LE MORTE D'ARTHUR

King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table

By Sir Thomas Malory

IN TWO VOLS. --VOL. II

CONTENTS:

BOOK X

CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur, becausehe told him not the cause why he bare that shield. 

AND if so be ye can descrive what ye bear, ye are worthy to bear thearms. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I will answer you; this shield wasgiven me, not desired, of Queen Morgan le Fay; and as for me, I can notdescrive these arms, for it is no point of my charge, and yet I trust toGod to bear them with worship. Truly, said King Arthur, ye ought not tobear none arms but if ye wist what ye bear: but I pray you tell me yourname. To what intent? said Sir Tristram. For I would wit, said Arthur. Sir, ye shall not wit as at this time. Then shall ye and I do battletogether, said King Arthur. Why, said Sir Tristram, will ye do battlewith me but if I tell you my name? and that little needeth you an yewere a man of worship, for ye have seen me this day have had greattravail, and therefore ye are a villainous knight to ask battle of me, considering my great travail; howbeit I will not fail you, and have yeno doubt that I fear not you; though you think you have me at a greatadvantage yet shall I right well endure you. And there withal KingArthur dressed his shield and his spear, and Sir Tristram against him, and they came so eagerly together. And there King Arthur brake his spearall to pieces upon Sir Tristram's shield. But Sir Tristram hit Arthuragain, that horse and man fell to the earth. And there was King Arthurwounded on the left side, a great wound and a perilous. 

Then when Sir Uwaine saw his lord Arthur lie on the ground sore wounded, he was passing heavy. And then he dressed his shield and his spear, andcried aloud unto Sir Tristram and said: Knight, defend thee. So theycame together as thunder, and Sir Uwaine brised his spear all to piecesupon Sir Tristram's shield, and Sir Tristram smote him harder and sorer, with such a might that he bare him clean out of his saddle to the earth. With that Sir Tristram turned about and said: Fair knights, I had noneed to joust with you, for I have had enough to do this day. Then aroseArthur and went to Sir Uwaine, and said to Sir Tristram: We have as wehave deserved, for through our orgulyté we demanded battle of you, and yet we knew not your name. Nevertheless, by Saint Cross, said SirUwaine, he is a strong knight at mine advice as any is now living. 

Then Sir Tristram departed, and in every place he asked and demandedafter Sir Launcelot, but in no place he could not hear of him whether hewere 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 towerby a marsh on that one side, and on that other side a fair meadow. Andthere he saw ten knights fighting together. And ever the nearer he camehe saw how there was but one knight did battle against nine knights, and that one did so marvellously that Sir Tristram had great wonderthat ever one knight might do so great deeds of arms. And then within alittle while he had slain half their horses and unhorsed them, and theirhorses ran in the fields and forest. Then Sir Tristram had so great pityof that one knight that endured so great pain, and ever he thought itshould be Sir Palomides, by his shield. And so he rode unto the knightsand cried unto them, and bade them cease of their battle, for they didthemselves great shame so many knights to fight with one. Then answeredthe master of those knights, his name was called Breuse Saunce Pité, that was at that time the most mischievoust knight living, and saidthus: 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 notescape us. That were pity, said Sir Tristram, that so good a knightas he is should be slain so cowardly; and therefore I warn you I willsuccour him with all my puissance. 

CHAPTER II. How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides' life, and how theypromised to fight together within a fortnight. 

So Sir Tristram alighted off his horse because they were on foot, thatthey should not slay his horse, and then dressed his shield, with hissword in his hand, and he smote on the right hand and on the left handpassing sore, that well-nigh at every stroke he struck down a knight. And when they espied his strokes they fled all with Breuse Saunce Pitéunto the tower, and Sir Tristram followed fast after with his sword inhis hand, but they escaped into the tower, and shut Sir Tristram withoutthe gate. And when Sir Tristram saw this he returned aback unto SirPalomides, and found him sitting under a tree sore wounded. Ah, fair knight, said Sir Tristram, well be ye found. Gramercy, said SirPalomides, of your great goodness, for ye have rescued me of my life, and saved me from my death. What is your name? said Sir Tristram. Hesaid: My name is Sir Palomides. O Jesu, said Sir Tristram, thou hast afair grace of me this day that I should rescue thee, and thou art theman in the world that I most hate; but now make thee ready, for I willdo battle with thee. What is your name? said Sir Palomides. My name isSir Tristram, your mortal enemy. It may be so, said Sir Palomides; butye have done over much for me this day that I should fight with you; forinasmuch as ye have saved my life it will be no worship for you to haveado with me, for ye are fresh and I am wounded sore, and therefore, anye will needs have ado with me, assign me a day and then I shall meetwith you without fail. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, now I assign youto meet me in the meadow by the river of Camelot, where Merlin set theperon. So they were agreed. 

Then Sir Tristram asked Sir Palomides why the ten knights did battlewith him. For this cause, said Sir Palomides; as I rode upon mineadventures in a forest here beside I espied where lay a dead knight, anda lady weeping beside him. And when I saw her making such dole, I askedher who slew her lord. Sir, she said, the falsest knight of the worldnow living, and he is the most villain that ever man heard speak of andhis name is Sir Breuse Saunce Pité. Then for pity I made the damosel toleap on her palfrey, and I promised her to be her warrant, and to helpher to inter her lord. And so, suddenly, as I came riding by this tower, there came out Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and suddenly he struck me frommy horse. And then or I might recover my horse this Sir Breuse slew thedamosel. And so I took my horse again, and I was sore ashamed, and sobegan the medley betwixt us: and this is the cause wherefore we did thisbattle. Well, said Sir Tristram, now I understand the manner of yourbattle, but in any wise have remembrance of your promise that ye havemade with me to do battle with me this day fortnight. I shall not failyou, said Sir Palomides. Well, said Sir Tristram, as at this time I willnot 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 bubbling. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, to drink of that water have I courage; and then theyalighted off their horses. And then were they ware by them where stood agreat horse tied to a tree, and ever he neighed. And then were they wareof a fair knight armed, under a tree, lacking no piece of harness, savehis helm lay under his head. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, yonderlieth a well-faring knight; what is best to do? Awake him, said SirPalomides. So Sir Tristram awaked him with the butt of his spear. Andso the knight rose up hastily and put his helm upon his head, and gat agreat spear in his hand; and without any more words he hurled unto SirTristram, and smote him clean from his saddle to the earth, and hurt himon the left side, that Sir Tristram lay in great peril. Then he wallopedfarther, and fetched his course, and came hurling upon Sir Palomides, and there he struck him a part through the body, that he fell from hishorse to the earth. And then this strange knight left them there, and took his way through the forest. With this Sir Palomides and SirTristram were on foot, and gat their horses again, and either askedcounsel of other, what was best to do. By my head, said Sir Tristram, Iwill follow this strong knight that thus hath shamed us. Well, said SirPalomides, 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 haveset with me to do battle, for, as I deem, ye will not hold your day, forI am much bigger than ye. As for that, said Sir Palomides, be it as itbe may, for I fear you not, for an I be not sick nor prisoner, I willnot fail you; but I have cause to have more doubt of you that ye willnot meet with me, for ye ride after yonder strong knight. And if ye meetwith him it is an hard adventure an ever ye escape his hands. Rightso Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides departed, and either took their waysdiverse. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten him down, andmany other knights of the Round Table. 

AND so Sir Tristram rode long after this strong knight. And at the lasthe saw where lay a lady overthwart a dead knight. Fair lady, said SirTristram, who hath slain your lord? Sir, she said, here came a knightriding, as my lord and I rested us here, and asked him of whence he was, and my lord said of Arthur's court. Therefore, said the strong knight, I will joust with thee, for I hate all these that be of Arthur's court. And my lord that lieth here dead amounted upon his horse, and the strongknight and my lord encountered together, and there he smote my lordthroughout with his spear, and thus he hath brought me in great woe anddamage. That me repenteth, said Sir Tristram, of your great anger; anit please you tell me your husband's name. Sir, said she, his namewas Galardoun, that would have proved a good knight. So departed SirTristram from that dolorous lady, and had much evil lodging. Then on thethird day Sir Tristram met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Bleoberis in aforest at a lodge, and either were sore wounded. Then Sir Tristram askedSir Gawaine and Sir Bleoberis if they met with such a knight, with sucha cognisance, with a covered shield. Fair sir, said these knights, sucha knight met with us to our great damage. And first he smote down myfellow, Sir Bleoberis, and sore wounded him because he bade me I shouldnot have ado with him, for why he was overstrong for me. That strongknight took his words at scorn, and said he said it for mockery. Andthen they rode together, and so he hurt my fellow. And when he had doneso I might not for shame but I must joust with him. And at the firstcourse he smote me down and my horse to the earth. And there he hadalmost slain me, and from us he took his horse and departed, and in anevil time we met with him. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, so he metwith me, and with another knight that hight Palomides, and he smote usboth down with one spear, and hurt us right sore. By my faith, said SirGawaine, by my counsel ye shall let him pass and seek him no further;for at the next feast of the Round Table, upon pain of my head ye shallfind him there. By my faith, said Sir Tristram, I shall never rest tillthat I find him. And then Sir Gawaine asked him his name. Then he said:My name is Sir Tristram. And so either told other their names, and thendeparted Sir Tristram and rode his way. 

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 youknights? Not good, said these knights. Why so? said Sir Tristram; I prayyou 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 withcloth. By my head, said Sir Kay, that is the same knight that met withus, for this night we were lodged within a widow's house, and there wasthat knight lodged; and when he wist we were of Arthur's court he spokegreat villainy by the king, and specially by the Queen Guenever, andthen on the morn was waged battle with him for that cause. And at thefirst recounter, said Sir Kay, he smote me down from my horse and hurtme passing sore; and when my fellow, Sir Dinadan, saw me smittendown and hurt he would not revenge me, but fled from me; and thus hedeparted. And then Sir Tristram asked them their names, and so eithertold other their names. And so Sir Tristram departed from Sir Kay, andfrom Sir Dinadan, and so he passed through a great forest into a plain, till he was ware of a priory, and there he reposed him with a good mansix days. 

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous andSir Dodinas le Savage. 

AND then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded him to goto a city thereby to fetch him new harness; for it was long time aforethat that Sir Tristram had been refreshed, his harness was brised andbroken. And when Gouvernail, his servant, was come with his apparel, hetook his leave at the widow, and mounted upon his horse, and rode hisway early on the morn. And by sudden adventure Sir Tristram met withSir Sagramore le Desirous, and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these twoknights met with Sir Tristram and questioned with him, and asked him ifhe would joust with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, with a goodwill I would joust with you, but I have promised at a day set, nearhand, to do battle with a strong knight; and therefore I am loath tohave ado with you, for an it misfortuned me here to be hurt I should notbe 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, saidSir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto I must do what I may. And thenthey dressed their shields, and came running together with great ire. But through Sir Tristram's great force he struck Sir Sagramore fromhis horse. Then he hurled his horse farther, and said to Sir Dodinas:Knight, make thee ready; and so through fine force Sir Tristram struckDodinas from his horse. And when he saw them lie on the earth he tookhis bridle, and rode forth on his way, and his man Gouvernail with him. 

Anon as Sir Tristram was passed, Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas gat againtheir horses, and mounted up lightly and followed after Sir Tristram. And when Sir Tristram saw them come so fast after him he returned withhis horse to them, and asked them what they would. It is not long agosithen I smote you to the earth at your own request and desire: I wouldhave ridden by you, but ye would not suffer me, and now meseemeth yewould do more battle with me. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore and SirDodinas, for we will be revenged of the despite ye have done to us. Fairknights, said Sir Tristram, that shall little need you, for all thatI did to you ye caused it; wherefore I require you of your knighthoodleave me as at this time, for I am sure an I do battle with you I shallnot escape without great hurts, and as I suppose ye shall not escape alllotless. And this is the cause why I am so loath to have ado with you;for I must fight within these three days with a good knight, and asvaliant as any is now living, and if I be hurt I shall not be able to dobattle with him. What knight is that, said Sir Sagramore, that ye shallfight withal? Sirs, said he, it is a good knight called Sir Palomides. By my head, said Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, ye have cause to dreadhim, for ye shall find him a passing good knight, and a valiant. Andbecause ye shall have ado with him we will forbear you as at this time, and else ye should not escape us lightly. But, fair knight, said SirSagramore, tell us your name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir Tristram deLiones. Ah, said Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, well be ye found, for muchworship have we heard of you. And then either took leave of other, anddeparted on their way. 

CHAPTER V. How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and howthey fought together unknown. 

THEN departed Sir Tristram and rode straight unto Camelot, to the peronthat Merlin had made to-fore, where Sir Lanceor, that was the king's sonof Ireland, was slain by the hands of Balin. And in that same place wasthe fair lady Colombe slain, that was love unto Sir Lanceor; for afterhe was dead she took his sword and thrust it through her body. And bythe craft of Merlin he made to inter this knight, Lanceor, and his lady, Colombe, under one stone. And at that time Merlin prophesied that inthat same place should fight two the best knights that ever were inArthur's days, and the best lovers. So when Sir Tristram came to thetomb where Lanceor and his lady were buried he looked about him afterSir Palomides. Then was he ware of a seemly knight came riding againsthim all in white, with a covered shield. When he came nigh Sir Tristramhe said on high: Ye be welcome, sir knight, and well and truly have yeholden your promise. And then they dressed their shields and spears, and came together with all their might of their horses; and they met sofiercely that both their horses and knights fell to the earth, and asfast as they might avoided their horses, and put their shields aforethem; and they struck together with bright swords, as men that were ofmight, and either wounded other wonderly sore, that the blood ran outupon the grass. And thus they fought the space of four hours, that neverone would speak to other one word, and of their harness they had hewnoff many pieces. O Lord Jesu, said Gouvernail, I marvel greatly ofthe strokes my master hath given to your master. By my head, said SirLauncelot's servant, your master hath not given so many but your masterhas received as many or more. O Jesu, said Gouvernail, it is too muchfor Sir Palomides to suffer or Sir Launcelot, and yet pity it were thateither of these good knights should destroy other's blood. So theystood and wept both, and made great dole when they saw the bright swordsover-covered with blood of their bodies. 

Then at the last spake Sir Launcelot and said: Knight, thou fightestwonderly well as ever I saw knight, therefore, an it please you, tell meyour name. Sir, said Sir Tristram, that is me loath to tell any man myname. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, an I were required I was never loath totell my name. It is well said, said Sir Tristram, then I require youto tell me your name? Fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot duLake. Alas, said Sir Tristram, what have I done! for ye are the man inthe world that I love best. Fair knight, said Sir Launcelot, tell meyour name? Truly, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. O Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, what adventure is befallen me! And therewith SirLauncelot kneeled down and yielded him up his sword. And therewith SirTristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up his sword. And so either gaveother the degree. And then they both forthwithal went to the stone, andset them down upon it, and took off their helms to cool them, and eitherkissed other an hundred times. And then anon after they took off theirhelms and rode to Camelot. And there they met with Sir Gawaine and withSir Gaheris that had made promise to Arthur never to come again to thecourt till they had brought Sir Tristram with them. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, andof the great joy that the king and other made for the coming of SirTristram. 

RETURN again, said Sir Launcelot, for your quest is done, for I havemet with Sir Tristram: lo, here is his own person! Then was Sir Gawaineglad, and said to Sir Tristram: Ye are welcome, for now have ye easedme greatly of my labour. For what cause, said Sir Gawaine, came yeinto this court? Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, I came into this countrybecause of Sir Palomides; for he and I had assigned at this day to havedone battle together at the peron, and I marvel I hear not of him. Andthus by adventure my lord, Sir Launcelot, and I met together. With thiscame King Arthur, and when he wist that there was Sir Tristram, then heran unto him and took him by the hand and said: Sir Tristram, ye are aswelcome as any knight that ever came to this court. And when the kinghad heard how Sir Launcelot and he had foughten, and either had woundedother wonderly sore, then the king made great dole. Then Sir Tristramtold the king how he came thither for to have had ado with SirPalomides. And then he told the king how he had rescued him from thenine knights and Breuse Saunce Pité; and how he found a knight lying bya well, and that knight smote down Sir Palomides and me, but his shieldwas covered with a cloth. So Sir Palomides left me, and I followed afterthat knight; and in many places I found where he had slain knights, andforjousted many. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, that same knight smoteme down and Sir Bleoberis, and hurt us sore both, he with the coveredshield. Ah, said Sir Kay, that knight smote me adown and hurt me passingsore, and fain would I have known him, but I might not. Jesu, mercy, said Arthur, what knight was that with the covered shield? I know not, said Sir Tristram; and so said they all. Now, said King Arthur, then wotI, for it is Sir Launcelot. Then they all looked upon Sir Launcelot andsaid: Ye have beguiled us with your covered shield. It is not the firsttime, said Arthur, he hath done so. My lord, said Sir Launcelot, trulywit ye well I was the same knight that bare the covered shield; andbecause I would not be known that I was of your court I said no worshipof your house. That is truth, said Sir Gawaine, Sir Kay, and SirBleoberis. 

Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand and went to the TableRound. Then came Queen Guenever and many ladies with her, and all theladies said at one voice: Welcome, Sir Tristram! Welcome, said thedamosels. Welcome, said knights. Welcome, said Arthur, for one ofthe best knights, and the gentlest of the world, and the man of mostworship; for of all manner of hunting thou bearest the prize, and ofall measures of blowing thou art the beginning, and of all the terms ofhunting and hawking ye are the beginner, of all instruments of music yeare the best; therefore, gentle knight, said Arthur, ye are welcome tothis court. And also, I pray you, said Arthur, grant me a boon. It shallbe at your commandment, said Tristram. Well, said Arthur, I will desireof you that ye will abide in my court. Sir, said Sir Tristram, theretois me loath, for I have ado in many countries. Not so, said Arthur, yehave promised it me, ye may not say nay. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I willas ye will. Then went Arthur unto the sieges about the Round Table, andlooked in every siege the which were void that lacked knights. And thenthe king saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that said: This is thesiege of the noble knight, Sir Tristram. And then Arthur made SirTristram Knight of the Table Round, with great nobley and great feastas might be thought. For Sir Marhaus was slain afore by the hands of SirTristram in an island; and that was well known at that time in the courtof Arthur, for this Marhaus was a worthy knight. And for evil deeds thathe did unto the country of Cornwall Sir Tristram and he fought. And theyfought so long, tracing and traversing, till they fell bleeding tothe earth; for they were so sore wounded that they might not stand forbleeding. And Sir Tristram by fortune recovered, and Sir Marhaus diedthrough the stroke on the head. So leave we of Sir Tristram and speak weof King Mark. 

CHAPTER VII. How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with twoknights into England, and how he slew one of the knights. 

THEN King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram, and thenhe chased him out of Cornwall: yet was he nephew unto King Mark, buthe had great suspicion unto Sir Tristram because of his queen, La BealeIsoud; for him seemed that there was too much love between them both. Sowhen Sir Tristram departed out of Cornwall into England King Mark heardof the great prowess that Sir Tristram did there, the which grievedhim sore. So he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did. And thequeen sent privily on her part spies to know what deeds he had done, forgreat love was between them twain. So when the messengers were come homethey told the truth as they had heard, that he passed all other knightsbut if it were Sir Launcelot. Then King Mark was right heavy of thesetidings, and as glad was La Beale Isoud. Then in great despite he tookwith him two good knights and two squires, and disguised himself, andtook his way into England, to the intent for to slay Sir Tristram. Andone of these two knights hight Bersules, and the other knight was calledAmant. So as they rode King Mark asked a knight that he met, where heshould find King Arthur. He said: At Camelot. Also he asked that knightafter 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 aman of as great worship as is now living; for through his prowess he wonthe tournament of the Castle of Maidens that standeth by the Hard Rock. And sithen he hath won with his own hands thirty knights that were menof great honour. And the last battle that ever he did he fought withSir Launcelot; and that was a marvellous battle. And not by force SirLauncelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of him King Arthur madepassing great joy, and so made him Knight of the Table Round; and hisseat was where the good knight's, Sir Marhaus, seat was. Then was KingMark passing sorry when he heard of the honour of Sir Tristram; and sothey departed. 

Then said King Mark unto his two knights: Now will I tell you mycounsel: ye are the men that I trust most to alive, and I will that yewit my coming hither is to this intent, for to destroy Sir Tristram bywiles 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 yeare disposed shamefully; for Sir Tristram is the knight of most worshipthat we know living, and therefore I warn you plainly I will neverconsent 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 hissword and said: Ah, traitor; and smote Sir Bersules on the head, thatthe sword went to his teeth. When Amant, the knight, saw him do thatvillainous deed, and his squires, they said it was foul done, andmischievously: Wherefore we will do thee no more service, and wit yewell, we will appeach thee of treason afore Arthur. Then was King Markwonderly wroth and would have slain Amant; but he and the two squiresheld them together, and set nought by his malice. When King Mark saw hemight not be revenged on them, he said thus unto the knight, Amant: Witthou well, an thou appeach me of treason I shall thereof defend me aforeKing Arthur; but I require thee that thou tell not my name, that I amKing Mark, whatsomever come of me. As for that, said Sir Amant, I willnot discover your name; and so they departed, and Amant and his fellowstook the body of Bersules and buried it. 

CHAPTER VIII. How King Mark came to a fountain where he found SirLamorak complaining for the love of King Lot's wife. 

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, orreturn again to his country. And as he thus rested him by that fountainthere 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 ofthe fountain; and there he made great languor and dole, and made thedolefullest complaint of love that ever man heard; and all thiswhile was he not ware of King Mark. And this was a great part of hiscomplaint: he cried and wept, saying: O fair Queen of Orkney, King Lot'swife, and mother of Sir Gawaine, and to Sir Gaheris, and mother to manyother, for thy love I am in great pains. Then King Mark arose and wentnear him and said: Fair knight, ye have made a piteous complaint. Truly, said the knight, it is an hundred part more ruefuller than my heart canutter. I require you, said King Mark, tell me your name. Sir, said he, as for my name I will not hide it from no knight that beareth a shield, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. But when Sir Lamorak heard KingMark speak, then wist he well by his speech that he was a Cornishknight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I understand by your tongue ye be ofCornwall, wherein there dwelleth the shamefullest king that is nowliving, for he is a great enemy to all good knights; and that provethwell, for he hath chased out of that country Sir Tristram, that is theworshipfullest knight that now is living, and all knights speak of himworship; and for jealousness of his queen he hath chased him out ofhis country. It is pity, said Sir Lamorak, that ever any such falseknight-coward as King Mark is, should be matched with such a fair ladyand 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 thismatter, said King Mark, neither nought will I speak thereof. Well said, said Sir Lamorak. Sir, can ye tell me any tidings? I can tell you, saidSir Lamorak, that there shall be a great tournament in haste besideCamelot, at the Castle of Jagent; and the King with the Hundred Knightsand the King of Ireland, as I suppose, make that tournament. 

Then there came a knight that was called Sir Dinadan, and salutedthem both. And when he wist that King Mark was a knight of Cornwall hereproved him for the love of King Mark a thousand fold more than didSir Lamorak. Then he proffered to joust with King Mark. And he was fullloath thereto, but Sir Dinadan edged him so, that he jousted with SirLamorak. And Sir Lamorak smote King Mark so sore that he bare him onhis spear end over his horse's tail. And then King Mark arose again, and followed after Sir Lamorak. But Sir Dinadan would not joust withSir Lamorak, but he told King Mark that Sir Lamorak was Sir Kay, theSeneschal. That is not so, said King Mark, for he is much bigger thanSir Kay; and so he followed and overtook him, and bade him abide. Whatwill 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 togetherwith swords, and Sir Lamorak suffered him and forbare him. And King Markwas passing hasty, and smote thick strokes. Sir Lamorak saw he would notstint, and waxed somewhat wroth, and doubled his strokes, for he was oneof the noblest knights of the world; and he beat him so on the helm thathis head hung nigh on the saddle bow. When Sir Lamorak saw him fare so, he said: Sir knight, what cheer? meseemeth you have nigh your fill offighting, it were pity to do you any more harm, for ye are but a meanknight, therefore I give you leave to go where ye list. Gramercy, saidKing Mark, for ye and I be not matches. 

Then Sir Dinadan mocked King Mark and said: Ye are not able to match agood knight. As for that, said King Mark, at the first time I joustedwith this knight ye refused him. Think ye that it is a shame to me? saidSir Dinadan: nay, sir, it is ever worship to a knight to refuse thatthing that he may not attain, there fore your worship had been much moreto have refused him as I did; for I warn you plainly he is able tobeat such five as ye and I be; for ye knights of Cornwall are no men ofworship as other knights are. And because ye are no men of worshipye hate all men of worship, for never was bred in your country such aknight as is Sir Tristram. 

CHAPTER IX. How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to acastle, and how King Mark was known there. 

THEN they rode forth all together, King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and SirDinadan, till that they came to a bridge, and at the end thereof stood afair tower. Then saw they a knight on horseback well armed, brandishinga spear, crying and proffering himself to joust. Now, said Sir Dinadanunto King Mark, yonder are two brethren, that one hight Alein, and theother hight Trian, that will joust with any that passeth this passage. Now proffer yourself, said Dinadan to King Mark, for ever ye be laidto the earth. Then King Mark was ashamed, and therewith he feutred hisspear, and hurtled to Sir Trian, and either brake their spears all topieces, and passed through anon. Then Sir Trian sent King Mark anotherspear to joust more; but in no wise he would not joust no more. Thenthey came to the castle all three knights, and prayed the lord of thecastle of harbour. Ye are right welcome, said the knights of the castle, for the love of the lord of this castle, the which hight Sir Tor le FiseAries. And then they came into a fair court well repaired, and theyhad passing good cheer, till the lieutenant of this castle, that hightBerluse, espied King Mark of Cornwall. Then said Berluse: Sir knight, Iknow you better than you ween, for ye are King Mark that slew my fatherafore mine own eyen; and me had ye slain had I not escaped into a wood;but wit ye well, for the love of my lord of this castle I will neitherhurt you nor harm you, nor none of your fellowship. But wit ye well, when ye are past this lodging I shall hurt you an I may, for ye slew myfather traitorly. But first for the love of my lord, Sir Tor, and forthe love of Sir Lamorak, the honourable knight that here is lodged, yeshall have none ill lodging; for it is pity that ever ye should be inthe company of good knights; for ye are the most villainous knight orking that is now known alive, for ye are a destroyer of good knights, and all that ye do is but treason. 

CHAPTER X. How Sir Berluse met with King Mark, and how Sir Dinadan tookhis part. 

THEN was King Mark sore ashamed, and said but little again. But when SirLamorak and Sir Dinadan wist that he was King Mark they were sorry ofhis fellowship. So after supper they went to lodging. So on the mornthey arose early, and King Mark and Sir Dinadan rode together; andthree mile from their lodging there met with them three knights, and SirBerluse was one, and that other his two cousins. Sir Berluse saw KingMark, and then he cried on high: Traitor, keep thee from me for wit thouwell that I am Berluse. Sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, I counsel you toleave off at this time, for he is riding to King Arthur; and because Ihave promised to conduct him to my lord King Arthur needs must I takea part with him; howbeit I love not his condition, and fain I would befrom him. Well, Dinadan, said Sir Berluse, me repenteth that ye willtake part with him, but now do your best. And then he hurtled to KingMark, and smote him sore upon the shield, that he bare him clean out ofhis saddle to the earth. That saw Sir Dinadan, and he feutred his spear, and ran to one of Berluse's fellows, and smote him down off his saddle. Then Dinadan turned his horse, and smote the third knight in the samewise to the earth, for Sir Dinadan was a good knight on horseback;and there began a great battle, for Berluse and his fellows held themtogether strongly on foot. And so through the great force of Sir DinadanKing Mark had Berluse to the earth, and his two fellows fled; and hadnot been Sir Dinadan King Mark would have slain him. And so Sir Dinadanrescued him of his life, for King Mark was but a murderer. And then theytook their horses and departed and left Sir Berluse there sore wounded. 

Then King Mark and Sir Dinadan rode forth a four leagues English, tillthat they came to a bridge where hoved a knight on horseback, armed andready to joust. Lo, said Sir Dinadan unto King Mark, yonder hoveth aknight that will joust, for there shall none pass this bridge but hemust joust with that knight. It is well, said King Mark, for this joustsfalleth with thee. Sir Dinadan knew the knight well that he was a nobleknight, and fain he would have jousted, but he had had liefer King Markhad jousted with him, but by no mean King Mark would not joust. Then SirDinadan might not refuse him in no manner. And then either dressed theirspears and their shields, and smote together, so that through fine forceSir Dinadan was smitten to the earth; and lightly he rose up and gathis horse, and required that knight to do battle with swords. And heanswered and said: Fair knight, as at this time I may not have adowith you no more, for the custom of this passage is such. Then was SirDinadan passing wroth that he might not be revenged of that knight; andso he departed, and in no wise would that knight tell his name. But everSir Dinadan thought he should know him by his shield that it should beSir Tor. 

CHAPTER XI. How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with sixknights of the Round Table. 

So as they rode by the way King Mark then began to mock Sir Dinadan, andsaid: I weened you knights of the Table Round might not in no wise findtheir matches. Ye say well, said Sir Dinadan; as for you, on my life Icall you none of the best knights; but sith ye have such a despite at meI require you to joust with me to prove my strength. Not so, said KingMark, for I will not have ado with you in no manner; but I require youof one thing, that when ye come to Arthur's court discover not my name, for I am there so hated. It is shame to you, said Sir Dinadan, that yegovern you so shamefully; for I see by you ye are full of cowardice, and ye are a murderer, and that is the greatest shame that a knight mayhave; for never a knight being a murderer hath worship, nor nevershall have; for I saw but late through my force ye would have slainSir Berluse, a better knight than ye, or ever ye shall be, and more ofprowess. Thus they rode forth talking till they came to a fair place, where stood a knight, and prayed them to take their lodging with him. So at the request of that knight they reposed them there, and made themwell at ease, and had great cheer. For all errant-knights were welcometo him, and specially all those of Arthur's court. Then Sir Dinadandemanded his host what was the knight's name that kept the bridge. Forwhat cause ask you it? said the host. For it is not long ago, saidSir Dinadan, sithen he gave me a fall. Ah, fair knight, said his host, thereof have ye no marvel, for he is a passing good knight, and his nameis Sir Tor, the son of Aries le Vaysher. Ah, said Sir Dinadan, was thatSir Tor? for truly so ever me thought. 

Right as they stood thus talking together they saw come riding to themover a plain six knights of the court of King Arthur, well armed at allpoints. And there by their shields Sir Dinadan knew them well. The firstwas the good knight Sir Uwaine, the son of King Uriens, the second wasthe noble knight Sir Brandiles, the third was Ozana le Cure Hardy, thefourth was Uwaine les Aventurous, the fifth was Sir Agravaine, the sixthSir Mordred, brother to Sir Gawaine. When Sir Dinadan had seen these sixknights he thought in himself he would bring King Mark by some wile tojoust with one of them. And anon they took their horses and ran afterthese knights well a three mile English. Then was King Mark ware wherethey sat all six about a well, and ate and drank such meats as they had, and their horses walking and some tied, and their shields hung in diversplaces about them. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, yonder are knights-errant thatwill joust with us. God forbid, said King Mark, for they be six and webut two. As for that, said Sir Dinadan, let us not spare, for I willassay the foremost; and therewith he made him ready. When King Marksaw him do so, as fast as Sir Dinadan rode toward them, King Mark rodefroward them with all his menial meiny. So when Sir Dinadan saw KingMark was gone, he set the spear out of the rest, and threw his shieldupon his back, and came, riding to the fellowship of the Table Round. And anon Sir Uwaine knew Sir Dinadan, and welcomed him, and so did allhis fellowship. 

CHAPTER XII. How the six knights sent Sir Dagonet to joust with KingMark, and how King Mark refused him. 

AND then they asked him of his adventures, and whether he had seen SirTristram or Sir Launcelot. So God me help, said Sir Dinadan, I saw noneof them sithen I departed from Camelot. What knight is that, said SirBrandiles, that so suddenly departed from you, and rode over yonderfield? Sir, said he, it was a knight of Cornwall, and the most horriblecoward that ever bestrode horse. What is his name? said all theseknights. I wot not, said Sir Dinadan. So when they had reposed them, andspoken together, they took their horses and rode to a castle wheredwelt an old knight that made all knights-errant good cheer. Then inthe meanwhile that they were talking came into the castle Sir Griflet leFise de Dieu, and there was he welcome; and they all asked him whetherhe had seen Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram. Sirs, he answered, I saw himnot sithen he departed from Camelot. So as Sir Dinadan walked andbeheld the castle, thereby in a chamber he espied King Mark, and then herebuked him, and asked him why he departed so. Sir, said he, for I durstnot abide because they were so many. But how escaped ye? said King Mark. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, they were better friends than I weened they hadbeen. Who is captain of that fellowship? said the king. Then for to fearhim Sir Dinadan said that it was Sir Launcelot. O Jesu, said the king, might I know Sir Launcelot by his shield? Yea, said Dinadan, for hebeareth a shield of silver and black bends. All this he said to fear theking, for Sir Launcelot was not in his fellowship. Now I pray you, saidKing Mark, that ye will ride in my fellowship. That is me loath to do, said Sir Dinadan, because ye forsook my fellowship. 

Right so Sir Dinadan went from King Mark, and went to his ownfellowship; and so they mounted upon their horses, and rode on theirways, and talked of the Cornish knight, for Dinadan told them that hewas in the castle where they were lodged. It is well said, said SirGriflet, for here have I brought Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, thatis the best fellow and the merriest in the world. Will ye do well? saidSir Dinadan: I have told the Cornish knight that here is Sir Launcelot, and the Cornish knight asked me what shield he bare. Truly, I told himthat he bare the same shield that Sir Mordred beareth. Will ye do well?said Sir Mordred; I am hurt and may not well bear my shield nor harness, and therefore put my shield and my harness upon Sir Dagonet, and let himset upon the Cornish knight. That shall be done, said Sir Dagonet, bymy faith. Then anon was Dagonet armed him in Mordred's harness and hisshield, and he was set on a great horse, and a spear in his hand. Now, said Dagonet, shew me the knight, and I trow I shall bear him down. Soall these knights rode to a woodside, and abode till King Mark came bythe way. Then they put forth Sir Dagonet, and he came on all the whilehis horse might run, straight upon King Mark. And when he came nigh KingMark, he cried as he were wood, and said: Keep thee, knight of Cornwall, for I will slay thee. Anon, as King Mark beheld his shield, he saidto himself: Yonder is Sir Launcelot; alas, now am I destroyed; andtherewithal he made his horse to run as fast as it might through thickand thin. And ever Sir Dagonet followed after King Mark, crying andrating him as a wood man, through a great forest. When Sir Uwaine andSir Brandiles saw Dagonet so chase King Mark, they laughed all as theywere wood. And then they took their horses, and rode after to see howSir Dagonet sped, for they would not for no good that Sir Dagonet wereshent, for King Arthur loved him passing well, and made him knight withhis own hands. And at every tournament he began to make King Arthur tolaugh. Then the knights rode here and there, crying and chasing afterKing Mark, that all the forest rang of the noise. 

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying, andhow he overthrew Dagonet and other knights. 

SO King Mark rode by fortune by a well, in the way where stood aknight-errant on horseback, armed at all points, with a great spearin his hand. And when he saw King Mark coming flying he said: Knight, return again for shame and stand with me, and I shall be thy warrant. Ah, fair knight, said King Mark, let me pass, for yonder cometh afterme the best knight of the world, with the black bended shield. Fie, forshame, said the knight, he is none of the worthy knights, and if he wereSir Launcelot or Sir Tristram I should not doubt to meet the better ofthem both. When King Mark heard him say that word, he turned his horseand abode by him. And then that strong knight bare a spear to Dagonet, and smote him so sore that he bare him over his horse's tail, and nighhe had broken his neck. And anon after him came Sir Brandiles, and whenhe saw Dagonet have that fall he was passing wroth, and cried: Keepthee, knight, and so they hurtled together wonder sore. But the knightsmote Sir Brandiles so sore that he went to the earth, horse and man. Sir Uwaine came after and saw all this. Jesu, said he, yonder is astrong knight. And then they feutred their spears, and this knight cameso eagerly that he smote down Sir Uwaine. Then came Ozana with the hardyheart, and he was smitten down. Now, said Sir Griflet, by my counsellet us send to yonder errant-knight, and wit whether he be of Arthur'scourt, for as I deem it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. So they sent unto him, and prayed the strange knight to tell his name, and whether he were ofArthur's court or not. As for my name they shall not wit, but tell themI am a knight-errant as they are, and let them wit that I am no knightof King Arthur's court; and so the squire rode again unto them and toldthem his answer of him. By my head, said Sir Agravaine, he is one of thestrongest knights that ever I saw, for he hath overthrown threenoble knights, and needs we must encounter with him for shame. So SirAgravaine feutred his spear, and that other was ready, and smote himdown over his horse to the earth. And in the same wise he smote SirUwaine les Avoutres and also Sir Griflet. Then had he served them allbut Sir Dinadan, for he was behind, and Sir Mordred was unarmed, andDagonet had his harness. 

So when this was done, this strong knight rode on his way a soft pace, and King Mark rode after him, praising him mickle; but he would answerno words, but sighed wonderly sore, hanging down his head, taking noheed to his words. Thus they rode well a three mile English, and thenthis knight called to him a varlet, and bade him ride until yonder fairmanor, and recommend me to the lady of that castle and place, and prayher to send me refreshing of good meats and drinks. And if she ask theewhat I am, tell her that I am the knight that followeth the glatisantbeast: that is in English to say the questing beast; for that beastwheresomever he yede he quested in the belly with such a noise as it hadbeen a thirty couple of hounds. Then the varlet went his way and came tothe manor, and saluted the lady, and told her from whence he came. And when she understood that he came from the knight that followed thequesting beast: O sweet Lord Jesu, she said, when shall I see that nobleknight, my dear son Palomides? Alas, will he not abide with me? andtherewith she swooned and wept, and made passing great dole. And thenalso soon as she might she gave the varlet all that he asked. And thevarlet returned unto Sir Palomides, for he was a varlet of King Mark. And as soon as he came, he told the knight's name was Sir Palomides. Iam well pleased, said King Mark, but hold thee still and say nothing. Then they alighted and set them down and reposed them a while. Anonwithal King Mark fell asleep. When Sir Palomides saw him sound asleep hetook his horse and rode his way, and said to them: I will not be in thecompany of a sleeping knight. And so he rode forth a great pace. 

CHAPTER XIV. How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides makinggreat sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud. 

NOW turn we unto Sir Dinadan, that found these seven knights passingheavy. And when he wist how that they sped, as heavy was he. My lordUwaine, said Dinadan, I dare lay my head it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ipromise you all I shall find him an he may be found in this country. Andso Sir Dinadan rode after this knight; and so did King Mark, that soughthim through the forest. So as King Mark rode after Sir Palomides heheard the noise of a man that made great dole. Then King Mark rodeas nigh that noise as he might and as he durst. Then was he ware of aknight that was descended off his horse, and had put off his helm, andthere he made a piteous complaint and a dolorous, of love. 

Now leave we that, and talk we of Sir Dinadan, that rode to seek SirPalomides. And as he came within a forest he met with a knight, a chaserof a deer. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, met ye with a knight with a shield ofsilver and lions' heads? Yea, fair knight, said the other, with such aknight met I with but a while agone, and straight yonder way he yede. Gramercy, said Sir Dinadan, for might I find the track of his horse Ishould not fail to find that knight. Right so as Sir Dinadan rode in theeven late he heard a doleful noise as it were of a man. Then Sir Dinadanrode toward that noise; and when he came nigh that noise he alighted offhis horse, and went near him on foot. Then was he ware of a knight thatstood under a tree, and his horse tied by him, and the helm off hishead; and ever that knight made a doleful complaint as ever madeknight. And always he made his complaint of La Beale Isoud, the Queen ofCornwall, and said: Ah, fair lady, why love I thee! for thou art fairestof all other, and yet showest thou never love to me, nor bounty. Alas, yet must I love thee. And I may not blame thee, fair lady, for mine eyesbe cause of this sorrow. And yet to love thee I am but a fool, for thebest knight of the world loveth thee, and ye him again, that is SirTristram de Liones. And the falsest king and knight is your husband, andthe most coward and full of treason, is your lord, King Mark. Alas, thatever so fair a lady and peerless of all other should be matched with themost villainous knight of the world. All this language heard King Mark, what Sir Palomides said by him; wherefore he was adread when he saw SirDinadan, lest he espied him, that he would tell Sir Palomides that hewas King Mark; and therefore he withdrew him, and took his horse androde to his men, where he commanded them to abide. And so he rode asfast 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 KingMark smote Amant through the body. And yet was Amant in the righteousquarrel. And right so he took his horse and departed from the court fordread of Sir Dinadan, that he would tell Sir Tristram and Sir Palomideswhat he was. Then were there maidens that La Beale Isoud had sent to SirTristram, that knew Sir Amant well. 

CHAPTER XV. How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore KingArthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to King Arthur. 

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 tellher that I am slain for the love of her and of Sir Tristram. And therehe told the damosels how cowardly King Mark had slain him, and SirBersules, his fellow. And for that deed I appealed him of treason, andhere am I slain in a righteous quarrel; and all was because Sir Bersulesand I would not consent by treason to slay the noble knight, SirTristram. Then the two maidens cried aloud that all the court mighthear it, and said: O sweet Lord Jesu, that knowest all hid things, whysufferest Thou so false a traitor to vanquish and slay a true knightthat 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 hadslain Sir Amant, and Sir Bersules afore hand; wherefore they did theirbattle. Then was King Arthur wroth out of measure, and so were all theother knights. But when Sir Tristram knew all the matter he made greatdole and sorrow out of measure, and wept for sorrow for the loss of thenoble knights, Sir Bersules and of Sir Amant. 

When Sir Launcelot espied Sir Tristram weep he went hastily to KingArthur, and said: Sir, I pray you give me leave to return again toyonder false king and knight. I pray you, said King Arthur, fetchhim again, but I would not that ye slew him, for my worship. Then SirLauncelot armed him in all haste, and mounted upon a great horse, andtook a spear in his hand and rode after King Mark. And from thencea three mile English Sir Launcelot over took him, and bade him: Turnrecreant king and knight, for whether thou wilt or not thou shalt gowith me to King Arthur's court. King Mark returned and looked upon SirLauncelot, and said: Fair sir, what is your name? Wit thou well, saidhe, my name is Sir Launcelot, and therefore defend thee. And when KingMark wist that it was Sir Launcelot, and came so fast upon him witha spear, he cried then aloud: I yield me to thee, Sir Launcelot, honourable knight. But Sir Launcelot would not hear him, but came fastupon him. King Mark saw that, and made no defence, but tumbled adown outof his saddle to the earth as a sack, and there he lay still, and criedSir 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 Sir Launcelot, that I may not give thee one buffet for the love ofSir Tristram and of La Beale Isoud, and for the two knights that thouhast slain traitorly. And so he mounted upon his horse and brought himto King Arthur; and there King Mark alighted in that same place, andthrew his helm from him upon the earth, and his sword, and fell flat tothe earth of King Arthur's feet, and put him in his grace and mercy. SoGod me help, said Arthur, ye are welcome in a manner, and in a mannerye are not welcome. In this manner ye are welcome, that ye come hithermaugre thy head, as I suppose. That is truth, said King Mark, and else Ihad not been here, for my lord, Sir Launcelot, brought me hither throughhis fine force, and to him am I yolden to as recreant. Well, saidArthur, 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, anda destroyer of my knights; now, how will ye acquit you? Sir, said KingMark, right as your lordship will require me, unto my power, I will makea large amends. For he was a fair speaker, and false thereunder. Thenfor great pleasure of Sir Tristram, to make them twain accorded, theking withheld King Mark as at that time, and made a broken love-daybetween them. 

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle betweenSir Launcelot and Sir Tristam. 

NOW turn we again unto Sir Palomides, how Sir Dinadan comforted him inall that he might, from his great sorrow. What knight are ye? said SirPalomides. Sir, I am a knight-errant as ye be, that hath sought you longby your shield. Here is my shield, said Sir Palomides, wit ye well, anye will ought, therewith I will defend it. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I willnot have ado with you but in good manner. And if ye will, ye shall findme soon ready. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, whitherward ride you this way? Bymy head, said Sir Palomides, I wot not, but as fortune leadeth me. Heardye or saw ye ought of Sir Tristram? So God me help, of Sir TristramI both heard and saw, and not for then we loved not inwardly welltogether, yet at my mischief Sir Tristram rescued me from my death; andyet, or he and I departed, by both our assents we assigned a day that weshould have met at the stony grave that Merlin set beside Camelot, and there to have done battle together; howbeit I was letted, said SirPalomides, that I might not hold my day, the which grieveth me sore; butI have a large excuse. For I was prisoner with a lord, and many othermore, and that shall Sir Tristram right well understand, that I brakeit not of fear of cowardice. And then Sir Palomides told Sir Dinadan thesame day that they should have met. So God me help, said Sir Dinadan, that same day met Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram at the same grave ofstone. And there was the most mightiest battle that ever was seen inthis land betwixt two knights, for they fought more than two hours. Andthere they both bled so much blood that all men marvelled that ever theymight endure it. And so at the last, by both their assents, they weremade friends and sworn-brethren for ever, and no man can judge thebetter knight. And now is Sir Tristram made a knight of the Round Table, and he sitteth in the siege of the noble knight, Sir Marhaus. By myhead, said Sir Palomides, Sir Tristram is far bigger than Sir Launcelot, and the hardier knight. Have ye assayed them both? said Sir Dinadan. I have seen Sir Tristram fight, said Sir Palomides, but never SirLauncelot to my witting. But at the fountain where Sir Launcelot layasleep, there with one spear he smote down Sir Tristram and me, saidPalomides, but at that time they knew not either other. Fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, as for Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram let them be, forthe worst of them will not be lightly matched of no knights that I knowliving. No, said Sir Palomides, God defend, but an I had a quarrel tothe better of them both I would with as good a will fight with him aswith you. Sir, I require you tell me your name, and in good faith Ishall hold you company till that we come to Camelot; and there shall yehave great worship now at this great tournament; for there shall bethe Queen Guenever, and La Beale Isoud of Cornwall. Wit you well, sirknight, for the love of La Beale Isoud I will be there, and else not, but I will not have ado in King Arthur's court. Sir, said Dinadan, Ishall ride with you and do you service, so you will tell me your name. Sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir Palomides, brother to Safere, the good and noble knight. And Sir Segwarides and I, we be Saracensborn, of father and mother. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I thank you much forthe telling of your name. For I am glad of that I know your name, andI promise you by the faith of my body, ye shall not be hurt by me by mywill, but rather be advanced. And thereto will I help you with all mypower, I promise you, doubt ye not. And certainly on my life ye shallwin great worship in the court of King Arthur, and be right welcome. Sothen they dressed on their helms and put on their shields, and mountedupon their horses, and took the broad way towards Camelot. And then werethey ware of a castle that was fair and rich, and also passing strong asany was within this realm. 

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with divers knights of the castlewherein was Morgan le Fay. 

SIR PALOMIDES, said Dinadan, here is a castle that I know well, andtherein dwelleth Queen Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's sister; and KingArthur gave her this castle, the which he hath repented him sithen athousand times, for sithen King Arthur and she have been at debate andstrife; but this castle could he never get nor win of her by no mannerof engine; and ever as she might she made war on King Arthur. And alldangerous knights she withholdeth with her, for to destroy all theseknights that King Arthur loveth. And there shall no knight pass this waybut he must joust with one knight, or with two, or with three. And if ithap that King Arthur's knight be beaten, he shall lose his horse and hisharness and all that he hath, and hard, if that he escape, but that heshall be prisoner. So God me help, said Palomides, this is a shamefulcustom, and a villainous usance for a queen to use, and namely to makesuch war upon her own lord, that is called the Flower of Chivalry thatis christian or heathen; and with all my heart I would destroy thatshameful custom. And I will that all the world wit she shall have noservice of me. And if she send out any knights, as I suppose she will, for to joust, they shall have both their hands full. And I shall notfail you, said Sir Dinadan, unto my puissance, upon my life. 

So as they stood on horseback afore the castle, there came a knight witha red shield, and two squires after him; and he came straight untoSir Palomides, the good knight, and said to him: Fair and gentleknight-errant, I require thee for the love thou owest unto knighthood, that ye will not have ado here with these men of this castle; for thiswas Sir Lamorak that thus said. For I came hither to seek this deed, andit is my request; and therefore I beseech you, knight, let me deal, andif I be beaten revenge me. In the name of God, said Palomides, letsee how ye will speed, and we shall behold you. Then anon came forth aknight of the castle, and proffered to joust with the Knight with theRed Shield. Anon they encountered together, and he with the red shieldsmote him so hard that he bare him over to the earth. Therewith anoncame another knight of the castle, and he was smitten so sore thathe avoided his saddle. And forthwithal came the third knight, andthe Knight with the Red Shield smote him to the earth. Then came SirPalomides, and besought him that he might help him to joust. Fairknight, said he unto him, suffer me as at this time to have my will, foran they were twenty knights I shall not doubt them. And ever there wereupon the walls of the castle many lords and ladies that cried and said:Well have ye jousted, Knight with the Red Shield. But as soon as theknight had smitten them down, his squire took their horses, and avoidedtheir saddles and bridles of the horses, and turned them into theforest, and made the knights to be kept to the end of the jousts. Rightso came out of the castle the fourth knight, and freshly proffered tojoust with the Knight with the Red Shield: and he was ready, and hesmote him so hard that horse and man fell to the earth, and the knight'sback brake with the fall, and his neck also. O Jesu, said Sir Palomides, that yonder is a passing good knight, and the best jouster that everI saw. By my head, said Sir Dinadan, he is as good as ever was SirLauncelot or Sir Tristram, what knight somever he be. 

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Palomides would have jousted for Sir Lamorak withthe knights of the castle. 

THEN forthwithal came a knight out of the castle, with a shield bendedwith black and with white. And anon the Knight with the Red Shield andhe encountered so hard that he smote the knight of the castle throughthe bended shield and through the body, and brake the horse's back. Fairknight, said Sir Palomides, ye have overmuch on hand, therefore I prayyou let me joust, for ye had need to be reposed. Why sir, said theknight, seem ye that I am weak and feeble? and sir, methinketh yeproffer me wrong, and to me shame, when I do well enough. I tell you nowas I told you erst; for an they were twenty knights I shall beat them, and if I be beaten or slain then may ye revenge me. And if ye think thatI be weary, and ye have an appetite to joust with me, I shall find youjousting enough. Sir, said Palomides, I said it not because I wouldjoust with you, but meseemeth that ye have overmuch on hand. Andtherefore, an ye were gentle, said the Knight with the Red Shield, yeshould not proffer me shame; therefore I require you to joust with me, and ye shall find that I am not weary. Sith ye require me, said SirPalomides, take keep to yourself. Then they two knights came together asfast as their horses might run, and the knight smote Sir Palomides soreon the shield that the spear went into his side a great wound, and aperilous. And therewithal Sir Palomides avoided his saddle. And thatknight turned unto Sir Dinadan; and when he saw him coming he criedaloud, and said: Sir, I will not have ado with you; but for that he letit not, but came straight upon him. So Sir Dinadan for shame put forthhis spear and all to-shivered it upon the knight. But he smote SirDinadan again so hard that he smote him clean from his saddle; but theirhorses he would not suffer his squires to meddle with, and because theywere knights-errant. 

Then he dressed him again to the castle, and jousted with seven knightsmore, and there was none of them might withstand him, but he bare him tothe earth. And of these twelve knights he slew in plain jousts four. And the eight knights he made them to swear on the cross of a sword thatthey should never use the evil customs of the castle. And when he hadmade them to swear that oath he let them pass. And ever stood the lordsand the ladies on the castle walls crying and saying: Knight with theRed Shield, ye have marvellously well done as ever we saw knight do. Andtherewith came a knight out of the castle unarmed, and said: Knight withthe Red Shield, overmuch damage hast thou done to us this day, thereforereturn whither thou wilt, for here are no more will have ado with thee;for we repent sore that ever thou camest here, for by thee is fordonethe old custom of this castle. And with that word he turned again intothe castle, and shut the gates. Then the Knight with the Red Shieldturned and called his squires, and so passed forth on his way, and rodea great pace. 

And when he was past Sir Palomides went to Sir Dinadan, and said: I hadnever such a shame of one knight that ever I met; and therefore I castme to ride after him, and to be revenged with my sword, for a-horsebackI deem I shall get no worship of him. Sir Palomides, said Dinadan, yeshall not meddle with him by my counsel, for ye shall get no worship ofhim; and for this cause, ye have seen him this day have had overmuch todo, and overmuch travailed. By almighty Jesu, said Palomides, I shallnever be at ease till that I have had ado with him. Sir, said Dinadan, Ishall give you my beholding. Well, said Palomides, then shall ye see howwe shall redress our mights. So they took their horses of their varlets, and rode after the Knight with the Red Shield; and down in a valleybeside a fountain they were ware where he was alighted to repose him, and had done off his helm for to drink at the well. 

CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Lamorak jousted with Sir Palomides, and hurt himgrievously. 

THEN Palomides rode fast till he came nigh him. And then he said:Knight, remember ye of the shame ye did to me right now at the castle, therefore dress thee, for I will have ado with thee. Fair knight, saidhe to Palomides, of me ye win no worship, for ye have seen this day thatI have been travailed sore. As for that, said Palomides, I will not let, for wit ye well I will be revenged. Well, said the knight, I may happento endure you. And therewithal he mounted upon his horse, and took agreat spear in his hand ready for to joust. Nay, said Palomides, I willnot joust, for I am sure at jousting I get no prize. Fair knight, said that knight, it would beseem a knight to joust and to fight onhorseback. Ye shall see what I will do, said Palomides. And therewith healighted down upon foot, and dressed his shield afore him and pulled outhis sword. Then the Knight with the Red Shield descended down from hishorse, and dressed his shield afore him, and so he drew out his sword. And then they came together a soft pace, and wonderly they lashedtogether passing thick the mountenance of an hour or ever they breathed. Then they traced and traversed, and waxed wonderly wroth, and eitherbehight other death; they hewed so fast with their swords that they cutin down half their swords and mails, that the bare flesh in some placestood above their harness. And when Sir Palomides beheld his fellow'ssword over-hylled with his blood it grieved him sore: some whilethey foined, some while they struck as wild men. But at the last SirPalomides waxed faint, because of his first wound that he had at thecastle with a spear, for that wound grieved him wonderly sore. Fairknight, said Palomides, meseemeth we have assayed either other passingsore, and if it may please thee, I require thee of thy knighthood tellme thy name. Sir, said the knight to Palomides, that is me loath todo, for thou hast done me wrong and no knighthood to proffer me battle, considering my great travail, but an thou wilt tell me thy name I willtell thee mine. Sir, said he, wit thou well my name is Palomides. Ah, sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son and heirunto the good knight and king, King Pellinore, and Sir Tor, the goodknight, is my half brother. When Sir Palomides heard him say so hekneeled down and asked mercy, For outrageously have I done to you thisday; considering the great deeds of arms I have seen you do, shamefullyand unknightly I have required you to do battle. Ah, Sir Palomides, said Sir Lamorak, overmuch have ye done and said to me. And therewithhe embraced him with his both hands, and said: Palomides, the worthyknight, in all this land is no better than ye, nor more of prowess, andme repenteth sore that we should fight together. So it doth not me, saidSir Palomides, and yet am I sorer wounded than ye be; but as for that Ishall soon thereof be whole. But certainly I would not for the fairestcastle in this land, but if thou and I had met, for I shall love you thedays of my life afore all other knights except my brother, Sir Safere. I say the same, said Sir Lamorak, except my brother, Sir Tor. Then cameSir Dinadan, and he made great joy of Sir Lamorak. Then their squiresdressed both their shields and their harness, and stopped their wounds. And thereby at a priory they rested them all night. 

CHAPTER XX. How it was told Sir Launcelot that Dagonet chased King Mark, and how a knight overthrew him and six knights. 

Now turn we again. When Sir Ganis and Sir Brandiles with his fellowscame to the court of King Arthur they told the king, Sir Launcelot, andSir Tristram, how Sir Dagonet, the fool, chased King Mark through theforest, and how the strong knight smote them down all seven with onespear. There was great laughing and japing at King Mark and at SirDagonet. But all these knights could not tell what knight it was thatrescued King Mark. Then they asked King Mark if that he knew him, andhe answered and said: He named himself the Knight that followed theQuesting Beast, and on that name he sent one of my varlets to a placewhere was his mother; and when she heard from whence he came she madepassing great dole, and discovered to my varlet his name, and said: Oh, my dear son, Sir Palomides, why wilt thou not see me? And therefore, sir, said King Mark, it is to understand his name is Sir Palomides, anoble knight. Then were all these seven knights glad that they knew hisname. 

Now turn we again, for on the morn they took their horses, both SirLamorak, Palomides, and Dinadan, with their squires and varlets, tillthey saw a fair castle that stood on a mountain well closed, and thitherthey rode, and there they found a knight that hight Galahalt, that waslord of that castle, and there they had great cheer and were well eased. Sir Dinadan, said Sir Lamorak, what will ye do? Oh sir, said Dinadan, I will to-morrow to the court of King Arthur. By my head, said SirPalomides, I will not ride these three days, for I am sore hurt, andmuch have I bled, and therefore I will repose me here. Truly, said SirLamorak, and I will abide here with you; and when ye ride, then willI ride, unless that ye tarry over long; then will I take my horse. Therefore I pray you, Sir Dinadan, abide and ride with us. Faithfully, said Dinadan, I will not abide, for I have such a talent to see SirTristram that I may not abide long from him. Ah, Dinadan, said SirPalomides, now do I understand that ye love my mortal enemy, andtherefore how should I trust you. Well, said Dinadan, I love my lord SirTristram, above all other, and him will I serve and do honour. So shallI, said Sir Lamorak, in all that may lie in my power. 

So on the morn Sir Dinadan rode unto the court of King Arthur; and bythe way as he rode he saw where stood an errant knight, and made himready for to joust. Not so, said Dinadan, for I have no will to joust. With me shall ye joust, said the knight, or that ye pass this way. Whether ask ye jousts, by love or by hate? The knight answered: Wit yewell I ask it for love, and not for hate. It may well be so, said SirDinadan, but ye proffer me hard love when ye will joust with me with asharp spear. But, fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, sith ye will joust withme, meet with me in the court of King Arthur, and there shall I joustwith you. Well, said the knight, sith ye will not joust with me, I prayyou tell me your name. Sir knight, said he, my name is Sir Dinadan. Ah, said the knight, full well know I you for a good knight and a gentle, and wit you well I love you heartily. Then shall there be no jousts, said Dinadan, betwixt us. So they departed. And the same day he came toCamelot, where lay King Arthur. And there he saluted the king and thequeen, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram; and all the court was glad ofSir Dinadan, for he was gentle, wise, and courteous, and a good knight. And in especial, the valiant knight Sir Tristram loved Sir Dinadanpassing well above all other knights save Sir Launcelot. 

Then the king asked Sir Dinadan what adventures he had seen. Sir, saidDinadan, I have seen many adventures, and of some King Mark knoweth, but not all. Then the king hearkened Sir Dinadan, how he told that SirPalomides and he were afore the castle of Morgan le Fay, and howSir Lamorak took the jousts afore them, and how he forjousted twelveknights, and of them four he slew, and how after he smote down SirPalomides and me both. I may not believe that, said the king, forSir Palomides is a passing good knight. That is very truth, said SirDinadan, but yet I saw him better proved, hand for hand. And then hetold the king all that battle, and how Sir Palomides was more weaker, and more hurt, and more lost of his blood. And without doubt, said SirDinadan, had the battle longer lasted, Palomides had been slain. O Jesu, said King Arthur, this is to me a great marvel. Sir, said Tristram, marvel ye nothing thereof, for at mine advice there is not a valianterknight in the world living, for I know his might. And now I will sayyou, I was never so weary of knight but if it were Sir Launcelot. Andthere is no knight in the world except Sir Launcelot that did so wellas Sir Lamorak. So God me help, said the king, I would that knight, SirLamorak, came to this Court. Sir, said Dinadan, he will be here in shortspace, and Sir Palomides both, but I fear that Palomides may not yettravel. 

CHAPTER XXI. How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorakcame in, and overthrew Sir Gawaine and many other. 

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 SirGawaine and his brethren made them ready to joust; but Tristram, Launcelot, nor Dinadan, would not joust, but suffered Sir Gawaine, forthe love of King Arthur, with his brethren, to win the gree if theymight. Then on the morn they apparelled them to joust, Sir Gawaine andhis four brethren, and did there great deeds of arms. And Sir Ector deMaris did marvellously well, but Sir Gawaine passed all that fellowship;wherefore King Arthur and all the knights gave Sir Gawaine the honour atthe beginning. 

Right so King Arthur was ware of a knight and two squires, the whichcame out of a forest side, with a shield covered with leather, and thenhe came slyly and hurtled here and there, and anon with one spear he hadsmitten down two knights of the Round Table. Then with his hurtling helost the covering of his shield, then was the king and all other warethat he bare a red shield. O Jesu, said King Arthur, see where ridetha stout knight, he with the red shield. And there was noise and cryingBeware the Knight with the Red Shield. So within a little while he hadoverthrown three brethren of Sir Gawaine's. So God me help, said KingArthur, meseemeth yonder is the best jouster that ever I saw. With thathe saw him encounter with Sir Gawaine, and he smote him down with sogreat force that he made his horse to avoid his saddle. How now, saidthe king, Sir Gawaine hath a fall; well were me an I knew what knight hewere with the red shield. I know him well, said Dinadan, but as atthis time ye shall not know his name. By my head, said Sir Tristram, hejousted better than Sir Palomides, and if ye list to know his name, witye well his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. 

As they stood thus talking, Sir Gawaine and he encountered togetheragain, and there he smote Sir Gawaine from his horse, and bruised himsore. And in the sight of King Arthur he smote down twenty knights, beside Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And so clearly was the prizegiven him as a knight peerless. Then slyly and marvellously Sir Lamorakwithdrew him from all the fellowship into the forest side. All thisespied King Arthur, for his eye went never from him. Then the king, SirLauncelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Dinadan, took their hackneys, and rodestraight after the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and there foundhim. And thus said the king: Ah, fair knight, well be ye found. When hesaw the king he put off his helm and saluted him, and when he saw SirTristram he alighted down off his horse and ran to him to take him bythe thighs, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him, but he alightedor that he came, and either took other in arms, and made great joy ofother. The king was glad, and also was all the fellowship of the RoundTable, except Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And when they wist that hewas Sir Lamorak, they had great despite at him, and were wonderly wrothwith him that he had put him to dishonour that day. 

Then Gawaine called privily in council all his brethren, and to themsaid thus: Fair brethren, here may ye see, whom that we hate KingArthur loveth, and whom that we love he hateth. And wit ye well, my fairbrethren, that this Sir Lamorak will never love us, because we slew hisfather, King Pellinore, for we deemed that he slew our father, King ofOrkney. And for the despite of Pellinore, Sir Lamorak did us a shameto our mother, therefore I will be revenged. Sir, said Sir Gawaine'sbrethren, let see how ye will or may be revenged, and ye shall find usready. Well, said Gawaine, hold you still and we shall espy our time. 

CHAPTER XXII. How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with SirTristram, and how they departed toward Cornwall. 

NOW pass we our matter, and leave we Sir Gawaine, and speak of KingArthur, that on a day said unto King Mark: Sir, I pray you give mea gift that I shall ask you. Sir, said King Mark, I will give youwhatsomever 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, forhe is a man of great honour; and that ye will take him with you intoCornwall, and let him see his friends, and there cherish him for mysake. Sir, said King Mark, I promise you by the faith of my body, andby the faith that I owe to God and to you, I shall worship him for yoursake in all that I can or may. Sir, said Arthur, and I will forgive youall the evil will that ever I ought you, an so be that you swear thatupon a book before me. With a good will, said King Mark; and so he theresware upon a book afore him and all his knights, and therewith King Markand Sir Tristram took either other by the hands hard knit together. Butfor all this King Mark thought falsely, as it proved after, for he putSir Tristram in prison, and cowardly would have slain him. 

Then soon after King Mark took his leave to ride into Cornwall, and SirTristram made him ready to ride with him, whereof the most part of theRound Table were wroth and heavy, and in especial Sir Launcelot, and SirLamorak, and Sir Dinadan, were wroth out of measure For well they wistKing Mark would slay or destroy Sir Tristram. Alas, said Dinadan, thatmy lord, Sir Tristram, shall depart. And Sir Tristram took such sorrowthat he was amazed like a fool. Alas, said Sir Launcelot unto KingArthur, what have ye done, for ye shall lose the most man of worshipthat ever came into your court. It was his own desire, said Arthur, andtherefore I might not do withal, for I have done all that I can and madethem at accord. Accord, said Sir Launcelot, fie upon that accord, for yeshall hear that he shall slay Sir Tristram, or put him in a prison, forhe is the most coward and the villainest king and knight that is nowliving. 

And therewith Sir Launcelot departed, and came to King Mark, and said tohim thus: Sir king, wit thou well the good knight Sir Tristram shall gowith thee. Beware, I rede thee, of treason, for an thou mischief thatknight by any manner of falsehood or treason, by the faith I owe to Godand to the order of knighthood, I shall slay thee with mine own hands. Sir Launcelot, said the king, overmuch have ye said to me, and I havesworn and said over largely afore King Arthur in hearing of all hisknights, that I shall not slay nor betray him. It were to me overmuchshame to break my promise. Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot, but yeare 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 fornone other cause but for to slay Sir Tristram. So with great dole KingMark and Sir Tristram rode together, for it was by Sir Tristram's willand his means to go with King Mark, and all was for the intent to see LaBeale Isoud, for without the sight of her Sir Tristram might not endure. 

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Percivale was made knight of King Arthur, and howa dumb maid spake, and brought him to the Round Table. 

NOW turn we again unto Sir Lamorak, and speak we of his brethren, SirTor, which was King Pellinore's first son and begotten of Aryes, wifeof the cowherd, for he was a bastard; and Sir Aglovale was his first sonbegotten in wedlock; Sir Lamorak, Dornar, Percivale, these were his sonstoo in wedlock. So when King Mark and Sir Tristram were departed fromthe court there was made great dole and sorrow for the departing of SirTristram. Then the king and his knights made no manner of joys eightdays after. And at the eight days' end there came to the court a knightwith a young squire with him. And when this knight was unarmed, he wentto the king and required him to make the young squire a knight. Of whatlineage is he come? said King Arthur. Sir, said the knight, he is theson of King Pellinore, that did you some time good service, and he is abrother 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? Wityou well, my lord the king, that this young squire is brother to meas well as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is Aglavale. Sir Aglavale, saidArthur, for the love of Sir Lamorak, and for his father's love, he shallbe made knight to-morrow. Now tell me, said Arthur, what is his name?Sir, said the knight, his name is Percivale de Galis. So on the mornthe king made him knight in Camelot. But the king and all the knightsthought it would be long or that he proved a good knight. 

Then at the dinner, when the king was set at the table, and every knightafter he was of prowess, the king commanded him to be set among meanknights; and so was Sir Percivale set as the king commanded. Then wasthere a maiden in the queen's court that was come of high blood, and shewas 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. Andthere she brought him to the right side of the Siege Perilous, and said, Fair knight, take here thy siege, for that siege appertaineth to theeand to none other. Right so she departed and asked a priest. And as shewas confessed and houselled then she died. Then the king and all thecourt made great joy of Sir Percivale. 

CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Lamorak visited King Lot's wife, and how SirGaheris slew her which was his own mother. 

NOW turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that much was there praised. Then, by themean of Sir Gawaine and his brethren, they sent for their mother therebesides, fast by a castle beside Camelot; and all was to that intentto slay Sir Lamorak. The Queen of Orkney was there but a while, but SirLamorak wist of their being, and was full fain; and for to make an endof this matter, he sent unto her, and there betwixt them was a nightassigned that Sir Lamorak should come to her. Thereof was ware SirGaheris, and there he rode afore the same night, and waited upon SirLamorak, and then he saw where he came all armed. And where Sir Lamorakalighted he tied his horse to a privy postern, and so he went into aparlour and unarmed him; and then he went unto the queen's bed, and shemade of him passing great joy, and he of her again, for either lovedother passing sore. So when the knight, Sir Gaheris, saw his time, hecame to their bedside all armed, with his sword naked, and suddenly gathis mother by the hair and struck off her head. 

When Sir Lamorak saw the blood dash upon him all hot, the which he lovedpassing well, wit you well he was sore abashed and dismayed of thatdolorous knight. And therewithal, Sir Lamorak leapt out of the bed inhis shirt as a knight dismayed, saying thus: Ah, Sir Gaheris, knightof the Table Round, foul and evil have ye done, and to you great shame. Alas, why have ye slain your mother that bare you? with more rightye should have slain me. The offence hast thou done, said Gaheris, notwithstanding a man is born to offer his service; but yet shouldstthou beware with whom thou meddlest, for thou hast put me and mybrethren to a shame, and thy father slew our father; and thou to lie byour mother is too much shame for us to suffer. And as for thy father, King Pellinore my brother Sir Gawaine and I slew him. Ye did him themore wrong, said Sir Lamorak, for my father slew not your father, itwas Balin le Savage: and as yet my father's death is not revenged. Leavethose words, said Sir Gaheris, for an thou speak feloniously I will slaythee. But because thou art naked I am ashamed to slay thee. But wit thouwell, in what place I may get thee I shall slay thee; and now my motheris quit of thee; and withdraw thee and take thine armour, that thou weregone. Sir Lamorak saw there was none other bote, but fast armed him, andtook his horse and rode his way making great sorrow. But for the shameand dolour he would not ride to King Arthur's court, but rode anotherway. 

But when it was known that Gaheris had slain his mother the king waspassing wroth, and commanded him to go out of his court. Wit ye well SirGawaine was wroth that Gaheris had slain his mother and let Sir Lamorakescape. And for this matter was the king passing wroth, and so was SirLauncelot, and many other knights. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, here is agreat mischief befallen by felony, and by forecast treason, that yoursister is thus shamefully slain. And I dare say that it was wrought bytreason, and I dare say ye shall lose that good knight, Sir Lamorak thewhich is great pity. I wot well and am sure, an Sir Tristram wist it, he would never more come within your court, the which should grieve youmuch more and all your knights. God defend, said the noble King Arthur, that I should lose Sir Lamorak or Sir Tristram, for then twain of mychief knights of the Table Round were gone. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, Iam sure ye shall lose Sir Lamorak, for Sir Gawaine and his brethren willslay him by one mean or other; for they among them have concluded andsworn to slay him an ever they may see their time. That shall I let, said Arthur. 

CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knightfleeing, and how they both were overthrown, and of Sir Dinadan. 

NOW leave we of Sir Lamorak, and speak of Sir Gawaine's brethren, and specially of Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. As they rode on theiradventures they met with a knight fleeing, sore wounded; and they askedhim what tidings. Fair knights, said he, here cometh a knight afterme that will slay me. With that came Sir Dinadan riding to them byadventure, but he would promise them no help. But Sir Agravaine andSir Mordred promised him to rescue him. Therewithal came that knightstraight unto them, and anon he proffered to joust. That saw Sir Mordredand rode to him, but he struck Mordred over his horse's tail. That sawSir Agravaine, and straight he rode toward that knight, and right so ashe served Mordred so he served Agravaine, and said to them: Sirs, wit yewell both that I am Breuse Saunce Pité, that hath done this to you. Andyet he rode over Agravaine five or six times. When Dinadan saw this, hemust needs joust with him for shame. And so Dinadan and he encounteredtogether, that with pure strength Sir Dinadan smote him over his horse'stail Then he took his horse and fled, for he was on foot one of thevaliantest knights in Arthur's days, and a great destroyer of all goodknights. 

Then rode Sir Dinadan unto Sir Mordred and unto Sir Agravaine. Sirknight, said they all, well have ye done, and well have ye revenged us, wherefore we pray you tell us your name. Fair sirs, ye ought to know myname, the which is called Sir Dinadan. When they understood that it wasDinadan they were more wroth than they were before, for they hated himout of measure because of Sir Lamorak. For Dinadan had such a customthat he loved all good knights that were valiant, and he hated all thosethat were destroyers of good knights. And there were none that hatedDinadan but those that ever were called murderers. Then spake the hurtknight that Breuse Saunce Pité had chased, his name was Dalan, andsaid: If thou be Dinadan thou slewest my father. It may well be so, saidDinadan, but then it was in my defence and at his request. By my head, said Dalan, thou shalt die therefore, and therewith he dressed his spearand his shield. And to make the shorter tale, Sir Dinadan smote him downoff his horse, that his neck was nigh broken. And in the same wise hesmote Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine. And after, in the quest of theSangreal, cowardly and feloniously they slew Dinadan, the which wasgreat damage, for he was a great bourder and a passing good knight. 

And so Sir Dinadan rode to a castle that hight Beale-Valet. And there hefound Sir Palomides that was not yet whole of the wound that Sir Lamorakgave him. And there Dinadan told Palomides all the tidings that he heardand saw of Sir Tristram, and how he was gone with King Mark, and withhim he hath all his will and desire. Therewith Sir Palomides waxedwroth, for he loved La Beale Isoud. And then he wist well that SirTristram enjoyed her. 

CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received lettersout of Cornwall, and of the answer again. 

NOW leave we Sir Palomides and Sir Dinadan in the Castle of Beale-Valet, and turn we again unto King Arthur. There came a knight out of Cornwall, his name was Fergus, a fellow of the Round Table. And there he toldthe king and Sir Launcelot good tidings of Sir Tristram, and there werebrought goodly letters, and how he left him in the castle of Tintagil. Then came the damosel that brought goodly letters unto King Arthur andunto Sir Launcelot, and there she had passing good cheer of the king, and of the Queen Guenever, and of Sir Launcelot. Then they wrote goodlyletters again. But Sir Launcelot bade ever Sir Tristram beware of KingMark, for ever he called him in his letters King Fox, as who saith, hefareth all with wiles and treason. Whereof Sir Tristram in his heartthanked Sir Launcelot. Then the damosel went unto La Beale Isoud, andbare her letters from the king and from Sir Launcelot, whereof she wasin passing great joy. Fair damosel, said La Beale Isoud, how farethmy Lord Arthur, and the Queen Guenever, and the noble knight, SirLauncelot? She answered, and to make short tale: Much the better thatye and Sir Tristram be in joy. God reward them, said La Beale Isoud, forSir Tristram suffereth great pain for me, and I for him. 

So the damosel departed, and brought letters to King Mark. And when hehad read them, and understood them, he was wroth with Sir Tristram, forhe deemed that he had sent the damosel unto King Arthur. For Arthur andLauncelot in a manner threated King Mark. And as King Mark read theseletters he deemed treason by Sir Tristram. Damosel, said King Mark, willye ride again and bear letters from me unto King Arthur? Sir, she said, I will be at your commandment to ride when ye will. Ye say well, saidthe king; come again, said the king, to-morn, and fetch your letters. Then she departed and told them how she should ride again with lettersunto Arthur. Then we pray you, said La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram, that when ye have received your letters, that ye would come by us thatwe may see the privity of your letters. All that I may do, madam, ye wotwell I must do for Sir Tristram, for I have been long his own maiden. 

So on the morn the damosel went to King Mark to have had his letters andto depart. I am not avised, said King Mark, as at this time to send myletters. Then privily and secretly he sent letters unto King Arthur, andunto Queen Guenever, and unto Sir Launcelot. So the varlet departed, andfound the king and the queen in Wales, at Carlion. And as the king andthe queen were at mass the varlet came with the letters. And when masswas done the king and the queen opened the letters privily by themself. And the beginning of the king's letters spake wonderly short unto KingArthur, and bade him entermete with himself and with his wife, and ofhis knights; for he was able enough to rule and keep his wife. 

CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that hereceived from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay of King Mark. 

WHEN King Arthur understood the letter, he mused of many things, andthought on his sister's words, Queen Morgan le Fay, that she had saidbetwixt Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot. And in this thought he studieda great while. Then he bethought him again how his sister was his ownenemy, and that she hated the queen and Sir Launcelot, and so he put allthat out of his thought. Then King Arthur read the letter again, andthe latter clause said that King Mark took Sir Tristram for his mortalenemy; wherefore he put Arthur out of doubt he would be revenged ofSir Tristram. Then was King Arthur wroth with King Mark. And whenQueen Guenever read her letter and understood it, she was wroth out ofmeasure, for the letter spake shame by her and by Sir Launcelot. Andso privily she sent the letter unto Sir Launcelot. And when he wist theintent of the letter he was so wroth that he laid him down on his bed tosleep, whereof Sir Dinadan was ware, for it was his manner to be privywith all good knights. And as Sir Launcelot slept he stole the letterout of his hand, and read it word by word. And then he made great sorrowfor anger. And so Sir Launcelot awaked, and went to a window, and readthe 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, howbeit I am a poor knightand a servitor unto you and to all good knights. For though I be not ofworship myself I love all those that be of worship. It is truth, saidSir Launcelot, ye are a trusty knight, and for great trust I will shewyou my counsel. And when Dinadan understood all, he said: This is mycounsel: set you right nought by these threats, for King Mark is sovillainous, that by fair speech shall never man get of him. But ye shallsee what I shall do; I will make a lay for him, and when it is made Ishall make an harper to sing it afore him. So anon he went and madeit, and taught it an harper that hight Eliot. And when he could it, hetaught it to many harpers. And so by the will of Sir Launcelot, and ofArthur, the harpers went straight into Wales, and into Cornwall, to singthe lay that Sir Dinadan made by King Mark, the which was the worst laythat ever harper sang with harp or with any other instruments. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to KingMark; and of Sir Tristram how he promised to rescue him. 

