
to endure this pain. Then he took the queen in his arms,
and kissed her, and said : Most noble Christian queen, I
beseech you as ye have been ever my special good lady, and
I at all times your true poor knight unto my power, and as
I never failed you in right nor in wrong sithen the first
day King Arthur made me knight, that ye will pray for my
soul if that I here be slain ; for well I am assured that Sir
Bors, my nephew, and all the remnant of my kin, with Sir
Lavaine and Sir Urre, that they will not fail you to rescue you
from the fire ; and therefore, mine own lady, recomfort your-
self, whatsomever come of me, that ye go with Sir Bors, my
nephew, and Sir Urre, and they all will do you all the pleasure
that they can or may, that ye shall live like a queen upon
my lands. Nay, Launcelot, said the queen, wit thou well
I will never live after thy days, but an thou be slain I will
take my death as meekly for Jesu Christ's sake as ever did
any Christian queen. Well, madam, said Launcelot, sith it
is so that the day is come that our love must depart, wit you
well I shall sell my life as dear as I may ; and a thousandfold,
said Sir Launcelot, I am more heavier for you than for my-
456 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
self. And now I had liefer than to be lord of all Christen-
dom, that I had sure armour upon me, that men might speak
of my deeds or ever I were slain. Truly, said the queen, I
would an it might please God that they would take me and
slay me, and suffer you to escape. That shall never be,
said Sir Launcelot, God defend me from such a shame, but
Jesu be Thou my shield and mine armour !
And therewith Sir Launcelot wrapped his mantle about
his arm well and surely; and by then they had gotten a
great form out of the hall, and therewithal they rashed at
the door. Fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, leave your noise
and your rashing, and I shall set open this door, and then
may ye do with me what it liketh you. Come off then,
said they all, and do it, for it availeth thee not to strive
against us all ; and therefore let us into this chamber, and
we shall save thy life until thou come to King Arthur. Then
Launcelot unbarred the door, and with his left hand he held
it open a little, so that but one man might come in at once ;
and so there came striding a good knight, a much man and
large, and his name was Colgrevance of Gore, and he with
a sword struck at Sir Launcelot mightily ; and he put aside
the stroke, and gave him such a buffet upon the helmet, that
he fell grovelling dead within the chamber door. And then
Sir Launcelot with great might drew that dead knight within
the chamber door ; and Sir Launcelot with help of the queen
and her ladies was lightly armed in Sir Colgrevance's armour.
And ever stood Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred crying:
Traitor-knight, come out of the queen's chamber. Leave
your noise, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Agravaine, for wit
you well, Sir Agravaine, ye shall not prison me this night ;
and therefore an ye do by my counsel, go ye all from this
HOW LAUNCELOT SLEW THE KNIGHTS 457
chamber door, and make not such crying and such manner
of slander as ye do; for I promise you by my knighthood,
an ye will depart and make no more noise, I shall as to-morn
appear afore you all before the king, and then let it be seen
which of you all, outher else ye all, that will accuse me of
treason; and there I shall answer you as a knight should,
that hither I came to the queen for no manner of mal engin,
and that will I prove and make it good upon you with my
hands. Fie on thee, traitor, said Sir Agravaine and Sir
Mordred, we will have thee maugre thy head, and slay thee
if we list ; for we let thee wit we have the choice of King
Arthur, to save thee or to slay thee. Ah sirs, said Sir
Launcelot, is there none other grace with you ? then keep
yourselves.
So then Sir Launcelot set all open the chamber door,
and mightily and knightly he strode in amongst them ; and
anon at the first buffet he slew Sir Agravaine. And twelve
of his fellows, within a little while after, he laid them cold
to the earth, for there was none of the twelve that might
stand Sir Launcelot one buffet. Also Sir Launcelot wounded
Sir Mordred, and he fled with all his might. And then Sir
Launcelot returned again unto the queen, and said : Madam,
now wit you well all our true love is brought to an end, for
now will King Arthur ever be my foe ; and therefore, madam,
an it like you that I may have you with me, I shall
save you from all manner adventures dangerous. That is
not best, said the queen ; meseemeth now ye have done so
much harm, it will be best ye hold you still with this. And
if ye see that as to-morn they will put me unto the death,
then may ye rescue me as ye think best. I will well, said
Sir Launcelot, for have ye no doubt, while I am living I
458 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
shall rescue you. And then he kissed her, and either gave
other a ring ; and so there he left the queen, and went until
his lodging.
OF THE COUNSEL AND ADVICE
THAT WAS TAKEN BY SIR LAUNCE-
LOT AND HIS FRIENDS FOR TO
SAVE THE QUEEN. When Sir Bors saw
Sir Launcelot he was never so glad of his home-coming as
he was then. Mercy, said Sir Launcelot, why be ye all
armed : what meaneth this ? Sir, said Sir Bors, after ye
were departed from us, we all that be of your blood and
your well-willers were so dretched that some of us leapt out
of our beds naked, and some in their dreams caught naked
swords in their hands ; therefore, said Sir Bors, we deem
there is some great strife at hand ; and then we all deemed
that ye were betrapped with some treason, and therefore we
made us thus ready, what need that ever ye were in.
My fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Bors, now
shall ye wit all, that this night I was more harder bestead
than ever I was in my life, and yet I escaped. And so he
told them all how and in what manner, as ye have heard
to-fore. And therefore, my fellows, said Sir Launcelot, I
pray you all that ye will be of good heart in what need
somever I stand, for now is war come to us all. Sir, said
Bors, all is welcome that God sendeth us, and we have had
much weal with you and much worship, and therefore we
will take the woe with you as we have taken the weal. And
therefore, they said all (there were many good knights),
look ye take no discomfort, for there nis no bands of knights
under heaven but we shall be able to grieve them as much
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT TOOK COUNSEL 459
as they may us. And therefore discomfort not yourself by
no manner, and we shall gather together that we love, and
that loveth us, and what that ye will have done shall be done.
And therefore, Sir Launcelot, said they, we will take the
woe with the weal. Gramercy, said Sir Launcelot, of your
good comfort, for in my great distress, my fair nephew, ye
comfort me greatly, and much I am beholding unto you.
But this, my fair nephew, I would that ye did in all haste
that ye may, or it be forth-days, that ye will look in their
lodging that be lodged here nigh about the king, which will
hold with me, and which will not, for now I would know
which were my friends from my foes. Sir, said Sir Bors,
I shall do my pain, and or it be seven of the clock I shall
wit of such as ye have said before, who will hold with you.
Then Sir Bors called unto him Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de
Maris, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir
Gahalantine, Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, Sir Menadeuke,
Sir Villiers the Valiant, Sir Hebes le Renoumes, Sir Lavaine,
Sir Urre of Hungary, Sir Nerounes, Sir Plenorius. These
two knights Sir Launcelot made, and the one he won upon
a bridge, and therefore they would never be against him.
And Harry le Fise du Lake, and Sir Selises of the Dolorous
Tower, and Sir Melias de Lile, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse,
that was Sir Alisander's son Le Orphelin, because his mother
Alice le Beale Pellerin was kin unto Sir Launcelot, he held
with him. So there came Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, his
brother, to hold with Sir Launcelot, and Sir Clegis of Sadok,
and Sir Dinas, Sir Clarius of Cleremont. So these two-and-
twenty knights drew them together, and by then they were
armed on horseback, and promised Sir Launcelot to do what
he would. Then there fell to them, what of North Wales
460 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
and of Cornwall, for Sir Lamorak's sake and for Sir Tristram's
sake, to the number of a fourscore knights.
My lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well, I have been
ever since I came into this country well willed unto my
lord, King Arthur, and unto my lady, Queen Guenever,
unto my power ; and this night because my lady the queen
sent for me to speak with her, I suppose it was made by
treason, howbeit I dare largely excuse her person, notwith-
standing I was there by a forecast near slain, but as Jesu
provided me I escaped all their malice and treason. And
then that noble knight Sir Launcelot told them all how he
was hard bestead in the queen's chamber, and how and in
what manner he escaped from them. And therefore, said
Sir Launcelot, wit you well, my fair lords, I am sure there
nis but war unto me and mine. And for because I have
slain this night these knights, I wot well as is Sir Agravaine
Sir Gawaine's brother, and at the least twelve of his fellows,
for this cause now I am sure of mortal war, for these knights
were sent and ordained by King Arthur to betray me.
And therefore the king will in his heat and malice judge
the queen to the fire, and that may I not suffer, that she
should be brent for my sake; for an I may be heard and
suffered and so taken, I will fight for the queen, that she is
a true lady unto her lord ; but the king in his heat, I dread
me, will not take me as I ought to be taken.
My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Bors, by mine advice ye
shall take the woe with the weal, and take it in patience,
and thank God of it. And sithen it is fallen as it is, I counsel
you keep yourself, for an ye will yourself, there is no
fellowship of knights christened that shall do you wrong.
Also I will counsel you my lord, Sir Launcelot, than an my
OF THE COUNSEL TO SAVE THE QUEEN 461
lady, Queen Guenever, be in distress, insomuch as she is
in pain for your sake, that ye knightly rescue her; an ye
did otherwise, all the world will speak of you shame to the
world's end. Insomuch as ye were taken with her, whether
ye did right or wrong, it is now your part to hold with
the queen, that she be not slain and put to a mischievous
death ; for an she so die the shame shall be yours. Jesu
defend me from shame, said Sir Launcelot, and keep and
save my lady the queen from villainy and shameful death,
and that she never be destroyed in my default ; wherefore
my fair lords, my kin, and my friends, said Sir Launcelot,
what will ye do? Then they said all: We will do as ye
will do. I put this to you, said Sir Launcelot, that if my
lord Arthur by evil counsel will to-morn in his heat put my
lady the queen to the fire there to be brent, now I pray you
counsel me what is best to do. Then they said all at once
with one voice : Sir, us thinketh best that ye knightly rescue
the queen; insomuch as she shall be brent it is for your
sake, and it is to suppose, and ye might be handled, ye
should have the same death, or a more shamefuller death.
And sir, we say all, that ye have many times rescued her
from death for other men's quarrels, us seemeth it is more
your worship that ye rescue the queen from this peril, inso-
much she hath it for your sake.
Then Sir Launcelot stood still, and said : My fair lords,
wit you well I would be loath to do that thing that should
dishonour you or my blood, and wit you well I would be
loath that my lady, the queen, should die a shameful death ;
but an it be so that ye will counsel me to rescue her, I must
do much harm ere I rescue her; and peradventure I shall
there destroy some of my best friends, that should much
462 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
repent me ; and peradventure there be some, an they could
well bring it about, or disobey my lord King Arthur, they
would soon come to me, the which I were loath to hurt. And
if so be that I rescue her, where shall I keep her? That
shall be the least care of us all, said Sir Bors. How did
the noble knight Sir Tristram, by your good will ? kept
not he with him La Beale Isoud near three year in Joyous
Card ? and that same place is your own ; and in like wise may
ye do an ye list, and take the queen lightly away, if it so be
the king will judge her to be brent ; and in Joyous Card
ye may keep her long enough until the heat of the king be
past. And then shall ye bring again the queen to the king
with great worship ; and then peradventure ye shall have
thank for her bringing home, and love and thank where other
shall have maugre.
That is hard to do, said Sir Launcelot, for by Sir Tristram
I may have a warning ; for when by means of treaties, Sir
Tristram brought again La Beale Isoud unto King Mark
from Joyous Card, look what befell on the end, how shame-
fully that false traitor King Mark slew him as he sat harping
afore his lady La Beale Isoud, with a grounden glaive he
thrust him in behind to the heart. It grieveth me, said Sir
Launcelot, to speak of his death, for all the world may not
find such a knight. All this is truth, said Sir Bors, but there
is one thing shall courage you and us all, ye know well King
Arthur and King Mark were never like of conditions, for
there was never yet man could prove King Arthur untrue of
his promise.