NOW turn we again unto Sir Tristram and to King Mark. As Sir Tristramwas at jousts and at tournament it fortuned he was sore hurt both witha spear and with a sword, but yet he won always the degree. And forto repose him he went to a good knight that dwelled in Cornwall, in acastle, whose name was Sir Dinas le Seneschal. Then by misfortune therecame out of Sessoin a great number of men of arms, and an hideous host, and they entered nigh the Castle of Tintagil; and their captain's namewas Elias, a good man of arms. When King Mark understood his enemieswere entered into his land he made great dole and sorrow, for in no wiseby his will King Mark would not send for Sir Tristram, for he hated himdeadly. 

So when his council was come they devised and cast many perils of thestrength of their enemies. And then they concluded all at once, and saidthus unto King Mark: Sir, wit ye well ye must send for Sir Tristram, thegood knight, or else they will never be overcome. For by Sir Tristramthey must be foughten withal, or else we row against the stream. Well, said King Mark, I will do by your counsel; but yet he was full loaththereto, but need constrained him to send for him. Then was he sent forin all haste that might be, that he should come to King Mark. And whenhe understood that King Mark had sent for him, he mounted upon a softambler and rode to King Mark. And when he was come the king said thus:Fair nephew Sir Tristram, this is all. Here be come our enemies ofSessoin, that are here nigh hand, and without tarrying they must bemet with shortly, or else they will destroy this country. Sir, said SirTristram, wit ye well all my power is at your commandment. And wit yewell, sir, these eight days I may bear none arms, for my wounds be notyet whole. And by that day I shall do what I may. Ye say well, said KingMark; then go ye again and repose you and make you fresh, and I shall goand meet the Sessoins with all my power. 

So the king departed unto Tintagil, and Sir Tristram went to repose him. And the king made a great host and departed them in three; the firstpart led Sir Dinas the Seneschal, and Sir Andred led the second part, and Sir Argius led the third part; and he was of the blood of King Mark. And the Sessoins had three great battles, and many good men of arms. Andso King Mark by the advice of his knights issued out of the Castle ofTintagil upon his enemies. And Dinas, the good knight, rode out afore, and slew two knights with his own hands, and then began the battles. Andthere was marvellous breaking of spears and smiting of swords, and slewdown many good knights. And ever was Sir Dinas the Seneschal the bestof King Mark's party. And thus the battle endured long with greatmortality. But at the last King Mark and Sir Dinas, were they never soloath, they withdrew them to the Castle of Tintagil with great slaughterof people; and the Sessoins followed on fast, that ten of them were putwithin the gates and four slain with the portcullis. 

Then King Mark sent for Sir Tristram by a varlet, that told him all themortality. Then he sent the varlet again, and bade him: Tell King Markthat I will come as soon as I am whole, for erst I may do him no good. Then King Mark had his answer. Therewith came Elias and bade the kingyield up the castle: For ye may not hold it no while. Sir Elias, saidthe king, so will I yield up the castle if I be not soon rescued. AnonKing Mark sent again for rescue to Sir Tristram. By then Sir Tristramwas whole, and he had gotten him ten good knights of Arthur's; and withthem he rode unto Tintagil. And when he saw the great host of Sessoinshe marvelled wonder greatly. And then Sir Tristram rode by the woods andby the ditches as secretly as he might, till he came nigh the gates. Andthere dressed a knight to him when he saw that Sir Tristram would enter;and Sir Tristram smote him down dead, and so he served three more. Andeverych of these ten knights slew a man of arms. So Sir Tristram enteredinto the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark wist that Sir Tristramwas come he was glad of his coming, and so was all the fellowship, andof him they made great joy. 

CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram overcame the battle, and how Eliasdesired a man to fight body for body. 

SO on the morn Elias the captain came, and bade King Mark: Come out anddo battle; for now the good knight Sir Tristram is entered it willbe shame to thee, said Elias, for to keep thy walls. When King Markunderstood this he was wroth and said no word, but went unto SirTristram and asked him his counsel. Sir, said Sir Tristram, will ye thatI give him his answer? I will well, said King Mark. Then Sir Tristramsaid thus to the messenger: Bear thy lord word from the king and me, that we will do battle with him to-morn in the plain field. What isyour name? said the messenger. Wit thou well my name is Sir Tristram deLiones. Therewithal the messenger departed and told his lord Elias allthat he had heard. Sir, said Sir Tristram unto King Mark, I pray yougive me leave to have the rule of the battle. I pray you take the rule, said King Mark. Then Sir Tristram let devise the battle in what mannerthat it should be. He let depart his host in six parties, and ordainedSir Dinas the Seneschal to have the foreward, and other knights to rulethe remnant. And the same night Sir Tristram burnt all the Sessoins'ships unto the cold water. Anon, as Elias wist that, he said it was ofSir Tristram's doing: For he casteth that we shall never escape, mother son of us. Therefore, fair fellows, fight freely to-morrow, andmiscomfort you nought; for any knight, though he be the best knight inthe world, he may not have ado with us all. 

Then they ordained their battle in four parties, wonderly wellapparelled and garnished with men of arms. Thus they within issued, andthey without set freely upon them; and there Sir Dinas did great deedsof arms. Not for then Sir Dinas and his fellowship were put to theworse. With that came Sir Tristram and slew two knights with one spear;then he slew on the right hand and on the left hand, that men marvelledthat ever he might do such deeds of arms. And then he might see sometimethe battle was driven a bow-draught from the castle, and sometime it wasat the gates of the castle. Then came Elias the captain rushing here andthere, and hit King Mark so sore upon the helm that he made him toavoid the saddle. And then Sir Dinas gat King Mark again to horseback. Therewithal came in Sir Tristram like a lion, and there he met withElias, and he smote him so sore upon the helm that he avoided hissaddle. And thus they fought till it was night, and for great slaughterand for wounded people everych party drew to their rest. 

And when King Mark was come within the Castle of Tintagil he lacked ofhis knights an hundred, and they without lacked two hundred; and theysearched the wounded men on both parties. And then they went to council;and wit you well either party were loath to fight more, so that eithermight escape with their worship. When Elias the captain understood thedeath of his men he made great dole; and when he wist that they wereloath to go to battle again he was wroth out of measure. Then Elias sentword unto King Mark, in great despite, whether he would find a knightthat would fight for him body for body. And if that he might slay KingMark's knight, he to have the truage of Cornwall yearly. And if that hisknight slay mine, I fully release my claim forever. Then the messengerdeparted unto King Mark, and told him how that his lord Elias had senthim word to find a knight to do battle with him body for body. When KingMark understood the messenger, he bade him abide and he should have hisanswer. Then called he all the baronage together to wit what was thebest counsel. They said all at once: To fight in a field we have nolust, for had not been Sir Tristram's prowess it had been likely that wenever should have escaped; and therefore, sir, as we deem, it were welldone to find a knight that would do battle with him, for he knightlyproffereth. 

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for thetruage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field. 

NOT for then when all this was said, they could find no knight thatwould do battle with him. Sir king, said they all, here is no knightthat dare fight with Elias. Alas, said King Mark, then am I utterlyashamed and utterly destroyed, unless that my nephew Sir Tristram willtake the battle upon him. Wit you well, they said all, he had yesterdayovermuch on hand, and he is weary for travail, and sore wounded. Whereis he? said King Mark. Sir, said they, he is in his bed to repose him. Alas, said King Mark, but I have the succour of my nephew Sir Tristram, I am utterly destroyed for ever. 

Therewith one went to Sir Tristram where he lay, and told him what KingMark had said. And therewith Sir Tristram arose lightly, and put on hima long gown, and came afore the king and all the lords. And when he sawthem all so dismayed he asked the king and the lords what tidings werewith them. Never worse, said the king. And therewith he told him all, how he had word of Elias to find a knight to fight for the truage ofCornwall, and none can I find. And as for you, said the king and all thelords, we may ask no more of you for shame; for through your hardinessyesterday ye saved all our lives. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now Iunderstand ye would have my succour, reason would that I should do allthat lieth in my power to do, saving my worship and my life, howbeit Iam sore bruised and hurt. And sithen Sir Elias proffereth so largely, I shall fight with him, or else I will be slain in the field, or elseI will deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And therefore lightly callhis messenger and he shall be answered, for as yet my wounds be green, and they will be sorer a seven night after than they be now; andtherefore he shall have his answer that I will do battle to-morn withhim. 

Then was the messenger departed brought before King Mark. Hark, myfellow, said Sir Tristram, go fast unto thy lord, and bid him make trueassurance on his part for the truage, as the king here shall make onhis part; and then tell thy lord, Sir Elias, that I, Sir Tristram, KingArthur's knight, and knight of the Table Round, will as to-morn meetwith thy lord on horseback, to do battle as long as my horse may endure, and after that to do battle with him on foot to the utterance. Themessenger beheld Sir Tristram from the top to the toe; and therewithalhe departed and came to his lord, and told him how he was answered ofSir Tristram. And therewithal was made hostage on both parties, and madeit as sure as it might be, that whether party had the victory, so toend. And then were both hosts assembled on both parts of the field, without the Castle of Tintagil, and there was none but Sir Tristram andSir Elias armed. 

So when the appointment was made, they departed in-sunder, and theycame together with all the might that their horses might run. And eitherknight smote other so hard that both horses and knights went to theearth. Not for then they both lightly arose and dressed their shieldson their shoulders, with naked swords in their hands, and they dashedtogether that it seemed a flaming fire about them. Thus they traced, andtraversed, and hewed on helms and hauberks, and cut away many cantelsof their shields, and either wounded other passing sore, so that thehot blood fell freshly upon the earth. And by then they had foughten themountenance of an hour Sir Tristram waxed faint and for-bled, and gavesore aback. That saw Sir Elias, and followed fiercely upon him, andwounded him in many places. And ever Sir Tristram traced and traversed, and went froward him here and there, and covered him with his shield ashe might all weakly, that all men said he was overcome; for Sir Eliashad given him twenty strokes against one. 

Then was there laughing of the Sessoins' party, and great dole on KingMark's party. Alas, said the king, we are ashamed and destroyed all forever: for as the book saith, Sir Tristram was never so matched, but ifit were Sir Launcelot. Thus as they stood and beheld both parties, thatone party laughing and the other party weeping, Sir Tristram rememberedhim of his lady, La Beale Isoud, that looked upon him, and how he waslikely never to come in her presence. Then he pulled up his shield thaterst hung full low. And then he dressed up his shield unto Elias, andgave him many sad strokes, twenty against one, and all to-brake hisshield and his hauberk, that the hot blood ran down to the earth. Thenbegan King Mark to laugh, and all Cornish men, and that other party toweep. And ever Sir Tristram said to Sir Elias: Yield thee. 

Then when Sir Tristram saw him so staggering on the ground, he said: SirElias, I am right sorry for thee, for thou art a passing good knight asever I met withal, except Sir Launcelot. Therewithal Sir Elias fell tothe earth, and there died. What shall I do, said Sir Tristram unto KingMark, for this battle is at an end? Then they of Elias' party departed, and King Mark took of them many prisoners, to redress the harms and thescathes that he had of them; and the remnant he sent into their countryto borrow out their fellows. Then was Sir Tristram searched and wellhealed. Yet for all this King Mark would fain have slain Sir Tristram. But for all that ever Sir Tristram saw or heard by King Mark, yet wouldhe never beware of his treason, but ever he would be thereas La BealeIsoud was. 

CHAPTER XXXI. How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper cameand sang the lay that Dinadan had made. 

NOW will we pass of this matter, and speak we of the harpers that SirLauncelot and Sir Dinadan had sent into Cornwall. And at the greatfeast that King Mark made for joy that the Sessoins were put out of hiscountry, then came Eliot the harper with the lay that Dinadan had madeand secretly brought it unto Sir Tristram, and told him the lay thatDinadan had made by King Mark. And when Sir Tristram heard it, he said:O Lord Jesu, that Dinadan can make wonderly well and ill, thereas itshall 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 themeat came in Eliot the harper, and because he was a curious harper menheard him sing the same lay that Dinadan had made, the which spake themost villainy by King Mark of his treason that ever man heard. 

When the harper had sung his song to the end King Mark was wonderlywroth, and said: Thou harper, how durst thou be so bold on thy head tosing 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, madethis song, and made me to sing it afore you. Thou sayest well, said KingMark, and because thou art a minstrel thou shalt go quit, but I chargethee hie thee fast out of my sight. So the harper departed and went toSir Tristram, and told him how he had sped. Then Sir Tristram let makeletters as goodly as he could to Launcelot and to Sir Dinadan. And so helet conduct the harper out of the country. But to say that King Mark waswonderly wroth, he was, for he deemed that the lay that was sung aforehim was made by Sir Tristram's counsel, wherefore he thought to slay himand all his well-willers in that country. 

CHAPTER XXXII. How King Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, forgood service that he had done to him. 

NOW turn we to another matter that fell between King Mark and hisbrother, that was called the good Prince Boudwin, that all the peopleof the country loved passing well. So it befell on a time that themiscreant Saracens landed in the country of Cornwall soon after theseSessoins were gone. And then the good Prince Boudwin, at the landing, he raised the country privily and hastily. And or it were day he let putwildfire in three of his own ships, and suddenly he pulled up the sail, and with the wind he made those ships to be driven among the navy of theSaracens. And to make short tale, those three ships set on fire all theships, that none were saved. And at point of the day the good PrinceBoudwin with all his fellowship set on the miscreants with shouts andcries, and slew to the number of forty thousand, and left none alive. 

When King Mark wist this he was wonderly wroth that his brother shouldwin such worship. And because this prince was better beloved than hein all that country, and that also Boudwin loved well Sir Tristram, therefore he thought to slay him. And thus, hastily, as a man out ofhis wit, he sent for Prince Boudwin and Anglides his wife, and bade thembring their young son with them, that he might see him. All this he didto the intent to slay the child as well as his father, for he was thefalsest traitor that ever was born. Alas, for his goodness and for hisgood deeds this gentle Prince Boudwin was slain. So when he came withhis wife Anglides, the king made them fair semblant till they had dined. And when they had dined King Mark sent for his brother and said thus:Brother, how sped you when the miscreants arrived by you? meseemeth ithad been your part to have sent me word, that I might have been at thatjourney, for it had been reason that I had had the honour and not you. Sir, said the Prince Boudwin, it was so that an I had tarried tillthat I had sent for you those miscreants had destroyed my country. Thouliest, false traitor, said King Mark, for thou art ever about for towin worship from me, and put me to dishonour, and thou cherishest thatI hate. And therewith he struck him to the heart with a dagger, thathe never after spake word. Then the Lady Anglides made great dole, andswooned, for she saw her lord slain afore her face. Then was there nomore to do but Prince Boudwin was despoiled and brought to burial. ButAnglides privily gat her husband's doublet and his shirt, and that shekept secretly. 

Then was there much sorrow and crying, and great dole made Sir Tristram, Sir Dinas, Sir Fergus, and so did all knights that were there; for thatprince was passingly well beloved. So La Beale Isoud sent unto Anglides, the Prince Boudwin's wife, and bade her avoid lightly or else her youngson, Alisander le Orphelin, should be slain When she heard this, shetook her horse and her child; and rode with such poor men as durst ridewith her. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Anglides, Boudwin's wife, escaped with her youngson, Alisander le Orphelin, and came to the Castle of Arundel. 

NOTWITHSTANDING, when King Mark had done this deed, yet he thought to domore vengeance; and with his sword in his hand, he sought from chamberto chamber, to seek Anglides and her young son. And when she was missedhe called a good knight that hight Sadok, and charged him by pain ofdeath to fetch Anglides again and her young son. So Sir Sadok departedand rode after Anglides. And within ten mile he overtook her, and badeher turn again and ride with him to King Mark. Alas, fair knight, she said, what shall ye win by my son's death or by mine? I have hadovermuch harm and too great a loss. Madam, said Sadok, of your lossis dole and pity; but madam, said Sadok, would ye depart out of thiscountry with your son, and keep him till he be of age, that he mayrevenge his father's death, then would I suffer you to depart from me, so you promise me to revenge the death of Prince Boudwin. Ah, gentleknight, Jesu thank thee, and if ever my son, Alisander le Orphelin, liveto be a knight, he shall have his father's doublet and his shirt withthe bloody marks, and I shall give him such a charge that he shallremember it while he liveth. And therewithal Sadok departed from her, and either betook other to God. And when Sadok came to King Mark he toldhim faithfully that he had drowned young Alisander her son; and thereofKing Mark was full glad. 

Now turn we unto Anglides, that rode both night and day by adventure outof Cornwall, and little and in few places she rested; but ever she drewsouthward to the seaside, till by fortune she came to a castle thatis called Magouns, and now it is called Arundel, in Sussex. And theConstable of the castle welcomed her, and said she was welcome to herown castle; and there was Anglides worshipfully received, for theConstable's wife was nigh her cousin, and the Constable's name wasBellangere; and that same Constable told Anglides that the same castlewas hers by right inheritance. Thus Anglides endured years and winters, till Alisander was big and strong; there was none so wight in all thatcountry, neither there was none that might do no manner of mastery aforehim. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander, herson, the same day that he was made knight, and the charge withal. 

THEN upon a day Bellangere the Constable came to Anglides and said:Madam, it were time my lord Alisander were made knight, for he is apassing strong young man. Sir, said she, I would he were made knight;but then must I give him the most charge that ever sinful mother gave toher child. Do as ye list, said Bellangere, and I shall give him warningthat he shall be made knight. Now it will be well done that he may bemade knight at our Lady Day in Lent. Be it so, said Anglides, and I prayyou make ready therefore. So came the Constable to Alisander, and toldhim that he should at our Lady Day in Lent be made knight. I thank God, said Alisander; these are the best tidings that ever came to me. Thenthe Constable ordained twenty of the greatest gentlemen's sons, and thebest born men of the country, that should be made knights that same daythat Alisander was made knight. So on the same day that Alisander andhis twenty fellows were made knights, at the offering of the mass therecame Anglides unto her son and said thus: O fair sweet son, I chargethee upon my blessing, and of the high order of chivalry that thoutakest here this day, that thou understand what I shall say and chargethee withal. Therewithal she pulled out a bloody doublet and a bloodyshirt, that were be-bled with old blood. When Alisander saw this hestert aback and waxed pale, and said: Fair mother, what may this mean?I shall tell thee, fair son: this was thine own father's doublet andshirt, that he wore upon him that same day that he was slain. And thereshe told him why and wherefore, and how for his goodness King Mark slewhim with his dagger afore mine own eyen. And therefore this shall beyour charge that I shall give thee. 

CHAPTER XXXV. How it was told to King Mark of Sir Alisander, and how hewould have slain Sir Sadok for saving his life. 

NOW I require thee, and charge thee upon my blessing, and upon the highorder of knighthood, that thou be revenged upon King Mark for the deathof thy father. And therewithal she swooned. Then Alisander leapt tohis mother, and took her up in his arms, and said: Fair mother, ye havegiven me a great charge, and here I promise you I shall be avenged uponKing Mark when that I may; and that I promise to God and to you. Sothis feast was ended, and the Constable, by the advice of Anglides, letpurvey that Alisander was well horsed and harnessed. Then he joustedwith his twenty fellows that were made knights with him, but for to makea short tale, he overthrew all those twenty, that none might withstandhim a buffet. 

Then one of those knights departed unto King Mark, and told him all, howAlisander was made knight, and all the charge that his mother gave him, as ye have heard afore time. Alas, false treason, said King Mark, Iweened that young traitor had been dead. Alas, whom may I trust? Andtherewithal King Mark took a sword in his hand; and sought Sir Sadokfrom chamber to chamber to slay him. When Sir Sadok saw King Mark comewith his sword in his hand he said thus: Beware, King Mark, and come notnigh me; for wit thou well that I saved Alisander his life, of which Inever repent me, for thou falsely and cowardly slew his father Boudwin, traitorly for his good deeds; wherefore I pray Almighty Jesu sendAlisander might and strength to be revenged upon thee. And now bewareKing Mark of young Alisander, for he is made a knight. Alas, said KingMark, that ever I should hear a traitor say so afore me. And therewithfour knights of King Mark's drew their swords to slay Sir Sadok, butanon Sir Sadok slew them all in King Mark's presence. And then Sir Sadokpassed forth into his chamber, and took his horse and his harness, androde on his way a good pace. For there was neither Sir Tristram, neitherSir Dinas, nor Sir Fergus, that would Sir Sadok any evil will. Then wasKing Mark wroth, and thought to destroy Sir Alisander and Sir Sadok thathad saved him; for King Mark dreaded and hated Alisander most of any manliving. 

When Sir Tristram understood that Alisander was made knight, anonforthwithal he sent him a letter, praying him and charging him that hewould draw him to the court of King Arthur, and that he put him inthe rule and in the hands of Sir Launcelot. So this letter was sent toAlisander from his cousin, Sir Tristram. And at that time he thought todo after his commandment. Then King Mark called a knight that broughthim the tidings from Alisander, and bade him abide still in thatcountry. Sir, said that knight, so must I do, for in my own country Idare not come. No force, said King Mark, I shall give thee here doubleas much lands as ever thou hadst of thine own. But within short spaceSir Sadok met with that false knight, and slew him. Then was King Markwood wroth out of measure. Then he sent unto Queen Morgan le Fay, andto the Queen of North-galis, praying them in his letters that they twosorceresses would set all the country in fire with ladies that wereenchantresses, and by such that were dangerous knights, as Malgrin, Breuse Saunce Pité, that by no mean Alisander le Orphelin should escape, but either he should be taken or slain. This ordinance made King Markfor to destroy Alisander. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and ofMorgan le Fay: and how he fought with Sir Malgrin, and slew him. 

NOW turn we again unto Sir Alisander, that at his departing his mothertook with him his father's bloody shirt. So that he bare with him alwaystill his death day, in tokening to think of his father's death. So wasAlisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot. And by fortune he went by the seaside, and rode wrong. And there he won at a tournament the gree that King Carados made. Andthere he smote down King Carados and twenty of his knights, and also SirSafere, a good knight that was Sir Palomides' brother, the good knight. All this saw a damosel, and saw the best knight joust that ever she saw. And ever as he smote down knights he made them to swear to wear noneharness in a twelvemonth and a day. This is well said, said Morganle Fay, this is the knight that I would fain see. And so she tookher palfrey, and rode a great while, and then she rested her in herpavilion. So there came four knights, two were armed, and two wereunarmed, and they told Morgan le Fay their names: the first was Eliasde Gomeret, the second was Cari de Gomeret, those were armed; that othertwain were of Camiliard, cousins unto Queen Guenever, and that one hightGuy, and that other hight Garaunt, those were unarmed. There these fourknights told Morgan le Fay how a young knight had smitten them downbefore a castle For the maiden of that castle said that he was but latemade knight, and young. But as we suppose, but if it were Sir Tristram, or Sir Launcelot, or Sir Lamorak, the good knight, there is none thatmight sit him a buffet with a spear. Well, said Morgan le Fay, I shallmeet that knight or it be long time, an he dwell in that country. 

So turn we to the damosel of the castle, that when Alisander le Orphelinhad forjousted the four knights, she called him to her, and said thus:Sir knight, wilt thou for my sake joust and fight with a knight, for mysake, of this country, that is and hath been long time an evil neighbourto me? His name is Malgrin, and he will not suffer me to be marriedin no manner wise for all that I can do, or any knight for my sake. Damosel, said Alisander, an he come whiles I am here I will fight withhim, and my poor body for your sake I will jeopard. And therewithal shesent for him, for he was at her commandment. And when either had a sightof other, they made them ready for to joust, and they came togethereagerly, and Malgrin brised his spear upon Alisander, and Alisandersmote him again so hard that he bare him quite from his saddle to theearth. But this Malgrin arose lightly, and dressed his shield and drewhis sword, and bade him alight, saying: Though thou have the better ofme on horseback, thou shalt find that I shall endure like a knight onfoot. It is well said, said Alisander; and so lightly he avoided hishorse and betook him to his varlet. And then they rushed together liketwo boars, and laid on their helms and shields long time, by the spaceof three hours, that never man could say which was the better knight. 

And in the meanwhile came Morgan le Fay to the damosel of the castle, and they beheld the battle. But this Malgrin was an old roted knight, and he was called one of the dangerous knights of the world to do battleon foot, but on horseback there were many better. And ever this Malgrinawaited to slay Alisander, and so wounded him wonderly sore, that itwas marvel that ever he might stand, for he had bled so much blood; forAlisander fought wildly, and not wittily. And that other was a feloniousknight, and awaited him, and smote him sore. And sometime they rushedtogether with their shields, like two boars or rams, and fell grovellingboth to the earth. Now knight, said Malgrin, hold thy hand a while, andtell me what thou art. I will not, said Alisander, but if me list: buttell me thy name, and why thou keepest this country, or else thou shaltdie of my hands. Wit thou well, said Malgrin, that for this maiden'slove, of this castle, I have slain ten good knights by mishap; and byoutrage and orgulité of myself I have slain ten other knights. So God mehelp, said Alisander, this is the foulest confession that ever I heardknight make, nor never heard I speak of other men of such a shamefulconfession; wherefore it were great pity and great shame unto me thatI should let thee live any longer; therefore keep thee as well as everthou mayest, for as I am true knight, either thou shalt slay me or elseI shall slay thee, I promise thee faithfully. 

Then they lashed together fiercely, and at the last Alisander smoteMalgrin to the earth. And then he raced off his helm, and smote off hishead lightly. And when he had done and ended this battle, anon he calledto him his varlet, the which brought him his horse. And then he, weeningto be strong enough, would have mounted. And so she laid Sir Alisanderin an horse litter, and led him into the castle, for he had no foot normight to stand upon the earth; for he had sixteen great wounds, and inespecial one of them was like to be his death. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. How Queen Morgan le Fay had Alisander in her castle, andhow she healed his wounds. 

THEN Queen Morgan le Fay searched his wounds, and gave such an ointmentunto him that he should have died. And on the morn when she came to himhe complained him sore; and then she put other ointments upon him, andthen he was out of his pain. Then came the damosel of the castle, andsaid unto Morgan le Fay: I pray you help me that this knight might wedme, for he hath won me with his hands. Ye shall see, said Morgan le Fay, what I shall say. Then Morgan le Fay went unto Alisander, and bade inanywise that he should refuse this lady, an she desire to wed you, forshe is not for you. So the damosel came and desired of him marriage. Damosel, said Orphelin, I thank you, but as yet I cast me not to marryin this country. Sir, she said, sithen ye will not marry me, I pray youinsomuch as ye have won me, that ye will give me to a knight of thiscountry that hath been my friend, and loved me many years. With all myheart, said Alisander, I will assent thereto. Then was the knight sentfor, his name was Gerine le Grose. And anon he made them handfast, andwedded them. 

Then came Queen Morgan le Fay to Alisander, and bade him arise, and puthim in an horse litter, and gave him such a drink that in three days andthree nights he waked never, but slept; and so she brought him to herown castle that at that time was called La Beale Regard. Then Morganle Fay came to Alisander, and asked him if he would fain be whole. Whowould be sick, said Alisander, an he might be whole? Well, said Morganle Fay, then shall ye promise me by your knighthood that this daytwelvemonth and a day ye shall not pass the compass of this castle, andwithout doubt ye shall lightly be whole. I assent, said Sir Alisander. And there he made her a promise: then was he soon whole. And whenAlisander was whole, then he repented him of his oath, for he mightnot be revenged upon King Mark. Right so there came a damosel that wascousin to the Earl of Pase, and she was cousin to Morgan le Fay. Andby right that castle of La Beale Regard should have been hers bytrue inheritance. So this damosel entered into this castle where layAlisander, and there she found him upon his bed, passing heavy and allsad. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Alisander was delivered from Queen Morgan le Fay bythe means of a damosel. 

SIR knight, said the damosel, an ye would be merry I could tell you goodtidings. Well were me, said Alisander, an I might hear of good tidings, for now I stand as a prisoner by my promise. Sir, she said, wit you wellthat ye be a prisoner, and worse than ye ween; for my lady, my cousinQueen Morgan le Fay, keepeth you here for none other intent but forto do her pleasure with you when it liketh her. O Jesu defend me, saidAlisander, from such pleasure; for I had liefer cut away my hangers thanI would do her such pleasure. As Jesu help me, said the damosel, an yewould love me and be ruled by me, I shall make your deliverance withyour worship. Tell me, said Alisander, by what means, and ye shall havemy love. Fair knight, said she, this castle of right ought to be mine, and I have an uncle the which is a mighty earl, he is Earl of Pase, andof all folks he hateth most Morgan le Fay; and I shall send unto him andpray him for my sake to destroy this castle for the evil customs that beused therein; and then will he come and set wild-fire on every part ofthe castle, and I shall get you out at a privy postern, and thereshall ye have your horse and your harness. Ye say well, damosel, saidAlisander. And then she said: Ye may keep the room of this castle thistwelvemonth and a day, then break ye not your oath. Truly, fair damosel, said Alisander, ye say sooth. And then he kissed her, and did to herpleasaunce as it pleased them both at times and leisures. 

So anon she sent unto her uncle and bade him come and destroy thatcastle, for as the book saith, he would have destroyed that castle aforetime had not that damosel been. When the earl understood her letters hesent her word again that on such a day he would come and destroythat castle. So when that day came she showed Alisander a posternwherethrough he should flee into a garden, and there he should find hisarmour and his horse. When the day came that was set, thither came theEarl of Pase with four hundred knights, and set on fire all the parts ofthe castle, that or they ceased they left not a stone standing. And allthis while that the fire was in the castle he abode in the garden. Andwhen the fire was done he let make a cry that he would keep that pieceof earth thereas the castle of La Beale Regard was a twelvemonth and aday, from all manner knights that would come. 

So it happed there was a duke that hight Ansirus, and he was of the kinof Sir Launcelot. And this knight was a great pilgrim, for every thirdyear he would be at Jerusalem. And because he used all his life to go inpilgrimage men called him Duke Ansirus the Pilgrim. And this duke had adaughter that hight Alice, that was a passing fair woman, and because ofher father she was called Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And anon as she heardof this cry she went unto Arthur's court, and said openly in hearingof many knights, that what knight may overcome that knight that keepeththat piece of earth shall have me and all my lands. 

When the knights of the Round Table heard her say thus many were glad, for she was passing fair and of great rents. Right so she let cry incastles and towns as fast on her side as Alisander did on his side. Then she dressed her pavilion straight by the piece of the earth thatAlisander kept. So she was not so soon there but there came a knightof Arthur's court that hight Sagramore le Desirous, and he proffered tojoust with Alisander; and they encountered, and Sagramore le Desirousbrised his spear upon Sir Alisander, but Sir Alisander smote him so hardthat he avoided his saddle. And when La Beale Alice saw him joust sowell, she thought him a passing goodly knight on horseback. And thenshe leapt out of her pavilion, and took Sir Alisander by the bridle, andthus she said: Fair knight, I require thee of thy knighthood show me thyvisage. I dare well, said Alisander, show my visage. And then he put offhis helm; and she saw his visage, she said: O sweet Jesu, thee I mustlove, and never other. Then show me your visage, said he. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how hejousted with two knights; and after of him and of Sir Mordred. 

Then she unwimpled her visage. And when he saw her he said: Here have Ifound my love and my lady. Truly, fair lady, said he, I promise youto be your knight, and none other that beareth the life. Now, gentleknight, said she, tell me your name. My name is, said he, Alisander leOrphelin. Now, damosel, tell me your name, said he. My name is, saidshe, Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And when we be more at our heart's ease, both ye and I shall tell other of what blood we be come. So there wasgreat love betwixt them. And as they thus talked there came a knightthat hight Harsouse le Berbuse, and asked part of Sir Alisander'sspears. Then Sir Alisander encountered with him, and at the first SirAlisander smote him over his horse's croup. And then there came anotherknight that hight Sir Hewgon, and Sir Alisander smote him down as hedid that other. Then Sir Hewgon proffered to do battle on foot. SirAlisander overcame him with three strokes, and there would have slainhim had he not yielded him. So then Alisander made both those knights toswear to wear none armour in a twelvemonth and a day. 

Then Sir Alisander alighted down, and went to rest him and repose him. Then the damosel that helped Sir Alisander out of the castle, in herplay told Alice all together how he was prisoner in the castle of LaBeale Regard, and there she told her how she got him out of prison. Sir, said Alice la Beale Pilgrim, meseemeth ye are much beholding to thismaiden. That is truth, said Sir Alisander. And there Alice told him ofwhat blood she was come. Sir, wit ye well, she said, that I am of theblood of King Ban, that was father unto Sir Launcelot. Y-wis, fair lady, said Alisander, my mother told me that my father was brother unto aking, and I nigh cousin unto Sir Tristram. 

Then this while came there three knights, that one hight Vains, andthe other hight Harvis de les Marches, and the third hight Perin de laMontaine. And with one spear Sir Alisander smote them down all three, and gave them such falls that they had no list to fight upon foot. So hemade them to swear to wear none arms in a twelvemonth. So when they weredeparted Sir Alisander beheld his lady Alice on horseback as he stoodin her pavilion. And then was he so enamoured upon her that he wist notwhether he were on horseback or on foot. 

Right so came the false knight Sir Mordred, and saw Sir Alisander wasassotted upon his lady; and therewithal he took his horse by the bridle, and led him here and there, and had cast to have led him out of thatplace to have shamed him. When the damosel that helped him out of thatcastle saw how shamefully he was led, anon she let arm her, and set ashield upon her shoulder; and therewith she mounted upon his horse, andgat a naked sword in her hand, and she thrust unto Alisander with allher might, and she gave him such a buffet that he thought the fire flewout of his eyen. And when Alisander felt that stroke he looked abouthim, and drew his sword And when she saw that, she fled, and so didMordred into the forest, and the damosel fled into the pavilion. So whenAlisander understood himself how the false knight would have shamed himhad not the damosel been then was he wroth with himself that Sir Mordredwas so escaped his hands. But then Sir Alisander and Alice had good gameat the damosel, how sadly she hit him upon the helm. 

Then Sir Alisander jousted thus day by day, and on foot he did manybattles with many knights of King Arthur's court, and with many knightsstrangers. Therefore to tell all the battles that he did it wereovermuch to rehearse, for every day within that twelvemonth he had adowith one knight or with other, and some day he had ado with three orwith four; and there was never knight that put him to the worse. And atthe twelvemonth's end he departed with his lady, Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And the damosel would never go from him, and so they went into theircountry of Benoye, and lived there in great joy. 

CHAPTER XL. How Sir Galahalt did do cry a jousts in Surluse, and QueenGuenever's knights should joust against all that would come. 

BUT as the book saith, King Mark would never stint till he had slain himby treason. And by Alice he gat a child that hight Bellengerus le Beuse. And by good fortune he came to the court of King Arthur, and proved apassing good knight; and he revenged his father's death, for the falseKing Mark slew both Sir Tristram and Alisander falsely and feloniously. And it happed so that Alisander had never grace nor fortune to come toKing Arthur's court. For an he had come to Sir Launcelot, all knightssaid that knew him, he was one of the strongest knights that was inArthur's days, and great dole was made for him. So let we of him pass, and turn we to another tale. 

So it befell that Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, was lord of the countryof Surluse, whereof came many good knights. And this noble prince was apassing good man of arms, and ever he held a noble fellowship together. And then he came to Arthur's court and told him his intent, how this washis will, how he would let cry a jousts in the country of Surluse, thewhich country was within the lands of King Arthur, and there he askedleave to let cry a jousts. I will give you leave, said King Arthur; butwit thou well, said King Arthur, I may not be there. Sir, said QueenGuenever, please it you to give me leave to be at that jousts. Withright good will, said Arthur; for Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, shallhave you in governance. Sir, said Galahalt, I will as ye will. Sir, then the queen, I will take with me [Sir Launcelot] and such knights asplease me best. Do as ye list, said King Arthur. So anon she commandedSir Launcelot to make him ready with such knights as he thought best. 

So in every good town and castle of this land was made a cry, that inthe country of Surluse Sir Galahalt should make a joust that should lasteight days, and how the haut prince, with the help of Queen Guenever'sknights, should joust against all manner of men that would come. Whenthis cry was known, kings and princes, dukes and earls, barons andnoble knights, made them ready to be at that jousts. And at the day ofjousting there came in Sir Dinadan disguised, and did many great deedsof arms. 

CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Launcelot fought in the tournament, and how SirPalomides did arms there for a damosel. 

THEN at the request of Queen Guenever and of King Bagdemagus SirLauncelot came into the range, but he was disguised, and that was thecause that few folk knew him; and there met with him Sir Ector de Maris, his own brother, and either brake their spears upon other to theirhands. And then either gat another spear. And then Sir Launcelot smotedown Sir Ector de Maris, his own brother. That saw Sir Bleoberis, andhe smote Sir Launcelot such a buffet upon the helm that he wist not wellwhere he was. Then Sir Launcelot was wrothy and smote Sir Bleoberis sosore upon the helm that his head bowed down backward. And he smoteeft another buffet, that he avoided his saddle; and so he rode by, andthrust forth to the thickest. When the King of Northgalis saw Sir Ectorand Bleoberis lie on the ground then was he wroth, for they came onhis party against them of Surluse. So the King of Northgalis ran toSir Launcelot, and brake a spear upon him all to pieces. Therewith SirLauncelot overtook the King of Northgalis, and smote him such a buffeton the helm with his sword that he made him to avoid his horse; and anonthe king was horsed again. So both the King Bagdemagus' and the King ofNorth-galis' party hurled to other; and then began a strong medley, butthey of Northgalis were far bigger. 

When Sir Launcelot saw his party go to the worst he thrang into thethickest press with a sword in his hand; and there he smote down on theright hand and on the left hand, and pulled down knights and raced offtheir helms, that all men had wonder that ever one knight might do suchdeeds of arms. When Sir Meliagaunce, that was son unto King Bagdemagus, saw how Sir Launcelot fared he marvelled greatly. And when he understoodthat it was he, he wist well that he was disguised for his sake. ThenSir Meliagaunce prayed a knight to slay Sir Launcelot's horse, eitherwith sword or with spear. At that time King Bagdemagus met with a knightthat hight Sauseise, a good knight, to whom he said: Now fair Sauseise, encounter with my son Meliagaunce and give him large payment, for Iwould he were well beaten of thy hands, that he might depart out ofthis field. And then Sir Sauseise encountered with Sir Meliagaunce, and either smote other down. And then they fought on foot, and thereSauseise had won Sir Meliagaunce, had there not come rescues. So thenthe haut prince blew to lodging, and every knight unarmed him and wentto the great feast. 

Then in the meanwhile there came a damosel to the haut prince, andcomplained that there was a knight that hight Goneries that withheld herall her lands. Then the knight was there present, and cast his glove toher or to any that would fight in her name. So the damosel took up theglove all heavily for default of a champion. Then there came a varlet toher and said: Damosel, will ye do after me? Full fain, said the damosel. Then go you unto such a knight that lieth here beside in an hermitage, and that followeth the Questing Beast, and pray him to take the battleupon him, and anon I wot well he will grant you. 

So anon she took her palfrey, and within a while she found that knight, that was Sir Palomides. And when she required him he armed him and rodewith her, and made her to go to the haut prince, and to ask leave forher knight to do battle. I will well, said the haut prince. Then theknights were ready in the field to joust on horseback; and either gat aspear in their hands, and met so fiercely together that their spearsall to-shivered. Then they flang out swords, and Sir Palomides smote SirGoneries down to the earth. And then he raced off his helm and smote offhis head. Then they went to supper, and the damosel loved Palomidesas paramour, but the book saith she was of his kin. So then Palomidesdisguised himself in this manner, in his shield he bare the QuestingBeast, and in all his trappings. And when he was thus ready, he sent tothe haut prince to give him leave to joust with other knights, but hewas adoubted of Sir Launcelot. The haut prince sent him word again thathe should be welcome, and that Sir Launcelot should not joust with him. Then Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, let cry what knight somever he werethat smote down Sir Palomides should have his damosel to himself. 

CHAPTER XLII. How Sir Galahalt and Palomides fought together, and of SirDinadan and Sir Galahalt. 

HERE beginneth the second day. Anon as Sir Palomides came into thefield, Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, was at the range end, and met withSir Palomides, and he with him, with great spears. And then they came sohard together that their spears all to-shivered, but Sir Galahalt smotehim so hard that he bare him backward over his horse, but yet he lostnot his stirrups. Then they drew their swords and lashed together manysad strokes, that many worshipful knights left their business to beholdthem. But at the last Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, smote a stroke ofmight unto Palomides, sore upon the helm; but the helm was so hard thatthe sword might not bite, but slipped and smote off the head of thehorse of Sir Palomides. When the haut prince wist and saw the goodknight fall unto the earth he was ashamed of that stroke. And therewithhe alighted down off his own horse, and prayed the good knight, Palomides, to take that horse of his gift, and to forgive him that deed. Sir, said Palomides, I thank you of your great goodness, for ever of aman of worship a knight shall never have disworship; and so he mountedupon that horse, and the haut prince had another anon. Now, said thehaut prince, I release to you that maiden, for ye have won her. Ah, saidPalomides, the damosel and I be at your commandment. 

So they departed, and Sir Galahalt did great deeds of arms. And right socame Dinadan and encountered with Sir Galahalt, and either came to otherso fast with their spears that their spears brake to their hands. ButDinadan had weened the haut prince had been more weary than he was. Andthen he smote many sad strokes at the haut prince; but when Dinadan sawhe might not get him to the earth he said: My lord, I pray you leave me, and take another. The haut prince knew not Dinadan, and left goodly forhis fair words. And so they departed; but soon there came another andtold the haut prince that it was Dinadan. Forsooth, said the prince, therefore am I heavy that he is so escaped from me, for with his mocksand japes now shall I never have done with him. And then Galahalt rodefast after him, and bade him: Abide, Dinadan, for King Arthur's sake. Nay, said Dinadan, so God me help, we meet no more together this day. Then in that wrath the haut prince met with Meliagaunce, and he smotehim in the throat that an he had fallen his neck had broken; and withthe same spear he smote down another knight. Then came in they ofNorthgalis and many strangers, and were like to have put them of Surluseto the worse, for Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, had ever much in hand. So there came the good knight, Semound the Valiant, with forty knights, and he beat them all aback. Then the Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelotlet blow to lodging, and every knight unarmed him, and dressed him tothe feast. 

CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Archade appealed Sir Palomides of treason, andhow Sir Palomides slew him. 

WHEN Palomides was unarmed he asked lodging for himself and the damosel. Anon the haut prince commanded them to lodging. And he was not sosoon in his lodging but there came a knight that hight Archade, hewas brother unto Goneries that Palomides slew afore in the damosel'squarrel. And this knight, Archade, called Sir Palomides traitor, andappealed him for the death of his brother. By the leave of thehaut prince, said Palomides, I shall answer thee. When Sir Galahaltunderstood their quarrel he bade them go to dinner: And as soon as yehave dined look that either knight be ready in the field. So when theyhad dined they were armed both, and took their horses, and the queen, and the prince, and Sir Launcelot, were set to behold them; and so theylet run their horses, and there Sir Palomides bare Archade on his spearover his horse's tail. And then Palomides alighted and drew his sword, but Sir Archade might not arise; and there Sir Palomides raced off hishelm, and smote off his head. Then the haut prince and Queen Gueneverwent unto supper. Then King Bagdemagus sent away his son Meliagauncebecause Sir Launcelot should not meet with him, for he hated SirLauncelot, and that knew he not. 

CHAPTER XLIV. Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with SirLamorak, and other things. 

NOW beginneth the third day of jousting; and at that day King Bagdemagusmade him ready; and there came against him King Marsil, that had in giftan island of Sir Galahalt the haut prince; and this island had thename Pomitain. Then it befell that King Bagdemagus and King Marsil ofPomitain met together with spears, and King Marsil had such a buffetthat he fell over his horse's croup. Then came there in a knight of KingMarsil to revenge his lord, and King Bagdemagus smote him down, horseand man, to the earth. So there came an earl that hight Arrouse, and SirBreuse, and an hundred knights with them of Pomitain, and the King ofNorthgalis was with them; and all these were against them of Surluse. And then there began great battle, and many knights were cast underhorses' feet. And ever King Bagdemagus did best, for he first began, andever he held on. Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, smote ever at the face ofKing Bagdemagus; and at the last King Bagdemagus hurtled down Gaheris, horse and man. 

Then by adventure Sir Palomides, the good knight, met with Sir Blamorede Ganis, Sir Bleoberis' brother. And either smote other with greatspears, that both their horses and knights fell to the earth. But SirBlamore had such a fall that he had almost broken his neck, for theblood brast out at nose, mouth, and his ears, but at the last herecovered well by good surgeons. Then there came in the Duke Chaleins ofClarance; and in his governance there came a knight that hight Elis laNoire; and there encountered with him King Bagdemagus, and he smote Elisthat he made him to avoid his saddle. So the Duke Chaleins of Clarancedid there great deeds of arms, and of so late as he came in thethird day there was no man did so well except King Bagdemagus and SirPalomides, that the prize was given that day to King Bagdemagus. Andthen they blew unto lodging, and unarmed them, and went to the feast. Right so came Dinadan, and mocked and japed with King Bagdemagus thatall knights laughed at him, for he was a fine japer, and well loving allgood knights. 

So anon as they had dined there came a varlet bearing four spears on hisback; and he came to Palomides, and said thus: Here is a knight by hathsent you the choice of four spears, and requireth you for your lady'ssake to take that one half of these spears, and joust with him in thefield. Tell him, said Palomides, I will not fail him. When Sir Galahaltwist of this, he bade Palomides make him ready. So the Queen Guenever, the haut prince, and Sir Launcelot, they were set upon scaffolds to givethe judgment of these two knights. Then Sir Palomides and the strangeknight ran so eagerly together that their spears brake to their hands. Anon withal either of them took a great spear in his hand and allto-shivered them in pieces. And then either took a greater spear, andthen the knight smote down Sir Palomides, horse and man, to the earth. And as he would have passed over him the strange knight's horse stumbledand fell down upon Palomides. Then they drew their swords and lashedtogether wonderly sore a great while. 

Then the haut prince and Sir Launcelot said they saw never two knightsfight better than they did; but ever the strange knight doubled hisstrokes, and put Palomides aback; therewithal the haut prince cried: Ho:and then they went to lodging. And when they were unarmed they knew itwas the noble knight Sir Lamorak. When Sir Launcelot knew that it wasSir Lamorak he made much of him, for above all earthly men he loved himbest except Sir Tristram. Then Queen Guenever commended him, and so didall other good knights make much of him, except Sir Gawaine's brethren. Then Queen Guenever said unto Sir Launcelot: Sir, I require you thatan ye joust any more, that ye joust with none of the blood of my lordArthur. So he promised he would not as at that time. 

CHAPTER XLV. Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms. 

HERE beginneth the fourth day. Then came into the field the King withthe Hundred Knights, and all they of Northgalis, and the Duke Chaleinsof Clarance, and King Marsil of Pomitain, and there came Safere, Palomides' brother, and there he told him tidings of his mother. And hisname was called the Earl, and so he appealed him afore King Arthur: Forhe made war upon our father and mother, and there I slew him in plainbattle. So they went into the field, and the damosel with them; andthere came to encounter again them Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, and Sir Ectorde Maris. Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Bleoberis, and either smoteother down. And in the same wise did Sir Safere and Sir Ector, andthe two couples did battle on foot. Then came in Sir Lamorak, and heencountered with the King with the Hundred Knights, and smote himquite over his horse's tail. And in the same wise he served the King ofNorthgalis, and also he smote down King Marsil. And so or ever he stinthe smote down with his spear and with his sword thirty knights. WhenDuke Chaleins saw Lamorak do so great prowess he would not meddle withhim for shame; and then he charged all his knights in pain of death thatnone of you touch him; for it were shame to all good knights an thatknight were shamed. 

Then the two kings gathered them together, and all they set upon SirLamorak; and he failed them not, but rushed here and there, smiting onthe right hand and on the left, and raced off many helms, so that thehaut prince and Queen Guenever said they saw never knight do such deedsof arms on horseback. Alas, said Launcelot to King Bagdemagus, Iwill arm me and help Sir Lamorak. And I will ride with you, said KingBagdemagus. And when they two were horsed they came to Sir Lamorak thatstood among thirty knights; and well was him that might reach him abuffet, and ever he smote again mightily. Then came there into the pressSir Launcelot, and he threw down Sir Mador de la Porte. And with thetruncheon of that spear he threw down many knights. And King Bagdemagussmote on the left hand and on the right hand marvellously well. And thenthe three kings fled aback. Therewithal then Sir Galahalt let blow tolodging, and all the heralds gave Sir Lamorak the prize. And all thiswhile fought Palomides, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Safere, Sir Ector on foot;never were there four knights evener matched. And then they weredeparted, and had unto their lodging, and unarmed them, and so they wentto the great feast. 

But when Sir Lamorak was come into the court Queen Guenever took him inher arms and said: Sir, well have ye done this day. Then came the hautprince, and he made of him great joy, and so did Dinadan, for he weptfor joy; but the joy that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Lamorak there mightno man tell. Then they went unto rest, and on the morn the haut princelet blow unto the field. 

CHAPTER XLVI. Of the Fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him. 

HERE beginneth the fifth day. So it befell that Sir Palomides came inthe morntide, and proffered to joust thereas King Arthur was in a castlethere besides Surluse; and there encountered with him a worshipful duke, and there Sir Palomides smote him over his horse's croup. And this dukewas uncle unto King Arthur. Then Sir Elise's son rode unto Palomides, and Palomides served Elise in the same wise. When Sir Uwaine saw thishe was wroth. Then he took his horse and encountered with Sir Palomides, and Palomides smote him so hard that he went to the earth, horse andman. And for to make a short tale, he smote down three brethren of SirGawaine, that is for to say Mordred, Gaheris, and Agravaine. O Jesu, said Arthur, this is a great despite of a Saracen that he shall smitedown my blood. And therewithal King Arthur was wood wroth, and thoughtto have made him ready to joust. 

That espied Sir Lamorak, that Arthur and his blood were discomfit; andanon he was ready, and asked Palomides if he would any more joust. Whyshould I not? said Palomides. Then they hurtled together, and braketheir spears, and all to-shivered them, that all the castle rang oftheir dints. Then either gat a greater spear in his hand, and they cameso fiercely together; but Sir Palomides' spear all to-brast and SirLamorak's did hold. Therewithal Sir Palomides lost his stirrups and layupright on his horse's back. And then Sir Palomides returned again andtook his damosel, and Sir Safere returned his way. 

So, when he was departed, King Arthur came to Sir Lamorak and thankedhim of his goodness, and prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, saidLamorak, wit thou well, I owe you my service, but as at this time Iwill not abide here, for I see of mine enemies many about me. Alas, saidArthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. O Lamorak, abidewith me, and by my crown I shall never fail thee: and not so hardy inGawaine's head, nor none of his brethren, to do thee any wrong. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, wrong have they done me, and to you both. That istruth, said the king, for they slew their own mother and my sister, thewhich me sore grieveth: it had been much fairer and better that ye hadwedded her, for ye are a king's son as well as they. O Jesu, said thenoble knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur, her death shall I never forget. Ipromise you, and make mine avow unto God, I shall revenge her death assoon as I see time convenable. And if it were not at the reverence ofyour highness I should now have been revenged upon Sir Gawaine andhis brethren. Truly, said Arthur, I will make you at accord. Sir, saidLamorak, as at this time I may not abide with you, for I must to thejousts, where is Sir Launcelot, and the haut prince Sir Galahalt. 

Then there was a damosel that was daughter to King Bandes. And there wasa Saracen knight that hight Corsabrin, and he loved the damosel, andin no wise he would suffer her to be married; for ever this Corsabrinnoised her, and named her that she was out of her mind; and thus he lether that she might not be married. 

CHAPTER XLVII. How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, andhow Palomides slew Corsabrin. 

SO by fortune this damosel heard tell that Palomides did much fordamosels' sake; so she sent to him a pensel, and prayed him to fightwith Sir Corsabrin for her love, and he should have her and her landsof her father's that should fall to her. Then the damosel sent untoCorsabrin, and bade him go unto Sir Palomides that was a paynim as wellas he, and she gave him warning that she had sent him her pensel, andif he might overcome Palomides she would wed him. When Corsabrin wist ofher deeds then was he wood wroth and angry, and rode unto Surluse wherethe haut prince was, and there he found Sir Palomides ready, the whichhad the pensel. So there they waged battle either with other aforeGalahalt. Well, said the haut prince, this day must noble knights joust, and at-after dinner we shall see how ye can speed. 

Then they blew to jousts; and in came Dinadan, and met with Sir Gerin, a good knight, and he threw him down over his horse's croup; and SirDinadan overthrew four knights more; and there he did great deeds ofarms, for he was a good knight, but he was a scoffer and a japer, andthe merriest knight among fellowship that was that time living. And hehad such a custom that he loved every good knight, and every good knightloved him again. So then when the haut prince saw Dinadan do so well, hesent unto Sir Launcelot and bade him strike down Sir Dinadan: And whenthat ye have done so bring him afore me and the noble Queen Guenever. Then Sir Launcelot did as he was required. Then Sir Lamorak and he smotedown many knights, and raced off helms, and drove all the knights aforethem. And so Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Dinadan, and made his men tounarm him, and so brought him to the queen and the haut prince, and theylaughed at Dinadan so sore that they might not stand. Well, said SirDinadan, yet have I no shame, for the old shrew, Sir Launcelot, smoteme down. So they went to dinner, [and] all the court had good sport atDinadan. 

Then when the dinner was done they blew to the field to behold SirPalomides and Corsabrin. Sir Palomides pight his pensel in midst ofthe field; and then they hurtled together with their spears as it werethunder, and either smote other to the earth. And then they pulled outtheir swords, and dressed their shields, and lashed together mightily asmighty knights, that well-nigh there was no piece of harness would holdthem, for this Corsabrin was a passing felonious knight. Corsabrin, saidPalomides, wilt thou release me yonder damosel and the pensel? Then wasCorsabrin wroth out of measure, and gave Palomides such a buffet thathe kneeled on his knee. Then Palomides arose lightly, and smote him uponthe helm that he fell down right to the earth. And therewith he racedoff his helm and said: Corsabrin, yield thee or else thou shalt die ofmy hands. Fie on thee, said Corsabrin, do thy worst. Then he smoteoff his head. And therewithal came a stink of his body when the souldeparted, that there might nobody abide the savour. So was the corpsehad away and buried in a wood, because he was a paynim. Then they blewunto lodging, and Palomides was unarmed. 

Then he went unto Queen Guenever, to the haut prince, and to SirLauncelot. Sir, said the haut prince, here have ye seen this day a greatmiracle by Corsabrin, what savour there was when the soul departed fromthe body. Therefore, sir, we will require you to take the baptism uponyou, and I promise you all knights will set the more by you, and saymore worship by you. Sir, said Palomides, I will that ye all know thatinto this land I came to be christened, and in my heart I am christenedand christened will I be. But I have made such an avow that I may not bechristened till I have done seven true battles for Jesu's sake, and thenwill I be christened; and I trust God will take mine intent, for I meantruly Then Sir Palomides prayed Queen Guenever and the haut prince tosup with him. And so they did, both Sir Launcelot and Sir Lamorak, andmany other good knights. So on the morn they heard their mass, and blewthe field, and then knights made them ready. 

CHAPTER XLVIII. Of the sixth day, and what then was done. 

HERE beginneth the sixth day. Then came therein Sir Gaheris, and thereencountered with him Sir Ossaise of Surluse, and Sir Gaheris smote himover his horse's croup. And then either party encountered with other, and there were many spears broken, and many knights cast under feet. Sothere came in Sir Dornard and Sir Aglovale, that were brethren unto SirLamorak, and they met with other two knights, and either smote otherso hard that all four knights and horses fell to the earth. When SirLamorak saw his two brethren down he was wroth out of measure, and thenhe gat a great spear in his hand, and therewithal he smote down fourgood knights, and then his spear brake. Then he pulled out his sword, and smote about him on the right hand and on the left hand, and racedoff helms and pulled down knights, that all men marvelled of such deedsof arms as he did, for he fared so that many knights fled. Then hehorsed his brethren again, and said: Brethren, ye ought to be ashamed tofall so off your horses! what is a knight but when he is on horseback? Iset not by a knight when he is on foot, for all battles on foot are butpillers' battles. For there should no knight fight on foot but if itwere for treason, or else he were driven thereto by force; therefore, brethren, sit fast on your horses, or else fight never more afore me. 

With that came in the Duke Chaleins of Clarance, and there encounteredwith him the Earl Ulbawes of Surluse, and either of them smote otherdown. Then the knights of both parties horsed their lords again, for SirEctor and Bleoberis were on foot, waiting on the Duke Chaleins. And theKing with the Hundred Knights was with the Earl of Ulbawes. With thatcame Gaheris and lashed to the King with the Hundred Knights, and he tohim again. Then came the Duke Chaleins and departed them. 

Then they blew to lodging, and the knights unarmed them and drew them totheir dinner; and at the midst of their dinner in came Dinadan and beganto rail. Then he beheld the haut prince, that seemed wroth with somefault that he saw; for he had a custom he loved no fish, and because hewas served with fish, the which he hated, therefore he was not merry. When Sir Dinadan had espied the haut prince, he espied where was a fishwith a great head, and that he gat betwixt two dishes, and served thehaut prince with that fish. And then he said thus: Sir Galahalt, wellmay I liken you to a wolf, for he will never eat fish, but flesh;then the haut prince laughed at his words. Well, well, said Dinadanto Launcelot, what devil do ye in this country, for here may no meanknights win no worship for thee. Sir Dinadan, said Launcelot, I ensurethee I shall no more meet with thee nor with thy great spear, for I maynot sit in my saddle when that spear hitteth me. And if I be happyI shall beware of that boistous body that thou bearest. Well, saidLauncelot, make good watch ever: God forbid that ever we meet but if itbe at a dish of meat. Then laughed the queen and the haut prince, thatthey might not sit at their table; thus they made great joy till on themorn, and then they heard mass, and blew to field. And Queen Gueneverand all the estates were set, and judges armed clean with their shieldsto keep the right. 

CHAPTER XLIX. Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, beingdisguised like a maid, smote down Sir Dinadan. 

NOW beginneth the seventh battle. There came in the Duke Cambines, and there encountered with him Sir Aristance, that was counted a goodknight, and they met so hard that either bare other down, horse and man. Then came there the Earl of Lambaile and helped the duke again to horse. Then came there Sir Ossaise of Surluse, and he smote the Earl Lambailedown from his horse. Then began they to do great deeds of arms, and manyspears were broken, and many knights were cast to the earth. Then theKing of Northgalis and the Earl Ulbawes smote together that all thejudges thought it was like mortal death. This meanwhile Queen Guenever, and the haut prince, and Sir Launcelot, made there Sir Dinadan make himready to joust. I would, said Dinadan, ride into the field, but then oneof you twain will meet with me. Per dieu, said the haut prince, ye maysee how we sit here as judges with our shields, and always mayest thoubehold whether we sit here or not. 

So Sir Dinadan departed and took his horse, and met with many knights, and did passing well. And as he was departed, Sir Launcelot disguisedhimself, and put upon his armour a maiden's garment freshly attired. Then Sir Launcelot made Sir Galihodin to lead him through the range, andall men had wonder what damosel it was. And so as Sir Dinadan cameinto the range, Sir Launcelot, that was in the damosel's array, gatGalihodin's spear, and ran unto Sir Dinadan. And always Sir Dinadanlooked up thereas Sir Launcelot was, and then he saw one sit in thestead of Sir Launcelot, armed. But when Dinadan saw a manner of adamosel he dread perils that it was Sir Launcelot disguised, but SirLauncelot came on him so fast that he smote him over his horse's croup;and then with great scorns they gat Sir Dinadan into the forest therebeside, and there they dispoiled him unto his shirt, and put upon hima woman's garment, and so brought him into the field: and so they blewunto lodging. And every knight went and unarmed them. Then was SirDinadan brought in among them all. And when Queen Guenever saw SirDinadan brought so among them all, then she laughed that she fell down, and so did all that there were. Well, said Dinadan to Launcelot, thouart so false that I can never beware of thee. Then by all the assentthey gave Sir Launcelot the prize, the next was Sir Lamorak de Galis, the third was Sir Palomides, the fourth was King Bagdemagus; so thesefour knights had the prize, and there was great joy, and great nobley inall the court. 

And on the morn Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot departed unto KingArthur, but in no wise Sir Lamorak would not go with them. I shallundertake, said Sir Launcelot, that an ye will go with us King Arthurshall charge Sir Gawaine and his brethren never to do you hurt. As forthat, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir Gawaine nor none of hisbrethren; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot, an it were not for my lordKing Arthur's sake, I should match Sir Gawaine and his brethren wellenough. But to say that I should trust them, that shall I never, andtherefore I pray you recommend me unto my lord Arthur, and unto all mylords of the Round Table. And in what place that ever I come I shall doyou service to my power: and sir, it is but late that I revenged that, when my lord Arthur's kin were put to the worse by Sir Palomides. Then Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Launcelot, and either wept at theirdeparting. 

CHAPTER L. How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament forto have been slain, and how he was put in prison. 

NOW turn we from this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram, of whomthis book is principally of, and leave we the king and the queen, SirLauncelot, and Sir Lamorak, and here beginneth the treason of King Mark, that he ordained against Sir Tristram. There was cried by the coasts ofCornwall a great tournament and jousts, and all was done by Sir Galahaltthe haut prince and King Bagdemagus, to the intent to slay Launcelot, orelse utterly destroy him and shame him, because Sir Launcelot had alwaysthe higher degree, therefore this prince and this king made this joustsagainst Sir Launcelot. And thus their counsel was discovered unto KingMark, whereof he was full glad. 

Then King Mark bethought him that he would have Sir Tristram unto thattournament disguised that no man should know him, to that intent thatthe haut prince should ween that Sir Tristram were Sir Launcelot. So atthese jousts came in Sir Tristram. And at that time Sir Launcelot wasnot 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 itwas Sir Launcelot plainly. Then they set upon him, both King Bagdemagus, and the haut prince, and their knights, that it was wonder that ever SirTristram might endure that pain. Notwithstanding for all the pain thathe had, Sir Tristram won the degree at that tournament, and there hehurt many knights and bruised them, and they hurt him and bruised himwonderly sore. So when the jousts were all done they knew well that itwas Sir Tristram de Liones; and all that were on King Mark's party wereglad 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 therealm of England. 

Then came King Mark unto Sir Tristram and said: Fair nephew, I am sorryof your hurts. Gramercy my lord, said Sir Tristram. Then King Mark madeSir 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 SirTristram, and brought him to a castle by daylight. And then King Markmade Sir Tristram to eat. And then after he gave him a drink, the whichas soon as he had drunk he fell asleep. And when it was night he madehim to be carried to another castle, and there he put him in a strongprison, and there he ordained a man and a woman to give him his meat anddrink. So there he was a great while. 

Then was Sir Tristram missed, and no creature wist where he was become. When La Beale Isoud heard how he was missed, privily she went unto SirSadok, and prayed him to espy where was Sir Tristram. Then when Sadokwist how Sir Tristram was missed, and anon espied that he was put inprison by King Mark and the traitors of Magouns, then Sadok and two ofhis cousins laid them in an ambushment, fast by the Castle of Tintagil, in arms. And as by fortune, there came riding King Mark and four of hisnephews, and a certain of the traitors of Magouns. When Sir Sadok espiedthem he brake out of the bushment, and set there upon them. And whenKing Mark espied Sir Sadok he fled as fast as he might, and there SirSadok slew all the four nephews unto King Mark. But these traitors ofMagouns slew one of Sadok's cousins with a great wound in the neck, butSadok smote the other to the death. Then Sir Sadok rode upon his wayunto a castle that was called Liones, and there he espied of the treasonand felony of King Mark. So they of that castle rode with Sir Sadok tillthat they came to a castle that hight Arbray, and there in the townthey found Sir Dinas the Seneschal, that was a good knight. But when SirSadok had told Sir Dinas of all the treason of King Mark he defied sucha king, and said he would give up his lands that he held of him. Andwhen he said these words all manner knights said as Sir Dinas said. Thenby his advice and of Sir Sadok's, he let stuff all the towns and castleswithin the country of Liones, and assembled all the people that theymight make. 

CHAPTER LI. How King Mark let do counterfeit letters from the Pope, andhow Sir Percivale delivered Sir Tristram out of prison. 

NOW turn we unto King Mark, that when he was escaped from Sir Sadok herode unto the Castle of Tintagil, and there he made great cry and noise, and cried unto harness all that might bear arms. Then they sought andfound where were dead four cousins of King Mark's, and the traitor ofMagouns. Then the king let inter them in a chapel. Then the king let cryin all the country that held of him, to go unto arms, for he understoodto the war he must needs. When King Mark heard and understood how SirSadok and Sir Dinas were arisen in the country of Liones he rememberedof wiles and treason. Lo thus he did: he let make and counterfeitletters from the Pope, and did make a strange clerk to bear them untoKing Mark; the which letters specified that King Mark should make himready, upon pain of cursing, with his host to come to the Pope, to helpto go to Jerusalem, for to make war upon the Saracens. 

When this clerk was come by the mean of the king, anon withal King Marksent these letters unto Sir Tristram and bade him say thus: that an hewould go war upon the miscreants, he should be had out of prison, andto have all his power. When Sir Tristram understood this letter, thenhe said thus to the clerk: Ah, King Mark, ever hast thou been a traitor, and ever will be; but, Clerk, said Sir Tristram, say thou thus untoKing Mark: Since the Apostle Pope hath sent for him, bid him go thitherhimself; for tell him, traitor king as he is, I will not go at hiscommandment, get I out of prison as I may, for I see I am well rewardedfor my true service. Then the clerk returned unto King Mark, and toldhim of the answer of Sir Tristram. Well, said King Mark, yet shall he bebeguiled. So he went into his chamber, and counterfeit letters; and theletters specified that the Pope desired Sir Tristram to come himself, to make war upon the miscreants. When the clerk was come again to SirTristram and took him these letters, then Sir Tristram beheld theseletters, and anon espied they were of King Mark's counterfeiting. Ah, said Sir Tristram, false hast thou been ever, King Mark, and so wiltthou end. Then the clerk departed from Sir Tristram and came to KingMark again. 

By then there were come four wounded knights within the Castle ofTintagil, and one of them his neck was nigh broken in twain. Anotherhad his arm stricken away, the third was borne through with a spear, thefourth had his teeth stricken in twain. And when they came afore KingMark they cried and said: King, why fleest thou not, for all thiscountry is arisen clearly against thee? Then was King Mark wroth out ofmeasure. 

And in the meanwhile there came into the country Sir Percivale de Galisto seek Sir Tristram. And when he heard that Sir Tristram was in prison, Sir Percivale made clearly the deliverance of Sir Tristram by hisknightly means. And when he was so delivered he made great joy ofSir Percivale, and so each one of other. Sir Tristram said unto SirPercivale: An ye will abide in these marches I will ride with you. Nay, said Percivale, in this country I may not tarry, for I must needs intoWales. So Sir Percivale departed from Sir Tristram, and rode straightunto King Mark, and told him how he had delivered Sir Tristram; and alsohe told the king that he had done himself great shame for to put SirTristram in prison, for he is now the knight of most renown in thisworld living. And wit thou well the noblest knights of the world loveSir Tristram, and if he will make war upon you ye may not abide it. Thatis truth, said King Mark, but I may not love Sir Tristram because heloveth my queen and my wife, La Beale Isoud. Ah, fie for shame, said SirPercivale, say ye never so more. Are ye not uncle unto Sir Tristram, and he your nephew? Ye should never think that so noble a knight as SirTristram is, that he would do himself so great a villainy to holdhis uncle's wife; howbeit, said Sir Percivale, he may love your queensinless, because she is called one of the fairest ladies of the world. 

Then Sir Percivale departed from King Mark. So when he was departed KingMark bethought him of more treason: notwithstanding King Mark grantedSir Percivale never by no manner of means to hurt Sir Tristram. So anonKing Mark sent unto Sir Dinas the Seneschal that he should put down allthe people that he had raised, for he sent him an oath that he would gohimself unto the Pope of Rome to war upon the miscreants; and this isa fairer war than thus to arise the people against your king. When SirDinas understood that King Mark would go upon the miscreants, then SirDinas in all the haste put down all the people; and when the peoplewere departed every man to his home, then King Mark espied where was SirTristram with La Beale Isoud; and there by treason King Mark let takehim and put him in prison, contrary to his promise that he made unto SirPercivale. 

When Queen Isoud understood that Sir Tristram was in prison she made asgreat sorrow as ever made lady or gentlewoman. Then Sir Tristram sent aletter unto La Beale Isoud, and prayed her to be his good lady; and ifit pleased her to make a vessel ready for her and him, he would go withher unto the realm of Logris, that is this land. When La Beale Isoudunderstood 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 themin anywise to take King Mark, and put him in prison, unto the time thatshe and Sir Tristram were departed unto the realm of Logris. When SirDinas the Seneschal understood the treason of King Mark he promised heragain, and sent her word that King Mark should be put in prison. And asthey devised it so it was done. And then Sir Tristram was delivered outof prison; and anon in all the haste Queen Isoud and Sir Tristram wentand took their counsel with that they would have with them when theydeparted. 

CHAPTER LII. How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came unto England, andhow Sir Launcelot brought them to Joyous Gard. 

THEN La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram took their vessel, and came bywater into this land. And so they were not in this land four days butthere 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 camethere he saw many knights joust and tourney; and so Sir Tristram dressedhim to the range, and to make short conclusion, he overthrew fourteenknights of the Round Table. When Sir Launcelot saw these knights thusoverthrown, Sir Launcelot dressed him to Sir Tristram. That saw La BealeIsoud how Sir Launcelot was come into the field. Then La Beale Isoudsent unto Sir Launcelot a ring, and bade him wit that it was SirTristram de Liones. When Sir Launcelot under stood that there was SirTristram he was full glad, and would not joust. Then Sir Launcelotespied whither Sir Tristram yede, and after him he rode; and then eithermade of other great joy. And so Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram andLa Beale Isoud unto Joyous Gard, that was his own castle, that he hadwon with his own hands. And there Sir Launcelot put them in to wield fortheir own. And wit ye well that castle was garnished and furnished fora king and a queen royal there to have sojourned. And Sir Launcelotcharged all his people to honour them and love them as they would dohimself. 

So Sir Launcelot departed unto King Arthur; and then he told QueenGuenever how he that jousted so well at the last tournament was SirTristram. And there he told her how he had with him La Beale Isoudmaugre King Mark, and so Queen Guenever told all this unto King Arthur. When King Arthur wist that Sir Tristram was escaped and come from KingMark, 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 Dayshould be a jousts before the castle of Lonazep; and that castle wasfast by Joyous Gard. And thus Arthur devised, that all the knights ofthis land, and of Cornwall, and of North Wales, should joust against allthese countries, Ireland, Scotland, and the remnant of Wales, andthe country of Gore, and Surluse, and of Listinoise, and they ofNorthumberland, and all they that held lands of Arthur on this half thesea. 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 willput us that be about you in great jeopardy, for there be many knightsthat have great envy to us; therefore when we shall meet at the day ofjousts there will be hard shift among us. As for that, said Arthur, Icare not; there shall we prove who shall be best of his hands. So whenSir Launcelot understood wherefore King Arthur made this jousting, thenhe made such purveyance that La Beale Isoud should behold the jousts ina secret place that was honest for her estate. 

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram and to La Beale Isoud, how they made greatjoy daily together with all manner of mirths that they could devise;and every day Sir Tristram would go ride a-hunting, for Sir Tristram wasthat time called the best chaser of the world, and the noblest blower ofan horn of all manner of measures; for as books report, of Sir Tristramcame all the good terms of venery and hunting, and all the sizes andmeasures of blowing of an horn; and of him we had first all the terms ofhawking, and which were beasts of chase and beasts of venery, and whichwere vermins, and all the blasts that long to all manner of games. Firstto the uncoupling, to the seeking, to the rechate, to the flight, to thedeath, and to strake, and many other blasts and terms, that all mannerof gentlemen have cause to the world's end to praise Sir Tristram, andto pray for his soul. 

CHAPTER LIII. How by the counsel of La Beale Isoud Sir Tristram rodearmed, and how he met with Sir Palomides. 

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 strangecountry, and here be many perilous knights; and well ye wot that KingMark is full of treason; and that ye will ride thus to chase and tohunt unarmed ye might be destroyed. My fair lady and my love, I cry youmercy, I will no more do so. So then Sir Tristram rode daily a-huntingarmed, and his men bearing his shield and his spear. So on a day alittle afore the month of May, Sir Tristram chased an hart passingeagerly, and so the hart passed by a fair well. And then Sir Tristramalighted and put off his helm to drink of that bubbly water. Right so heheard and saw the Questing Beast come to the well. When Sir Tristramsaw that beast he put on his helm, for he deemed he should hear of SirPalomides, for that beast was his quest. Right so Sir Tristram saw wherecame a knight armed, upon a noble courser, and he saluted him, and theyspake of many things; and this knight's name was Breuse Saunce Pité. Andright so withal there came unto them the noble knight Sir Palomides, andeither 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 byhis own knights, and all was for love of Sir Tristram; for King Mark hadput Sir Tristram twice in prison, and once Sir Percivale delivered thenoble knight Sir Tristram out of prison. And at the last time QueenLa Beale Isoud delivered him, and went clearly away with him into thisrealm; and all this while King Mark, the false traitor, is in prison. Isthis truth? said Palomides; then shall we hastily hear of Sir Tristram. And as for to say that I love La Beale Isoud paramours, I dare makegood that I do, and that she hath my service above all other ladies, andshall have the term of my life. 

And right so as they stood talking they saw afore them where came aknight 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 hisshield and his spear and dressed him to joust. Fair fellows, said SirTristram, yonder is a knight will joust with us, let see which of usshall encounter with him, for I see well he is of the court of KingArthur. 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 anhe would joust I never refused him. As well may I, said Breuse SauncePité, follow that beast as ye. Then shall ye do battle with me, saidPalomides. 

So Sir Palomides dressed him unto that other knight, Sir Bleoberis, thatwas a full noble knight, nigh kin unto Sir Launcelot. And so they metso hard that Sir Palomides fell to the earth, horse and all. Then SirBleoberis cried aloud and said thus: Make thee ready thou false traitorknight, Breuse Saunce Pité, for wit thou certainly I will have ado withthee to the utterance for the noble knights and ladies that thou hastfalsely betrayed. When this false knight and traitor, Breuse SauncePité, heard him say so, he took his horse by the bridle and fled his wayas fast as ever his horse might run, for sore he was of him afeard. WhenSir Bleoberis saw him flee he followed fast after, through thick andthrough thin. And by fortune as Sir Breuse fled, he saw even afore himthree knights of the Table Round, of the which the one hight Sir Ectorde Maris, the other hight Sir Percivale de Galis, the third hightSir Harry le Fise Lake, a good knight and an hardy. And as for SirPercivale, he was called that time of his time one of the best knightsof the world, and the best assured. When Breuse saw these knights herode 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 ofvillainy; his name is Breuse Saunce Pité, and if he may get me he willslay me without mercy and pity. Abide with us, said Sir Percivale, andwe 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 SirBleoberis saw that they were four knights and he but himself, he stoodin a doubt whether he would turn or hold his way. Then he said tohimself: I am a knight of the Table Round, and rather than I shouldshame mine oath and my blood I will hold my way whatsoever fall thereof. And then Sir Ector dressed his spear, and smote either other passingsore, but Sir Ector fell to the earth. That saw Sir Percivale, and hedressed his horse toward him all that he might drive, but Sir Percivalehad such a stroke that horse and man fell to the earth. When Sir Harrysaw that they were both to the earth then he said to himself: Never wasBreuse of such prowess. So Sir Harry dressed his horse, and they mettogether so strongly that both the horses and knights fell to the earth, but Sir Bleoberis' horse began to recover again. That saw Breuse and hecame hurtling, and smote him over and over, and would have slain himas he lay on the ground. Then Sir Harry le Fise Lake arose lightly, andtook the bridle of Sir Breuse's horse, and said: Fie for shame! strikenever a knight when he is at the earth, for this knight may be called noshameful knight of his deeds, for yet as men may see thereas he lieth onthe ground he hath done worshipfully, and put to the worse passinggood knights. Therefore will I not let, said Sir Breuse. Thou shalt notchoose, said Sir Harry, as at this time. Then when Sir Breuse saw thathe might not choose nor have his will he spake fair. Then Sir Harry lethim go. And then anon he made his horse to run over Sir Bleoberis, andrashed him to the earth like if he would have slain him. When Sir Harrysaw him do so villainously he cried: Traitor knight, leave off forshame. And as Sir Harry would have taken his horse to fight with SirBreuse, 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 slainSir Harry, the good knight. That saw Sir Percivale, and then he cried:Traitor knight what dost thou? And when Sir Percivale was upon hishorse Sir Breuse took his horse and fled all that ever he might, andSir Percivale and Sir Harry followed after him fast, but ever the longerthey chased the farther were they behind. 

Then they turned again and came to Sir Ector de Maris and to SirBleoberis. Ah, fair knights, said Bleoberis, why have ye succoured thatfalse knight and traitor? Why said Sir Harry, what knight is he? forwell I wot it is a false knight, said Sir Harry, and a coward and afelonious knight. Sir, said Bleoberis, he is the most coward knight, anda devourer of ladies and a destroyer of good knights and especially ofArthur's. What is your name? said Sir Ector. My name is Sir Bleoberis deGanis. Alas, fair cousin, said Ector, forgive it me, for I am Sir Ectorde Maris. Then Sir Percivale and Sir Harry made great joy that theymet with Bleoberis, but all they were heavy that Sir Breuse was escapedthem, whereof they made great dole. 

CHAPTER LIV. Of Sir Palomides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis andwith Sir Ector, and of Sir Pervivale. 