So to make short tale, they were all consented that for
better or for worse, if so were that the queen were on that
morn brought to the fire, shortly they all would rescue her.
HOW SIR MORDRED TOLD KING ARTHUR 463
And so by the advice of Sir Launcelot, they put them all
in an embushment in a wood, as nigh Carlisle as they might,
and there they abode still, to wit what the king would do.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT AND HIS KINSMEN
RESCUED THE QUEEN FROM THE FIRE,
AND HOW HE SLEW MANY KNIGHTS,
AND OF THE SORROW OF KING ARTHUR.
Now turn we again unto Sir Mordred, that when he was
escaped from the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, he anon gat
his horse and mounted upon him, and rode unto King Arthur,
sore wounded and smitten, and all forblcd ; and there he
told the king all how it was, and how they were all slain
save himself all only. Jesu mercy, how may this be ? said
the king ; took ye him in the queen's chamber ? Yea, so
God me help, said Sir Mordred, there we found him un-
armed, and there he slew Colgrevance, and armed him in
his armour ; and all this he told the king from the beginning
to the ending. Jesu mercy, said the king, he is a marvel-
lous knight of prowess. Alas, me sore repenteth, said the
king, that ever Sir Launcelot should be against me. Now
I am sure the noble fellowship of the Round Table is broken
for ever, for with him will many a noble knight hold ; and
now it is fallen so, said the king, that I may not with my
worship, but the queen must suffer the death. So then
there was made great ordinance in this heat, that the queen
must be judged to the death. And the law was such in
those days that whatsomever they were, of what estate or
degree, if they were found guilty of treason, there should be
none other remedy but death ; and outher the men or the
taking with the deed should be causer of their hasty judg-
464 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
ment. And right so was it ordained for Queen Guenever,
because Sir Mordred was escaped sore wounded, and the
death of thirteen knights of the Round Table. These proofs
and experiences caused King Arthur to command the queen
to the fire there to be brent.
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 so that
he came thither for none evil ; for ye know my lord, said
Sir Gawaine, that the queen is much beholden unto Sir
Launcelot, more than unto any other knight, for ofttimes
he 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 had done to her in times 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 ofttimes we do many
things that we ween it be for the best, and yet peradventure
it turneth to the worst. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine,
my lady, your queen, is to you both good and true ; and
as for Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I dare say he will
make it good upon any knight living that will put upon
himself villainy or shame, and in like wise he will make good
for my lady, Dame Guenever.
That I believe well, said King Arthur, but 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 there-
HOW QUEEN GUENEVER WAS RESCUED 465
fore for my queen he shall never fight more, for she shall
have the law. And if I may get Sir Launcelot, wit you
well he shall have a shameful death. Jesu defend, said Sir
Gawaine, that I may never see it. Why say ye so ? said
King Arthur ; forsooth ye have no cause to love Sir Launce-
lot, for this night last past he slew your brother, Sir Agra-
vaine, a full good knight, and almost he had slain your other
brother, Sir Mordred, and also there he slew thirteen noble
knights ; and also, Sir Gawaine, remember ye he slew two
sons of yours, Sir Florence and Sir Lovel. My lord, said
Sir Gawaine, of all this I have knowledge, of whose deaths
I repent me sore ; but insomuch I gave them warning, and
told my brethren and my sons aforehand what would fall in the
end, insomuch they would not do by my counsel, I will not
meddle me thereof, nor revenge me nothing of their deaths ;
for I told them it was no bote to strive with Sir Launcelot.
Howbeit I am sorry of the death of my brethren and of my
sons, for they are the causers of their own death ; for oft-
times I warned my brother Sir Agravaine, and I told him the
perils the which be now fallen.
Then said the noble King Arthur to Sir Gawaine : Dear
nephew, I pray you make you ready in your best armour,
with your brethren, Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, to bring
my queen to the fire, there to have her judgment and receive
the death. Nay, my most noble lord, said Sir Gawaine,
that will I never do ; for wit you well I will never be in that
place where so noble a queen as is my lady, Dame Guenever,
shall take a shameful end. For wit you well, said Sir Gawaine,
my heart will never serve me to see her die ; and it shall
never be said that ever I was of your counsel of her death.
Then said the king to Sir Gawaine : Suffer your brothers
2H .
466 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth to be there. My lord, said Sir
Gawaine, wit you well they will be loath to be there present,
because of many adventures the which be like there to fall,
but they are young and full unable to say you nay. Then
spake Sir Gaheris, and the good knight Sir Gareth, unto Sir
Arthur : Sir, ye may well command us to be there, but wit
you well it shall be sore against our will ; but an we be there
by your strait commandment ye shall plainly hold us there
excused : we will be there in peaceable wise, and bear none
harness of war upon us. In the name of God, said the king,
then make you ready, for she shall soon have her judgment
anon. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, that ever I should endure
to see this woful day. So Sir Gawaine turned him and wept
heartily, and so he went into his chamber ; and then the
queen was led forth without Carlisle, and there she was
despoiled into her smock. And so then her ghostly father
was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then
was there weeping, and wailing, and wringing of hands,
of many lords and ladies, but there were but few in compar-
ison that would bear any armour for to strength the death
of the queen.
Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent unto
that place for to espy what time the queen should go unto
her death ; and anon as he saw the queen despoiled into
her smock, and so shriven, then he gave Sir Launcelot warn-
ing. Then was there but spurring and plucking up of
horses, and right so they came to the fire. And who that
stood against them, there were they slain ; there might none
withstand Sir Launcelot, so all that bare arms and withstood
them, there were they slain, full many a noble knight. For
there was slain Sir Belliance le Orgulous, Sir Segwarides,
OF THE KING'S SORROW FOR SIR GARETH 467
Sir Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor ; Sir Gauter,
Sir Gillimer, Sir Reynolds' 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 and the Red Knight.
And so in this rashing and hurling, as Sir Launcelot thrang
here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris and Sir
Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and un-
ware. For as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot smote Sir
Gareth and Sir Gaheris upon the brain-pans, where-through
they were slain in the field ; howbeit in very truth Sir Launce-
lot saw them not, and so were they found dead among the
thickest of the press.
Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and slain and
put to flight all that would withstand him, then he rode
straight unto Dame Guenever, and made a kirtle and a gown
to be cast upon her ; and then he made her to be set behind
him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well the
queen was glad that she was escaped from the death ; and
then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot. And so he rode
his way with the queen, as the French book saith, unto Joy-
ous Card, and there he kept her as a noble knight should
do ; and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelot
many good knights, and many noble knights drew unto
Sir Launcelot. When this was known openly, that King
Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at debate, many knights
were glad of their debate, and many were full heavy of their
debate.
468 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
HOW KING ARTHUR AT THE RE-
QUEST OF SIR GAWAINE CON-
CLUDED TO MAKE WAR AGAINST SIR
LAUNCELOT, AND LAID SIEGE TO
HIS CASTLE CALLED JOYOUS CARD.
So turn we again unto King Arthur, that when it was told him
how and in what manner of wise the queen was taken away
from the fire, and when he heard of the death of his noble
knights, and in especial of Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth's death,
then the king swooned for pure sorrow. And when he awoke
of his swoon, then he said : Alas, that ever I bare crown
upon my head ! for now have I lost the fairest fellowship
of noble knights that ever Christian king held together.
Alas, my good knights be slain away from me : now within
these two days I have lost forty knights, and also the noble
fellowship of Sir Launcelot and his blood, for now I may
never hold them together no more with my worship. Alas
that ever this war began. Now fair fellows, said the king ;
I charge you that no man tell Sir Gawaine of the death of
his two brethren ; for I am sure, said the king, when Sir
Gawaine heareth tell that Sir Gareth is dead he will go nigh
out of his mind. Mercy Jesu, said the king, why slew he
Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for I dare say as for Sir Gareth
he loved Sir Launcelot above all men earthly. That is truth,
said some knights, but they were slain in the hurtling as
Sir Launcelot thrang in the thick of the press ; and as they
were unarmed he smote them and wist not whom that he
smote, and so unhappily they were slain. The death of
them, said Arthur, will cause the greatest mortal war that
ever was ; I am sure, wist Sir Gawaine that Sir Gareth were
slain, I should never have rest of him till I had destroyed
OF KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAINE 469
Sir Launcelot's kin and himself both, or else he to destroy
me. And therefore, said the king, wit you well my heart
was never so heavy as it is now, and much more I am sorrier
for my good knights' loss than for the loss of my fair queen ;
for queens I might have enow, but such a fellowship of good
knights shall never be together in no company. And now
I dare say, said King Arthur, there was never Christian
king held such a fellowship together; and alas that ever
Sir Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah Agravaine,
Agravaine, said the king, Jesu forgive it thy soul, for thine
evil will, that thou, and thy brother Sir Mordred, hadst unto
Sir Launcelot, hath caused all this sorrow : and ever among
these complaints the king wept and swooned.
Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him
how the queen was led away with Sir Launcelot, and nigh
a twenty-four knights slain. O Jesu defend my brethren,
said Sir Gawaine, for full well wist I that Sir Launcelot
would rescue her, outher else he would die in that field ;
and to say the truth he had not been a man of worship had
he not rescued the queen that day, insomuch she should
have been brent for his sake. And as in that, said Sir Gawaine,
he hath done but knightly, and as I would have done my-
self an I had stood in like case. But where are my brethren ?
said Sir Gawaine, I marvel I hear not of them. Truly, said
that man, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris be slain. Jesu de-
fend, said Sir Gawaine, for all the world I would not that
they were slain, and in especial my good brother, Sir Gareth.
Sir, said the man, he is slain, and that is great pity. Who
slew him ? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said the man, Launcelot
slew them both. That may I not believe, said Sir Gawaine,
that ever he slew my brother, Sir Gareth ; for I dare say my
470 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
brother Gareth loved him better than me, and all his brethren,
and the king both. Also I dare say, an Sir Launcelot had
desired my brother, Sir Gareth, with him he would have been
with him against the king and us all, and therefore I may
never believe that Sir Launcelot slew my brother. Sir,
said this man, it is noised that he slew him.
Alas, said Sir Gawaine, now is my joy gone. And then
he fell down and swooned, and long he lay there as he had
been dead. And then, when he arose of his swoon, he cried
out sorrowfully, and said : Alas ! And right so Sir Gawaine
ran to the king, crying and weeping : O King Arthur, mine
uncle, my good brother Sir Gareth is slain, and so is my
brother Sir Gaheris, the which were two noble knights. Then
the king wept, and he both ; and so they fell a-swooning.
And when they were revived then spake Sir Gawaine : Sir,
I will go see my brother, Sir Gareth. Ye may not see him,
said the king, for I caused him to be interred, and Sir Gaheris
both ; for I well understood that ye would make over-much
sorrow, and the sight of Sir Gareth should have caused your
double sorrow. Alas, my lord, said Sir Gawaine, how slew
he my brother, Sir Gareth ? Mine own good lord I pray
you tell me. Truly, said the king, I shall tell you how it is
told me, Sir Launcelot slew him and Sir Gaheris both. Alas,
said Sir Gawaine, they bare none arms against him, neither
of them both. I wot not how it was, said the king, but as
it is said, Sir Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the
press and knew them not ; and therefore let us shape a remedy
for to revenge their deaths.
My king, my lord, and mine uncle, said Sir Gawaine,
wit you well now I shall make you a promise that I shall
hold by my knighthood, that from this day I shall never
HOW ARTHUR BESIEGED LAUNCELOT 471
fail Sir Launcelot, until the one of us have slain the other.
And therefore I require you, my lord and king, dress you
to the war, for wit you well I will be revenged upon Sir Launce-
lot ; and therefore, as ye will have my service and my love,
now haste you thereto, and assay your friends. For I prom-
ise unto God, said Sir Gawaine, for the death of my brother,
Sir Gareth, I shall seek Sir Launcelot throughout seven
kings' realms, but I shall slay him or else he shall slay me.
Ye shall not need to seek him so far, said the king, for as I
hear say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous
Card ; and much people draweth unto him, as I hear say.
That may I believe, said Sir Gawaine ; but my lord, he said,
assay your friends, and I will assay mine. It shall be done,
said the king, and as I suppose I shall be big enough to draw
him out of the biggest tower of his castle.
So then the king sent letters and waits throughout all
England, both in the length and the breadth, for to assummon
all his knights. Thereof heard Sir Launcelot, and purveyed
him of many good knights, for with him held many knights,
and some for his own sake, and some for the queen's sake.
Then came King Arthur with Sir Gawaine with an huge host,
and laid a siege all about Joyous Gard, both at the town and
at the castle, and there they made strong war on both parties.
But in no wise Sir Launcelot would ride out, nor go out of
his castle, of long time ; neither he would none of his good
knights to issue out, neither none of the town nor of the castle,
until fifteen weeks were past.
Then it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot
looked over the walls, and spake on high unto King Arthur
and Sir Gawaine : My lords both, wit ye well all is in vain
that ye make at this siege, for here win ye no worship but
472 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
maugre and dishonour; for an it list me to come myself
out and my good knights, I should full soon make an end of
this war. Come forth, said Arthur unto Launcelot, an thou
durst, and I promise thee I shall meet thee in midst of the
field. God defend me, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should
encounter with the most noble king that made me knight.
Fie upon thy fair language, said the king, for wit you well
and trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my death
day ; for thou hast slain my good knights, and full noble men
of my blood, that I shall never recover again. Also thou
hast dishonoured my queen, and holden her many winters,
and sithen like a traitor taken her from me by force.
My most noble lord and king, said Sir Launcelot, ye
may say what ye will, for ye wot well with yourself will I
not strive ; but thereas ye say I have slain your good knights,
I wot well that I have done so, and that me sore repenteth ;
but I was enforced to do battle with them in saving of my
life, or else I must have suffered them to have slain me.
And as for my lady, Queen Guenever, except your person
of your highness, and my lord Sir Gawaine, there is no knight
under heaven that dare make it good upon me, that ever
I was a traitor unto your person. And where it please
you to say that I have holden my lady your queen many
winters, unto that I shall ever make a large answer, and
prove it upon any knight that beareth the life, except your
person and Sir Gawaine, that my lady, Queen Guenever,
is a true lady unto your person as any is living unto her
lord, and that will I make good with my hands. Howbeit
it hath like her good grace to have me in chierte, and to
cherish me more than any other knight ; and unto my power
I again have deserved her love, for ofttimes, my lord, ye
HOW GAWAINE BLEW UPON LAUNCELOT 473
have consented that she should be brent and destroyed, in
your heat, and then it fortuned me to do battle for her,
and ere I departed from her adversary they confessed their
untruth, and she full worshipfully excused. And at such
times, my lord Arthur, said Sir Launcelot, ye loved me, and
thanked me when I saved your queen from the fire; and
then ye promised me for ever to be my good lord ; and now
methinketh ye reward me full ill for my good service. And
my good lord, meseemeth I had lost a great part of my wor-
ship in my knighthood an I had suffered my lady, your
queen, to have been brent, and insomuch she should have
been brent for my sake. For sithen I have done battles for
your queen in other quarrels than in mine own, meseemeth
now I had more right to do battle for her in right quarrel.
And therefore my good and gracious lord, said Sir Launcelot,
take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both fair,
true, and good.
Fie on thee, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine ;
I let thee wit my lord, mine uncle, King Arthur, shall have
his queen and thee, maugre thy visage, and slay you both
whether it please him. It may well be, said Sir Launcelot,
but wit you well, my lord Sir Gawaine, an me list to come
out of this castle ye should win me and the queen more
harder than ever ye won a strong battle. Fie on thy proud
words, said Sir Gawaine ; as for my lady, the queen, I will
never say of her shame. But thou, false and recreant knight,
said Sir Gawaine, what cause hadst thou to slay my good
brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee more than all my kin ?
Alas, thou madest him knight thine own hands ; why slew
thou him that loved thee so well ? For to excuse me, said
Sir Launcelot, it helpeth me not, but by the faith that I
474 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
owe to the high order of knighthood, I should with as good
will have slain my nephew, Sir Bors de Ganis, at that time.
But alas that ever I was so unhappy, said Launcelot, that I
had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris.
Thou liest, recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, thou
slewest him in despite of me ; and therefore, wit thou well
I shall make war to thee, and all the while that I may live.
And then Sir Gawaine made many men to blow upon Sir
Launcelot ; and all at once they called him false recreant
knight.
Then when Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, and
Sir Lionel heard this outcry, they called to them Sir Palo-
mides, Sir Safere's brother, and Sir Lavaine, with many
more of their blood, and all they went unto Sir Launcelot,
and said thus : My lord Sir Launcelot, wit ye well we have
great scorn of the great rebukes that we heard Gawaine
say to you ; wherefore we pray you, and charge you as ye
will have our service, keep us no longer within these walls ;
for wit you well plainly, we will ride into the field and do
battle with them; for ye fare as a man that were afeard,
and for all your fair speech it will not avail you. For wit
you well Sir Gawaine will not suffer you to be accorded
with King Arthur, and therefore fight for your life and your
right, an ye dare.
Then either party made them ready on the morn for to
do battle, and great purveyance was made on both sides ;
and Sir Gawaine let purvey many knights for to wait upon
Sir Launcelot, for to overset him and to slay him. And on
the morn at underne Sir Arthur was ready in the field with
three great hosts. And then Sir Launcelot's fellowship
came out at three gates, in a full good array ; and Sir Lionel
HOW LAUNCELOT HORSED ARTHUR 475
came in the foremost battle, and Sir Launcelot came in the
middle, and Sir Bors came out at the third gate. Thus
they came in order and rule, as full noble knights ; and
always Sir Launcelot charged all his knights in any wise to
save King Arthur and Sir Gawaine.
Then came forth Sir Gawaine from the king's host, and
he came before and proffered to joust. And Sir Lionel
was a fierce knight, and lightly he encountered with Sir
Gawaine ; and there Sir Gawaine smote Sir Lionel through-
out the body, that he dashed to the earth like as he had
been dead ; and then Sir Ector de Maris and other more
bare him into the castle. Then there began a great stour,
and much people was slain ; and ever King Arthur was
nigh about Sir Launcelot to have slain him, and Sir Launcelot
suffered him, and would not strike again. So Sir Bors
encountered with King Arthur, and there with a spear Sir
Bors smote him down ; and so he alighted and drew his
sword, and said to Sir Launcelot : Shall I make an end of
this war ? and that he meant to have slain King Arthur.
Not so hardy, said Sir Launcelot, upon pain of thy head,
that thou touch him no more, for I will never see that most
noble king that made me knight neither slain ne shamed.
And therewithal Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse and
took up the king and horsed him again, and said thus : My
lord Arthur, for God's love stint this strife, for ye get here
no worship, an I would do mine utterance ; but always I
forbear you, and ye nor none of yours forbeareth me. My
lord, remember what I have done in many places, and now
I am evil rewarded.
Then when King Arthur was on horseback, he looked upon
Sir Launcelot, and then the tears brast out of his eyen,
476 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
thinking on the great courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot
more than in any other man ; and therewith the king rode
his way, and might no longer behold him, and said : Alas,
that ever this war began. And then either parties of the
battles withdrew them to repose them, and buried the dead,
and to the wounded men they laid soft salves ; and thus
they endured that night till on the morn. And on the morn
by underne they made them ready to do battle. And then
Sir Bors led the forward.
So upon the morn there came Sir Gawaine as brim as
any boar, with a great spear in his hand. And when Sir
Bors saw him he thought to revenge his brother Sir Lionel
of the despite that Sir Gawaine did him the other day. And
so they, that knew either other, feutred their spears, and
with all their mights of their horses and themselves, they met
together so felonously that either bare other through, and so
they fell both to the earth ; and then the battles joined, and
there was much slaughter on both parties.
So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they on King Arthur's
party were not so orgulous as they were toforehand to do
battle. Of this war was noised through all Christendom,
and at the last it was noised afore the Pope ; and he considering
the great goodness of King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot, that
was called the most noblest knights of the world, wherefore
the Pope called unto him a noble clerk that at that time was
there present the French book saith, it was the Bishop of
Rochester and the Pope gave him bulls under lead unto
King Arthur of England, charging him upon pain of inter-
dicting of all England, that he take his queen Dame Guenever
unto him again, and accord with Sir Launcelot.
HOW THE POPE MADE PEACE 477
HOW THE POPE SENT DOWN
HIS BULLS TO MAKE PEACE,
AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT
BROUGHT THE QUEEN TO
KING ARTHUR. So when this
Bishop was come to Carlisle he shewed
the king these bulls. And when the
king understood these bulls he nist
what to do : full fain he would have
been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine would not
suffer him ; but as for to have the queen, thereto he agreed.
And then the Bishop had of the king his great seal, and his
assurance as he was a true anointed king that Sir Launcelot
should come safe, and go safe, and that the queen should
not be spoken unto of the king, nor of none other, for no
thing done afore time past ; and of all these appointments
the Bishop brought with him sure assurance and writing,
to shew Sir Launcelot.
So when the Bishop was come to Joyous Card, there
he shewed Sir Launcelot how the Pope had written to Arthur
and unto him, and there he told him the perils if he withheld
the queen from the king. It was never in my thought, said
Launcelot, to withhold the queen from my lord Arthur ; but,
insomuch she should have been dead for my sake, meseemeth it
was my part to save her life, and put her from that danger,
till better recover might come. And now I thank God, said
Sir Launcelot, that the Pope hath made her peace ; for God
knoweth, said Sir Launcelot, I will be a thousandfold more
gladder to bring her again, than ever I was of her taking
away ; with this, I may be sure to come safe and go safe, and
that the queen shall have her liberty as she had before ; and
478 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
never for no thing that hath been surmised afore this time,
she never from this day stand in no peril.
So the Bishop departed and came to the king at Carlisle,
and told him all how Sir Launcelot answered him ; and then
the tears brast out of the king's eyen. Then Sir Launcelot
purveyed him an hundred knights, and all were clothed in
green velvet, and their horses trapped to their heels ; and
every knight held a branch of olive in his hand, in tokening
of peace. And the queen had four-and-twenty gentle-
women following her in the same wise ; and Sir Launcelot
had twelve coursers following him, and on every courser
sat a young gentleman, and all they were arrayed in green
velvet, with sarps of gold about their quarters, and the horse
trapped in the same wise down to the heels, with many
ouches, y-set with stones and pearls in gold, to the number
of a thousand. And she and Sir Launcelot were clothed
in white cloth of gold tissue ; and right so as ye have heard,
as the French book maketh mention, he rode with the queen
from Joyous Card to Carlisle. And so Sir Launcelot rode
throughout Carlisle, and so in the castle, that all men might
behold ; and wit you well there was many a weeping eye.
And then Sir Launcelot himself alighted and avoided his
horse, and took the queen, and so led her where King Arthur
was in his seat : and Sir Gawaine sat afore him, and many
other great lords. So when Sir Launcelot saw the king and
Sir Gawaine, then he led the queen by the arm, and then he
kneeled down, and the queen both. Wit you well then was
there many bold knights there with King Arthur that wept
as tenderly as though they had seen all their kin afore them.