RIGHT so as they stood thus there came Sir Palomides, and when he sawthe shield of Bleoberis lie on the earth, then said Palomides: He thatoweth that shield let him dress him to me, for he smote me down herefast by at a fountain, and therefore I will fight for him on foot. Iam ready, said Bleoberis, here to answer thee, for wit thou well, sirknight, 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; andeither of them hated other to the death. Sir Palomides, said Ector, witthou well there is neither thou nor none knight that beareth the lifethat slayeth any of our blood but he shall die for it; therefore an thoulist to fight go seek Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and there shall yefind your match. With them have I met, said Palomides, but I had neverno 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 thethird, a good knight as any of them, and of his age he was the best thatever I found; for an he might have lived till he had been an hardier manthere liveth no knight now such, and his name was Sir Lamorak de Galis. And as he had jousted at a tournament there he overthrew me and thirtyknights more, and there he won the degree. And at his departing theremet him Sir Gawaine and his brethren, and with great pain they slew himfeloniously, unto all good knights' great damage. Anon as Sir Percivaleheard that his brother was dead, Sir Lamorak, he fell over his horse'smane swooning, and there he made the greatest dole that ever madeknight. And when Sir Percivale arose he said: Alas, my good and noblebrother Sir Lamorak, now shall we never meet, and I trow in all the wideworld a man may not find such a knight as he was of his age; and it istoo much to suffer the death of our father King Pellinore, and now thedeath 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 tournament that should be at Lonazep, and howthese lands, Cornwall and Northgalis, should be against all them thatwould come. 

CHAPTER LV. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their devices, and what he said to Sir Gawaine's brethren. 

NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that as he rode a-hunting he met with SirDinadan, that was come into that country to seek Sir Tristram. Then SirDinadan told Sir Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram would not tell himhis name, wherefore Sir Dinadan was wroth. For such a foolish knight asye are, said Sir Dinadan, I saw but late this day lying by a well, andhe fared as he slept; and there he lay like a fool grinning, and wouldnot speak, and his shield lay by him, and his horse stood by him; andwell I wot he was a lover. Ah, fair sir, said Sir Tristram are ye nota lover? Mary, fie on that craft! said Sir Dinadan. That is evil said, said Sir Tristram, for a knight may never be of prowess but if he be alover. It is well said, said Sir Dinadan; now tell me your name, sithye be a lover, or else I shall do battle with you. As for that, said SirTristram, it is no reason to fight with me but I tell you my name; andas 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 willbe 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 againstthem. Lo, said Sir Tristram, see where cometh a knight riding, willjoust with you. Anon, as Sir Dinadan beheld him he said: That is thesame doted knight that I saw lie by the well, neither sleeping norwaking. Well, said Sir Tristram, I know that knight well with thecovered shield of azure, he is the king's son of Northumberland, hisname is Epinegris; and he is as great a lover as I know, and he loveththe king's daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And now I suppose, saidSir Tristram, an ye require him he will joust with you, and then shallye prove whether a lover be a better knight, or ye that will not loveno lady. Well, said Dinadan, now shalt thou see what I shall do. Therewithal Sir Dinadan spake on high and said: Sir knight, make theeready to joust with me, for it is the custom of errant knights one tojoust with other. Sir, said Epinegris, is that the rule of you errantknights 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 theyspurred their horses and met together so hard that Epinegris smote downSir Dinadan. Then Sir Tristram rode to Sir Dinadan and said: How now, meseemeth the lover hath well sped. Fie on thee, coward, said SirDinadan, and if thou be a good knight revenge me. Nay, said SirTristram, I will not joust as at this time, but take your horse and letus go hence. God defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from thy fellowship, for Inever sped well since I met with thee: and so they departed. Well, saidSir Tristram, peradventure I could tell you tidings of Sir Tristram. God defend me, said Dinadan, from thy fellowship, for Sir Tristram weremickle 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 otherplaces. 

So rode Sir Tristram unto Joyous Gard, and there he heard in that towngreat noise and cry. What is this noise? said Sir Tristram. Sir, saidthey, here is a knight of this castle that hath been long among us, andright now he is slain with two knights, and for none other cause butthat our knight said that Sir Launcelot were a better knight than SirGawaine. That was a simple cause, said Sir Tristram, for to slay a goodknight for to say well by his master. That is little remedy to us, saidthe men of the town. For an Sir Launcelot had been here soon we shouldhave been revenged upon the false knights. 

When Sir Tristram heard them say so he sent for his shield and for hisspear, and lightly within a while he had overtaken them, and bade themturn and amend that they had misdone. What amends wouldst thou have?said the one knight. And therewith they took their course, and eithermet other so hard that Sir Tristram smote down that knight over hishorse's tail. Then the other knight dressed him to Sir Tristram, and inthe same wise he served the other knight. And then they gat off theirhorses as well as they might, and dressed their shields and swords to dotheir battle to the utterance. Knights, said Sir Tristram, ye shall tellme of whence ye are, and what be your names, for such men ye might be yeshould hard escape my hands; and ye might be such men of such a countrythat for all your evil deeds ye should pass quit. Wit thou well, sirknight, said they, we fear not to tell thee our names, for my name isSir Agravaine, and my name is Gaheris, brethren unto the good knight SirGawaine, and we be nephews unto King Arthur. Well, said Sir Tristram, for King Arthur's sake I shall let you pass as at this time. But it isshame, said Sir Tristram, that Sir Gawaine and ye be come of so great ablood that ye four brethren are so named as ye be, for ye be called thegreatest destroyers and murderers of good knights that be now in thisrealm; for it is but as I heard say that Sir Gawaine and ye slew amongyou a better knight than ever ye were, that was the noble knight SirLamorak de Galis. An it had pleased God, said Sir Tristram, I would Ihad been by Sir Lamorak at his death. Then shouldst thou have gone thesame way, said Sir Gaheris. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, there musthave been many more knights than ye are. And therewithal Sir Tristramdeparted from them toward Joyous Gard. And when he was departed theytook their horses, and the one said to the other: We will overtake himand be revenged upon him in the despite of Sir Lamorak. 

CHAPTER LVI. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud. 

SO when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agravaine bade him: Turn, traitor knight. That is evil said, said Sir Tristram; and therewith hepulled out his sword, and smote Sir Agravaine such a buffet uponthe helm that he tumbled down off his horse in a swoon, and he had agrievous wound. And then he turned to Gaheris, and Sir Tristram smotehis sword and his helm together with such a might that Gaheris fell outof his saddle: and so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there healighted and unarmed him. So Sir Tristram told La Beale Isoud of all hisadventure, as ye have heard to-fore. And when she heard him tell of SirDinadan: 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 andjaper, and a noble knight of his hands, and the best fellow that Iknow, and all good knights love his fellowship. Alas, sir, said she, whybrought ye not him with you? Have ye no care, said Sir Tristram, for herideth to seek me in this country; and therefore he will not away tillhe have met with me. And there Sir Tristram told La Beale Isoud how SirDinadan held against all lovers. Right so there came in a varlet andtold Sir Tristram how there was come an errant knight into the town, with such colours upon his shield. That is Sir Dinadan, said SirTristram; 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 merriestknight that ever ye spake withal, and the maddest talker; and I pray youheartily that ye make him good cheer. 

Then anon La Beale Isoud sent into the town, and prayed Sir Dinadan thathe would come into the castle and repose him there with a lady. With agood will, said Sir Dinadan; and so he mounted upon his horse and rodeinto the castle; and there he alighted, and was unarmed, and broughtinto the castle. Anon La Beale Isoud came unto him, and either salutedother; 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 myname 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 methat he was in this country. It may well be, said La Beale Isoud, but Iam not ware of him. Madam, said Dinadan, I marvel of Sir Tristram andmo 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 shameto you: wherefore ye may not be called a good knight [but] if ye make aquarrel for a lady. God defend me, said Dinadan, for the joy of love istoo short, and the sorrow thereof, and what cometh thereof, dureth overlong. Ah, said La Beale Isoud, say ye not so, for here fast by was thegood knight Sir Bleoberis, that fought with three knights at once for adamosel's sake, and he won her afore the King of Northumberland. It wasso, 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 Launcelot du Lake. 

Now I pray you, said La Beale Isoud, tell me will you fight for mylove with three knights that do me great wrong? and insomuch as ye bea knight of King Arthur's I require you to do battle for me. Then SirDinadan said: I shall say you ye be as fair a lady as ever I saw any, and much fairer than is my lady Queen Guenever, but wit ye well at oneword, I will not fight for you with three knights, Jesu defend me. ThenIsoud laughed, and had good game at him. So he had all the cheer thatshe might make him, and there he lay all that night. And on the mornearly 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 theytwo 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 hisspears that were great and long. 

CHAPTER LVII. How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with joustingwith Sir Palomides, Sir Dinadan knew him. 

THEN after that Sir Dinadan departed, and rode his way a great paceuntil he had overtaken Sir Tristram. And when Sir Dinadan had overtakenhim he knew him anon, and he hated the fellowship of him above all otherknights. Ah, said Sir Dinadan, art thou that coward knight that I metwith 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 theirhorses run, and Sir Tristram missed of him a-purpose, and Sir Dinadanbrake a spear upon Sir Tristram, and therewith Sir Dinadan dressed himto 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 allknights. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I care not, for I will waitupon you and be under your protection; for because ye are so good aknight 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 thosegreat spears that thou carriest with thee? I shall give them, said SirTristram, to some good knight when I come to the tournament; and if Isee you do best, I shall give them to you. 

So thus as they rode talking they saw where came an errant knight aforethem, that dressed him to joust. Lo, said Sir Tristram, yonder is onewill joust; now dress thee to him. Ah, shame betide thee, said SirDinadan. Nay, not so, said Tristram, for that knight beseemeth a shrew. Then shall I, said Sir Dinadan. And so they dressed their shields andtheir spears, and they met together so hard that the other knight smotedown Sir Dinadan from his horse. Lo, said Sir Tristram, it had beenbetter ye had left. Fie on thee, coward, said Sir Dinadan. Then SirDinadan started up and gat his sword in his hand, and proffered to dobattle on foot. Whether in love or in wrath? said the other knight. Letus do battle in love, said Sir Dinadan. What is your name, said thatknight, 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 brotherunto Sir Gawaine. Then either made of other great cheer, for this Garethwas 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, howsuch a coward he was; and every word Sir Tristram heard and laughed themto scorn. 

Then were they ware where came a knight afore them well horsed and wellarmed, 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 Iwill not have ado with him. Then shall I, said Sir Gareth. And so theyencountered together, and there that knight smote down Sir Gareth overhis horse's croup. How now, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Dinadan, dressthee now and revenge the good knight Gareth. That shall I not, said SirDinadan, 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 heartfaileth you, therefore now shall ye see what I shall do. And then SirTristram hurtled unto that knight, and smote him quite from his horse. And when Sir Dinadan saw that, he marvelled greatly; and then he deemedthat it was Sir Tristram. 

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, myname is Sir Palomides. What knight hate ye most? said Sir Tristram. Sirknight, said he, I hate Sir Tristram to the death, for an I may meetwith him the one of us shall die. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, andwit 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 saidthus: I pray you, Sir Tristram, forgive me all mine evil will, and if Ilive 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 notwhat aileth me, for meseemeth that ye are a good knight, and none otherknight that named himself a good knight should not hate you; therefore Irequire you, Sir Tristram, take no displeasure at mine unkind words. SirPalomides, said Sir Tristram, ye say well, and well I wot ye are a goodknight, for I have seen ye proved; and many great enterprises have yetaken upon you, and well achieved them; therefore, said Sir Tristram, anye have any evil will to me, now may ye right it, for I am ready at yourhand. Not so, my lord Sir Tristram, I will do you knightly service inall thing as ye will command. And right so I will take you, said SirTristram. And so they rode forth on their ways talking of many things. O my lord Sir Tristram, said Dinadan, foul have ye mocked me, for Godknoweth I came into this country for your sake, and by the advice ofmy lord Sir Launcelot; and yet would not Sir Launcelot tell me thecertainty of you, where I should find you. Truly, said Sir Tristram, SirLauncelot wist well where I was, for I abode within his own castle. 

CHAPTER LVIII. How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of otherdevices of the death of Sir Lamorak. 

THUS they rode until they were ware of the Castle Lonazep. And thenwere they ware of four hundred tents and pavilions, and marvellous greatordinance. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, yonder I see the greatestordinance that ever I saw. Sir, said Palomides, meseemeth that there wasas great an ordinance at the Castle of Maidens upon the rock, where yewon the prize, for I saw myself where ye forjousted thirty knights. Sir, said Dinadan, and in Surluse, at that tournament that Galahalt ofthe Long Isles made, the which there dured seven days, was as great agathering as is here, for there were many nations. Who was the best?said Sir Tristram. Sir, it was Sir Launcelot du Lake and the nobleknight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and Sir Launcelot won the degree. Idoubt not, said Sir Tristram, but he won the degree, so he had not beenovermatched with many knights; and of the death of Sir Lamorak, saidSir Tristram, it was over great pity, for I dare say he was the cleanestmighted man and the best winded of his age that was alive; for I knewhim that he was the biggest knight that ever I met withal, but if itwere Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, full woe is me for hisdeath. And if they were not the cousins of my lord Arthur that slew him, they should die for it, and all those that were consenting to his death. And for such things, said Sir Tristram, I fear to draw unto the court ofmy 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 vengeanceof my brethren Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Mordred. But as forme, said Sir Gareth, I meddle not of their matters, therefore there isnone of them that loveth me. And for I understand they be murderers ofgood knights I left their company; and God would I had been by, saidGareth, when the noble knight, Sir Lamorak, was slain. Now as Jesu be myhelp, said Sir Tristram, it is well said of you, for I had liefer thanall the gold betwixt this and Rome I had been there. Y-wis, [1] saidPalomides, and so would I had been there, and yet had I never the degreeat 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 themost deeds of arms that ever I saw knight do in all my life days. Andwhen him was given the degree by my lord Arthur, Sir Gawaine and histhree brethren, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, set upon SirLamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his horse. And so theyfought with him on foot more than three hours, both before him andbehind him; and Sir Mordred gave him his death wound behind him at hisback, and all to-hew him: for one of his squires told me that saw it. Fie upon treason, said Sir Tristram, for it killeth my heart to hearthis tale. So it doth mine, said Gareth; brethren as they be mine Ishall never love them, nor draw in their fellowship for that deed. 

Now speak we of other deeds, said Palomides, and let him be, for hislife ye may not get again. That is the more pity, said Dinadan, forSir Gawaine and his brethren, except you Sir Gareth, hate all the goodknights of the Round Table for the most part; for well I wot an theymight privily, they hate my lord Sir Launcelot and all his kin, andgreat privy despite they have at him; and that is my lord Sir Launcelotwell ware of, and that causeth him to have the good knights of his kinabout him. 

[1] "Y-wis" (certainly); Caxton, "ye wis"; W. De Worde, "truly. "

CHAPTER LIX. How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a shipthere, wherein lay the body of King Hermance. 

SIR, said Palomides, let us leave of this matter, and let us see how weshall do at this tournament. By mine advice, said Palomides, let us fourhold together against all that will come. Not by my counsel, saidSir Tristram, for I see by their pavilions there will be four hundredknights, and doubt ye not, said Sir Tristram, but there will be manygood knights; and be a man never so valiant nor so big, yet he may beovermatched. And so have I seen knights done many times; and when theyweened best to have won worship they lost it, for manhood is not worthbut if it be medled with wisdom. And as for me, said Sir Tristram, itmay happen I shall keep mine own head as well as another. 

So thus they rode until that they came to Humber bank, where they hearda cry and a doleful noise. Then were they ware in the wind where camea rich vessel hilled over with red silk, and the vessel landed fastby them. Therewith Sir Tristram alighted and his knights. And so SirTristram went afore and entered into that vessel. And when he camewithin he saw a fair bed richly covered, and thereupon lay a dead seemlyknight, all armed save the head, was all be-bled with deadly wounds uponhim, the which seemed to be a passing good knight. How may this be, saidSir Tristram, that this knight is thus slain? Then Sir Tristram wasware of a letter in the dead knight's hand. Master mariners, said SirTristram, what meaneth that letter? Sir, said they, in that letter yeshall hear and know how he was slain, and for what cause, and what washis name. But sir, said the mariners, wit ye well that no man shall takethat letter and read it but if he be a good knight, and that he willfaithfully promise to revenge his death, else shall there be no knightsee that letter open. Wit ye well, said Sir Tristram, that some of usmay revenge his death as well as other, and if it be so as ye marinerssay his death shall be revenged. And therewith Sir Tristram took theletter out of the knight's hand, and it said thus: Hermance, king andlord of the Red City, I send unto all knights errant, recommending untoyou noble knights of Arthur's court. I beseech them all among them tofind one knight that will fight for my sake with two brethren that Ibrought up of nought, and feloniously and traitorly they have slain me;wherefore I beseech one good knight to revenge my death. And he thatrevengeth 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 liethwas a full worshipful man and of full great prowess, and full well heloved all manner knights errants. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, here is a piteous case, and full fain would I take this enterprise uponme; but I have made such a promise that needs I must be at this greattournament, or else I am shamed. For well I wot for my sake in especialmy lord Arthur let make this jousts and tournament in this country; andwell I wot that many worshipful people will be there at that tournamentfor to see me; therefore I fear me to take this enterprise upon me thatI 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 itworshipfully, other else I shall die in this quarrel. Well, said SirTristram, and this enterprise I give you, with this, that ye be withme at this tournament that shall be as this day seven night. Sir, saidPalomides, I promise you that I shall be with you by that day if I beunslain or unmaimed. 

CHAPTER LX. How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with anhost which after fought with Sir Tristram; and other matters. 

THEN departed Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, and left SirPalomides in the vessel; and so Sir Tristram beheld the mariners howthey sailed overlong Humber. And when Sir Palomides was out of theirsight they took their horses and beheld about them. And then were theyware of a knight that came riding against them unarmed, and nothingabout him but a sword. And when this knight came nigh them he salutedthem, and they him again. Fair knights, said that knight, I pray youinsomuch as ye be knights errant, that ye will come and see my castle, and take such as ye find there; I pray you heartily. And so they rodewith him until his castle, and there they were brought into the hall, that was well apparelled; and so they were there unarmed, and set at aboard; and when this knight saw Sir Tristram, anon he knew him. And thenthis knight waxed pale and wroth at Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram sawhis host make such cheer he marvelled and said: Sir, mine host, whatcheer make you? Wit thou well, said he, I fare the worse for thee, forI know thee, Sir Tristram de Liones, thou slewest my brother; andtherefore I give thee summons I will slay thee an ever I may get theeat large. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I am never advised that ever Islew any brother of yours; and if ye say that I did I will make amendsunto my power. I will none amends, said the knight, but keep thee fromme. 

So when he had dined Sir Tristram asked his arms, and departed. And sothey rode on their ways, and within a while Sir Dinadan saw where camea knight well armed and well horsed, without shield. Sir Tristram, saidSir Dinadan, take keep to yourself, for I dare undertake yonder comethyour host that will have ado with you. Let him come, said Sir Tristram, I shall abide him as well as I may. Anon the knight, when he came nighSir Tristram, he cried and bade him abide and keep him. So they hurtledtogether, but Sir Tristram smote the other knight so sore that he barehim over his horse's croup. That knight arose lightly and took his horseagain, and so rode fiercely to Sir Tristram, and smote him twice hardupon the helm. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I pray you leave offand smite me no more, for I would be loath to deal with you an I mightchoose, for I have your meat and your drink within my body. For all thathe would not leave; and then Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet uponthe helm that he fell up-so-down from his horse, that the blood brastout at the ventails of his helm, and so he lay still likely to be dead. Then Sir Tristram said: Me repenteth of this buffet that I smote sosore, for as I suppose he is dead. And so they left him and rode ontheir ways. 

So they had not ridden but a while, but they saw riding against themtwo full likely knights, well armed and well horsed, and goodly servantsabout them. The one was Berrant le Apres, and he was called the Kingwith the Hundred Knights; and the other was Sir Segwarides, which wererenowned two noble knights. So as they came either by other the kinglooked upon Sir Dinadan, that at that time he had Sir Tristram's helmupon his shoulder, the which helm the king had seen to-fore with theQueen of Northgalis, and that queen the king loved as paramour; and thathelm the Queen of Northgalis had given to La Beale Isoud, and the queenLa Beale Isoud gave it to Sir Tristram. Sir knight, said Berrant, wherehad ye that helm? What would ye? said Sir Dinadan. For I will have adowith thee, said the king, for the love of her that owed that helm, andtherefore keep you. So they departed and came together with all theirmights of their horses, and there the King with the Hundred Knightssmote Sir Dinadan, horse and all, to the earth; and then he commandedhis servant: Go and take thou his helm off, and keep it. So the varletwent to unbuckle his helm. What helm, what wilt thou do? said SirTristram, leave that helm. To what intent, said the king, will ye, sirknight, meddle with that helm? Wit you well, said Sir Tristram, thathelm shall not depart from me or it be dearer bought. Then make youready, said Sir Berrant unto Sir Tristram. So they hurtled together, andthere Sir Tristram smote him down over his horse's tail; and then theking arose lightly, and gat his horse lightly again. And then he struckfiercely at Sir Tristram many great strokes. And then Sir Tristram gaveSir Berrant such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down over his horsesore stonied. Lo, said Dinadan, that helm is unhappy to us twain, for Ihad a fall for it, and now, sir king, have ye another fall. 

Then Segwarides asked: Who shall joust with me? I pray thee, said SirGareth unto Dinadan, let me have this jousts. Sir, said Dinadan, I prayyou take it as for me. That is no reason, said Tristram, for this joustsshould be yours. At a word, said Dinadan, I will not thereof. ThenGareth dressed him to Sir Segwarides, and there Sir Segwarides smoteGareth and his horse to the earth. Now, said Sir Tristram to Dinadan, joust with yonder knight. I will not thereof, said Dinadan. Then willI, said Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram ran to him, and gave him afall; and so they left them on foot, and Sir Tristram rode unto JoyousGard, and there Sir Gareth would not of his courtesy have gone into thiscastle, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him to depart. And so theyalighted and unarmed them, and had great cheer. But when Dinadan cameafore La Beale Isoud he cursed the time that ever he bare Sir Tristram'shelm, and there he told her how Sir Tristram had mocked him. Then wasthere laughing and japing at Sir Dinadan, that they wist not what to dowith him. 

CHAPTER LXI. How Palomides went for to fight with two brethren for thedeath of King Hermance. 

NOW will we leave them merry within Joyous Gard, and speak we of SirPalomides. Then Sir Palomides sailed evenlong Humber to the coasts ofthe sea, where was a fair castle. And at that time it was early in themorning, afore day. Then the mariners went unto Sir Palomides that sleptfast. Sir knight, said the mariners, ye must arise, for here is a castlethere ye must go into. I assent me, said Sir Palomides; and therewithalhe arrived. And then he blew his horn that the mariners had given him. And when they within the castle heard that horn they put forth manyknights; 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 SirPalomides entered into the castle. And within a while he was served withmany divers meats. Then Sir Palomides heard about him much weeping andgreat dole. What may this mean? said Sir Palomides; I love not to hearsuch a sorrow, and fain I would know what it meaneth. Then there cameafore him one whose name was Sir Ebel, that said thus: Wit ye well, sirknight, 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, andthis king that was lord was a noble knight, large and liberal of hisexpense; and in the world he loved nothing so much as he did errantknights of King Arthur's court, and all jousting, hunting, and allmanner of knightly games; for so kind a king and knight had never therule of poor people as he was; and because of his goodness and gentleness we bemoan him, and ever shall. And all kings and estates maybeware by our lord, for he was destroyed in his own default; for had hecherished 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 weshall give all other warning by his death. 

Tell me, said Palomides, and in what manner was your lord slain, and bywhom. Sir, said Sir Ebel, our king brought up of children two men thatnow are perilous knights; and these two knights our king had so incharity, that he loved no man nor trusted no man of his blood, nornone other that was about him. And by these two knights our king wasgoverned, and so they ruled him peaceably and his lands, and never wouldthey suffer none of his blood to have no rule with our king. And also hewas so free and so gentle, and they so false and deceivable, that theyruled him peaceably; and that espied the lords of our king's blood, and departed from him unto their own livelihood. Then when these twotraitors understood that they had driven all the lords of his blood fromhim, they were not pleased with that rule, but then they thought to havemore, as ever it is an old saw: Give a churl rule and thereby he willnot 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 shalldestroy 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'scourt remember this tale, for this is the end and conclusion. My lordand 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 agood knight; and so for labour he waxed dry, and then he alighted, anddrank at a well. And when he was alighted, by the assent of these twotraitors, that one that hight Helius he suddenly smote our king throughthe body with a spear, and so they left him there. And when they weredeparted, then by fortune I came to the well, and found my lord and kingwounded to the death. And when I heard his complaint, I let bring him tothe water side, and in that same ship I put him alive; and when my lordKing Hermance was in that vessel, he required me for the true faith Iowed unto him for to write a letter in this manner. 

CHAPTER LXII. The copy of the letter written for to revenge the king'sdeath, and how Sir Palomides fought for to have the battle. 

RECOMMENDING unto King Arthur and to all his knights errant, beseechingthem all that insomuch as I, King Hermance, King of the Red City, thusam slain by felony and treason, through two knights of mine own, and ofmine own bringing up and of mine own making, that some worshipfulknight will revenge my death, insomuch I have been ever to my power wellwilling unto Arthur's court. And who that will adventure his life withthese two traitors for my sake in one battle, I, King Hermance, King ofthe Red City, freely give him all my lands and rents that ever I wieldedin my life. This letter, said Ebel, I wrote by my lord's commandment, and then he received his Creator; and when he was dead, he commanded meor ever he were cold to put that letter fast in his hand. And then hecommanded me to put forth that same vessel down Humber, and I shouldgive these mariners in commandment never to stint until that they cameunto 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 Iam 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 forGod'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 yemay slay these two traitors, the Red City and all those that be thereinwill take you for their lord. 

Truly, said Sir Palomides, it grieveth my heart for to hear you tellthis doleful tale; and to say the truth I saw the same letter that yespeak of, and one of the best knights on the earth read that letter tome, 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 thosetraitors, for I shall never be at ease in my heart till I be in handswith them. Sir, said Sir Ebel, then take your ship again, and that shipmust bring you unto the Delectable Isle, fast by the Red City, and wein this castle shall pray for you, and abide your again-coming. Forthis same castle, an ye speed well, must needs be yours; for our KingHermance let make this castle for the love of the two traitors, and sowe kept it with strong hand, and therefore full sore are we threated. Wot ye what ye shall do, said Sir Palomides; whatsomever come of me, look ye keep well this castle. For an it misfortune me so to be slainin this quest I am sure there will come one of the best knights of theworld for to revenge my death, and that is Sir Tristram de Liones, orelse Sir Launcelot du Lake. 

Then Sir Palomides departed from that castle. And as he came nigh thecity, there came out of a ship a goodly knight armed against him, withhis shield on his shoulder, and his hand upon his sword. And anon as hecame nigh Sir Palomides he said: Sir knight, what seek ye here? leavethis quest for it is mine, and mine it was or ever it was yours, andtherefore I will have it. Sir knight, said Palomides, it may well bethat this quest was yours or it was mine, but when the letter was takenout of the dead king's hand, at that time by likelihood there was noknight had undertaken to revenge the death of the king. And so atthat time I promised to revenge his death, and so I shall or else I amashamed. Ye say well, said the knight, but wit ye well then will I fightwith you, and who be the better knight of us both, let him take thebattle upon hand. I assent me, said Sir Palomides. And then they dressedtheir shields, and pulled out their swords, and lashed together many sadstrokes as men of might; and this fighting was more than an hour, butat the last Sir Palomides waxed big and better winded, so that thenhe smote that knight such a stroke that he made him to kneel upon hisknees. Then that knight spake on high and said: Gentle knight, hold thyhand. Sir Palomides was goodly and withdrew his hand. Then this knightsaid: Wit ye well, knight, that thou art better worthy to have thisbattle than I, and require thee of knighthood tell me thy name. Sir, myname is Palomides, a knight of King Arthur's, and of the Table Round, that hither I came to revenge the death of this dead king. 

CHAPTER LXIII. Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two brethrenthat should fight with him. 

WELL be ye found, said the knight to Palomides, for of all knightsthat be alive, except three, I had liefest have you. The first is SirLauncelot du Lake, and Sir Tristram de Liones, the third is my nighcousin, Sir Lamorak de Galis. And I am brother unto King Hermance thatis dead, and my name is Sir Hermind. Ye say well, said Sir Palomides, and ye shall see how I shall speed; and if I be there slain go ye to mylord Sir Launcelot, or else to my lord Sir Tristram, and pray them torevenge my death, for as for Sir Lamorak him shall ye never see in thisworld. Alas, said Sir Hermind, how may that be? He is slain, saidSir Palomides, by Sir Gawaine and his brethren. So God me help, saidHermind, there was not one for one that slew him. That is truth, saidSir Palomides, for they were four dangerous knights that slew him, as Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, but SirGareth, the fifth brother was away, the best knight of them all. And soSir Palomides told Hermind all the manner, and how they slew Sir Lamorakall only by treason. 

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 arrivedup at the Red City, and there he told them how there was come a knightof King Arthur's to avenge King Hermance's death: And his name is SirPalomides, the good knight, that for the most part he followeth thebeast Glatisant. Then all the city made great joy, for mickle had theyheard of Sir Palomides, and of his noble prowess. So let they ordain amessenger, and sent unto the two brethren, and bade them to make themready, for there was a knight come that would fight with them both. Sothe 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'scourt to fight with them both at once. He is welcome, said they; buttell us, we pray you, if it be Sir Launcelot or any of his blood? He isnone of that blood, said the messenger. Then we care the less, said thetwo brethren, for with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we keep not tohave ado withal. Wit ye well, said the messenger, that his name is SirPalomides, that yet is unchristened, a noble knight. Well, said they, anhe be now unchristened he shall never be christened. So they appointedto be at the city within two days. 

And when Sir Palomides was come to the city they made passing great joyof him, and then they beheld him, and saw that he was well made, cleanlyand bigly, and unmaimed of his limbs, and neither too young nor too old. And so all the people praised him; and though he was not christened yethe believed in the best manner, and was full faithful and true of hispromise, and well conditioned; and because he made his avow that hewould never be christened unto the time that he had achieved thebeast Glatisant, the which was a full wonderful beast, and a greatsignification; for Merlin prophesied much of that beast. And also SirPalomides avowed never to take full christendom unto the time that hehad done seven battles within the lists. 

So within the third day there came to the city these two brethren, theone hight Helius, the other hight Helake, the which were men of greatprowess; howbeit that they were false and full of treason, and but poormen born, yet were they noble knights of their hands. And with them theybrought forty knights, to that intent that they should be big enough forthe 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 broughtto the lists, and Sir Palomides came into the place and said thus: Be yethe two brethren, Helius and Helake, that slew your king and lord, Sir Hermance, by felony and treason, for whom that I am come hither torevenge his death? Wit thou well, said Sir Helius and Sir Helake, thatwe are the same knights that slew King Hermance; and wit thou well, SirPalomides Saracen, that we shall handle thee so or thou depart thatthou shalt wish that thou wert christened. It may well be, said SirPalomides, for yet I would not die or I were christened; and yet so amI not afeard of you both, but I trust to God that I shall die abetter christian man than any of you both; and doubt ye not, said SirPalomides, either ye or I shall be left dead in this place. 

CHAPTER LXIV. Of the battle between Sir Palomides and the two brethren, and how the two brethren were slain. 

THEN they departed, and the two brethren came against Sir Palomides, andhe against them, as fast as their horses might run. And by fortune SirPalomides smote Helake through his shield and through the breast morethan a fathom. All this while Sir Helius held up his spear, and forpride and orgulité he would not smite Sir Palomides with his spear;but when he saw his brother lie on the earth, and saw he might not helphimself, then he said unto Sir Palomides: Help thyself. And therewithhe came hurtling unto Sir Palomides with his spear, and smote himquite from his saddle. Then Sir Helius rode over Sir Palomides twice orthrice. And therewith Sir Palomides was ashamed, and gat the horse ofSir Helius by the bridle, and therewithal the horse areared, and SirPalomides halp after, and so they fell both to the earth; but anon SirHelius stert up lightly, and there he smote Sir Palomides a great strokeupon the helm, that he kneeled upon his own knee. Then they lashedtogether many sad strokes, and traced and traversed now backward, nowsideling, hurtling together like two boars, and that same time they fellboth grovelling to the earth. 

Thus they fought still without any reposing two hours, and neverbreathed; and then Sir Palomides waxed faint and weary, and Sir Heliuswaxed passing strong, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Palomidesoverthwart and endlong all the field, that they of the city when theysaw 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 asthey were thus weeping and crying, Sir Palomides that had suffered anhundred strokes, that it was wonder that he stood on his feet, at thelast Sir Palomides beheld as he might the common people, how they weptfor 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 strokeupon the helm, and after that another and another. And then he smote SirHelius with such a might that he fell to the earth grovelling; andthen he raced off his helm from his head, and there he smote him such abuffet that he departed his head from the body. And then were the peopleof the city the joyfullest people that might be. So they brought him tohis lodging with great solemnity, and there all the people became hismen. And then Sir Palomides prayed them all to take keep unto all thelordship of King Hermance: For, fair sirs, wit ye well I may not as atthis time abide with you, for I must in all haste be with my lord KingArthur at the Castle of Lonazep, the which I have promised. Then wasthe people full heavy at his departing, for all that city profferedSir Palomides the third part of their goods so that he would abide withthem; but in no wise as at that time he would not abide. 

And so Sir Palomides departed, and so he came unto the castle thereasSir Ebel was lieutenant. And when they in the castle wist how SirPalomides had sped, there was a joyful meiny; and so Sir Palomidesdeparted, and came to the castle of Lonazep. And when he wist that SirTristram was not there he took his way over Humber, and came unto JoyousGard, whereas Sir Tristram was and La Beale Isoud. Sir Tristram hadcommanded that what knight errant came within the Joyous Gard, as inthe town, that they should warn Sir Tristram. So there came a man ofthe town, and told Sir Tristram how there was a knight in the town, apassing goodly man. What manner of man is he, said Sir Tristram, andwhat sign beareth he? So the man told Sir Tristram all the tokens ofhim. That is Palomides, said Dinadan. It may well be, said Sir Tristram. Go ye to him, said Sir Tristram unto Dinadan. So Dinadan went untoSir Palomides, and there either made other great joy, and so they laytogether that night. And on the morn early came Sir Tristram and SirGareth, and took them in their beds, and so they arose and brake theirfast. 

CHAPTER LXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went unto Lonazep. 

AND then Sir Tristram desired Sir Palomides to ride into the fields andwoods. So they were accorded to repose them in the forest. And when theyhad played them a great while they rode unto a fair well; and anon theywere ware of an armed knight that came riding against them, and thereeither saluted other. Then this armed knight spake to Sir Tristram, andasked what were these knights that were lodged in Joyous Gard. I wot notwhat they are, said Sir Tristram. What knights be ye? said that knight, for meseemeth ye be no knights errant, because ye ride unarmed. Whetherwe be knights or not we list not to tell thee our name. Wilt thou nottell me thy name? said that knight; then keep thee, for thou shalt dieof my hands. And therewith he got his spear in his hands, and would haverun Sir Tristram through. That saw Sir Palomides, and smote his horsetraverse in midst of the side, that man and horse fell to the earth. Andtherewith Sir Palomides alighted and pulled out his sword to have slainhim. Let be, said Sir Tristram, slay him not, the knight is but a fool, it were shame to slay him. But take away his spear, said Sir Tristram, and let him take his horse and go where that he will. 

So when this knight arose he groaned sore of the fall, and so he tookhis horse, and when he was up he turned then his horse, and required SirTristram and Sir Palomides to tell him what knights they were. Now witye well, said Sir Tristram, that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, andthis knight's name is Sir Palomides. When he wist what they were he tookhis horse with the spurs, because they should not ask him his name, and so rode fast away through thick and thin. Then came there by them aknight with a bended shield of azure, whose name was Epinogris, andhe came toward them a great wallop. Whither are ye riding? said SirTristram. My fair lords, said Epinogris, I follow the falsest knightthat beareth the life; wherefore I require you tell me whether ye sawhim, for he beareth a shield with a case of red over it. So God me help, said Tristram, such a knight departed from us not a quarter of an houragone; we pray you tell us his name. Alas, said Epinogris, why let yehim escape from you? and he is so great a foe unto all errant knights:his name is Breuse Saunce Pité. Ah, fie for shame, said Sir Palomides, alas that ever he escaped mine hands, for he is the man in the worldthat I hate most. Then every knight made great sorrow to other; and soEpinogris departed and followed the chase after him. 

Then Sir Tristram and his three fellows rode unto Joyous Gard; and thereSir Tristram talked unto Sir Palomides of his battle, how he sped at theRed City, and as ye have heard afore so was it ended. Truly, said SirTristram, I am glad ye have well sped, for ye have done worshipfully. Well, said Sir Tristram, we must forward to-morn. And then he devisedhow it should be; and Sir Tristram devised to send his two pavilions toset them fast by the well of Lonazep, and therein shall be the queen LaBeale Isoud. It is well said, said Sir Dinadan, but when Sir Palomidesheard of that his heart was ravished out of measure: notwithstanding hesaid but little. So when they came to Joyous Gard Sir Palomides wouldnot have gone into the castle, but as Sir Tristram took him by thefinger, and led him into the castle. And when Sir Palomides saw La BealeIsoud he was ravished so that he might unnethe speak. So they went untomeat, but Palomides might not eat, and there was all the cheer thatmight be had. And on the morn they were apparelled to ride towardLonazep. 

So Sir Tristram had three squires, and La Beale Isoud had threegentlewomen, and both the queen and they were richly apparelled; andother people had they none with them, but varlets to bear their shieldsand their spears. And thus they rode forth. So as they rode they sawafore them a rout of knights; it was the knight Galihodin with twentyknights with him. Fair fellows, said Galihodin, yonder come fourknights, and a rich and a well fair lady: I am in will to take that ladyfrom them. That is not of the best counsel, said one of Galihodin'smen, but send ye to them and wit what they will say; and so it was done. There came a squire unto Sir Tristram, and asked them whether they wouldjoust or else to lose their lady. Not so, said Sir Tristram, tell yourlord I bid him come as many as we be, and win her and take her. Sir, said Palomides, an it please you let me have this deed, and I shallundertake them all four. I will that ye have it, said Sir Tristram, at your pleasure. Now go and tell your lord Galihodin, that this sameknight will encounter with him and his fellows. 

CHAPTER LXVI. How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and afterwith Sir Gawaine, and smote them down. 

THEN this squire departed and told Galihodin; and then he dressed hisshield, and put forth a spear, and Sir Palomides another; and there SirPalomides smote Galihodin so hard that he smote both horse and manto the earth. And there he had an horrible fall. And then came thereanother knight, and in the same wise he served him; and so he served thethird and the fourth, that he smote them over their horses' croups, andalways Sir Palomides' spear was whole. Then came six knights more ofGalihodin's men, and would have been avenged upon Sir Palomides. Letbe, said Sir Galihodin, not so hardy, none of you all meddle with thisknight, for he is a man of great bounté and honour, and if he would yewere not able to meddle with him. And right so they held them still. And ever Sir Palomides was ready to joust; and when he saw they wouldno more he rode unto Sir Tristram. Right well have ye done, said SirTristram, and worshipfully have ye done as a good knight should. ThisGalihodin was nigh cousin unto Galahalt, the haut prince; and thisGalihodin was a king within the country of Surluse. 

So as Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and La Beale Isoud rode together theysaw afore them four knights, and every man had his spear in hishand: the first was Sir Gawaine, the second Sir Uwaine, the third SirSagramore le Desirous, and the fourth was Dodinas le Savage. When SirPalomides beheld them, that the four knights were ready to joust, heprayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to have ado with them all so longas he might hold him on horseback. And if that I be smitten down I prayyou revenge me. Well, said Sir Tristram, I will as ye will, and ye arenot so fain to have worship but I would as fain increase your worship. And therewithal Sir Gawaine put forth his spear, and Sir Palomidesanother; and so they came so eagerly together that Sir Palomides smoteSir Gawaine to the earth, horse and all; and in the same wise he servedUwaine, Sir Dodinas, and Sagramore. All these four knights Sir Palomidessmote down with divers spears And then Sir Tristram departed towardLonazep. 

And when they were departed then came thither Galihodin with his tenknights unto Sir Gawaine, and there he told him all how he had sped. Imarvel, said Sir Gawaine, what knights they be, that are so arrayedin green. And that knight upon the white horse smote me down, saidGalihodin, and my three fellows. And so he did to me, said Gawaine; andwell I wot, said Sir Gawaine, that either he upon the white horse is SirTristram or else Sir Palomides, and that gay beseen lady is Queen Isoud. Thus they talked of one thing and of other. 

And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram passed on till that he came to thewell where his two pavilions were set; and there they alighted, andthere they saw many pavilions and great array. Then Sir Tristram leftthere Sir Palomides and Sir Gareth with La Beale Isoud, and Sir Tristramand Sir Dinadan rode to Lonazep to hearken tidings; and Sir Tristramrode upon Sir Palomides' white horse. And when he came into the castleSir Dinadan heard a great horn blow, and to the horn drew many knights. Then Sir Tristram asked a knight: What meaneth the blast of that horn?Sir, said that knight, it is all those that shall hold against KingArthur at this tournament. The first is the King of Ireland, and theKing of Surluse, the King of Listinoise, the King of Northumberland, andthe King of the best part of Wales, with many other countries. And thesedraw them to a council, to understand what governance they shall be of;but the King of Ireland, whose name was Marhalt, and father to the goodknight Sir Marhaus that Sir Tristram slew, had all the speech thatSir Tristram might hear it. He said: Lords and fellows, let us look toourself, for wit ye well King Arthur is sure of many good knights, orelse he would not with so few knights have ado with us; therefore by mycounsel let every king have a standard and a cognisance by himself, thatevery knight draw to their natural lord, and then may every king andcaptain help his knights if they have need. When Sir Tristram had heardall their counsel he rode unto King Arthur for to hear of his counsel. 

CHAPTER LXVII. How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came into thetournament of Lonazep; and of divers jousts and matters. 

BUT Sir Tristram was not so soon come into the place, but Sir Gawaineand Sir Galihodin went to King Arthur, and told him: That same greenknight in the green harness with the white horse smote us two down, andsix of our fellows this same day. Well, said Arthur. And then he calledSir Tristram and asked him what was his name. Sir, said Sir Tristram, yeshall hold me excused as at this time, for ye shall not wit my name. And there Sir Tristram returned and rode his way. I have marvel, saidArthur, that yonder knight will not tell me his name, but go thou, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, and pray him to speak with me betwixt us. ThenSir Griflet rode after him and overtook him, and said him that KingArthur prayed him for to speak with him secretly apart. Upon thiscovenant, said Sir Tristram, I will speak with him; that I will turnagain so that ye will ensure me not to desire to hear my name. I shallundertake, said Sir Griflet, that he will not greatly desire it of you. So they rode together until they came to King Arthur. Fair sir, saidKing Arthur, what is the cause ye will not tell me your name? Sir, saidSir Tristram, without a cause I will not hide my name. Upon what partywill ye hold? said King Arthur. Truly, my lord, said Sir Tristram, I wotnot yet on what party I will be on, until I come to the field, and thereas my heart giveth me, there will I hold; but to-morrow ye shall see andprove on what party I shall come. And therewithal he returned and wentto his pavilions. 

And upon the morn they armed them all in green, and came into the field;and there young knights began to joust, and did many worshipful deeds. Then spake Gareth unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him to give him leaveto break his spear, for him thought shame to bear his spear whole again. When Sir Tristram heard him say so he laughed, and said: I pray you doyour best. Then Sir Gareth gat a spear and proffered to joust. That sawa knight that was nephew unto the King of the Hundred Knights; his namewas Selises, and a good man of arms. So this knight Selises then dressedhim unto Sir Gareth, and they two met together so hard that either smoteother down, his horse and all, to the earth, so they were both bruisedand hurt; and there they lay till the King with the Hundred Knights halpSelises up, and Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides halp up Gareth again. Andso they rode with Sir Gareth unto their pavilions, and then they pulledoff his helm. 

And when La Beale Isoud saw Sir Gareth bruised in the face she asked himwhat ailed him. Madam, said Sir Gareth, I had a great buffet, and as Isuppose I gave another, but none of my fellows, God thank them, wouldnot rescue me. Forsooth, said Palomides, it longed not to none of usas this day to joust, for there have not this day jousted no provedknights, and needly ye would joust. And when the other party saw yeproffered yourself to joust they sent one to you, a passing good knightof his age, for I know him well, his name is Selises; and worshipfullyye met with him, and neither of you are dishonoured, and thereforerefresh yourself that ye may be ready and whole to joust to-morrow. As for that, said Gareth, I shall not fail you an I may bestride minehorse. 

CHAPTER LXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his fellowship jousted, and of thenoble feats that they did in that tourneying. 

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 Arthuras to-morn, for on his party will be Sir Launcelot and many good knightsof his blood with him. And the more men of worship that they be, themore worship we shall win. That is full knightly spoken, said SirTristram; and right so as ye counsel me, so will we do. In the name ofGod, said they all. So that night they were lodged with the best. Andon 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 threedamosels. And right so these four knights came into the field endlongand through. And so they led La Beale Isoud thither as she should standand behold all the jousts in a bay window; but always she was wimpledthat no man might see her visage. And then these three knights rodestraight unto the party of the King of Scots. 

When King Arthur had seen them do all this he asked Sir Launcelot whatwere these knights and that queen. Sir, said Launcelot, I cannot say youin certain, but if Sir Tristram be in this country, or Sir Palomides, wit ye well it be they in certain, and La Beale Isoud. Then Arthur calledto him Sir Kay and said: Go lightly and wit how many knights there behere lacking of the Table Round, for by the sieges thou mayst know. Sowent Sir Kay and saw by the writings in the sieges that there lacked tenknights. And these be their names that be not here. Sir Tristram, SirPalomides, Sir Percivale, Sir Gaheris, Sir Epinogris, Sir Mordred, SirDinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Pelleas the noble knight. Well, said Arthur, some of these I dare undertake are here this day againstus. 

Then came therein two brethren, cousins unto Sir Gawaine, the one hightSir 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 Edwardencountered with the King of Scots, in whose party was Sir Tristram andSir Palomides; and Sir Edward smote the King of Scots quite from hishorse, and Sir Sadok smote down the King of North Wales, and gave hima 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 dressedhis shield and his spear, and with all his might he met with Sir Edwardof Orkney, that he smote him so hard that his horse might not stand onhis feet, and so they hurtled to the earth; and then with the same spearSir Palomides smote down Sir Sadok over his horse's croup. O Jesu, saidArthur, what knight is that arrayed all in green? he jousteth mightily. Wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, he is a good knight, and yet shallye see him joust better or he depart. And yet shall ye see, said SirGawaine, another bigger knight, in the same colour, than he is; forthat same knight, said Sir Gawaine, that smote down right now my fourcousins, he smote me down within these two days, and seven fellows more. 

This meanwhile as they stood thus talking there came into the place SirTristram upon a black horse, and or ever he stint he smote down with onespear 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. Jesu, said Arthur, yonder knight upon the black horse doth mightily andmarvellously well. Abide you, said Sir Gawaine; that knight with theblack horse began not yet. Then Sir Tristram made to horse again the twokings that Edward and Sadok had unhorsed at the beginning. And then SirTristram drew his sword and rode into the thickest of the press againstthem of Orkney; and there he smote down knights, and rashed off helms, and pulled away their shields, and hurtled down many knights: he faredso that Sir Arthur and all knights had great marvel when they saw oneknight do so great deeds of arms. And Sir Palomides failed not upon theother side, but did so marvellously well that all men had wonder. Forthere King Arthur likened Sir Tristram that was on the black horse liketo a wood lion, and likened Sir Palomides upon the white horse unto awood leopard, and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan unto eager wolves. But thecustom was such among them that none of the kings would help other, butall the fellowship of every standard to help other as they might; butever Sir Tristram did so much deeds of arms that they of Orkney waxedweary of him, and so withdrew them unto Lonazep. 

CHAPTER LXIX. How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by SirLauncelot, and after that Sir Tristram smote down King Arthur. 

THEN was the cry of heralds and all manner of common people: The GreenKnight hath done marvellously, and beaten all them of Orkney. And therethe heralds numbered that Sir Tristram that sat upon the black horse hadsmitten down with spears and swords thirty knights; and Sir Palomideshad smitten down twenty knights, and the most part of these fiftyknights were of the house of King Arthur, and proved knights. So God mehelp, said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, this is a great shame to us to seefour 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 thatthere are two passing good knights, and great worship were it not to usnow to have ado with them, for they have this day sore travailed. As forthat, said Arthur, I will be avenged; and therefore take with you SirBleoberis 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 mycousin Sir Bleoberis. And so when they were ready and on horseback:Now choose, said Sir Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, with whom that ye willencounter withal. Sir, said Launcelot, I will meet with the green knightupon the black horse, that was Sir Tristram; and my cousin Sir Bleoberisshall match the green knight upon the white horse, that was SirPalomides; and my brother Sir Ector shall match with the green knightupon 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 SirDinadan. Now every man take heed to his fellow, said Sir Launcelot. Andso they trotted on together, and there encountered Sir Launcelot againstSir Tristram. So Sir Launcelot smote Sir Tristram so sore upon theshield that he bare horse and man to the earth; but Sir Launcelot weenedthat it had been Sir Palomides, and so he passed forth. And then SirBleoberis encountered with Sir Palomides, and he smote him so hard uponthe shield that Sir Palomides and his white horse rustled to the earth. Then Sir Ector de Maris smote Sir Gareth so hard that down he fell offhis horse. And the noble King Arthur encountered with Sir Dinadan, andhe smote him quite from his saddle. And then the noise turned awhile howthe green knights were slain down. 

When the King of Northgalis saw that Sir Tristram had a fall, then heremembered him how great deeds of arms Sir Tristram had done. Then hemade ready many knights, for the custom and cry was such, that whatknight 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 untothe 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 healighted 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 thenoble deeds that thou hast done this day take there my horse, and let medo as well I may; for, as Jesu me help, thou art better worthy to havemine horse than I myself. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, and if I may Ishall quite you: look that ye go not far from us, and as I suppose, Ishall win you another horse. And therewith Sir Tristram mounted upon hishorse, and there he met with King Arthur, and he gave him such a buffetupon the helm with his sword that King Arthur had no power to keep hissaddle. And then Sir Tristram gave the King of Northgalis King Arthur'shorse: then was there great press about King Arthur for to horse himagain; but Sir Palomides would not suffer King Arthur to be horsedagain, but ever Sir Palomides smote on the right hand and on the lefthand mightily as a noble knight. And this meanwhile Sir Tristram rodethrough the thickest of the press, and smote down knights on the righthand and on the left hand, and raced off helms, and so passed forth untohis pavilions, and left Sir Palomides on foot; and Sir Tristram changedhis horse and disguised himself all in red, horse and harness. 

CHAPTER LXX. How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he demeaned him, and how Sir Palomides slew Launcelot's horse. 

AND when the queen La Beale Isoud saw that Sir Tristram 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 LaBeale Isoud espied him. And so he did great deeds of arms; with onespear, that was great, Sir Tristram smote down five knights or ever hestint. Then Sir Launcelot espied him readily, that it was Sir Tristram, and then he repented him that he had smitten him down; and so SirLauncelot 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 forcehe put Sir Palomides upon his horse, and Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, and then they began to do marvellously; but Sir Palomides nor none ofhis two fellows knew not who had holpen them on horseback again. Butever Sir Tristram was nigh them and succoured them, and they [knew]not him, because he was changed into red armour: and all this while SirLauncelot was away. 

So when La Beale Isoud knew Sir Tristram again upon his horse-back shewas passing glad, and then she laughed and made good cheer. And asit happened, Sir Palomides looked up toward her where she lay in thewindow, and he espied how she laughed; and therewith he took such arejoicing 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 enamouredin her love that he seemed at that time, that an both Sir Tristram andSir Launcelot had been both against him they should have won no worshipof him; and in his heart, as the book saith, Sir Palomides wished thatwith his worship he might have ado with Sir Tristram before all men, because of La Beale Isoud. Then Sir Palomides began to double hisstrength, and he did so marvellously that all men had wonder of him, andever he cast up his eye unto La Beale Isoud. And when he saw her makesuch 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: So God me help, Sir Palomides is apassing good knight and a well enduring, but such deeds saw I him neverdo, nor never heard I tell that ever he did so much in one day. It ishis day, said Dinadan; and he would say no more unto Sir Tristram; butto himself he said: An if ye knew for whose love he doth all thosedeeds of arms, soon would Sir Tristram abate his courage. Alas, said SirTristram, that Sir Palomides is not christened. So said King Arthur, andso 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 outherSir Tristram. Well, said Dinadan to himself, all this worship that SirPalomides hath here this day he may thank the Queen Isoud, for had shebeen 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 heardthe noise and cry and the great worship that Sir Palomides had. Hedressed him against Sir Palomides, with a great mighty spear and a long, and thought to smite him down. And when Sir Palomides saw Sir Launcelotcome upon him so fast, he ran upon Sir Launcelot as fast with his swordas he might; and as Sir Launcelot should have stricken him he smote hisspear aside, and smote it a-two with his sword. And Sir Palomides rushedunto Sir Launcelot, and thought to have put him to a shame; and with hissword he smote his horse's neck that Sir Launcelot rode upon, and thenSir Launcelot fell to the earth. Then was the cry huge and great: Seehow Sir Palomides the Saracen hath smitten down Sir Launcelot's horse. Right then were there many knights wroth with Sir Palomides because hehad done that deed; therefore many knights held there against that itwas unknightly done in a tournament to kill an horse wilfully, but thatit had been done in plain battle, life for life. 

CHAPTER LXXI. How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prizeof that day was given unto Sir Palomides. 

WHEN Sir Ector de Maris saw Sir Launcelot his brother have such adespite, and so set on foot, then he gat a spear eagerly, and ranagainst Sir Palomides, and he smote him so hard that he bare him quitefrom his horse. That saw Sir Tristram, that was in red harness, and hesmote down Sir Ector de Maris quite from his horse. Then Sir Launcelotdressed his shield upon his shoulder, and with his sword naked in hishand, and so came straight upon Sir Palomides fiercely and said: Witthou well thou hast done me this day the greatest despite that ever anyworshipful knight did to me in tournament or in jousts, and therefore Iwill be avenged upon thee, therefore take keep to yourself. Ah, mercy, noble knight, said Palomides, and forgive me mine unkindly deeds, for Ihave no power nor might to withstand you, and I have done so muchthis day that well I wot I did never so much, nor never shall in mylife-days; and therefore, most noble knight, I require thee spare me asat 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 worshipthat ever I had or ever shall have in my life-days. Well, said SirLauncelot, I see, for to say thee sooth, ye have done marvellously wellthis day; and I understand a part for whose love ye do it, and well Iwot that love is a great mistress. And if my lady were here as shenis not, wit you well, said Sir Launcelot, ye should not bear away theworship. But beware your love be not discovered, for an Sir Tristram mayknow it ye will repent it; and sithen my quarrel is not here, ye shallhave this day the worship as for me; considering the great travail andpain that ye have had this day, it were no worship for me to put youfrom it. And therewithal Sir Launcelot suffered Sir Palomides to depart. 

Then Sir Launcelot by great force and might gat his own horse maugretwenty knights. So when Sir Launcelot was horsed he did many marvels, and so did Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides in like wise. Then SirLauncelot smote down with a spear Sir Dinadan, and the King of Scotland, and the King of Wales, and the King of Northumberland, and the Kingof Listinoise. So then Sir Launcelot and his fellows smote down wella forty knights. Then came the King of Ireland and the King of theStraight Marches to rescue Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides. There begana great medley, and many knights were smitten down on both parties; andalways Sir Launcelot spared Sir Tristram, and he spared him. And SirPalomides would not meddle with Sir Launcelot, and so there was hurtlinghere and there. And then King Arthur sent out many knights of theTable Round; and Sir Palomides was ever in the foremost front, and SirTristram did so strongly well that the king and all other had marvel. And then the king let blow to lodging; and because Sir Palomides beganfirst, and never he went nor rode out of the field to repose, but everhe was doing marvellously well either on foot or on horseback, andlongest during, King Arthur and all the kings gave Sir Palomides thehonour and the gree as for that day. 

Then Sir Tristram commanded Sir Dinadan to fetch the queen La BealeIsoud, and bring her to his two pavilions that stood by the well. And soDinadan did as he was commanded. But when Sir Palomides understood andwist that Sir Tristram was in the red armour, and on a red horse, wit yewell that he was glad, and so was Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan, for theyall weened that Sir Tristram had been taken prisoner. And then everyknight drew to his inn. And then King Arthur and every knight spake ofthose knights; but above all men they gave Sir Palomides the prize, andall knights that knew Sir Palomides had wonder of his deeds. Sir, saidSir Launcelot unto Arthur, as for Sir Palomides an he be the greenknight I dare say as for this day he is best worthy to have the degree, for he reposed him never, nor never changed his weeds, and he beganfirst and longest held on. And yet, well I wot, said Sir Launcelot, that there was a better knight than he, and that shall be proved or wedepart, upon pain of my life. Thus they talked on either party; and soSir Dinadan railed with Sir Tristram and said: What the devil is uponthee this day? for Sir Palomides' strength feebled never this day, butever he doubled his strength. 

CHAPTER LXXII. How Sir Dinadan provoked Sir Tristram to do well. 

AND thou, Sir Tristram, farest all this day as though thou hadst beenasleep, and therefore I call thee coward. Well, Dinadan, said SirTristram, I was never called coward or now of no earthly knight in mylife; and wit thou well, sir, I call myself never the more coward thoughSir Launcelot gave me a fall, for I outcept him of all knights. Anddoubt ye not Sir Dinadan, an Sir Launcelot have a quarrel good, heis too over good for any knight that now is living; and yet of hissufferance, largess, bounty, and courtesy, I call him knight peerless:and so Sir Tristram was in manner wroth with Sir Dinadan. But all thislanguage Sir Dinadan said because he would anger Sir Tristram, forto cause him to awake his spirits and to be wroth; for well knew SirDinadan that an Sir Tristram were thoroughly wroth Sir Palomides shouldnot get the prize upon the morn. And for this intent Sir Dinadan saidall this railing and language against Sir Tristram. Truly, said SirPalomides, as for Sir Launcelot, of his noble knighthood, courtesy, andprowess, and gentleness, I know not his peer; for this day, saidSir Palomides, I did full uncourteously unto Sir Launcelot, and fullunknightly, and full knightly and courteously he did to me again; foran he had been as ungentle to me as I was to him, this day I had wonno worship. And therefore, said Palomides, I shall be Sir Launcelot'sknight while my life lasteth. This talking was in the houses of kings. But all kings, lords, and knights, said, of clear knighthood, and ofpure strength, of bounty, of courtesy, Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristrambare the prize above all knights that ever were in Arthur's days. Andthere were never knights in Arthur's days did half so many deeds as theydid; as the book saith, no ten knights did not half the deeds thatthey did, and there was never knight in their days that required SirLauncelot or Sir Tristram of any quest, so it were not to their shame, but they performed their desire. 

CHAPTER LXXIII. How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La BealeIsoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur. 

SO on the morn Sir Launcelot departed, and Sir Tristram was ready, andLa Beale Isoud with Sir Palomides and Sir Gareth. And so they rode allin green full freshly beseen unto the forest. And Sir Tristram left SirDinadan sleeping in his bed. And so as they rode it happed the king andLauncelot stood in a window, and saw Sir Tristram ride and Isoud. Sir, said Launcelot, yonder rideth the fairest lady of the world except yourqueen, Dame Guenever. Who is that? said Sir Arthur. Sir, said he, it isQueen Isoud that, out-taken my lady your queen, she is makeless. Takeyour horse, said Arthur, and array you at all rights as I will do, andI promise you, said the king, I will see her. Then anon they were armedand horsed, and either took a spear and rode unto the forest. Sir, saidLauncelot, it is not good that ye go too nigh them, for wit ye wellthere are two as good knights as now are living, and therefore, sir, Ipray you be not too hasty. For peradventure there will be some knightsbe displeased an we come suddenly upon them. As for that, said Arthur, Iwill see her, for I take no force whom I grieve. Sir, said Launcelot, yeput yourself in great jeopardy. As for that, said the king, we will takethe adventure. Right so anon the king rode even to her, and saluted her, and said: God you save. Sir, said she, ye are welcome. Then the kingbeheld her, and liked her wonderly well. 

With that came Sir Palomides unto Arthur, and said: Uncourteous knight, what seekest thou here? thou art uncourteous to come upon a lady thussuddenly, therefore withdraw thee. Sir Arthur took none heed of SirPalomides' words, but ever he looked still upon Queen Isoud Then was SirPalomides wroth, and therewith he took a spear, and came hurtling uponKing Arthur, and smote him down with a spear. When Sir Launcelot sawthat despite of Sir Palomides, he said to himself: I am loath to haveado 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 I must haveado with Sir Tristram, and that were overmuch for me to match them both, for they are two noble knights; notwithstanding, whether I live or Idie, needs must I revenge my lord, and so will I, whatsomever befall ofme. And therewith Sir Launcelot cried to Sir Palomides: Keep thee fromme. And then Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides rushed together with twospears strongly, but Sir Launcelot smote Sir Palomides so hard that hewent quite out of his saddle, and had a great fall. When Sir Tristramsaw 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, saidSir Launcelot, I will not fail you, for no dread I have of you; but Iam loath to have ado with you an I might choose, for I will that yewit that I must revenge my special lord that was unhorsed unwarly andunknightly. And therefore, though I revenged that fall, take ye nodispleasure therein, for he is to me such a friend that I may not seehim shamed. 

Anon Sir Tristram understood by his person and by his knightly wordsthat it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, and verily Sir Tristram deemed thatit was King Arthur, he that Sir Palomides had smitten down. And thenSir Tristram put his spear from him, and put Sir Palomides againon horseback, and Sir Launcelot put King Arthur on horseback and sodeparted. So God me help, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, ye did notworshipfully when ye smote down that knight so suddenly as ye did. Andwit ye well ye did yourself great shame, for the knights came hitherof their gentleness to see a fair lady; and that is every good knight'spart, to behold a fair lady; and ye had not ado to play such masteriesafore my lady. Wit thou well it will turn to anger, for he that ye smotedown was King Arthur, and that other was the good knight Sir Launcelot. But I shall not forget the words of Sir Launcelot when that he calledhim a man of great worship, thereby I wist that it was King Arthur. And as for Sir Launcelot, an there had been five hundred knights in themeadow, he would not have refused them, and yet he said he wouldrefuse me. By that again I wist that it was Sir Launcelot, for ever heforbeareth me in every place, and showeth me great kindness; and of allknights, I out-take none, say what men will say, he beareth the flowerof all chivalry, say it him whosomever will. An he be well angered, andthat him list to do his utterance without any favour, I know him notalive but Sir Launcelot is over hard for him, be it on horseback or onfoot. I may never believe, said Palomides, that King Arthur will ride soprivily as a poor errant knight. Ah, said Sir Tristram, ye know notmy lord Arthur, for all knights may learn to be a knight of him. Andtherefore ye may be sorry, said Sir Tristram, of your unkindly deedsto so noble a king. And a thing that is done may not be undone, saidPalomides. Then Sir Tristram sent Queen Isoud unto her lodging in thepriory, there to behold all the tournament. 

CHAPTER LXXIV. How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, andwent to the contrary part against him. 

THEN there was a cry unto all knights, that when they heard an hornblow they should make jousts as they did the first day. And like as thebrethren Sir Edward and Sir Sadok began the jousts the first day, SirUwaine the king's son Urien and Sir Lucanere de Buttelere began thejousts the second day. And at the first encounter Sir Uwaine smote downthe 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. Then they ofOrkney horsed again Sir Lucanere. And then came in Sir Tristram deLiones; and then Sir Tristram smote down Sir Uwaine and Sir Lucanere;and Sir Palomides smote down other two knights and Sir Gareth smote downother two knights. Then said Sir Arthur unto Sir Launcelot: See yonderthree knights do passingly well, and namely the first that jousted. Sir, said Launcelot, that knight began not yet but ye shall see him this daydo marvellously. And then came into the place the duke's son of Orkney, and then they began to do many deeds of arms. 

When Sir Tristram saw them so begin, he said to Palomides: How feel yeyourself? 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 SirTristram, for I shall lack you this day. Sir Palomides said: Trust notto me, for I may not do as I did. All these words said Palomides for tobeguile Sir Tristram. Sir, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Gareth, then mustI trust upon you; wherefore 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 Tristramhe put himself in the thickest press among them of Orkney, and there hedid so marvellously deeds of arms that all men had wonder of him, forthere might none stand him a stroke. 

When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomides do such deeds, he marvelled andsaid to himself: He is weary of my company. So Sir Tristram beheld hima great while and did but little else, for the noise and cry was so hugeand great that Sir Tristram marvelled from whence came the strengththat Sir Palomides had there in the field Sir, said Sir Gareth untoSir Tristram, remember ye not of the words that Sir Dinadan said to youyesterday, when he called you a coward; forsooth, sir, he said it fornone ill, for ye are the man in the world that he most loveth, and allthat he said was for your worship. And therefore, said Sir Gareth to SirTristram, let me know this day what ye be; and wonder ye not so upon SirPalomides, for he enforceth himself to win all the worship and honourfrom you. I may well believe it, said Sir Tristram. And sithen Iunderstand his evil will and his envy, ye shall see, if that I enforcemyself, that the noise shall be left that now is upon him. 

Then Sir Tristram rode into the thickest of the press, and then he didso marvellously well, and did so great deeds of arms, that all men saidthat Sir Tristram did double so much deeds of arms as Sir Palomides haddone aforehand. And then the noise went plain from Sir Palomides, andall the people cried upon Sir Tristram. O Jesu, said the people, see howSir Tristram smiteth down with his spear so many knights. And see, saidthey all, how many knights he smiteth down with his sword, and of howmany knights he rashed off their helms and their shields; and so hebeat them all of Orkney afore him. How now, said Sir Launcelot unto KingArthur, I told you that this day there would a knight play his pageant. Yonder rideth a knight ye may see he doth knightly, for he hath strengthand wind. So God me help, said Arthur to Launcelot, ye say sooth, for Isaw never a better knight, for he passeth far Sir Palomides. Sir, witye well, said Launcelot, it must be so of right, for it is himself, thatnoble knight Sir Tristram. I may right well believe it, said Arthur. 

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 Palomidessaw Sir Tristram do so marvellously well he wept passingly sore fordespite, for he wist well he should no worship win that day; for wellknew Sir Palomides, when Sir Tristram would put forth his strength andhis manhood, he should get but little worship that day. 

CHAPTER LXXV. How Sir Tristram departed of the field, and awaked SirDinadan, and changed his array into black. 

THEN came King Arthur, and the King of Northgalis, and Sir Launcelot duLake; and Sir Bleoberis, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, thesethree knights came into the field with Sir Launcelot. And then SirLauncelot with the three knights of his kin did so great deeds of armsthat all the noise began upon Sir Launcelot. And so they beat the Kingof Wales and the King of Scots far aback, and made them to avoid thefield; but Sir Tristram and Sir Gareth abode still in the field andendured all that ever there came, that all men had wonder that anyknight might endure so many strokes. But ever Sir Launcelot, and histhree kinsmen by the commandment of Sir Launcelot, forbare Sir Tristram. Then said Sir Arthur: Is that Sir Palomides that endureth so well? Nay, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well it is the good knight Sir Tristram, foryonder ye may see Sir Palomides beholdeth and hoveth, and doth little ornought. And sir, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram weeneth this dayto beat us all out of the field. And as for me, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not beat him, beat him whoso will. Sir, said Launcelot untoArthur, ye may see how Sir Palomides hoveth yonder, as though he were ina dream; wit ye well he is full heavy that Tristram doth such deeds ofarms Then is he but a fool, said Arthur, for never was Sir Palomides, nor never shall be, of such prowess as Sir Tristram. And if he have anyenvy at Sir Tristram, and cometh in with him upon his side he is a falseknight. 

As the king and Sir Launcelot thus spake, Sir Tristram rode privily outof 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 whenSir Tristram came to his pavilions he found Sir Dinadan in his bedasleep. Awake, said Tristram, ye ought to be ashamed so to sleep whenknights 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 ridewith me into the field. So when Sir Dinadan was armed he looked upon SirTristram's helm and on his shield, and when he saw so many strokes uponhis 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 bythose strokes that I should have been truly beaten as I was yesterday. Leave your japes, said Sir Tristram, and come off, that [we] were inthe field again. What, said Sir Dinadan, is your heart up? yesterdayye fared as though ye had dreamed. So then Sir Tristram was arrayed inblack harness. O Jesu, said Dinadan, what aileth you this day? meseemethye be wilder than ye were yesterday. Then smiled Sir Tristram and saidto Dinadan: Await well upon me; if ye see me overmatched look that yebe ever behind me, and I shall make you ready way by God's grace. SoSir Tristram and Sir Dinadan took their horses. All this espied SirPalomides, both their going and their coming, and so did La Beale Isoud, for she knew Sir Tristram above all other. 

CHAPTER LXXVI. How Sir Palomides changed his shield and his armour forto hurt Sir Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to Sir Tristram. 

THEN when Sir Palomides saw that Sir Tristram was disguised, then hethought to do him a shame. So Sir Palomides rode to a knight that wassore wounded, that sat under a fair well from the field. Sir knight, said Sir Palomides, 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 greatdamage; and ye shall have mine armour and my shield that is as sure asyours. I will well, said the knight, that ye have mine armour and myshield, if they may do you any avail. So Sir Palomides armed him hastilyin that knight's armour and his shield that shone as any crystal orsilver, and so he came riding into the field. And then there was neitherSir 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 smotedown three knights, even in the sight of Sir Palomides. And then SirPalomides rode against Sir Tristram, and either met other with greatspears, that they brast to their hands. And then they dashed togetherwith swords eagerly. Then Sir Tristram had marvel what knight he wasthat did battle so knightly with him. Then was Sir Tristram wroth, forhe felt him passing strong, so that he deemed he might not have ado withthe remnant of the knights, because of the strength of Sir Palomides. So they lashed together and gave many sad strokes together, and manyknights marvelled what knight he might be that so encountered with theblack knight, Sir Tristram. Full well knew La Beale Isoud that there wasSir Palomides that fought with Sir Tristram, for she espied all in herwindow where that she stood, as Sir Palomides changed his harness withthe wounded knight. And then she began to weep so heartily for thedespite of Sir Palomides that there she swooned. 

Then came in Sir Launcelot with the knights of Orkney. And when theother party had espied Sir Launcelot, they cried: Return, return, here cometh Sir Launcelot du Lake. So there came knights and said: SirLauncelot, ye must needs fight with yonder knight in the black harness, that was Sir Tristram, for he hath almost overcome that good knight thatfighteth with him with the silver shield, that was Sir Palomides. ThenSir Launcelot rode betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides, and SirLauncelot said to Palomides: Sir knight, let me have the battle, for yehave need to be reposed. Sir Palomides knew Sir Launcelot well, and sodid Sir Tristram, but because Sir Launcelot was far hardier knight thanhimself therefore he was glad, and suffered Sir Launcelot to fight withSir Tristram. For well wist he that Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram, and there he hoped that Sir Launcelot should beat or shame Sir Tristram, whereof Sir Palomides was full fain. And so Sir Launcelot gave SirTristram many sad strokes, but Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram knew well Sir Launcelot. And thus they fought longtogether, 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 harnesswas Sir Tristram: And this is Launcelot that fighteth with him, thatmust needs have the better of him, for Sir Tristram hath had too muchtravail this day. Then let us smite him down, said Sir Gareth. So it isbetter that we do, said Sir Dinadan, than Sir Tristram be shamed, foryonder hoveth the strong knight with the silver shield to fall upon SirTristram 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 Launcelot sucha buffet that horse and all fell to the earth. O Jesu, said Sir Tristramto Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan, fie for shame, why did ye smite down sogood a knight as he is, and namely when I had ado with him? now ye doyourself great shame, and him no disworship; for I held him reasonablehot, though ye had not holpen me. 

Then came Sir Palomides that was disguised, and smote down Sir Dinadanfrom his horse. Then Sir Launcelot, because Sir Dinadan had smitten himaforehand, then Sir Launcelot assailed Sir Dinadan passing sore, and SirDinadan defended him mightily. But well understood Sir Tristram thatSir Dinadan might not endure Sir Launcelot, wherefore Sir Tristram wassorry. Then came Sir Palomides fresh upon Sir Tristram. And when SirTristram saw him come, he thought to deliver him at once, because thathe would help Sir Dinadan, because he stood in great peril with SirLauncelot. Then Sir Tristram hurtled unto Sir Palomides and gave hima great buffet, and then Sir Tristram gat Sir Palomides and pulled himdown underneath him. And so fell Sir Tristram with him; and Sir Tristramleapt up lightly and left Sir Palomides, and went betwixt Sir Launcelotand Dinadan, and then they began to do battle together. 

Right so Sir Dinadan gat Sir Tristram's horse, and said on high that SirLauncelot might hear it: My lord Sir Tristram, take your horse. And whenSir Launcelot heard him name Sir Tristram: O Jesu, said Launcelot, whathave I done? I am dishonoured. Ah, my lord Sir Tristram, said Launcelot, why were ye disguised? ye have put yourself in great peril this day; butI pray you noble knight to pardon me, for an I had known you we had notdone this battle. Sir, said Sir Tristram, this is not the first kindnessye showed me. So they were both horsed again. 

Then all the people on the one side gave Sir Launcelot the honour andthe degree, and on the other side all the people gave to the nobleknight Sir Tristram the honour and the degree; but Launcelot said naythereto: For I am not worthy to have this honour, for I will report meunto all knights that Sir Tristram hath been longer in the field thanI, and he hath smitten down many more knights this day than I have done. And therefore I will give Sir Tristram my voice and my name, and so Ipray all my lords and fellows so to do. Then there was the whole voiceof dukes and earls, barons and knights, that Sir Tristram this day isproved the best knight. 

CHAPTER LXXVII. How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and howPalomides followed and excused him. 

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, forshe saw all his treason from the beginning to the ending. And all thiswhile neither Sir Tristram, neither Sir Gareth nor Dinadan, knew notof the treason of Sir Palomides; but afterward ye shall hear that therebefell the greatest debate betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides thatmight be. 

So when the tournament was done, Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Dinadan, rodewith La Beale Isoud to these pavilions. And ever Sir Palomides rode withthem in their company disguised as he was. But when Sir Tristram hadespied him that he was the same knight with the shield of silver thatheld him so hot that day: Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, wit ye wellhere is none that hath need of your fellowship, and therefore I pray youdepart from us. Sir Palomides answered again as though he had not knownSir Tristram: Wit you well, sir knight, from this fellowship will Inever depart, for one of the best knights of the world commanded me tobe in this company, and till he discharge me of my service I will not bedischarged. By that Sir Tristram knew that it was Sir Palomides. Ah, SirPalomides, said the noble knight Sir Tristram, are ye such a knight? Yehave been named wrong, for ye have long been called a gentle knight, and as this day ye have showed me great ungentleness, for ye had almostbrought me unto my death. But, as for you, I suppose I should have donewell enough, but Sir Launcelot with you was overmuch; for I know noknight living but Sir Launcelot is over good for him, an he will do hisuttermost. 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, and that will I stand by, for I won them once in a field of a full nobleknight, his name was Sir Marhaus; and with great pain I won that knight, for there was none other recover, but Sir Marhaus died through falseleeches; and yet was he never yolden to me. Sir, said Palomides, Iweened ye had been turned upon Sir Launcelot's party, and that causedme to turn. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, and so I take you, and Iforgive you. 

So then they rode into their pavilions; and when they were alighted theyunarmed them and washed their faces and hands, and so yode unto meat, and were set at their table. But when Isoud saw Sir Palomides shechanged then her colours, and for wrath she might not speak. Anon SirTristram espied her countenance and said: Madam, for what cause make yeus such cheer? we have been sore travailed this day. Mine own lord, saidLa Beale Isoud, for God's sake be ye not displeased with me, for I maynone otherwise do; for I saw this day how ye were betrayed and nighbrought to your death. Truly, sir, I saw every deal, how and in whatwise, and therefore, sir, how should I suffer in your presence such afelon and traitor as Sir Palomides; for I saw him with mine eyes, how hebeheld you when ye went out of the field. For ever he hoved still uponhis horse till he saw you come in againward. And then forthwithal Isaw him ride to the hurt knight, and changed harness with him, and thenstraight I saw him how he rode into the field. And anon as he had foundyou he encountered with you, and thus wilfully Sir Palomides did battlewith you; and as for him, sir, I was not greatly afraid, but I dreadsore Launcelot, that knew you not. Madam, said Palomides, ye may saywhatso ye will, I may not contrary you, but by my knighthood I knew notSir 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. 

CHAPTER LXXVIII. How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto theirpavilions as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides. 

AND therewithal two knights armed came unto the pavilion, and there theyalighted both, and came in armed at all pieces. Fair knights, said SirTristram, ye are to blame to come thus armed at all pieces upon me whilewe are at our meat; if ye would anything when we were in the field theremight 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 comehither as your friends. And I am come here, said the one, for to seeyou, and this knight is come for to see La Beale Isoud. Then said SirTristram: I require you do off your helms that I may see you. That willwe do at your desire, said the knights. And when their helms were off, Sir Tristram thought that he should know them. 