So the king sat still, and said no word. And when Sir Launce-
lot saw his countenance, he arose and pulled up the queen
with him, and thus he spake full knightly.
OF SIR GAWAINE AND SIR LAUNCELOT 479
My most redoubted king, ye shall understand, by the
Pope's commandment and yours, I have brought to you
my lady the queen, as right requireth ; and if there be any
knight, of whatsomever degree that he be, except your person,
that will say, or dare say, but that she is true and clean
to you, I here myself, Sir Launcelot du Lake, will make it
good upon his body, that she is a true lady unto you ; but
liars ye have listened, and that hath caused debate betwixt
you and me. For time hath been, my lord Arthur, that ye
have been greatly pleased with me when I did battle for
my lady, your queen ; and full well ye know, my most noble
king, that she hath been put to great wrong ere this time ;
and sithen it pleased you at many times that I should fight
for her, meseemeth, my good lord, I had more cause to rescue
her from the fire, insomuch she should have been brent
for my sake. For they that told you those tales were liars,
and so it fell upon them ; for by likelihood had not the might
of God been with me, I might never have endured fourteen
knights, and they armed and afore purposed, and I unarmed
and not purposed. And as Jesu be my help, said Sir Launce-
lot, I slew never Sir Gareth nor Sir Gaheris by my will ; but
alas that ever they were unarmed that unhappy day. But
thus much I shall offer me, said Sir Launcelot, if it may please
the king's good grace, and you, my lord Sir Gawaine, I shall
first begin at Sandwich, and there I shall go in my shirt,
barefoot ; and at every ten miles' end I will found and gar
make an house of religion, of what order that ye will assign
me, with an whole convent, to sing and read, day and night,
in especial for Sir Gareth's sake and Sir Gaheris. And this
shall I perform from Sandwich unto Carlisle ; and every
house shall have sufficient livelihood. And this shall I per-
4 8o OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
form while I have any livelihood in Christendom ; and there
nis none of all these religious places, but they shall be per-
formed, furnished and garnished in all things as an holy place
ought to be, I promise you faithfully. And this, Sir Gawaine,
methinketh were more fairer, holier, and more better to their
souls, than ye, my most noble king, and you, Sir Gawaine, to
war upon me, for thereby shall ye get none avail.
Then all knights and ladies that were there wept as
they were mad, and the tears fell on King Arthur's cheeks.
Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I have right well heard
thy speech, and thy great proffers, but wit thou well, let
the king do as it pleaseth him, I will never forgive my brothers'
death, and in especial the death of my brother, Sir Gareth.
And if mine uncle, King Arthur, will accord with thee, he
shall lose my service ; for wit thou well thou art both false
to the king and to me. Sir, said Launcelot, he beareth
not the life that may make that good ; and if ye, Sir Gawaine,
will charge me with so high a thing, ye must pardon me,
for then needs must I answer you. Nay, said Sir Gawaine,
we are past that at this time, and that caused the Pope, for
he hath charged mine uncle, the king, that he shall take his
queen again, and to accord with thee, Sir Launcelot, as for
this season, and therefore thou shalt go safe as thou earnest.
But in this land thou shalt not abide past fifteen days, such
summons I give thee : so the king and we were consented
and accorded ere thou earnest. And else, said Sir Gawaine,
wit thou well thou shouldst not have come here, but if it
were maugre thy head. And if it were not for the Pope's
commandment, said Sir Gawaine, I should do battle with
mine own body against thy body, and prove it upon thee,
that thou hast been both false unto mine uncle King Arthur,
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT DEPARTED 481
and to me both ; and that shall I prove upon thy body, when
thou art departed from hence, wheresomever I find thee.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT DEPARTED FROM
THE KING AND FROM JOYOUS CARD
OVER SEAWARD, AND HOW KING ARTHUR
AND SIR GAWAINE WITH A GREAT HOST MADE
WAR ON SIR LAUNCELOT. Then Sir Launcelot sighed,
and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks, and then he said
thus : Alas, most noble Christian realm, whom I have loved
above all other realms, and in thee I have gotten a great part
of my worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Make
thou no more language, said Sir Gawaine, but deliver the queen
from thee, and pike thee lightly out of this court. Well, said
Sir Launcelot, an I had wist of this short coming, I would
have advised me twice or that I had come hither ; for an the
queen had been so dear to me as ye noise her, I durst have
kept her from a fellowship of the best knights under heaven.
And then Sir Launcelot said unto Guenever, in hearing
of the king and them all : Madam, now I must depart from
you and this noble fellowship for ever ; and sithen it is so, I
beseech you to pray for me, and say me well ; and if ye be
hard bestead by any false tongues, lightly, my lady, let send
me word, and if any knight's hands may deliver you by
battle, I shall deliver you. And therewithal Sir Launcelot
kissed the queen ; and then he said all openly : Now let see
what he be in this place that dare say the queen is not true
unto my lord Arthur, let see who will speak an he dare speak.
And therewith he brought the queen to the king, and then
Sir Launcelot took his leave and departed ; and there was
neither king, duke, nor earl, baron nor knight, lady nor
21
482 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
gentlewoman, but all they wept as people out of their mind,
except Sir Gawaine. And when the noble Sir Launcelot took
his horse to ride out of Carlisle, there was sobbing and weep-
ing for pure dole of his departing ; and so he took his way
unto Joyous Card. And then ever after he called it the
Dolorous Card. And thus departed Sir Launcelot from the
court for ever.
And so when he came to Joyous Card he called his fellow-
ship unto him, and asked them what they would do. Then they
answered all wholly together with one voice, they would as
he would do. My fair fellows, said Sir Launcelot, I must
depart out of this most noble realm, and now I shall depart
it grieveth me sore, for I shall depart with no worship ; for a
banished man departed never out of no realm with worship,
and that is my heaviness, for ever I fear after my days that
men shall chronicle upon me that I was banished out of this
land ; and else, my fair lords, be ye sure, an I had not dread
shame, my lady, Queen Guenever, and I should never have
departed.
Then spake many noble knights, as Sir Palomides, Sir
Safere his brother, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse, and Sir
Urre, with Sir Lavaine, with many others : Sir, an ye be
so disposed to abide in this land we will never fail you ; and
if ye list not to abide in this land there nis none of the good
knights that here be will fail you.
Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you all of your good
saying. So they were accorded to go with Sir Launcelot
to his lands ; and to make short tale, they trussed, and paid
all that would ask them ; and wholly an hundred knights
departed with Sir Launcelot at once, and made their avows
they would never leave him for weal nor for woe.
ARTHUR LAYS SIEGE TO BENWICK 483
And so they shipped at Cardiff, and sailed unto Benwick :
some men call it Bayonne, and some men call it Beaume,
where the wine of Beaume is. And then Sir Launcelot
stuffed and furnished and garnished all his noble towns and
castles.
Then King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host
ready, to the number of threescore thousand ; and all thing
was made ready for their shipping to pass over the sea, and
so they shipped at Cardiff. And there King Arthur made
Sir Mordred chief ruler of all England, and also he put Queen
Guenever under his governance ; because Sir Mordred was
King Arthur's son, he gave him the rule of his land and of
his wife ; and so the king passed the sea and landed upon
Sir Launcelot's lands, and there he brent and wasted, through
the vengeance of Sir Gawaine, all that they might overrun.
And upon the morn early, in the dawning of the day,
as Sir Launcelot's knights looked out, they saw the city of
Benwick besieged round about ; and fast they began to set
up ladders, and then they defied them out of the town, and
beat them from the walls wightly. Then came forth Sir
Gawaine well armed upon a stiff steed, and he came before the
chief gate, with his spear in his hand, crying : Sir Launcelot,
where art thou ? is there none of you proud knights dare
break a spear with me ? Then Sir Bors made him ready, and
came forth out of the town, and there Sir Gawaine encoun-
tered with Sir Bors. And at that time he smote Sir Bors
down from his horse, and almost he had slain him ; and so
Sir Bors was rescued and borne into the town. Then came
forth Sir Lionel, brother to Sir Bors, and thought to revenge
him; and either feutred their spears, and ran together;
and there they met spitefully, but Sir Gawaine had such
484 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
grace that he smote Sir Lionel down, and wounded him
there passing sore ; and then Sir Lionel was rescued and
borne into the town. And thus Sir Gawaine came every
day, and he failed not but that he smote down one knight
or other.
So thus they endured half a year, and much slaughter
was of people on both parties. Then it befell upon a day,
Sir Gawaine came afore the gates armed at all pieces on a
noble horse, with a great spear in his hand ; and then he
cried with a loud voice : Where art thou now, thou false
traitor, Sir Launcelot ? Why hidest thou thyself within
holes and walls like a coward ? Look out now, thou false
traitor knight, and here I shall revenge upon thy body the
death of my three brethren.
Then Sir Launcelot bade saddle his strongest horse, and
bade let fetch his arms, and bring all unto the gate of the
tower; and then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto King
Arthur, and said : My lord Arthur, and noble king that
made me knight, wit you well I am right heavy for your
sake, that ye thus sue upon me ; and always I forbear you,
for an I would have been vengeable, I might have met you
in midst of the field, and there to have made your boldest
knights full tame. And now I have forborne half a year,
and suffered you and Sir Gawaine to do what ye would do ;
and now may I endure it no longer, for now must I needs
defend myself, insomuch Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of
treason ; the which is greatly against my will that ever I
should fight against any of your blood, but now I may not
forsake it ; I am driven thereto as a beast to bay.
Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great
way asunder, and then they came together with all their
HOW LAUNCELOT FOUGHT GAWAINE 485
horses' might as they might run, and either smote other
in midst of their shields ; but the knights were so strong,
and their spears so big, that their horses might not endure
their buffets, and so their horses fell to the earth ; and
then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields
afore them. Then they stood together and gave many sad
strokes on divers places of their bodies, that the blood brast
out on many sides and places. Then had Sir Gawaine such
a grace and gift that an holy man had given to him, that
every day in the year, from underne till high noon, his
might increased those three hours as much as thrice his
strength, and that caused Sir Gawaine to win great honour.
And for his sake King Arthur made an ordinance, that all
manner of battles for any quarrels that should be done afore
King Arthur should begin at underne ; and all was done
for Sir Gawaine's love, that by likelihood, if Sir Gawaine
were on the one part, he should have the better in battle
while his strength endureth three hours ; but there were
but few knights that time living that knew this advantage
that Sir Gawaine had, but King Arthur all only.
Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and when
Sir Launcelot felt his might evermore increase, Sir Launcelot
wondered and dread him sore to be shamed. For as the
French book saith, Sir Launcelot weened, when he felt Sir
Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend and
none earthly man ; wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and
traversed, and covered himself with his shield, and kept his
might and his braid during three hours ; and that while
Sir Gawaine gave him many sad brunts, and many sad
strokes, that all the knights that beheld Sir Launcelot
marvelled how that he might endure him ; but full little
486 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
understood they that travail that Sir Launcelot had for to
endure him. And then when it was past noon Sir Gawaine
had no more but his own might. When Sir Launcelot felt
him so come down, then he stretched him up and stood near
Sir Gawaine, and said thus : My lord Sir Gawaine, now I
feel ye have done ; now my lord Sir Gawaine, I must do
my part, for many great and grievous strokes I have endured
you this day with great pain.
Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes and gave Sir
Gawaine such a buffet on the helmet that he fell down on
his side, and Sir Launcelot withdrew him from him. Why
withdrawest thou thee ? said Sir Gawaine ; now turn again,
false traitor knight, and slay me, for an thou leave me thus,
when I am whole I shall do battle with thee again. I shall
endure you, Sir, by God's grace, but wit thou well, Sir
Gawaine, I will never smite a felled knight.
And then he turned him and went his way toward the
city. And Sir Gawaine evermore calling him traitor knight,
and said : Wit thou well Sir Launcelot, when I am whole
I shall do battle with thee again, for I shall never leave thee
till that one of us be slain. Thus as this siege endured, and
as Sir Gawaine lay sick near a month, and when he was
well recovered and ready within three days to do battle again
with Sir Launcelot, right so came tidings unto Arthur from
England that made King Arthur and all his host to remove.
HOW SIR MORDRED TOOK ON HIM TO BE
KING OF ENGLAND, AND HOW KING
ARTHUR RETURNED TO DOVER, AND OF
THE BATTLE THERE, AND HOW SIR GAWAINE
WAS SLAIN. As Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he
^^ -B ,,^ - 4,,^^.^h__^_^_ ^^_ __a_^t-^ ^-^ " -"--r f *- - _ *- r T r^^~~- * - -
LD-WENTANP-LAlP-A-MlCHTY-MKGE- ABOUT
OT LO.NPON ANP- SHOT- CREAT-GUN3
OF QUEEN GUENEVER AND SIR MORDRED 487
did do make letters as though that they came from beyond the
sea, and the letters specified that King Arthur was slain in
battle with Sir Launcelot. Wherefore Sir Mordred made a
parliament, and called the lords together, and there he made
them to choose him king ; and so was he crowned at Canter-
bury, and held a feast there fifteen days ; and afterward he
drew him unto Winchester, and there he took the Queen
Guenever, and said plainly that he would wed her which
was his uncle's wife and his father's wife. And so he made
ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that they should be
wedded ; wherefore Queen Guenever was passing heavy.
But she durst not discover her heart, but spake fair, and
agreed to Sir Mordred's will. Then she desired of Sir
Mordred for to go to London, to buy all manner of things
that longed unto the wedding. And because of her fair
speech Sir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her
leave to go. And so when she came to London she took
the Tower of London, and suddenly in all haste possible
she stuffed it with all manner of victual, and well garnished
it with men, and so kept it.
Then when Sir Mordred wist and understood how he
was beguiled, he was passing wroth out of measure. And
a short tale for to make, he went and laid a mighty siege
about the Tower of London, and made many great assaults
thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and
shot great guns. But all might not prevail Sir Mordred,
for Queen Guenever, for fair speech nor for foul, would never
trust to come in his hands again.
Then came the Bishop of Canterbury, the which was a
noble clerk and an holy man, and thus he said to Sir Mordred :
Sir, what will ye do ? will ye first displease God and sithen
488 OF KING ARTHUR
shame yourself, and all knighthood ? Sir, said the noble
clerk, leave this opinion or else I shall curse you with book
and bell and candle. Do thou thy worst, said Sir Mordred,
wit thou well I shall defy thee. So the Bishop departed and
did the cursing in the most orgulist wise that might be done.
And then Sir Mordred sought the Bishop of Canterbury,
for to have slain him. Then the Bishop fled, and took part
of his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury;
and there he was as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived in
poverty and in holy prayers, for well he understood that
mischievous war was at hand.
Then came word to Sir Mordred that King Arthur had
araised the siege for Sir Launcelot, and he was coming
homeward with a great host, to be avenged upon Sir
Mordred ; wherefore Sir Mordred made write writs to all
the barony of this land, and much people drew to him.
For then was the common voice among them that with
Arthur was none other life but war and strife, and with Sir
Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus was Sir Arthur
depraved, and evil said of. Lo ye all Englishmen, see ye
not what a mischief here was ! for he that was the most
king and knight of the world, and most loved the fellowship
of noble knights, and by him they were all upholden, now
might not these Englishmen hold them content with him.
Lo thus was the old custom and usage of this land ; and
also men say that we of this land have not yet lost nor for-
gotten that custom and usage. Alas, this is a great default
of us Englishmen, for there may no thing please us no term.
And so fared the people at that time. And so Sir Mordred
drew with a great host to Dover, for there he heard say that
Sir Arthur would arrive.
HOW SIR GAWAINE DIED 489
And so as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there
came King Arthur with a great navy of ships, and galleys,
and carracks. And there was Sir Mordred ready awaiting
upon his landing, to let his own father to land upon the
land that he was king over. Then there was launching of
great boats and small, and full of noble men of arms ; and
there was much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a
full bold baron was laid full low, on both parties. But King
Arthur was so courageous that there might no manner of
knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely followed
him ; and so they landed maugre Sir Mordred and all his
power, and put Sir Mordred aback, that he fled and all his
people.
So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his
people that were dead. And then was noble Sir Gawaine
found in a great boat, lying more than half dead. When
Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low, he went
unto him ; and there the king made sorrow out of measure,
and took Sir Gawaine in his arms, and thrice he there
swooned. And then when he awaked, he said : Alas, Sir
Gawaine, my sister's son, here now thou liest, the man in
the world that I loved most ; and now is my joy gone, for
in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine
affiance, and now have I lost my joy of you both ; wherefore
all mine earthly joy is gone from me. Mine uncle King
Arthur, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well my death-day is
come, and all is through mine own hastiness and wilfulness ;
for I am smitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot
gave me, on the which I feel well I must die ; and had Sir
Launcelot been with you as he was, this unhappy war had
never begun ; and of all this am I causer, for Sir Launcelot
490 OF KING ARTHUR
and his blood, through their prowess, held all your cankered
enemies in subjection and daunger.
And then Sir Gawaine prayed the king for to send for
Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights.
And so at the hour of noon Sir Gawaine yielded up
the spirit ; and then the king let inter him in a chapel
within Dover Castle ; and there yet all men may see the
skull of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir Launcelot
gave him in battle. Then was it told the king that Sir
Mordred had pitched a new field upon Barham Down. And
upon the morn the king rode thither to him, and there was
a great battle betwixt them, and much people was slain on
both parties ; but at the last Sir Arthur's party stood best,
and Sir Mordred and his party fled unto Canterbury.
HOW SIR GAWAINE'S GHOST AP-
PEARED TO KING ARTHUR, AND
WARNED HIM NOT TO FIGHT ON
THE DAY ASSIGNED, AND HOW
BY MISADVENTURE OF AN ADDER
A BATTLE BEGAN, WHERE MOR-
DRED WAS SLAIN AND ARTHUR
HURT TO THE DEATH. Then much
people drew unto King Arthur. And then King Arthur
drew him with his host down by the seaside, westward toward
Salisbury ; and there was a day assigned betwixt King Arthur
and Sir Mordred, that they should meet upon a down beside
Salisbury, and not far from the seaside ; and this day was
assigned on a Monday after Trinity Sunday, whereof King
Arthur was passing glad, that he might be avenged upon Sir
Mordred.
HOW THE BATTLE BEGAN 491
So upon Trinity Sunday at night, King Arthur dreamed
that Sir Gawaine had warned him that if he fought on the
morn he should be slain. Then the king commanded Sir
Lucan the Butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, with two
bishops with them, and charged them in any wise, an they
might, Take a treaty for a month day with Sir Mordred,
and spare not, proffer him lands and goods as much as ye
think best. So then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred,
where he had a grim host of an hundred thousand men.
And there they entreated Sir Mordred long time ; and at
the last Sir Mordred was agreed for to have Cornwall and
Kent, by Arthur's days : after, all England, after the days
of King Arthur.
Then were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir
Mordred should meet betwixt both their hosts, and every ch
of them should bring fourteen persons ; and they came
with this word unto Arthur. Then said he : I am glad
that this is done : and so he went into the field. And when
Arthur should depart, he warned all his host that an they
see any sword drawn : Look ye come on fiercely, and slay
that traitor, Sir Mordred, for I in no wise trust him. In
like wise Sir Mordred warned his host. And so they met
as their appointment was, and so they were agreed and
accorded thoroughly ; and wine was fetched, and they
drank. Right soon came an adder out of a little heath bush,
and it stung a knight on the foot. And when the knight
felt him stung, he looked down and saw the adder, and then
he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none
other harm. And when the host on both parties saw that
sword drawn, then they blew beams, trumpets, and horns,
and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed them
492 OF KING ARTHUR
together. And thus they fought all the long day, and never
stinted till the noble knights were laid to the cold earth ;
and ever they fought still till it was near night, and by that
time was there an hundred thousand laid dead upon the down.
Then was Arthur wood wroth out of measure, when he saw
his people so slain from him.
Then the king looked about him, and then was he ware,
of all his host and of all his good knights, were left no more
alive but two knights ; that was Sir Lucan the Butler, and
his brother Sir Bedivere, and they were full sore wounded.
Jesu mercy, said the king, where are all my noble knights
become ? Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred
leaned upon his sword among a great heap of dead men.
Now give me my spear, said Arthur unto Sir Lucan, for
yonder I have espied the traitor that all this woe hath wrought.
Sir, let him be, said Sir Lucan, for he is unhappy ; and if
ye pass this unhappy day, ye shall be right well revenged
upon him. Good lord, remember ye of your night's dream,
and what the spirit of Sir Gawaine told you this night ; yet
God of his great goodness hath preserved you hitherto.
Therefore, for God's sake, my lord, leave off by this, for
blessed be God ye have won the field, for here we be three
alive, and with Sir Mordred is none alive ; and if ye leave
off now this wicked day of destiny is past. Tide me death,
betide me life, saith the king, now I see him yonder alone
he shall never escape mine hands, for at a better avail shall
I never have him. God speed you well, said Sir Bedivere.
Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran
toward Sir Mordred, crying : Traitor, now is thy death-
day come. And when Sir Mordred heard Sir Arthur, he
ran until him with his sword drawn in his hand. And there
OF KING ARTHUR'S SWORD EXCALIBUR 493
King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield, with a
foin of his spear, throughout the body, more than a fathom.
And when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death wound he
thrust himself with the might that he had up to the bur of
King Arthur's spear. And right so he smote his father
Arthur, with his sword holden in both his hands, on the side
of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain-
pan, and therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the
*arth ; and the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and
there he swooned ofttimes. And Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir
Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up. And so weakly they led
him betwixt them both, to a little chapel not far from the sea-
side. And when the king was there he thought him well eased.
Then Sir Lucan saw by the moonlight, how that pillers and
robbers were come into the field, and who that were not
dead all out, there they slew them for their harness and their
riches. When Sir Lucan understood this work, he came
to the king as soon as he might, and told him all what he had
heard and seen. Therefore by my rede, said Sir Lucan, it
is best that we bring you to some town. I would it were
so, said the king. But I may not stand, mine head works
so. Ah Sir Launcelot, said King Arthur, this day have I
sore missed thee : alas, that ever I was against thee, for now
have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my
dream.
HOW KING ARTHUR COMMANDED TO
CAST HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR INTO THE
WATER, AND HOW HE WAS DELIVERED
TO LADIES IN A BARGE, AND AS TO THE
DEATH OF KING ARTHUR, AND HOW QUEEN
494 OF KING ARTHUR
GUENEVER MADE HER A NUN. Then Sir Lucan
took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere the other
part, and in the lifting Sir Lucan fell in a swoon, and therewith
the noble knight's heart brast. Alas, said the king, this is
to me a full heavy sight, to see this noble duke so die for my
sake, for he would have holpen me, that had more need of
help than I. Alas, he would not complain him, his heart was
so set to help me : now Jesu have mercy upon his soul !
Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. Leave
this mourning and weeping, said the king, for all this will not
avail me ; for wit thou well an I might live myself, the death
of Sir Lucan would grieve me evermore ; but my time hieth
fast, said the king. Therefore, said Arthur unto Sir Bedivere,
take thou Excalibur, my good sword, and go with it to yonder
water side, and when thou comest there I charge thee throw
my sword in that water, and come again and tell me what
thou there seest.