Then said Sir Dinadan privily unto Sir Tristram: Sir, that is SirLauncelot du Lake that spake unto you first, and the other is my lordKing Arthur. 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 thenthere was joy without measure; and at the request of La Beale Isoud, King Arthur and Launcelot were unarmed, and then there was merrytalking. Madam, said Sir Arthur, it is many a day sithen that I havedesired to see you, for ye have been praised so far; and now I dare sayye are the fairest that ever I saw, and Sir Tristram is as fair and asgood a knight as any that I know; therefore me beseemeth ye are wellbeset together. Sir, God thank you, said the noble knight, Sir Tristram, and Isoud; of your great goodness and largess ye are peerless. Thus theytalked of many things and of all the whole jousts. But for what cause, said King Arthur, were ye, Sir Tristram, against us? Ye are a knightof the Table Round; of right ye should have been with us. Sir, said SirTristram, here is Dinadan, and Sir Gareth your own nephew, caused me tobe 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 Dinadan, for this unhappy Sir Tristram brought us to this tournament, and manygreat buffets he caused us to have. Then the king and Launcelot laughedthat they might not sit. 

What knight was that, said Arthur, that held you so short, this with theshield 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 LaBeale Isoud. So God me help, said Arthur, that was unknightly doneof you of so good a knight, for I have heard many people call you acourteous knight. Sir, said Palomides, I knew not Sir Tristram, for hewas so disguised. So God me help, said Launcelot, it may well be, for Iknew not Sir Tristram; but I marvel why ye turned on our party. That wasdone for the same cause, said Launcelot. 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 otherthings. 

And in the evening King Arthur and Sir Launcelot departed unto theirlodging; but wit ye well Sir Palomides had envy heartily, for all thatnight 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 thenthey went unto Sir Palomides' chamber, and there they found him fastasleep, for he had all night watched, and it was seen upon his cheeksthat he had wept full sore. Say nothing, said Sir Tristram, for I amsure he hath taken anger and sorrow for the rebuke that I gave to him, and La Beale Isoud. 

CHAPTER LXXIX. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the next day, andhow King Arthur was unhorsed. 

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 werearmed, and clothed all in red, both Isoud and all they; and so they ledher passing freshly through the field, into the priory where was herlodging. And then they heard three blasts blow, and every king andknight dressed him unto the field. And the first that was ready tojoust was Sir Palomides and Sir Kainus le Strange, a knight of the TableRound. And so they two encountered together, but Sir Palomides smoteSir Kainus so hard that he smote him quite over his horse's croup. Andforthwithal Sir Palomides smote down another knight, and brake thenhis spear, and pulled out his sword and did wonderly well. And then thenoise began greatly upon Sir Palomides. Lo, said King Arthur, yonderPalomides beginneth to play his pageant. So God me help, said Arthur, heis a passing good knight. And right as they stood talking thus, in cameSir Tristram as thunder, and he encountered with Sir Kay the Seneschal, and there he smote him down quite from his horse; and with that samespear Sir Tristram smote down three knights more, and then he pulled outhis sword and did marvellously. Then the noise and cry changed fromSir Palomides and turned to Sir Tristram, and all the people cried: OTristram, O Tristram. And then was Sir Palomides clean forgotten. 

How now, said Launcelot unto Arthur, yonder rideth a knight that playethhis pageants. So God me help, said Arthur to Launcelot, ye shall seethis day that yonder two knights shall here do this day wonders. Sir, said Launcelot, the one knight waiteth upon the other, and enforcethhimself through envy to pass the noble knight Sir Tristram, and heknoweth not of the privy envy the which Sir Palomides hath to him; forall that the noble Sir Tristram doth is through clean knighthood. Andthen Sir Gareth and Dinadan did wonderly great deeds of arms, as twonoble knights, so that King Arthur spake of them great honour andworship; and the kings and knights of Sir Tristram's side did passinglywell, and held them truly together. Then Sir Arthur and Sir Launcelottook their horses and dressed them, and gat into the thickest of thepress. And there Sir Tristram unknowing smote down King Arthur, and thenSir Launcelot would have rescued him, but there were so many upon SirLauncelot that they pulled him down from his horse. And then the King ofIreland and the King of Scots with their knights did their pain to takeKing Arthur and Sir Launcelot prisoner. When Sir Launcelot heard themsay so, he fared as it had been an hungry lion, for he fared so that noknight 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 andgave Sir Palomides such a dash with a sword that he stooped down uponhis saddle bow. And forthwithal Sir Ector pulled down Sir Palomidesunder his feet; and then Sir Ector de Maris gat Sir Launcelot du Lakean horse, and brought it to him, and bade him mount upon him; but SirPalomides leapt afore and gat the horse by the bridle, and leapt intothe saddle. So God me help, said Launcelot, ye are better worthy to havethat horse than I. Then Sir Ector brought Sir Launcelot another horse. Gramercy, said Launcelot unto his brother. And so when he was horsedagain, with one spear he smote down four knights. And then Sir Launcelotbrought to King Arthur one of the best of the four horses. Then SirLauncelot with King Arthur and a few of his knights of Sir Launcelot'skin did marvellous deeds; for that time, as the book recordeth, SirLauncelot smote down and pulled down thirty knights. Notwithstanding theother party held them so fast together that King Arthur and his knightswere overmatched. And when Sir Tristram saw that, what labour KingArthur and his knights, and in especial the noble deeds that SirLauncelot did with his own hands, he marvelled greatly. 

CHAPTER LXXX. How Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur's side, and howPalomides would not. 

THEN Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Palomides, Sir Gareth, and SirDinadan, and said thus to them: My fair fellows, wit ye well that I willturn 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 tosee our lord King Arthur, and that noble knight Sir Launcelot, to bedishonoured. It will be well done, said Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan. Doyour best, said Palomides, for I will not change my party that I camein withal. That is for my sake, said Sir Tristram; God speed you in yourjourney. And so departed Sir Palomides from them. Then Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Dinadan, turned with Sir Launcelot. And then Sir Launcelotsmote down the King of Ireland quite from his horse; and so SirLauncelot smote down the King of Scots, and the King of Wales; and thenSir Arthur ran unto Sir Palomides and smote him quite from his horse;and then Sir Tristram bare down all that he met. Sir Gareth and SirDinadan 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 Ilost all the worship that I won; and then Sir Palomides went his waywailing, and so withdrew him till he came to a well, and there he puthis horse from him, and did off his armour, and wailed and wept likeas he had been a wood man. Then many knights gave the prize to SirTristram, and there were many that gave the prize unto Sir Launcelot. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, I thank you of the honour ye wouldgive me, but I pray you heartily that ye would give your voice to SirLauncelot, for by my faith said Sir Tristram, I will give Sir Launcelotmy voice. But Sir Launcelot would not have it, and so the prize wasgiven betwixt them both. 

Then every man rode to his lodging, and Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector rodewith Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud unto their pavilions. Then as SirPalomides was at the well wailing and weeping, there came by him flyingthe kings of Wales and of Scotland, and they saw Sir Palomides in thatarage. Alas, said they, that so noble a man as ye be should be in thisarray. And then those kings gat Sir Palomides' horse again, and made himto arm him and mount upon his horse, and so he rode with them, makinggreat dole. So when Sir Palomides came nigh the pavilions thereas SirTristram and La Beale Isoud was in, then Sir Palomides prayed the twokings to abide him there the while that he spake with Sir Tristram. Andwhen he came to the port of the pavilions, Sir Palomides said on high:Where art thou, Sir Tristram de Liones? Sir, said Dinadan, that isPalomides. What, Sir Palomides, will ye not come in here among us? Fieon thee traitor, said Palomides, for wit you well an it were daylightas it is night I should slay thee, mine own hands. And if ever I may getthee, 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 yehad won worship. But sithen ye give me so large warning I shall bewell ware of you. Fie on thee, traitor, said Palomides, and therewithdeparted. 

Then on the morn Sir Tristram, Bleoberis, and Sir Ector de Maris, SirGareth, Sir Dinadan, what by water and what by land, they brought LaBeale Isoud unto Joyous Gard, and there reposed them a seven night, andmade all the mirths and disports that they could devise. And King Arthurand his knights drew unto Camelot, and Sir Palomides rode with the twokings; and ever he made the greatest dole that any man could think, forhe was not all only so dolorous for the departing from La Beale Isoud, but he was a part as sorrowful to depart from the fellowship of SirTristram; for Sir Tristram was so kind and so gentle that when SirPalomides remembered him thereof he might never be merry. 

CHAPTER LXXXI. How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector reported to QueenGuenever of the beauty of La Beale Isoud. 

SO at the seven nights' end Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector departed fromSir Tristram and from the queen; and these two good knights had greatgifts; and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan abode with Sir Tristram. And whenSir Bleoberis and Sir Ector were come there as the Queen Guenever waslodged, in a castle by the seaside, and through the grace of God thequeen was recovered of her malady, then she asked the two knights fromwhence they came. They said that they came from Sir Tristram and from LaBeale Isoud. How doth Sir Tristram, said the queen, and La Beale Isoud?Truly, said those two knights, he doth as a noble knight should do; andas for the Queen Isoud, she is peerless of all ladies; for to speak ofher beauty, bounté, and mirth, and of her goodness, we saw never hermatch as far as we have ridden and gone. O mercy Jesu, said QueenGuenever, so saith all the people that have seen her and spoken withher. God would that I had part of her conditions; and it is misfortunedme of my sickness while that tournament endured. And as I suppose Ishall never see in all my life such an assembly of knights and ladies asye have done. 

Then the knights told her how Palomides won the degree at the first daywith great noblesse; and the second day Sir Tristram won the degree; andthe third day Sir Launcelot won the degree. Well, said Queen Guenever, who did best all these three days? So God me help, said these knights, Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram had least dishonour. And wit ye well SirPalomides did passing well and mightily; but he turned against the partythat he came in withal, and that caused him to lose a great part of hisworship, for it seemed that Sir Palomides is passing envious. Then shallhe never win worship, said Queen Guenever, for an it happeth an enviousman once to win worship he shall be dishonoured twice therefore; and forthis cause all men of worship hate an envious man, and will shew him nofavour, and he that is courteous, and kind, and gentle, hath favour inevery place. 

CHAPTER LXXXII. How Epinogris complained by a well, and how SirPalomides came and found him, and of their both sorrowing. 

NOW leave we of this matter and speak we of Sir Palomides, that rode andlodged him with the two kings, whereof the kings were heavy. Then theKing of Ireland sent a man of his to Sir Palomides, and gave him a greatcourser, and the King of Scotland gave him great gifts; and fain theywould have had Sir Palomides to have abiden with them, but in no wise hewould abide; and so he departed, and rode as adventures would guide him, till it was nigh noon. And then in a forest by a well Sir Palomides sawwhere lay a fair wounded knight and his horse bounden by him; and thatknight made the greatest dole that ever he heard man make, for ever hewept, and therewith he sighed as though he would die. Then Sir Palomidesrode near him and saluted him mildly and said: Fair knight, why wailye so? let me lie down and wail with you, for doubt not I am much moreheavier than ye are; for I dare say, said Palomides, that my sorrow isan hundred fold more than yours is, and therefore let us complain eitherto other. First, said the wounded knight, I require you tell me yourname, for an thou be none of the noble knights of the Round Table thoushalt never know my name, whatsomever come of me. Fair knight, saidPalomides, such as I am, be it better or be it worse, wit thou wellthat my name is Sir Palomides, son and heir unto King Astlabor, and SirSafere and Sir Segwarides are my two brethren; and wit thou well as formyself I was never christened, but my two brethren are truly christened. O noble knight, said that knight, well is me that I have met with you;and wit ye well my name is Epinogris, the king's son of Northumberland. Now sit down, said Epinogris, and let us either complain to other. 

Then Sir Palomides began his complaint. Now shall I tell you, saidPalomides, what woe I endure. I love the fairest queen and lady thatever bare life, and wit ye well her name is La Beale Isoud, King Mark'swife of Cornwall. That is great folly, said Epinogris, for to love QueenIsoud, for one of the best knights of the world loveth her, that is SirTristram de Liones. That is truth, said Palomides, for no man knoweththat matter better than I do, for I have been in Sir Tristram'sfellowship this month, and with La Beale Isoud together; and alas, saidPalomides, unhappy man that I am, now have I lost the fellowship of SirTristram for ever, and the love of La Beale Isoud for ever, and I amnever like to see her more, and Sir Tristram and I be either to othermortal enemies. Well, said Epinogris, sith that ye loved La Beale Isoud, loved she you ever again by anything that ye could think or wit, or elsedid ye rejoice her ever in any pleasure? Nay, by my knighthood, saidPalomides, I never espied that ever she loved me more than all theworld, nor never had I pleasure with her, but the last day she gave methe greatest rebuke that ever I had, the which shall never go from myheart. And yet I well deserved that rebuke, for I did not knightly, andtherefore I have lost the love of her and of Sir Tristram for ever; andI have many times enforced myself to do many deeds for La Beale Isoud'ssake, and she was the causer of my worship-winning. Alas, said SirPalomides, now have I lost all the worship that ever I won, for nevershall me befall such prowess as I had in the fellowship of Sir Tristram. 

CHAPTER LXXXIII. How Sir Palomides brought Sir Epinogris his lady; andhow Sir Palomides and Sir Safere were assailed. 

NAY, nay, said Epinogris, your sorrow is but japes to my sorrow; forI rejoiced my lady and won her with my hands, and lost her again: alasthat day! Thus first I won her, said Epinogris; my lady was an earl'sdaughter, and as the earl and two knights came from the tournament ofLonazep, for her sake I set upon this earl and on his two knights, mylady there being present; and so by fortune there I slew the earl andone of the knights, and the other knight fled, and so that night I hadmy lady. And on the morn as she and I reposed us at this well-side therecame there to me an errant knight, his name was Sir Helior le Preuse, an hardy knight, and this Sir Helior challenged me to fight for my lady. And then we went to battle first upon horse and after on foot, but atthe last Sir Helior wounded me so that he left me for dead, and so hetook my lady with him; and thus my sorrow is more than yours, for I haverejoiced and ye rejoiced never. That is truth, said Palomides, but sithI can never recover myself I shall promise you if I can meet with SirHelior I shall get you your lady again, or else he shall beat me. 

Then Sir Palomides made Sir Epinogris to take his horse, and so theyrode to an hermitage, and there Sir Epinogris rested him. And in themeanwhile Sir Palomides walked privily out to rest him under the leaves, and there beside he saw a knight come riding with a shield that he hadseen Sir Ector de Maris bear beforehand; and there came after him a tenknights, and so these ten knights hoved under the leaves for heat. Andanon after there came a knight with a green shield and therein a whitelion, leading a lady upon a palfrey. Then this knight with the greenshield that seemed to be master of the ten knights, he rode fiercelyafter Sir Helior, for it was he that hurt Sir Epinogris. And when hecame nigh Sir Helior he bade him defend his lady. I will defend her, said Helior, unto my power. And so they ran together so mightily thateither of these knights smote other down, horse and all, to the earth;and then they won up lightly and drew their swords and their shields, and lashed together mightily more than an hour. All this Sir Palomidessaw and beheld, but ever at the last the knight with Sir Ector's shieldwas bigger, and at the last this knight smote Sir Helior down, and thenthat knight unlaced his helm to have stricken off his head. And thenhe cried mercy, and prayed him to save his life, and bade him take hislady. Then Sir Palomides dressed him up, because he wist well that thatsame lady was Epinogris' lady, and he promised him to help him. 

Then Sir Palomides went straight to that lady, and took her by the hand, and asked her whether she knew a knight that hight Epinogris. Alas, shesaid, that ever he knew me or I him, for I have for his sake lost myworship, and also his life grieveth me most of all. Not so, lady, saidPalomides, come on with me, for here is Epinogris in this hermitage. Ah!well is me, said the lady, an he be alive. Whither wilt thou with thatlady? said the knight with Sir Ector's shield. I will do with her whatme list, said Palomides. Wit you well, said that knight, thou speakestover large, though thou seemest me to have at advantage, because thousawest me do battle but late. Thou weenest, sir knight, to have thatlady away from me so lightly? nay, think it never not; an thou wereas good a knight as is Sir Launcelot, or as is Sir Tristram, or SirPalomides, but thou shalt win her dearer than ever did I. And so theywent unto battle upon foot, and there they gave many sad strokes, andeither wounded other passing sore, and thus they fought still more thanan hour. 

Then Sir Palomides had marvel what knight he might be that was so strongand so well breathed during, and thus said Palomides: Knight, I requirethee tell me thy name. Wit thou well, said that knight, I dare tell theemy name, so that thou wilt tell me thy name. I will, said Palomides. Truly, said that knight, my name is Safere, son of King Astlabor, andSir Palomides and Sir Segwarides are my brethren. Now, and wit thouwell, my name is Sir Palomides. Then Sir Safere kneeled down upon hisknees, and prayed him of mercy; and then they unlaced their helms andeither kissed other weeping. And in the meanwhile Sir Epinogris aroseout of his bed, and heard them by the strokes, and so he armed him tohelp Sir Palomides if need were. 

CHAPTER LXXXIV. How Sir Palomides and Sir Safere conducted Sir Epinogristo his castle, and of other adventures. 

THEN Sir Palomides took the lady by the hand and brought her to SirEpinogris, and there was great joy betwixt them, for either swooned forjoy. When they were met: Fair knight and lady, said Sir Safere, it werepity to depart you; Jesu send you joy either of other. Gramercy, gentle knight, said Epinogris; and much more thanks be to my lord SirPalomides, that thus hath through his prowess made me to get my lady. Then Sir Epinogris required Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, his brother, to ride with them unto his castle, for the safeguard of his person. Sir, said Palomides, we will be ready to conduct you because that ye are sorewounded; and so was Epinogris and his lady horsed, and his lady behindhim upon a soft ambler. And then they rode unto his castle, where theyhad great cheer and joy, as great as ever Sir Palomides and Sir Saferehad in their life-days. 

So on the morn Sir Safere and Sir Palomides departed, day until afternoon. And at the last they heard a great weeping and a great noise downin a manor. Sir, said then Sir Safere, let us wit what noise this is. I will well, said Sir Palomides. And so they rode forth till that theycame to a fair gate of a manor, and there sat an old man saying hisprayers and beads. Then Sir Palomides and Sir Safere alighted and lefttheir horses, and went within the gates, and there they saw full manygoodly men weeping. Fair sirs, said Palomides, wherefore weep ye andmake this sorrow? Anon one of the knights of the castle beheld SirPalomides and knew him, and then went to his fellows and said: Fairfellows, wit ye well all, we have in this castle the same knight thatslew our lord at Lonazep, for I know him well; it is Sir Palomides. Thenthey went unto harness, all that might bear harness, some on horsebackand some on foot, to the number of three score. And when they were readythey came freshly upon Sir Palomides and upon Sir Safere with a greatnoise, and said thus: Keep thee, Sir Palomides, for thou art known, andby right thou must be dead, for thou hast slain our lord; and thereforewit ye well we will slay thee, therefore defend thee. 

Then Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, the one set his back to the other, and gave many great strokes, and took many great strokes; and thus theyfought with a twenty knights and forty gentlemen and yeomen nigh twohours. But at the last though they were loath, Sir Palomides and SirSafere were taken and yolden, and put in a strong prison; and withinthree days twelve knights passed upon them, and they found Sir Palomidesguilty, and Sir Safere not guilty, of their lord's death. And when SirSafere should be delivered there was great dole betwixt Sir Palomidesand him, and many piteous complaints that Sir Safere made at hisdeparting, there is no maker can rehearse the tenth part. Fair brother, said Palomides, let be thy dolour and thy sorrow. And if I be ordainedto die a shameful death, welcome be it; but an I had wist of this deaththat I am deemed unto, I should never have been yolden. So Sir Saferedeparted from his brother with the greatest dolour and sorrow that evermade knight. 

And on the morn they of the castle ordained twelve knights to ride withSir Palomides unto the father of the same knight that Sir Palomidesslew; and so they bound his legs under an old steed's belly. And thenthey rode with Sir Palomides unto a castle by the seaside, that hightPelownes, and there Sir Palomides should have justice. Thus was theirordinance; and so they rode with Sir Palomides fast by the castle ofJoyous Gard. And as they passed by that castle there came riding out ofthat castle by them one that knew Sir Palomides. And when that knightsaw Sir Palomides bounden upon a crooked courser, the knight asked SirPalomides for what cause he was led so. Ah, my fair fellow and knight, said Palomides, I ride toward my death for the slaying of a knight ata tournament of Lonazep; and if I had not departed from my lord SirTristram, as I ought not to have done, now might I have been sure tohave had my life saved; but I pray you, sir knight, recommend me untomy lord, Sir Tristram, and unto my lady, Queen Isoud, and say to them ifever I trespassed to them I ask them forgiveness. And also I beseech yourecommend me unto my lord, King Arthur, and to all the fellowship ofthe Round Table, unto my power. Then that knight wept for pity of SirPalomides; and therewithal he rode unto Joyous Gard as fast as his horsemight run, and lightly that knight descended down off his horse and wentunto Sir Tristram, and there he told him all as ye have heard, and everthe knight wept as he had been mad. 

CHAPTER LXXXV. How Sir Tristram made him ready to rescue Sir Palomides, but Sir Launcelot rescued him or he came. 

WHEN Sir Tristram heard how Sir Palomides went to his death, hewas heavy to hear that, and said: Howbeit that I am wroth with SirPalomides, yet will not I suffer him to die so shameful a death, for heis a full noble knight. And then anon Sir Tristram was armed and tookhis horse and two squires with him, and rode a great pace toward thecastle of Pelownes where Sir Palomides was judged to death. And thesetwelve knights that led Sir Palomides passed by a well whereas SirLauncelot was, which was alighted there, and had tied his horse to atree, and taken off his helm to drink of that well; and when he sawthese knights, Sir Launcelot put on his helm and suffered them topass by him. And then was he ware of Sir Palomides bounden, and ledshamefully to his death. O Jesu, said Launcelot, what misadventureis befallen him that he is thus led toward his death? Forsooth, saidLauncelot, it were shame to me to suffer this noble knight so to die anI might help him, therefore I will help him whatsomever come of it, orelse I shall die for Sir Palomides' sake. And then Sir Launcelot mountedupon his horse, and gat his spear in his hand, and rode after thetwelve knights that led Sir Palomides. Fair knights, said Sir Launcelot, whither lead ye that knight? it beseemeth him full ill to ride bounden. Then these twelve knights suddenly turned their horses and said to SirLauncelot: Sir knight, we counsel thee not to meddle with this knight, for he hath deserved death, and unto death he is judged. That merepenteth, said Launcelot, that I may not borrow him with fairness, forhe is over good a knight to die such a shameful death. And therefore, fair knights, said Sir Launcelot, keep you as well as ye can, for I willrescue that knight or die for it. 

Then they began to dress their spears, and Sir Launcelot smote theforemost down, horse and man, and so he served three more with onespear; and then that spear brast, and therewithal Sir Launcelot drew hissword, and then he smote on the right hand and on the left hand. Thenwithin a while he left none of those twelve knights, but he had laidthem to the earth, and the most part of them were sore wounded. Andthen Sir Launcelot took the best horse that he found, and loosed SirPalomides and set him upon that horse; and so they returned again untoJoyous Gard, and then was Sir Palomides ware of Sir Tristram how hecame riding. And when Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him well, but SirTristram knew him not because Sir Launcelot had on his shoulder a goldenshield. So Sir Launcelot made him ready to joust with Sir Tristram, that Sir Tristram should not ween that he were Sir Launcelot. Then SirPalomides cried aloud to Sir Tristram: O my lord, I require you joustnot with this knight, for this good knight hath saved me from my death. When Sir Tristram heard him say so he came a soft trotting pace towardthem. And then Sir Palomides said: My lord, Sir Tristram, much am Ibeholding unto you of your great goodness, that would proffer yournoble body to rescue me undeserved, for I have greatly offended you. Notwithstanding, said Sir Palomides, here met we with this noble knightthat worshipfully and manly rescued me from twelve knights, and smotethem down all and wounded them sore. 

CHAPTER LXXXVI. How Sir Tristram and Launcelot, with Palomides, came tojoyous Gard; and of Palomides and Sir Tristram. 

FAIR knight, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Launcelot, of whence be ye? Iam a knight errant, said Sir Launcelot, that rideth to seek manyadventures. What is your name? said Sir Tristram. Sir, at this timeI will not tell you. Then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Tristram and toPalomides: Now either of you are met together I will depart from you. Not so, said Sir Tristram; I pray you of knighthood to ride with me untomy castle. Wit you well, said Sir Launcelot, I may not ride with you, for I have many deeds to do in other places, that at this time I may notabide with you. Ah, mercy Jesu, said Sir Tristram, I require you asye be a true knight to the order of knighthood, play you with me thisnight. Then Sir Tristram had a grant of Sir Launcelot: howbeit thoughhe had not desired him he would have ridden with them, outher soon havecome after them; for Sir Launcelot came for none other cause into thatcountry but for to see Sir Tristram. And when they were come withinJoyous Gard they alighted, and their horses were led into a stable;and then they unarmed them. And when Sir Launcelot was unhelmed, Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides knew him. Then Sir Tristram took SirLauncelot in arms, and so did La Beale Isoud; and Palomides kneeled downupon his knees and thanked Sir Launcelot. When Sir Launcelot saw SirPalomides kneel he lightly took him up and said thus: Wit thou well, SirPalomides, I and any knight in this land, of worship ought of very rightsuccour and rescue so noble a knight as ye are proved and renowned, throughout all this realm endlong and overthwart. And then was there joyamong them, and the oftener that Sir Palomides saw La Beale Isoud theheavier he waxed day by day. 

Then Sir Launcelot within three or four days departed, and with him rodeSir Ector de Maris; and Dinadan and Sir Palomides were there left withSir Tristram a two months and more. But ever Sir Palomides faded andmourned, that all men had marvel wherefore he faded so away. So upona day, in the dawning, Sir Palomides went into the forest by himselfalone; and there he found a well, and then he looked into the well, andin the water he saw his own visage, how he was disturbed and defaded, nothing like that he was. What may this mean? said Sir Palomides, andthus he said to himself: Ah, Palomides, Palomides, why art thou defaded, thou that was wont to be called one of the fairest knights of the world?I will no more lead this life, for I love that I may never get norrecover. And therewithal he laid him down by the well. And then he beganto make a rhyme of La Beale Isoud and him. 

And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram was that same day ridden into theforest to chase the hart of greese; but Sir Tristram would not ridea-hunting never more unarmed, because of Sir Breuse Saunce Pité. Andso as Sir Tristram rode into that forest up and down, he heard one singmarvellously loud, and that was Sir Palomides that lay by the well. And then Sir Tristram rode softly thither, for he deemed there was someknight errant that was at the well. And when Sir Tristram came nigh himhe descended down from his horse and tied his horse fast till a tree, and then he came near him on foot; and anon he was ware where lay SirPalomides by the well and sang loud and merrily; and ever the complaintswere of that noble queen, La Beale Isoud, the which was marvellously andwonderfully well said, and full dolefully and piteously made. And allthe whole song the noble knight, Sir Tristram, heard from the beginningto the ending, the which grieved and troubled him sore. 

But then at the last, when Sir Tristram had heard all Sir Palomides'complaints, he was wroth out of measure, and thought for to slay himthereas he lay. Then Sir Tristram remembered himself that Sir Palomideswas unarmed, and of the noble name that Sir Palomides had, and the noblename that himself had, and then he made a restraint of his anger; and sohe went unto Sir Palomides a soft pace and said: Sir Palomides, I haveheard your complaint, and of thy treason that thou hast owed me so long, and wit thou well therefore thou shalt die; and if it were not for shameof knighthood thou shouldest not escape my hands, for now I know wellthou hast awaited me with treason. Tell me, said Sir Tristram, how thouwilt acquit thee? Sir, said Palomides, thus I will acquit me: as forQueen La Beale Isoud, ye shall wit well that I love her above all otherladies in this world; and well I wot it shall befall me as for her loveas befell to the noble knight Sir Kehydius, that died for the love of LaBeale Isoud. And now, Sir Tristram, I will that ye wit that I have lovedLa Beale Isoud many a day, and she hath been the causer of my worship, and else I had been the most simplest knight in the world. For by her, and because of her, I have won the worship that I have; for when Iremembered me of La Beale Isoud I won the worship wheresomever I camefor the most part; and yet had I never reward nor bounté of her the daysof my life, and yet have I been her knight guerdonless. And therefore, Sir Tristram, as for any death I dread not, for I had as lief die as tolive. And if I were armed as thou art, I should lightly do battle withthee. Well have ye uttered your treason, said Tristram. I have done toyou no treason, said Palomides, for love is free for all men, and thoughI have loved your lady, she is my lady as well as yours; howbeit I havewrong if any wrong be, for ye rejoice her, and have your desire of her, and so had I never nor never am like to have, and yet shall I love herto the uttermost days of my life as well as ye. 

CHAPTER LXXXVII. How there was a day set between Sir Tristram and SirPalomides for to fight, and how Sir Tristram was hurt. 

THEN said Sir Tristram: I will fight with you to the uttermost. I grant, said Palomides, for in a better quarrel keep I never to fight, for anI die of your hands, of a better knight's hands may I not be slain. Andsithen I understand that I shall never rejoice La Beale Isoud, I have asgood will to die as to live. Then set ye a day, said Sir Tristram, thatwe shall do battle. This day fifteen days, said Palomides, will I meetwith you hereby, in the meadow under Joyous Gard. Fie for shame, saidSir Tristram, will ye set so long day? let us fight to-morn. Not so, said Palomides, for I am meagre, and have been long sick for the love ofLa Beale Isoud, and therefore I will repose me till I have my strengthagain. So then Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides promised faith fullyto meet at the well that day fifteen days. I am remembered, said SirTristram to Palomides, that ye brake me once a promise when that Irescued you from Breuse Saunce Pité and nine knights; and then yepromised me to meet me at the peron and the grave beside Camelot, whereas at that time ye failed of your promise. Wit you well, saidPalomides unto Sir Tristram, I was at that day in prison, so that Imight not hold my promise. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, an ye hadholden your promise this work had not been here now at this time. 

Right so departed Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides. And so Sir Palomidestook his horse and his harness, and he rode unto King Arthur's court;and there Sir Palomides gat him four knights and four sergeants-of-arms, and so he returned againward unto Joyous Gard. And in the meanwhile SirTristram chased and hunted at all manner of venery; and about three daysafore the battle should be, as Sir Tristram chased an hart, there was anarcher shot at the hart, and by misfortune he smote Sir Tristram in thethick of the thigh, and the arrow slew Sir Tristram's horse and hurthim. When Sir Tristram was so hurt he was passing heavy, and wit ye wellhe bled sore; and then he took another horse, and rode unto Joyous Gardwith great heaviness, more for the promise that he had made with SirPalomides, as to do battle with him within three days after, than forany hurt of his thigh. Wherefore there was neither man nor woman thatcould cheer him with anything that they could make to him, neither QueenLa Beale Isoud; for ever he deemed that Sir Palomides had smitten him sothat he should not be able to do battle with him at the day set. 

CHAPTER LXXXVIII. How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, butSir Tristram might not come; and other things. 

BUT in no wise there was no knight about Sir Tristram that would believethat ever Sir Palomides would hurt Sir Tristram, neither by his ownhands nor by none other consenting. Then when the fifteenth day wascome, Sir Palomides came to the well with four knights with him ofArthur's court, and three sergeants-of-arms. And for this intent SirPalomides brought the knights with him and the sergeants-of-arms, forthey should bear record of the battle betwixt Sir Tristram and SirPalomides. And the one sergeant brought in his helm, the other hisspear, the third his sword. So thus Palomides came into the field, and there he abode nigh two hours; and then he sent a squire unto SirTristram, and desired him to come into the field to hold his promise. 

When the squire was come to Joyous Gard, anon as Sir Tristram heard ofhis coming he let command that the squire should come to his presencethereas he lay in his bed. My lord Sir Tristram, said Palomides' squire, wit you well my lord, Palomides, abideth you in the field, and he wouldwit whether ye would do battle or not. Ah, my fair brother, saidSir Tristram, wit thou well that I am right heavy for these tidings;therefore tell Sir Palomides an I were well at ease I would not liehere, nor he should have no need to send for me an I might either rideor go; and for thou shalt say that I am no liar--Sir Tristram showed himhis thigh that the wound was six inches deep. And now thou hast seen myhurt, tell thy lord that this is no feigned matter, and tell him that Ihad liefer than all the gold of King Arthur that I were whole; and tellPalomides as soon as I am whole I shall seek him endlong and overthwart, and that I promise you as I am true knight; and if ever I may meetwith him, he shall have battle of me his fill. And with this the squiredeparted; and when Palomides wist that Tristram was hurt he was glad andsaid: Now I am sure I shall have no shame, for I wot well I should havehad hard handling of him, and by likely I must needs have had the worse, for he is the hardest knight in battle that now is living except SirLauncelot. 

And then departed Sir Palomides whereas fortune led him, and within amonth Sir Tristram was whole of his hurt. And then he took his horse, and rode from country to country, and all strange adventures he achievedwheresomever he rode; and always he enquired for Sir Palomides, butof all that quarter of summer Sir Tristram could never meet with SirPalomides. But thus as Sir Tristram sought and enquired after SirPalomides Sir Tristram achieved many great battles, wherethrough allthe noise fell to Sir Tristram, and it ceased of Sir Launcelot; andtherefore Sir Launcelot's brethren and his kinsmen would have slainSir Tristram because of his fame. But when Sir Launcelot wist how hiskinsmen were set, he said to them openly: Wit you well, that an theenvy of you all be so hardy to wait upon my lord, Sir Tristram, with anyhurt, shame, or villainy, as I am true knight I shall slay the best ofyou with mine own hands Alas, fie for shame, should ye for his nobledeeds await upon him to slay him. Jesu defend, said Launcelot, that everany noble knight as Sir Tristram is should be destroyed with treason. Of this noise and fame sprang into Cornwall, and among them of Liones, whereof they were passing glad, and made great joy. And then they ofLiones sent letters unto Sir Tristram of recommendation, and many greatgifts to maintain Sir Tristram's estate; and ever, between, Sir Tristramresorted unto Joyous Gard whereas La Beale Isoud was, that loved him asher life. 

_Here endeth the tenth book which is of Sir Tristram. And here followeththe eleventh book which is of Sir Launcelot. _

BOOK XI. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp adolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon. 

NOW leave we Sir Tristram de Liones, and speak we of Sir Launcelot duLake, and of Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot's son, how he was gotten, and inwhat manner, as the book of French rehearseth. Afore the time that SirGalahad was gotten or born, there came in an hermit unto King Arthurupon Whitsunday, as the knights sat at the Table Round. And when thehermit saw the Siege Perilous, he asked the king and all the knightswhy that siege was void. Sir Arthur and all the knights answered: Thereshall 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 theknights, we wot not who is he that shall sit therein. Then wot I, saidthe hermit, for he that shall sit there is unborn and ungotten, andthis same year he shall be gotten that shall sit there in that SiegePerilous, and he shall win the Sangreal. When this hermit had made thismention he departed from the court of King Arthur. 

And then after this feast Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, till ona time by adventure he passed over the pont of Corbin; and there he sawthe fairest tower that ever he saw, and there-under was a fair town fullof 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 weshall be holpen out of danger. What mean ye, said Sir Launcelot, thatye cry so upon me? Ah, fair knight, said they all, here is within thistower a dolorous lady that hath been there in pains many winters anddays, for ever she boileth in scalding water; and but late, said all thepeople, Sir Gawaine was here and he might not help her, and so he lefther in pain. So may I, said Sir Launcelot, leave her in pain as wellas Sir Gawaine did. Nay, said the people, we know well that it is SirLauncelot that shall deliver her. Well, said Launcelot, then shew mewhat I shall do. 

Then they brought Sir Launcelot into the tower; and when he came to thechamber thereas this lady was, the doors of iron unlocked and unbolted. And so Sir Launcelot went into the chamber that was as hot as any stew. And there Sir Launcelot took the fairest lady by the hand that ever hesaw, and she was naked as a needle; and by enchantment Queen Morgan leFay and the Queen of Northgalis had put her there in that pains, becauseshe was called the fairest lady of that country; and there she had beenfive years, and never might she be delivered out of her great pains untothe time the best knight of the world had taken her by the hand. Thenthe people brought her clothes. And when she was arrayed, Sir Launcelotthought she was the fairest lady of the world, but if it were QueenGuenever. 

Then this lady said to Sir Launcelot: Sir, if it please you will ye gowith me hereby into a chapel that we may give loving and thanking untoGod? 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, bothlearned and lewd, gave thankings unto God and him, and said: Sir knight, since ye have delivered this lady, ye shall deliver us from a serpentthere 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 Iwill do. So when Sir Launcelot came thither he saw written upon thetomb letters of gold that said thus: Here shall come a leopard of king'sblood, and he shall slay this serpent, and this leopard shall engendera lion in this foreign country, the which lion shall pass all otherknights. So then Sir Launcelot lift up the tomb, and there came out anhorrible and a fiendly dragon, spitting fire out of his mouth. Then SirLauncelot drew his sword and fought with the dragon long, and at thelast with great pain Sir Launcelot slew that dragon. Therewithal cameKing Pelles, the good and noble knight, and saluted Sir Launcelot, andhe him again. Fair knight, said the king, what is your name? I requireyou of your knighthood tell me!

CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, andof Elaine, King Pelles' daughter. 

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, andcousin nigh unto Joseph of Armathie. And then either of them made muchof other, and so they went into the castle to take their repast. Andanon there came in a dove at a window, and in her mouth there seemed alittle censer of gold. And herewithal there was such a savour as all thespicery of the world had been there. And forthwithal there was upon thetable all manner of meats and drinks that they could think upon. Socame in a damosel passing fair and young, and she bare a vessel of goldbetwixt her hands; and thereto the king kneeled devoutly, and said hisprayers, and so did all that were there. O Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, what may this mean? This is, said the king, the richest thing that anyman hath living. And when this thing goeth about, the Round Table shallbe broken; and wit thou well, said the king, this is the holy Sangrealthat ye have here seen. So the king and Sir Launcelot led their life themost part of that day. And fain would King Pelles have found the meanto have had Sir Launcelot to have lain by his daughter, fair Elaine. And for this intent: the king knew well that Sir Launcelot should get achild upon his daughter, the which should be named Sir Galahad the goodknight, 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 theking: Sir, wit ye well Sir Launcelot loveth no lady in the world but allonly Queen Guenever; and therefore work ye by counsel, and I shall makehim to lie with your daughter, and he shall not wit but that he liethwith Queen Guenever. O fair lady, Dame Brisen, said the king, hope ye tobring this about? Sir, said she, upon pain of my life let me deal; forthis Brisen was one of the greatest enchantresses that was at that timein the world living. Then anon by Dame Brisen's wit she made one to cometo Sir Launcelot that he knew well. And this man brought him a ring fromQueen Guenever like as it had come from her, and such one as she waswont for the most part to wear; and when Sir Launcelot saw that tokenwit 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 SirLauncelot thought to be there the same might. And then this Brisenby the commandment of King Pelles let send Elaine to this castle withtwenty-five knights unto the Castle of Case. Then Sir Launcelot againstnight rode unto that castle, and there anon he was received worshipfullywith such people, to his seeming, as were about Queen Guenever secret. 

So when Sir Launcelot was alighted, he asked where the queen was. SoDame Brisen said she was in her bed; and then the people were avoided, and Sir Launcelot was led unto his chamber. And then Dame Brisen broughtSir Launcelot a cup full of wine; and anon as he had drunken that winehe was so assotted and mad that he might make no delay, but withoutenany let he went to bed; and he weened that maiden Elaine had been QueenGuenever. Wit you well that Sir Launcelot was glad, and so was that ladyElaine that she had gotten Sir Launcelot in her arms. For well she knewthat same night should be gotten upon her Galahad that should prove thebest knight of the world; and so they lay together until underne of the'morn; and all the windows and holes of that chamber were stopped that nomanner of day might be seen. And then Sir Launcelot remembered him, andhe arose up and went to the window. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he hadlain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad. 

AND anon as he had unshut the window the enchantment was gone; then heknew himself that he had done amiss. Alas, he said, that I have livedso long; now I am shamed. So then he gat his sword in his hand and said:Thou traitress, what art thou that I have lain by all this night? thoushalt die right here of my hands. Then this fair lady Elaine skipped outof her bed all naked, and kneeled down afore Sir Launcelot, and said:Fair courteous knight, come of king's blood, I require you have mercyupon me, and as thou art renowned the most noble knight of the world, slay me not, for I have in my womb him by thee that shall be the mostnoblest knight of the world. Ah, false traitress, said Sir Launcelot, why hast thou betrayed me? anon tell me what thou art. Sir, she said, Iam Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles. Well, said Sir Launcelot, I willforgive you this deed; and therewith he took her up in his arms, andkissed her, for she was as fair a lady, and thereto lusty and young, and as wise, as any was that time living. So God me help, saidSir Launcelot, I may not wite this to you; but her that made thisenchantment upon me as between you and me, an I may find her, that sameLady Brisen, she shall lose her head for witchcrafts, for there wasnever knight deceived so as I am this night. And so Sir Launcelotarrayed him, and armed him, and took his leave mildly at that lady youngElaine, and so he departed. Then she said: My lord Sir Launcelot, Ibeseech you see me as soon as ye may, for I have obeyed me unto theprophecy that my father told me. And by his commandment to fulfil thisprophecy I have given the greatest riches and the fairest flower thatever I had, and that is my maidenhood that I shall never have again; andtherefore, gentle knight, owe me your good will. 

And so Sir Launcelot arrayed him and was armed, and took his leavemildly at that young lady Elaine; and so he departed, and rode till hecame to the Castle of Corbin, where her father was. And as fast as hertime came she was delivered of a fair child, and they christened himGalahad; and wit ye well that child was well kept and well nourished, and he was named Galahad because Sir Launcelot was so named at thefountain stone; and after that the Lady of the Lake confirmed him SirLauncelot du Lake. 

Then after this lady was delivered and churched, there came a knightunto 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 she could put him off, till on a day she said to SirBromel: Wit thou well, sir knight, I will not love you, for my love isset 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, andtherefore woo me no longer. Ye say well, said Sir Bromel, and sithen yehave told me so much, ye shall have but little joy of Sir Launcelot, forI shall slay him wheresomever I meet him. Sir, said the Lady Elaine, doto him no treason. Wit ye well, my lady, said Bromel, and I promise youthis twelvemonth I shall keep the pont of Corbin for Sir Launcelot'ssake, that he shall neither come nor go unto you, but I shall meet withhim. 

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how hewas fed with the Sangreal. 

THEN as it fell by fortune and adventure, Sir Bors de Ganis, that wasnephew unto Sir Launcelot, came over that bridge; and there Sir Bromeland Sir Bors jousted, and Sir Bors smote Sir Bromel such a buffet thathe bare him over his horse's croup. And then Sir Bromel, as an hardyknight, pulled out his sword, and dressed his shield to do battle withSir Bors. And then Sir Bors alighted and avoided his horse, and therethey dashed together many sad strokes; and long thus they fought, tillat the last Sir Bromel was laid to the earth, and there Sir Bors beganto 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 SirBors, so thou go unto Sir Launcelot upon Whitsunday that next cometh, and yield thee unto him as knight recreant. I will do it, said SirBromel, and that he sware upon the cross of the sword. And so he let himdepart, and Sir Bors rode unto King Pelles, that was within Corbin. 

And when the king and Elaine his daughter wist that Sir Bors was nephewunto Sir Launcelot, they made him great cheer. Then said Dame Elaine: Wemarvel where Sir Launcelot is, for he came never here but once. Marvelnot, said Sir Bors, for this half year he hath been in prison with QueenMorgan le Fay, King Arthur's sister. Alas, said Dame Elaine, that merepenteth. And ever Sir Bors beheld that child in her arms, and everhim seemed it was passing like Sir Launcelot. Truly, said Elaine, witye well this child he gat upon me. Then Sir Bors wept for joy, and heprayed to God it might prove as good a knight as his father was. And socame 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 thatSangreal, and she said openly: Wit you well, Sir Bors, that this childis Galahad, that shall sit in the Siege Perilous, and achieve theSangreal, and he shall be much better than ever was Sir Launcelot duLake, that is his own father. And then they kneeled down and made theirdevotions, and there was such a savour as all the spicery in the worldhad been there. And when the dove took her flight, the maiden vanishedwith the Sangreal as she came. 

Sir, said Sir Bors unto King Pelles, this castle may be named the CastleAdventurous, for here be many strange adventures. That is sooth, saidthe king, for well may this place be called the adventures place, forthere come but few knights here that go away with any worship; be henever so strong, here he may be proved; and but late Sir Gawaine, thegood knight, gat but little worship here. For I let you wit, said KingPelles, here shall no knight win no worship but if he be of worshiphimself and of good living, and that loveth God and dreadeth God, andelse he getteth no worship here, be he never so hardy. That is wonderfulthing, said Sir Bors. What ye mean in this country I wot not, for yehave many strange adventures, and therefore I will lie in this castlethis night. Ye shall not do so, said King Pelles, by my counsel, for itis hard an ye escape without a shame. I shall take the adventure thatwill befall me, said Sir Bors. Then I counsel you, said the king, to beconfessed clean. As for that, said Sir Bors, I will be shriven with agood will. So Sir Bors was confessed, and for all women Sir Bors was avirgin, save for one, that was the daughter of King Brangoris, and onher he gat a child that hight Elaine, and save for her Sir Bors was aclean maiden. 

And so Sir Bors was led unto bed in a fair large chamber, and many doorswere shut about the chamber. When Sir Bors espied all those doors, heavoided all the people, for he might have nobody with him; but in nowise Sir Bors would unarm him, but so he laid him down upon the bed. Andright so he saw come in a light, that he might well see a spear greatand long that came straight upon him pointling, and to Sir Bors seemedthat the head of the spear brent like a taper. And anon, or Sir Borswist, the spear head smote him into the shoulder an hand-breadth indeepness, and that wound grieved Sir Bors passing sore. And then he laidhim down again for pain; and anon therewithal there came a knight armedwith his shield on his shoulder and his sword in his hand, and he badeSir 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 dressedhis shield; and then they lashed together mightily a great while; andat the last Sir Bors bare him backward until that he came unto a chamberdoor, and there that knight yede into that chamber and rested him agreat while. And when he had reposed him he came out freshly again, andbegan new battle with Sir Bors mightily and strongly. 

CHAPTER V. How Sir Bors made Sir Pedivere to yield him, and ofmarvellous adventures that he had, and how he achieved them. 

THEN Sir Bors thought he should no more go into that chamber to resthim, and so Sir Bors dressed him betwixt the knight and that chamberdoor, and there Sir Bors smote him down, and then that knight yieldedhim What is your name? said Sir Bors. Sir, said he, my name is Pedivereof the Straight Marches. So Sir Bors made him to swear at Whitsundaynext coming to be at the court of King Arthur, and yield him there asa prisoner as an overcome knight by the hands of Sir Bors. So thusdeparted Sir Pedivere of the Straight Marches. And then Sir Bors laidhim 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 atthe doors nor windows, shot of arrows and of quarrels so thick that hemarvelled, 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 Borsdressed him unto the lion, and anon the lion bereft him his shield, andwith his sword Sir Bors smote off the lion's head. Right so Sir Borsforthwithal saw a dragon in the court passing horrible, and there seemedletters of gold written in his forehead; and Sir Bors thought that theletters made a signification of King Arthur. Right so there came anhorrible leopard and an old, and there they fought long, and did greatbattle together. And at the last the dragon spit out of his mouth as ithad been an hundred dragons; and lightly all the small dragons slew theold dragon and tare him all to pieces. 

Anon withal there came an old man into the hall, and he sat him down ina fair chair, and there seemed to be two adders about his neck; and thenthe old man had an harp, and there he sang an old song how Joseph ofArmathie came into this land. Then when he had sung, the old man badeSir Bors go from thence. For here shall ye have no more adventures; andfull worshipfully have ye done, and better shall ye do hereafter. Andthen Sir Bors seemed that there came the whitest dove with a littlegolden censer in her mouth. And anon therewithal the tempest ceased andpassed, that afore was marvellous to hear. So was all that court full ofgood 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 ownhand, and a spear in his other hand, and that spear was called the Spearof Vengeance. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bors departed; and how Sir Launcelot was rebuked ofQueen Guenever, and of his excuse. 

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 forhim of all earthly knights; but sin is so foul in him he may not achievesuch holy deeds, for had not been his sin he had passed all the knightsthat ever were in his days; and tell thou Sir Launcelot, of all worldlyadventures he passeth in manhood and prowess all other, but in thisspiritual matters he shall have many his better. And then Sir Bors sawfour gentlewomen come by him, purely beseen: and he saw where that theyentered 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 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 eyesthat as at that time Sir Bors was blind; and there he heard a voice thatsaid: Go hence, thou Sir Bors, for as yet thou art not worthy for to bein this place. And then he yede backward to his bed till on the morn. And on the morn King Pelles made great joy of Sir Bors; and then hedeparted 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 atCorbin. 

So the noise sprang in Arthur's court that Launcelot had gotten a childupon Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, wherefore Queen Guenever waswroth, and gave many rebukes to Sir Launcelot, and called him falseknight. And then Sir Launcelot told the queen all, and how he was madeto lie by her by enchantment in likeness of the queen. So the queen heldSir Launcelot excused. And as the book saith, King Arthur had been inFrance, and had made war upon the mighty King Claudas, and had won muchof 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 weresuch as were rebellious against him. 

CHAPTER VII. How Dame Elaine, Galahad's mother, came in great estateunto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there. 

AND when Dame Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, heard of this feastshe went to her father and required him that he would give her leave toride to that feast. The king answered: I will well ye go thither, but inany wise as ye love me and will have my blessing, that ye be well beseenin the richest wise; and look that ye spare not for no cost; ask and yeshall have all that you needeth. Then by the advice of Dame Brisen, hermaiden, all thing was apparelled unto the purpose, that there was neverno lady more richlier beseen. So she rode with twenty knights, and tenladies, and gentlewomen, to the number of an hundred horses. And whenshe came to Camelot, King Arthur and Queen Guenever said, and all theknights, that Dame Elaine was the fairest and the best beseen lady thatever was seen in that court. And anon as King Arthur wist that she wascome he met her and saluted her, and so did the most part of all theknights of the Round Table, both Sir Tristram, Sir Bleoberis, and SirGawaine, and many more that I will not rehearse. But when Sir Launcelotsaw her he was so ashamed, and that because he drew his sword on themorn when he had lain by her, that he would not salute her nor speak toher; and yet Sir Launcelot thought she was the fairest woman that everhe saw in his life-days. 

But when Dame Elaine saw Sir Launcelot that would not speak unto her shewas so heavy that she weened her heart would have to-brast; for wit youwell, 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 this night he shall liewith you, an ye would hold you still. That were me liefer, said DameElaine, than all the gold that is above the earth. Let me deal, saidDame Brisen. So when Elaine was brought unto Queen Guenever either madeother good cheer by countenance, but nothing with hearts. But all menand women spake of the beauty of Dame Elaine, and of her great riches. 

Then, at night, the queen commanded that Dame Elaine should sleep in achamber nigh her chamber, and all under one roof; and so it was done asthe queen commanded. Then the queen sent for Sir Launcelot and bade himcome to her chamber that night: Or else I am sure, said the queen, thatye will go to your lady's bed, Dame Elaine, by whom ye gat Galahad. Ah, madam, said Sir Launcelot, never say ye so, for that I did was againstmy will. Then, said the queen, look that ye come to me when I send foryou. Madam, said Launcelot, I shall not fail you, but I shall be readyat 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, DameElaine. Alas, said she, how shall I do? Let me deal, said Dame Brisen, for I shall bring him by the hand even to your bed, and he shall weenthat 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. 

CHAPTER VIII. How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot toDame Elaine's bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked him. 

SO when time came that all folks were abed, Dame Brisen came to SirLauncelot's bed's side and said: Sir Launcelot du Lake, sleep you? Mylady, Queen Guenever, lieth and awaiteth upon you. O my fair lady, saidSir Launcelot, I am ready to go with you where ye will have me. So SirLauncelot threw upon him a long gown, and his sword in his hand; andthen Dame Brisen took him by the finger and led him to her lady's bed, Dame Elaine; and then she departed and left them in bed together. Wityou well the lady was glad, and so was Sir Launcelot, for he weened thathe had had another in his arms. 

Now leave we them kissing and clipping, as was kindly thing; andnow speak we of Queen Guenever that sent one of her women unto SirLauncelot's bed; and when she came there she found the bed cold, andhe was away; so she came to the queen and told her all. Alas, said thequeen, where is that false knight become? Then the queen was nigh out ofher wit, and then she writhed and weltered as a mad woman, and might notsleep a four or five hours. Then Sir Launcelot had a condition thathe used of custom, he would clatter in his sleep, and speak oft of hislady, Queen Guenever. So as Sir Launcelot had waked as long as it hadpleased him, then by course of kind he slept, and Dame Elaine both. Andin his sleep he talked and clattered as a jay, of the love that had beenbetwixt Queen Guenever and him. And so as he talked so loud the queenheard him thereas she lay in her chamber; and when she heard him soclatter she was nigh wood and out of her mind, and for anger and painwist not what to do. And then she coughed so loud that Sir Launcelotawaked, and he knew her hemming. And then he knew well that he lay notby the queen; and therewith he leapt out of his bed as he had been awood man, in his shirt, and the queen met him in the floor; and thus shesaid: False traitor knight that thou art, look thou never abide in mycourt, and avoid my chamber, and not so hardy, thou false traitorknight that thou art, that ever thou come in my sight. Alas, said SirLauncelot; and therewith he took such an heartly sorrow at her wordsthat he fell down to the floor in a swoon. And therewithal QueenGuenever departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of his swoon, he leaptout at a bay window into a garden, and there with thorns he was allto-scratched in his visage and his body; and so he ran forth he wist notwhither, and was wild wood as ever was man; and so he ran two year, andnever man might have grace to know him. 

CHAPTER IX. How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid thecourt, and how Sir Launcelot became mad. 

NOW turn we unto Queen Guenever and to the fair Lady Elaine, that whenDame Elaine heard the queen so to rebuke Sir Launcelot, and also shesaw how he swooned, and how he leaped out at a bay window, then she saidunto Queen Guenever: Madam, ye are greatly to blame for Sir Launcelot, for now have ye lost him, for I saw and heard by his countenance thathe is mad for ever. Alas, madam, ye do great sin, and to yourself greatdishonour, for ye have a lord of your own, and therefore it is your partto love him; for there is no queen in this world hath such another kingas ye have. And, if ye were not, I might have the love of my lord SirLauncelot; and cause I have to love him for he had my maidenhood, and byhim I have borne a fair son, and his name is Galahad, and he shall be inhis time the best knight of the world. Dame Elaine, said the queen, whenit is daylight I charge you and command you to avoid my court; and forthe love ye owe unto Sir Launcelot discover not his counsel, for anye do, it will be his death. As for that, said Dame Elaine, I dareundertake 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 heleapt out at yonder bay window that ever I heard man make. Alas, saidfair Elaine, and alas, said the Queen Guenever, for now I wot well wehave lost him for ever. 

So on the morn Dame Elaine took her leave to depart, and she would nolonger abide. Then King Arthur brought her on her way with mo than anhundred knights through a forest. And by the way she told Sir Bors deGanis all how it betid that same night, and how Sir Launcelot leapt outat a window, araged out of his wit. Alas, said Sir Bors, where is mylord, Sir Launcelot, become? Sir, said Elaine, I wot ne'er. Alas, saidSir Bors, betwixt you both ye have destroyed that good knight. As forme, said Dame Elaine, I said never nor did never thing that should inany wise displease him, but with the rebuke that Queen Guenever gave himI saw him swoon to the earth; and when he awoke he took his sword in hishand, naked save his shirt, and leapt out at a window with the grisliestgroan that ever I heard man make. Now farewell, Dame Elaine, said SirBors, and hold my lord Arthur with a tale as long as ye can, for I willturn again to Queen Guenever and give her a hete; and I require you, asever ye will have my service, make good watch and espy if ever ye maysee my lord Sir Launcelot. Truly, said fair Elaine, I shall do all thatI may 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 Ithereto as well as any other. And wit ye well, said fair Elaine to SirBors, I would lose my life for him rather than he should be hurt; butalas, I cast me never for to see him, and the chief causer of thisis Dame Guenever. Madam, said Dame Brisen, the which had made theenchantment 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 toseek Sir Launcelot, for I warn you he is clean out of his mind; and yethe shall be well holpen an but by miracle. 

Then wept Dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis; and so theydeparted, and Sir Bors rode straight unto Queen Guenever. And when shesaw Sir Bors she wept as she were wood. Fie on your weeping, said SirBors de Ganis, for ye weep never but when there is no bote. Alas, saidSir Bors, that ever Sir Launcelot's kin saw you, for now have ye lostthe best knight of our blood, and he that was all our leader and oursuccour; and I dare say and make it good that all kings, christian norheathen, may not find such a knight, for to speak of his nobleness andcourtesy, with his beauty and his gentleness. Alas, said Sir Bors, whatshall we do that be of his blood? Alas, said Sir Ector de Maris. Alas, said Lionel. 

CHAPTER X. What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how hewas sought by knights of his kin. 

AND when the queen heard them say so she fell to the earth in a deadswoon. And then Sir Bors took her up, and dawed her; and when she wasawaked 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 befound, for I wot he is out of his mind. And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and SirLionel departed from the queen, for they might not abide no longer forsorrow. And then the queen sent them treasure enough for their expenses, and so they took their horses and their armour, and departed. And thenthey rode from country to country, in forests, and in wilderness, andin wastes; and ever they laid watch both at forests and at all manner ofmen as they rode, to hearken and spere after him, as he that was a nakedman, in his shirt, with a sword in his hand. And thus they rode nigh aquarter of a year, endlong and overthwart, in many places, forests andwilderness, and oft-times were evil lodged for his sake; and yet for alltheir labour and seeking could they never hear word of him. And wit youwell these three knights were passing sorry. 

Then at the last Sir Bors and his fellows met with a knight that hightSir Melion de Tartare. Now fair knight, said Sir Bors, whither be yeaway? for they knew either other afore time. Sir, said Melion, I amin the way toward the court of King Arthur. Then we pray you, said SirBors, that ye will tell my lord Arthur, and my lady, Queen Guenever, andall the fellowship of the Round Table, that we cannot in no wise heartell where Sir Launcelot is become. Then Sir Melion departed fromthem, and said that he would tell the king, and the queen, and all thefellowship-of the Round Table, as they had desired him. So when SirMelion 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 SirLauncelot. Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, SirAglovale, and Sir Percivale de Galis took upon them by the great desireof King Arthur, and in especial by the queen, to seek throughout allEngland, Wales, and Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot, and with themrode eighteen knights mo to bear them fellowship; and wit ye well, theylacked no manner of spending; and so were they three and twenty knights. 

Now turn we to Sir Launcelot, and speak we of his care and woe, and whatpain he there endured; for cold, hunger, and thirst, he had plenty. Andthus 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, andever they assigned where they should meet. And so Sir Aglovale and SirPercivale rode together unto their mother that was a queen in thosedays. And when she saw her two sons, for joy she wept tenderly. And thenshe said: Ah, my dear sons, when your father was slain he left me foursons, of the which now be twain slain. And for the death of my nobleson, Sir Lamorak, shall my heart never be glad. And then she kneeleddown upon her knees to-fore Aglovale and Sir Percivale, and besoughtthem to abide at home with her. Ah, sweet mother, said Sir Percivale, wemay 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 sweetsons, 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 yourfather, King Pellinore, that was shamefully slain by the hands of SirGawaine, and his brother, Sir Gaheris: and they slew him not manly butby treason. Ah, my dear sons, this is a piteous complaint for me ofyour father's death, considering also the death of Sir Lamorak, thatof knighthood had but few fellows. Now, my dear sons, have this in yourmind. Then there was but weeping and sobbing in the court when theyshould depart, and she fell a-swooning in midst of the court. 

CHAPTER XI. How a servant of Sir Aglovale's was slain, and whatvengeance Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale did therefore. 

AND when she was awaked she sent a squire after them with spendingenough. And so when the squire had overtaken them, they would not sufferhim to ride with them, but sent him home again to comfort their mother, praying her meekly of her blessing. And so this squire was benighted, and by misfortune he happened to come to a castle where dwelled a baron. And so when the squire was come into the castle, the lord asked him fromwhence he came, and whom he served. My lord, said the squire, I servea good knight that is called Sir Aglovale: the squire said it to goodintent, weening unto him to have been more forborne for Sir Aglovale'ssake, than he had said he had served the queen, Aglovale's mother. Well, my fellow, said the lord of that castle, for Sir Aglovale's sake thoushalt have evil lodging, for Sir Aglovale slew my brother, and thereforethou shalt die on part of payment. And then that lord commanded his mento have him away and slay him; and so they did, and so pulled him out ofthe castle, and there they slew him without mercy. 

Right so on the morn came Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale riding by achurchyard, where men and women were busy, and beheld the dead squire, and they thought to bury him. What is there, said Sir Aglovale, that yebehold so fast? A good man stert forth and said: Fair knight, here lietha squire slain shamefully this night. How was he slain, fair fellow?said Sir Aglovale. My fair sir, said the man, the lord of this castlelodged this squire this night; and because he said he was servant untoa good knight that is with King Arthur, his name is Sir Aglovale, therefore the lord commanded to slay him, and for this cause is heslain. Gramercy, said Sir Aglovale, and ye shall see his death revengedlightly; for I am that same knight for whom this squire was slain. 

Then Sir Aglovale called unto him Sir Percivale, and bade him alightlightly; and so they alighted both, and betook their horses to theirmen, and so they yede on foot into the castle. And all so soon as theywere within the castle gate Sir Aglovale bade the porter: Go thou untothy lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglovale for whom this squire wasslain this night. Anon the porter told this to his lord, whose name wasGoodewin. Anon he armed him, and then he came into the court and said:Which of you is Sir Aglovale? Here I am, said Aglovale: for whatcause slewest thou this night my mother's squire? I slew him, said SirGoodewin, because of thee, for thou slewest my brother, Sir Gawdelin. Asfor thy brother, said Sir Aglovale, I avow it I slew him, for he was afalse knight and a betrayer of ladies and of good knights; and for thedeath of my squire thou shalt die. I defy thee, said Sir Goodewin. Then they lashed together as eagerly as it had been two lions, and SirPercivale he fought with all the remnant that would fight. And withina while Sir Percivale had slain all that would withstand him; for SirPercivale dealt so his strokes that were so rude that there durst noman abide him. And within a while Sir Aglovale had Sir Goodewin at theearth, and there he unlaced his helm, and struck off his head. And thenthey departed and took their horses; and then they let carry the deadsquire unto a priory, and there they interred him. 

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Pervivale departed secretly from his brother, andhow he loosed a knight bound with a chain, and of other doings. 

AND when this was done they rode into many countries, ever inquiringafter Sir Launcelot, but never they could hear of him; and at the lastthey came to a castle that hight Cardican, and there Sir Percivaleand Sir Aglovale were lodged together. And privily about midnight SirPercivale 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 fullfain 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 thywarrant. 

And so Sir Percivale rode till it was after noon, and then he came upona bridge of stone, and there he found a knight that was bound with achain fast about the waist unto a pillar of stone. O fair knight, saidthat bound knight, I require thee loose me of my bonds. What knight areye, said Sir Percivale, and for what cause are ye so bound? Sir, I shalltell you, said that knight: I am a knight of the Table Round, and myname is Sir Persides; and thus by adventure I came this way, and hereI lodged in this castle at the bridge foot, and therein dwelleth anuncourteous lady; and because she proffered me to be her paramour, and Irefused her, she set her men upon me suddenly or ever I might come to myweapon; and thus they bound me, and here I wot well I shall die butif some man of worship break my bands. Be ye of good cheer, said SirPercivale, 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 Percivale pulledout his sword and struck at the chain with such a might that he cuta-two the chain, and through Sir Persides' hauberk and hurt him alittle. O Jesu, said Sir Persides, that was a mighty stroke as ever Ifelt one, for had not the chain been ye had slain me. 

And therewithal Sir Persides saw a knight coming out of a castle allthat ever he might fling. Beware, sir, said Sir Persides, yonder cometha 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 Percivalegave him such a buffet that he smote him quite from his horse and over apart 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'shorse and made Sir Persides to mount up him; and so they rode unto thecastle, and bade the lady deliver Sir Persides' servants, or else hewould slay all that ever he found; and so for fear she delivered themall. 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 todestroy good knights but if they will be your paramour? Forsooth this isa shameful custom of a lady, and if I had not a great matter in my handI should fordo your evil customs. 

And so Sir Persides brought Sir Percivale unto his own castle, andthere he made him great cheer all that night. And on the morn, when SirPercivale had heard mass and broken his fast, he bade Sir Persides rideunto King Arthur: And tell the king how that ye met with me; and tell mybrother, 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 seekme he shall not find me; and tell him I will never see him, nor thecourt, till I have found Sir Launcelot. Also tell Sir Kay the Seneschal, and to Sir Mordred, that I trust to Jesu to be of as great worthinessas either of them, for tell them I shall never forget their mocks andscorns that they did to me that day that I was made knight; and tellthem I will never see that court till men speak more worship of me thanever men did of any of them both. And so Sir Persides departed fromSir Percivale, and then he rode unto King Arthur, and told there ofSir Percivale. And when Sir Aglovale heard him speak of his brother SirPercivale, he said: He departed from me unkindly. 

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they foughtlong, and each had almost slain other. 

SIR, said Sir Persides, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as anynow is living. And when he saw Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, Sir Persidessaid thus: My fair lords both, Sir Percivale greeteth you well both, andhe sent you word by me that he trusteth to God or ever he come to thecourt again to be of as great noblesse as ever were ye both, and mo mento speak of his noblesse than ever they did of you. It may well be, saidSir Kay and Sir Mordred, but at that time when he was made knight he wasfull unlike to prove a good knight. As for that, said King Arthur, hemust needs prove a good knight, for his father and his brethren werenoble knights. 

And now will we turn unto Sir Percivale that rode long; and in a foresthe met a knight with a broken shield and a broken helm; and as soon aseither saw other readily they made them ready to joust, and so hurtledtogether with all the might of their horses, and met together so hard, that Sir Percivale was smitten to the earth. And then Sir Percivalearose 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 hishorse from him; and then they came together an easy pace, and there theylashed together with noble swords, and sometime they struck and sometimethey foined, and either gave other many great wounds. Thus they foughtnear half a day, and never rested but right little, and there was noneof them both that had less wounds than fifteen, and they bled so muchthat it was marvel they stood on their feet. But this knight that foughtwith Sir Percivale was a proved knight and a wise-fighting knight, andSir Percivale was young and strong, not knowing in fighting as the otherwas. 

Then Sir Percivale spoke first, and said: Sir knight, hold thy handa while still, for we have fought for a simple matter and quarreloverlong, and therefore I require thee tell me thy name, for I was neveror this time matched. So God me help, said that knight, and never orthis time was there never knight that wounded me so sore as thou hastdone, and yet have I fought in many battles; and now shalt thou wit thatI 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 SirPercivale, and my name is Sir Percivale de Galis that hath made my questto seek Sir Launcelot, and now I am siker that I shall never finishmy quest, for ye have slain me with your hands. It is not so, saidSir Ector, for I am slain by your hands, and may not live. ThereforeI require you, said Sir Ector unto Sir Percivale, ride ye hereby to apriory, and bring me a priest that I may receive my Saviour, for Imay not live. And when ye come to the court of King Arthur tell not mybrother, Sir Launcelot, how that ye slew me, for then he would be yourmortal enemy, but ye may say that I was slain in my quest as I soughthim. Alas, said Sir Percivale, ye say that never will be, for I am sofaint for bleeding that I may unnethe stand, how should I then take myhorse?

CHAPTER XIV. How by miracle they were both made whole by the coming ofthe holy vessel of Sangreal. 

THEN they made both great dole out of measure. This will not avail, saidSir Percivale. And then he kneeled down and made his prayer devoutlyunto Almighty Jesu, for he was one of the best knights of the world thatat that time was, in whom the very faith stood most in. Right so therecame by the holy vessel of the Sangreal with all manner of sweetness andsavour; but they could not readily see who that bare that vessel, butSir Percivale had a glimmering of the vessel and of the maiden that bareit, for he was a perfect clean maiden; and forthwithal they both were aswhole of hide and limb as ever they were in their life-days: then theygave thankings to God with great mildness. O Jesu, said Sir Percivale, what may this mean, that we be thus healed, and right now we were at thepoint of dying? I wot full well, said Sir Ector, what it is; it is anholy vessel that is borne by a maiden, and therein is part of the holyblood of our Lord Jesu Christ, blessed mote he be. But it may not beseen, said Sir Ector, but if it be by a perfect man. So God me help, said Sir Percivale, I saw a damosel, as me thought, all in white, with avessel in both her hands, and forthwithal I was whole. 

So then they took their horses and their harness, and amended theirharness as well as they might that was broken; and so they mounted upontheir horses, and rode talking together. And there Sir Ector de Maristold Sir Percivale how he had sought his brother, Sir Launcelot, long, and never could hear witting of him: In many strange adventures have Ibeen in this quest. And so either told other of their adventures. 

_Here endeth the eleventh book. And here followeth the twelfth book. _

BOOK XII. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot in his madness took a sword and fought witha knight, and leapt in a bed. 

AND now leave we of a while of Sir Ector and of Sir Percivale, and speakwe of Sir Launcelot that suffered and endured many sharp showers, thatever ran wild wood from place to place, and lived by fruit and such ashe might get, and drank water two year; and other clothing had he butlittle but his shirt and his breech. Thus as Sir Launcelot wandered hereand there he came in a fair meadow where he found a pavilion; and thereby, 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 theswords, anon he leapt to the one sword, and took it in his hand, anddrew it out. And then he lashed at the shield, that all the meadow rangof the dints, that he gave such a noise as ten knights had foughtentogether. 

Then came forth a dwarf, and leapt unto Sir Launcelot, and would havehad the sword out of his hand. And then Sir Launcelot took him by theboth shoulders and threw him to the ground upon his neck, that he hadalmost broken his neck; and therewithal the dwarf cried help. Thencame forth a likely knight, and well apparelled in scarlet furred withminever. And anon as he saw Sir Launcelot he deemed that he should beout of his wit. And then he said with fair speech: Good man, lay downthat sword, for as meseemeth thou hadst more need of sleep and of warmclothes than to wield that sword. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, comenot 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 withinthe pavilion. And then the dwarf armed him lightly; and so the knightthought by force and might to take the sword from Sir Launcelot, and sohe came stepping out; and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so all armedwith his sword in his hand, then Sir Launcelot flew to him with such amight, and hit him upon the helm such a buffet, that the stroke troubledhis brains, and therewith the sword brake in three. And the knight fellto 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 herlord lie at the ground like to be dead, then she cried and wept as shehad 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 wasthat mad man that had given him such a buffet: For such a buffet had Inever 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 ofgreat worship, and for some heartly sorrow that he hath taken, he isfallen mad; and me beseemeth, said the dwarf, he resembleth much untoSir Launcelot, for him I saw at the great tournament beside Lonazep. Jesu defend, said that knight, that ever that noble knight, SirLauncelot, should be in such a plight; but whatsomever he be, said thatknight, harm will I none do him: and this knight's name was Bliant. Thenhe said unto the dwarf: Go thou fast on horseback, unto my brother SirSelivant, 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 thisknight unto my castle. 

CHAPTER II. How Sir Lancelot was carried in an horse litter, and how SirLauncelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host. 

SO the dwarf rode fast, and he came again and brought Sir Selivant withhim, and six men with an horse litter; and so they took up the featherbed with Sir Launcelot, and so carried all away with them unto theCastle Blank, and he never awaked till he was within the castle. Andthen they bound his hands and his feet, and gave him good meats and gooddrinks, and brought him again to his strength and his fairness; but inhis wit they could not bring him again, nor to know himself. Thus wasSir Launcelot there more than a year and a half, honestly arrayed andfair faren withal. 

Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, took his arms, onhorseback, with a spear, to seek adventures. And as he rode in a forestthere met with him two knights adventurous, the one was Breuse SauncePité, and his brother, Sir Bertelot; and these two ran both at once uponSir Bliant, and brake their spears upon his body. And then they drew outswords and made great battle, and fought long together. But at the lastSir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself faint; and then he fled onhorseback toward his castle. And as they came hurling under the castlewhereas Sir Launcelot lay in a window, [he] saw how two knights laidupon Sir Bliant with their swords. And when Sir Launcelot saw that, yetas wood as he was he was sorry for his lord, Sir Bliant. And then SirLauncelot brake the chains from his legs and off his arms, and in thebreaking he hurt his hands sore; and so Sir Launcelot ran out at apostern, and there he met with the two knights that chased Sir Bliant;and there he pulled down Sir Bertelot with his bare hands from hishorse, and therewithal he wrothe his sword out of his hand; and so heleapt unto Sir Breuse, and gave him such a buffet upon the head that hetumbled backward over his horse's croup. And when Sir Bertelot saw therehis brother have such a fall, he gat a spear in his hand, and would haverun Sir Launcelot through: that saw Sir Bliant, and struck off the handof Sir Bertelot. And then Sir Breuse and Sir Bertelot gat their horsesand fled away. 

When Sir Selivant came and saw what Sir Launcelot had done for hisbrother, then he thanked God, and so did his brother, that ever they didhim any good. But when Sir Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt withthe breaking 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. Thenthey made great joy of Sir Launcelot, and they bound him no more; andso he abode there an half year and more. And on the morn early SirLauncelot 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 hunterscame after, blowing their horns, both upon horseback and some upon foot;and then Sir Launcelot was ware where one alighted and tied his horse toa tree, and leaned his spear against the tree. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, andhow he was hurt, and brought unto an hermitage. 

SO came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bounden till a tree, and aspear leaning against a tree, and a sword tied to the saddle bow; andthen 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 wherethe boar set his arse to a tree fast by an hermitage. Then Sir Launcelotran at the boar with his spear, and therewith the boar turned himnimbly, and rove out the lungs and the heart of the horse, so thatLauncelot fell to the earth; and, or ever Sir Launcelot might get fromthe horse, the boar rove him on the brawn of the thigh up to the houghbone. 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. Andtherewithal came out the hermit, and saw him have such a wound. Then thehermit came to Sir Launcelot and bemoaned him, and would have had himhome unto his hermitage; but when Sir Launcelot heard him speak, he wasso 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 forbleeding; then the hermit turned again, and asked Sir Launcelot how hewas hurt. Fellow, said Sir Launcelot, this boar hath 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 withmany men. Sir, said the hermit, here is fast by my place the goodliestman that ever I saw, and he is sore wounded with a boar, and yet he hathslain 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. Thenthat knight at the desire of the hermit gat a cart, and in that cartthat knight put the boar and Sir Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot was sofeeble that they might right easily deal with him; and so Sir Launcelotwas brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit healed him of hiswound. But the hermit might not find Sir Launcelot's sustenance, and sohe impaired and waxed feeble, both of his body and of his wit: for thedefault 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 byadventure he came to the city of Corbin, where Dame Elaine was, thatbare Galahad, Sir Launcelot's son. And so when he was entered into thetown he ran through the town to the castle; and then all the young menof that city ran after Sir Launcelot, and there they threw turves athim, and gave him many sad strokes. And ever as Sir Launcelot mightoverreach any of them, he threw them so that they would never come inhis hands no more; for of some he brake the legs and the arms, and sofled into the castle; and then came out knights and squires and rescuedSir Launcelot. And when they beheld him and looked upon his person, theythought they saw never so goodly a man. And when they saw so many woundsupon him, all they deemed that he had been a man of worship. And thenthey ordained him clothes to his body, and straw underneath him, and alittle house. And then every day they would throw him meat, and set himdrink, but there was but few would bring him meat to his hands. 

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borneinto a chamber and after healed by the Sangreal. 

SO it befell that King Pelles had a nephew, his name was Castor; and sohe desired of the king to be made knight, and so at the request of thisCastor the king made him knight at the feast of Candlemas. And when SirCastor was made knight, that same day he gave many gowns. And then SirCastor sent for the fool--that was Sir Launcelot. And when he was comeafore Sir Castor, he gave Sir Launcelot a robe of scarlet and all thatlonged unto him. And when Sir Launcelot was so arrayed like a knight, hewas the seemliest man in all the court, and none so well made. So whenhe saw his time he went into the garden, and there Sir Launcelot laidhim down by a well and slept. And so at-after noon Dame Elaine and hermaidens came into the garden to play them; and as they roamed up anddown one of Dame Elaine's maidens espied where lay a goodly man by thewell sleeping, and anon showed him to Dame Elaine. Peace, said DameElaine, and say no word: and then she brought Dame Elaine where he lay. And when that she beheld him, anon she fell in remembrance of him, andknew him verily for Sir Launcelot; and therewithal she fell a-weeping soheartily that she sank even to the earth; and when she had thus wepta great while, then she arose and called her maidens and said she wassick. 

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 but if that ye help me farewell mygood days for ever. What is that, daughter? said King Pelles. Sir, shesaid, thus is it: in your garden I went for to sport, and there, by thewell, I found Sir Launcelot du Lake sleeping. I may not believe that, said King Pelles. Sir, she said, truly he is there, and meseemeth heshould 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, afour persons, and Dame Elaine, his daughter. And when they came to thewell and beheld Sir Launcelot, anon Dame Brisen knew him. Sir, said DameBrisen, we must be wise how we deal with him, for this knight is out ofhis 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 thathe shall not awake within the space of an hour; and so she did. 

Then within a little while after, the king commanded that all peopleshould avoid, that none should be in that way thereas the king wouldcome. And so when this was done, these four men and these ladies laidhand on Sir Launcelot, and so they bare him into a tower, and so intoa chamber where was the holy vessel of the Sangreal, and by force SirLauncelot was laid by that holy vessel; and there came an holy manand unhilled that vessel, and so by miracle and by virtue of that holyvessel Sir Launcelot was healed and recovered. And when that he wasawaked he groaned and sighed, and complained greatly that he was passingsore. 

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him. 

AND when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and Elaine, he waxed ashamed andsaid thus: O Lord Jesu, how came I here? for God's sake, my lord, letme wit how I came here. Sir, said Dame Elaine, into this country ye camelike a madman, clean out of your wit, and here have ye been kept as afool; and no creature here knew what ye were, until by fortune a maidenof mine brought me unto you whereas ye lay sleeping by a well, and anonas I verily beheld you I knew you. And then I told my father, and sowere ye brought afore this holy vessel, and by the virtue of it thuswere ye healed. O Jesu, mercy, said Sir Launcelot; if this be sooth, howmany there be that know of my woodness! So God me help, said Elaine, nomore but my father, and I, and Dame Brisen. Now for Christ's love, saidSir Launcelot, keep it in counsel, and let no man know it in theworld, for I am sore ashamed that I have been thus miscarried; for I ambanished out of the country of Logris for ever, that is for to say thecountry of England. 

And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight or ever that he mightstir for soreness. And then upon a day he said unto Dame Elaine thesewords: Lady Elaine, for your sake I have had much travail, care, andanguish, it needeth not to rehearse it, ye know how. Notwithstanding Iknow well I have done foul to you when that I drew my sword to you, tohave slain you, upon the morn when I had lain with you. And all was thecause, that ye and Dame Brisen made me for to lie by you maugre minehead; and as ye say, that night Galahad your son was begotten. That istruth, said Dame Elaine. Now will ye for my love, said Sir Launcelot, gounto your father and get me a place of him wherein I may dwell? for inthe court of King Arthur may I never come. Sir, said Dame Elaine, I willlive and die with you, and only for your sake; and if my life might notavail you and my death might avail you, wit you well I would die foryour sake. And I will go to my father and I am sure there is nothingthat I can desire of him but I shall have it. And where ye be, my lordSir Launcelot, doubt ye not but I will be with you with all the servicethat I may do. So forthwithal she went to her father and said, Sir, mylord, 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 thesemarches he shall be in the Castle of Bliant, and there shall ye be withhim, and twenty of the fairest ladies that be in the country, and theyshall 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 SirLauncelot. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came into the joyous Isle, and there henamed himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet. 

THEN went Dame Elaine unto Sir Launcelot, and told him all how herfather had devised for him and her. Then came the knight Sir Castor, that was nephew unto Kong Pelles, unto Sir Launcelot, and asked him whatwas his name. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that is to say the knight that hath trespassed. Sir, said Sir Castor, itmay well be so, but ever meseemeth your name should be Sir Launcelot duLake, for or now I have seen you. Sir, said Launcelot, ye are not as agentle knight: I put case my name were Sir Launcelot, and that it listme not to discover my name, what should it grieve you here to keep mycounsel, and ye be not hurt thereby? but wit thou well an ever it liein my power I shall grieve you, and that I promise you truly. Then SirCastor kneeled down and besought Sir Launcelot of mercy: For I shallnever utter what ye be, while that ye be in these parts. Then SirLauncelot pardoned him. 

And then, after this, King Pelles with ten knights, and Dame Elaine, andtwenty ladies, rode unto the Castle of Bliant that stood in an islandbeclosed in iron, with a fair water deep and large. And when they werethere Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle; and there was he callednone otherwise but Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the knight that hath trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all of sable, and a queencrowned in the midst, all of silver, and a knight clean armed kneelingafore her. And every day once, for any mirths that all the ladies mightmake 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 aweeping as his heart should to-brast. 

So it fell that time Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting fast by hiscastle, within three leagues. Then he called unto him a dwarf, and hebade him go unto that jousting. And or ever the knights depart, lookthou make there a cry, in hearing of all the knights, that there is oneknight in the Joyous Isle, that is the Castle of Bliant, and say hisname is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that will joust against knights that willcome. And who that putteth that knight to the worse shall have a fairmaid and a gerfalcon. 

CHAPTER VII. Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how SirPervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with him. 

SO when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to the numberof five hundred; and wit ye well there was never seen in Arthur's daysone knight that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did threedays together; for as the book maketh truly mention, he had the betterof 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 Marisunder that castle that was called the Joyous Isle. And as they beheldthat gay castle they would have gone to that castle, but they might notfor the broad water, and bridge could they find none. Then they saw onthe other side a lady with a sperhawk on her hand, and Sir Percivalecalled unto her, and asked that lady who was in that castle. Fairknights, she said, here within this castle is the fairest lady in thisland, and her name is Elaine. Also we have in this castle the fairestknight and the mightiest man that is I dare say living, and he calledhimself Le Chevaler Mal Fet. How came he into these marches? said SirPercivale. Truly, said the damosel, he came into this country like a madman, with dogs and boys chasing him through the city of Corbin, and bythe holy vessel of the Sangreal he was brought into his wit again; buthe will not do battle with no knight, but by underne or by noon. And ifye list to come into the castle, said the lady, ye must ride unto thefurther side of the castle and there shall ye find a vessel that willbear you and your horse. Then they departed, and came unto the vessel. And then Sir Percivale alighted, and said to Sir Ector de Maris: Yeshall abide me here until that I wit what manner a knight he is; for itwere shame unto us, inasmuch as he is but one knight, an we should bothdo battle with him. Do ye as ye list, said Sir Ector, and here I shallabide you until that I hear of you. 

Then passed Sir Percivale the water, and when he came to the castle gatehe bade the porter: Go thou to the good knight within the castle, andtell him here is come an errant knight to joust with him. Sir, saidthe porter, ride ye within the castle, and there is a common place forjousting, that lords and ladies may behold you. So anon as Sir Launcelothad warning he was soon ready; and there Sir Percivale and Sir Launcelotencountered with such a might, and their spears were so rude, that boththe horses and the knights fell to the earth. Then they avoided theirhorses, and flang out noble swords, and hewed away cantels of theirshields, and hurtled together with their shields like two boars, andeither wounded other passing sore. At the last Sir Percivale spake firstwhen they had foughten there more than two hours. Fair knight, said SirPercivale, I require thee tell me thy name, for I met never with sucha knight. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet. Nowtell me your name, said Sir Launcelot, I require you, gentle knight. Truly, said Sir Percivale, my name is Sir Percivale de Galis, that wasbrother unto the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and King Pellinorewas our father, and Sir Aglovale is my brother. Alas, said SirLauncelot, what have I done to fight with you that art a knight of theRound Table, that sometime was your fellow?

CHAPTER VIII. How each of them knew other, and of their great courtesy, and how his brother Sir Ector came unto him, and of their joy. 

AND therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his knees, and threwaway his shield and his sword from him. When Sir Percivale saw him doso 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 SirLauncelot 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 havesought you nigh this two year, and yonder is Sir Ector de Maris, yourbrother abideth me on the other side of the yonder water. Now for God'ssake, said Sir Percivale, forgive me mine offences that I have heredone. It is soon forgiven, said Sir Launcelot. 

Then Sir Percivale sent for Sir Ector de Maris, and when Sir Launcelothad a sight of him, he ran unto him and took him in his arms; and thenSir Ector kneeled down, and either wept upon other, that all had pity tobehold them. Then came Dame Elaine and she there made them greatcheer as might lie in her power; and there she told Sir Ector and SirPercivale how and in what manner Sir Launcelot came into that country, and how he was healed; and there it was known how long Sir Launcelot waswith Sir Bliant and with Sir Selivant, and how he first met with them, and how he departed from them because of a boar; and how the hermithealed Sir Launcelot of his great wound, and how that he came to Corbin. 

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and howSir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot. 

NOW leave we Sir Launcelot in the Joyous Isle with the Lady Dame Elaine, and Sir Percivale and Sir Ector playing with them, and turn we to SirBors de Ganis and Sir Lionel, that had sought Sir Launcelot nigh by thespace of two year, and never could they hear of him. And as they thusrode, by adventure they came to the house of Brandegore, and there SirBors was well known, for he had gotten a child upon the king's daughterfifteen year to-fore, and his name was Helin le Blank. And when Sir Borssaw that child it liked him passing well. And so those knights had goodcheer of the King Brandegore. And on the morn Sir Bors came afore KingBrandegore and said: Here is my son Helin le Blank, that as it is saidhe is my son; and sith it is so, I will that ye wit that I will have himwith me unto the court of King Arthur. Sir, said the king, ye may welltake him with you, but he is over tender of age. As for that, saidSir Bors, I will have him with me, and bring him to the house of mostworship of the world. So when Sir Bors should depart there was madegreat sorrow for the departing of Helin le Blank, and great weeping wasthere made. But Sir Bors and Sir Lionel departed, and within a whilethey came to Camelot, where was King Arthur. And when King Arthurunderstood that Helin le Blank was Sir Bors' son, and nephew unto KingBrandegore, then King Arthur let him make knight of the Round Table; andso he proved a good knight and an adventurous. 

Now will we turn to our matter of Sir Launcelot. It befell upon a daySir Ector and Sir Percivale came to Sir Launcelot and asked him whathe would do, and whether he would go with them unto King Arthur ornot. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that may not be by no mean, for I was soentreated 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 thatI love most; and if I understood that it were your disworship, ye mayunderstand I would never counsel you thereto; but King Arthur and allhis knights, and in especial Queen Guenever, made such dole and sorrowthat it was marvel to hear and see. And ye must remember the greatworship and renown that ye be of, how that ye have been more spoken ofthan any other knight that is now living; for there is none that beareththe 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 wasnever knight better welcome to the court than ye; and I wot well and canmake it good, said Sir Ector, it hath cost my lady, the queen, twentythousand pound the seeking of you. Well brother, said Sir Launcelot, Iwill do after your counsel, and ride with you. 

So then they took their horses and made them ready, and took their leaveat King Pelles and at Dame Elaine. And when Sir Launcelot should departDame Elaine made great sorrow. My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Dame Elaine, at this same feast of Pentecost shall your son and mine, Galahad, bemade knight, for he is fully now fifteen winter old. Do as ye list, saidSir 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 kinexcept one. Then shall he be a man good enough, said Sir Launcelot. 

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came tothe 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 comeamong them, the king and all the knights made great joy of him. Andthere Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began and told thewhole adventures: that Sir Launcelot had been out of his mind the timeof his absence, and how he called himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet, theknight that had trespassed; and in three days Sir Launcelot smote downfive hundred knights. And ever as Sir Ector and Sir Percivale told thesetales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever wept as she should have died. Then the queen made great cheer. O Jesu, said King Arthur, I marvel forwhat cause ye, Sir Launcelot, went out of your mind. I and many othersdeem it was for the love of fair Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, bywhom ye are noised that ye have gotten a child, and his name is Galahad, and men say he shall do marvels. My lord, said Sir Launcelot, if I didany 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. Andthen there were great feasts made and great joy; and many great lordsand ladies, when they heard that Sir Launcelot was come to the courtagain, they made great joy. 

CHAPTER XI. How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto thecourt, to the great feast of Pentecost. 

NOW will we leave off this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram, and ofSir Palomides that was the Saracen unchristened. When Sir Tristram wascome home unto Joyous Gard from his adventures, all this while thatSir Launcelot was thus missed, two year and more, Sir Tristram barethe renown through all the realm of Logris, and many strange adventuresbefell him, and full well and manly and worshipfully he brought them toan end. So when he was come home La Beale Isoud told him of the greatfeast that should be at Pentecost next following, and there she told himhow Sir Launcelot had been missed two year, and all that while he hadbeen out of his mind, and how he was holpen by the holy vessel, theSangreal. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that caused some debate betwixthim and Queen Guenever. Sir, said Dame Isoud, I know it all, for QueenGuenever sent me a letter in the which she wrote me all how it was, for to require you to seek him. And now, blessed be God, said La BealeIsoud, he is whole and sound and come again to the court. 

Thereof am I glad, said Sir Tristram, and now shall ye and I make usready, for both ye and I will be at the feast. Sir, said Isoud, an itplease you I will not be there, for through me ye be marked of many goodknights, and that caused you to have much more labour for my sake thanneedeth you. Then will I not be there, said Sir Tristram, but if ye bethere. God defend, said La Beale Isoud, for then shall I be spoken ofshame among all queens and ladies of estate; for ye that are called oneof the noblest knights of the world, and ye a knight of the RoundTable, how may ye be missed at that feast? What shall be said among allknights? See how Sir Tristram hunteth, and hawketh, and cowereth withina castle with his lady, and forsaketh your worship. Alas, shall somesay, it is pity that ever he was made knight, or that ever he shouldhave the love of a lady. Also what shall queens and ladies say of me?It is pity that I have my life, that I will hold so noble a knight asye are from his worship. So God me help, said Sir Tristram unto La BealeIsoud, it is passing well said of you and nobly counselled; and now Iwell understand that ye love me; and like as ye have counselled me Iwill do a part thereafter. But there shall no man nor child ride withme, but myself. And so will I ride on Tuesday next coming, and no moreharness of war but my spear and my sword. 

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with SirPalomides, and how they smote each other, and how Sir Palomides forbarehim. 

AND so when the day came Sir Tristram took his leave at La Beale Isoud, and she sent with him four knights, and within half a mile he sent themagain: and within a mile after Sir Tristram saw afore him where SirPalomides had stricken down a knight, and almost wounded him to thedeath. Then Sir Tristram repented him that he was not armed, and thenhe hoved still. With that Sir Palomides knew Sir Tristram, and cried onhigh: Sir Tristram, now be we met, for or we depart we will redress ourold sores. As for that, said Sir Tristram, there was yet never Christianman might make his boast that ever I fled from him; and wit ye well, SirPalomides, thou that art a Saracen shall never make thy boast that SirTristram de Liones shall flee from thee. And therewith Sir Tristrammade his horse to run, and with all his might he came straight uponSir Palomides, and brast his spear upon him an hundred pieces. Andforthwithal Sir Tristram drew his sword. And then he turned his horseand struck at Palomides six great strokes upon his helm; and then SirPalomides stood still, and beheld Sir Tristram, and marvelled of hiswoodness, and of his folly. And then Sir Palomides said to himself: AnSir Tristram were armed, it were hard to cease him of this battle, andif I turn again and slay him I am ashamed wheresomever that I go. 

Then Sir Tristram spake and said: Thou coward knight, what castest thouto do; why wilt thou not do battle with me? for have thou no doubt Ishall endure all thy malice. Ah, Sir Tristram, said Palomides, fullwell thou wottest I may not fight with thee for shame, for thou art herenaked and I am armed, and if I slay thee, dishonour shall be mine. And well thou wottest, said Sir Palomides to Sir Tristram, I know thystrength and thy hardiness to endure against a good knight. That istruth, said Sir Tristram, I understand thy valiantness well. Ye saywell, said Sir Palomides; now, I require you, tell me a question thatI shall say to you. Tell me what it is, said Sir Tristram, and I shallanswer you the truth, as God me help. I put case, said Sir Palomides, that ye were armed at all rights as well as I am, and I naked as yebe, what would you do to me now, by your true knighthood? Ah, said SirTristram, now I understand thee well, Sir Palomides, for now must I saymine own judgment, and as God me bless, that I shall say shall notbe said for no fear that I have of thee. But this is all: wit SirPalomides, as at this time thou shouldest depart from me, for I wouldnot have ado with thee. No more will I, said Palomides, and thereforeride forth on thy way. As for that I may choose, said Sir Tristram, either to ride or to abide. But Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, Imarvel of one thing, that thou that art so good a knight, that thou wiltnot be christened, and thy brother, Sir Safere, hath been christenedmany a day. 

CHAPTER XIII. How that Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight whichwas hurt, and how he overthrew Sir Palomides. 

AS for that, said Sir Palomides, I may not yet be christened for oneavow that I have made many years agone; howbeit in my heart I believe inJesu 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. ForGod defend, said Sir Tristram, that through my default thou shouldstlonger live thus a Saracen, for yonder is a knight that ye, SirPalomides, have hurt and smitten down. Now help me that I were armedin his armour, and I shall soon fulfil thine avows. As ye will, saidPalomides, so it shall be. 

So they rode both unto that knight that sat upon a bank, and then SirTristram saluted him, and he weakly saluted him again. Sir knight, saidSir Tristram, I require you tell me your right name. Sir, he said, myname is Sir Galleron of Galway, and knight of the Table Round. So Godme help, said Sir Tristram, I am right heavy of your hurts; but this isall, I must pray you to lend me all your whole armour, for ye see Iam unarmed, and I must do battle with this knight. Sir, said the hurtknight, ye shall have it with a good will; but ye must beware, for Iwarn you that knight is wight. Sir, said Galleron, I pray you tell meyour name, and what is that knight's name that hath beaten me. Sir, asfor my name it is Sir Tristram de Liones, and as for the knight's namethat hath hurt you is Sir Palomides, brother to the good knight SirSafere, 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 beunchristened. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, either he shall slay meor I him but that he shall be christened or ever we depart in-sunder. My lord Sir Tristram, said Sir Galleron, your renown and worship is wellknown through many realms, and God save you this day from shenship andshame. 

Then Sir Tristram unarmed Galleron, the which was a noble knight, andhad done many deeds of arms, and he was a large knight of flesh andbone. And when he was unarmed he stood upon his feet, for he was bruisedin the back with a spear; yet so as Sir Galleron might, he armed SirTristram. And then Sir Tristram mounted upon his own horse, and in hishand he gat Sir Galleron's spear; and therewithal Sir Palomides wasready. And so they came hurtling together, and either smote other inmidst of their shields; and therewithal Sir Palomides' spear brake, and Sir Tristram smote down the horse; and Sir Palomides, as soon ashe might, avoided his horse, and dressed his shield, and pulled out hissword. That saw Sir Tristram, and therewithal he alighted and tied hishorse till a tree. 

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together, and after accorded, and how Sir Tristram made him to be christened. 

AND then they came together as two wild boars, lashing together, tracingand traversing as noble men that oft had been well proved in battle;but ever Sir Palomides dread the might of Sir Tristram, and therefore hesuffered him to breathe him. Thus they fought more than two hours, butoften Sir Tristram smote such strokes at Sir Palomides that he madehim to kneel; and Sir Palomides brake and cut away many pieces of SirTristram's shield; and then Sir Palomides wounded Sir Tristram, forhe was a well fighting man. Then Sir Tristram was wood wroth out ofmeasure, and rushed upon Sir Palomides with such a might that SirPalomides fell grovelling to the earth; and therewithal he leapt uplightly upon his feet, and then Sir Tristram wounded Palomides sorethrough the shoulder. And ever Sir Tristram fought still in like hard, and Sir Palomides failed not, but gave him many sad strokes. And at thelast Sir Tristram doubled his strokes, and by fortune Sir Tristram smoteSir Palomides sword out of his hand, and if Sir Palomides had stoopedfor his sword he had been slain. 

Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with a sorrowful heart. How now, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, now have I thee at advantageas 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 isweaponless; and therefore take thou thy sword, and let us make an end ofthis battle. As for to do this battle, said Palomides, I dare right wellend 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 befriends. All that I have offended is and was for the love of La BealeIsoud. And as for her, I dare say she is peerless above all otherladies, and also I proffered her never no dishonour; and by her I havegotten the most part of my worship. And sithen I offended never as toher own person, and as for the offence that I have done, it was againstyour own person, and for that offence ye have given me this day manysad strokes, and some I have given you again; and now I dare say Ifelt never man of your might, nor so well breathed, but if it were SirLauncelot du Lake; wherefore I require you, my lord, forgive me all thatI 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 betruly baptised. And then will we all ride together unto the court ofArthur, that we be there at the high feast. Now take your horse, saidSir Tristram, and as ye say so it shall be, and all thine evil will Godforgive it you, and I do. And here within this mile is the Suffragan ofCarlisle that shall give you the sacrament of baptism. 

Then they took their horses and Sir Galleron rode with them. And whenthey came to the Suffragan Sir Tristram told him their desire. Then theSuffragan let fill a great vessel with water, and when he had hallowedit he then confessed clean Sir Palomides, and Sir Tristram and SirGalleron were his godfathers. And then soon after they departed, ridingtoward Camelot, where King Arthur and Queen Guenever was, and for themost part all the knights of the Round Table. And so the king and allthe court were glad that Sir Palomides was christened. And at the samefeast in came Galahad and sat in the Siege Perilous. And so therewithaldeparted and dissevered all the knights of the Round Table. And SirTristram returned again unto Joyous Gard, and Sir Palomides followed theQuesting Beast. 

_Here endeth the second book of Sir Tristram that was drawn out ofFrench into English. But here is no rehersal of the third book. Andhere followeth the noble tale of the Sangreal, that called is the HolyVessel; and the signification of the blessed blood of our Lord JesusChrist, blessed mote it be, the which was brought into this land byJoseph Aramathie. Therefore on all sinful souls blessed Lord have thoumercy. 

Explicit liber xii. Et incipit Decimustercius. _

BOOK XIII. 

CHAPTER I. How at the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost entered into thehall before King Arthur a damosel, and desired Sir Launcelot for to comeand dub a knight, and how he went with her. 

AT the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the Round Tablewere come unto Camelot and there heard their service, and the tableswere set ready to the meat, right so entered into the hall a full fairgentlewoman on horseback, that had ridden full fast, for her horse wasall besweated. Then she there alighted, and came before the king andsaluted him; and he said: Damosel, God thee bless. Sir, said she, forGod's sake say me where Sir Launcelot is. Yonder ye may see him, saidthe king. Then she went unto Launcelot and said: Sir Launcelot, I saluteyou on King Pelles' behalf, and I require you come on with me herebyinto a forest. Then Sir Launcelot asked her with whom she dwelled. Idwell, 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 willgladly go with you. So Sir Launcelot bade his squire saddle his horseand bring his arms; and in all haste he did his commandment. 

Then came the queen unto Launcelot, and said: Will ye leave us at thishigh feast? Madam, said the gentlewoman, wit ye well he shall be withyou to-morn by dinner time. If I wist, said the queen, that he shouldnot be with us here to-morn he should not go with you by my good will. Right so departed Sir Launcelot with the gentlewoman, and rode untilthat he came into a forest and into a great valley, where they saw anabbey of nuns; and there was a squire ready and opened the gates, andso they entered and descended off their horses; and there came a fairfellowship about Sir Launcelot, and welcomed him, and were passingglad of his coming. And then they led him unto the Abbess's chamberand unarmed him; and right so he was ware upon a bed lying two of hiscousins, Sir Bors and Sir Lionel, and then he waked them; and when theysaw him they made great joy. Sir, said Sir Bors unto Sir Launcelot, whatadventure hath brought you hither, for we weened to-morn to have foundyou at Camelot? As God me help, said Sir Launcelot, a gentlewomanbrought me hither, but I know not the cause. 

In the meanwhile that they thus stood talking together, therein cametwelve nuns that brought with them Galahad, the which was passing fairand well made, that unnethe in the world men might not find his match:and all those ladies wept. Sir, said they all, we bring you here thischild 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 ofknighthood. Sir Launcelot beheld the young squire and saw him seemly anddemure as a dove, with all manner of good features, that he weenedof his age never to have seen so fair a man of form. Then said SirLauncelot: Cometh this desire of himself? He and all they said yea. Thenshall he, said Sir Launcelot, receive the high order of knighthood asto-morn at the reverence of the high feast. That night Sir Launcelot hadpassing good cheer; and on the morn at the hour of prime, at Galahad'sdesire, he made him knight and said: God make him a good man, for ofbeauty faileth you not as any that liveth. 

CHAPTER II. How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous andof the marvellous adventure of the sword in a stone. 

NOW fair sir, said Sir Launcelot, will ye come with me unto the court ofKing Arthur? Nay, said he, I will not go with you as at this time. Thenhe departed from them and took his two cousins with him, and so theycame unto Camelot by the hour of underne on Whitsunday. By that time theking and the queen were gone to the minster to hear their service. Thenthe 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 werecome from service, the barons espied in the sieges of the Round Tableall about, written with golden letters: Here ought to sit he, and heought to sit here. And thus they went so long till that they came tothe Siege Perilous, where they found letters newly written of gold whichsaid: Four hundred winters and four and fifty accomplished after thepassion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be fulfilled. Thenall they said: This is a marvellous thing and an adventurous. In thename of God, said Sir Launcelot; and then accompted the term of thewriting from the birth of our Lord unto that day. It seemeth me said SirLauncelot, this siege ought to be fulfilled this same day, for this isthe 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 wereseen 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 inthe Siege Perilous. 

Then the king bade haste unto dinner. Sir, said Sir Kay the Steward, ifye 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 haveseen some adventure. Ye say sooth, said the king, but I had so great joyof Sir Launcelot and of his cousins, which be come to the court wholeand sound, so that I bethought me not of mine old custom. So, as theystood speaking, in came a squire and said unto the king: Sir, I bringunto you marvellous tidings. What be they? said the king. Sir, thereis here beneath at the river a great stone which I saw fleet above thewater, and therein I saw sticking a sword. The king said: I will seethat marvel. So all the knights went with him, and when they came to theriver they found there a stone fleeting, as it were of red marble, andtherein stuck a fair rich sword, and in the pommel thereof were preciousstones wrought with subtle letters of gold. Then the barons read theletters which said in this wise: Never shall man take me hence, but onlyhe by whose side I ought to hang, and he shall be the best knight of theworld. 

When the king had seen the letters, he said unto Sir Launcelot: FairSir, this sword ought to be yours, for I am sure ye be the best knightof the world. Then Sir Launcelot answered full soberly: Certes, sir, itis not my sword; also, Sir, wit ye well I have no hardiness to setmy hand to it, for it longed not to hang by my side. Also, who thatassayeth to take the sword and faileth of it, he shall receive a woundby that sword that he shall not be whole long after. And I will thatye wit that this same day shall the adventures of the Sangreal, that iscalled the Holy Vessel, begin. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how anold man brought in Galahad. 

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 theking, 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 thehandles, but he might not stir it. I thank you, said the king to SirGawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, now wit ye well thissword shall touch you so sore that ye shall will ye had never set yourhand thereto for the best castle of this realm. Sir, he said, I mightnot withsay mine uncle's will and commandment. But when the king heardthis he repented it much, and said unto Sir Percivale that he shouldassay, for his love. And he said: Gladly, for to bear Sir Gawainefellowship. And therewith he set his hand on the sword and drew itstrongly, but he might not move it. Then were there no[1] mo that durstbe 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 ownplace, and set him therein, and young men that were knights served them. 

So when they were served, and all sieges fulfilled save only the SiegePerilous, anon there befell a marvellous adventure, that all the doorsand windows of the palace shut by themself. Not for then the hall wasnot greatly darked; and therewith they were[1] all[1] abashed both oneand other. Then King Arthur spake first and said: By God, fair fellowsand lords, we have seen this day marvels, but or night I suppose weshall see greater marvels. 

In the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient, clothed all inwhite, and there was no knight knew from whence he came. And with himhe brought a young knight, both on foot, in red arms, without sword orshield, 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 thekindred of Joseph of Aramathie, whereby the marvels of this court, andof strange realms, shall be fully accomplished. 

[1] Omitted by Caxton, supplied from W. De Worde. 

CHAPTER IV. How the old man brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous andset him therein, and how all the knights marvelled. 

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 manmade the young man to unarm him, and he was in a coat of red sendal, and bare a mantle upon his shoulder that was furred with ermine, andput 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 besidesat Sir Launcelot; and the good man lift up the cloth, and found thereletters 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 heset 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 todo; and recommend me unto my grandsire, King Pelles, and unto my lordPetchere, and say them on my behalf, I shall come and see them as soonas ever I may. So the good man departed; and there met him twenty noblesquires, and so took their horses and went their way. 

Then all the knights of the Table Round marvelled greatly of SirGalahad, that he durst sit there in that Siege Perilous, and was sotender of age; and wist not from whence he came but all only by God; andsaid: This is he by whom the Sangreal shall be enchieved, for there satnever none but he, but he were mischieved. Then Sir Launcelot beheld hisson and had great joy of him. Then Bors told his fellows: Upon pain ofmy life this young knight shall come unto great worship. This noisewas great in all the court, so that it came to the queen. Then she hadmarvel what knight it might be that durst adventure him to sit in theSiege Perilous. Many said unto the queen he resembled much unto SirLauncelot. I may well suppose, said the queen, that Sir Launcelot begathim on King Pelles' daughter, by the which he was made to lie by, byenchantment, and his name is Galahad. I would fain see him, said thequeen, for he must needs be a noble man, for so is his father that himbegat, I report me unto all the Table Round. 

So when the meat was done that the king and all were risen, the kingyede unto the Siege Perilous and lift up the cloth, and found there thename of Galahad; and then he shewed it unto Sir Gawaine, and said: Fairnephew, now have we among us Sir Galahad, the good knight that shallworship us all; and upon pain of my life he shall enchieve the Sangreal, right as Sir Launcelot had done us to understand. Then came King Arthurunto Galahad and said: Sir, ye be welcome, for ye shall move many goodknights to the quest of the Sangreal, and ye shall enchieve that neverknights might bring to an end. Then the king took him by the hand, andwent down from the palace to shew Galahad the adventures of the stone. 

CHAPTER V. How King Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water toGalahad, and how he drew out the sword. 

THE queen heard thereof, and came after with many ladies, and shewedthem the stone where it hoved on the water. Sir, said the king unto SirGalahad, here is a great marvel as ever I saw, and right good knightshave assayed and failed. Sir, said Galahad, that is no marvel, for thisadventure is not theirs but mine; and for the surety of this sword Ibrought none with me, for here by my side hangeth the scabbard. And anonhe laid his hand on the sword, and lightly drew it out of the stone, andput it in the sheath, and said unto the king: Now it goeth better thanit did aforehand. Sir, said the king, a shield God shall send you. Nowhave 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 slewhis 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 mygrandfather King Pelles, the which is not yet whole, nor not shall betill I heal him. 

Therewith the king and all espied where came riding down the river alady on a white palfrey toward them. Then she saluted the king and thequeen, and asked if that Sir Launcelot was there. And then he answeredhimself: I am here, fair lady. Then she said all with weeping: How yourgreat doing is changed sith this day in the morn. Damosel, why say youso? said Launcelot. I say you sooth, said the damosel, for ye were thisday the best knight of the world, but who should say so now, he shouldbe a liar, for there is now one better than ye, and well it is proved bythe adventures of the sword whereto ye durst not set to your hand; andthat is the change and leaving of your name. Wherefore I make unto you aremembrance, that ye shall not ween from henceforth that ye be the bestknight of the world. As touching unto that, said Launcelot, I know wellI was never the best. Yes, said the damosel, that were ye, and areyet, of any sinful man of the world. And, Sir king, Nacien, the hermit, sendeth thee word, that thee shall befall the greatest worship thatever befell king in Britain; and I say you wherefore, for this day theSangreal appeared in thy house and fed thee and all thy fellowship ofthe Round Table. So she departed and went that same way that she came. 

CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust inthe meadow beside Camelot or they departed. 

Now, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sangreal shall allye of the Table Round depart, and never shall I see you again wholetogether; therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow ofCamelot to joust and to tourney, that after your death men may speak ofit that such good knights were wholly together such a day. As unto thatcounsel and at the king's request they accorded all, and took on theirharness that longed unto jousting. But all this moving of the kingwas for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the king deemed heshould not lightly come again unto the court after his departing. Sowere they assembled in the meadow, both more and less. Then SirGalahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did upon him a noblejesseraunce, and also he did on his helm, but shield would he take nonefor no prayer of the king. And then Sir Gawaine and other knights prayedhim to take a spear. Right so he did; and the queen was in a tower withall her ladies, for to behold that tournament. Then Sir Galahad dressedhim in midst of the meadow, and began to break spears marvellously, thatall 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 Roundsave twain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale. 

CHAPTER VII. How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, allthe knights were replenished with the Holy Sangreal, and how they avowedthe enquest of the same. 

THEN the king, at the queen's request, made him to alight and to unlacehis helm, that the queen might see him in the visage. When she beheldhim she said: Soothly I dare well say that Sir Launcelot begat him, fornever two men resembled more in likeness, therefore it nis no marvelthough he be of great prowess. So a lady that stood by the queen said:Madam, for God's sake ought he of right to be so good a knight? Yea, forsooth, said the queen, for he is of all parties come of the bestknights of the world and of the highest lineage; for Sir Launcelot iscome but of the eighth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, and Sir Galahadis of the ninth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, therefore I dare saythey be the greatest gentlemen of the world. 

And then the king and all estates went home unto Camelot, and so wentto evensong to the great minster, and so after upon that to supper, andevery knight sat in his own place as they were toforehand. Then anonthey heard cracking and crying of thunder, that them thought the placeshould all to-drive. In the midst of this blast entered a sunbeammore clearer by seven times than ever they saw day, and all they werealighted of the grace of the Holy Ghost. Then began every knight tobehold other, and either saw other, by their seeming, fairer than everthey saw afore. Not for then there was no knight might speak one worda great while, and so they looked every man on other as they had beendumb. Then there entered into the hall the Holy Grail covered with whitesamite, but there was none might see it, nor who bare it. And there wasall the hall fulfilled with good odours, and every knight had such meatsand drinks as he best loved in this world. And when the Holy Grail hadbeen 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 hehad sent them. Certes, said the king, we ought to thank our Lord Jesugreatly for that he hath shewed us this day, at the reverence of thishigh feast of Pentecost. 

Now, said Sir Gawaine, we have been served this day of what meats anddrinks we thought on; but one thing beguiled us, we might not see theHoly Grail, it was so preciously covered. Wherefore I will make hereavow, that to-morn, without longer abiding, I shall labour in the questof the Sangreal, that I shall hold me out a twelvemonth and a day, ormore if need be, and never shall I return again unto the court till Ihave seen it more openly than it hath been seen here; and if I may notspeed I shall return again as he that may not be against the will of ourLord Jesu Christ. 

When they of the Table Round heard Sir Gawaine say so, they arose upthe most part and made such avows as Sir Gawaine had made. Anon as KingArthur heard this he was greatly displeased, for he wist well they mightnot 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; forthrough you ye have bereft me the fairest fellowship and the truest ofknighthood that ever were seen together in any realm of the world; forwhen they depart from hence I am sure they all shall never meet more inthis world, for they shall die many in the quest. And so it forthinkethme a little, for I have loved them as well as my life, wherefore itshall grieve me right sore, the departition of this fellowship: for Ihave had an old custom to have them in my fellowship. 

CHAPTER VIII. How great sorrow was made of the king and the queen andladies for the departing of the knights, and how they departed. 

AND therewith the tears fell in his eyes. And then he said: Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have set me in great sorrow, for I have great doubt thatmy true fellowship shall never meet here more again. Ah, said SirLauncelot, comfort yourself; for it shall be unto us a great honour andmuch more than if we died in any other places, for of death we be siker. Ah, Launcelot, said the king, the great love that I have had unto youall the days of my life maketh me to say such doleful words; for neverChristian king had never so many worthy men at his table as I have hadthis day at the Round Table, and that is my great sorrow. 

When the queen, ladies, and gentlewomen, wist these tidings, they hadsuch sorrow and heaviness that there might no tongue tell it, for thoseknights had held them in honour and chierté. But among all other QueenGuenever made great sorrow. I marvel, said she, my lord would sufferthem to depart from him. Thus was all the court troubled for the loveof the departition of those knights. And many of those ladies that lovedknights would have gone with their lovers; and so had they done, had notan old knight come among them in religious clothing; and then he spakeall on high and said: Fair lords, which have sworn in the quest of theSangreal, thus sendeth you Nacien, the hermit, word, that none in thisquest lead lady nor gentlewoman with him, for it is not to do in so higha service as they labour in; for I warn you plain, he that is not cleanof his sins he shall not see the mysteries of our Lord Jesu Christ. Andfor this cause they left these ladies and gentlewomen. 

After this the queen came unto Galahad and asked him of whence hewas, and of what country. He told her of whence he was. And son untoLauncelot, she said he was. As to that, he said neither yea nor nay. SoGod 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. Wherefore ye ought of rightto 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 thatis my father shall be known openly and all betimes. And then they wentto rest them. And in the honour of the highness of Galahad he was ledinto 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 thatnight for sorrow. Then he went unto Gawaine and to Sir Launcelot thatwere 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 byyou, but ye will never be sorry for me as I am for you. And therewiththe 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 wouldthat this quest were undone, an it might be Sir, said Sir Launcelot, yesaw yesterday so many worthy knights that then were sworn that they maynot leave it in no manner of wise. That wot I well, said the king, butit shall so heavy me at their departing that I wot well there shall nomanner of joy remedy me. And then the king and the queen went unto theminster. So anon Launcelot and Gawaine commanded their men to bringtheir arms. And when they all were armed save their shields and theirhelms, then they came to their fellowship, which were all ready in thesame wise, for to go to the minster to hear their service. 

Then after the service was done the king would wit how many hadundertaken the quest of the Holy Grail; and to accompt them he prayedthem all. Then found they by the tale an hundred and fifty, and allwere knights of the Round Table. And then they put on their helms anddeparted, and recommended them all wholly unto the queen; and there wasweeping and great sorrow. Then the queen departed into her chamber andheld her, so that no man should perceive her great sorrows. When SirLauncelot missed the queen he went till her chamber, and when she sawhim she cried aloud: O Launcelot, Launcelot, ye have betrayed me and putme to the death, for to leave thus my lord. Ah, madam, I pray you benot 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 crossfor all mankind, he be unto you good conduct and safety, and all thewhole fellowship. 

Right so departed Sir Launcelot, and found his fellowship that abodehis coming. And so they mounted upon their horses and rode through thestreets of Camelot; and there was weeping of rich and poor, and the kingturned away and might not speak for weeping. So within a while they cameto a city, and a castle that hight Vagon. There they entered into thecastle, and the lord of that castle was an old man that hight Vagon, andhe was a good man of his living, and set open the gates, and made themall the cheer that he might. And so on the morn they were all accordedthat they should depart everych from other; and on the morn theydeparted with weeping cheer, and every knight took the way that himliked best. 

CHAPTER IX. How Galahad gat him a shield, and how they sped thatpresumed to take down the said shield. 

NOW rideth Sir Galahad yet without shield, and so he rode four dayswithout any adventure. And at the fourth day after evensong he came toa White Abbey, and there he was received with great reverence, and ledunto a chamber, and there was he unarmed; and then was he ware of two[1]knights of the Table Round, one was Sir Bagdemagus, and[1] that[1]other[1] was Sir Uwaine. And when they saw him they went unto Galahadand made of him great solace, and so they went unto supper. Sirs, saidSir Galahad, what adventure brought you hither? Sir, said they, it istold us that within this place is a shield that no man may bear abouthis neck but he be mischieved outher dead within three days, or maimedfor ever. Ah sir, said King Bagdemagus, I shall it bear to-morrow forto assay this adventure. In the name of God, said Sir Galahad. Sir, saidBagdemagus, an I may not enchieve the adventure of this shield ye shalltake it upon you, for I am sure ye shall not fail. Sir, said Galahad, Iright well agree me thereto, for I have no shield. So on the morn theyarose and heard mass. Then Bagdemagus asked where the adventurous shieldwas. Anon a monk led him behind an altar where the shield hung as whiteas 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 theworthiest knight of the world;

[1] Omitted by Caxton, supplied from W. De Worde. 

therefore I counsel you knights to be well advised. Well, saidBagdemagus, I wot well that I am not the best knight of the world, butyet I shall assay to bear it, and so bare it out of the minster. Andthen he said unto Galahad: An it please you abide here still, tillye wit how that I speed. I shall abide you, said Galahad. Then KingBagdemagus took with him a good squire, to bring tidings unto SirGalahad how he sped. 

Then when they had ridden a two mile and came to a fair valley afore anhermitage, 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 spearin his rest, and Bagdemagus dressed his spear against him and brake itupon the white knight. But the other struck him so hard that he brastthe mails, and sheef him through the right shoulder, for the shieldcovered 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 notto be borne but by him that shall have no peer that liveth. And thenhe came to Bagdemagus' squire and said: Bear this shield unto the goodknight Sir Galahad, that thou left in the abbey, and greet him well byme. Sir, said the squire, what is your name? Take thou no heed of myname, said the knight, for it is not for thee to know nor for noneearthly man. Now, fair sir, said the squire, at the reverence of JesuChrist, tell me for what cause this shield may not be borne but if thebearer thereof be mischieved. Now sith thou hast conjured me so, saidthe knight, this shield behoveth unto no man but unto Galahad. And thesquire went unto Bagdemagus and asked whether he were sore wounded ornot. Yea forsooth, said he, I shall escape hard from the death. Then hefetched his horse, and brought him with great pain unto an abbey. Thenwas he taken down softly and unarmed, and laid in a bed, and there waslooked to his wounds. And as the book telleth, he lay there long, andescaped hard with the life. 

CHAPTER X. How Galahad departed with the shield, and how King Evelakehad received the shield of Joseph of Aramathie. 

SIR GALAHAD, said the squire, that knight that wounded Bagdemagussendeth you greeting, and bade that ye should bear this shield, wherethrough great adventures should befall. Now blessed be God andfortune, said Galahad. And then he asked his arms, and mounted upon hishorse, and hung the white shield about his neck, and commended them untoGod. And Sir Uwaine said he would bear him fellowship if it pleasedhim. Sir, said Galahad, that may ye not, for I must go alone, save thissquire shall bear me fellowship: and so departed Uwaine. 

Then within a while came Galahad thereas the White Knight abode him bythe hermitage, and everych saluted other courteously. Sir, said Galahad, by this shield be many marvels fallen. Sir, said the knight, it befellafter the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ thirty-two year, that Josephof Aramathie, the gentle knight, the which took down our Lord off theholy Cross, at that time he departed from Jerusalem with a great partyof his kindred with him. And so he laboured till that they came to acity that hight Sarras. And at that same hour that Joseph came to Sarrasthere was a king that hight Evelake, that had great war against theSaracens, and in especial against one Saracen, the which was KingEvelake's cousin, a rich king and a mighty, which marched nigh thisland, and his name was called Tolleme la Feintes. So on a day these twomet to do battle. Then Joseph, the son of Joseph of Aramathie, went toKing Evelake and told him he should be discomfit and slain, but if heleft his belief of the old law and believed upon the new law. And thenthere he shewed him the right belief of the Holy Trinity, to the whichhe agreed unto with all his heart; and there this shield was made forKing Evelake, in the name of Him that died upon the Cross. And thenthrough his good belief he had the better of King Tolleme. For whenEvelake was in the battle there was a cloth set afore the shield, andwhen he was in the greatest peril he let put away the cloth, and thenhis enemies saw a figure of a man on the Cross, wherethrough theyall were discomfit. And so it befell that a man of King Evelake's wassmitten his hand off, and bare that hand in his other hand; and Josephcalled that man unto him and bade him go with good devotion touch theCross. And as soon as that man had touched the Cross with his hand itwas as whole as ever it was to-fore. Then soon after there fell a greatmarvel, that the cross of the shield at one time vanished away that noman wist where it became. And then King Evelake was baptised, and forthe most part all the people of that city. So, soon after Joseph woulddepart, 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 calledGreat Britain; and there they found a great felon paynim, that putJoseph into prison. And so by fortune tidings came unto a worthy manthat hight Mondrames, and he assembled all his people for the greatrenown he had heard of Joseph; and so he came into the land of GreatBritain and disherited this felon paynim and consumed him, and therewithdelivered Joseph out of prison. And after that all the people wereturned to the Christian faith. 

CHAPTER XI. How Joseph made a cross on the white shield with his blood, and how Galahad was by a monk brought to a tomb. 

NOT long after that Joseph was laid in his deadly bed. And when KingEvelake saw that he made much sorrow, and said: For thy love I have leftmy country, and sith ye shall depart out of this world, leave me sometoken of yours that I may think on you. Joseph said: That will I dofull gladly; now bring me your shield that I took you when ye went intobattle against King Tolleme. Then Joseph bled sore at the nose, so thathe might not by no mean be staunched. And there upon that shield he madea 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 itshall be always as fresh as it is now. And never shall man bear thisshield about his neck but he shall repent it, unto the time thatGalahad, the good knight, bear it; and the last of my lineage shall haveit about his neck, that shall do many marvellous deeds. Now, said KingEvelake, where shall I put this shield, that this worthy knight may haveit? Ye shall leave it thereas Nacien, the hermit, shall be put after hisdeath; for thither shall that good knight come the fifteenth day afterthat he shall receive the order of knighthood: and so that day that theyset is this time that he have his shield, and in the same abbey liethNacien, the hermit. And then the White Knight vanished away. 

Anon as the squire had heard these words, he alighted off his hackneyand kneeled down at Galahad's feet, and prayed him that he might go withhim till he had made him knight. Yea, [1] I would not refuse you. Thenwill ye make me a knight? said the squire, and that order, by the graceof God, shall be well set in me. So Sir Galahad granted him, and turnedagain unto the abbey where they came from; and there men made great joyof Sir Galahad. And anon as he was alighted there was a monk brought himunto a tomb in a churchyard, where there was such a noise that who thatheard it should verily nigh be mad or lose his strength: and sir, theysaid, we deem it is a fiend. 

[1] Caxton "Yf, " for which "Ye" seems the easiest emendation thatwill save the sense. 

CHAPTER XII. Of the marvel that Sir Galahad saw and heard in the tomb, and how he made Melias knight. 

NOW lead me thither, said Galahad. And so they did, all armed save hishelm. Now, said the good man, go to the tomb and lift it up. So he did, and heard a great noise; and piteously he said, that all men might hearit: Sir Galahad, the servant of Jesu Christ, come thou not nigh me, forthou shalt make me go again there where I have been so long. But Galahadwas nothing afraid, but lifted up the stone; and there came out so foula smoke, and after he saw the foulest figure leap thereout that ever hesaw in the likeness of a man; and then he blessed him and wist wellit was a fiend. Then heard he a voice say Galahad, I see there environabout thee so many angels that my power may not dere thee{sic} Rightso Sir Galahad saw a body all armed lie in that tomb, and beside him asword. Now, fair brother, said Galahad, let us remove this body, for itis not worthy to lie in this churchyard, for he was a false Christianman. And therewith they all departed and went to the abbey. And anon ashe was unarmed a good man came and set him down by him and said: Sir, I shall tell you what betokeneth all that ye saw in the tomb; for thatcovered body betokeneth the duresse of the world, and the great sin thatOur Lord found in the world. For there was such wretchedness that thefather loved not the son, nor the son loved not the father; and that wasone of the causes that Our Lord took flesh and blood of a cleanmaiden, for our sins were so great at that time that well-nigh all waswickedness. Truly, said Galahad, I believe you right well. 

So Sir Galahad rested him there that night; and upon the morn he madethe squire knight, and asked him his name, and of what kindred he wascome. Sir, said he, men calleth me Melias de Lile, and I am the son ofthe King of Denmark. Now, fair sir, said Galahad, sith that ye be comeof kings and queens, now look that knighthood be well set in you, forye ought to be a mirror unto all chivalry. Sir, said Sir Melias, ye saysooth. But, sir, sithen ye have made me a knight ye must of right grantme my first desire that is reasonable. Ye say sooth, said Galahad. Melias said: Then that ye will suffer me to ride with you in this questof the Sangreal, till that some adventure depart us. I grant you, sir. 

Then men brought Sir Melias his armour and his spear and his horse, and so Sir Galahad and he rode forth all that week or they found anyadventure. And then upon a Monday in the morning, as they were departedfrom an abbey, they came to a cross which departed two ways, and in thatcross were letters written that said thus: Now, ye knights errant, thewhich goeth to seek knights adventurous, see here two ways; that one waydefendeth thee that thou ne go that way, for he shall not go out of theway again but if he be a good man and a worthy knight; and if thou go onthe left hand, thou shalt not lightly there win prowess, for thou shaltin this way be soon assayed. Sir, said Melias to Galahad, if it likeyou to suffer me to take the way on the left hand, tell me, for there Ishall well prove my strength. It were better, said Galahad, ye rode notthat way, for I deem I should better escape in that way than ye. Nay, mylord, I pray you let me have that adventure. Take it in God's name, saidGalahad. 

CHAPTER XIII. Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad revengedhim, and how Melias was carried into an abbey. 

AND then rode Melias into an old forest, and therein he rode two daysand more. And then he came into a fair meadow, and there was a fairlodge of boughs. And then he espied in that lodge a chair, wherein wasa crown of gold, subtly wrought. Also there were cloths covered uponthe earth, and many delicious meats set thereon. Sir Melias beheld thisadventure, and thought it marvellous, but he had no hunger, but of thecrown of gold he took much keep; and therewith he stooped down and tookit up, and rode his way with it. And anon he saw a knight came ridingafter him that said: Knight, set down that crown which is not yours, andtherefore defend you. Then Sir Melias blessed him and said: Fair lordof heaven, help and save thy new-made knight. And then they let theirhorses run as fast as they might, so that the other knight smote SirMelias through hauberk and through the left side, that he fell to theearth nigh dead. And then he took the crown and went his way; and SirMelias lay still and had no power to stir. 

In the meanwhile by fortune there came Sir Galahad and found him therein peril of death. And then he said: Ah Melias, who hath wounded you?therefore it had been better to have ridden the other way. And when SirMelias heard him speak: Sir, he said, for God's love let me not diein this forest, but bear me unto the abbey here beside, that I may beconfessed and have my rights. It shall be done, said Galahad, but whereis he that hath wounded you? With that Sir Galahad heard in the leavescry on high: Knight, keep thee from me. Ah sir, said Melias, beware, forthat is he that hath slain me. Sir Galahad answered: Sir knight, come onyour peril. Then either dressed to other, and came together as fast astheir horses might run, and Galahad smote him so that his spear wentthrough his shoulder, and smote him down off his horse, and in thefalling Galahad's spear brake. 

With that came out another knight out of the leaves, and brake a spearupon Galahad or ever he might turn him. Then Galahad drew out his swordand smote off the left arm of him, so that it fell to the earth. Andthen he fled, and Sir Galahad pursued fast after him. And then he turnedagain unto Sir Melias, and there he alighted and dressed him softly onhis horse to-fore him, for the truncheon of his spear was in his body;and Sir Galahad stert up behind him, and held him in his arms, and sobrought him to the abbey, and there unarmed him and brought him to hischamber. And then he asked his Saviour. And when he had received Himhe said unto Sir Galahad: Sir, let death come when it pleaseth him. Andtherewith he drew out the truncheon of the spear out of his body: andthen he swooned. 

Then came there an old monk which sometime had been a knight, andbeheld Sir Melias. And anon he ransacked him; and then he said unto SirGalahad: I shall heal him of his wound, by the grace of God, within theterm of seven weeks. Then was Sir Galahad glad, and unarmed him, andsaid he would abide there three days. And then he asked Sir Meliashow it stood with him. Then he said he was turned unto helping, God bethanked. 

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Galahad departed, and how he was commanded to go tothe Castle of Maidens to destroy the wicked custom. 

NOW will I depart, said Galahad, for I have much on hand, for many goodknights be full busy about it, and this knight and I were in the samequest of the Sangreal. Sir, said a good man, for his sin he was thuswounded; and I marvel, said the good man, how ye durst take upon you sorich a thing as the high order of knighthood without clean confession, and that was the cause ye were bitterly wounded. For the way on theright hand betokeneth the highway of our Lord Jesu Christ, and theway of a good true good liver. And the other way betokeneth the wayof sinners and of misbelievers. And when the devil saw your pride andpresumption, for to take you in the quest of the Sangreal, that made youto be overthrown, for it may not be enchieved but by virtuous living. Also, the writing on the cross was a signification of heavenly deeds, and of knightly deeds in God's works, and no knightly deeds in worldlyworks. And pride is head of all deadly sins, that caused this knightto depart from Galahad. And where thou tookest the crown of gold thousinnest in covetise and in theft: all this were no knightly deeds. Andthis Galahad, the holy knight, the which fought with the two knights, the two knights signify the two deadly sins which were wholly in thisknight Melias; and they might not withstand you, for ye are withoutdeadly sin. 

Now departed Galahad from thence, and betaught them all unto God. SirMelias said: My lord Galahad, as soon as I may ride I shall seek you. God send you health, said Galahad, and so took his horse and departed, and rode many journeys forward and backward, as adventure would leadhim. And at the last it happened him to depart from a place or a castlethe which was named Abblasoure; and he had heard no mass, the which hewas wont ever to hear or ever he departed out of any castle or place, and kept that for a custom. Then Sir Galahad came unto a mountainwhere he found an old chapel, and found there nobody, for all, all wasdesolate; and there he kneeled to-fore the altar, and besought God ofwholesome counsel. So as he prayed he heard a voice that said: Go thounow, thou adventurous knight, to the Castle of Maidens, and there dothou away the wicked customs. 

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Galahad fought with the knights of the castle, anddestroyed the wicked custom. 

WHEN Sir Galahad heard this he thanked God, and took his horse; and hehad not ridden but half a mile, he saw in the valley afore him a strongcastle with deep ditches, and there ran beside it a fair river thathight Severn; and there he met with a man of great age, and eithersaluted other, and Galahad asked him the castle's name. Fair sir, saidhe, 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 therein. Therefore, I counsel you, sirknight, to turn again. Sir, said Galahad, wit you well I shall not turnagain. 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 fairmaidens, the which said unto him: Sir knight, ye ride here in a greatfolly, for ye have the water to pass over. Why should I not pass thewater? said Galahad. So rode he away from them and met with a squirethat said: Knight, those knights in the castle defy you, and defendenyou ye go no further till that they wit what ye would. Fair sir, saidGalahad, 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, saidGalahad, and haste my needs. 

Then the squire entered into the castle. And anon after there came outof the castle seven knights, and all were brethren. And when they sawGalahad they cried: Knight, keep thee, for we assure thee nothing butdeath. Why, said Galahad, will ye all have ado with me at once? Yea, said they, thereto mayst thou trust. Then Galahad put forth his spearand smote the foremost to the earth, that near he brake his neck. Andtherewithal the other smote him on his shield great strokes, so thattheir spears brake. Then Sir Galahad drew out his sword, and set uponthem so hard that it was marvel to see it, and so through great forcehe made them to forsake the field; and Galahad chased them till theyentered into the castle, and so passed through the castle at anothergate. 

And there met Sir Galahad an old man clothed in religious clothing, andsaid: Sir, have here the keys of this castle. Then Sir Galahad openedthe gates, and saw so much people in the streets that he might notnumber them, and all said: Sir, ye be welcome, for long have we abidenhere our deliverance. Then came to him a gentlewoman and said: Theseknights be fled, but they will come again this night, and here to beginagain their evil custom. What will ye that I shall do? said Galahad. Sir, said the gentlewoman, that ye send after all the knights hitherthat hold their lands of this castle, and make them to swear for to usethe customs that were used heretofore of old time. I will well, saidGalahad. And there she brought him an horn of ivory, bounden with goldrichly, and said: Sir, blow this horn which will be heard two mile aboutthis castle. When Sir Galahad had blown the horn he set him down upon abed. 

Then came a priest to Galahad, and said: Sir, it is past a seven yearagone that these seven brethren came into this castle, and harbouredwith the lord of this castle that hight the Duke Lianour, and he waslord of all this country. And when they espied the duke's daughter, that was a full fair woman, then by their false covin they made debatebetwixt themself, and the duke of his goodness would have departedthem, and there they slew him and his eldest son. And then they took themaiden and the treasure of the castle. And then by great force theyheld all the knights of this castle against their will under theirobeissance, and in great service and truage, robbing and pilling thepoor common people of all that they had. So it happened on a day theduke's daughter said: Ye have done unto me great wrong to slay mine ownfather, and my brother, and thus to hold our lands: not for then, shesaid, ye shall not hold this castle for many years, for by one knight yeshall be overcome. Thus she prophesied seven years agone. Well, said theseven knights, sithen ye say so, there shall never lady nor knight passthis castle but they shall abide maugre their heads, or die therefore, till that knight be come by whom we shall lose this castle. Andtherefore is it called the Maidens' Castle, for they have devoured manymaidens. Now, said Galahad, is she here for whom this castle was lost?Nay sir, said the priest, she was dead within these three nights afterthat she was thus enforced; and sithen have they kept her youngersister, which endureth great pains with mo other ladies. 

By this were the knights of the country come, and then he made them dohomage and fealty to the king's daughter, and set them in great ease ofheart. And in the morn there came one to Galahad and told him how thatGawaine, Gareth, and Uwaine, had slain the seven brethren. I supposewell, said Sir Galahad, and took his armour and his horse, and commendedthem unto God. 

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Gawaine came to the abbey for to follow Galahad, and how he was shriven to a hermit. 

NOW, saith the tale, after Sir Gawaine departed, he rode many journeys, both toward and froward. And at the last he came to the abbey where SirGalahad had the white shield, and there Sir Gawaine learned the way tosewe after Sir Galahad; and so he rode to the abbey where Melias laysick, and there Sir Melias told Sir Gawaine of the marvellous adventuresthat Sir Galahad did. Certes, said Sir Gawaine, I am not happy that Itook not the way that he went, for an I may meet with him I will notdepart from him lightly, for all marvellous adventures Sir Galahadenchieveth. Sir, said one of the monks, he will not of your fellowship. Why? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said he, for ye be wicked and sinful, and heis full blessed. Right as they thus stood talking there came in ridingSir Gareth. And then they made joy either of other. And on the morn theyheard mass, and so departed. And by the way they met with Sir Uwaine lesAvoutres, and there Sir Uwaine told Sir Gawaine how he had met with noneadventure sith he departed from the court. Nor we, said Sir Gawaine. Andeither promised other of the three knights not to depart while they werein that quest, but if fortune caused it. 

So they departed and rode by fortune till that they came by the Castleof Maidens; and there the seven brethren espied the three knights, andsaid: Sithen, we be flemed by one knight from this castle, we shalldestroy all the knights of King Arthur's that we may overcome, for thelove of Sir Galahad. And therewith the seven knights set upon the threeknights, and by fortune Sir Gawaine slew one of the brethren, and eachone of his fellows slew another, and so slew the remnant. And then theytook the way under the castle, and there they lost the way that SirGalahad rode, and there everych of them departed from other; and SirGawaine rode till he came to an hermitage, and there he found the goodman saying his evensong of Our Lady; and there Sir Gawaine asked harbourfor charity, and the good man granted it him gladly. 

Then the good man asked him what he was. Sir, he said, I am a knight ofKing Arthur's that am in the quest of the Sangreal, and my name is SirGawaine. Sir, said the good man, I would wit how it standeth betwixt Godand you. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I will with a good will shew you my lifeif it please you; and there he told the hermit how a monk of an abbeycalled me wicked knight. He might well say it, said the hermit, for whenye were first made knight ye should have taken you to knightly deedsand virtuous living, and ye have done the contrary, for ye have livedmischievously many winters; and Sir Galahad is a maid and sinned never, and that is the cause he shall enchieve where he goeth that ye nor nonesuch shall not attain, nor none in your fellowship, for ye have used themost untruest life that ever I heard knight live. For certes had ye notbeen so wicked as ye are, never had the seven brethren been slain by youand your two fellows. For Sir Galahad himself alone beat them all seventhe day to-fore, but his living is such he shall slay no man lightly. Also I may say you the Castle of Maidens betokeneth the good soulsthat were in prison afore the Incarnation of Jesu Christ. And the sevenknights betoken the seven deadly sins that reigned that time in theworld; and I may liken the good Galahad unto the son of the High Father, that lighted within a maid, and bought all the souls out of thrall, sodid Sir Galahad deliver all the maidens out of the woful castle. 

Now, Sir Gawaine, said the good man, thou must do penance for thy sin. Sir, what penance shall I do? Such as I will give, said the good man. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, I may do no penance; for we knights adventurousoft suffer great woe and pain. Well, said the good man, and then he heldhis peace. And on the morn Sir Gawaine departed from the hermit, andbetaught him unto God. And by adventure he met with Sir Aglovale andSir Griflet, two knights of the Table Round. And they two rode four dayswithout finding of any adventure, and at the fifth day they departed. And everych held as fell them by adventure. Here leaveth the tale of SirGawaine and his fellows, and speak we of Sir Galahad. 

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale, and smote them down, and departed from them. 

So when Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle of Maidens he rode tillhe came to a waste forest, and there he met with Sir Launcelot and SirPercivale, but they knew him not, for he was new disguised. Right so SirLauncelot, his father, dressed his spear and brake it upon Sir Galahad, and Galahad smote him so again that he smote down horse and man. Andthen he drew his sword, and dressed him unto Sir Percivale, and smotehim so on the helm, that it rove to the coif of steel; and had not thesword swerved Sir Percivale had been slain, and with the stroke he fellout of his saddle. This jousts was done to-fore the hermitage where arecluse dwelled. And when she saw Sir Galahad ride, she said: God bewith thee, best knight of the world. Ah certes, said she, all aloud thatLauncelot and Percivale might hear it: An yonder two knights had knownthee as well as I do they would not have encountered with thee. Then SirGalahad heard her say so he was adread to be known: therewith he smotehis horse with his spurs and rode a great pace froward them. Thenperceived they both that he was Galahad; and up they gat on theirhorses, and rode fast after him, but in a while he was out of theirsight. And then they turned again with heavy cheer. Let us spere sometidings, said Percivale, at yonder recluse. Do as ye list, said SirLauncelot. 

When Sir Percivale came to the recluse she knew him well enough, and SirLauncelot both. But Sir Launcelot rode overthwart and endlong in a wildforest, and held no path but as wild adventure led him. And at the lasthe came to a stony cross which departed two ways in waste land; and bythe cross was a stone that was of marble, but it was so dark that SirLauncelot 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 SirLauncelot tied his horse till a tree, and there he did off his shieldand hung it upon a tree, and then went to the chapel door, and found itwaste and broken. And within he found a fair altar, full richly arrayedwith cloth of clean silk, and there stood a fair clean candlestick, which bare six great candles, and the candlestick was of silver. Andwhen Sir Launcelot saw this light he had great will for to enter intothe chapel, but he could find no place where he might enter; then was hepassing heavy and dismayed. Then he returned and came to his horse anddid off his saddle and bridle, and let him pasture, and unlaced hishelm, and ungirt his sword, and laid him down to sleep upon his shieldto-fore the cross. 

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw asick man borne in a litter, and how he was healed with the Sangreal. 

AND so he fell asleep; and half waking and sleeping he saw come by himtwo palfreys all fair and white, the which bare a litter, therein lyinga sick knight. And when he was nigh the cross he there abode still. Allthis Sir Launcelot saw and beheld, for he slept not verily; and he heardhim say: O sweet Lord, when shall this sorrow leave me? and when shallthe holy vessel come by me, wherethrough I shall be blessed? For I haveendured thus long, for little trespass. A full great while complainedthe knight thus, and always Sir Launcelot heard it. With that SirLauncelot saw the candlestick with the 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 aforetimein King Pescheour's house. And therewith the sick knight set him up, andheld up both his hands, and said: Fair sweet Lord, which is here withinthis 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 hetouched the holy vessel and kissed it, and anon he was whole; and thenhe 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 thechapel with the chandelier and the light, so that Launcelot wist notwhere it was become; for he was overtaken with sin that he had no powerto rise again the holy vessel; wherefore after that many men said of himshame, but he took repentance after that. Then the sick knight dressedhim up and kissed the cross; anon his squire brought him his arms, andasked 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 sleepingknight that had no power to awake when this holy vessel was broughthither. I dare right well say, said the squire, that he dwelleth in somedeadly 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 fellowshipof 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 yourhelm and your sword, and therefore by mine assent now may ye take thisknight's helm and his sword: and so he did. And when he was cleanarmed he took Sir Launcelot's horse, for he was better than his; and sodeparted they from the cross. 

CHAPTER XIX. How a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how he found hishorse and his helm borne away, and after went afoot. 

THEN anon Sir Launcelot waked, and set him up, and bethought him what hehad seen there, and whether it were dreams or not. Right so heard he avoice that said: Sir Launcelot, more harder than is the stone, and morebitter than is the wood, and more naked and barer than is the leaf ofthe fig tree; therefore go thou from hence, and withdraw thee from thisholy place. And when Sir Launcelot heard this he was passing heavy andwist not what to do, and so departed sore weeping, and cursed the timethat he was born. For then he deemed never to have had worship more. Forthose words went to his heart, till that he knew wherefore he was calledso. Then Sir Launcelot went to the cross and found his helm, his sword, and his horse taken away. And then he called himself a very wretch, andmost unhappy of all knights; and there he said: My sin and my wickednesshave brought me unto great dishonour. For when I sought worldlyadventures for worldly desires, I ever enchieved them and had the betterin every place, and never was I discomfit in no quarrel, were it rightor wrong. And now I take upon me the adventures of holy things, and nowI see and understand that mine old sin hindereth me and shameth me, sothat I had no power to stir nor speak when the holy blood appeared aforeme. So thus he sorrowed till it was day, and heard the fowls sing: thensomewhat he was comforted. But when Sir Launcelot missed his horse andhis harness then he wist well God was displeased with him. 

Then he departed from the cross on foot into a forest; and so by primehe came to an high hill, and found an hermitage and a hermit thereinwhich was going unto mass. And then Launcelot kneeled down and criedon Our Lord mercy for his wicked works. So when mass was done Launcelotcalled him, and prayed him for charity for to hear his life. With a goodwill, said the good man. Sir, said he, be ye of King Arthur's court andof the fellowship of the Round Table? Yea forsooth, and my name is SirLauncelot du Lake that hath been right well said of, and now my goodfortune is changed, for I am the most wretch of the world. The hermitbeheld 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 causedyou to have more worldly worship than any knight that now liveth. Andfor your presumption to take upon you in deadly sin for to be in Hispresence, where His flesh and His blood was, that caused you ye mightnot see it with worldly eyes; for He will not appear where such sinnersbe, but if it be unto their great hurt and unto their great shame; andthere is no knight living now that ought to give God so great thank asye, for He hath given you beauty, seemliness, and great strength aboveall other knights; and therefore ye are the more beholding unto God thanany other man, to love Him and dread Him, for your strength and manhoodwill little avail you an God be against you. 

CHAPTER XX. How Sir Launcelot was shriven, and what sorrow he made andof the good ensamples which were shewed him. 

THEN Sir Launcelot wept with heavy cheer, and said: Now I know well yesay 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 thisfourteen year I never discovered one thing that I have used, and thatmay I now wite my shame and my disadventure. And then he told there thatgood man all his life. And how he had loved a queen unmeasurably and outof measure long. And all my great deeds of arms that I have done, Idid for the most part for the queen's sake, and for her sake would I dobattle were it right or wrong, and never did I battle all only for God'ssake, but for to win worship and to cause me to be the better belovedand little or nought I thanked God of it. Then Sir Launcelot said: Ipray you counsel me. I will counsel you, said the hermit, if ye willensure me that ye will never come in that queen's fellowship as muchas ye may forbear. And then Sir Launcelot promised him he nold, by thefaith of his body. Look that your heart and your mouth accord, said thegood man, and I shall ensure you ye shall have more worship than ever yehad. 

Holy father, said Sir Launcelot, I marvel of the voice that said to memarvellous words, as ye have heard to-forehand. Have ye no marvel, saidthe good man thereof, for it seemeth well God loveth you; for men mayunderstand a stone is hard of kind, and namely one more than another;and that is to understand by thee, Sir Launcelot, for thou wilt notleave thy sin for no goodness that God hath sent thee; therefore thouart more than any stone, and never wouldst thou be made nesh nor bywater nor by fire, and that is the heat of the Holy Ghost may not enterin thee. Now take heed, in all the world men shall not find one knightto whom Our Lord hath given so much of grace as He hath given you, forHe hath given you fairness with seemliness, He hath given thee wit, discretion to know good from evil, He hath given thee prowess andhardiness, and given thee to work so largely that thou hast had at alldays the better wheresomever thou came; and now Our Lord will sufferthee no longer, but that thou shalt know Him whether thou wilt or nylt. And why the voice called thee bitterer than wood, for where overmuch sindwelleth, there may be but little sweetness, wherefore thou art likenedto an old rotten tree. 

Now have I shewed thee why thou art harder than the stone and bittererthan the tree. Now shall I shew thee why thou art more naked and barerthan the fig tree. It befell that Our Lord on Palm Sunday preachedin Jerusalem, and there He found in the people that all hardness washarboured in them, and there He found in all the town not one that wouldharbour him. And then He went without the town, and found in midstof the way a fig tree, the which was right fair and well garnished ofleaves, but fruit had it none. Then Our Lord cursed the tree that bareno fruit; that betokeneth the fig tree unto Jerusalem, that had leavesand no fruit. So thou, Sir Launcelot, when the Holy Grail was broughtafore thee, He found in thee no fruit, nor good thought nor good will, and defouled with lechery. Certes, said Sir Launcelot, all that youhave said is true, and from henceforward I cast me, by the grace of God, never to be so wicked as I have been, but as to follow knighthood and todo feats of arms. 

Then the good man enjoined Sir Launcelot such penance as he might doand to sewe knighthood, and so assoiled him, and prayed Sir Launcelot toabide with him all that day. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, for I haveneither helm, nor horse, nor sword. As for that, said the good man, Ishall help you or to-morn at even of an horse, and all that longed untoyou. And then Sir Launcelot repented him greatly. 

_Here endeth off the history of Sir Launcelot. And here followeth of SirPercivale de Galis, which is the fourteenth book. _

BOOK XIV. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Percivale came to a recluse and asked counsel, andhow she told him that she was his aunt. 

NOW saith the tale, that when Sir Launcelot was ridden after SirGalahad, the which had all these adventures above said, Sir Percivaleturned again unto the recluse, where he deemed to have tidings of thatknight that Launcelot followed. And so he kneeled at her window, and therecluse opened it and asked Sir Percivale what he would. Madam, he said, I am a knight of King Arthur's court, and my name is Sir Percivale deGalis. When the recluse heard his name she had great joy of him, formickle she had loved him to-fore any other knight, for she ought to doso, for she was his aunt. And then she commanded the gates to be opened, and there he had all the cheer that she might make him, and all that wasin her power was at his commandment. 

So on the morn Sir Percivale went to the recluse and asked her if sheknew that knight with the white shield. Sir, said she, why would ye wit?Truly, madam, said Sir Percivale, I shall never be well at ease tillthat I know of that knight's fellowship, and that I may fight withhim, for I may not leave him so lightly, for I have the shame yet. Ah, Percivale, said she, would ye fight with him? I see well ye have greatwill to be slain as your father was, through outrageousness. Madam, saidSir Percivale, it seemeth by your words that ye know me. Yea, said she, I well ought to know you, for I am your aunt, although I be in a prioryplace. For some called me sometime the Queen of the Waste Lands, andI was called the queen of most riches in the world; and it pleased menever my riches so much as doth my poverty. Then Sir Percivale wept forvery pity when that he knew it was his aunt. Ah, fair nephew, said she, when heard ye tidings of your mother? Truly, said he, I heard noneof her, but I dream of her much in my sleep; and therefore I wot notwhether she be dead or alive. Certes, fair nephew, said she, your motheris dead, for after your departing from her she took such a sorrow thatanon, after she was confessed, she died. Now, God have mercy on hersoul, said Sir Percivale, it sore forthinketh me; but all we must changethe life. Now, fair aunt, tell me what is the knight? I deem it be hethat bare the red arms on Whitsunday. Wit you well, said she, that thisis he, for otherwise ought he not to do, but to go in red arms; and thatsame knight hath no peer, for he worketh all by miracle, and he shallnever be overcome of none earthly man's hand. 

CHAPTER II. How Merlin likened the Round Table to the world, and how theknights that should achieve the Sangreal should be known. 

ALSO Merlin made the Round Table in tokening of roundness of the world, for by the Round Table is the world signified by right, for all theworld, Christian and heathen, repair unto the Round Table; and when theyare chosen to be of the fellowship of the Round Table they think themmore blessed and more in worship than if they had gotten half the world;and ye have seen that they have lost their fathers and their mothers, and all their kin, and their wives and their children, for to be of yourfellowship. It is well seen by you; for since ye have departed from yourmother ye would never see her, ye found such fellowship at the RoundTable. When Merlin had ordained the Round Table he said, by them whichshould be fellows of the Round Table the truth of the Sangreal should bewell known. And men asked him how men might know them that should bestdo and to enchieve the Sangreal? Then he said there should be threewhite bulls that should enchieve it, and the two should be maidens, andthe third should be chaste. And that one of the three should pass hisfather as much as the lion passeth the leopard, both of strength andhardiness. 

They that heard Merlin say so said thus unto Merlin: Sithen there shallbe such a knight, thou shouldest ordain by thy crafts a siege, that noman should sit in it but he all only that shall pass all other knights. Then Merlin answered that he would do so. And then he made the SiegePerilous, in the which Galahad sat in at his meat on Whitsunday lastpast. Now, madam, said Sir Percivale, so much have I heard of you thatby my good will I will never have ado with Sir Galahad but by way ofkindness; and for God's love, fair aunt, can ye teach me some waywhere I may find him? for much would I love the fellowship of him. Fairnephew, said she, ye must ride unto a castle the which is called Goothe, where he hath a cousin-germain, and there may ye be lodged this night. And as he teacheth you, seweth after as fast as ye can; and if he cantell you no tidings of him, ride straight unto the Castle of Carbonek, where the maimed king is there lying, for there shall ye hear truetidings of him. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Percivale came into a monastery, where he foundKing Evelake, which was an old man. 

THEN departed Sir Percivale from his aunt, either making great sorrow. And so he rode till evensong time. And then he heard a clock smite; andthen 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 wasled unto a chamber, and soon he was unarmed. And there he had rightgood cheer all that night; and on the morn he heard his mass, and in themonastery he found a priest ready at the altar. And on the right side hesaw a pew closed with iron, and behind the altar he saw a rich bed and afair, as of cloth of silk and gold. 

Then Sir Percivale espied that therein was a man or a woman, for thevisage 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 dressedhim 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 nakedand unhilled unto his navel. And then Sir Percivale espied his body wasfull of great wounds, both on the shoulders, arms, and visage. And everhe held up his hands against Our Lord's body, and cried: Fair, sweetFather, Jesu Christ, forget not me. And so he lay down, but always hewas in his prayers and orisons; and him seemed to be of the age of threehundred winter. And when the mass was done the priest took Our Lord'sbody and bare it to the sick king. And when he had used it he did offhis crown, and commanded the crown to be set on the altar. 

Then Sir Percivale asked one of the brethren what he was. Sir, said thegood man, ye have heard much of Joseph of Aramathie, how he was sent byJesu Christ into this land for to teach and preach the holy Christianfaith; and therefore he suffered many persecutions the which the enemiesof Christ did unto him, and in the city of Sarras he converted a kingwhose name was Evelake. And so this king came with Joseph into thisland, and ever he was busy to be thereas the Sangreal was; and on a timehe nighed it so nigh that Our Lord was displeased with him, but ever hefollowed it more and more, till God struck him almost blind. Then thisking cried mercy, and said: Fair Lord, let me never die till the goodknight of my blood of the ninth degree be come, that I may see himopenly that he shall enchieve the Sangreal, that I may kiss him. 

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Percivale saw many men of arms bearing a deadknight, and how he fought against them. 

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 comeagain, and thou shalt see openly, and thy wounds shall be healed, anderst shall they never close. And this befell of King Evelake, and thissame king hath lived this three hundred winters this holy life, and mensay the knight is in the court that shall heal him. Sir, said the goodman, I pray you tell me what knight that ye be, and if ye be of KingArthur's court and of the Table Round. Yea forsooth, said he, and myname is Sir Percivale de Galis. And when the good man understood hisname he made great joy of him. 

And then Sir Percivale departed and rode till the hour of noon. Andhe met in a valley about a twenty men of arms, which bare in a bier aknight deadly slain. And when they saw Sir Percivale they asked him ofwhence he was. And he answered: Of the court of King Arthur. Then theycried all at once: Slay him. Then Sir Percivale smote the first to theearth and his horse upon him. And then seven of the knights smote uponhis shield all at once, and the remnant slew his horse so that hefell to the earth. So had they slain him or taken him had not the goodknight, Sir Galahad, with the red arms come there by adventure intothose 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 twentymen of arms as fast as his horse might drive, with his spear in therest, and smote the foremost horse and man to the earth. And when hisspear was broken he set his hand to his sword, and smote on the righthand and on the left hand that it was marvel to see, and at every strokehe smote one down or put him to a rebuke, so that they would fight nomore but fled to a thick forest, and Sir Galahad followed them. 

And when Sir Percivale saw him chase them so, he made great sorrow thathis horse was away. And then he wist well it was Sir Galahad. And thenhe cried aloud: Ah fair knight, abide and suffer me to do thankings untothee, for much have ye done for me. But ever Sir Galahad rode sofast that at the last he passed out of his sight. And as fast as SirPercivale might he went after him on foot, crying. And then he met witha yeoman riding upon an hackney, the which led in his hand a great steedblacker than any bear. Ah, fair friend, said Sir Percivale, as ever Imay do for you, and to be your true knight in the first place ye willrequire me, that ye will lend me that black steed, that I might overtakea knight the which rideth afore me. Sir knight, said the yeoman, I prayyou hold me excused of that, for that I may not do. For wit ye well, thehorse is such a man's horse, that an I lent it you or any man, that hewould slay me. Alas, said Sir Percivale, I had never so great sorrow asI have had for losing of yonder knight. Sir, said the yeoman, I am rightheavy for you, for a good horse would beseem you well; but I dare notdeliver you this horse but if ye would take him from me. That will I notdo, said Sir Percivale. And so they departed; and Sir Percivale set himdown under a tree, and made sorrow out of measure. And as he was there, there came a knight riding on the horse that the yeoman led, and he wasclean armed. 

CHAPTER V. How a yeoman desired him to get again an horse, and how SirPercivale's hackney was slain, and how he gat an horse. 