So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld
that noble sword, that the pommel and the haft was all of
precious stones ; and then he said to himself : If I throw this
rich sword in the water, thereof shall never come good, but
harm and loss. And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under
a tree. And so, as soon as he might, he came again unto
the king, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown
the sword in the water. What saw thou there ? said the
king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing but waves and winds.
That is untruly said of thee, said the king, therefore go thou
lightly again, and do my commandment ; as thou art to
me lief and dear, spare not, but throw it in. Then Sir
Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand ;
and then him thought sin and shame to throw away that
OF THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR 495
noble sword, and so eft he hid the sword, and returned again,
and told to the king that he had been at the water, and done
his commandment. What saw thou there ? said the king.
Sir, he said, I saw nothing but the waters wap and waves
wan. Ah, traitor untrue, said King Arthur, now hast thou
betrayed me twice. Who would have weened that thou,
that hast been to me so lief and dear, and thou art named
a noble knight, would betray me for the richness of the
sword ? But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying
putteth me in great jeopardy of my life, for I have taken
cold. And but if thou do now as I bid thee, if ever I may
see thee, I shall slay thee with mine own hands ; for thou
wouldst for my rich sword see me dead.
Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and
lightly took it up, and went to the water side ; and there
he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he threw the
sword as far into the water as he might ; and there came an
arm and an hand above the water and met it, and caught it,
and so shook it thrice and brandished, and then vanished
away the hand with the sword in the water. So Sir Bedivere
came again to the king, and told him what he saw. Alas,
said the king, help me hence, for I dread me I have tarried
over long. Then Sir Bedivere took the king upon his back,
and so went with him to that water side. And when they
were at the water side, even fast by the bank hoved a little
barge with many fair ladies in it, and among them all was
a queen, and all they had black hoods, and all they wept
and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. Now put me
into the barge, said the king. And so he did softly ; and
there received him three queens with great mourning; and
so they set them down, and in one of their laps King Arthur
496 OF KING ARTHUR
laid his head. And then that queen said : Ah, dear brother,
why have ye tarried so long from me ? alas, this wound on
your head hath caught over-much cold. And so then they
rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all those
ladies go from him. Then Sir Bedivere cried : Ah my
lord Arthur, what shall become of me, now ye go from me
and leave me here alone among mine enemies ? Comfort
thyself, said the king, and do as well as thou mayst, for in
me is no trust for to trust in; for I will into the vale of
Avilion to heal me of my grievous wound : and if thou
hear never more of me, pray for my soul. But ever the
queens and ladies wept and shrieked, that it was pity to hear.
And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge,
he wept and wailed, and so took the forest ; and so he went
all that night, and in the morning he was ware betwixt two
holts hoar, of a chapel and an hermitage.
Then was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went ; and
when he came into the chapel, he saw where lay an hermit
grovelling on all four, there fast by a tomb was new graven.
When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere he knew him well, for
he was but little to-fore Bishop of Canterbury, that Sir
Mordred banished. Sir, said Bedivere, what man is there
interred that ye pray so fast for ? Fair son, said the hermit,
I wot not verily, but by deeming. But this night, at mid-
night, here came a number of ladies, and brought hither a
dead corpse, and prayed me to bury him ; and here they
offered an hundred tapers, and they gave me an hundred
besants. Alas, said Sir Bedivere, that was my lord King
Arthur, that here lieth buried in this chapel. Then Sir
Bedivere swooned ; and when he awoke he prayed the
hermit he might abide with him still there, to live with
HOW QUEEN GUENEVER BECAME A NUN 497
fasting and prayers. For from hence will I never go, said
Sir Bedivere, by my will, but all the days of my life here
to pray for my lord Arthur. So there bode Sir Bedivere
with the hermit that was to-fore Bishop of Canterbury, and
there Sir Bedivere put upon him poor clothes, and served
the hermit full lowly in fasting and in prayers.
Thus of Arthur I find never more written in books that
be authorised, nor more of the very certainty of his death
heard I never read, but thus was he led away in a ship wherein
were three queens ; that one was King Arthur's sister,
Queen Morgan le Fay ; the other was the Queen of North-
galis ; the third was the Queen of the Waste Lands. Also
there was Nimue, the chief lady of the lake, that had done
much for King Arthur. More of the death of King Arthur
could I never find, but that ladies brought him to his burials ;
and such one was buried there, that the hermit bare witness
that sometime was Bishop of Canterbury, but yet the hermit
knew not in certain that he was verily the body of King
Arthur : for this tale Sir Bedivere, knight of the Table Round,
made it to be written.
Yet some men say in many parts of England that King
Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesu
into another place ; and men say that he shall come again,
and he shall win the holy cross. I will not say it shall be
so, but rather I will say : here in this world he changed
his life. But many men say that there is written upon his
tomb this verse : Unc facet Slrrtjuruflf, Her quontram, Kejcque
ftitututf. Thus leave I here Sir Bedivere with the
hermit, that dwelled that time in a chapel beside Glaston-
bury, and there was his hermitage. And so they lived in
their prayers, and fastings, and great abstinence. And when
2K
498 OF KING ARTHUR
Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was slain,
and all the noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant,
then the queen stole away, and five ladies with her, and so
she went to Almesbury ; and there she let make herself a
nun, and ware white clothes and black, and great penance
she took, as ever did sinful lady in this land, and never
creature could make her merry ; but lived in fasting, prayers,
and alms-deeds, that all manner of people marvelled how
virtuously she was changed.
HOW WHEN SIR LAUNCELOT HEARD
OF THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR,
HE CAME TO ENGLAND, AND FOUND
QUEEN GUENEVER AT ALMESBURY,
AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT TOOK
THE HABIT ON HIM AS A HERMIT.
Now leave we Queen Guenever in Almesbury, a nun in white
clothes and black, and there she was Abbess and ruler as
reason would ; and turn we from her, and speak we of Sir
Launcelot du Lake, that when he heard in his country that
Sir Mordred was crowned king in England, and made
war against King Arthur, his own father, and would let him
to land in his own land ; also how that Sir Mordred had
laid siege about the Tower of London, because the queen
would not wed him ; then was he wroth out of measure,
and said to his kinsmen : Alas, that double traitor Sir
Mordred, now me repenteth that ever he escaped my hands,
for much shame hath he done unto my lord Arthur. Alas,
said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should live to hear that most
noble king that made me knight thus to be overset with his
subject in his own realm.
OF SIR LAUNCELOT'S RETURN 499
Then they made them ready in all the haste that might
be, with ships and galleys, for Sir Launcelot and his host to
pass into England. And so he passed over the sea till he
came to Dover, and there he landed with seven kings, and
the number was hideous to behold. Then Sir Launcelot
enquired of men of Dover where was King Arthur become.
Then the people told him how that he was slain, and Sir
Mordred and an hundred thousand died on a day ; and how
Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the first battle at his
landing, and there was good Sir Gawaine slain ; and on the
morn Sir Mordred fought with the king upon Barham
Down, and there the king put Sir Mordred to the worse.
Alas, said Sir Launcelot, this is the heaviest tidings that ever
came to me. Now, fair sirs, said Sir Launcelot, shew me
the tomb of Sir Gawaine. And then certain people of the
town brought him into the castle of Dover, and shewed
him the tomb. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down and
wept, and prayed heartily for his soul. And that night he
made a dole, and all they that would come had as much
flesh, fish, wine and ale, and every man and woman had
twelve pence, come who would. Thus with his own hand
dealt he this money, in a mourning gown ; and ever he
wept, and prayed them to pray for the soul of Sir Gawaine.
And on the morn all the priests and clerks that might be
gotten in the country were there, and sang mass of Requiem ;
and there offered first Sir Launcelot, and he offered an
hundred pound ; and then the seven kings offered forty
pound apiece ; and also there was a thousand knights, and
each of them offered a pound ; and the offering dured from
morn till night, and Sir Launcelot lay two nights on his
tomb in prayers and weeping.
Soo OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
Then on the third day Sir Launcelot called the kings,
dukes, earls, barons, and knights, and said thus : My fair
lords, I thank you all of your coming into this country with
me, but we came too late, and that shall repent me while I
live, but against death may no man rebel. But sithen it is
so, said Sir Launcelot, I will myself ride and seek my lady,
Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath had great pain
and much disease ; and I heard say that she is fled into the
west. Therefore ye all shall abide me here, and but if I
come again within fifteen days, then take your ships and
your fellowship, and depart into your country, for I will do
as I say to you.
So he departed and rode westerly, and there he sought
a seven or eight days ; and at the last he came to a nunnery,
and then was Queen Guenever ware of Sir Launcelot as he
walked in the cloister. And when she saw him there she
swooned thrice, that all the ladies and gentlewomen had
work enough to hold the queen up. So when she might
speak, she called ladies and gentlewomen to her, and said :
Ye marvel, fair ladies, why I make this fare. Truly, she said,
it is for the sight of yonder knight that yonder standeth ;
wherefore I pray you all call him to me.
When Sir Launcelot was brought to her, then she said
to all the ladies : Through this man and me hath all this
war been wrought, and the death of the most noblest knights
of the world ; for through our love that we have loved to-
gether is my most noble lord slain. Therefore, Sir Launce-
lot, wit thou well I am set in such a plight to get my soul-
heal ; and yet I trust through God's grace after my death
to have a sight of the blessed face of Christ, and at domesday
to sit on his right side, for as sinful as ever I was are saints
SIR LAUNCELOT AT THE HERMITAGE 501
in heaven. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, I require thee and be-
seech thee heartily, for all the love that ever was betwixt
us, that thou never see me more in the visage ; for as well
as I have loved thee, mine heart will not serve me to see thee,
for through thee and me is the flower of kings and knights
destroyed ; therefore, Sir Launcelot, go to thy realm, and
there take thee a wife, and live with her with joy and bliss ;
and I pray thee heartily, pray for me to our Lord that I may
amend my misliving. Now, sweet madam, said Sir Launcelot,
would ye that I should now return again unto my country,
and there to wed a lady ? Nay, madam, wit you well that
shall I never do, for I shall never be so false to you of that
I have promised ; but the same destiny that ye have taken
you to, I will take me unto, for to please Jesu, and ever for
you I cast me specially to pray. For sithen ye have taken
you to perfection, I must needs take me to perfection, of right.
For I take record of God, in you I have had mine earthly joy ;
and if I had found you now so disposed, I had cast me to have
had you into mine own realm.
But sithen I find you thus disposed, I ensure you faith-
fully, I will ever take me to penance, and pray while my life
lasteth, if I may find any hermit, either gray or white, that
will receive me. Wherefore, madam, I pray you kiss me
and never no more. Nay, said the queen, that shall I never
do, but abstain you from such works. And they departed.
But there was never so hard an hearted man but he would
have wept to see the dolour that they made ; for there was
lamentation as they had been stung with spears ; and many
times they swooned, and the ladies bare the queen to her
chamber.
And Sir Launcelot awoke, and went and took his horse,
502 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
and rode all that day and all night in a forest, weeping.
And at the last he was ware of an hermitage and a chapel
stood betwixt two cliffs ; and then he heard a little bell
ring to mass, and thither he rode and alighted, and tied his
horse to the gate, and heard mass. And he that sang mass
was the Bishop of Canterbury. Both the Bishop and Sir
Bedivere knew Sir Launcelot, and they spake together after
mass. But when Sir Bedivere had told his tale all whole,
Sir Launcelot's heart almost brast for sorrow, and Sir Launce-
lot threw his arms abroad, and said : Alas, who may trust this
world ! And then he kneeled down on his knee, and prayed
the Bishop to shrive him and assoil him. And then he be-
sought the Bishop that he might be his brother. Then the
Bishop said : I will gladly ; and there he put an habit upon Sir
Launcelot, and there he served God day and night with prayers
and fastings.