AND anon the yeoman came pricking after as fast as ever he might, andasked Sir Percivale if he saw any knight riding on his black steed. Yea, sir, forsooth, said he; why, sir, ask ye me that? Ah, sir, that steedhe hath benome me with strength; wherefore my lord will slay me in whatplace he findeth me. Well, said Sir Percivale, what wouldst thou thatI did? Thou seest well that I am on foot, but an I had a good horse Ishould bring him soon again. Sir, said the yeoman, take mine hackneyand do the best ye can, and I shall sewe you on foot to wit how that yeshall speed. Then Sir Percivale alighted upon that hackney, and rode asfast as he might, and at the last he saw that knight. And then hecried: Knight, turn again; and he turned and set his spear against SirPercivale, and he smote the hackney in the midst of the breast thathe fell down dead to the earth, and there he had a great fall, and theother rode his way. And then Sir Percivale was wood wroth, and cried:Abide, wicked knight; coward and false-hearted knight, turn again andfight with me on foot. But he answered not, but passed on his way. 

When Sir Percivale saw he would not turn he cast away his helm andsword, and said: Now am I a very wretch, cursed and most unhappy aboveall other knights. So in this sorrow he abode all that day till it wasnight; and then he was faint, and laid him down and slept till it wasmidnight; and then he awaked and saw afore him a woman which said untohim right fiercely: Sir Percivale, what dost thou here? He answered, Ido neither good nor great ill. If thou wilt ensure me, said she, thatthou wilt fulfil my will when I summon thee, I shall lend thee mine ownhorse which shall bear thee whither thou wilt. Sir Percivale was gladof her proffer, and ensured her to fulfil all her desire. Then abide mehere, and I shall go and fetch you an horse. And so she came soon againand brought an horse with her that was inly black. When Percivale beheldthat horse he marvelled that it was so great and so well apparelled; andnot for then he was so hardy, and he leapt upon him, and took none heedof himself. And so anon as he was upon him he thrust to him with hisspurs, and so he rode by a forest, and the moon shone clear. And withinan hour and less he bare him four days' journey thence, until he came toa rough water the which roared, and his horse would have borne him intoit. 

CHAPTER VI. Of the great danger that Sir Percivale was in by his horse, and how he saw a serpent and a lion fight. 

AND when Sir Percivale came nigh the brim, and saw the water soboistous, he doubted to overpass it. And then he made a sign of thecross in his forehead. When the fiend felt him so charged he shook offSir Percivale, and he went into the water crying and roaring, makinggreat sorrow, and it seemed unto him that the water brent. Then SirPercivale perceived it was a fiend, the which would have brought himunto his perdition. Then he commended himself unto God, and prayed OurLord to keep him from all such temptations; and so he prayed all thatnight till on the morn that it was day; then he saw that he was in awild mountain the which was closed with the sea nigh all about, that hemight see no land about him which might relieve him, but wild beasts. 

And then he went into a valley, and there he saw a young serpent bring ayoung lion by the neck, and so he came by Sir Percivale. With that camea great lion crying and roaring after the serpent. And as fast as SirPercivale saw this he marvelled, and hied him thither, but anon thelion had overtaken the serpent and began battle with him. And then SirPercivale thought to help the lion, for he was the more natural beast ofthe two; and therewith he drew his sword, and set his shield afore him, and there he gave the serpent such a buffet that he had a deadly wound. When the lion saw that, he made no resemblaunt to fight with him, butmade him all the cheer that a beast might make a man. Then Percivaleperceived that, and cast down his shield which was broken; and then hedid off his helm for to gather wind, for he was greatly enchafed withthe serpent: and the lion went alway about him fawning as a spaniel. And then he stroked him on the neck and on the shoulders. And then hethanked God of the fellowship of that beast. And about noon the liontook his little whelp and trussed him and bare him there he came from. 

Then was Sir Percivale alone. And as the tale telleth, he was one ofthe men of the world at that time which most believed in Our Lord JesuChrist, for in those days there were but few folks that believed in Godperfectly. For in those days the son spared not the father no more thana stranger. And so Sir Percivale comforted himself in our Lord Jesu, andbesought God no temptation should bring him out of God's service, but toendure as his true champion. Thus when Sir Percivale had prayed he sawthe lion come toward him, and then he couched down at his feet. And soall that night the lion and he slept together; and when Sir Percivaleslept he dreamed a marvellous dream, that there two ladies met with him, and that one sat upon a lion, and that other sat upon a serpent, andthat one of them was young, and the other was old; and the youngest himthought said: Sir Percivale, my lord saluteth thee, and sendeth theeword that thou array thee and make thee ready, for to-morn thou mustfight with the strongest champion of the world. And if thou be overcomethou shall not be quit for losing of any of thy members, but thou shaltbe shamed for ever to the world's end. And then he asked her what washer lord. And she said the greatest lord of all the world: and so shedeparted suddenly that he wist not where. 

CHAPTER VII. Of the vision that Sir Percivale saw, and how his visionwas expounded, and of his lion. 

THEN came forth the other lady that rode upon the serpent, and she said:Sir Percivale, I complain me of you that ye have done unto me, and havenot offended unto you. Certes, madam, he said, unto you nor no lady Inever offended. Yes, said she, I shall tell you why. I have nourished inthis place a great while a serpent, which served me a great while, andyesterday ye slew him as he gat his prey. Say me for what cause ye slewhim, for the lion was not yours. Madam, said Sir Percivale, I know wellthe lion was not mine, but I did it for the lion is of more gentlernature than the serpent, and therefore I slew him; meseemeth I did notamiss against you. Madam, said he, what would ye that I did? I would, said she, for the amends of my beast that ye become my man. And then heanswered: That will I not grant you. No, said she, truly ye were neverbut my servant sin ye received the homage of Our Lord Jesu Christ. Therefore, I ensure you in what place I may find you without keeping Ishall take you, as he that sometime was my man. And so she departed fromSir Percivale and left him sleeping, the which was sore travailed of hisadvision. And on the morn he arose and blessed him, and he was passingfeeble. 

Then was Sir Percivale ware in the sea, and saw a ship come sailingtoward him; and Sir Percivale went unto the ship and found it coveredwithin and without with white samite. And at the board stood an old manclothed in a surplice, in likeness of a priest. Sir, said Sir Percivale, ye be welcome. God keep you, said the good man. Sir, said the old man, of whence be ye? Sir, said Sir Percivale, I am of King Arthur's court, and a knight of the Table Round, the which am in the quest of theSangreal; and here am I in great duresse, and never like to escape outof this wilderness. Doubt not, said the good man, an ye be so true aknight as the order of chivalry requireth, and of heart as ye ought tobe, ye should not doubt that none enemy should slay you. What are ye?said Sir Percivale. Sir, said the old man, I am of a strange country, and hither I come to comfort you. 

Sir, said Sir Percivale, what signifieth my dream that I dreamed thisnight? And there he told him altogether: She which rode upon the lionbetokeneth the new law of holy church, that is to understand, faith, good hope, belief, and baptism. For she seemed younger than the other itis great reason, for she was born in the resurrection and the passion ofOur Lord Jesu Christ. And for great love she came to thee to warnthee of thy great battle that shall befall thee. With whom, said SirPercivale, shall I fight? With the most champion of the world, said theold man; for as the lady said, but if thou quit thee well thou shalt notbe quit by losing of one member, but thou shalt be shamed to the world'send. And she that rode on the serpent signifieth the old law, and thatserpent betokeneth a fiend. And why she blamed thee that thou slewesther servant, it betokeneth nothing; the serpent that thou slewestbetokeneth the devil that thou rodest upon to the rock. And when thoumadest a sign of the cross, there thou slewest him, and put away hispower. And when she asked thee amends and to become her man, and thousaidst thou wouldst not, that was to make thee to believe on her andleave thy baptism. So he commanded Sir Percivale to depart, and sohe leapt over the board and the ship, and all went away he wist notwhither. Then he went up unto the rock and found the lion which alwayskept him fellowship, and he stroked him upon the back and had great joyof him. 

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Percivale saw a ship coming to him-ward, and howthe lady of the ship told him of her disheritance. 

BY that Sir Percivale had abiden there till mid-day he saw a ship camerowing in the sea, as all the wind of the world had driven it. And soit drove under that rock. And when Sir Percivale saw this he hied himthither, and found the ship covered with silk more blacker than anybear, and therein was a gentlewoman of great beauty, and she was clothedrichly that none might be better. And when she saw Sir Percivale shesaid: Who brought you in this wilderness where ye be never like to passhence, for ye shall die here for hunger and mischief? Damosel, said SirPercivale, I serve the best man of the world, and in his service he willnot suffer me to die, for who that knocketh shall enter, and who thatasketh shall have, and who that seeketh him he hideth him not. But thenshe said: Sir Percivale, wot ye what I am? Yea, said he. Now who taughtyou my name? said she. Now, said Sir Percivale, I know you better thanye ween. And I came out of the waste forest where I found the Red Knightwith the white shield, said the damosel. Ah, damosel, said he, withthat knight would I meet passing fain. Sir knight, said she, an ye willensure me by the faith that ye owe unto knighthood that ye shall do mywill what time I summon you, and I shall bring you unto that knight. Yea, said he, I shall promise you to fulfil your desire. Well, said she, now shall I tell you. I saw him in the forest chasing two knights untoa water, the which is called Mortaise; and they drove him into the waterfor dread of death, and the two knights passed over, and the Red Knightpassed after, and there his horse was drenched, and he, through greatstrength, escaped unto the land: thus she told him, and Sir Percivalewas passing glad thereof. 

Then she asked him if he had ate any meat late. Nay, madam, truly I ateno meat nigh this three days, but late here I spake with a good man thatfed me with his good words and holy, and refreshed me greatly. Ah, sirknight, said she, that same man is an enchanter and a multiplier ofwords. For an ye believe him ye shall plainly be shamed, and die in thisrock for pure hunger, and be eaten with wild beasts; and ye be a youngman 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, saidshe, a gentlewoman that am disherited, which was sometime the richestwoman of the world. Damosel, said Sir Percivale, who hath disheritedyou? for I have great pity of you. Sir, said she, I dwelled with thegreatest man of the world, and he made me so fair and clear that therewas none like me; and of that great beauty I had a little pride morethan I ought to have had. Also I said a word that pleased him not. Andthen he would not suffer me to be any longer in his company, and sodrove me from mine heritage, and so disherited me, and he had neverpity of me nor of none of my council, nor of my court. And sithen, sirknight, it hath befallen me so, and through me and mine I have benomehim many of his men, and made them to become my men. For they ask nevernothing of me but I give it them, that and much more. Thus I and all myservants were against him night and day. Therefore I know now no goodknight, nor no good man, but I get them on my side an I may. And forthat I know that thou art a good knight, I beseech you to help me; andfor ye be a fellow of the Round Table, wherefore ye ought not to fail nogentlewoman which is disherited, an she besought you of help. 

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Percivale promised her help, and how he required herof love, and how he was saved from the fiend. 

THEN Sir Percivale promised her all the help that he might; and then shethanked him. And at that time the weather was hot. Then she called untoher 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 thisheat of the day. Then he thanked her, and she put off his helm and hisshield, and there he slept a great while. And then he awoke and askedher 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 hehad 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 thathe beheld the gentlewoman, and him thought she was the fairest creaturethat ever he saw. And then Sir Percivale proffered her love, and prayedher that she would be his. Then she refused him, in a manner, when herequired her, for the cause he should be the more ardent on her, andever he ceased not to pray her of love. And when she saw him wellenchafed, then she said: Sir Percivale, wit you well I shall not fulfilyour 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 thisas ye be a true knight? Yea, said he, fair lady, by the faith of mybody. Well, said she, now shall ye do with me whatso it please you; andnow wit ye well ye are the knight in the world that I have most desireto. 

And then two squires were commanded to make a bed in midst of thepavilion. And anon she was unclothed and laid therein. And then SirPercivale laid him down by her naked; and by adventure and grace he sawhis sword lie on the ground naked, in whose pommel was a red cross andthe sign of the crucifix therein, and bethought him on his knighthoodand his promise made to-forehand unto the good man; then he made asign of the cross in his forehead, and therewith the pavilion turnedup-so-down, and then it changed unto a smoke, and a black cloud, andthen he was adread and cried aloud:

CHAPTER X. How Sir Percivale for penance rove himself through the thigh;and how she was known for the devil. 

FAIR sweet Father, Jesu Christ, ne let me not be shamed, the which wasnigh 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 betrayedme. And so she went with the wind roaring and yelling, that it seemedall the water brent after her. Then Sir Percivale made great sorrow, and drew his sword unto him, saying: Sithen my flesh will be my masterI shall punish it; and therewith he rove himself through the thighthat the blood stert about him, and said: O good Lord, take this inrecompensation of that I have done against thee, my Lord. So then heclothed him and armed him, and called himself a wretch, saying: How nighwas I lost, and to have lost that I should never have gotten again, thatwas my virginity, 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 the same ship come from Orient that thegood man was in the day afore, and the noble knight was ashamed withhimself, and therewith he fell in a swoon. And when he awoke he wentunto him weakly, and there he saluted this good man. And then he askedSir Percivale: How hast thou done sith I departed? Sir, said he, herewas a gentlewoman and led me into deadly sin. And there he told himaltogether. Knew ye not the maid? said the good man. Sir, said he, nay, but well I wot the fiend sent her hither to shame me. O good knight, said he, thou art a fool, for that gentlewoman was the master fiend ofhell, the which hath power above all devils, and that was the old ladythat thou sawest in thine advision riding on the serpent. Then he toldSir Percivale how our Lord Jesu Christ beat him out of heaven for hissin, the which was the most brightest angel of heaven, and therefore helost his heritage. And that was the champion that thou foughtest withal, the which had overcome thee had not the grace of God been. Now bewareSir Percivale, and take this for an ensample. And then the good manvanished away. Then Sir Percivale took his arms, and entered into theship, and so departed from thence. 

_Here endeth the fourteenth book, which is of Sir Percivale. And herefolloweth of Sir Launcelot, which is the fifteenth book. _

BOOK XV. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot came to a chapel, where he found dead, in awhite shirt, a man of religion, of an hundred winter old. 

WHEN the hermit had kept Sir Launcelot three days, the hermit gat himan horse, an helm, and a sword. And then he departed about the hour ofnoon. And then he saw a little house. And when he came near he saw achapel, and there beside he saw an old man that was clothed all in whitefull richly; and then Sir Launcelot said: God save you. God keep you, said the good man, and make you a good knight. Then Sir Launcelotalighted and entered into the chapel, and there he saw an old man dead, in a white shirt of passing fine cloth. 

Sir, said the good man, this man that is dead ought not to be in suchclothing as ye see him in, for in that he brake the oath of his order, for he hath been more than an hundred winter a man of a religion. Andthen the good man and Sir Launcelot went into the chapel; and the goodman took a stole about his neck, and a book, and then he conjured onthat book; and with that they saw in an hideous figure and horrible, that there was no man so hard-hearted nor so hard but he should havebeen afeard. Then said the fiend: Thou hast travailed me greatly; nowtell me what thou wilt with me. I will, said the good man, that thoutell me how my fellow became dead, and whether he be saved or damned. Then he said with an horrible voice: He is not lost but saved. How maythat be? said the good man; it seemed to me that he lived not well, forhe brake his order for to wear a shirt where he ought to wear none, andwho that trespasseth against our order doth not well. Not so, said thefiend, this man that lieth here dead was come of a great lineage. And there was a lord that hight the Earl de Vale, that held great waragainst this man's nephew, the which hight Aguarus. And so this Aguarussaw the earl was bigger than he. Then he went for to take counsel of hisuncle, the which lieth here dead as ye may see. And then he asked leave, and went out of his hermitage for to maintain his nephew against themighty earl; and so it happed that this man that lieth here dead did somuch by his wisdom and hardiness that the earl was taken, and three ofhis lords, by force of this dead man. 

CHAPTER II. Of a dead man, how men would have hewn him, and it would notbe, and how Sir Launcelot took the hair of the dead man. 

THEN was there peace betwixt the earl and this Aguarus, and great suretythat the earl should never war against him. Then this dead man that herelieth came to this hermitage again; and then the earl made two of hisnephews for to be avenged upon this man. So they came on a day, andfound this dead man at the sacring of his mass, and they abode him tillhe had said mass. And then they set upon him and drew out swords to haveslain him; but there would no sword bite on him more than upon a gadof steel, for the high Lord which he served He him preserved. Then madethey a great fire, and did off all his clothes, and the hair off hisback. And then this dead man hermit said unto them: Ween you to burn me?It shall not lie in your power nor to perish me as much as a thread, anthere were any on my body. No? said one of them, it shall be assayed. And then they despoiled him, and put upon him this shirt, and cast himin a fire, and there he lay all that night till it was day in that fire, and was not dead, and so in the morn I came and found him dead; but Ifound neither thread nor skin tamed, and so took him out of the firewith great fear, and laid him here as ye may see. And now may ye sufferme to go my way, for I have said you the sooth. And then he departedwith a great tempest. 

Then was the good man and Sir Launcelot more gladder than they wereto-fore. And then Sir Launcelot dwelled with that good man that night. Sir, said the good man, be ye not Sir Launcelot du Lake? Yea, sir, saidhe. What seek ye in this country? Sir, said Sir Launcelot, I go to seekthe 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 ablind man should see a bright sword, and that is long on your sin, andelse ye were more abler than any man living. And then Sir Launcelotbegan to weep. Then said the good man: Were ye confessed sith ye enteredinto the quest of the Sangreal? Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot. Then uponthe morn when the good man had sung his mass, then they buried the deadman. Then Sir Launcelot said: Father, what shall I do? Now, said thegood man, I require you take this hair that was this holy man's and putit next thy skin, and it shall prevail thee greatly. Sir, and I will doit, said Sir Launcelot. Also I charge you that ye eat no flesh as longas ye be in the quest of the Sangreal, nor ye shall drink no wine, andthat ye hear mass daily an ye may do it. So he took the hair and put itupon him, and so departed at evensong-time. 

And so rode he into a forest, and there he met with a gentlewoman ridingupon a white palfrey, and then she asked him: Sir knight, whither rideye? Certes, damosel, said Launcelot, I wot not whither I ride but asfortune leadeth me. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said she, I wot what adventure yeseek, for ye were afore time nearer than ye be now, and yet shall ye seeit more openly than ever ye did, and that shall ye understand in shorttime. Then Sir Launcelot asked her where he might be harboured thatnight. Ye shall not find this day nor night, but to-morn ye shall findharbour good, and ease of that ye be in doubt of And then he commendedher unto God. Then he rode till that he came to a Cross, and took thatfor his host as for that night. 

CHAPTER III. Of an advision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told itto an hermit, and desired counsel of him. 

AND so he put his horse to pasture, and did off his helm and his shield, and made his prayers unto the Cross that he never fall in deadly sinagain. And so he laid him down to sleep. And anon as he was asleep itbefell him there an advision, that there came a man afore him all bycompass of stars, and that man had a crown of gold on his head and thatman led in his fellowship seven kings and two knights. And all theseworshipped the Cross, kneeling upon their knees, holding up their handstoward the heaven. And all they said: Fair sweet Father of heaven comeand visit us, and yield unto us everych as we have deserved. 

Then looked Launcelot up to the heaven, and him seemed the clouds didopen, and an old man came down, with a company of angels, and alightedamong them, and gave unto everych his blessing, and called them hisservants, and good and true knights. And when this old man had said thushe came to one of those knights, and said: I have lost all that I haveset in thee, for thou hast ruled thee against me as a warrior, and usedwrong wars with vain-glory, more for the pleasure of the world than toplease me, therefore thou shalt be confounded without thou yield me mytreasure. All this advision saw Sir Launcelot at the Cross. 

And on the morn he took his horse and rode till mid-day; and there byadventure he met with the same knight that took his horse, helm, and hissword, when he slept when the Sangreal appeared afore the Cross. WhenSir Launcelot saw him he saluted him not fair, but cried on high:Knight, keep thee, for thou hast done to me great unkindness. And thenthey put afore them their spears, and Sir Launcelot came so fiercelyupon him that he smote him and his horse down to the earth, that he hadnigh broken his neck. Then Sir Launcelot took the knight's horse thatwas his own aforehand, and descended from the horse he sat upon, andmounted upon his own horse, and tied the knight's own horse to atree, that he might find that horse when that he was arisen. Then SirLauncelot rode till night, and by adventure he met an hermit, and eachof them saluted other; and there he rested with that good man all night, and gave his horse such as he might get. Then said the good man untoLauncelot: Of whence be ye? Sir, said he, I am of Arthur's court, and myname is Sir Launcelot du Lake that am in the quest of the Sangreal, andtherefore I pray you to counsel me of a vision the which I had at theCross. And so he told him all. 

CHAPTER IV. How the hermit expounded to Sir Launcelot his advision, andtold him that Sir Galahad was his son. 

LO, Sir Launcelot, said the good man, there thou mightest understand thehigh lineage that thou art come of, and thine advision betokeneth. Afterthe passion of Jesu Christ forty year, Joseph of Aramathie preached thevictory of King Evelake, that he had in the battles the better of hisenemies. And of the seven kings and the two knights: the first ofthem is called Nappus, an holy man; and the second hight Nacien, inremembrance of his grandsire, and in him dwelled our Lord Jesu Christ;and the third was called Helias le Grose; and the fourth hight Lisais;and the fifth hight Jonas, he departed out of his country and went intoWales, and took there the daughter of Manuel, whereby he had the landof Gaul, and he came to dwell in this country. And of him came KingLauncelot thy grandsire, the which there wedded the king's daughter ofIreland, and he was as worthy a man as thou art, and of him came KingBan, thy father, the which was the last of the seven kings. And by thee, Sir Launcelot, it signifieth that the angels said thou were none of theseven fellowships. And the last was the ninth knight, he was signifiedto a lion, for he should pass all manner of earthly knights, that is SirGalahad, the which thou gat on King Pelles' daughter; and thou ought tothank God more than any other man living, for of a sinner earthly thouhast no peer as in knighthood, nor never shall be. But little thank hastthou given to God for all the great virtues that God hath lent thee. Sir, said Launcelot, ye say that that good knight is my son. Thatoughtest thou to know and no man better, said the good man, for thouknewest the daughter of King Pelles fleshly, and on her thou begattestGalahad, and that was he that at the feast of Pentecost sat in the SiegePerilous; and therefore make thou it known openly that he is one of thybegetting on King Pelles' daughter, for that will be your worship andhonour, and to all thy kindred. And I counsel you in no place press notupon him to have ado with him. Well, said Launcelot, meseemeth that goodknight should pray for me unto the High Father, that I fall not to sinagain. Trust thou well, said the good man, thou farest mickle the betterfor his prayer; but the son shall not bear the wickedness of the father, nor the father shall not bear the wickedness of the son, but everychshall bear his own burden. And therefore beseek thou only God, and Hewill help thee in all thy needs. And then Sir Launcelot and he went tosupper, and so laid him to rest, and the hair pricked so Sir Launcelot'sskin which grieved him full sore, but he took it meekly, and sufferedthe pain. And so on the morn he heard his mass and took his arms, and sotook his leave. 

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot jousted with many knights, and how he wastaken. 

AND then mounted upon his horse, and rode into a forest, and held nohighway. And as he looked afore him he saw a fair plain, and beside thata fair castle, and afore the castle were many pavilions of silk andof diverse hue. And him seemed that he saw there five hundred knightsriding on horseback; and there were two parties: they that were of thecastle were all on black horses and their trappings black, and they thatwere without were all on white horses and trappings, and everych hurtledto other that it marvelled Sir Launcelot. And at the last him thoughtthey of the castle were put to the worse. 

Then thought Sir Launcelot for to help there the weaker party inincreasing of his chivalry. And so Sir Launcelot thrust in among theparty of the castle, and smote down a knight, horse and man, to theearth. And then he rashed here and there, and did marvellous deeds ofarms. And then he drew out his sword, and struck many knights to theearth, so that all those that saw him marvelled that ever one knightmight do so great deeds of arms. But always the white knights held themnigh 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 fightingand travailing, and was so weary of his great deeds, that[1] he mightnot lift up his arms for to give one stroke, so that he weened never tohave borne arms; and then they all took and led him away into aforest, and there made him to alight and to rest him. And then all thefellowship of the castle were overcome for the default of him. Thenthey said all unto Sir Launcelot: Blessed be God that ye be now of ourfellowship, for we shall hold you in our prison; and so they left

[1] So W. De Worde; Caxton "but. "

him with few words. And then Sir Launcelot made great sorrow, For neveror now was I never at tournament nor jousts but I had the best, and nowI am shamed; and then he said: Now I am sure that I am more sinfullerthan ever I was. 

Thus he rode sorrowing, and half a day he was out of despair, till thathe came into a deep valley. And when Sir Launcelot saw he might not rideup into the mountain, he there alighted under an apple tree, and therehe left his helm and his shield, and put his horse unto pasture. Andthen he laid him down to sleep. And then him thought there came an oldman afore him, the which said: Ah, Launcelot of evil faith and poorbelief, wherefore is thy will turned so lightly toward thy deadly sin?And when he had said thus he vanished away, and Launcelot wist not wherehe was become. Then he took his horse, and armed him; and as he rode bythe way he saw a chapel where was a recluse, which had a window that shemight see up to the altar. And all aloud she called Launcelot, for thathe seemed a knight errant. And then he came, and she asked him what hewas, and of what place, and where about he went to seek. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot told his advision to a woman, and how sheexpounded it to him. 

AND then he told her altogether word by word, and the truth how itbefell him at the tournament. And after told her his advision that hehad had that night in his sleep, and prayed her to tell him what itmight mean, for he was not well content with it. Ah, Launcelot, saidshe, as long as ye were knight of earthly knighthood ye were the mostmarvellous man of the world, and most adventurous. Now, said the lady, sithen ye be set among the knights of heavenly adventures, if adventurefell thee contrary at that tournament have thou no marvel, for thattournament yesterday was but a tokening of Our Lord. And not for thenthere was none enchantment, for they at the tournament were earthlyknights. The tournament was a token to see who should have most knights, either Eliazar, the son of King Pelles, or Argustus, the son of KingHarlon. But Eliazar was all clothed in white, and Argustus was coveredin black, the which were [over]come. 

All what this betokeneth I shall tell you. The day of Pentecost, whenKing Arthur held his court, it befell that earthly kings and knightstook a tournament together, that is to say the quest of the Sangreal. The earthly knights were they the which were clothed all in black, andthe covering betokeneth the sins whereof they be not confessed. And theywith the covering of white betokeneth virginity, and they that chosechastity. And thus was the quest begun in them. Then thou beheld thesinners and the good men, and when thou sawest the sinners overcome, thou inclinest to that party for bobaunce and pride of the world, andall that must be left in that quest, for in this quest thou shalt havemany fellows and thy betters. For thou art so feeble of evil trust andgood belief, this made it when thou were there where they took thee andled thee into the forest. And anon there appeared the Sangreal unto thewhite knights, but thou was so feeble of good belief and faith that thoumightest not abide it for all the teaching of the good man, but anonthou turnest to the sinners, and that caused thy misadventure that thoushould'st know good from evil and vain glory of the world, the which isnot worth a pear. And for great pride thou madest great sorrow that thouhadst not overcome all the white knights with the covering of white, bywhom was betokened virginity and chastity; and therefore God was wrothwith you, for God loveth no such deeds in this quest. And this advisionsignifieth that thou were of evil faith and of poor belief, the whichwill make thee to fall into the deep pit of hell if thou keep thee not. Now have I warned thee of thy vain glory and of thy pride, that thouhast many times erred against thy Maker. Beware of everlasting pain, forof all earthly knights I have most pity of thee, for I know well thouhast not thy peer of any earthly sinful man. 

And so she commended Sir Launcelot to dinner. And after dinner he tookhis horse and commended her to God, and so rode into a deep valley, andthere he saw a river and an high mountain. And through the water he mustneeds pass, the which was hideous; and then in the name of God he tookit with good heart. And when he came over he saw an armed knight, horseand man black as any bear; without any word he smote Sir Launcelot'shorse to the earth; and so he passed on, he wist not where he wasbecome. And then he took his helm and his shield, and thanked God of hisadventure. 

_Here leadeth off the story of Sir Launcelot, and speak we of SirGawaine, the which is the sixteenth book. _

BOOK XVI. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Gawaine was nigh weary of the quest of the Sangreal, and of his marvellous dream. 

WHEN Sir Gawaine was departed from his fellowship he rode long withoutany adventure. For he found not the tenth part of adventure as he waswont to do. For Sir Gawaine rode from Whitsuntide until Michaelmas andfound none adventure that pleased him. So on a day it befell Gawaine metwith Sir Ector de Maris, and either made great joy of other that itwere marvel to tell. And so they told everych other, and complained themgreatly that they could find none adventure. Truly, said Sir Gawaineunto Sir Ector, I am nigh weary of this quest, and loath I am to followfurther in strange countries. One thing marvelled me, said Sir Ector, Ihave met with twenty knights, fellows of mine, and all they complain asI do. I have marvel, said Sir Gawaine, where that Sir Launcelot, yourbrother, is. Truly, said Sir Ector, I cannot hear of him, nor of SirGalahad, Percivale, nor Sir Bors. Let them be, said Sir Gawaine, forthey four have no peers. And if one thing were not in Sir Launcelot hehad no fellow of none earthly man; but he is as we be, but if he tookmore pain upon him. But an these four be met together they will be loaththat any man meet with them; for an they fail of the Sangreal it is inwaste of all the remnant to recover it. 

Thus Ector and Gawaine rode more than eight days, and on a Saturdaythey found an old chapel, the which was wasted that there seemed no manthither repaired; and there they alighted, and set their spears at thedoor, and in they entered into the chapel, and there made their orisonsa great while, and set them down in the sieges of the chapel. And asthey spake of one thing and other, for heaviness they fell asleep, andthere befell them both marvellous adventures. Sir Gawaine him seemed hecame into a meadow full of herbs and flowers, and there he saw a rackof bulls, an hundred and fifty, that were proud and black, save three ofthem were all white, and one had a black spot, and the other two wereso fair and so white that they might be no whiter. And these three bullswhich were so fair were tied with two strong cords. And the remnant ofthe bulls said among them: Go we hence to seek better pasture. And sosome went, and some came again, but they were so lean that they mightnot stand upright; and of the bulls that were so white, that one cameagain and no mo. But when this white bull was come again among theseother there rose up a great cry for lack of wind that failed them;and so they departed one here and another there: this advision befellGawaine that night. 

CHAPTER II. Of the advision of Sir Ector, and how he jousted with SirUwaine les Avoutres, his sworn brother. 

BUT to Ector de Maris befell another vision the contrary. For it seemedhim that his brother, Sir Launcelot, and he alighted out of a chair andleapt upon two horses, and the one said to the other: Go we seek thatwe shall not find. And him thought that a man beat Sir Launcelot, anddespoiled him, and clothed him in another array, the which was all fullof knots, and set him upon an ass, and so he rode till he came to thefairest well that ever he saw; and Sir Launcelot alighted and would havedrunk of that well. And when he stooped to drink of the water the watersank from him. And when Sir Launcelot saw that, he turned and wentthither as the head came from. And in the meanwhile he trowed thathimself and Sir Ector rode till that they came to a rich man's housewhere there was a wedding. And there he saw a king the which said: Sirknight, here is no place for you. And then he turned again unto thechair that he came from. 

Thus within a while both Gawaine and Ector awaked, and either told otherof their advision, the which marvelled them greatly. Truly, said Ector, I shall never be merry till I hear tidings of my brother Launcelot. Nowas they sat thus talking they saw an hand showing unto the elbow, andwas covered with red samite, and upon that hung a bridle not right rich, and held within the fist a great candle which burned right clear, and sopassed afore them, and entered into the chapel, and then vanished awayand they wist not where. And anon came down a voice which said: Knightsof full evil faith and of poor belief, these two things have failed you, and therefore ye may not come to the adventures of the Sangreal. 

Then first spake Gawaine and said: Ector, have ye heard these words? Yeatruly, said Sir Ector, I heard all. Now go we, said Sir Ector, unto somehermit that will tell us of our advision, for it seemeth me we labourall in vain. And so they departed and rode into a valley, and there metwith a squire which rode on an hackney, and they saluted him fair. Sir, said Gawaine, can thou teach us to any hermit? Here is one in alittle mountain, but it is so rough there may no horse go thither, andtherefore ye must go upon foot; there shall ye find a poor house, andthere is Nacien the hermit, which is the holiest man in this country. And so they departed either from other. 

And then in a valley they met with a knight all armed, which profferedthem to joust as far as he saw them. In the name of God, said SirGawaine, sith I departed from Camelot there was none proffered me tojoust but once. And now, sir, said Ector, let me joust with him. Nay, said Gawaine, ye shall not but if I be beat; it shall not for-think methen if ye go after me. And then either embraced other to joust and cametogether as fast as their horses might run, and brast their shields andthe mails, and the one more than the other; and Gawaine was wounded inthe left side, but the other knight was smitten through the breast, andthe spear came out on the other side, and so they fell both out of theirsaddles, and in the falling they brake both their spears. 

Anon Gawaine arose and set his hand to his sword, and cast his shieldafore him. But all for naught was it, for the knight had no power toarise against him. Then said Gawaine: Ye must yield you as an overcomeman, or else I may slay you. Ah, sir knight, said he, I am but dead, forGod's sake and of your gentleness lead me here unto an abbey that Imay receive my Creator. Sir, said Gawaine, I know no house of religionhereby. Sir, said the knight, set me on an horse to-fore you, and Ishall teach you. Gawaine set him up in the saddle, and he leapt upbehind him for to sustain him, and so came to an abbey where they werewell received; and anon he was unarmed, and received his Creator. Thenhe prayed Gawaine to draw out the truncheon of the spear out of hisbody. Then Gawaine asked him what he was, that knew him not. I am, saidhe, of King Arthur's court, and was a fellow of the Round Table, and wewere brethren sworn together; and now Sir Gawaine, thou hast slain me, and my name is Uwaine les Avoutres, that sometime was son unto KingUriens, and was in the quest of the Sangreal; and now forgive it theeGod, for it shall ever be said that the one sworn brother hath slain theother. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector came to an hermitage to beconfessed, and how they told to the hermit their advisions. 

ALAS, said Gawaine, that ever this misadventure is befallen me. No force, said Uwaine, sith I shall die this death, of a much moreworshipfuller man's hand might I not die; but when ye come to the courtrecommend me unto my lord, King Arthur, and all those that be leftalive, and for old brotherhood think on me. Then began Gawaine to weep, and Ector also. And then Uwaine himself and Sir Gawaine drew out thetruncheon of the spear, and anon departed the soul from the body. ThenSir Gawaine and Sir Ector buried him as men ought to bury a king's son, and made write upon his name, and by whom he was slain. 

Then departed Gawaine and Ector, as heavy as they might for theirmisadventure, and so rode till that they came to the rough mountain, andthere they tied their horses and went on foot to the hermitage. And whenthey were come up they saw a poor house, and beside the chapel a littlecourtelage, where Nacien the hermit gathered worts, as he which hadtasted none other meat of a great while. And when he saw the errantknights he came toward them and saluted them, and they him again. Fairlords, said he, what adventure brought you hither? Sir, said Gawaine, to speak with you for to be confessed. Sir, said the hermit, I am ready. Then they told him so much that he wist well what they were. And then hethought to counsel them if he might. 

Then began Gawaine first and told him of his advision that he had had inthe chapel, and Ector told him all as it is afore rehearsed. Sir, saidthe hermit unto Sir Gawaine, the fair meadow and the rack thereinought to be understood the Round Table, and by the meadow ought to beunderstood humility and patience, those be the things which be alwaysgreen and quick; for men may no time overcome humility and patience, therefore was the Round Table founded, and the chivalry hath been atall times so by the fraternity which was there that she might not beovercome; for men said she was founded in patience and in humility. Atthe rack ate an hundred and fifty bulls; but they ate not in the meadow, for their hearts should be set in humility and patience, and the bullswere proud and black save only three. By the bulls is to understand thefellowship of the Round Table, which for their sin and their wickednessbe black. Blackness is to say without good or virtuous works. And thethree bulls which were white save only one that was spotted: the twowhite betoken Sir Galahad and Sir Percivale, for they be maidens cleanand without spot; and the third that had a spot signifieth Sir Bors deGanis, which trespassed but once in his virginity, but sithen he kepthimself so well in chastity that all is forgiven him and his misdeeds. And why those three were tied by the necks, they be three knights invirginity and chastity, and there is no pride smitten in them. And theblack bulls which said: Go we hence, they were those which at Pentecostat the high feast took upon them to go in the quest of the Sangrealwithout confession: they might not enter in the meadow of humilityand patience. And therefore they returned into waste countries, thatsignifieth death, for there shall die many of them: everych of themshall slay other for sin, and they that shall escape shall be so leanthat it shall be marvel to see them. And of the three bulls withoutspot, the one shall come again, and the other two never. 

CHAPTER IV. How the hermit expounded their advision. 

THEN spake Nacien unto Ector: Sooth it is that Launcelot and ye camedown off one chair: the chair betokeneth mastership and lordship whichye came down from. But ye two knights, said the hermit, ye go to seekthat ye shall never find, that is the Sangreal; for it is the secretthing of our Lord Jesu Christ. What is to mean that Sir Launcelot felldown off his horse: he hath left pride and taken him to humility, for hehath cried mercy loud for his sin, and sore repented him, and our Lordhath clothed him in his clothing which is full of knots, that is thehair that he weareth daily. And the ass that he rode upon is a beast ofhumility, for God would not ride upon no steed, nor upon no palfrey;so in ensample that an ass betokeneth meekness, that thou sawest SirLauncelot ride on in thy sleep. And the well whereas the water sank fromhim when he should have taken thereof, and when he saw he might not haveit, he returned thither from whence he came, for the well betokeneth thehigh grace of God, the more men desire it to take it, the more shall betheir desire. So when he came nigh the Sangreal, he meeked him that heheld him not a man worthy to be so nigh the Holy Vessel, for he hadbeen so defouled in deadly sin by the space of many years; yet whenhe kneeled to drink of the well, there he saw great providence ofthe Sangreal. And for he had served so long the devil, he shall havevengeance four-and-twenty days long, for that he hath been the devil'sservant four-and-twenty years. And then soon after he shall return untoCamelot out of this country, and he shall say a part of such things ashe hath found. 

Now will I tell you what betokeneth the hand with the candle and thebridle: that is to understand the Holy Ghost where charity is ever, andthe bridle signifieth abstinence. For when she is bridled in Christianman's heart she holdeth him so short that he falleth not in deadly sin. And the candle which sheweth clearness and sight signifieth the rightway of Jesu Christ. And when he went and said: Knights of poor faith andof wicked belief, these three things failed, charity, abstinence, andtruth; therefore ye may not attain that high adventure of the Sangreal. 

CHAPTER V. Of the good counsel that the hermit gave to them. 

CERTES, said Gawaine, soothly have ye said, that I see it openly. Now, Ipray you, good man and holy father, tell me why we met not with so manyadventures as we were wont to do, and commonly have the better. I shalltell you gladly, said the good man; the adventure of the Sangreal whichye and many other have undertaken the quest of it and find it not, thecause is for it appeareth not to sinners. Wherefore marvel not thoughye fail thereof, and many other. For ye be an untrue knight and a greatmurderer, and to good men signifieth other things than murder. For Idare say, as sinful as Sir Launcelot hath been, sith that he went intothe quest of the Sangreal he slew never man, nor nought shall, till thathe come unto Camelot again, for he hath taken upon him for to forsakesin. And nere that he nis not stable, but by his thought he is likely toturn again, he should be next to enchieve it save Galahad, his son. ButGod knoweth his thought and his unstableness, and yet shall he die rightan holy man, and no doubt he hath no fellow of no earthly sinful man. Sir, said Gawaine, it seemeth me by your words that for our sins it willnot avail us to travel in this quest Truly, said the good man, there bean hundred such as ye be that never shall prevail, but to have shame. And when they had heard these voices they commended him unto God. 

Then the good man called Gawaine, and said: It is long time passed siththat ye were made knight, and never sithen thou servedst thy Maker, and now thou art so old a tree that in thee is neither life nor fruit;wherefore bethink thee that thou yield to Our Lord the bare rind, siththe fiend hath the leaves and the fruit. Sir, said Gawaine an I hadleisure I would speak with you, but my fellow here, Sir Ector, is gone, and abideth me yonder beneath the hill. Well, said the good man, thouwere better to be counselled. Then departed Gawaine and came to Ector, and so took their horses and rode till they came to a forester's house, which harboured them right well. And on the morn they departed fromtheir host, and rode long or they could find any adventure. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bors met with an hermit, and how he was confessed tohim, and of his penance enjoined to him. 

WHEN Bors was departed from Camelot he met with a religious man ridingon an ass, and Sir Bors saluted him. Anon the good man knew him thathe was one of the knights-errant that was in the quest of the Sangreal. What are ye? said the good man. Sir, said he, I am a knight that fainwould be counselled in the quest of the Sangreal, for he shall have muchearthly worship that may bring it to an end. Certes, said the good man, that is sooth, for he shall be the best knight of the world, and thefairest of all the fellowship. But wit you well there shall none attainit but by cleanness, that is pure confession. 

So rode they together till that they came to an hermitage. And there heprayed Bors to dwell all that night with him. And so he alighted and putaway his armour, and prayed him that he might be confessed; and so theywent into the chapel, and there he was clean confessed, and they atebread and drank water together. Now, said the good man, I pray thee thatthou eat none other till that thou sit at the table where the Sangrealshall be. Sir, said he, I agree me thereto, but how wit ye that I shallsit there. Yes, said the good man, that know I, but there shall be butfew of your fellows with you. All is welcome, said Sir Bors, that Godsendeth me. Also, said the good man, instead of a shirt, and in sign ofchastisement, ye shall wear a garment; therefore I pray you do offall your clothes and your shirt: and so he did. And then he took hima scarlet coat, so that should be instead of his shirt till he hadfulfilled the quest of the Sangreal; and the good man found in him somarvellous a life and so stable, that he marvelled and felt that he wasnever corrupt in fleshly lusts, but in one time that he begat Elian leBlank. 

Then he armed him, and took his leave, and so departed. And so a littlefrom thence he looked up into a tree, and there he saw a passing greatbird upon an old tree, and it was passing dry, without leaves; and thebird sat above, and had birds, the which were dead for hunger. So smotehe himself with his beak, the which was great and sharp. And so thegreat bird bled till that he died among his birds. And the young birdstook the life by the blood of the great bird. When Bors saw this he wistwell it was a great tokening; for when he saw the great bird arose not, then he took his horse and yede his way. So by evensong, by adventure hecame to a strong tower and an high, and there was he lodged gladly. 

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took uponhim for to fight against a champion for her land. 

AND when he was unarmed they led him into an high tower where was alady, young, lusty, and fair. And she received him with great joy, andmade him to sit down by her, and so was he set to sup with flesh andmany dainties. And when Sir Bors saw that, he bethought him on hispenance, and bade a squire to bring him water. And so he brought him, and he made sops therein and ate them. Ah, said the lady, I trow ye likenot my meat. Yes, truly, said Sir Bors, God thank you, madam, but I mayeat none other meat this day. Then she spake no more as at that time, for she was loath to displease him. Then after supper they spake of onething and other. 

With that came a squire and said: Madam, ye must purvey you to-morn fora champion, for else your sister will have this castle and also yourlands, except ye can find a knight that will fight to-morn in yourquarrel against Pridam le Noire. Then she made sorrow and said: Ah, Lord God, wherefore granted ye to hold my land, whereof I should now bedisherited without reason and right? And when Sir Bors had heard hersay thus, he said: I shall comfort you. Sir, said she, I shall tell youthere was here a king that hight Aniause, which held all this land inhis keeping. So it mishapped he loved a gentlewoman a great deal elderthan I. So took he her all this land to her keeping, and all his men togovern; and she brought up many evil customs whereby she put to death agreat part of his kinsmen. And when he saw that, he let chase her out ofthis land, and betook it me, and all this land in my demesnes. But anonas that worthy king was dead, this other lady began to war upon me, andhath destroyed many of my men, and turned them against me, that I havewell-nigh no man left me; and I have nought else but this high towerthat she left me. And yet she hath promised me to have this tower, without I can find a knight to fight with her champion. 

Now tell me, said Sir Bors, what is that Pridam le Noire? Sir, said she, he is the most doubted man of this land. Now may ye send her word thatye have found a knight that shall fight with that Pridam le Noire inGod's quarrel and yours. Then that lady was not a little glad, and sentword that she was purveyed, and that night Bors had good cheer; butin no bed he would come, but laid him on the floor, nor never would dootherwise till that he had met with the quest of the Sangreal. 

CHAPTER VIII. Of an advision which Sir Bors had that night, and how hefought and overcame his adversary. 

AND anon as he was asleep him befell a vision, that there came to himtwo birds, the one as white as a swan, and the other was marvellousblack; but it was not so great as the other, but in the likeness of aRaven. Then the white bird came to him, and said: An thou wouldst giveme meat and serve me I should give thee all the riches of the world, and I shall make thee as fair and as white as I am. So the white birddeparted, and there came the black bird to him, and said: An thou wolt, serve me to-morrow and have me in no despite though I be black, for witthou well that more availeth my blackness than the other's whiteness. And then he departed. 

And he had another vision: him thought that he came to a great placewhich seemed a chapel, and there he found a chair set on the left side, which was worm-eaten and feeble. And on the right hand were two flowerslike a lily, and the one would have benome the other's whiteness, but agood man departed them that the one touched not the other; and then outof every flower came out many flowers, and fruit great plenty. Then himthought the good man said: Should not he do great folly that would letthese two flowers perish for to succour the rotten tree, that it fellnot to the earth? Sir, said he, it seemeth me that this wood mightnot avail. Now keep thee, said the good man, that thou never see suchadventure befall thee. 

Then he awaked and made a sign of the cross in midst of the forehead, and so rose and clothed him. And there came the lady of the place, andshe saluted him, and he her again, and so went to a chapel and heardtheir service. And there came a company of knights, that the lady hadsent for, to lead Sir Bors unto battle. Then asked he his arms. And whenhe was armed she prayed him to take a little morsel to dine. Nay, madam, said he, that shall I not do till I have done my battle, by the grace ofGod. And so he leapt upon his horse, and departed, all the knights andmen with him. And as soon as these two ladies met together, she whichBors should fight for complained her, and said: Madam, ye have doneme wrong to bereave me of my lands that King Aniause gave me, and fullloath I am there should be any battle. Ye shall not choose, said theother lady, or else your knight withdraw him. 

Then there was the cry made, which party had the better of the twoknights, that his lady should rejoice all the land. Now departed the oneknight here, and the other there. Then they came together with sucha raundon that they pierced their shields and their hauberks, and thespears flew in pieces, and they wounded either other sore. Then hurtledthey together, so that they fell both to the earth, and their horsesbetwixt their legs; and anon they arose, and set hands to their swords, and smote each one other upon the heads, that they made great wounds anddeep, that the blood went out of their bodies. For there found Sir Borsgreater defence in that knight more than he weened. For that Pridam wasa passing good knight, and he wounded Sir Bors full evil, and he himagain; but ever this Pridam held the stour in like hard. That perceivedSir Bors, and suffered him till he was nigh attaint. And then he ranupon him more and more, and the other went back for dread of death. So in his withdrawing he fell upright, and Sir Bors drew his helm sostrongly that he rent it from his head, and gave him great strokes withthe flat of his sword upon the visage, and bade him yield him or heshould slay him. Then he cried him mercy and said: Fair knight, forGod's love slay me not, and I shall ensure thee never to war against thylady, but be alway toward her. Then Bors let him be; then the old ladyfled with all her knights. 

CHAPTER IX. How the lady was returned to her lands by the battle of SirBors, and of his departing, and how he met Sir Lionel taken and beatenwith thorns, and also of a maid which should have been devoured. 

SO then came Bors to all those that held lands of his lady, and said heshould destroy them but if they did such service unto her as longedto their lands. So they did their homage, and they that would not werechased out of their lands. Then befell that young lady to come to herestate again, by the mighty prowess of Sir Bors de Ganis. So when allthe country was well set in peace, then Sir Bors took his leave anddeparted; and she thanked him greatly, and would have given him greatriches, but he refused it. 

Then he rode all that day till night, and came to an harbour to a ladywhich knew him well enough, and made of him great Joy. Upon the morn, assoon as the day appeared, Bors departed from thence, and so rode intoa forest unto the hour of midday, and there befell him a marvellousadventure. So he met at the departing of the two ways two knights thatled Lionel, his brother, all naked, bounden upon a strong hackney, andhis hands bounden to-fore his breast. And everych of them held in hishands thorns wherewith they went beating him so sore that the bloodtrailed down more than in an hundred places of his body, so that he wasall blood to-fore and behind, but he said never a word; as he which wasgreat of heart he suffered all that ever they did to him, as though hehad felt none anguish. 

Anon Sir Bors dressed him to rescue him that was his brother; and so helooked upon the other side of him, and saw a knight which brought a fairgentlewoman, and would have set her in the thickest place of the forestfor to have been the more surer out of the way from them that soughthim. And she which was nothing assured cried with an high voice: SaintMary 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: Bythe faith that he ought unto Him in whose service thou art entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto the high order of knighthood, and for thenoble King Arthur's sake, that I suppose made thee knight, that thouhelp me, and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight. When Bors heardher say thus he had so much sorrow there he nist not what to do. For ifI let my brother be in adventure he must be slain, and that would I notfor 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 getagain. Then lift he up his eyes and said weeping: Fair sweet LordJesu Christ, whose liege man I am, keep Lionel, my brother, that theseknights slay him not, and for pity of you, and for Mary's sake, I shallsuccour this maid. 

CHAPTER X. How Sir Bors left to rescue his brother, and rescued thedamosel; and how it was told him that Lionel was dead. 

THEN dressed he him unto the knight the which had the gentlewoman, andthen he cried: Sir knight, let your hand off that maiden, or ye be butdead. And then he set down the maiden, and was armed at all pieces savehe 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 habergeonon the left shoulder. And through great strength he beat him down to theearth, and at the pulling out of Bors' spear there he swooned. Thencame Bors to the maid and said: How seemeth it you? of this knight yebe delivered at this time. Now sir, said she, I pray you lead me thereasthis knight had me. So shall I do gladly: and took the horse of thewounded knight, and set the gentlewoman upon him, and so brought her asshe desired. Sir knight, said she, ye have better sped than ye weened, for an I had lost my maidenhead, five hundred men should have died forit. What knight was he that had you in the forest? By my faith, saidshe, he is my cousin. So wot I never with what engine the fiend enchafedhim, for yesterday he took me from my father privily; for I, nor none ofmy father's men, mistrusted him not, and if he had had my maidenhead heshould have died for the sin, and his body shamed and dishonoured forever. Thus as she stood talking with him there came twelve knightsseeking after her, and anon she told them all how Bors had deliveredher; then they made great joy, and besought him to come to her father, a great lord, and he should be right welcome. Truly, said Bors, that maynot be at this time, for I have a great adventure to do in this country. So he commended them unto God and departed. 

Then Sir Bors rode after Lionel, his brother, by the trace of theirhorses, thus he rode seeking a great while. Then he overtook a manclothed in a religious clothing; and rode on a strong black horseblacker than a berry, and said: Sir knight, what seek you? Sir, said he, I seek my brother that I saw within a while beaten with two knights. Ah, Bors, discomfort you not, nor fall into no wanhope; for I shall tell youtidings such as they be, for truly he is dead. Then showed he him a newslain body lying in a bush, and it seemed him well that it was the bodyof Lionel, and then he made such a sorrow that he fell to the earth allin a swoon, and lay a great while there. And when he came to himself hesaid: Fair brother, sith the company of you and me is departed shallI never have joy in my heart, and now He which I have taken unto mymaster, He be my help. And when he had said thus he took his bodylightly in his arms, and put it upon the arson of his saddle. And thenhe said to the man: Canst thou tell me unto some chapel where that I maybury this body? Come on, said he, here is one fast by; and so long theyrode till they saw a fair tower, and afore it there seemed an old feeblechapel. And then they alighted both, and put him into a tomb of marble. 

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest, which he haddreamed, and of the counsel that the priest gave to him. 

NOW leave we him here, said the good man, and go we to our harbour tillto-morrow; we will come here again to do him service. Sir, said Bors, beye a priest? Yea forsooth, said he. Then I pray you tell me a dream thatbefell to me the last night. Say on, said he. Then he began so muchto tell him of the great bird in the forest, and after told him of hisbirds, one white, another black, and of the rotten tree, and of thewhite flowers. Sir, I shall tell you a part now, and the other dealto-morrow. The white fowl betokeneth a gentlewoman, fair and rich, whichloved thee paramours, and hath loved thee long; and if thou warn herlove she shall go die anon, if thou have no pity on her. That signifieththe great bird, the which shall make thee to warn her. Now for no fearthat thou hast, ne for no dread that thou hast of God, thou shalt notwarn her, but thou wouldst not do it for to be holden chaste, for toconquer the loos of the vain glory of the world; for that shall befallthee now an thou warn her, that Launcelot, the good knight, thy cousin, shall die. And therefore men shall now say that thou art a manslayer, both of thy brother, Sir Lionel, and of thy cousin, Sir Launcelot duLake, the which thou mightest have saved and rescued easily, but thouweenedst to rescue a maid which pertaineth nothing to thee. Now lookthou whether it had been greater harm of thy brother's death, or else tohave suffered her to have lost her maidenhood. Then asked he him: Hastthou heard the tokens of thy dream the which I have told to you? Yeaforsooth, said Sir Bors, all your exposition and declaring of my dreamI have well understood and heard. Then said the man in this blackclothing: Then is it in thy default if Sir Launcelot, thy cousin, die. Sir, said Bors, that were me loath, for wit ye well there is nothing inthe world but I had liefer do it than to see my lord, Sir Launcelot duLake, to die in my default. Choose ye now the one or the other, said thegood man. 

And then he led Sir Bors into an high tower, and there he found knightsand ladies: those ladies said he was welcome, and so they unarmed him. And when he was in his doublet men brought him a mantle furred withermine, and put it about him; and then they made him such cheer thathe had forgotten all his sorrow and anguish, and only set his heart inthese delights and dainties, and took no thought more for his brother, Sir Lionel, neither of Sir Launcelot du Lake, his cousin. And anon cameout of a chamber to him the fairest lady than ever he saw, and morericher beseen than ever he saw Queen Guenever or any other estate. Lo, said they, Sir Bors, here is the lady unto whom we owe all our service, and I trow she be the richest lady and the fairest of all the world, andthe which loveth you best above all other knights, for she will have noknight but you. And when he understood that language he was abashed. Notfor then she saluted him, and he her; and then they sat down togetherand spake of many things, in so much that she besought him to be herlove, for she had loved him above all earthly men, and she should makehim richer than ever was man of his age. When Bors understood her wordshe was right evil at ease, which in no manner would not break chastity, so wist not he how to answer her. 

CHAPTER XII. How the devil in a woman's likeness would have had Sir Borsto have lain by her, and how by God's grace he escaped. 

ALAS, said she, Bors, shall ye not do my will? Madam, said Bors, thereis no lady in the world whose will I will fulfil as of this thing, formy brother lieth dead which was slain right late. Ah Bors, said she, I have loved you long for the great beauty I have seen in you, and thegreat hardiness that I have heard of you, that needs ye must lie byme this night, and therefore I pray you grant it me. Truly, said he, I shall not do it in no manner wise. Then she made him such sorrowas though she would have died. Well Bors, said she, unto this have yebrought me, nigh to mine end. And therewith she took him by the hand, and bade him behold her. And ye shall see how I shall die for your love. Ah, said then he, that shall I never see. 

Then she departed and went up into an high battlement, and led with hertwelve gentlewomen; and when they were above, one of the gentlewomencried, and said: Ah, Sir Bors, gentle knight have mercy on us all, andsuffer my lady to have her will, and if ye do not we must suffer deathwith our lady, for to fall down off this high tower, and if ye suffer usthus to die for so little a thing all ladies and gentlewomen will sayor you dishonour. Then looked he upward, they seemed all ladies of greatestate, and richly and well beseen. Then had he of them great pity; notfor that he was uncounselled in himself that liefer he had they all hadlost their souls than he his, and with that they fell adown all atonce unto the earth. And when he saw that, he was all abashed, and hadthereof great marvel. With that he blessed his body and his visage. Andanon he heard a great noise and a great cry, as though all the fiends ofhell had been about him; and therewith he saw neither tower, nor lady, nor gentlewoman, nor no chapel where he brought his brother to. Thenheld he up both his hands to the heaven, and said: Fair Father God, I amgrievously escaped; and then he took his arms and his horse and rode onhis way. 

Then he heard a clock smite on his right hand; and thither he came to anabbey on his right hand, closed with high walls, and there was let in. Then they supposed that he was one of the quest of the Sangreal, so theyled him into a chamber and unarmed him. Sirs, said Sir Bors, if there beany holy man in this house I pray you let me speak with him. Then oneof them led him unto the Abbot, which was in a chapel. And then Sir Borssaluted him, and he him again. Sir, said Bors, I am a knight-errant;and told him all the adventure which he had seen. Sir Knight, said theAbbot, I wot not what ye be, for I weened never that a knight of yourage might have been so strong in the grace of our Lord Jesu Christ. Notfor then ye shall go unto your rest, for I will not counsel you thisday, it is too late, and to-morrow I shall counsel you as I can. 

CHAPTER XIII. Of the holy communication of an Abbot to Sir Bors, and howthe Abbot counselled him. 

AND that night was Sir Bors served richly; and on the morn early heheard mass, and the Abbot came to him, and bade him good morrow, andBors to him again. And then he told him he was a fellow of the questof the Sangreal, and how he had charge of the holy man to eat bread andwater. Then [said the Abbot]: Our Lord Jesu Christ showed him unto youin the likeness of a soul that suffered great anguish for us, since Hewas put upon the cross, and bled His heart-blood for mankind: there wasthe token and the likeness of the Sangreal that appeared afore you, forthe blood that the great fowl bled revived the chickens from death tolife. And by the bare tree is betokened the world which is naked andwithout fruit but if it come of Our Lord. Also the lady for whom yefought for, and King Aniause which was lord there-to-fore, betokenethJesu Christ which is the King of the world. And that ye fought with thechampion for the lady, this it betokeneth: for when ye took the battlefor the lady, by her shall ye understand the new law of Jesu Christ andHoly Church; and by the other lady ye shall understand the old law andthe fiend, which all day warreth against Holy Church, therefore ye didyour battle with right. For ye be Jesu Christ's knights, therefore yeought to be defenders of Holy Church. And by the black bird might yeunderstand Holy Church, which sayeth I am black, but he is fair. And bythe white bird might men understand the fiend, and I shall tell you howthe swan is white without-forth, and black within: it is hypocrisy whichis without yellow or pale, and seemeth without-forth the servantsof Jesu Christ, but they be within so horrible of filth and sin, andbeguile the world evil. Also when the fiend appeared to thee in likenessof a man of religion, and blamed thee that thou left thy brother for alady, so led thee where thou seemed thy brother was slain, but he is yetalive; and all was for to put thee in error, and bring thee unto wanhopeand lechery, for he knew thou were tender hearted, and all was for thoushouldst not find the blessed adventure of the Sangreal. And the thirdfowl betokeneth the strong battle against the fair ladies which were alldevils. Also the dry tree and the white lily: the dry tree betokeneththy brother Lionel, which is dry without virtue, and therefore many menought to call him the rotten tree, and the worm-eaten tree, for he is amurderer and doth contrary to the order of knighthood. And the two whiteflowers signify two maidens, the one is a knight which was wounded theother day, and the other is the gentlewoman which ye rescued; and whythe other flower drew nigh the other, that was the knight which wouldhave defouled her and himself both. And Sir Bors, ye had been a greatfool and in great peril for to have seen those two flowers perish for tosuccour the rotten tree, for an they had sinned together they had beendamned; and for that ye rescued them both, men might call you a veryknight and servant of Jesu Christ. 

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Bors met with his brother Sir Lionel, and how SirLionel would have slain Sir Bors. 

THEN went Sir Bors from thence and commended the Abbot unto God. Andthen he rode all that day, and harboured with an old lady. And on themorn he rode to a castle in a valley, and there he met with a yeomangoing a great pace toward a forest. Say me, said Sir Bors, canst thoutell me of any adventure? Sir, said he, here shall be under this castlea great and a marvellous tournament. Of what folks shall it be? saidSir Bors. The Earl of Plains shall be in the one party, and the lady'snephew of Hervin on the other party. Then Bors thought to be there if hemight meet with his brother Sir Lionel, or any other of his fellowship, which were in the quest of the Sangreal. And then he turned to anhermitage that was in the entry of the 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 thereharbour till on the morn that the tournament shall be. And when Sir Borssaw 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, whencame ye hither? Anon as Lionel saw him he said: Ah Bors, ye may not makenone avaunt, but as for you I might have been slain; when ye sawtwo knights leading me away beating me, ye left me for to succour agentlewoman, and suffered me in peril of death; for never erst ne didno brother to another so great an untruth. And for that misdeed now Iensure you but death, for well have ye deserved it; therefore keep theefrom henceforward, and that shall ye find as soon as I am armed. WhenSir Bors understood his brother's wrath he kneeled down to the earth andcried him mercy, holding up both his hands, and prayed him to forgivehim his evil will. Nay, said Lionel, that shall never be an I may havethe higher hand, that I make mine avow to God, thou shalt have death forit, 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 shalldo to thee as I would to a felon or a traitor, for ye be the untruestknight that ever came out of so worthy an house as was King Bors deGanis which was our father, therefore start upon thy horse, and so shallye be most at your advantage. And but if ye will I will run upon youthereas ye stand upon foot, and so the shame shall be mine and the harmyours, but of that shame ne reck I nought. 

When Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his brother or else to die, henist what to do; then his heart counselled him not thereto, inasmuchas Lionel was born or he, wherefore he ought to bear him reverence;yet kneeled he down afore Lionel's horse's feet, and said: Fair sweetbrother, have mercy upon me and slay me not, and have in remembrancethe great love which ought to be between us twain. What Sir Bors said toLionel he rought not, for the fiend had brought him in such a will thathe should slay him. Then when Lionel saw he would none other, and thathe would not have risen to give him battle, he rashed over him so thathe smote Bors with his horse, feet upward, to the earth, and hurt him sosore that he swooned of distress, the which he felt in himself to havedied without confession. So when Lionel saw this, he alighted off hishorse to have smitten off his head. And so he took him by the helm, andwould 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 wordsthat were between them, and so fell down upon Sir Bors. 

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Colgrevance fought against Sir Lionel for to saveSir Bors, and how the hermit was slain. 

THEN he said to Lionel: Ah gentle knight, have mercy upon me and on thybrother, for if thou slay him thou shalt be dead of sin, and that weresorrowful, for he is one of the worthiest knights of the world, and ofthe best conditions. So God help me, said Lionel, sir priest, but if yeflee 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 mydeath shall not be great harm, not half so much as of his. Well, saidLionel, I am greed; and set his hand to his sword and smote him so hardthat his head yede backward. Not for that he restrained him of his evilwill, but took his brother by the helm, and unlaced it to have strickenoff his head, and had slain him without fail. But so it happed, Colgrevance a fellow of the Round Table, came at that time thither asOur Lord's will was. And when he saw the good man slain he marvelledmuch what it might be. And then he beheld Lionel would have slain hisbrother, and knew Sir Bors which he loved right well. Then stert he downand took Lionel by the shoulders, and drew him strongly aback from Bors, and said: Lionel, will ye slay your brother, the worthiest knight of theworld one? and that should no good man suffer. Why, said Lionel, will yelet me? therefore if ye entermete you in this I shall slay you, and himafter. Why, said Colgrevance, is this sooth that ye will slay him? Slayhim will I, said he, whoso say the contrary, for he hath done so muchagainst me that he hath well deserved it. And so ran upon him, and wouldhave 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 askedhim 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 defendedhim right manfully. So long dured the battle that Bors rose up allanguishly, and beheld [how] Colgrevance, the good knight, fought withhis brother for his quarrel; then was he full sorry and heavy, andthought if Colgrevance slew him that was his brother he should neverhave joy; and if his brother slew Colgrevance the shame should ever bemine. Then would he have risen to have departed them, but he had not somuch might to stand on foot; so he abode him so long till Colgrevancehad the worse, for Lionel was of great chivalry and right hardy, for hehad pierced the hauberk and the helm, that he abode but death, forhe had lost much of his blood that it was marvel that he might standupright. 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 Ihave 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 otherswarrant, 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 firstthe hermit-priest which was slain, then made he a marvellous sorrow uponhim. 

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Lionel slew Sir Colgrevance, and how after he wouldhave slain Sir Bors. 

THEN oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors: Why will ye let me die herefor your sake? if it please you that I die for you the death, it willplease me the better for to save a worthy man. With that word Sir Lionelsmote off the helm from his head. Then Colgrevance saw that he might notescape; then he said: Fair sweet Jesu, that I have misdone have mercyupon my soul, for such sorrow that my heart suffereth for goodness, andfor alms deed that I would have done here, be to me aligement of penanceunto my soul's health. At these words Lionel smote him so sore thathe bare him to the earth. So he had slain Colgrevance he ran upon hisbrother as a fiendly man, and gave him such a stroke that he made himstoop. And he that was full of humility prayed him for God's love toleave this battle: For an it befell, fair brother, that I slew you orye me, we should be dead of that sin. Never God me help but if I have onyou mercy, an I may have the better hand. Then drew Bors his sword, all weeping, and said: Fair brother, God knoweth mine intent. Ah, fairbrother, ye have done full evil this day to slay such an holy priest thewhich never trespassed. Also ye have slain a gentle knight, and one ofour fellows. And well wot ye that I am not afeard of you greatly, but Idread the wrath of God, and this is an unkindly war, therefore God showmiracle upon us both. Now God have mercy upon me though I defend mylife against my brother: with that Bors lift up his hand and would havesmitten his brother. 

CHAPTER XVII. How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch himnot, and of a cloud that came between them. 

AND then he heard a voice that said: Flee Bors, and touch him not, orelse thou shalt slay him. Right so alighted a cloud betwixt them inlikeness of a fire and a marvellous flame, that both their two shieldsbrent. Then were they sore afraid, that they fell both to the earth, andlay there a great while in a swoon. And when they came to themself, Borssaw that his brother had no harm; then he held up both his hands, for hedread 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 thyway anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale abideth thee there. Then hesaid to his brother: Fair sweet brother, forgive me for God's love allthat I have trespassed unto you. Then he answered: God forgive it theeand I do gladly. 

So Sir Bors departed from him and rode the next way to the sea. And atthe last by fortune he came to an abbey which was nigh the sea. Thatnight Bors rested him there; and in his sleep there came a voice tohim and bade him go to the sea. Then he stert up and made a sign of thecross in the midst of his forehead, and took his harness, and made readyhis horse, and mounted upon him; and at a broken wall he rode out, androde so long till that he came to the sea. And on the strand he found aship covered all with white samite, and he alighted, and betook him toJesu Christ. And as soon as he entered into the ship, the ship departedinto the sea, and went so fast that him seemed the ship went flying, butit was soon dark so that he might know no man, and so he slept till itwas day. Then he awaked, and saw in midst of the ship a knight lie allarmed save his helm. Then knew he that it was Sir Percivale of Wales, and then he made of him right great joy; but Sir Percivale was abashedof him, and he asked him what he was. Ah, fair sir, said Bors, know yeme not? Certes, said he, I marvel how ye came hither, but if Our Lordbrought ye hither Himself. Then Sir Bors smiled and did off his helm. Then Percivale knew him, and either made great joy of other, that itwas marvel to hear. Then Bors told him how he came into the ship, andby whose admonishment; and either told other of their temptations, asye have heard to-forehand. So went they downward in the sea, one whilebackward, another while forward, and everych comforted other, and oftwere in their prayers. Then said Sir Percivale: We lack nothing butGalahad, the good knight. 

_And thus endeth the sixteenth book, which is of Sir Gawaine, Ector deMaris, and Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Percivale. And here followeth theseven-teenth book, which is of the noble knight Sir Galahad. _

BOOK XVII. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was knownof Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris. 

NOW saith this story, when Galahad had rescued Percivale from the twentyknights, he yede tho into a waste forest wherein he rode many journeys;and he found many adventures the which he brought to an end, whereof thestory 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 theworse, yet were they within good knights enough. When Galahad saw thatthose within were at so great a mischief that men slew them at the entryof the castle, then he thought to help them, and put a spear forthand smote the first that he fell to the earth, and the spear brake topieces. Then he drew his sword and smote thereas they were thickest, and so he did wonderful deeds of arms that all they marvelled. Thenit happed that Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris were with the knightswithout. But when they espied the white shield with the red cross theone said to the other: Yonder is the good knight, Sir Galahad, the hautprince: now he should be a great fool which should meet with him tofight. So by adventure he came by Sir Gawaine, and he smote him sohard that he clave his helm and the coif of iron unto his head, so thatGawaine fell to the earth; but the stroke was so great that it slanteddown to the earth and carved the horse's shoulder in two. 

When Ector saw Gawaine down he drew him aside, and thought it no wisdomfor to abide him, and also for natural love, that he was his uncle. Thusthrough his great hardiness he beat aback all the knights without. Andthen they within came out and chased them all about. But when Galahadsaw there would none turn again he stole away privily, so that none wistwhere he was become. Now by my head, said Gawaine to Ector, now are thewonders true that were said of Launcelot du Lake, that the sword whichstuck in the stone should give me such a buffet that I would not haveit for the best castle in this world; and soothly now it is provedtrue, 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, butmine is done, I shall seek no further. Then Gawaine was borne into acastle and unarmed him, and laid him in a rich bed, and a leech foundthat he might live, and to be whole within a month. Thus Gawaine andEctor abode together, for Sir Ector would not away till Gawaine werewhole. 

And the good knight, Galahad, rode so long till he came that night tothe Castle of Carboneck; and it befell him thus that he was benightedin an hermitage. So the good man was fain when he saw he was aknight-errant. Tho when they were at rest there came a gentlewomanknocking at the door, and called Galahad, and so the good man came tothe 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 witha gentlewoman that seemeth hath great need of you. Then Galahad went toher and asked her what she would. Galahad, said she, I will that yearm you, and mount upon your horse and follow me, for I shall show youwithin 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. 

CHAPTER II. How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the shipwhereas Sir Bors and Sir Percivale were in. 

SO she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till that she came tothe sea, the which was called Collibe. And at the night they came untoa castle in a valley, closed with a running water, and with strong wallsand high; and so she entered into the castle with Galahad, and there hadhe great cheer, for the lady of that castle was the damosel's lady. Sowhen he was unarmed, then said the damosel: Madam, shall we abide hereall this day? Nay, said she, but till he hath dined and till he hathslept a little. So he ate and slept a while till that the maid calledhim, and armed him by torchlight. And when the maid was horsed and heboth, the lady took Galahad a fair child and rich; and so they departedfrom the castle till they came to the seaside; and there they found theship where Bors and Percivale were in, the which cried on the ship'sboard: Sir Galahad, ye be welcome, we have abiden you long. And when heheard them he asked them what they were. Sir, said she, leave your horsehere, and I shall leave mine; and took their saddles and their bridleswith them, and made a cross on them, and so entered into the ship. Andthe two knights received them both with great joy, and everych knewother; and so the wind arose, and drove them through the sea in amarvellous pace. And within a while it dawned. 

Then did Galahad off his helm and his sword, and asked of his fellowsfrom whence came that fair ship. Truly, said they, ye wot as well aswe, but of God's grace; and then they told everych to other of all theirhard adventures, and of their great temptations. Truly, said Galahad, yeare much bounden to God, for ye have escaped great adventures; and hadnot the gentlewoman been I had not come here, for as for you I weenednever to have found you in these strange countries. Ah Galahad, saidBors, if Launcelot, your father, were here then were we well at ease, for then meseemed we failed nothing. That may not be, said Galahad, butif it pleased Our Lord. 

By then the ship went from the land of Logris, and by adventure itarrived up betwixt two rocks passing great and marvellous; but therethey might not land, for there was a swallow of the sea, save there wasanother ship, and upon it they might go without danger. Go we thither, said the gentlewoman, and there shall we see adventures, for so is OurLord'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 endof the ship two fair letters written, which said a dreadful word and amarvellous: Thou man, which shall enter into this ship, beware thoube in steadfast belief, for I am Faith, and therefore beware howthou enterest, for an thou fail I shall not help thee. Then said thegentlewoman: Percivale, wot ye what I am? Certes, said he, nay, to mywitting. Wit ye well, said she, that I am thy sister, which am daughterof King Pellinore, and therefore wit ye well ye are the man in the worldthat I most love; and if ye be not in perfect belief of Jesu Christenter 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 Percivaleunderstood 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 anuntrue knight there shall I perish. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bedtherein, with other marvellous things, and of a sword. 

IN the meanwhile Galahad blessed him, and entered therein; and then nextthe gentlewoman, and then Sir Bors and Sir Percivale. And when they werein, it was so marvellous fair and rich that they marvelled; and in midstof the ship was a fair bed, and Galahad went thereto, and found therea crown of silk. And at the feet was a sword, rich and fair, and itwas drawn out of the sheath half a foot and more; and the sword was ofdivers fashions, and the pommel was of stone, and there was in him allmanner of colours that any man might find, and everych of the colourshad divers virtues; and the scales of the haft were of two ribs ofdivers beasts, the one beast was a serpent which was conversant inCalidone, and is called the Serpent of the fiend; and the bone of him isof such a virtue that there is no hand that handleth him shall never beweary nor hurt. And the other beast is a fish which is not right great, and haunteth the flood of Euphrates; and that fish is called Ertanax, and his bones be of such a manner of kind that who that handleth themshall have so much will that he shall never be weary, and he shall notthink on joy nor sorrow that he hath had but only that thing that hebeholdeth before him. And as for this sword there shall never man begriphim at the handles but one; but he shall pass all other. In the name ofGod, said Percivale, I shall assay to handle it. So he set his hand tothe sword, but he might not begrip it. By my faith, said he, now have Ifailed. Bors set his hand thereto and failed. 

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 morehardier than any other; and who that draweth me, wit ye well that heshall never fail of shame of his body, or to be wounded to the death. Bymy faith, said Galahad, I would draw this sword out of the sheath, butthe offending is so great that I shall not set my hand thereto. Nowsirs, said the gentlewoman, wit ye well that the drawing of this swordis warned to all men save all only to you. Also this ship arrived in therealm of Logris; and that time was deadly war between King Labor, whichwas father unto the maimed king, and King Hurlame, which was a Saracen. But then was he newly christened, so that men held him afterward oneof the wittiest men of the world. And so upon a day it befell that KingLabor and King Hurlame had assembled their folk upon the sea where thisship was arrived; and there King Hurlame was discomfit, and his menslain; and he was afeard to be dead, and fled to his ship, and therefound this sword and drew it, and came out and found King Labor, the manin the world of all Christendom in whom was then the greatest faith. Andwhen King Hurlame saw King Labor he dressed this sword, and smote himupon the helm so hard that he clave him and his horse to the earth withthe first stroke of his sword. And it was in the realm of Logris; andso befell great pestilence and great harm to both realms. For sithenincreased neither corn, nor grass, nor well-nigh no fruit, nor in thewater was no fish; wherefore men call it the lands of the two marches, the waste land, for that dolorous stroke. And when King Hurlame saw thissword so carving, he turned again to fetch the scabbard, and so cameinto this ship and entered, and put up the sword in the sheath. And assoon as he had done it he fell down dead afore the bed. Thus was thesword proved, that none ne drew it but he were dead or maimed. So lay hethere till a maiden came into the ship and cast him out, for there wasno man so hardy of the world to enter into that ship for the defence. 

CHAPTER IV. Of the marvels of the sword and of the scabbard. 

AND then beheld they the scabbard, it seemed to be of a serpent's skin, and thereon were letters of gold and silver. And the girdle was butpoorly to come to, and not able to sustain such a rich sword. And theletters said: He which shall wield me sought to be more harder than anyother, if he bear me as truly as me ought to be borne. For the body ofhim which I ought to hang by, he shall not be shamed in no place whilehe is girt with this girdle, nor never none be so hardy to do away thisgirdle; for it ought not be done away but by the hands of a maid, andthat she be a king's daughter and queen's, and she must be a maid allthe days of her life, both in will and in deed. And if she break hervirginity she shall die the most villainous death that ever died anywoman. Sir, said Percivale, turn this sword that we may see what is onthe other side. And it was red as blood, with black letters as any coal, which said: He that shall praise me most, most shall he find me to blameat a great need; and to whom I should be most debonair shall I be mostfelon, and that shall be at one time. 

Fair brother, said she to Percivale, it befell after a forty year afterthe passion of Jesu Christ that Nacien, the brother-in-law of KingMordrains, was borne into a town more than fourteen days' journey fromhis country, by the commandment of Our Lord, into an isle, into theparts of the West, that men cleped the Isle of Turnance. So befell itthat he found this ship at the entry of a rock, and he found the bedand this sword as we have heard now. Not for then he had not so muchhardiness to draw it; and there he dwelled an eight days, and at theninth day there fell a great wind which departed him out of the isle, and brought him to another isle by a rock, and there he found thegreatest giant that ever man might see. Therewith came that horriblegiant to slay him; and then he looked about him and might not flee, andhe had nothing to defend him with. So he ran to his sword, and when hesaw it naked he praised it much, and then he shook it, and therewith hebrake it in the midst. Ah, said Nacien, the thing that I most praisedought I now most to blame, and therewith he threw the pieces of hissword over his bed. And after he leapt over the board to fight with thegiant, and slew him. 

And anon he entered into the ship again, and the wind arose, and drovehim through the sea, that by adventure he came to another ship whereKing Mordrains was, which had been tempted full evil with a fiend in thePort of Perilous Rock. And when that one saw the other they made greatjoy of other, and either told other of their adventure, and how thesword failed him at his most need When Mordrains saw the sword hepraised it much: But the breaking was not to do but by wickedness of thyselfward, for thou art in some sin. And there he took the sword, andset the pieces together, and they soldered as fair as ever they wereto-fore; and there put he the sword in the sheath, and laid it down onthe bed. Then heard they a voice that said: Go out of this ship a littlewhile, and enter into the other, for dread ye fall in deadly sin, forand ye be found in deadly sin ye may not escape but perish: and sothey went into the other ship. And as Nacien went over the board he wassmitten with a sword on the right foot, that he fell down noseling tothe ship's board; and therewith he said: O God, how am I hurt. And thenthere came a voice and said: Take thou that for thy forfeit that thoudidst in drawing of this sword, therefore thou receivest a wound, forthou were never worthy to handle it, as the writing maketh mention. Inthe name of God, said Galahad, ye are right wise of these works. 

CHAPTER V. How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because hedrew the sword, and other marvellous histories. 

SIR, said she, there was a king that hight Pelles, the maimed king. Andwhile he might ride he supported much Christendom and Holy Church. Soupon a day he hunted in a wood of his which lasted unto the sea; and atthe last he lost his hounds and his knights save only one: and therehe and his knight went till that they came toward Ireland, and there hefound the ship. And when he saw the letters and understood them, yet heentered, for he was right perfect of his life, but his knight had nonehardiness to enter; and there found he this sword, and drew it outas much as ye may see. So therewith entered a spear wherewith he wassmitten him through both the thighs, and never sith might he be healed, nor nought shall to-fore we come to him. Thus, said she, was not KingPelles, your grandsire, maimed for his hardiness? In the name of God, damosel, said Galahad. 

So they went toward the bed to behold all about it, and above the headthere hung two swords. Also there were two spindles which were as whiteas any snow, and other that were as red as blood, and other above greenas any emerald: of these three colours were the spindles, and of naturalcolour within, and without any painting. These spindles, said thedamosel, were when sinful Eve came to gather fruit, for which Adam andshe were put out of paradise, she took with her the bough on which theapple hung on. Then perceived she that the branch was fair and green, and she remembered her the loss which came from the tree. Then shethought to keep the branch as long as she might. And for she had nocoffer to keep it in, she put it in the earth. So by the will of OurLord the branch grew to a great tree within a little while, and wasas white as any snow, branches, boughs, and leaves: that was a tokena maiden planted it. But after God came to Adam, and bade him know hiswife fleshly as nature required. So lay Adam with his wife under thesame tree; and anon the tree which was white was full green as anygrass, and all that came out of it; and in the same time that theymedled together there was Abel begotten: thus was the tree long of greencolour. And so it befell many days after, under the same tree Caym slewAbel, whereof befell great marvel. For anon as Abel had received thedeath under the green tree, it lost the green colour and became red; andthat was in tokening of the blood. And anon all the plants died thereof, but the tree grew and waxed marvellously fair, and it was the fairesttree and the most delectable that any man might behold and see; and sodied the plants that grew out of it to-fore that Abel was slain underit. So long dured the tree till that Solomon, King David's son, reigned, and held the land after his father. This Solomon was wise and knew allthe virtues of stones and trees, and so he knew the course of thestars, and many other divers things. This Solomon had an evil wife, wherethrough he weened that there had been no good woman, and so hedespised them in his books. So answered a voice him once: Solomon, ifheaviness come to a man by a woman, ne reck thou never; for yet shallthere come a woman whereof there shall come greater joy to man anhundred times more than this heaviness giveth sorrow; and that womanshall be born of thy lineage. Tho when Solomon heard these words he heldhimself but a fool, and the truth he perceived by old books. Also theHoly Ghost showed him the coming of the glorious Virgin Mary. Then askedhe of the voice, if it should be in the yerde of his lineage. Nay, saidthe voice, but there shall come a man which shall be a maid, and thelast of your blood, and he shall be as good a knight as Duke Josua, thybrother-in-law. 

CHAPTER VI. How Solomon took David's sword by the counsel of his wife, and of other matters marvellous. 

NOW have I certified thee of that thou stoodest in doubt. Then wasSolomon glad that there should come any such of his lineage; but everhe marvelled and studied who that should be, and what his name mightbe. His wife perceived that he studied, and thought she would know it atsome season; and so she waited her time, and asked of him the cause ofhis studying, and there he told her altogether how the voice toldhim. Well, said she, I shall let make a ship of the best wood and mostdurable that men may find. So Solomon sent for all the carpenters ofthe land, and the best. And when they had made the ship the lady saidto Solomon: Sir, said she, since it is so that this knight ought to passall knights of chivalry which have been to-fore him and shall come afterhim, moreover I shall tell you, said she, ye shall go into Our Lord'stemple, where is King David's sword, your father, the which is themarvelloust and the sharpest that ever was taken in any knight's hand. Therefore take that, and take off the pommel, and thereto make yea pommel of precious stones, that it be so subtly made that no manperceive it but that they be all one; and after make there an hilt somarvellously and wonderly that no man may know it; and after make amarvellous sheath. And when ye have made all this I shall let make agirdle thereto, such as shall please me. 

All this King Solomon did let make as she devised, both the ship and allthe remnant. And when the ship was ready in the sea to sail, the ladylet make a great bed and marvellous rich, and set her upon the bed'shead, covered with silk, and laid the sword at the feet, and the girdleswere of hemp, and therewith the king was angry. Sir, wit ye well, saidshe, that I have none so high a thing which were worthy to sustain sohigh a sword, and a maid shall bring other knights thereto, but I wotnot when it shall be, nor what time. And there she let make a coveringto the ship, of cloth of silk that should never rot for no manner ofweather. Yet went that lady and made a carpenter to come to the treewhich Abel was slain under. Now, said she, carve me out of this tree asmuch wood as will make me a spindle. Ah madam, said he, this is the treethe which our first mother planted. Do it, said she, or else I shalldestroy thee. Anon as he began to work there came out drops of blood;and then would he have left, but she would not suffer him, and so hetook away as much wood as might make a spindle: and so she made him totake as much of the green tree and of the white tree. And when thesethree spindles were shapen she made them to be fastened upon the selarof the bed. When Solomon saw this, he said to his wife: Ye have donemarvellously, for though all the world were here right now, he could notdevise wherefore all this was made, but Our Lord Himself; and thou thathast done it wottest not what it shall betoken. Now let it be, saidshe, for ye shall hear tidings sooner than ye ween. Now shall ye hear awonderful tale of King Solomon and his wife. 

CHAPTER VII. A wonderful tale of King Solomon and his wife. 

THAT night lay Solomon before the ship with little fellowship. And whenhe was asleep him thought there came from heaven a great company ofangels, and alighted into the ship, and took water which was brought byan angel, in a vessel of silver, and sprent all the ship. And after hecame to the sword, and drew letters on the hilt. And after went to theship's board, and wrote there other letters which said: Thou man thatwilt enter within me, beware that thou be full within the faith, forI ne am but Faith and Belief. When Solomon espied these letters he wasabashed, so that he durst not enter, and so drew him aback; and the shipwas anon shoven in the sea, and he went so fast that he lost sight ofhim within a little while. And then a little voice said: Solomon, thelast knight of thy lineage shall rest in this bed. Then went Solomon andawaked his wife, and told her of the adventures of the ship. 

Now saith the history that a great while the three fellows beheld thebed and the three spindles. Then they were at certain that they were ofnatural colours without painting. Then they lift up a cloth which wasabove the ground, and there found a rich purse by seeming. And Percivaletook it, and found therein a writ and so he read it, and devised themanner of the spindles and of the ship, whence it came, and by whom itwas made. Now, said Galahad, where shall we find the gentlewoman thatshall make new girdles to the sword? Fair sir, said Percivale's sister, dismay you not, for by the leave of God I shall let make a girdle to thesword, such one as shall long thereto. And then she opened a box, andtook out girdles which were seemly wrought with golden threads, andupon that were set full precious stones, and a rich buckle of gold. Lo, lords, said she, here is a girdle that ought to be set about the sword. And wit ye well the greatest part of this girdle was made of my hair, which I loved well while that I was a woman of the world. But as soonas I wist that this adventure was ordained me I clipped off my hair, andmade this girdle in the name of God. Ye be well found, said Sir Bors, for certes ye have put us out of great pain, wherein we should haveentered ne had your tidings been. 

Then went the gentlewoman and set it on the girdle of the sword. Now, said the fellowship, what is the name of the sword, and what shall wecall it? Truly, said she, the name of the sword is the Sword with theStrange Girdles; and the sheath, Mover of Blood; for no man that hathblood in him ne shall never see the one part of the sheath which wasmade of the Tree of Life. Then they said to Galahad: In the name of JesuChrist, and pray you that ye gird you with this sword which hath beendesired so much in the realm of Logris. Now let me begin, said Galahad, to grip this sword for to give you courage; but wit ye well it longethno more to me than it doth to you. And then he gripped about it with hisfingers a great deal; and then she girt him about the middle with thesword. Now reck I not though I die, for now I hold me one of the blessedmaidens 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 knightall the days of my life. 

Then they went from that ship, and went to the other. And anon the winddrove them into the sea a great pace, but they had no victuals: but itbefell that they came on the morn to a castle that men call Carteloise, that was in the marches of Scotland. And when they had passed the port, the gentlewoman said: Lords, here be men arriven that, an they wist thatye were of King Arthur's court, ye should be assailed anon. Damosel, said Galahad, He that cast us out of the rock shall deliver us fromthem. 

CHAPTER VIII. How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and howthey were fought withal, and how they slew their adversaries, and othermatters. 

SO it befell as they spoke thus there came a squire by them, and askedwhat they were; and they said they were of King Arthur's house. Is thatsooth? said he. Now by my head, said he, ye be ill arrayed; and thenturned he again unto the cliff fortress. And within a while they heardan horn blow. Then a gentlewoman came to them, and asked them of whencethey were; and they told her. Fair lords, said she, for God's love turnagain if ye may, for ye be come unto your death. Nay, they said, we willnot turn again, for He shall help us in whose service we be entered in. Then as they stood talking there came knights well armed, and bade themyield them or else to die. That yielding, said they, shall be noyous toyou. And therewith they let their horses run, and Sir Percivale smotethe foremost to the earth, and took his horse, and mounted thereupon, and the same did Galahad. Also Bors served another so, for they had nohorses in that country, for they left their horses when they took theirship in other countries. And so when they were horsed then began they toset upon them; and they of the castle fled into the strong fortress, andthe three knights after them into the castle, and so alighted on foot, and with their swords slew them down, and gat into the hall. 

Then when they beheld the great multitude of people that they had slain, they held themself great sinners. Certes, said Bors, I ween an God hadloved them that we should not have had power to have slain them thus. But they have done so much against Our Lord that He would not sufferthem to reign no longer. Say ye not so, said Galahad, for if they misdidagainst God, the vengeance is not ours, but to Him which hath powerthereof. 

So came there out of a chamber a good man which was a priest, and bareGod's body in a cup. And when he saw them which lay dead in the hall hewas all abashed; and Galahad did off his helm and kneeled down, and sodid his two fellows. Sir, said they, have ye no dread of us, for we beof King Arthur's court. Then asked the good man how they were slain sosuddenly, and they told it him. Truly, said the good man, an ye mightlive as long as the world might endure, ne might ye have done so greatan alms-deed as this. Sir, said Galahad, I repent me much, inasmuch asthey were christened. Nay, repent you not, said he, for they were notchristened, and I shall tell you how that I wot of this castle. Here wasLord Earl Hernox not but one year, and he had three sons, good knightsof arms, and a daughter, the fairest gentlewoman that men knew. So thosethree knights loved their sister so sore that they brent in love, and sothey lay by her, maugre her head. And for she cried to her father theyslew her, and took their father and put him in prison, and wounded himnigh to the death, but a cousin of hers rescued him. And then did theygreat untruth: they slew clerks and priests, and made beat down chapels, that Our Lord's service might not be served nor said. And this same dayher father sent to me for to be confessed and houseled; but such shamehad never man as I had this day with the three brethren, but the earlbade me suffer, for he said they should not long endure, for threeservants of Our Lord should destroy them, and now it is brought to anend. And by this may ye wit that Our Lord is not displeased with yourdeeds. Certes, said Galahad, an it had not pleased Our Lord, nevershould we have slain so many men in so little a while. 

And then they brought the Earl Hernox out of prison into the midst ofthe hall, that knew Galahad anon, and yet he saw him never afore but byrevelation of Our Lord. 

CHAPTER IX. How the three knights, with Percivale's sister, came untothe same forest, and of an hart and four lions, and other things. 

THEN began he to weep right tenderly, and said: Long have I abiden yourcoming, but for God's love hold me in your arms, that my soul may departout of my body in so good a man's arms as ye be. Gladly, said Galahad. And then one said on high, that all heard: Galahad, well hast thouavenged me on God's enemies. Now behoveth thee to go to the Maimed Kingas soon as thou mayest, for he shall receive by thee health which hehath abiden so long. And therewith the soul departed from the body, andGalahad made him to be buried as him ought to be. 

Right so departed the three knights, and Percivale's sister with them. And so they came into a waste forest, and there they saw afore them awhite hart which four lions led. Then they took them to assent for tofollow after for to know whither they repaired; and so they rode after agreat pace till that they came to a valley, and thereby was an hermitagewhere a good man dwelled, and the hart and the lions entered also. Sowhen they saw all this they turned to the chapel, and saw the good manin a religious weed and in the armour of Our Lord, for he would singmass of the Holy Ghost; and so they entered in and heard mass. And atthe secrets of the mass they three saw the hart become a man, the whichmarvelled them, and set him upon the altar in a rich siege; and saw thefour lions were changed, the one to the form of a man, the other to theform of a lion, and the third to an eagle, and the fourth was changedunto an ox. Then took they their siege where the hart sat, and went outthrough a glass window, and there was nothing perished nor broken; andthey heard a voice say: In such a manner entered the Son of God in thewomb of a maid Mary, whose virginity ne was perished ne hurt. And whenthey heard these words they fell down to the earth and were astonied;and therewith was a great clearness. 

And when they were come to theirself again they went to the good man andprayed him that he would say them truth. What thing have ye seen? saidhe. And they told him all that they had seen. Ah lords, said he, ye bewelcome; now wot I well ye be the good knights the which shall bring theSangreal to an end; for ye be they unto whom Our Lord shall shew greatsecrets. And well ought Our Lord be signified to an hart, for the hartwhen he is old he waxeth young again in his white skin. Right so comethagain Our Lord from death to life, for He lost earthly flesh that wasthe deadly flesh, which He had taken in the womb of the blessed VirginMary; and for that cause appeared Our Lord as a white hart without spot. And the four that were with Him is to understand the four evangelistswhich set in writing a part of Jesu Christ's deeds that He did sometimewhen He was among you an earthly man; for wit ye well never erst nemight no knight know the truth, for ofttimes or this Our Lord showedHim unto good men and unto good knights, in likeness of an hart, but Isuppose from henceforth ye shall see no more. And then they joyed much, and dwelled there all that day. And upon the morrow when they had heardmass they departed and commended the good man to God: and so they cameto a castle and passed by. So there came a knight armed after them andsaid: Lords, hark what I shall say to you. 

CHAPTER X. How they were desired of a strange custom, the which theywould not obey; wherefore they fought and slew many knights. 

THIS gentlewoman that ye lead with you is a maid? Sir, said she, a maidI am. Then he took her by the bridle and said: By the Holy Cross, yeshall 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 placeshe cometh is free. So in the meanwhile there came out a ten or twelveknights armed, out of the castle, and with them came gentlewomen whichheld a dish of silver. And then they said: This gentlewoman must yieldus the custom of this castle. Sir, said a knight, what maid passethhereby shall give this dish full of blood of her right arm. Blame haveye, said Galahad, that brought up such customs, and so God me save, Iensure you of this gentlewoman ye shall fail while that I live. So Godme help, said Percivale, I had liefer be slain. And I also, said SirBors. By my troth, said the knight, then shall ye die, for ye may notendure against us though ye were the best knights of the world. 

Then let they run each to other, and the three fellows beat the tenknights, and then set their hands to their swords and beat them downand slew them. Then there came out of the castle a three score knightsarmed. Fair lords, said the three fellows, have mercy on yourself andhave 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 gowith 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 comethereto, said Galahad. Then began they to meddle together, and Galahad, with the strange girdles, drew his sword, and smote on the right handand on the left hand, and slew what that ever abode him, and did suchmarvels that there was none that saw him but weened he had been noneearthly 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: If ye will comein 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 trueknights, to leave you in such estate to-morrow as we find you, withoutany falsehood. And as soon as ye know of the custom we dare say ye willaccord therefore. For God's love, said the gentlewoman, go thither andspare not for me. Go we, said Galahad; and so they entered into thechapel. And when they were alighted they made great joy of them. Sowithin a while the three knights asked the custom of the castle andwherefore it was. What it is, said they, we will say you sooth. 

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Percivale's sister bled a dish full of blood forto heal a lady, wherefore she died; and how that the body was put in aship. 

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 amalady; and when she had lain a great while she fell unto a measle, andof no leech she could have no remedy. But at the last an old man said anshe might have a dish full of blood of a maid and a clean virgin in willand in work, and a king's daughter, that blood should be her health, andfor to anoint her withal; and for this thing was this custom made. Now, said Percivale's sister, fair knights, I see well that this gentlewomanis 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 worshipand soul's health, and worship to my lineage, and better is one harmthan twain. And therefore there shall be no more battle, but to-morn Ishall yield you your custom of this castle. And then there was great joymore than there was to-fore, for else had there been mortal war upon themorn; notwithstanding she would none other, whether they wold or nold. 

That night were the three fellows eased with the best; and on the mornthey heard mass, and Sir Percivale's sister bade bring forth the sicklady. So she was, the which was evil at ease. Then said she: Who shalllet me blood? So one came forth and let her blood, and she bled so muchthat the dish was full. Then she lift up her hand and blessed her; andthen she said to the lady: Madam, I am come to the death for to make youwhole, 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 andstaunched her, but she had bled so much that she might not live. Thenshe said when she was awaked: Fair brother Percivale, I die for thehealing of this lady, so I require you that ye bury me not in thiscountry, 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 tothe City of Sarras, there to enchieve the Holy Grail, ye shall find meunder a tower arrived, and there bury me in the spiritual place; for Isay you so much, there Galahad shall be buried, and ye also, in the sameplace. 

Then Percivale understood these words, and granted it her, weeping. Andthen said a voice: Lords and fellows, to-morrow at the hour of prime yethree shall depart everych from other, till the adventure bring youto the Maimed King. Then asked she her Saviour; and as soon as she hadreceived it the soul departed from the body. So the same day was thelady healed, when she was anointed withal. Then Sir Percivale made aletter of all that she had holpen them as in strange adventures, and putit in her right hand, and so laid her in a barge, and covered it withblack 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 they drewall to the castle, and so forthwith there fell a sudden tempest and athunder, lightning, and rain, as all the earth would have broken. Sohalf the castle turned up-so-down. So it passed evensong or the tempestwas ceased. 

Then they saw afore them a knight armed and wounded hard in the body andin the head, that said: O God, succour me for now it is need. After thisknight came another knight and a dwarf, which cried to them afar: Stand, ye may not escape. Then the wounded knight held up his hands to Godthat he should not die in such tribulation. Truly, said Galahad, I shallsuccour him for His sake that he calleth upon. Sir, said Bors, I shalldo it, for it is not for you, for he is but one knight. Sir, said he, I grant. So Sir Bors took his horse, and commended him to God, and rodeafter, to rescue the wounded knight. Now turn we to the two fellows. 

CHAPTER XII. How Galahad and Percivale found in a castle many tombs ofmaidens that had bled to death. 

NOW saith the story that all night Galahad and Percivale were in achapel in their prayers, for to save Sir Bors. So on the morrow theydressed them in their harness toward the castle, to wit what was fallenof them therein. And when they came there they found neither man norwoman that he ne was dead by the vengeance of Our Lord. With thatthey heard a voice that said: This vengeance is for blood-shedding ofmaidens. Also they found at the end of the chapel a churchyard, andtherein might they see a three score fair tombs, and that place was sofair and so delectable that it seemed them there had been none tempest, for there lay the bodies of all the good maidens which were martyred forthe sick lady's sake. Also they found the names of everych, and of whatblood they were come, and all were of kings' blood, and twelve of themwere kings' daughters. Then they departed and went into a forest. Now, said Percivale unto Galahad, we must depart, so pray we Our Lord thatwe may meet together in short time: then they did off their helms andkissed together, and wept at their departing. 

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where SirPercivale's sister lay dead, and how he met with Sir Galahad, his son. 

NOW saith the history, that when Launcelot was come to the water ofMortoise, as it is rehearsed before, he was in great peril, and so helaid him down and slept, and took the adventure 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 thoushalt find. And when he heard these words he start up and saw greatclearness about him. And then he lift up his hand and blessed him, andso took his arms and made him ready; and so by adventure he came by astrand, and found a ship the which was without sail or oar. And as soonas he was within the ship there he felt the most sweetness that ever hefelt, 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 Iam, for this joy passeth all earthly joys that ever I was in. And so inthis joy he laid him down to the ship's board, and slept till day. Andwhen he awoke he found there a fair bed, and therein lying a gentlewomandead, the which was Sir Percivale's sister. And as Launcelot devisedher, he espied in her right hand a writ, the which he read, the whichtold him all the adventures that ye have heard to-fore, and of whatlineage she was come. So with this gentlewoman Sir Launcelot was a monthand more. If ye would ask how he lived, He that fed the people of Israelwith manna in the desert, so was he fed; for every day when he had saidhis prayers he was sustained with the grace of the Holy Ghost. 

So on a night he went to play him by the water side, for he was somewhatweary of the ship. And then he listened and heard an horse come, and oneriding upon him. And when he came nigh he seemed a knight. And so he lethim pass, and went thereas the ship was; and there he alighted, and tookthe saddle and the bridle and put the horse from him, and went into theship. And then Launcelot dressed unto him, and said: Ye be welcome. Andhe answered and saluted him again, and asked him: What is your name? formuch my heart giveth unto you. Truly, said he, my name is Launcelot duLake. Sir, said he, then be ye welcome, for ye were the beginner of mein this world. Ah, said he, are ye Galahad? Yea, forsooth, said he; andso he kneeled down and asked him his blessing, and after took off hishelm and kissed him. And there was great joy between them, for there isno tongue can tell the joy that they made either of other, and many afriendly word spoken between, as kin would, the which is no need hereto be rehearsed. And there everych told other of their adventures andmarvels that were befallen to them in many journeys sith that theydeparted from the court. 

Anon, as Galahad saw the gentlewoman dead in the bed, he knew herwell enough, and told great worship of her, that she was the best maidliving, and it was great pity of her death. But when Launcelot heard howthe marvellous sword was gotten, and who made it, and all the marvelsrehearsed afore, then he prayed Galahad, his son, that he would show himthe sword, and so he did; and anon he kissed the pommel, and the hilt, and the scabbard. Truly, said Launcelot, never erst knew I of so highadventures done, and so marvellous and strange. So dwelt Launcelot andGalahad within that ship half a year, and served God daily and nightlywith all their power; and often they arrived in isles far from folk, where there repaired none but wild beasts, and there they found manystrange adventures and perilous, which they brought to an end; but forthose adventures were with wild beasts, and not in the quest of theSangreal, therefore the tale maketh here no mention thereof, for itwould be too long to tell of all those adventures that befell them. 

CHAPTER XIV. How a knight brought unto Sir Galahad a horse, and bade himcome from his father, Sir Launcelot. 

SO after, on a Monday, it befell that they arrived in the edge of aforest to-fore a cross; and then saw they a knight armed all in white, and was richly horsed, and led in his right hand a white horse; andso he came to the ship, and saluted the two knights on the High Lord'sbehalf, and said: Galahad, sir, ye have been long enough with yourfather, come out of the ship, and start upon this horse, and go wherethe adventures shall lead thee in the quest of the Sangreal. Then hewent to his father and kissed him sweetly, and said: Fair sweet father, I wot not when I shall see you more till I see the body of Jesu Christ. I pray you, said Launcelot, pray ye to the High Father that He hold mein His service. And so he took his horse, and there they heard a voicethat said: Think for to do well, for the one shall never see the otherbefore the dreadful day of doom. Now, son Galahad, said Launcelot, since we shall depart, and never see other, I pray to the High Father toconserve me and you both. Sir, said Galahad, no prayer availeth so muchas yours And therewith Galahad entered into the forest. 

And the wind arose, and drove Launcelot more than a month throughout thesea, where he slept but little, but prayed to God that he might seesome tidings of the Sangreal. So it befell on a night, at midnight, hearrived afore a castle, on the back side, which was rich and fair, andthere was a postern opened toward the sea, and was open without anykeeping, save two lions kept the entry; and the moon shone clear. AnonSir Launcelot heard a voice that said: Launcelot, go out of this shipand enter into the castle, where thou shalt see a great part of thydesire. Then he ran to his arms, and so armed him, and so went to thegate and saw the lions. Then set he hand to his sword and drew it. Thenthere came a dwarf suddenly, and smote him on the arm so sore that thesword fell out of his hand. Then heard he a voice say: O man of evilfaith and poor belief, wherefore trowest thou more on thy harness thanin thy Maker, for He might more avail thee than thine armour, in whoseservice that 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 hissword 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 thecastle to the chief fortress, and there were they all at rest. ThenLauncelot entered in so armed, for he found no gate nor door but it wasopen. And at the last he found a chamber whereof the door was shut, andhe set his hand thereto to have opened it, but he might not. 

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot was to-fore the door of the chamberwherein the Holy Sangreal was. 

THEN he enforced him mickle to undo the door. Then he listened and hearda voice which sang so sweetly that it seemed none earthly thing; and himthought the voice said: Joy and honour be to the Father of Heaven. ThenLauncelot kneeled down to-fore the chamber, for well wist he that therewas the Sangreal within that chamber. Then said he: Fair sweet Father, Jesu Christ, if ever I did thing that pleased Thee, Lord for Thy pitynever have me not in despite for my sins done aforetime, and that Thoushow me something of that I seek. And with that he saw the chamber dooropen, and there came out a great clearness, that the house was as brightas all the torches of the world had been there. 

So came he to the chamber door, and would have entered. And anon a voicesaid to him: Flee, Launcelot, and enter not, for thou oughtest not todo it; and if thou enter thou shalt for-think it. Then he withdrew himaback right heavy. Then looked he up in the midst of the chamber, andsaw a table of silver, and the Holy Vessel, covered with red samite, andmany angels about it, whereof one held a candle of wax burning, and theother held a cross, and the ornaments of an altar. And before the HolyVessel he saw a good man clothed as a priest. And it seemed that he wasat the sacring of the mass. And it seemed to Launcelot that above thepriest's hands were three men, whereof the two put the youngest bylikeness between the priest's hands; and so he lift it up right high, and it seemed to show so to the people. And then Launcelot marvellednot a little, for him thought the priest was so greatly charged of thefigure that him seemed that he should fall to the earth. And when hesaw none about him that would help him, then came he to the door a greatpace, and said: Fair Father Jesu Christ, ne take it for no sin though Ihelp the good man which hath great need of help. 

Right so entered he into the chamber, and came toward the table ofsilver; and when he came nigh he felt a breath, that him thought it wasintermeddled with fire, which smote him so sore in the visage that himthought it brent his visage; and therewith he fell to the earth, and hadno power to arise, as he that was so araged, that had lost the power ofhis body, and his hearing, and his seeing. Then felt he many hands abouthim, which took him up and bare him out of the chamber door, without anyamending 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, andfound Launcelot lying afore the chamber door. All they marvelled howthat he came in, and so they looked upon him, and felt his pulse to witwhether there were any life in him; and so they found life in him, buthe might not stand nor stir no member that he had. And so they took himby every part of the body, and bare him into a chamber, and laid himin a rich bed, far from all folk; and so he lay four days. Then the onesaid he was alive, and the other said, Nay. In the name of God, said anold man, for I do you verily to wit he is not dead, but he is so full oflife as the mightiest of you all; and therefore I counsel you that he bewell kept till God send him life again. 

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir launcelot had lain four-and-twenty days and as manynights as a dead man, and other divers matters. 

IN such manner they kept Launcelot four-and-twenty days and all so manynights, that ever he lay still as a dead man; and at the twenty-fifthday befell him after midday that he opened his eyes. And when he sawfolk he made great sorrow, and said: Why have ye awaked me, for I wasmore at ease than I am now. O Jesu Christ, who might be so blessed thatmight see openly thy great marvels of secretness there where no sinnermay 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 canthink, and had not my son been here afore me I had seen much more. 

Then they told him how he had lain there four-and-twenty days andnights. Then him thought it was punishment for the four-and-twentyyears that he had been a sinner, wherefore Our Lord put him in penancefour-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-thoughthim right much that he had broken his promise unto the hermit, which hehad avowed to do. Then they asked how it stood with him. Forsooth, saidhe, I am whole of body, thanked be Our Lord; therefore, sirs, for God'slove tell me where I am. Then said they all that he was in the castle ofCarbonek. 

Therewith came a gentlewoman and brought him a shirt of small linencloth, but he changed not there, but took the hair to him again. Sir, said they, the quest of the Sangreal is achieved now right in you, thatnever shall ye see of the Sangreal no more than ye have seen. Now Ithank God, said Launcelot, of His great mercy of that I have seen, forit sufficeth me; for as I suppose no man in this world hath lived betterthan I have done to enchieve that I have done. And therewith he tookthe hair and clothed him in it, and above that he put a linen shirt, andafter a robe of scarlet, fresh and new. And when he was so arrayed theymarvelled all, for they knew him that he was Launcelot, the good knight. And then they said all: O my lord Sir Launcelot, be that ye? And hesaid: Truly I am he. 

Then came word to King Pelles that the knight that had lain so long deadwas 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 theremade the king great joy of him. And there the king told him tidings thathis fair daughter was dead. Then Launcelot was right heavy of it, andsaid: Sir, me forthinketh the death of your daughter, for she was a fullfair lady, fresh and young. And well I wot she bare the best knight thatis now on the earth, or that ever was sith God was born. So the kingheld him there four days, and on the morrow he took his leave at KingPelles and at all the fellowship, and thanked them of their greatlabour. 

Right so as they sat at their dinner in the chief salle, then was sobefallen that the Sangreal had fulfilled the table with all manner ofmeats that any heart might think. So as they sat they saw all the doorsand the windows of the place were shut without man's hand, whereof theywere all abashed, and none wist what to do. 

And then it happed suddenly a knight came to the chief door and knocked, and cried: Undo the door. But they would not. And ever he cried: Undo;but they would not. And at last it noyed them so much that the kinghimself arose and came to a window there where the knight called. Thenhe said: Sir knight, ye shall not enter at this time while the Sangrealis here, and therefore go into another; for certes ye be none of theknights of the quest, but one of them which hath served the fiend, and hast left the service of Our Lord: and he was passing wroth at theking's words. Sir knight, said the king, sith ye would so fain enter, say me of what country ye be. Sir, said he, I am of the realm of Logris, and my name is Ector de Maris, and brother unto my lord, Sir Launcelot. In the name of God, said the king, me for-thinketh of what I have said, for your brother is here within. And when Ector de Maris understoodthat his brother was there, for he was the man in the world that he mostdread and loved, and then he said: Ah God, now doubleth my sorrow andshame. Full truly said the good man of the hill unto Gawaine and to meof our dreams. Then went he out of the court as fast as his horse might, and so throughout the castle. 

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of otheradventures which he saw in the way. 

THEN King Pelles came to Sir Launcelot and told him tidings of hisbrother, whereof he was sorry, that he wist not what to do. So SirLauncelot departed, and took his arms, and said he would go see therealm of Logris, which I have not seen in twelve months. And there withhe commended the king to God, and so rode through many realms. And atthe last he came to a white abbey, and there they made him that nightgreat cheer; and on the morn he rose and heard mass. And afore an altarhe found a rich tomb, which was newly made; and then he took heed, andsaw the sides written with gold which said: Here lieth King Bagdemagusof Gore, which King Arthur's nephew slew; and named him, Sir Gawaine. Then was not he a little sorry, for Launcelot loved him much more thanany other, and had it been any other than Gawaine he should not haveescaped from death to life; and said to himself: Ah Lord God, this is agreat hurt unto King Arthur's court, the loss of such a man. And thenhe departed and came to the abbey where Galahad did the adventure ofthe tombs, and won the white shield with the red cross; and there had hegreat cheer all that night. 

And on the morn he turned unto Camelot, where he found King Arthur andthe queen. But many of the knights of the Round Table were slain anddestroyed, more than half. And so three were come home, Ector, Gawaine, and Lionel, and many other that need not to be rehearsed. And all thecourt was passing glad of Sir Launcelot, and the king asked him manytidings of his son Galahad. And there Launcelot told the king of hisadventures that had befallen him since he departed. And also he told himof the adventures of Galahad, Percivale, and Bors, which that he knewby the letter of the dead damosel, and as Galahad had told him. Now Godwould, said the king, that they were all three here. That shall neverbe, said Launcelot, for two of them shall ye never see, but one of themshall come again. 

Now leave we this story and speak of Galahad. 

CHAPTER XVIII. How Galahad came to King Mordrains, and of other mattersand adventures. 

NOW, saith the story, Galahad rode many journeys in vain. And at thelast he came to the abbey where King Mordrains was, and when he heardthat, he thought he would abide to see him. And upon the morn, when hehad heard mass, Galahad came unto King Mordrains, and anon the king sawhim, which had lain blind of long time. And then he dressed him againsthim, and said: Galahad, the servant of Jesu Christ, whose coming I haveabiden so long, now embrace me and let me rest on thy breast, so thatI may rest between thine arms, for thou art a clean virgin above allknights, as the flower of the lily in whom virginity is signified, andthou art the rose the which is the flower of all good virtues, and incolour of fire. For the fire of the Holy Ghost is taken so in theethat my flesh which was all dead of oldness is become young again. ThenGalahad heard his words, then he embraced him and all his body. Thensaid 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 Lordheard his prayer: therewith the soul departed from the body. 

And then Galahad put him in the earth as a king ought to be, and sodeparted and so came into a perilous forest where he found the well thewhich boileth with great waves, as the tale telleth to-fore. And as soonas Galahad set his hand thereto it ceased, so that it brent no more, andthe heat departed. For that it brent it was a sign of lechery, thewhich was that time much used. But that heat might not abide his purevirginity. And this was taken in the country for a miracle. And so everafter was it called Galahad's well. 

Then by adventure he came into the country of Gore, and into theabbey where Launcelot had been to-forehand, and found the tomb of KingBagdemagus, but he was founder thereof, Joseph of Aramathie's son; andthe tomb of Simeon where Launcelot had failed. Then he looked intoa croft under the minster, and there he saw a tomb which brent fullmarvellously. Then asked he the brethren what it was. Sir, said they, a marvellous adventure that may not be brought unto none end but by himthat passeth of bounty and of knighthood all them of the Round Table. Iwould, said Galahad, that ye would lead me thereto. Gladly, said they, and so led him till a cave. And he went down upon greses, and came nighthe tomb. And then the flaming failed, and the fire staunched, the whichmany a day had been great. Then came there a voice that said: Much areye beholden to thank Our Lord, the which hath given you a good hour, that ye may draw out the souls of earthly pain, and to put them into thejoys of paradise. I am of your kindred, the which hath dwelled in thisheat this three hundred winter and four-and-fifty to be purged of thesin that I did against Joseph of Aramathie. Then Galahad took the bodyin his arms and bare it into the minster. And that night lay Galahad inthe abbey; and on the morn he gave him service, and put him in the earthafore the high altar. 

CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, andhow they came to the castle of Carbonek, and other matters. 

SO departed he from thence, and commended the brethren to God; and so herode five days till that he came to the Maimed King. And ever followedPercivale the five days, asking where he had been; and so one told himhow the adventures of Logris were enchieved. So on a day it befell thatthey came out of a great forest, and there they met at traverse with SirBors, 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 halfthat I ne lay ten times where men dwelled, but in wild forests and inmountains, but God was ever my comfort. 

Then rode they a great while till that they came to the castle ofCarbonek. And when they were entered within the castle King Pelles knewthem; then there was great joy, for they wist well by their coming thatthey had fulfilled the quest of the Sangreal. Then Eliazar, King Pelles'son, brought to-fore them the broken sword wherewith Joseph was strickenthrough the thigh. Then Bors set his hand thereto, if that he might havesoldered 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, saidPercivale to Galahad, for an it be ever enchieved by any bodily man yemust do it. And then he took the pieces and set them together, and theyseemed that they had never been broken, and as well as it had been firstforged. And when they within espied that the adventure of the sword wasenchieved, then they gave the sword to Bors, for it might not be betterset; for he was a good knight and a worthy man. 

And a little afore even the sword arose great and marvellous, and wasfull of great heat that many men fell for dread. And anon alighted avoice among them, and said: They that ought not to sit at the tableof Jesu Christ arise, for now shall very knights be fed. So they wentthence, all save King Pelles and Eliazar, his son, the which were holymen, and a maid which was his niece; and so these three fellows and theythree were there, no mo. Anon they saw knights all armed came in atthe hall door, and did off their helms and their arms, and said untoGalahad: Sir, we have hied right much for to be with you at this tablewhere 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 otherthree said they were of Ireland, and the other three said they were ofDenmark. 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 placethey set him down, and went again their way. Then he lift up his head, and said: Galahad, Knight, ye be welcome, for much have I desired yourcoming, for in such pain and in such anguish I have been long. But nowI trust to God the term is come that my pain shall be allayed, thatI 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 questof the Sangreal, and therefore depart ye. 

CHAPTER XX How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the Holy Sangreal, and how Our Lord appeared to them, and other things. 

THEN King Pelles and his son departed. And therewithal beseemed themthat there came a man, and four angels from heaven, clothed in likenessof a bishop, and had a cross in his hand; and these four angels bare himup in a chair, and set him down before the table of silver where uponthe Sangreal was; and it seemed that he had in midst of his foreheadletters the which said: See ye here Joseph, the first bishop ofChristendom, the same which Our Lord succoured in the city of Sarrasin the spiritual place. Then the knights marvelled, for that bishop wasdead more than three hundred year to-fore. O knights, said he, marvelnot, for I was sometime an earthly man. With that they heard the chamberdoor open, and there they saw angels; and two bare candles of wax, andthe third a towel, and the fourth a spear which bled marvellously, thatthree drops fell within a box which he held with his other hand. Andthey set the candles upon the table, and the third the towel upon thevessel, and the fourth the holy spear even upright upon the vessel. And then the bishop made semblaunt as though he would have gone tothe sacring of the mass. And then he took an ubblie which was made inlikeness of bread. And at the lifting up there came a figure in likenessof a child, and the visage was as red and as bright as any fire, andsmote himself into the bread, so that they all saw it that the bread wasformed 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 hewent 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 befed afore this table with sweet meats that never knights tasted. Andwhen he had said, he vanished away. And they set them at the table ingreat dread, and made their prayers. 

Then looked they and saw a man come out of the Holy Vessel, that had allthe 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 ofdeadly 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: nowhold and receive the high meat which ye have so much desired. Then tookhe himself the Holy Vessel and came to Galahad; and he kneeled down, and there he received his Saviour, and after him so received all hisfellows; 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 dishwherein I ate the lamb on Sheer-Thursday. And now hast thou seen thatthou most desired to see, but yet hast thou not seen it so openlyas 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; forthis night it shall depart from the realm of Logris, that it shall neverbe seen more here. And wottest thou wherefore? For he is not served norworshipped to his right by them of this land, for they be turned to evilliving; therefore I shall disherit them of the honour which I have donethem. And therefore go ye three to-morrow unto the sea, where ye shallfind your ship ready, and with you take the sword with the strangegirdles, and no more with you but Sir Percivale and Sir Bors. Also Iwill that ye take with you of the blood of this spear for to anointthe Maimed King, both his legs and all his body, and he shall have hishealth. 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 anotherthere, 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 hisblessing and vanished away. 

CHAPTER XXI. How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the MaimedKing, and of other adventures. 

AND Galahad went anon to the spear which lay upon the table, and touchedthe blood with his fingers, and came after to the Maimed King andanointed his legs. And therewith he clothed him anon, and start upon hisfeet out of his bed as an whole man, and thanked Our Lord that He hadhealed him. And that was not to the worldward, for anon he yielded himto a place of religion of white monks, and was a full holy man. Thatsame night about midnight came a voice among them which said: My sonsand not my chief sons, my friends and not my warriors, go ye hence whereye hope best to do and as I bade you. Ah, thanked' be Thou, Lord, thatThou wilt vouchsafe to call us, Thy sinners. Now may we well provethat we have not lost our pains. And anon in all haste they took theirharness and departed. But the three knights of Gaul, one of them hightClaudine, King Claudas' son, and the other two were great gentlemen. Then prayed Galahad to everych of them, that if they come to KingArthur's court that they should salute my lord, Sir Launcelot, myfather, and all the fellowship[1] of the Round Table; and prayed them ifthat they came on that part that they should not forget it. 

Right so departed Galahad, Percivale and Bors with him; and so they rodethree days, and then they came to a rivage, and found the ship whereofthe tale speaketh of

[1] So W. De Worde; Caxton "of them. "

to-fore. And when they came to the board they found in the midst thetable of silver which they had left with the Maimed King, and theSangreal which was covered with red samite. Then were they glad to havesuch things in their fellowship; and so they entered and made greatreverence 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. Somuch he prayed till a voice said to him: Galahad, thou shalt have thyrequest; 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, andprayed him, of fellowship that was between them, to tell him whereforehe asked such things. That shall I tell you, said Galahad; the other daywhen we saw a part of the adventures of the Sangreal I was in such a joyof heart, that I trow never man was that was earthly. And therefore Iwot well, when my body is dead my soul shall be in great joy to see theblessed Trinity every day, and the majesty of Our Lord, Jesu Christ. 

So long were they in the ship that they said to Galahad: Sir, in thisbed ought ye to lie, for so saith the scripture. And so he laid him downand slept a great while; and when he awaked he looked afore him andsaw the city of Sarras. And as they would have landed they saw the shipwherein Percivale had put his sister in. Truly, said Percivale, in thename of God, well hath my sister holden us covenant. Then took theyout of the ship the table of silver, and he took it to Percivale and toBors, to go to-fore, and Galahad came behind. And right so they went tothe city, and at the gate of the city they saw an old man crooked. ThenGalahad 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 withcrutches. Care thou not, said Galahad, and arise up and shew thy goodwill. And so he assayed, and found himself as whole as ever he was. Thanran he to the table, and took one part against Galahad. And anon arosethere great noise in the city, that a cripple was made whole by knightsmarvellous that entered into the city. 

Then anon after, the three knights went to the water, and brought upinto the palace Percivale's sister, and buried her as richly as a king'sdaughter ought to be. And when the king of the city, which was clepedEstorause, saw the fellowship, he asked them of whence they were, andwhat thing it was that they had brought upon the table of silver. Andthey told him the truth of the Sangreal, and the power which that Godhad sent there. Then the king was a tyrant, and was come of the line ofpaynims, and took them and put them in prison in a deep hole. 

CHAPTER XXII. How they were fed with the Sangreal while they were inprison, and how Galahad was made king. 

BUT as soon as they were there Our Lord sent them the Sangreal, throughwhose 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, andfelt that he should die. Then he sent for the three knights, and theycame afore him; and he cried them mercy of that he had done to them, andthey forgave it him goodly; and he died anon. When the king was dead allthe city was dismayed, and wist not who might be their king. Right so asthey were in counsel there came a voice among them, and bade them choosethe youngest knight of them three to be their king: For he shall wellmaintain you and all yours. So they made Galahad king by all the assentof the holy city, and else they would have slain him. And when he wascome to behold the land, he let make above the table of silver a chestof gold and of precious stones, that hilled the Holy Vessel. And everyday 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 thecrown of gold, he arose up early and his fellows, and came to thepalace, and saw to-fore them the Holy Vessel, and a man kneeling on hisknees in likeness of a bishop, that had about him a great fellowship ofangels, as it had been Jesu Christ himself; and then he arose and begana mass of Our Lady. And when he came to the sacrament of the mass, and had done, anon he called Galahad, and said to him: Come forth theservant of Jesu Christ, and thou shalt see that thou hast much desiredto see. And then he began to tremble right hard when the deadly fleshbegan to behold the spiritual things. Then he held up his hands towardheaven and said: Lord, I thank thee, for now I see that that hath beenmy desire many a day. Now, blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if itmight please thee, Lord. And therewith the good man took Our Lord's bodybetwixt his hands, and proffered it to Galahad, and he received it rightgladly 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 senthere to thee to bear thee fellowship; and wottest thou wherefore thathe hath sent me more than any other? For thou hast resembled me in twothings; in that thou hast seen the marvels of the Sangreal, in that thouhast been a clean maiden, as I have been and am. 

And when he had said these words Galahad went to Percivale and kissedhim, and commended him to God; and so he went to Sir Bors and kissedhim, and commended him to God, and said: Fair lord, salute me to mylord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and as soon as ye see him, bid himremember of this unstable world. And therewith he kneeled down to-forethe table and made his prayers, and then suddenly his soul departed toJesu 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 comefrom heaven an hand, but they saw not the body. And then it came rightto 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 theSangreal. 

CHAPTER XXIII. Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahadwas dead: and of Percivale how he died, and other matters. 

WHEN Percivale and Bors saw Galahad dead they made as much sorrow asever did two men. And if they had not been good men they might lightlyhave fallen in despair. And the people of the country and of the citywere right heavy. And then he was buried; and as soon as he was buriedSir Percivale yielded him to an hermitage out of the city, and took areligious clothing. And Bors was alway with him, but never changed hehis secular clothing, for that he purposed him to go again into therealm of Logris. Thus a year and two months lived Sir Percivale in thehermitage a full holy life, and then passed out of this world; and Borslet 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 Babylonhe departed from Sarras, and armed him and came to the sea, and enteredinto a ship; and so it befell him in good adventure he came into therealm of Logris; and he rode so fast till he came to Camelot where theking was. And then was there great joy made of him in the court, forthey weened all he had been dead, forasmuch as he had been so long outof the country. And when they had eaten, the king made great clerks tocome afore him, that they should chronicle of the high adventures of thegood knights. When Bors had told him of the adventures of the Sangreal, such as had befallen him and his three fellows, that was Launcelot, Percivale, Galahad, and himself, there Launcelot told the adventures ofthe Sangreal that he had seen. All this was made in great books, and putup in almeries at Salisbury. And anon Sir Bors said to Sir Launcelot:Galahad, your own son, saluted you by me, and after you King Arthur andall the court, and so did Sir Percivale, for I buried them with mine ownhands in the city of Sarras. Also, Sir Launcelot, Galahad prayed you toremember of this unsiker world as ye behight him when ye were togethermore than half a year. This is true, said Launcelot; now I trust to Godhis prayer shall avail me. 

Then Launcelot took Sir Bors in his arms, and said: Gentle cousin, yeare right welcome to me, and all that ever I may do for you and foryours ye shall find my poor body ready at all times, while the spirit isin it, and that I promise you faithfully, and never to fail. And wit yewell, gentle cousin, Sir Bors, that ye and I will never depart asunderwhilst our lives may last. Sir, said he, I will as ye will. 

_Thus endeth the history of the Sangreal, that was briefly drawn outof French into English, the which is a story chronicled for one of thetruest and the holiest that is in this world, the which is the xviibook. 

And here followeth the eighteenth book. _

BOOK XVIII. 

CHAPTER I. Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievementof the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again. 

SO after the quest of the Sangreal was fulfilled, and all knights thatwere left alive were come again unto the Table Round, as the book of theSangreal maketh mention, then was there great joy in the court; and inespecial King Arthur and Queen Guenever made great joy of the remnantthat were come home, and passing glad was the king and the queen of SirLauncelot and of Sir Bors, for they had been passing long away in thequest of the Sangreal. 

Then, as the book saith, Sir Launcelot began to resort unto QueenGuenever again, and forgat the promise and the perfection that he madein the quest. For, as the book saith, had not Sir Launcelot been in hisprivy thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly to the queen as he was inseeming outward to God, there had no knight passed him in the quest ofthe Sangreal; but ever his thoughts were privily on the queen, and sothey loved together more hotter than they did to-forehand, and had suchprivy draughts together, that many in the court spake of it, andin especial Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother, for he was everopen-mouthed. 

So befell that Sir Launcelot had many resorts of ladies and damoselsthat daily resorted unto him, that besought him to be their champion, and in all such matters of right Sir Launcelot applied him daily to dofor the pleasure of Our Lord, Jesu Christ. And ever as much as he mighthe withdrew him from the company and fellowship of Queen Guenever, forto eschew the slander and noise; wherefore the queen waxed wroth withSir Launcelot. And upon a day she called Sir Launcelot unto her chamber, and said thus: Sir Launcelot, I see and feel daily that thy lovebeginneth to slake, for thou hast no joy to be in my presence, but everthou art out of this court, and quarrels and matters thou hast nowadaysfor ladies and gentlewomen more than ever thou wert wont to haveaforehand. 

Ah madam, said Launcelot, in this ye must hold me excused for diverscauses; one is, I was but late in the quest of the Sangreal; and I thankGod of his great mercy, and never of my desert, that I saw in that myquest as much as ever saw any sinful man, and so was it told me. And ifI 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, outherPercivale, or Sir Bors; and therefore, madam, I was but late in thatquest. Wit ye well, madam, it may not be yet lightly forgotten the highservice in whom I did my diligent labour. Also, madam, wit ye well thatthere be many men speak of our love in this court, and have you and megreatly in await, as Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred; and madam, wit yewell I dread them more for your sake than for any fear I have of themmyself, for I may happen to escape and rid myself in a great need, whereye must abide all that will be said unto you. And then if that ye fallin any distress through wilful folly, then is there none other remedy orhelp but by me and my blood. And wit ye well, madam, the boldness of youand me will bring us to great shame and slander; and that were me loathto see you dishonoured. And that is the cause I take upon me more forto do for damosels and maidens than ever I did to-fore, that men shouldunderstand my joy and my delight is my pleasure to have ado for damoselsand maidens. 

CHAPTER II. How the queen commanded Sir Launcelot to avoid the court, and of the sorrow that Launcelot made. 

ALL this while the queen stood still and let Sir Launcelot say whathe would. And when he had all said she brast out a-weeping, and soshe sobbed and wept a great while. And when she might speak she said:Launcelot, now I well understand that thou art a false recreant knightand a common lecher, and lovest and holdest other ladies, and by me thouhast disdain and scorn. For wit thou well, she said, now I understandthy falsehood, and therefore shall I never love thee no more. And neverbe thou so hardy to come in my sight; and right here I discharge theethis court, that thou never come within it; and I forfend thee myfellowship, and upon pain of thy head that thou see me no more. Rightso Sir Launcelot departed with great heaviness, that unnethe he mightsustain himself for great dole-making. 

Then he called Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, and toldthem how the queen had forfended him the court, and so he was in will todepart into his own country. Fair sir, said Sir Bors de Ganis, ye shallnot depart out of this land by mine advice. Ye must remember in whathonour ye are renowned, and called the noblest knight of the world; andmany great matters ye have in hand. And women in their hastiness will doofttimes that sore repenteth them; and therefore by mine advice ye shalltake your horse, and ride to the good hermitage here beside Windsor, that sometime was a good knight, his name is Sir Brasias, and thereshall ye abide till I send you word of better tidings. Brother, said SirLauncelot, wit ye well I am full loath to depart out of this realm, butthe queen hath defended me so highly, that meseemeth she will never bemy good lady as she hath been. Say ye never so, said Sir Bors, for manytimes or this time she hath been wroth with you, and after it she wasthe first that repented it. Ye say well, said Launcelot, for now will Ido by your counsel, and take mine horse and my harness, and ride to thehermit Sir Brasias, and there will I repose me until I hear some mannerof tidings from you; but, fair brother, I pray you get me the love of mylady, Queen Guenever, an ye may Sir, said Sir Bors, ye need not to moveme of such matters, for well ye wot I will do what I may to please you. 

And then the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, departed with right heavycheer suddenly, that none earthly creature wist of him, nor where hewas become, but Sir Bors. So when Sir Launcelot was departed, the queenoutward made no manner of sorrow in showing to none of his blood nor tonone other. But wit ye well, inwardly, as the book saith, she took greatthought, but she bare it out with a proud countenance as though she feltnothing nor danger. 

CHAPTER III. How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knightenpoisoned, which Sir Mador laid on the queen. 

AND then the queen let make a privy dinner in London unto the knights ofthe Round Table. And all was for to show outward that she had as greatjoy 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 isfor to say Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Gareth, and Sir Mordred. Also there was Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis deGanis, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, SirPalomides, Safere his brother, Sir La Cote Male Taile, Sir Persant, SirIronside, Sir Brandiles, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Patrise, a knight of Ireland, Aliduk, Sir Astamore, and Sir Pinelle Savage, the which was cousin to Sir Lamorak de Galis, the goodknight that Sir Gawaine and his brethren slew by treason. And so thesefour-and-twenty knights should dine with the queen in a privy place bythemself, 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 andpears. And therefore whosomever dined or feasted Sir Gawaine wouldcommonly purvey for good fruit for him, and so did the queen for toplease Sir Gawaine; she let purvey for him all manner of fruit, for SirGawaine was a passing hot knight of nature. And this Pinel hated SirGawaine because of his kinsman Sir Lamorak de Galis; and therefore forpure envy and hate Sir Pinel enpoisoned certain apples for to enpoisonSir Gawaine. And so this was well unto the end of the meat; and so itbefell by misfortune a good knight named Patrise, cousin unto Sir Madorde la Porte, to take a poisoned apple. And when he had eaten it heswelled so till he brast, and there Sir Patrise fell down suddenly deadamong 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 QueenGuenever made the feast and dinner, they all had suspicion unto her. Mylady, the queen, said Gawaine, wit ye well, madam, that this dinner wasmade for me, for all folks that know my condition understand that I lovewell 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 wassore 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 ofmy blood; and therefore upon this shame and despite I will be revengedto the utterance. And there openly Sir Mador appealed the queen of thedeath of his cousin, Sir Patrise. Then stood they all still, that nonewould speak a word against him, for they all had great suspicion untothe queen because she let make that dinner. And the queen was so abashedthat she could none other ways do, but wept so heartily that she fell ina swoon. With this noise and cry came to them King Arthur, and when hewist of that trouble he was a passing heavy man. 

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there wasno knight would fight for her at the first time. 

AND ever Sir Mador stood still afore the king, and ever he appealed thequeen of treason; for the custom was such that time that all mannerof shameful death was called treason. Fair lords, said King Arthur, merepenteth of this trouble, but the case is so I may not have ado in thismatter, for I must be a rightful judge; and that repenteth me that I maynot 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 somegood knight shall put his body in jeopardy for my queen rather than sheshall be brent in a wrong quarrel. And therefore, Sir Mador, be not sohasty, for it may happen she shall not be all friendless; and thereforedesire thou thy day of battle, and she shall purvey her of some goodknight that shall answer you, or else it were to me great shame, and toall my court. 

My gracious lord, said Sir Mador, ye must hold me excused, for thoughye be our king in that degree, ye are but a knight as we are, and ye aresworn unto knighthood as well as we; and therefore I beseech you that yebe not displeased, for there is none of the four-and-twenty knights thatwere bidden to this dinner but all they have great suspicion unto thequeen. What say ye all, my lords? said Sir Mador. Then they answeredby and by that they could not excuse the queen; for why she made thedinner, and either it must come by her or by her servants. Alas, saidthe queen, I made this dinner for a good intent, and never for noneevil, so Almighty God me help in my right, as I was never purposed to dosuch evil deeds, and that I report me unto God. 

My lord, the king, said Sir Mador, I require you as ye be a righteousking give me a day that I may have justice. Well, said the king, I givethe day this day fifteen days that thou be ready armed on horsebackin the meadow beside Westminster. And if it so fall that there be anyknight to encounter with you, there mayst thou do the best, and Godspeed 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 herjudgment. I am answered, said Sir Mador. And every knight went where itliked them. 

So when the king and the queen were together the king asked the queenhow this case befell. The queen answered: So God me help, I wot not howor in what manner. Where is Sir Launcelot? said King Arthur; an he werehere he would not grudge to do battle for you. Sir, said the queen, Iwot not where he is, but his brother and his kinsmen deem that he be notwithin this realm. That me repenteth, said King Arthur, for an he werehere he would soon stint this strife. Then I will counsel you, saidthe king, and unto Sir Bors: That ye will do battle for her for SirLauncelot's sake, and upon my life he will not refuse you. For well Isee, said the king, that none of these four-and-twenty knights that werewith you at your dinner where Sir Patrise was slain, that will do battlefor you, nor none of them will say well of you, and that shall be agreat slander for you in this court. Alas, said the queen, and I may notdo withal, but now I miss Sir Launcelot, for an he were here he wouldput me soon to my heart's ease. What aileth you, said the king, yecannot keep Sir Launcelot upon your side? For wit ye well, said theking, who that hath Sir Launcelot upon his part hath the most man ofworship in the world upon his side. Now go your way, said the king untothe queen, and require Sir Bors to do battle for you for Sir Launcelot'ssake. 

CHAPTER V. How the queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how hegranted upon condition; and how he warned Sir Launcelot thereof. 

SO the queen departed from the king, and sent for Sir Bors into herchamber. And when he was come she besought him of succour. Madam, saidhe, what would ye that I did? for I may not with my worship have adoin this matter, because I was at the same dinner, for dread that any ofthose knights would have me in suspicion. Also, madam, said Sir Bors, now miss ye Sir Launcelot, for he would not have failed you neither inright 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 wewere daily worshipped by; therefore, madam, I marvel how ye dare forshame require me to do any thing for you, in so much ye have chased himout of your country by whom we were borne up and honoured. Alas, fairknight, said the queen, I put me wholly in your grace, and all that isdone amiss I will amend as ye will counsel me. And therewith she kneeleddown upon both her knees, and besought 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 kneeling 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, courteousknight, for I am now in certain she is untruly defamed. And therefore, courteous knight, said the king, promise her to do battle for her, Irequire you for the love of Sir Launcelot. My lord, said Sir Bors, yerequire me the greatest thing that any man may require me; and wit yewell if I grant to do battle for the queen I shall wrath many of myfellowship of the Table Round. But as for that, said Bors, I will grantmy lord that for my lord Sir Launcelot's sake, and for your sake I willat that day be the queen's champion unless that there come by adventurea 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 notfail you, nor her both, but if there come a better knight than I am, andthen shall he have the battle. Then was the king and the queen passingglad, and so departed, and thanked him heartily. 

So then Sir Bors departed secretly upon a day, and rode unto SirLauncelot thereas he was with the hermit, Sir Brasias, and told him ofall their adventure. Ah Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, this is come happilyas I would have it, and therefore I pray you make you ready to dobattle, 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 moreye suffer him the hastier will he be to battle. Sir, said Bors, let medeal with him, doubt ye not ye shall have all your will. Then departedSir Bors from him and came to the court again. Then was it noised in allthe court that Sir Bors should do battle for the queen; wherefore manyknights were displeased with him, that he would take upon him to dobattle in the queen's quarrel; for there were but few knights in all thecourt but they deemed the queen was in the wrong, and that she had donethat treason. 

So Sir Bors answered thus to his fellows of the Table Round: Wit yewell, my fair lords, it were shame to us all an we suffered to see themost noble queen of the world to be shamed openly, considering herlord and our lord is the man of most worship in the world, and mostchristened, and he hath ever worshipped us all in all places. Manyanswered him again: As for our most noble King Arthur, we love him andhonour him as well as ye do, but as for Queen Guenever we love her not, because she is a destroyer of good knights. Fair lords, said Sir Bors, meseemeth ye say not as ye should say, for never yet in my days knew Inever nor heard say that ever she was a destroyer of any good knight. But at all times as far as ever I could know she was a maintainer ofgood knights; and ever she hath been large and free of her goods toall good knights, and the most bounteous lady of her gifts and her goodgrace, that ever I saw or heard speak of. And therefore it were shame, said Sir Bors, to us all to our most noble king's wife, an we sufferedher to be shamefully slain. And wit ye well, said Sir Bors, I willnot suffer it, for I dare say so much, the queen is not guilty of SirPatrise's death, for she owed him never none ill will, nor none of thefour-and-twenty knights that were at that dinner; for I dare say forgood love she bade us to dinner, and not for no mal engine, and thatI doubt not shall be proved hereafter, for howsomever the game goeth, there was treason among us. Then some said to Sir Bors: We may wellbelieve your words. And so some of them were well pleased, and some werenot so. 

CHAPTER VI. How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for thequeen; and when he would fight how another discharged him. 

THE day came on fast until the even that the battle should be. Then thequeen sent for Sir Bors and asked him how he was disposed. Truly madam, said he, I am disposed in likewise as I promised you, that is for tosay I shall not fail you, unless by adventure there come a better knightthan I am to do battle for you, then, madam, am I discharged of mypromise. Will ye, said the queen, that I tell my lord Arthur thus? Do asit shall please you, madam. Then the queen went unto the king and toldhim the answer of Sir Bors. Have ye no doubt, said the king, of SirBors, for I call him now one of the best knights of the world, and themost profitablest man. And thus it passed on until the morn, and theking and the queen and all manner of knights that were there at thattime drew them unto the meadow beside Westminster where the battleshould be. And so when the king was come with the queen and many knightsof the Round Table, then the queen was put there in the Constable'sward, and a great fire made about an iron stake, that an Sir Mador de laPorte had the better, she should be burnt: such custom was used in thosedays, that neither for favour, neither for love nor affinity, thereshould be none other but righteous judgment, as well upon a king as upona 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 oathafore the king, that the queen did this treason until his cousin SirPatrise, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand forhand, who that would say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors deGanis, and said: That as for Queen Guenever she is in the right, andthat will I make good with my hands that she is not culpable of thistreason that is put upon her. Then make thee ready, said Sir Mador, andwe shall prove whether thou be in the right or I. Sir Mador, said SirBors, wit thou well I know you for a good knight. Not for then I shallnot fear you so greatly, but I trust to God I shall be able to withstandyour malice. But this much have I promised my lord Arthur and my ladythe queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, unless that there come a better knight than I am and discharge me. Isthat all? said Sir Mador, either come thou off and do battle with me, orelse say nay. Take your horse, said Sir Bors, and as I suppose, ye shallnot tarry long but ye shall be answered. 

Then either departed to their tents and made them ready to horsebackas they thought best. And anon Sir Mador came into the field with hisshield on his shoulder and his spear in his hand; and so rode about theplace crying unto Arthur: Bid your champion come forth an he dare. Thenwas 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 allarmed, upon a white horse, with a strange shield of strange arms; and hecame riding all that he might run, and so he came to Sir Bors, and saidthus: Fair knight, I pray you be not displeased, for here must a betterknight 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 thisbattle ought to be mine, and so I promised you when I spake with youlast, and with all my heart I thank you of your good will. Then SirBors rode unto King Arthur and told him how there was a knight come thatwould 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 madewith me to be here this day. Now my lord, said Sir Bors, here am Idischarged. 

CHAPTER VII How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the queen, and how he overcame Sir Mador, and discharged the queen. 

THEN the king called to that knight, and asked him if he would fight forthe queen. Then he answered to the king: Therefore came I hither, andtherefore, sir king, he said, tarry me no longer, for I may not tarry. For anon as I have finished this battle I must depart hence, for I haveado many matters elsewhere. For wit you well, said that knight, thisis dishonour to you all knights of the Round Table, to see and know sonoble a lady and so courteous a queen as Queen Guenever is, thus to berebuked and shamed amongst you. Then they all marvelled what knight thatmight be that so took the battle upon him. For there was not one thatknew him, but if it were Sir Bors. 

Then said Sir Mador de la Porte unto the king: Now let me wit with whomI shall have ado withal. And then they rode to the lists' end, and therethey couched their spears, and ran together with all their might, andSir Mador's spear brake all to pieces, but the other's spear held, andbare Sir Mador's horse and all backward to the earth a great fall. Butmightily 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 battlewith him on foot. Then that knight descended from his horse lightly likea valiant man, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword; and sothey came eagerly unto battle, and either gave other many great strokes, tracing and traversing, racing and foining, and hurtling together withtheir swords as it were wild boars. Thus were they fighting nigh anhour, for this Sir Mador was a strong knight, and mightily provedin many strong battles. But at the last this knight smote Sir Madorgrovelling upon the earth, and the knight stepped near him to havepulled Sir Mador flatling upon the ground; and therewith suddenly SirMador arose, and in his rising he smote that knight through the thick ofthe thighs that the blood ran out fiercely. And when he felt himself sowounded, and saw his blood, he let him arise upon his feet. And then hegave 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 hishead. And then Sir Mador prayed that knight to save his life, and so heyielded him as overcome, and released the queen of his quarrel. I willnot grant thee thy life, said that knight, only that thou freely releasethe queen for ever, and that no mention be made upon Sir Patrise's tombthat ever Queen Guenever consented to that treason. All this shall bedone, said Sir Mador, I clearly discharge my quarrel for ever. 

Then the knights parters of the lists took up Sir Mador, and led him tohis tent, and the other knight went straight to the stair-foot where satKing Arthur; and by that time was the queen come to the king, and eitherkissed other heartily. And when the king saw that knight, he stoopeddown to him, and thanked him, and in likewise did the queen; and theking prayed him to put off his helmet, and to repose him, and to takea sop of wine. And then he put off his helm to drink, and then everyknight knew him that it was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Anon as the king wistthat, he took the queen in his hand, and yode unto Sir Launcelot, andsaid: Sir, grant mercy of your great travail that ye have had this dayfor me and for my queen. My lord, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well Iought of right ever to be in your quarrel, and in my lady the queen'squarrel, to do battle; for ye are the man that gave me the high order ofknighthood, and that day my lady, your queen, did me great worship, andelse I had been shamed; for that same day ye made me knight, through myhastiness I lost my sword, and my lady, your queen, found it, and lappedit in her train, and gave me my sword when I had need thereto, and elsehad I been shamed among all knights; and therefore, my lord Arthur, Ipromised her at that day ever to be her knight in right outher in wrong. Grant mercy, said the king, for this journey; and wit ye well, said theking, I shall acquit your goodness. 

And ever the queen beheld Sir Launcelot, and wept so tenderly that shesank almost to the ground for sorrow that he had done to her so greatgoodness where she shewed him great unkindness. Then the knights of hisblood 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 thattime, and welcomed him. And then Sir Mador was had to leech-craft, andSir Launcelot was healed of his wound. And then there was made great joyand mirths in that court. 

CHAPTER VIII. How the truth was known by the Maiden of the Lake, and ofdivers other matters. 

AND so it befell that the damosel of the lake, her name was Nimue, thewhich wedded the good knight Sir Pelleas, and so she came to the court;for ever she did great goodness unto King Arthur and to all his knightsthrough her sorcery and enchantments. And so when she heard how thequeen was an-angered for the death of Sir Patrise, then she told itopenly that she was never guilty; and there she disclosed by whom it wasdone, and named him, Sir Pinel; and for what cause he did it, there itwas openly disclosed; and so the queen was excused, and the knightPinel fled into his country. Then was it openly known that Sir Pinelenpoisoned the apples at the feast to that intent to have destroyed SirGawaine, because Sir Gawaine and his brethren destroyed Sir Lamorakde Galis, to the which Sir Pinel was cousin unto. Then was Sir Patriseburied in the church of Westminster in a tomb, and thereupon waswritten: Here lieth Sir Patrise of Ireland, slain by Sir Pinel leSavage, that enpoisoned apples to have slain Sir Gawaine, and bymisfortune Sir Patrise ate one of those apples, and then suddenly hebrast. Also there was written upon the tomb that Queen Guenever wasappealed of treason of the death of Sir Patrise, by Sir Mador de laPorte; and there was made mention how Sir Launcelot fought with him forQueen Guenever, and overcame him in plain battle. All this was writtenupon the tomb of Sir Patrise in excusing of the queen. And then SirMador sued daily and long, to have the queen's good grace; and so by themeans of Sir Launcelot he caused him to stand in the queen's good grace, and all was forgiven. 

Thus it passed on till our Lady Day, Assumption. Within a fifteen daysof that feast the king let cry a great jousts and a tournament thatshould be at that day at Camelot, that is Winchester; and the king letcry that he and the King of Scots would joust against all that wouldcome against them. And when this cry was made, thither came manyknights. So there came thither the King of Northgalis, and King Anguishof Ireland, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and Galahad, the hautprince, and the King of Northumberland, and many other noble dukes andearls of divers countries. So King Arthur made him ready to depart tothese jousts, and would have had the queen with him, but at that timeshe would not, she said, for she was sick and might not ride at thattime. That me repenteth, said the king, for this seven year ye saw notsuch a noble fellowship together except at Whitsuntide when Galahaddeparted from the court. Truly, said the queen to the king, ye must holdme excused, I may not be there, and that me repenteth. And many deemedthe queen would not be there because of Sir Launcelot du Lake, for SirLauncelot would not ride with the king, for he said that he was notwhole of the wound the which Sir Mador had given him; wherefore the kingwas heavy and passing wroth. And so he departed toward Winchester withhis fellowship; and so by the way the king lodged in a town calledAstolat, that is now in English called Guildford, and there the king layin 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 youbehind my lord; what, trow ye, what will your enemies and mine say anddeem? nought else but, See how Sir Launcelot holdeth him ever behindthe king, and so doth the queen, for that they would have their pleasuretogether. And thus will they say, said the queen to Sir Launcelot, haveye no doubt thereof. 

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a sleeve towear upon his helm at the request of a maid. 

MADAM, said Sir Launcelot, I allow your wit, it is of late come sinceye were wise. And therefore, madam, at this time I will be ruled by yourcounsel, and this night I will take my rest, and to-morrow by time Iwill take my way toward Winchester. But wit you well, said Sir Launcelotto the queen, that at that jousts I will be against the king, andagainst 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 wellenough, it needeth not to rehearse them. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you that ye be not displeased with me, for I will take theadventure 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 somuch until he came to Astolat, that is Guildford; and there it happedhim in the eventide he came to an old baron's place that hight SirBernard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered into his lodging, KingArthur espied him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how hetook his lodging, and knew him full well. It is well, said King Arthurunto the knights that were with him in that garden beside the castle, Ihave now espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts to thewhich 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. Yeshall not wit for me, said the king, as at this time. And so the kingsmiled, and went to his lodging. 

So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in hischamber, the old baron and hermit came to him making his reverence, and welcomed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not SirLauncelot. Fair sir, said Sir Launcelot to his host, I would pray youto lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known. Sir, said his host, ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be oneof the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall shew youfriendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons that were but late madeknights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same dayhe 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 myyoungest son hight Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall ride withyou unto that jousts; and he is of his age strong and wight, for much myheart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore Ipray you, tell me your name, said Sir Bernard. As for that, said SirLauncelot, ye must hold me excused as at this time, and if God give megrace to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you. ButI pray you, said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have your son, SirLavaine, with me, and that I may have his brother's shield. All thisshall be done, said Sir Bernard. 

This old baron had a daughter that was called that time the Fair Maidenof Astolat. And ever she beheld Sir Launcelot wonderfully; and as thebook saith, she cast such a love unto Sir Launcelot that she could neverwithdraw her love, wherefore she died, and her name was Elaine le Blank. So thus as she came to and fro she was so hot in her love that shebesought 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 sayI do more for your love than ever I did for lady or damosel. Then heremembered him he would go to the jousts disguised. And because he hadnever fore that time borne no manner of token of no damosel, then hebethought him that he would bear one of her, that none of his bloodthereby might know him, and then he said: Fair maiden, I will grant youto wear a token of 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. SoSir Launcelot received it, and said: Never did I erst so much for nodamosel. And then Sir Launcelot betook the fair maiden his shield inkeeping, and prayed her to keep that until that he came again; andso that night he had merry rest and great cheer, for ever the damoselElaine was about Sir Launcelot all the while she might be suffered. 

CHAPTER X. How the tourney began at Winchester, and what knights were atthe jousts; and other things. 

SO upon a day, on the morn, King Arthur and all his knights departed, for their king had tarried three days to abide his noble knights. And sowhen the king was ridden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them readyto ride, and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeveSir Launcelot let carry with him. And so they took their leave at SirBernard, 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 timecalled Winchester; and there was great press of kings, dukes earls, and barons, and many noble knights. But there Sir Launcelot was lodgedprivily by the means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, that no man inthat town was ware what they were. And so they reposed them there tillour Lady Day, Assumption, as the great feast should be. So then trumpetsblew unto the field, and King Arthur was set on high upon a scaffold tobehold who did best. But as the French book saith, the king would notsuffer Sir Gawaine to go from him, for never had Sir Gawaine the betteran Sir Launcelot were in the field; and many times was Sir Gawainerebuked when Launcelot came into any jousts disguised. 

Then some of the kings, as King Anguish of Ireland and the King ofScots, were that time turned upon the side of King Arthur. And thenon the other party was the King of Northgalis, and the King with theHundred Knights, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, thehaut prince. But these three kings and this duke were passing weak tohold against King Arthur's party, for with him were the noblest knightsof the world. So then they withdrew them either party from other, andevery man made him ready in his best manner to do what he might. 

Then Sir Launcelot made him ready, and put the red sleeve upon his head, and fastened it fast; and so Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed outof Winchester privily, and rode until a little leaved wood behind theparty that held against King Arthur's party, and there they held themstill till the parties smote together. And then came in the King ofScots and the King of Ireland on Arthur's party, and against them camethe King of Northumberland, and the King with the Hundred Knights smotedown the King of Northumberland, and the King with the Hundred Knightssmote down King Anguish of Ireland. Then Sir Palomides that was onArthur's party encountered with Sir Galahad, and either of them smotedown other, and either party halp their lords on horseback again. Sothere began a strong assail upon both parties. And then came in SirBrandiles, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Kayle Seneschal, Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Mordred, Sir Meliotde Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, SirGalleron of Galway. All these fifteen knights were knights of the TableRound. So these with more other came in together, and beat aback theKing of Northumberland and the King of Northgalis. When Sir Launcelotsaw this, as he hoved in a little leaved wood, then he said unto SirLavaine: See yonder is a company of good knights, and they hold themtogether as boars that were chafed with dogs. That is truth, said SirLavaine. 

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the fieldagainst them of King Arthur's court, and how Launcelot was hurt. 

NOW, said Sir Launcelot, an ye will help me a little, ye shall seeyonder fellowship that chaseth now these men in our side, that theyshall go as fast backward as they went forward. Sir, spare not, said SirLavaine, for I shall do what I may. Then Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavainecame in at the thickest of the press, and there Sir Launcelot smote downSir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, andall this he did with one spear; and Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Lucan leButler and Sir Bedevere. And then Sir Launcelot gat another spear, andthere he smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, and SirMeliot de Logris; and Sir Lavaine smote Ozanna le Cure Hardy. And thenSir Launcelot drew his sword, and there he smote on the right handand on the left hand, and by great force he unhorsed Sir Safere, SirEpinogris, and Sir Galleron; and then the knights of the Table Roundwithdrew them aback, after they had gotten their horses as well as theymight. O mercy Jesu, said Sir Gawaine, what knight is yonder that dothso marvellous deeds of arms in that field? I wot well what he is, saidKing Arthur, but as at this time I will not name him. Sir, said SirGawaine, I would say it were Sir Launcelot by his riding and his buffetsthat I see him deal, but ever meseemeth it should not be he, for that hebeareth the red sleeve upon his head; for I wist him never bear tokenat no jousts, of lady nor gentlewoman. Let him be, said King Arthur, hewill be better known, and do more, or ever he depart. 

Then the party that was against King Arthur were well comforted, andthen they held them together that beforehand were sore rebuked. Then SirBors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel called unto them the knightsof their blood, as Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Aliduke, SirGalihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere le Beuse. So these nine knightsof Sir Launcelot's kin thrust in mightily, for they were all nobleknights; and they, of great hate and despite that they had unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lavaine, forthey knew them not; and so they came hurling together, and smote downmany knights of Northgalis and of Northumberland. And when Sir Launcelotsaw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand; and there encountered withhim all at once Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel, and all they threesmote him at once with their spears. And with force of themself theysmote Sir Launcelot's horse to the earth; and by misfortune Sir Borssmote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the side, and the spearbrake, and the head left still in his side. 

When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie on the ground, he ran to the King ofScots and smote him to the earth; and by great force he took his horse, and brought him to Sir Launcelot, and maugre of them all he made him tomount upon that horse. And then Launcelot gat a spear in his hand, andthere he smote Sir Bors, horse and man, to the earth. In the same wisehe served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel; and Sir Lavaine smote down SirBlamore de Ganis. And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, for he felthimself so sore y-hurt that he weened there to have had his death. Andthen he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet on the helm that he fell downto the earth in a swoon. And in the same wise he served Sir Aliduke andSir Galihud. And Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Bellangere, that was the sonof Alisander le Orphelin. 

And by this was Sir Bors horsed, and then he came with Sir Ector andSir Lionel, and all they three smote with swords upon Sir Launcelot'shelmet. And when he felt their buffets and his wound, the which was sogrievous, then he thought to do what he might while he might endure. And then he gave Sir Bors such a buffet that he made him bow his headpassing low; and therewithal he raced off his helm, and might have slainhim; and so pulled him down, and in the same wise he served Sir Ectorand Sir Lionel. For as the book saith he might have slain them, but whenhe saw their visages his heart might not serve him thereto, but leftthem there. And then afterward he hurled into the thickest press of themall, and did there the marvelloust deeds of arms that ever man saw orheard speak of, and ever Sir Lavaine, the good knight, with him. Andthere Sir Launcelot with his sword smote down and pulled down, as theFrench book maketh mention, mo than thirty knights, and the most partwere of the Table Round; and Sir Lavaine did full well that day, for hesmote down ten knights of the Table Round. 