Thus the great host abode at Dover. And then Sir
Lionel took fifteen lords with him, and rode to London to
seek Sir Launcelot ; and there Sir Lionel was slain and
many of his lords. Then Sir Bors de Ganis made the great
host for to go home again ; and Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris,
Sir Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, with more other of Sir Launcelot's
kin, took on them to ride all England overthwart and end-
long, to seek Sir Launcelot. So Sir Bors by fortune rode so
long till he came to the same chapel where Sir Launcelot
was ; and so Sir Bors heard a little bell knell, that rang to
mass ; and there he alighted and heard mass. And when
mass was done, the Bishop, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Bedivere,
came to Sir Bors. And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot in
that manner clothing, then he prayed the Bishop that he might
be in the same suit. And so there was an habit put upon
OF THE DEATH OF QUEEN GUENEVER 503
him, and there he lived in prayers and fasting. And within
half a year, there was come Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir
Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiars, Sir Clarras, and Sir
Gahalantine. So all these seven noble knights there abode
still. And when they saw Sir Launcelot had taken him to such
perfection, they had no lust to depart, but took such an habit
as he had.
Thus they endured in great penance six year; and then
Sir Launcelot took the habit of priesthood of the Bishop,
and a twelvemonth he sang mass. And there was none
of these other knights but they read in books, and holp
for to sing mass, and rang bells, and did bodily all manner
of service. And so their horses went where they would,
for they took no regard of no worldly riches. For when
they saw Sir Launcelot endure such penance, in prayers, and
fastings, they took no force what pain they endured, for to
see the noblest knight of the world take such abstinence that
he waxed full lean.
And thus upon a night, there came a vision to Sir Launce-
lot, and charged him, in remission of his sins, to haste him
unto Almesbury : And by then thou come there, thou shalt find
Queen Guenever dead. And therefore take thy fellows with
thee, and purvey them of an horse bier, and fetch thou the corpse
of her, and bury her by her husband, the noble King Arthur.
So this avision came to Sir Launcelot thrice in one night.
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT WENT WITH HIS
EIGHT FELLOWS TO ALMESBURY, AND
FOUND THERE QUEEN GUENEVER DEAD,
WHOM THEY BROUGHT TO GLASTONBURY,
AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT SICKENED AND
504 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
DIED, AND WAS BORNE TO JOYOUS CARD FOR
TO BE BURIED, AND HOW CONSTANTINE
REIGNED NEXT AFTER ARTHUR, AND OF THE
END OF THIS BOOK. Then Sir Launcelot rose up
or day, and told the hermit. It were well done, said the
hermit, that ye made you ready, and that you disobey not
the avision. Then Sir Launcelot took his eight fellows with
him, and on foot they yede from Glastonbury to Almesbury,
the which is little more than thirty mile. And thither they
came within two days, for they were weak and feeble to go.
And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesbury within the
nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an hour afore. And
the ladies told Sir Launcelot that Queen Guenever told them
all or she passed, that Sir Launcelot had been priest near a
twelvemonth, And hither he cometh as fast as he may to fetch
my corpse ; and beside my lord, King Arthur, he shall bury
me. Wherefore, the queen said in hearing of them all, I
beseech Almighty God that I may never have power to see
Sir Launcelot with my worldly eyen ; and thus, said all the
ladies, was ever her prayer these two days, till she was dead.
Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not greatly,
but sighed. And so he did all the observance of the service
himself, both the dirige, and on the morn he sang mass. And
there was ordained an horse bier, with an hundred torches
ever brenning about the corpse of the queen, and ever Sir
Launcelot with his eight fellows went about the horse bier,
singing and reading many an holy orison, and frankincense
upon the corpse incensed. Thus Sir Launcelot and his eight
fellows went on foot from Almesbury unto Glastonbury.
And when they were come to the chapel and the hermit-
age, there she had a dirige, with great devotion. And on
OF THE DEATH OF SIR LAUNCELOT 505
[the morn the hermit that sometime was Bishop of Canterbury
sang the mass of Requiem with great devotion. And Sir
Launcelot was the first that offered, and then also his eight
fellows. And then she was wrapped in cered cloth of Raines,
from the top to the toe, in thirtyfold ; and after she was put
in a web of lead, and then in a coffin of marble. And when she
was put in the earth Sir Launcelot swooned, and lay long still,
while the hermit came and awaked him, and said : Ye be to
blame, for ye displease God with such manner of sorrow-
making. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I trust I do not dis-
please God, for He knoweth mine intent. For my sorrow
was not, nor is not, for any rejoicing of sin, but my sorrow
may never have end. For when I remember of her beauty,
and of her noblesse, that was both with her king and with her,
so when I saw his corpse and her corpse so lie together, truly
mine heart would not serve to sustain my careful body.
Also when I remember me how by my default, mine orgule
and my pride, that they were both laid full low, that were
peerless that ever was living of Christian people, wit you well,
said Sir Launcelot, this remembered, of their kindness and
mine unkindness, sank so to mine heart, that I might not sus-
tain myself. So the French book maketh mention.
Then Sir Launcelot never after ate but little meat, ne
drank, till he was dead. For then he sickened more and
more, and dried, and dwined away. For evermore, day
and night, he prayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken
sleep ; ever he was lying grovelling on the tomb of King
Arthur and Queen Guenever. So within six weeks after,
Sir Launcelot fell sick, and lay in his bed ; and then he sent
for the Bishop that there was hermit, and all his true fellows.
Then Sir Launcelot said with dreary voice : Sir Bishop, I
So6 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
pray you give to me all my rights that longeth to a Christian
man. It shall not need you, said the hermit and all his fellows,
it is but heaviness of your blood, ye shall be well mended by
the grace of God to-morn. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot,
wit you well my careful body will into the earth, I have
warning more than now I will say; therefore give me my
rights. So when he was houseled and anealed, and had all
that a Christian man ought to have, he prayed the Bishop that
his fellows might bear his body to Joyous Card. Some men
say it was Alnwick, and some men say it was Bamborough.
Howbeit, said Sir Launcelot, me repenteth sore, but I made
mine avow sometime, that in Joyous Gard I would be buried.
And because of breaking of mine avow, I pray you all, lead
me thither. Then there was weeping and wringing of hands
among his fellows.
So at a season of the night they all went to their beds,
for they all lay in one chamber. And so after midnight,
against day, the Bishop that then was hermit, as he lay in
his bed asleep, he fell upon a great laughter. And there-
with all the fellowship awoke, and came to the Bishop, and
asked him what he ailed. Ah Jesu mercy, said the Bishop,
why did ye awake me ? I was never in all my life so merry
and so well at ease. Wherefore ? said Sir Bors. Truly,
said the Bishop, here was Sir Launcelot with me with mo
angels than ever I saw men in one day. And I saw the
angels heave up Sir Launcelot unto heaven, and the gates
of heaven opened against him. It is but dretching of dreams,
said Sir Bors, for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth nothing
but good. It may well be, said the Bishop ; go ye to his bed,
and then shall ye prove the sooth. So when Sir Bors and his
fellows came to his bed they found him stark dead, and he lay
SIR CONSTANTINE CHOSEN KING 507
as he had smiled, and the sweetest savour about him that ever
they felt.
Then was there weeping and wringing of hands, and the
greatest dole they made that ever made men. And on the
morn the Bishop did his mass of Requiem ; and after, the
Bishop and all the nine knights put Sir Launcelot in the same
horse bier that Queen Genever was laid in to-fore that she
was buried. And so the Bishop and they all together went
with the body of Sir Launcelot daily, till they came to Joyous
Card ; and ever they had an hundred torches brenning about
him. And so within fifteen days they came to Joyous Card.
And there they laid his corpse in the body of the quire, and
sang and read many psalters and prayers over him and about
him. And ever his visage was laid open and naked, that all
folks might behold him. For such was the custom in those
days, that all men of worship should so lie with open visage
till that they were buried. And right thus as they were at their
service, there came Sir Ector de Maris, that had seven years
sought all England, Scotland, and Wales, seeking his brother,
Sir Launcelot.
And when Sir Ector heard such noise and light in the quire
of Joyous Card, he alighted and put his horse from him,
and came into the quire, and there he saw men sing and weep.
And all they knew Sir Ector, but he knew not them. Then
went Sir Bors unto Sir Ector, and told him how there lay his
brother, Sir Launcelot, dead ; and then Sir Ector threw his
shield, sword, and helm from him. And when he beheld
Sir Launcelot's visage, he fell down in a swoon. And when
he waked it were hard any tongue to tell the doleful complaints
that he made for his brother. Ah Launcelot, he said, thou
were head of all Christian knights, and now I dare say, said
So8 OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
Sir Ector, thou Sir Launcelot, there thou liest, that thou were
never matched of earthly knight's hand. And thou were
the courteoust knight that ever bare shield. And thou were
the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrad horse. And
thou were the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved
woman. And thou were the kindest man that ever struck with
sword. And thou were the goodliest person that ever came
among press of knights. And thou was the meekest man and
the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies. And thou were
the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in
the rest. Then there was weeping and dolour out of measure.
Thus they kept Sir Launcelot's corpse aloft fifteen days,
and then they buried it with great devotion. And then at
leisure they went all with the Bishop of Canterbury to his
hermitage, and there they were together more than a month.
Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir Cador's son of Cornwall,
was chosen king of England. And he was a full noble knight,
and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this King
Constantine sent for the Bishop of Canterbury, for he heard
say where he was. And so he was restored unto his Bishopric,
and left that hermitage. And Sir Bedivere was there ever
still hermit to his life's end, but Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Blamore,
and Sir Bleoberis, went into the Holy Land thereas Jesu Christ
was quick and dead. For the book saith, so Sir Launcelot
commanded them for to do, or ever he passed out of this
world. And these four knights did many battles upon the
miscreants or Turks. And there they died upon a Good
Friday for God's sake.
OF LAUNCELOT AND GUENEVER
509
3&ere ig tfje entr of tfje boofc of Ittng artljur, antr of Ijig noile
ftmgfjtg of tfje iEountr Stable, tfjat foijen tfjeg toere toljole
together tljere toajS e&er an tjuntireti antr fiftg, Sntr
fjere tg tfje entr of tije treatfj of artfjur, I prag gou
all, gentlemen antr gentlewomen tjjat realretfj tljtg
ftooftof artftur anti Ijtg ftntgfjts, from tlje begin-
ning to tfje ending, prag for me toftile I am
alibe, tfjat ffiotr gentr me gooU fceliberanee,
anti tofjen I am treatr, I prag gou all
prag for mg gouL jfor tfjte boofe toas
entreti t|je ntntfj gear of tJje reign
of Iting lEtrtoartr tlje JFourtfj, ig
Sir Efjomag ifialeore, ftnigljt,
ag 3egu Jjelp fjim for Ijig
great migljt, ag fte tg tfje
ger&ant of 3egu iotij
trag antr ntgijt.
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
Abate, depress, calm.
Abought, paid for.
Accompt, account.
Accorded, agreed.
Ado, business.
Adoubted, afraid.
Again, against, in the presence of.
Againsay, retract.
Aligement, alleviation.
Allegeance, alleviation.
Allow, approve.
Almeries, chests.
Alther, gen. pi., of all.
Amounted, mounted.
An, if.
An-angered, made the object of anger.
Anealed, anointed.
Apair, weaken.
Appeach, impeach.
Appealed, challenged, accused.
Araged, enraged, confused.
Araised, raised.
Arase, obliterate.
Areared, reared.
Array, plight, state of affairs.
Arson, saddle-bow.
Assoil, absolve.
Assotted, infatuated.
At, of, by.
At-af ter, after.
Aumbries, chests.
Avail (at), at an advantage.
Avision, vision.
Avoid, quit, get clear of.
Avow, vow.
Await, watch for.
Bachelors, probationers for knighthood.
Barbican, gate-tower.
Battle, division of an army.
Bawdy, dirty.
Beale, beautiful.
2L
Beams, trumpets.
Be-closed, enclosed.
Become, pp., befallen, gone to.
Bedashed, splashed.
Behests, promises.
Behight, promised.
Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to.
Behote, promised.
Beseen, appointed, arrayed.
Bestead, beset, placed.
Betake, entrust.
Betaught, entrusted, recommended.
Betid, happened.
Betook, committed, entrusted.
Blank, white.
Bobaunce, boasting, pride.
Borrows, pledges.
Bote, remedy.
Bound, ready.
Bourder, jester.
Braced, embraced.
Brachet, little hound.
Braid, quick movement.
Brake, communicated.
Brast, burst, break.
Breaths, breathing holes.
Brief, shorten.
Brim, fierce, furious.
Brised, broke.
Bur, hand-guard of a spear.
Burble, bubble.
Burbling, bubbling.
Burgenetts, buds, blossoms.
Bushment, ambush.
By and by, immediately.
Cankered, malignant.
Cantel, slice, strip.
Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles.
Cast (of bread), batch.
Cere, wax over, embalm.
Certes, certainly.
SI3
514
THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
Chafe, heat.
Charged, burdened.
Chariot, cart.
Cheer, countenance, entertainment.
Chierte, dearness.
Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction.
Coif, head-piece.
Comfort, strengthen, help.
Complished, complete.
Condescended, agreed.
Conserve, preserve.
Cost, side.
Costed, kept up with.
Courage, disposition.
Courage, ., encourage.
Courtelage, courtyard.
Covin, deceit.
Croup, crupper.
Daffish, foolish.
Danger (in), in the power of.
Dawed, v. tr., revived ; intr., dawned.
Deadly, mortal, human.
Deal, part, whit.
Debate, quarrel, strife.
Deceivable, deceitful.
Defend, forbid.
Defoiled, trodden down, deflowered.
Degree (win or yield the), rank, superiority.
Deliverly, adroitly.
Departed, divided, parted.
Departition, departure, sundering.
Descrive, describe.
Did off, doffed.
Dight, prepared.
Disadventure, misfortune.
Discover, reveal.
Diseased, unwell.
Disherited, disinherited.
Disparpled, scattered.
Dissever, distinguish.
Distained, sullied, dishonoured.
Disworship, shame.
Do, cause.
Dole, gift of alms.
Dole, sorrow.
Dolour, grief.
Don, gift.
Doted, foolish.
Draughts, recesses.
Drenched, drowned.
Dress, make ready.
Dressed up, raised.
D retching, being troubled in sleep.
Driving, riding fast.
Dure, endure, last.
Duresse, bondage, hardship.
Dwine, dwindle.
Eased, entertained.
Eft, after, again.
Eftures, passages.
Embushed, concealed in the woods.
Em, uncle.
Empoison, poison.
Enchafe, heat.
Enchieve, achieve.
Endlong, alongside of, along.
Enforce, constrain.
Engine, device.
Enow, enough.
Ensured, assured.
Entermete, meddle.
Errant, wandering.
Estates, ranks.
Evenlong, along.
Everych, each, every one.
Fain, gladly.
Fare, sb., ado, commotion
Faren, pp., treated.
Faute, v., lack.
Fealty, oath of fidelity.
Fear, frighten.
Feute, trace, track.
Feuter, set in rest, couch.
Fiaunce, affiance, promise.
Flang, flung, rushed.
Flatling, prostrate.
Fleet, float.
Flemed, put to flight.
Foiled, defeated, shamed.
Foin, thrust.
Foot-hot, hastily.
For-bled, spent with bleeding.
Force (no), no concern.
Fordo, destroy.
Forecast, preconcerted plot.
For-fared, worsted.
Forfend, forbid.
Forfoughten, weary with fightng.
Forhewn, hewn to pieces.
Forjousted, tired with jousting, worsted.
Forthdays, far advanced in the day.
Forthink, repent.
Fortuned, happened.
Forward, vanguard.
Forwhy, because.
GLOSSARY
Free, noble.
Freshed, refreshed.
Gar, cause.
Germane, closely allied.
Gest, deed, story.
Glaive, sword.
Glasting, barking.
Glatisant, barking, yelping.
Gree, degree, superiority.
Greed, pp., pleased, content.
Grimly, ugly.
Grovelling, lying face downwards.
Hair, a hair-shirt.
Hale and how, a sailor's cry, heave-ho.
Halp, stumbled.
Halse, embrace.
Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings.
Harness, armour.
Haut, high, noble.
Hauteyn, haughty.
Heavy, sad.
Hete, command.
Hied, hurried.
High (on), aloud.
Hight, called.
Hilled, covered, concealed.
Holp, helped.
Holts, woods.
Hough-bone, back part of knee-joint.
Houselled, given the Eucharist.
Hove, hover, wait about.
Hurled, dashed, staggered.
Intermeddled, mixed.
Japer, joker.
Japes, jests.
Jesseraunt, a short cuirass.
Journey, day of battle.
Keep, v., care, reck.
Kemps, champions.
Kind, nature.
Kindly, natural.
Knights parters, marshals.
Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession.
Lain, conceal.
Langering, sauntering.
Large, generous.
Largess, liberality.
Laund, waste, plain.
Lazar-cot, leper-house.
Lead, sb., leaden seal.
Learn, teach.
Lears, cheeks.
Leaved, leafy.
Leech, physician.
Let, caused to.
Let, hinder.
Lief, dear.
Lieve, believe.
List, desire, pleasure.
Lith, joint.
Livelihood, income, estate.
Long unto, belong to, fit.
Long on (upon), because of.
Loos, praise.
Loveday, day for settling disputes.
Loving, praising.
Lusk, lubber.
Lusts, inclination, pleasure.
Makeless, matchless.
Makers, authors, poets.
Mai engine, evil intent.
Mai-fortune, ill-luck, mishap.
Marches, borders.
Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead.
Masteries, feats.
Matchecold, machicolated, with holes for defence.
Maugre, sb., despite.
Measle, disease.
Meddle, engage in battle.
Mickle, much.
Minever, ermine.
Mischieved, hurt.
Mischievous, painful.
Miscreature, unbeliever.
Mo, more.
More and less, rich and poor.
Mote, may.
Motes, notes on a horn.
Mountenance, amount of, extent.
Moved, suggested.
Much, great.
Naked, unarmed.
Namely, especially.
Ne, nor.
Near-hand, near, nearly.
Nesh, soft, tender.
Nill, will not.
Nis, ne is, is not.
Nist, ne wist, knew not.
Noblesse, nobleness.
Nobley, nobility, splendour.
THE ROMANCE OF KING ARTHUR
Noised, reported.
Nold, would not.
Not for then, nevertheless.
Obeissance, obedience.
Or, before.
Orgule, haughtiness.
Orgulist, haughtiest.
Orgulitg, pride, arrogance.
Orgulous, proud.
Orison, prayer.
Other, or.
Ouches, jewels.
Ought, owned.
Outcept, except.
Outher, or.
Out-take, except.
Overthwart, adj., cross.
Overthwart, sb., mischance.
Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and
length.
Painture, painting.
Pair of beads, rosary.
Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse.
Parage, dignity.
Parclos, partition.
Pareil, like.
Passing, surpassingly.
Pavilion, tent.
Peaced, quieted,
Perdy, par Dieu.
Perish, destroy.
Peron, tombstone.
Pight, pitched.
Pike, steal away.
Pill, plunder.
Fillers, plunderers.
Pleasaunce, pleasure.
Plenour, complete.
Pointling, aiming.
Pont, bridge.
Posseded, possessed.
Press, throng, crowd.
Prime, 6.0 A.M.
Prise, capture.
Puissance, power.
Purvey, provide.
Purveyance, provision.
Quarrels, arrowheads.
Questing, barking.
Quick, alive.
Raced (rased), tore.
Raines, Rennes.
Ransacked, searched.
Rash, rush.
Rasing, rushing.
Rasure, cuttingness.
Raught, reached, fetched.
Rechate, bugle-note of recall.
Recover, rescue.
Rede, sb., counsel, v. advise.
Rejoice, enjoy.
Religion, religious order.
Reneye, deny.
Report, refer.
Retrayed, drew back.
Rightwise, rightly.
Sacring, consecrating.
Sad, serious.
Sadly, heartily, earnestly.
Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver threads.
Sangreal, Holy Grail.
Sarps, girdles.
Saw, proverb.
Scripture, writing.
Search, probe wounds.
Semblant, semblance, appearance.
Sewe, follow.
Sewer, officer who served and tasted dishes.
Sheef, thrust.
Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week.
Shend, harm.
Shenship, disgrace.
Shent, undone, disgraced, blamed.
Shrew, sturdy knave.
Shrewd, knavish.
Sib, akin to.
Sideling, sideways.
Siege, seat.
Siker, sure.
Sith, since.
Slade, valley.
Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking to water.
Sort, company.
Sperd, bolted.
Spere, ask, inquire.
Sperhawk, sparrowhawk.
Spiritualites, sacred places.
Stead, place.
Stert, started, rose quickly.
Steven, voice.
Stigh, path.
Stilly, silently.
Stint, sb., fixed revenue.
Stint, v. stop.
Stonied, astonished, became confused.
GLOSSARY
Stour, battle.
Strait, narrow.
Strake, blow a horn.
Sue, pursue.
Surcingles, saddle girths.
Sweven, dream.
Tatches, qualities.
Term, period of time.
Tho, then.
Thrang, pushed.
Till, to.
To-brast, burst.
To-drive, be carried away.
To-fore, before.
To-hew, hewed.
Took, gave.
To-shivered, broken to pieces.
Traced, advanced and retreated.
Trasing, pressing forward.
Traverse, move sideways, j
Trenchant, cutting, sharp.]
Trest, hunting term.
Truage, tribute.
Trussed, packed.
Ubblie, sacred wafer, Host.
Umbecast, cast about.
Umbre, shade.
Unavised, thoughtlessly.
Underne, 9-12 A.M.
Ungoodly, rudely.
Unhappy, unlucky.
Unbilled, uncovered.
Unnethe, scarcely.
Unsiker, unstable.
Unwarly, at unawares.
Unwrast, untwisted, unbound.
Up-so-down, upside down.
Usurped, encroached.
Utterance, uttermost.
Venery, hunting.
Villain, man of low birth.
Visors, the perforated parts of helmets.
Void, empty.
Wagging, shaking.
Waits, watches.
Wake, watch.
Wallop, gallop.
Wan, ebb.
Wap, ripple.
Ware, aware.
Warison, reward.
Warn, forbid, refuse.
Weeds, garments.
Weltered, rolled about.
Where, whereas.
Wield, possess, have power over.
Wight, brave, strong.
Wite, v., blame.
Withsay, oppose.
Witting, knowledge.
Wold or nold, would or would not.
Wonder, adj., wondrous.
Wonder, adv., wondrously.
Wonderly, wonderfully.
Wood, mad.
Woodness, madness.
Wood shaw, thicket of the wood.
Worship, honour.
Worship, v., cause to be honoured.
Worth, befall (woe worth, woe befall).
Wot, know.
Wrack, destruction.
Writhe, twist.
Wrothe, twisted.
Yede, ran, went.
Yelden, yielded.
Yolden, yielded.
Y-wis, certainly.
THE END
Printed in the United States of America.