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of thefield, and in what jeopardy Launcelot was. 

MERCY Jesu, said Sir Gawaine to Arthur, I marvel what knight that heis with the red sleeve. Sir, said King Arthur, he will be known or hedepart. And then the king blew unto lodging, and the prize was given byheralds unto the knight with the white shield that bare the red sleeve. Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, the King of Northgalis, andthe King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince, and saidunto Sir Launcelot: Fair knight, God thee bless, for much have ye donethis day for us, therefore we pray you that ye will come with us thatye may receive the honour and the prize as ye have worshipfully deservedit. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well if I have deservedthanks I have sore bought it, and that me repenteth, for I am like neverto escape with my life; therefore, fair lords, I pray you that ye willsuffer me to depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt. I take noneforce of none honour, for I had liefer to repose me than to be lord ofall the world. And therewithal he groaned piteously, and rode a greatwallop 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 surehe 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 itsticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me. O mine own lord, said SirLavaine, I would fain do that might please you, but I dread me sore an Ipull out the truncheon that ye shall be in peril of death. I chargeyou, said Sir Launcelot, as ye love me, draw it out. And therewithal hedescended from his horse, and right so did Sir Lavaine; and forthwithalSir Lavaine drew the truncheon out of his side, and he gave a greatshriek and a marvellous grisly groan, and the blood brast out nigh apint at once, that at the last he sank down upon his buttocks, and soswooned pale and deadly. Alas, said Sir Lavaine, what shall I do? Andthen he turned Sir Launcelot into the wind, but so he lay there nighhalf an hour as he had been dead. 

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 twomile a gentle hermit that sometime was a full noble knight and a greatlord of possessions. And for great goodness he hath taken him towilful poverty, and forsaken many lands, and his name is Sir Baudwin ofBrittany, 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 shallnever die of my cousin-germain's hands. And then with great pain SirLavaine halp him upon his horse. And then they rode a great walloptogether, and ever Sir Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth; andso 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, andcried 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'ssake to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded; and this daytell thy lord I saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard saythat any man did. So the child went in lightly, and then he brought thehermit, the which was a passing good man. When Sir Lavaine saw himhe prayed him for God's sake of succour. What knight is he? said thehermit. Is he of the house of King Arthur, or not? I wot not, said SirLavaine, what is he, nor what is his name, but well I wot I saw him domarvellously this day as of deeds of arms. On whose party was he? saidthe hermit. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, he was this day against King Arthur, and there he won the prize of all the knights of the Round Table. I haveseen the day, said the hermit, I would have loved him the worse becausehe was against my lord, King Arthur, for sometime I was one of thefellowship of the Round Table, but I thank God now I am otherwisedisposed. But where is he? let me see him. Then Sir Lavaine brought thehermit to him. 

CHAPTER XIII. How Launcelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed ofhis wound, and of other matters. 

AND when the hermit beheld him, as he sat leaning upon his saddle-bowever bleeding piteously, and ever the knight-hermit thought that heshould know him, but he could not bring him to knowledge because he wasso pale for bleeding. What knight are ye, said the hermit, and wherewere ye born? My fair lord, said Sir Launcelot, I am a stranger and aknight adventurous, that laboureth throughout many realms for to winworship. Then the hermit advised him better, and saw by a wound on hischeek that he was Sir Launcelot. Alas, said the hermit, mine own lordwhy lain 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 youfor Sir Launcelot. Sir, said he, sith ye know me, help me an ye may, forGod's sake, for I would be out of this pain at once, either to death orto life. Have ye no doubt, said the hermit, ye shall live and fare rightwell. And so the hermit called to him two of his servants, and so he andhis servants bare him into the hermitage, and lightly unarmed him, andlaid him in his bed. And then anon the hermit staunched his blood, andmade him to drink good wine, so that Sir Launcelot was well refreshedand knew himself; for in those days it was not the guise of hermits asis nowadays, for there were none hermits in those days but that theyhad been men of worship and of prowess; and those hermits held greathousehold, and refreshed people that were in distress. 

Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir Launcelot in thehermitage. So when the kings were come together on both parties, and thegreat feast should be holden, King Arthur asked the King of Northgalisand 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 Kingwith the Hundred Knights: We suppose that knight is mischieved, and thathe is never like to see you nor none of us all, and that is the greatestpity that ever we wist of any knight. Alas, said Arthur, how may thisbe, is he so hurt? What is his name? said King Arthur. Truly, saidthey all, we know not his name, nor from whence he came, nor whither hewould. Alas, said the king, this be to me the worst tidings that cameto me this seven year, for I would not for all the lands I wield to knowand wit it were so that that noble knight were slain. Know ye him? saidthey 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 goodtidings of him. And so said they all. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, ifit so be that the good knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage andpity to all this land, for he is one of the noblest knights that ever Isaw in a field handle a spear or a sword; and if he may be found I shallfind him, for I am sure he nis not far from this town. Bear you well, said King Arthur, an ye may find him, unless that he be in such a plightthat he may not wield himself. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, but wit Ishall what he is, an I may find him. 

Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him upon hackneys, and rode allabout Camelot within six or seven mile, but so he came again and couldhear no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and all thefellowship returned unto London again. And so as they rode by the way ithapped Sir Gawaine at Astolat to lodge with Sir Bernard thereas was SirLauncelot lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber to repose himSir 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 thattournament of Winchester. So God me help, said Sir Gawaine, there weretwo knights that bare two white shields, but the one of them bare a redsleeve upon his head, and certainly he was one of the best knights thatever I saw joust in field. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that oneknight with the red sleeve smote down forty knights of the Table Round, and his fellow did right well and worshipfully. Now blessed be God, saidthe Fair Maiden of Astolat, that that knight sped so well, for he isthe man in the world that I first loved, and truly he shall be last thatever I shall love. Now, fair maid, said Sir Gawaine, is that good knightyour love? Certainly sir, said she, wit ye well he is my love. Then knowye his name? said Sir Gawaine. Nay truly, said the damosel, I knownot his name nor from whence he cometh, but to say that I love him, Ipromise you and God that I love him. How had ye knowledge of him first?said Sir Gawaine. 

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, andthere had knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot that bare the red sleeve. 

THEN she told him as ye have heard to-fore, and how her father betookhim her brother to do him service, and how her father lent him herbrother's, Sir Tirre's, shield: And here with me he left his own shield. For what cause did he so? said Sir Gawaine. For this cause, said thedamosel, 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 ofthat 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 Bernardtill his daughter, let send for it. 

So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the case, and when hebeheld 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 moreheavier than ever it was to-fore. Why? said Elaine. For I have greatcause, said Sir Gawaine. Is that knight that oweth this shield yourlove? Yea truly, said she, my love he is, God would I were his love. SoGod me speed, said Sir Gawaine, fair damosel ye have right, for an he beyour love ye love the most honourable knight of the world, and the manof most worship. So me thought ever, said the damosel, for never or thattime, for no knight that ever I saw, loved I never none erst. God grant, said Sir Gawaine, that either of you may rejoice other, but that is ina great adventure. But truly, said Sir Gawaine unto the damosel, ye maysay ye have a fair grace, for why I have known that noble knight thisfour-and-twenty year, and never or that day, I nor none other knight, Idare make good, saw nor heard say that ever he bare token or sign of nolady, gentlewoman, ne maiden, at no jousts nor tournament. And thereforefair maiden, said Sir Gawaine, ye are much beholden to him to give himthanks. But I dread me, said Sir Gawaine, that ye shall never see himin 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 SirGawaine, but wit ye well he is grievously wounded, by all manner ofsigns, and by men's sight more likelier to be dead than to be alive; andwit ye well he is the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, for by this shieldI know him. Alas, said the Fair Maiden of Astolat, how may this be, andwhat was his hurt? Truly, said Sir Gawaine, the man in the world thatloved him best hurt him so; and I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, an thatknight that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had hurt SirLauncelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever came to his heart. 

Now fair father, said then Elaine, I require you give me leave to rideand to seek him, or else I wot well I shall go out of my mind, for Ishall never stint till that I find him and my brother, Sir Lavaine. Doas it liketh you, said her father, for me sore repenteth of the hurtof that noble knight. Right so the maid made her ready, and before SirGawaine, making great dole. 

Then on the morn Sir Gawaine came to King Arthur, and told him how hehad found Sir Launcelot's shield in the keeping of the Fair Maiden ofAstolat. All that knew I aforehand, said King Arthur, and that causedme I would not suffer you to have ado at the great jousts, for I espied, said King Arthur, when he came in till his lodging full late in theevening in Astolat. But marvel have I, said Arthur, that ever he wouldbear any sign of any damosel, for or now I never heard say nor knewthat ever he bare any token of none earthly woman. By my head, said SirGawaine, the Fair Maiden of Astolat loveth him marvellously well; whatit meaneth I cannot say, and she is ridden after to seek him. So theking and all came to London, and there Sir Gawaine openly disclosed toall the court that it was Sir Launcelot that jousted best. 

CHAPTER XV. Of the sorrow that Sir Bors had for the hurt of Launcelot;and of the anger that the queen had because Launcelot bare the sleeve. 

AND when Sir Bors heard that, wit ye well he was an heavy man, and sowere all his kinsmen. But when Queen Guenever wist that Sir Launcelotbare the red sleeve of the Fair Maiden of Astolat she was nigh out ofher mind for wrath. And then she sent for Sir Bors de Ganis in all thehaste that might be. So when Sir Bors was come to-fore the queen, thenshe said: Ah Sir Bors, have ye heard say how falsely Sir Launcelot hathbetrayed me? Alas madam, said Sir Bors, I am afeard he hath betrayedhimself 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 sayye not so, for wit you well I may not hear such language of him. WhySir Bors, said she, should I not call him traitor when he bare the redsleeve upon his head at Winchester, at the great jousts? Madam, said SirBors, that sleeve-bearing repenteth me sore, but I dare say he did it tonone evil intent, but for this cause he bare the red sleeve that noneof his blood should know him. For or then we, nor none of us all, neverknew that ever he bare token or sign of maid, lady, ne gentlewoman. Fie on him, said the queen, yet for all his pride and bobaunce there yeproved yourself his better. Nay madam, say ye never more so, for he beatme and my fellows, and might have slain us an he had would. Fie on him, said the queen, for I heard Sir Gawaine say before my lord Arthur thatit were marvel to tell the great love that is between the Fair Maiden ofAstolat and him. Madam, said Sir Bors, I may not warn Sir Gawaine to saywhat 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 likemuch. And therefore madam, said Sir Bors, ye may say what ye will, butwit ye well I will haste me to seek him, and find him wheresomever hebe, and God send me good tidings of him. And so leave we them there, andspeak we of Sir Launcelot that lay in great peril. 

So as fair Elaine came to Winchester she sought there all about, and byfortune Sir Lavaine was ridden to play him, to enchafe his horse. Andanon as Elaine saw him she knew him, and then she cried aloud untilhim. And when he heard her anon he came to her, and then she asked herbrother how did my lord, Sir Launcelot. Who told you, sister, that mylord's name was Sir Launcelot? Then she told him how Sir Gawaine byhis shield knew him. So they rode together till that they came to thehermitage, and anon she alighted. 

So Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Launcelot; and when she saw him lieso sick and pale in his bed she might not speak, but suddenly she fellto the earth down suddenly in a swoon, and there she lay a greatwhile. And when she was relieved, she shrieked and said: My lord, SirLauncelot, 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 herto me. And when she came to herself Sir Launcelot kissed her, and said:Fair maiden, why fare ye thus? ye put me to pain; wherefore make ye nomore 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 bythe grace of God. But I marvel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you myname? Then the fair maiden told him all how Sir Gawaine was lodged withher father: And there by your shield he discovered your name. Alas, saidSir Launcelot, that me repenteth that my name is known, for I am sure itwill turn unto anger. And then Sir Launcelot compassed in his mind thatSir Gawaine would tell Queen Guenever how he bare the red sleeve, andfor whom; that he wist well would turn into great anger. 

So this maiden Elaine never went from Sir Launcelot, but watched him dayand night, and did such attendance to him, that the French book saiththere was never woman did more kindlier for man than she. Then SirLauncelot prayed Sir Lavaine to make aspies in Winchester for Sir Borsif he came there, and told him by what tokens he should know him, by awound in his forehead. For well I am sure, said Sir Launcelot, that SirBors will seek me, for he is the same good knight that hurt me. 

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Bors sought Launcelot and found him in thehermitage, and of the lamentation between them. 

NOW turn we unto Sir Bors de Ganis that came unto Winchester to seekafter his cousin Sir Launcelot. And so when he came to Winchester, anonthere were men that Sir Lavaine had made to lie in a watch for sucha man, and anon Sir Lavaine had warning; and then Sir Lavaine came toWinchester and found Sir Bors, and there he told him what he was, andwith whom he was, and what was his name. Now fair knight, said Sir Bors, I require you that ye will bring me to my lord, Sir Launcelot. Sir, saidSir Lavaine, take your horse, and within this hour ye shall see him. Andso they departed, and came to the hermitage. 

And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot lie in his bed pale and discoloured, anon Sir Bors lost his countenance, and for kindness and pity he mightnot speak, but wept tenderly a great while. And then when he might speakhe said thus: O my lord, Sir Launcelot, God you bless, and sendyou hasty recover; and full heavy am I of my misfortune and of mineunhappiness, for now I may call myself unhappy. And I dread me that Godis greatly displeased with me, that he would suffer me to have such ashame for to hurt you that are all our leader, and all our worship; andtherefore I call myself unhappy. Alas that ever such a caitiff-knight asI am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight ofthe world. Where I so shamefully set upon you and overcharged you, andwhere ye might have slain me, ye saved me; and so did not I, for I andyour blood did to you our utterance. I marvel, said Sir Bors, that myheart or my blood would serve me, wherefore my lord, Sir Launcelot, Iask your mercy. Fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot, ye be right welcome;and wit ye well, overmuch ye say for to please me, the which pleasethme not, for why I have the same I sought; for I would with pride haveovercome you all, and there in my pride I was near slain, and that wasin mine own default, for I might have given you warning of my beingthere. And then had I had no hurt, for it is an old said saw, thereis hard battle thereas kin and friends do battle either against other, there may be no mercy but mortal war. Therefore, fair cousin, said SirLauncelot, let this speech overpass, and all shall be welcome thatGod sendeth; and let us leave off this matter and let us speak of somerejoicing, for this that is done may not be undone; and let us find aremedy how soon that I may be whole. 

Then Sir Bors leaned upon his bedside, and told Sir Launcelot how thequeen was passing wroth with him, because he wore the red sleeve at thegreat jousts; and there Sir Bors told him all how Sir Gawaine discoveredit: By your shield that ye left with the Fair Maiden of Astolat. Then isthe queen wroth, said Sir Launcelot and therefore am I right heavy, for I deserved no wrath, for all that I did was because I would not beknown. Right so excused I you, said Sir Bors, but all was in vain, forshe said more largelier to me than I to you now. But is this she, saidSir Bors, that is so busy about you, that men call the Fair Maiden ofAstolat? She it is, said Sir Launcelot, that by no means I cannot puther from me. Why should ye put her from you? said Sir Bors, she is apassing fair damosel, and a well beseen, and well taught; and God would, fair cousin, said Sir Bors, that ye could love her, but as to that I maynot, nor I dare not, counsel you. But I see well, said Sir Bors, by herdiligence about you that she loveth you entirely. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors, she is not the first that hathlost her pain upon you, and that is the more pity: and so they talked ofmany more things. And so within three days or four Sir Launcelot was bigand strong again. 

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might beararms, and how his wounds brast out again. 

THEN Sir Bors told Sir Launcelot how there was sworn a great tournamentand jousts betwixt King Arthur and the King of Northgalis, that shouldbe upon All Hallowmass Day, beside Winchester. Is that truth? said SirLauncelot; then shall ye abide with me still a little while until thatI be whole, for I feel myself right big and strong. Blessed be God, said Sir Bors. Then were they there nigh a month together, and everthis maiden Elaine did ever her diligent labour night and day unto SirLauncelot, that there was never child nor wife more meeker to her fatherand husband than was that Fair Maiden of Astolat; wherefore Sir Bors wasgreatly pleased with her. 

So upon a day, by the assent of Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, and SirLavaine, they made the hermit to seek in woods for divers herbs, andso Sir Launcelot made fair Elaine to gather herbs for him to make him abain. In the meanwhile Sir Launcelot made him to arm him at all pieces;and there he thought to assay his armour and his spear, for his hurt ornot. And so when he was upon his horse he stirred him fiercely, and thehorse was passing lusty and fresh because he was not laboured a monthafore. And then Sir Launcelot couched that spear in the rest. Thatcourser leapt mightily when he felt the spurs; and he that was upon him, the which was the noblest horse of the world, strained him mightilyand stably, and kept still the spear in the rest; and therewith SirLauncelot strained himself so straitly, with so great force, to getthe horse forward, that the button of his wound brast both within andwithout; and therewithal the blood came out so fiercely that he felthimself so feeble that he might not sit upon his horse. And then SirLauncelot cried unto Sir Bors: Ah, Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine, help, forI am come to mine end. And therewith he fell down on the one side to theearth like a dead corpse. And then Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine came to himwith sorrow-making out of measure. And so by fortune the maiden Elaineheard their mourning, and then she came thither; and when she found SirLauncelot there armed in that place she cried and wept as she had beenwood; and then she kissed him, and did what she might to awake him. And then she rebuked her brother and Sir Bors, and called them falsetraitors, why they would take him out of his bed; there she cried, andsaid she would appeal them of his death. 

With this came the holy hermit, Sir Baudwin of Brittany, and when hefound Sir Launcelot in that plight he said but little, but wit ye wellhe was wroth; and then he bade them: Let us have him in. And so they allbare him unto the hermitage, and unarmed him, and laid him in his bed;and evermore his wound bled piteously, but he stirred no limb of him. Then the knight-hermit put a thing in his nose and a little deal ofwater in his mouth. And then Sir Launcelot waked of his swoon, and thenthe hermit staunched his bleeding. And when he might speak he askedSir Launcelot why he put his life in jeopardy. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, because I weened I had been strong, and also Sir Bors told me that thereshould be at All Hallowmass a great jousts betwixt King Arthur and theKing of Northgalis, and therefore I thought to assay it myself whetherI might be there or not. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said the hermit, your heartand your courage will never be done until your last day, but ye shall donow by my counsel Let Sir Bors depart from you, and let him do at thattournament what he may: And by the grace of God, said the knight-hermit, by that the tournament be done and ye come hither again, Sir Launcelotshall be as whole as ye, so that he will be governed by me. 

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot;and of the tourney, and to whom the prize was given. 

THEN Sir Bors made him ready to depart from Sir Launcelot; and then SirLauncelot said: Fair cousin, Sir Bors, recommend me unto all them untowhom me ought to recommend me unto. And I pray you, enforce yourself atthat jousts that ye may be best, for my love; and here shall I abideyou at the mercy of God till ye come again. And so Sir Bors departedand came to the court of King Arthur, and told them in what place he hadleft Sir Launcelot. That me repenteth, said the king, but since he shallhave his life we all may thank God. And there Sir Bors told the queen inwhat jeopardy Sir Launcelot was when he would assay his horse. And allthat he did, madam, was for the love of you, because he would have beenat this tournament. Fie on him, recreant knight, said the queen, for witye well I am right sorry an he shall have his life. His life shall hehave, said Sir Bors, and who that would otherwise, except you, madam, wethat be of his blood should help to short their lives. But madam, saidSir Bors, ye have been oft-times displeased with my lord, Sir Launcelot, but at all times at the end ye find him a true knight: and so hedeparted. 

And then every knight of the Round Table that were there at that timepresent made them ready to be at that jousts at All Hallowmass, andthither drew many knights of divers countries. And as All Hallowmassdrew near, thither came the King of Northgalis, and the King with theHundred Knights, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince, of Surluse, andthither came King Anguish of Ireland, and the King of Scots. So thesethree kings came on King Arthur's party. And so that day Sir Gawaine didgreat deeds of arms, and began first. And the heralds numbered that SirGawaine smote down twenty knights. Then Sir Bors de Ganis came in thesame time, and he was numbered that he smote down twenty knights; andtherefore the prize was given betwixt them both, for they began firstand longest endured. Also Sir Gareth, as the book saith, did that daygreat deeds of arms, for he smote down and pulled down thirty knights. But when he had done these deeds he tarried not but so departed, andtherefore he lost his prize. And Sir Palomides did great deeds of armsthat day, for he smote down twenty knights, but he departed suddenly, and men deemed Sir Gareth and he rode together to some manneradventures. 

So when this tournament was done Sir Bors departed and rode till he cameto Sir Launcelot, his cousin; and then he found him walking on hisfeet, and there either made great joy of other; and so Sir Bors told SirLauncelot of all the Jousts like as ye have heard. I marvel, said SirLauncelot, that Sir Gareth, when he had done such deeds of arms, that hewould not tarry. Thereof we marvelled all, said Sir Bors, for but if itwere you, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, I saw never knightbear down so many in so little a while as did Sir Gareth: and anon hewas gone we wist not where. By my head, said Sir Launcelot, he is anoble knight, and a mighty man and well breathed; and if he were wellassayed, said Sir Launcelot I would deem he were good enough for anyknight that beareth the life; and he is a gentle knight, courteous, true, and bounteous, meek, and mild, and in him is no manner of malengin, but plain, faithful, and true. 

So then they made them ready to depart from the hermit. And so upon amorn they took their horses and Elaine le Blank with them; and when theycame to Astolat there were they well lodged, and had great cheer of SirBernard, the old baron, and of Sir Tirre, his son. And so upon the mornwhen Sir Launcelot should depart, fair Elaine brought her father withher, and Sir Lavaine, and Sir Tirre, and thus she said:

CHAPTER XIX. Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat whenLauncelot should depart, and how she died for his love. 

MY lord, Sir Launcelot, now I see ye will depart; now fair knight andcourteous knight, have mercy upon me, and suffer me not to die for thylove. What would ye that I did? said Sir Launcelot. I would have you tomy 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 paramour? Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, for then I rewarded your father and your brother full evil for theirgreat goodness. Alas, said she, then must I die for your love. Ye shallnot so, said Sir Launcelot, for wit ye well, fair maiden, I might havebeen 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 foryour good will and kindness show you some goodness, and that is this, that wheresomever ye will beset your heart upon some good knight thatwill wed you, I shall give you together a thousand pound yearly toyou and to your heirs; thus much will I give you, fair madam, for yourkindness, 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 myparamour at the least, wit you well, Sir Launcelot, my good days aredone. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of these two things ye mustpardon me. 

Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon; and then women bareher into her chamber, and there she made over much sorrow; and then SirLauncelot would depart, and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he would do. What should I do, said Sir Lavaine, but follow you, but if ye drive mefrom you, or command me to go from you. Then came Sir Bernard to SirLauncelot and said to him: I cannot see but that my daughter Elaine willdie for your sake. I may not do withal, said Sir Launcelot, for that mesore repenteth, for I report me to yourself, that my proffer is fair;and me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, that she loveth me as she doth; Iwas never the causer of it, for I report me to your son I early nelate proffered her bounté nor fair behests; and as for me, said SirLauncelot, I dare do all that a knight should do that she is a cleanmaiden for me, both for deed and for will. And I am right heavy ofher distress, for she is a full fair maiden, good and gentle, and welltaught. Father, said Sir Lavaine, I dare make good she is a clean maidenas for my lord Sir Launcelot; but she doth as I do, for sithen I firstsaw my lord Sir Launcelot, I could never depart from him, nor nought Iwill an I may follow him. 

Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they departed, and came untoWinchester. And when Arthur wist that Sir Launcelot was come whole andsound the king made great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawaine and all theknights of the Round Table except Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. AlsoQueen Guenever was wood wroth with Sir Launcelot, and would by no meansspeak with him, but estranged herself from him; and Sir Launcelot madeall the means that he might for to speak with the queen, but it wouldnot be. 

Now speak we of the Fair Maiden of Astolat that made such sorrow dayand night that she never slept, ate, nor drank, and ever she made hercomplaint 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, thenshe shrived her clean, and received her Creator. And ever she complainedstill upon Sir Launcelot. Then her ghostly father bade her leave suchthoughts. Then she said, why should I leave such thoughts? Am I not anearthly woman? And all the while the breath is in my body I may complainme, for my belief is I do none offence though I love an earthly man; andI 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; andsithen it is the sufferance of God that I shall die for the love of sonoble a knight, I beseech the High Father of Heaven to have mercyupon my soul, and upon mine innumerable pains that I suffered maybe allegeance of part of my sins. For sweet Lord Jesu, said the fairmaiden, I take Thee to record, on Thee I was never great offenceragainst thy laws; but that I loved this noble knight, Sir Launcelot, outof measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not withstand the ferventlove 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 letterlike as she did indite it: and so her father granted her. And when theletter was written word by word like as she devised, then she prayed herfather that she might be watched until she were dead. And while my bodyis hot let this letter be put in my right hand, and my hand bound fastwith the letter until that I be cold; and let me be put in a fair bedwith all the richest clothes that I have about me, and so let my bed andall my richest clothes be laid with me in a chariot unto the next placewhere Thames is; and there let me be put within a barget, and but oneman with me, such as ye trust to steer me thither, and that my barget becovered with black samite over and over: thus father I beseech you letit be done. So her father granted it her faithfully, all things shouldbe done like as she had devised. Then her father and her brother madegreat dole, for when this was done anon she died. And so when she wasdead the corpse and the bed all was led the next way unto Thames, andthere a man, and the corpse, and all, were put into Thames; and so theman steered the barget unto Westminster, and there he rowed a greatwhile to and fro or any espied it. 

CHAPTER XX. How the corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived to-foreKing Arthur, and of the burying, and how Sir Launcelot offered themass-penny. 

SO by fortune King Arthur and the Queen Guenever were speaking togetherat a window, and so as they looked into Thames they espied this blackbarget, 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 newtidings. Go thither, said the king to Sir Kay, and take with you SirBrandiles and Agravaine, and bring me ready word what is there. Thenthese four knights departed and came to the barget and went in; andthere they found the fairest corpse lying in a rich bed, and a poor mansitting in the barget's end, and no word would he speak. So these fourknights returned unto the king again, and told him what they found. Thatfair corpse will I see, said the king. And so then the king took thequeen by the hand, and went thither. 

Then the king made the barget to be holden fast, and then the king andthe queen entered with certain knights with them; and there he saw thefairest woman lie in a rich bed, covered unto her middle with many richclothes, and all was of cloth of gold, and she lay as though she hadsmiled. Then the queen espied a letter in her right hand, and told it tothe king. Then the king took it and said: Now am I sure this letter willtell what she was, and why she is come hither. So then the king and thequeen went out of the barget, and so commanded a certain man to waitupon the barget. 

And so when the king was come within his chamber, he called many knightsabout him, and said that he would wit openly what was written withinthat letter. Then the king brake it, and made a clerk to read it, andthis was the intent of the letter. Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot, nowhath death made us two at debate for your love. I was your lover, thatmen called the Fair Maiden of Astolat; therefore unto all ladies I makemy moan, yet pray for my soul and bury me at least, and offer ye mymass-penny: this is my last request. And a clean maiden I died, I takeGod to witness: pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art peerless. This was all the substance in the letter. And when it was read, theking, the queen, and all the knights wept for pity of the dolefulcomplaints. Then was Sir Launcelot sent for; and when he was come KingArthur 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: Godknoweth I was never causer of her death by my willing, and that will Ireport me to her own brother: here he is, Sir Lavaine. I will not saynay, said Sir Launcelot, but that she was both fair and good, and muchI was beholden unto her, but she loved me out of measure. Ye might haveshewed her, said the queen, some bounty and gentleness that might havepreserved her life. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, she would none other waysbe answered but that she would be my wife, outher else my paramour; andof these two I would not grant her, but I proffered her, for her goodlove that she shewed me, a thousand pound yearly to her, and to herheirs, and to wed any manner knight that she could find best to love inher heart. For madam, said Sir Launcelot, I love not to be constrainedto love; for love must arise of the heart, and not by no constraint. That is truth, said the king, and many knight's 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 worship that yeoversee that she be interred worshipfully. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, thatshall be done as I can best devise. And so many knights yede thither tobehold that fair maiden. And so upon the morn she was interred richly, and Sir Launcelot offered her mass-penny; and all the knights of theTable Round that were there at that time offered with Sir Launcelot. Andthen the poor man went again with the barget. Then the queen sent forSir Launcelot, and prayed him of mercy, for why that she had been wrothwith him causeless. This is not the first time, said Sir Launcelot, thatye had been displeased with me causeless, but, madam, ever I must sufferyou, but what sorrow I endure I take no force. So this passed on allthat winter, with all manner of hunting and hawking, and jousts andtourneys were many betwixt many great lords, and ever in all placesSir Lavaine gat great worship, so that he was nobly renowned among manyknights of the Table Round. 

CHAPTER XXI. Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great joustsand tourney ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot. 

THUS it passed on till Christmas, and then every day there was joustsmade for a diamond, who that jousted best should have a diamond. But SirLauncelot would not joust but if it were at a great jousts cried. ButSir Lavaine jousted there all that Christmas passingly well, and bestwas praised, for there were but few that did so well. Wherefore allmanner of knights deemed that Sir Lavaine should be made knight of theTable Round at the next feast of Pentecost. So at-after Christmas KingArthur let call unto him many knights, and there they advised togetherto make a party and a great tournament and jousts. And the King ofNorthgalis said to Arthur, he would have on his party King Anguishof Ireland, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King ofNorthumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince. And so these fourkings and this mighty duke took part against King Arthur and the knightsof the Table Round. And the cry was made that the day of the joustsshould be beside Westminster upon Candlemas Day, whereof many knightswere glad, and made them ready to be at that jousts in the freshestmanner. 

Then Queen Guenever sent for Sir Launcelot, and said thus: I warn youthat ye ride no more in no jousts nor tournaments but that your kinsmenmay know you. And at these jousts that shall be ye shall have of me asleeve of gold; and I pray you for my sake enforce yourself there, thatmen 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 goldupon your helmet. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, it shall be done. And soeither made great joy of other. And when Sir Launcelot saw his time hetold Sir Bors that he would depart, and have no more with him but SirLavaine, unto the good hermit that dwelt in that forest of Windsor; hisname was Sir Brasias; and there he thought to repose him, and take allthe 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 wherehe was become, but the noble men of his blood. And when he was come tothe hermitage, wit ye well he had good cheer. And so daily Sir Launcelotwould 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 atthat time there was a lady dwelt in that forest, and she was a greathuntress, and daily she used to hunt, and ever she bare her bow withher; and no men went never with her, but always women, and they wereshooters, and could well kill a deer, both at the stalk and at thetrest; and they daily bare bows and arrows, horns and wood-knives, and many good dogs they had, both for the string and for a bait. So ithapped this lady the huntress had abated her dog for the bow at a barrenhind, and so this barren hind took the flight over hedges and woods. Andever this lady and part of her women costed the hind, and checked it bythe noise of the hounds, to have met with the hind at some water; and soit happed, the hind came to the well whereas Sir Launcelot was sleepingand slumbering. And so when the hind came to the well, for heat she wentto soil, and there she lay a great while; and the dog came after, andumbecast about, for she had lost the very perfect feute of the hind. Right so came that lady the huntress, that knew by the dog that she had, that the hind was at the soil in that well; and there she came stifflyand found the hind, and she put a broad arrow in her bow, and shot atthe hind, and over-shot the hind; and so by misfortune the arrow smoteSir Launcelot in the thick of the buttock, over the barbs. When SirLauncelot felt himself so hurt, he hurled up woodly, and saw the ladythat 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; thedevil made you a shooter. 

CHAPTER XXII. How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman cameto an hermit, and of other matters. 

NOW mercy, fair sir, said the lady, I am a gentlewoman that useth herein this forest hunting, and God knoweth I saw ye not; but as here wasa 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 thearrow, and left that head still in his buttock, and so he went weaklyto the hermitage ever more bleeding as he went. And when Sir Lavaine andthe hermit espied that Sir Launcelot was hurt, wit you well they werepassing heavy, but Sir Lavaine wist not how that he was hurt nor bywhom. And then were they wroth out of measure. 

Then with great pain the hermit gat out the arrow's head out of SirLauncelot's buttock, and much of his blood he shed, and the wound waspassing sore, and unhappily smitten, for it was in such a place that hemight not sit in no saddle. Have mercy, Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, I maycall myself the most unhappiest man that liveth, for ever when I wouldfainest have worship there befalleth me ever some unhappy thing. Now soJesu me help, said Sir Launcelot, and if no man would but God, I shallbe in the field upon Candlemas Day at the jousts, whatsomever fall ofit: 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; andso they departed and came nigh to the field. The King of Northgalis withan hundred knights with him, and the King of Northumberland brought withhim an hundred good knights, and King Anguish of Ireland brought withhim an hundred good knights ready to joust, and Sir Galahad, the hautprince, brought with him an hundred good knights, and the King with theHundred Knights brought with him as many, and all these were proved goodknights. Then came in King Arthur's party; and there came in the King ofScots with an hundred knights, and King Uriens of Gore brought withhim an hundred knights, and King Howel of Brittany brought with him anhundred knights, and Chaleins of Clarance brought with him an hundredknights, and King Arthur himself came into the field with two hundredknights, and the most part were knights of the Table Round, that wereproved noble knights; and there were old knights set in scaffolds for tojudge, with the queen, who did best. 

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and othermen also. 

THEN they blew to the field; and there the King of Northgalisencountered with the King of Scots, and there the King of Scots had afall; and the King of Ireland smote down King Uriens; and the King ofNorthumberland smote down King Howel of Brittany; and Sir Galahad, thehaut prince, smote down Chaleins of Clarance. And then King Arthur waswood wroth, and ran to the King with the Hundred Knights, and there KingArthur smote him down; and after with that same spear King Arthur smotedown three other knights. And then when his spear was broken King Arthurdid passingly well; and so therewithal came in Sir Gawaine and SirGaheris, Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, and there everych of them smotedown a knight, and Sir Gawaine smote down four knights; and then therebegan a strong medley, for then there came in the knights of Launcelot'sblood, and Sir Gareth and Sir Palomides with them, and many knights ofthe Table Round, and they began to hold the four kings and the mightyduke so hard that they were discomfit; but this Duke Galahad, the hautprince, was a noble knight, and by his mighty prowess of arms he heldthe knights of the Table Round strait enough. 

All this doing saw Sir Launcelot, and then he came into the field withSir Lavaine as it had been thunder. And then anon Sir Bors and theknights of his blood espied Sir Launcelot, and said to them all: Iwarn you beware of him with the sleeve of gold upon his head, for he ishimself Sir Launcelot du Lake; and for great goodness Sir Bors warnedSir Gareth. I am well apaid, said Sir Gareth, that I may know him. Butwho 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 SirLauncelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and there by force Sir Launcelotsmote down Sir Gawaine and his horse to the earth, and so he smote downSir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and also he smote down Sir Mordred, andall this was with one spear. Then Sir Lavaine met with Sir Palomides, and either met other so hard and so fiercely that both their horsesfell to the earth. And then were they horsed again, and then met SirLauncelot with Sir Palomides, and there Sir Palomides had a fall; and soSir Launcelot or ever he stint, as fast as he might get spears, he smotedown thirty knights, and the most part of them were knights of the TableRound; and ever the knights of his blood withdrew them, and made themado in other places where Sir Launcelot came not. 

And then King Arthur was wroth when he saw Sir Launcelot do such deeds;and then the king called unto him Sir Gawaine, Sir Mordred, Sir Kay, SirGriflet, Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedivere, Sir Palomides, Sir Safere, his brother; and so the king with these nine knights made them ready toset upon Sir Launcelot, and upon Sir Lavaine. All this espied Sir Borsand Sir Gareth. Now I dread me sore, said Sir Bors, that my lord, SirLauncelot, will be hard matched. By my head, said Sir Gareth, I willride unto my lord Sir Launcelot, for to help him, fall of him what fallmay, for he is the same man that made me knight. Ye shall not so, saidSir Bors, by my counsel, unless that ye were disguised. Ye shall seeme disguised, said Sir Gareth; and therewithal he espied a Welsh knightwhere 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 lendhim his shield for his. I will well, said the Welsh knight. And when SirGareth had his shield, the book saith it was green, with a maiden thatseemed in it. 

Then Sir Gareth came driving to Sir Launcelot all that he might andsaid: Knight, keep thyself, for yonder cometh King Arthur with ninenoble knights with him to put you to a rebuke, and so I am come tobear you fellowship for old love ye have shewed me. Gramercy, said SirLauncelot. Sir, said Sir Gareth, encounter ye with Sir Gawaine, and Ishall encounter with Sir Palomides; and let Sir Lavaine match with thenoble King Arthur. And when we have delivered them, let us three holdus sadly together. Then came King Arthur with his nine knights withhim, and Sir Launcelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and gave him sucha buffet that the arson of his saddle brast, and Sir Gawaine fell to theearth. 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 theearth. Then encountered King Arthur with Sir Lavaine, and there eitherof them smote other to the earth, horse and all, that they lay a greatwhile. Then Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Agravaine, and Sir Gaheris, andSir Mordred; and Sir Gareth smote down Sir Kay, and Sir Safere, and SirGriflet. And then Sir Lavaine was horsed again, and he smote down SirLucan the Butler and Sir Bedevere and then there began great throng ofgood knights. 

Then Sir Launcelot hurtled here and there, and raced and pulled offhelms, so that at that time there might none sit him a buffet withspear nor with sword; and Sir Gareth did such deeds of arms that all menmarvelled what knight he was with the green shield, for he smote downthat day and pulled down mo than thirty knights And, as the French booksaith, Sir Launcelot marvelled; when he beheld Sir Gareth do such deeds, what knight he might be; and Sir Lavaine pulled down and smote downtwenty knights. Also Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Gareth for an SirTristram de Liones, outher Sir Lamorak de Galis had been alive, SirLauncelot would have deemed he had been one of them twain. So ever asSir Launcelot Sir Gareth, Sir Lavaine fought, and on the one sideSir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Lamorak de Galis, SirBleoberis, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Pelleas, and with mo other ofKing Ban's blood fought upon another party, and held the King with theHundred Knights and the King of Northumberland right strait. 

CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in thefield, and how he rode and found Sir Launcelot. 

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; forthe king was wroth out of measure that he and his knights might notprevail that day. Then Sir Gawaine said to the king: I marvel where allthis day [be] Sir Bors de Ganis and his fellowship of Sir Launcelot'sblood, I marvel all this day they be not about you: it is for some causesaid Sir Gawaine. By my head, said Sir Kay, Sir Bors is yonder all thisday upon the right hand of this field, and there he and his blood domore worshipfully than we do. It may well be, said Sir Gawaine, but Idread me ever of guile; for on pain of my life, said Sir Gawaine, thisknight with the red sleeve of gold is himself Sir Launcelot, I see wellby his riding and by his great strokes; and the other knight in the samecolours is the good young knight, Sir Lavaine. Also that knight withthe green shield is my brother, Sir Gareth, and yet he hath disguisedhimself, for no man shall never make him be against Sir Launcelot, because he made him knight. By my head, said Arthur, nephew, I believeyou; therefore tell me now what is your best counsel. Sir, said SirGawaine, ye shall have my counsel: let blow unto lodging, for an he beSir Launcelot du Lake, and my brother, Sir Gareth, with him, with thehelp of that good young knight, Sir Lavaine, trust me truly it will beno boot to strive with them but if we should fall ten or twelve uponone knight, and that were no worship, but shame. Ye say truth, said theking; and for to say sooth, said the king, it were shame to us so manyas 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 ofgold. 

So then they blew unto lodging; but forthwithal King Arthur let sendunto the four kings, and to the mighty duke, and prayed them that theknight with the sleeve of gold depart not from them, but that the kingmay speak with him. Then forthwithal King Arthur alighted and unarmedhim, and took a little hackney and rode after Sir Launcelot, for everhe had a spy upon him. And so he found him among the four kings and theduke; and there the king prayed them all unto supper, and they said theywould with good will. And when they were unarmed then King Arthur knewSir Launcelot, Sir Lavaine, and Sir Gareth. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said KingArthur, this day ye have heated me and my knights. 

So they yede unto Arthur's lodging all together, and there was a greatfeast and great revel, and the prize was given unto Sir Launcelot; andby heralds they named him that he had smitten down fifty knights, andSir Gareth five-and-thirty, and Sir Lavaine four-and-twenty knights. Then Sir Launcelot told the king and the queen how the lady huntressshot him in the forest of Windsor, in the buttock, with an broad arrow, and how the wound thereof was that time six inches deep, and in likelong. Also Arthur blamed Sir Gareth because he left his fellowship andheld 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 helphim, 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 tosee so many knights against him alone. Truly, said King Arthur unto SirGareth, ye say well, and worshipfully have ye done and to yourself greatworship; 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 worshipfulknight when he seeth him in a great danger; for ever a worshipful manwill be loath to see a worshipful man shamed; and he that is of noworship, and fareth with cowardice, never shall he show gentleness, norno manner of goodness where he seeth a man in any danger, for thenever will a coward show no mercy; and always a good man will do everto another man as he would be done to himself. So then there were greatfeasts unto kings and dukes, and revel, game, and play, and all mannerof noblesse was used; and he that was courteous, true, and faithful, tohis friend was that time cherished. 

CHAPTER XXV. How true love is likened to summer. 

AND thus it passed on from Candlemass until after Easter, that the monthof May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and tobring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit andflourish in May, in like wise every lusty heart that is in any manner alover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds. For it giveth unto alllovers courage, that lusty month of May, in something to constrain himto some manner of thing more in that month than in any other month, fordivers causes. For then all herbs and trees renew a man and woman, andlikewise lovers call again to their mind old gentleness and old service, and many kind deeds that were forgotten by negligence. For like aswinter rasure doth alway arase and deface green summer, so fareth itby unstable love in man and woman. For in many persons there is nostability; for we may see all day, for a little blast of winter'srasure, anon we shall deface and lay apart true love for little ornought, that cost much thing; this is no wisdom nor stability, but itis 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 thisworld, first unto God, and next unto the joy of them that he promisedhis faith unto; for there was never worshipful man or worshipful woman, but they loved one better than another; and worship in arms may neverbe foiled, but first reserve the honour to God, and secondly the quarrelmust come of thy lady: and such love I call virtuous love. 

But nowadays men can not love seven night but they must have all theirdesires: that love may not endure by reason; for where they be soonaccorded 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 licours lusts werebetween them, and then was love, truth, and faithfulness: and lo, inlike wise was used love in King Arthur's days. Wherefore I liken lovenowadays unto summer and winter; for like as the one is hot and theother cold, so fareth love nowadays; therefore all ye that be loverscall 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 atrue lover, and therefore she had a good end. 

_Explicit liber Octodecimus. And here followeth liber xix. _

BOOK XIX. 

CHAPTER I. How Queen Guenever rode a-Maying with certain knights of theRound Table and clad all in green. 

SO it befell in the month of May, Queen Guenever called unto her knightsof the Table Round; and she gave them warning that early upon the morrowshe would ride a-Maying into woods and fields beside Westminster. And Iwarn you that there be none of you but that he be well horsed, and thatye all be clothed in green, outher in silk outher in cloth; and I shallbring 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 yeall be well horsed. So they made them ready in the freshest manner. And these were the names of the knights: Sir Kay le Seneschal, SirAgravaine, Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas leSavage, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Ladinas of the Forest Savage, SirPersant of Inde, Sir Ironside, that was called the Knight of the RedLaunds, and Sir Pelleas, the lover; and these ten knights made themready in the freshest manner to ride with the queen. And so upon themorn they took their horses with the queen, and rode a-Maying in woodsand meadows as it pleased them, in great joy and delights; for the queenhad cast to have been again with King Arthur at the furthest by ten ofthe clock, and so was that time her purpose. 

Then there was a knight that hight Meliagrance, and he was son unto KingBagdemagus, and this knight had at that time a castle of the gift ofKing Arthur within seven mile of Westminster. And this knight, SirMeliagrance, loved passing well Queen Guenever, and so had he done longand many years. And the book saith he had lain in await for to stealaway 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 inher company, outher else an he were near-hand her. And that time wassuch a custom, the queen rode never without a great fellowship of men ofarms about her, and they were many good knights, and the most part wereyoung men that would have worship; and they were called the Queen'sKnights, and never in no battle, tournament, nor jousts, they bare noneof them no manner of knowledging of their own arms, but plain whiteshields, and thereby they were called the Queen's Knights. And then whenit happed any of them to be of great worship by his noble deeds, then atthe next Feast of Pentecost, if there were any slain or dead, as therewas none year that there failed but some were dead, then was therechosen in his stead that was dead the most men of worship, that werecalled the Queen's Knights. And thus they came up all first, or theywere renowned men of worship, both Sir Launcelot and all the remnant ofthem. 

But this knight, Sir Meliagrance, had espied the queen well and herpurpose, and how Sir Launcelot was not with her, and how she had nomen of arms with her but the ten noble knights all arrayed in green forMaying. Then he purveyed him a twenty men of arms and an hundred archersfor to destroy the queen and her knights, for he thought that time wasbest season to take the queen. 

CHAPTER II. How Sir Meliagrance took the queen and her knights, whichwere sore hurt in fighting. 

SO as the queen had Mayed and all her knights, all were bedashed withherbs, mosses and flowers, in the best manner and freshest. Rightso came out of a wood Sir Meliagrance with an eight score men wellharnessed, as they should fight in a battle of arrest, and bade thequeen and her knights abide, for maugre their heads they should abide. Traitor knight, said Queen Guenever, what cast thou for to do? Wilt thoushame thyself? Bethink thee how thou art a king's son, and knight of theTable Round, and thou to be about to dishonour the noble king that madethee knight; thou shamest all knighthood and thyself, and me, I let theewit, shalt thou never shame, for I had liefer cut mine own throat intwain 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, Ihave loved you many a year, and never or now could I get you at such anadvantage 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, andalso ye cast to jeopard our persons howbeit we be unarmed. Ye have usat a great avail, for it seemeth by you that ye have laid watch upon us;but rather than ye should put the queen to a shame and us all, we hadas lief to depart from our lives, for an if we other ways did, we wereshamed for ever. Then said Sir Meliagrance: Dress you as well ye can, and keep the queen. Then the ten knights of the Table Round drew theirswords, and the other let run at them with their spears, and the tenknights manly abode them, and smote away their spears that no spear didthem none harm. Then they lashed together with swords, and anon Sir Kay, Sir Sagramore, Sir Agravaine, Sir Dodinas, Sir Ladinas, and Sir Ozannawere smitten to the earth with grimly wounds. Then Sir Brandiles, andSir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Pelleas fought long, and they were sorewounded, 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 needsmust be slain at the last, then for pity and sorrow she cried SirMeliagrance: Slay not my noble knights, and I will go with thee uponthis covenant, that thou save them, and suffer them not to be no morehurt, with this, that they be led with me wheresomever thou leadestme, for I will rather slay myself than I will go with thee, unless thatthese my noble knights may be in my presence. Madam, said Meliagrance, for your sake they shall be led with you into mine own castle, withthat ye will be ruled, and ride with me. Then the queen prayed the fourknights 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 noforce of my life nor death. For as the French book saith, Sir Pelleasgave such buffets there that none armour might hold him. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and howSir Meliagrance laid a bushment for Launcelot. 

THEN by the queen's commandment they left battle, and dressed thewounded knights on horseback, some sitting, some overthwart theirhorses, that it was pity to behold them. And then Sir Meliagrancecharged the queen and all her knights that none of all her fellowshipshould depart from her; for full sore he dread Sir Launcelot du Lake, lest he should have any knowledging. All this espied the queen, andprivily she called unto her a child of her chamber that was swiftlyhorsed, to whom she said: Go thou, when thou seest thy time, and bearthis ring unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and pray him as he loveth me thathe will see me and rescue me, if ever he will have joy of me; and sparenot thy horse, said the queen, neither for water, neither for land. Sothe 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 soflee, he understood that it was by the queen's commandment for to warnSir Launcelot. Then they that were best horsed chased him and shot athim, but from them all the child went suddenly. And then Sir Meliagrancesaid to the queen: Madam, ye are about to betray me, but I shall ordainfor Sir Launcelot that he shall not come lightly at you. And then herode with her, and they all, to his castle, in all the haste that theymight. And by the way Sir Meliagrance laid in an embushment the bestarchers that he might get in his country, to the number of thirty, toawait upon Sir Launcelot, charging them that if they saw such a mannerof knight come by the way upon a white horse, that in any wise they slayhis horse, but in no manner of wise have not ado with him bodily, for heis over-hardy to be overcome. 

So this was done, and they were come to his castle, but in no wise thequeen would never let none of the ten knights and her ladies out of hersight, 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 departedfrom the fellowship of Sir Meliagrance, within a while he came toWestminster, and anon he found Sir Launcelot. And when he had told hismessage, 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 fromdishonour. Then eagerly he asked his armour; and ever the child told SirLauncelot how the ten knights fought marvellously, and how Sir Pelleas, and Sir Ironside, and Sir Brandiles, and Sir Persant of Inde, foughtstrongly, but namely Sir Pelleas, there might none withstand him; andhow they all fought till at the last they were laid to the earth; andthen the queen made appointment for to save their lives, and go with SirMeliagrance. 

Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that most noble lady, that she should be sodestroyed; I had liefer, said Sir Launcelot, than all France, that Ihad been there well armed. So when Sir Launcelot was armed and upon hishorse, he prayed the child of the queen's chamber to warn Sir Lavainehow suddenly he was departed, and for what cause. And pray him as heloveth me, that he will hie him after me, and that he stint not untilhe come to the castle where Sir Meliagrance abideth, or dwelleth; forthere, said Sir Launcelot, he shall hear of me an I am a man living, and rescue the queen and the ten knights the which he traitorously hathtaken, and that shall I prove upon his head, and all them that hold withhim. 

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot's horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelotrode in a cart for to rescue the queen. 

THEN Sir Launcelot rode as fast as he might, and the book saith he tookthe water at Westminster Bridge, and made his horse to swim over Thamesunto Lambeth. And then within a while he came to the same placethereas the ten noble knights fought with Sir Meliagrance. And then SirLauncelot followed the track until that he came to a wood, and therewas a straight way, and there the thirty archers bade Sir Launcelotturn again, and follow no longer that track. What commandment have yethereto, said Sir Launcelot, to cause me that am a knight of the RoundTable to leave my right way? This way shalt thou leave, other-else thoushalt 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 asfor myself, when my horse is slain, I give right nought for you, not anye were five hundred more. So then they shot Sir Launcelot's horse, andsmote him with many arrows; and then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and went on foot; but there were so many ditches and hedges betwixt themand him that he might not meddle with none of them. Alas for shame, saidLauncelot, that ever one knight should betray another knight; but it isan old saw, A good man is never in danger but when he is in the dangerof a coward. Then Sir Launcelot went a while, and then he was foulcumbered of his armour, his shield, and his spear, and all that longedunto him. Wit ye well he was full sore annoyed, and full loath hewas for to leave anything that longed unto him, for he dread sore thetreason of Sir Meliagrance. 

Then by fortune there came by him a chariot that came thither for tofetch wood. Say me, carter, said Sir Launcelot, what shall I give theeto suffer me to leap into thy chariot, and that thou bring me unto acastle 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, SirMeliagrance. With him would I speak. Thou shalt not go with me, said thecarter. Then Sir Launcelot leapt to him, and gave him such a buffet thathe fell to the earth stark dead. Then the other carter, his fellow, wasafeard, and weened to have gone the same way; and then he cried: Fairlord, save my life, and I shall bring you where ye will. Then I chargethee, said Sir Launcelot, that thou drive me and this chariot even untoSir Meliagrance's gate. Leap up into the chariot, said the carter, andye shall be there anon. So the carter drove on a great wallop, and SirLauncelot's horse followed the chariot, with more than a forty arrowsbroad and rough in him. 

And more than an hour and an half Dame Guenever was awaiting in abay window with her ladies, and espied an armed knight standing in achariot. See, madam, said a lady, where rideth in a chariot a goodlyarmed knight; I suppose he rideth unto hanging. Where? said the queen. Then she espied by his shield that he was there himself, Sir Launcelotdu Lake. And then she was ware where came his horse ever after thatchariot, and ever he trod his guts and his paunch under his feet. Alas, said the queen, now I see well and prove, that well is him that hatha trusty friend. Ha, ha, most noble knight, said Queen Guenever, Isee well thou art hard bestead when thou ridest in a chariot. Then sherebuked that lady that likened Sir Launcelot to ride in a chariot tohanging. It was foul mouthed, said the queen, and evil likened, so forto liken the most noble knight of the world unto such a shameful death. O Jesu defend him and keep him, said the queen, from all mischievousend. By this was Sir Launcelot come to the gates of that castle, andthere he descended down, and cried, that all the castle rang of it:Where art thou, false traitor, Sir Meliagrance, and knight of the TableRound? now come forth here, thou traitor knight, thou and thy fellowshipwith thee; for here I am, Sir Launcelot du Lake, that shall fight withyou. And therewithal he bare the gate wide open upon the porter, andsmote him under his ear with his gauntlet, that his neck brast a-sunder. 

CHAPTER V. How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, andhow she appeased Sir Launcelot; and other matters. 

WHEN Sir Meliagrance heard that Sir Launcelot was there he ran untoQueen Guenever, and fell upon his knee, and said: Mercy, madam, now Iput me wholly into your grace. What aileth you now? said Queen Guenever;forsooth I might well wit some good knight would revenge me, though mylord Arthur wist not of this your work. Madam, said Sir Meliagrance, allthis that is amiss on my part shall be amended right as yourself willdevise, and wholly I put me in your grace. What would ye that I did?said the queen. I would no more, said Meliagrance, but that ye wouldtake all in your own hands, and that ye will rule my lord Sir Launcelot;and such cheer as may be made him in this poor castle ye and heshall have until to-morn, and then may ye and all they return untoWestminster; 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 theless 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; andever he bade: Thou traitor knight come forth. Then the queen came tohim and said: Sir Launcelot, why be ye so moved? Ha, madam, said SirLauncelot, 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 thedishonour, for wit ye well, madam, my hurt is but little for the killingof 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 thequeen, but ye must come in with me peaceably, for all thing is put inmy hand, and all that is evil shall be for the best, for the knight fullsore repenteth him of the misadventure that is befallen him. Madam, saidSir Launcelot, sith it is so that ye been accorded with him, as for meI may not be again it, howbeit Sir Meliagrance hath done full shamefullyto me, and cowardly. Ah madam, said Sir Launcelot, an I had wist yewould have been so soon accorded with him I would not have made suchhaste unto you. Why say ye so, said the queen, do ye forthink yourselfof your good deeds? Wit you well, said the queen, I accorded never untohim for favour nor love that I had unto him, but for to lay down everyshameful noise. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, ye understand full well Iwas never willing nor glad of shameful slander nor noise; and there isneither king, queen, nor knight, that beareth the life, except mylord King Arthur, and you, madam, should let me, but I should make SirMeliagrance's heart full cold or ever I departed from hence. That wotI well, said the queen, but what will ye more? Ye shall have all thingruled as ye list to have it. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, so ye be pleasedI care not, as for my part ye shall soon please. 

Right so the queen took Sir Launcelot by the bare hand, for he had putoff his gauntlet, and so she went with him till her chamber; and thenshe commanded him to be unarmed. And then Sir Launcelot asked wherewere the ten knights that were wounded sore; so she showed them unto SirLauncelot, and there they made great joy of the coming of him, and SirLauncelot made great dole of their hurts, and bewailed them greatly. Andthere Sir Launcelot told them how cowardly and traitorly Meliagranceset archers to slay his horse, and how he was fain to put himself in achariot. Thus they complained everych to other; and full fain they wouldhave been revenged, but they peaced themselves because of the queen. Then, as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot was called many a dayafter le Chevaler du Chariot, and did many deeds, and great adventureshe had. And so leave we of this tale le Chevaler du Chariot, and turn weto this tale. 

So Sir Launcelot had great cheer with the queen, and then Sir Launcelotmade a promise with the queen that the same night Sir Launcelot shouldcome to a window outward toward a garden; and that window was y-barredwith iron, and there Sir Launcelot promised to meet her when all folkswere 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 whenSir Lavaine saw Sir Launcelot, he said: My lord, I found well how yewere hard bestead, for I have found your horse that was slain witharrows. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you, Sir Lavaine, speakye of other matters, and let ye this pass, and we shall right it anothertime when we best may. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and laywith her, and how Sir Meliagrance appeached the queen of treason. 

THEN the knights that were hurt were searched, and soft salves were laidto their wounds; and so it passed on till supper time, and all thecheer that might be made them there was done unto the queen and all herknights. Then when season was, they went unto their chambers, but in nowise the queen would not suffer the wounded knights to be from her, but that they were laid within draughts by her chamber, upon beds andpillows, that she herself might see to them, that they wanted nothing. 

So when Sir Launcelot was in his chamber that was assigned unto him, hecalled unto him Sir Lavaine, and told him that night he must go speakwith his lady, Dame Guenever. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, let me go with youan 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 aplace where he had espied a ladder to-forehand, and that he took underhis 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 madeeither to other their complaints of many divers things, and then SirLauncelot wished that he might have come into her. Wit ye well, saidthe 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 hepulled at them with such a might that he brast them clean out of thestone walls, and therewithal one of the bars of iron cut the brawn ofhis hands throughout to the bone; and then he leapt into the chamber tothe queen. Make ye no noise, said the queen, for my wounded knights liehere fast by me. So, to pass upon this tale, Sir Launcelot went untobed with the queen, and he took no force of his hurt hand, but took hispleasaunce and his liking until it was in the dawning of the day; andwit ye well he slept not but watched, and when he saw his time that hemight tarry no longer he took his leave and departed at the window, andput it together as well as he might again, and so departed unto his ownchamber; and there he told Sir Lavaine how he was hurt. Then Sir Lavainedressed his hand and staunched it, and put upon it a glove, that itshould not be espied; and so the queen lay long in her bed until it wasnine of the clock. 

Then Sir Meliagrance went to the queen's chamber, and found her ladiesthere ready clothed. Jesu mercy, said Sir Meliagrance, what aileth you, madam, that ye sleep thus long? And right therewithal he opened thecurtain for to behold her; and then was he ware where she lay, and allthe sheet and pillow was bebled with the blood of Sir Launcelot and ofhis hurt hand. When Sir Meliagrance espied that blood, then he deemed inher that she was false to the king, and that some of the wounded knightshad lain by her all that night. Ah, madam, said Sir Meliagrance, now Ihave found you a false traitress unto my lord Arthur; for now I provewell it was not for nought that ye laid these wounded knights within thebounds of your chamber; therefore I will call you of treason before mylord, King Arthur. And now I have proved you, madam, with a shamefuldeed; and that they be all false, or some of them, I will make good, fora wounded knight this night hath lain by you. That is false, saidthe queen, and that I will report me unto them all. Then when the tenknights heard Sir Meliagrance's words, they spake all in one voice andsaid to Sir Meliagrance: Thou sayest falsely, and wrongfully puttestupon us such a deed, and that we will make good any of us; choose whichthou list of us when we are whole of our wounds. Ye shall not, said SirMeliagrance, away with your proud language, for here ye may all see, said Sir Meliagrance, that by the queen this night a wounded knight hathlain. Then were they all ashamed when they saw that blood; and wit youwell Sir Meliagrance was passing glad that he had the queen at suchan advantage, for he deemed by that to hide his treason. So with thisrumour came in Sir Launcelot, and found them all at a great array. 

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged battleagainst Sir Meliagrance; and how Sir Launcelot was taken in a trap

WHAT array is this? said Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Meliagrance told themwhat he had found, and showed them the queen's bed. Truly, said SirLauncelot, ye did not your part nor knightly, to touch a queen's bedwhile it was drawn, and she lying therein; for I dare say my lord Arthurhimself would not have displayed her curtains, she being within her bed, unless that it had pleased him to have lain down by her; and thereforeye have done unworshipfully and shamefully to yourself. I wot not whatye mean, said Sir Meliagrance, but well I am sure there hath one of herwounded knights lain by her this night, and therefore I will prove withmy 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 takenat your hands. 

My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Meliagrance, I rede you beware whatye do; for though ye are never so good a knight, as ye wot well ye arerenowned the best knight of the world, yet should ye be advised to dobattle 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 Isay nay plainly, that this night there lay none of these ten woundedknights with my lady Queen Guenever, and that will I prove with myhands, that ye say untruly in that now. Hold, said Sir Meliagrance, hereis my glove that she is traitress unto my lord, King Arthur, and thatthis night one of the wounded knights lay with her. And I receive yourglove, said Sir Launcelot. And so they were sealed with their signets, and delivered unto the ten knights. At what day shall we do battletogether? said Sir Launcelot. This day eight days, said Sir Meliagrance, in the field beside Westminster. I am agreed, said Sir Launcelot. Butnow, said Sir Meliagrance, sithen it is so that we must fight together, I pray you, as ye be a noble knight, await me with no treason, nornone villainy the meanwhile, nor none for you. So God me help, said SirLauncelot, 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 neverwith no treason, nor I loved never the fellowship of no man that faredwith treason. Then let us go to dinner, said Meliagrance, and afterdinner 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 theestures of this castle? With a good will, said Sir Launcelot. And thenthey went together from chamber to chamber, for Sir Launcelot dread noperils; for ever a man of worship and of prowess dreadeth least alwaysperils, for they ween every man be as they be; but ever he that farethwith treason putteth oft a man in great danger. So it befell upon SirLauncelot that no peril dread, as he went with Sir Meliagrance he trodon a trap and the board rolled, and there Sir Launcelot fell down morethan ten fathom into a cave full of straw; and then Sir Meliagrancedeparted and made no fare as that he nist where he was. 

And when Sir Launcelot was thus missed they marvelled where he wasbecome; and then the queen and many of them deemed that he was departedas he was wont to do suddenly. For Sir Meliagrance made suddenly to putaway aside Sir Lavaine's horse, that they might all understand that SirLauncelot was departed suddenly. So it passed on till after dinner; andthen Sir Lavaine would not stint until that he ordained litters for thewounded knights, that they might be laid in them; and so with thequeen and them all, both ladies and gentlewomen and other, went untoWestminster; and there the knights told King Arthur how Meliagrance hadappealed the queen of high treason, and how Sir Launcelot had receivedthe glove of him: And this day eight days they shall do battle aforeyou. By my head, said King Arthur, I am afeard Sir Meliagrance hathtaken upon him a great charge; but where is Sir Launcelot? said theking. Sir, said they all, we wot not where he is, but we deem he isridden to some adventures, as he is ofttimes wont to do, for he hath SirLavaine's horse. Let him be, said the king, he will be founden, but ifhe be trapped with some treason. 

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady, and took a white courser and came for to keep his day. 

SO leave we Sir Launcelot lying within that cave in great pain; andevery day there came a lady and brought him his meat and his drink, and wooed him, to have lain by him; and ever the noble knight, SirLauncelot, said her nay. Sir Launcelot, said she, ye are not wise, forye may never out of this prison, but if ye have my help; and also yourlady, Queen Guenever, shall be brent in your default, unless that yebe there at the day of battle. God defend, said Sir Launcelot, that sheshould be brent in my default; and if it be so, said Sir Launcelot, thatI may not be there, it shall be well understanded, both at the king andat the queen, and with all men of worship, that I am dead, sick, outherin prison. For all men that know me will say for me that I am in someevil case an I be not there that day; and well I wot there is some goodknight either of my blood, or some other that loveth me, that will takemy quarrel in hand; and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well yeshall not fear me; and if there were no more women in all this land butye, I will not have ado with you. Then art thou shamed, said the lady, and destroyed for ever. As for world's shame, Jesu defend me, and as formy 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 wouldest thou butkiss me once I should deliver thee, and thine armour, and the best horsethat is within Sir Meliagrance's stable. As for to kiss you, said SirLauncelot, I may do that and lose no worship; and wit ye well an Iunderstood 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 twelvegood coursers, and bade him choose the best. Then Sir Launcelot lookedupon a white courser the which liked him best; and anon he commanded thekeepers 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, andhis 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. 

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagranceabode him in the field and dressed him to battle. 

NOW leave we Sir Launcelot wallop all that he might, and speak weof Queen Guenever that was brought to a fire to be brent; for SirMeliagrance was sure, him thought, that Sir Launcelot should not be atthat battle; therefore he ever cried upon King Arthur to do him justice, other-else bring forth Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then was the king and allthe court full sore abashed and shamed that the queen should be brent inthe default of Sir Launcelot. My lord Arthur, said Sir Lavaine, ye mayunderstand that it is not well with my lord Sir Launcelot, for an hewere alive, so he be not sick outher in prison, wit ye well he would behere; for never heard ye that ever he failed his part for whom he shoulddo battle for. And therefore, said Sir Lavaine, my lord, King Arthur, Ibeseech you give me license to do battle here this day for my lord andmaster, and for to save my lady, the queen. Gramercy gentle Sir Lavaine, said King Arthur, for I dare say all that Sir Meliagrance putteth uponmy lady the queen is wrong, for I have spoken with all the ten woundedknights, and there is not one of them, an he were whole and able to dobattle, but he would prove upon Sir Meliagrance's body that it is falsethat he putteth upon my queen. So shall I, said Sir Lavaine, in thedefence of my lord, Sir Launcelot, an ye will give me leave. Now I giveyou leave, said King Arthur, and do your best, for I dare well say thereis some treason done to Sir Launcelot. 

Then was Sir Lavaine armed and horsed, and suddenly at the lists' end herode to perform this battle; and right as the heralds should cry: Lessesles aler, right so came in Sir Launcelot driving with all the force ofhis horse. And then Arthur cried: Ho! and Abide! Then was Sir Launcelotcalled on horseback to-fore King Arthur, and there he told openlyto-fore the king and all, how Sir Meliagrance had served him first tolast. And when the king, and the queen, and all the lords, knew of thetreason of Sir Meliagrance they were all ashamed on his behalf. Thenwas Queen Guenever sent for, and set by the king in great trust of herchampion. And then there was no more else to say, but Sir Launcelot andSir Meliagrance dressed them unto battle, and took their spears; andso they came together as thunder, and there Sir Launcelot bare himdown quite over his horse's croup. And then Sir Launcelot alighted anddressed his shield on his shoulder, with his sword in his hand, and SirMeliagrance in the same wise dressed him unto him, and there they smotemany great strokes together; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote himsuch 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 duLake, save my life, for I yield me unto you, and I require you, as ye bea knight and fellow of the Table Round, slay me not, for I yield me asovercome; and whether I shall live or die I put me in the king's handsand yours. 

Then Sir Launcelot wist not what to do, for he had had liefer than allthe 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 byany sign or countenance what she would have done. And then the queenwagged 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 wouldhave him dead; then Sir Launcelot bade him rise for shame and performthat battle to the utterance. Nay, said Sir Meliagrance, I will neverarise until ye take me as yolden and recreant. I shall proffer you largeproffers, said Sir Launcelot, that is for to say, I shall unarm my headand my left quarter of my body, all that may be unarmed, and let bind myleft hand behind me, so that it shall not help me, and right so I shalldo battle with you. Then Sir Meliagrance started up upon his legs, andsaid on high: My lord Arthur, take heed to this proffer, for I will takeit, and let him be disarmed and bounden according to his proffer. Whatsay ye, said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, will ye abide by yourproffer? Yea, my lord, said Sir Launcelot, I will never go from that Ihave once said. 

Then the knights parters of the field disarmed Sir Launcelot, first hishead, and sithen his left arm, and his left side, and they bound hisleft arm behind his back, without shield or anything, and then they wereput together. Wit you well there was many a lady and knight marvelledthat Sir Launcelot would jeopardy himself in such wise. Then SirMeliagrance came with his sword all on high, and Sir Launcelot showedhim openly his bare head and the bare left side; and when he weened tohave smitten him upon the bare head, then lightly he avoided the leftleg and the left side, and put his right hand and his sword to thatstroke, and so put it on side with great sleight; and then with greatforce Sir Launcelot smote him on the helmet such a buffet that thestroke carved the head in two parts. Then there was no more to do, buthe was drawn out of the field. And at the great instance of the knightsof the Table Round, the king suffered him to be interred, and themention 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, andmore he was cherished, than ever he was aforehand. 

CHAPTER X. How Sir Urre came into Arthur's court for to be healed of hiswounds, and how King Arthur would begin to handle him. 

THEN as the French book maketh mention, there was a good knight inthe land of Hungary, his name was Sir Urre, and he was an adventurousknight, and in all places where he might hear of any deeds of worshipthere would he be. So it happened in Spain there was an earl's son, hisname was Alphegus, and at a great tournament in Spain this Sir Urre, knight of Hungary, and Sir Alphegus of Spain encountered togetherfor very envy; and so either undertook other to the utterance. And byfortune Sir Urre slew Sir Alphegus, the earl's son of Spain, but thisknight that was slain had given Sir Urre, or ever he was slain, sevengreat wounds, three on the head, and four on his body and upon hisleft hand. And this Sir Alphegus had a mother, the which was a greatsorceress; and she, for the despite of her son's death, wrought by hersubtle crafts that Sir Urre should never be whole, but ever his woundsshould one time fester and another time bleed, so that he should neverbe whole until the best knight of the world had searched his wounds; andthus she made her avaunt, wherethrough it was known that Sir Urre shouldnever be whole. 

Then his mother let make an horse litter, and put him therein undertwo palfreys; and then she took Sir Urre's sister with him, a full fairdamosel, whose name was Felelolie; and then she took a page with him tokeep their horses, and so they led Sir Urre through many countries. Foras the French book saith, she led him so seven year through all landschristened, and never she could find no knight that might ease her son. So she came into Scotland and into the lands of England, and by fortuneshe came nigh the feast of Pentecost until King Arthur's court, that atthat time was holden at Carlisle. And when she came there, then she madeit openly to be known how that she was come into that land for to healher son. 

Then King Arthur let call that lady, and asked her the cause why shebrought that hurt knight into that land. My most noble king, said thatlady, 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 toldthe king where he was wounded, and of whom; and how his mother haddiscovered in her pride how she had wrought that by enchantment, so thathe should never be whole until the best knight of the world had searchedhis wounds. And so I have passed through all the lands christened tohave him healed, except this land. And if I fail to heal him here inthis land, I will never take more pain upon me, and that is pity, for hewas a good knight, and of great nobleness. What is his name? said ArthurMy 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 areright welcome; and wit you well here shall your son be healed, an everany Christian man may heal him. And for to give all other men of worshipcourage, I myself will assay to handle your son, and so shall all thekings, 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 aftermy commandment. And wit you well, said King Arthur unto Urre's sister, Ishall begin to handle him, and search unto my power, not presuming uponme that I am so worthy to heal your son by my deeds, but I will courageother men of worship to do as I will do. And then the king commanded allthe kings, dukes, and earls, and all noble knights of the Round Tablethat 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 RoundTable, for forty knights were that time away; and so here we must beginat King Arthur, as is kindly to begin at him that was the most man ofworship that was christened at that time. 

CHAPTER XI. How King Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many otherknights of the Round Table. 

THEN King Arthur looked upon Sir Urre, and the king thought he was afull likely man when he was whole; and then King Arthur made him to betaken down off the litter and laid him upon the earth, and there waslaid a cushion of gold that he should kneel upon. And then noble Arthursaid: Fair knight, me repenteth of thy hurt, and for to courage allother noble knights I will pray thee softly to suffer me to handle yourwounds. Most noble christened king, said Urre, do as ye list, for Iam at the mercy of God, and at your commandment. So then Arthur softlyhandled him, and then some of his wounds renewed upon bleeding. Then theKing Clarence of Northumberland searched, and it would not be. And thenSir Barant le Apres that was called the King with the Hundred Knights, he assayed and failed; and so did King Uriens of the land of Gore; sodid King Anguish of Ireland; so did King Nentres of Garloth; so did KingCarados of Scotland; so did the Duke Galahad, the haut prince; so didConstantine, that was Sir Carados' son of Cornwall; so did Duke Chaleinsof Clarance; so did the Earl Ulbause; so did the Earl Lambaile; so didthe Earl Aristause. 

Then came in Sir Gawaine with his three sons, Sir Gingalin, SirFlorence, and Sir Lovel, these two were begotten upon Sir Brandiles'sister; and all they failed. Then came in Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Mordred, and the good knight, Sir Gareth, that was of veryknighthood worth all the brethren. So came knights of Launcelot's kin, but Sir Launcelot was not that time in the court, for he was that timeupon his adventures. Then Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors deGanis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihodin, Sir Menaduke, Sir Villiars the Valiant, Sir Hebes leRenoumes. All these were of Sir Launcelot's kin, and all they failed. Then came in Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, SirDinadan, Sir Bruin le Noire, that Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile, andSir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Kay de Stranges, Sir Meliot de Logris, SirPetipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of theMountain, Sir Cardok, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and Sir Ozanna le CureHardy. 

Then came in Sir Astamor, and Sir Gromere, Grummor's son, Sir Crosselm, Sir Servause le Breuse, that was called a passing strong knight, foras the book saith, the chief Lady of the Lake feasted Sir Launcelot andServause le Breuse, and when she had feasted them both at sundry timesshe prayed them to give her a boon. And they granted it her. And thenshe prayed Sir Servause that he would promise her never to do battleagainst Sir Launcelot du Lake, and in the same wise she prayed SirLauncelot never to do battle against Sir Servause, and so eitherpromised her. For the French book saith, that Sir Servause had nevercourage nor lust to do battle against no man, but if it were againstgiants, and against dragons, and wild beasts. So we pass unto them thatat the king's request made them all that were there at that high feast, as of the knights of the Table Round, for to search Sir Urre: to thatintent the king did it, to wit which was the noblest knight among them. 

Then came Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, Sir Tor, that was begotten uponAries, the cowherd's wife, but he was begotten afore Aries wedded her, and King Pellinore begat them all, first Sir Tor, Sir Aglovale, SirDurnore, Sir Lamorak, the most noblest knight one that ever was inArthur's days as for a worldly knight, and Sir Percivale that waspeerless except Sir Galahad in holy deeds, but they died in the questof the Sangreal. Then came Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Lucan theButler, Sir Bedevere his brother, Sir Brandiles, Sir Constantine, SirCador's son of Cornwall, that was king after Arthur's days, and SirClegis, Sir Sadok, Sir Dinas le Seneschal of Cornwall, Sir Fergus, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Clarrus of Cleremont, Sir Cloddrus, SirHectimere, Sir Edward of Carnarvon, Sir Dinas, Sir Priamus, that waschristened by Sir Tristram the noble knight, and these three werebrethren; Sir Hellaine le Blank that was son to Sir Bors, he begathim upon King Brandegoris' daughter, and Sir Brian de Listinoise;Sir Gautere, Sir Reynold, Sir Gillemere, were three brethren that SirLauncelot won upon a bridge in Sir Kay's arms. Sir Guyart le Petite, SirBellangere le Beuse, that was son to the good knight, Sir Alisander leOrphelin, that was slain by the treason of King Mark. Also that traitorking slew the noble knight Sir Tristram, as he sat harping afore hislady La Beale Isoud, with a trenchant glaive, for whose death was muchbewailing of every knight that ever were in Arthur's days; there wasnever none so bewailed as was Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak, for theywere traitorously slain, Sir Tristram by King Mark, and Sir Lamorak bySir Gawaine and his brethren. And this Sir Bellangere revenged the deathof his father Alisander, and Sir Tristram slew King Mark, and La BealeIsoud died swooning upon the corse of Sir Tristram, whereof was greatpity. And all that were with King Mark that were consenting to the deathof Sir Tristram were slain, as Sir Andred and many other. 

Then came Sir Hebes, Sir Morganore, Sir Sentraile, Sir Suppinabilis, SirBellangere le Orgulous, that the good knight Sir Lamorak won in plainbattle; Sir Neroveus and Sir Plenorius, two good knights that SirLauncelot won; Sir Darras, Sir Harry le Fise Lake, Sir Erminide, brotherto King Hermaunce, for whom Sir Palomides fought at the Red City withtwo brethren; and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, Sir Edward ofOrkney, Sir Ironside, that was called the noble Knight of the Red Laundsthat Sir Gareth won for the love of Dame Liones, Sir Arrok de Grevaunt, Sir Degrane Saunce Velany that fought with the giant of the black lowe, Sir Epinogris, that was the king's son of Northumberland. Sir Pelleasthat loved the lady Ettard, and he had died for her love had not beenone of the ladies of the lake, her name was Dame Nimue, and she weddedSir Pelleas, and she saved him that he was never slain, and he was afull noble knight; and Sir Lamiel of Cardiff that was a great lover. SirPlaine de Fors, Sir Melleaus de Lile, Sir Bohart le Cure Hardy that wasKing Arthur's son, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Colgrevance, Sir Hervisede la Forest Savage, Sir Marrok, the good knight that was betrayed withhis wife, for she made him seven year a wer-wolf, Sir Persaunt, SirPertilope, his brother, that was called the Green Knight, and SirPerimones, brother to them both, that was called the Red Knight, thatSir Gareth won when he was called Beaumains. All these hundred knightsand ten searched Sir Urre's wounds by the commandment of King Arthur. 

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle hiswounds, and anon he was all whole, and how they thanked God. 

MERCY Jesu, said King Arthur, where is Sir Launcelot du Lake that heis 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 toldthe king. Peace, said the king, let no manner thing be said until he become to us. So when Sir Launcelot espied King Arthur, he descended fromhis horse and came to the king, and saluted him and them all. Anon asthe maid, Sir Urre's sister, saw Sir Launcelot, she ran to her brotherthereas he lay in his litter, and said: Brother, here is come a knightthat my heart giveth greatly unto. Fair sister, said Sir Urre, so dothmy heart light against him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, formy 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; andtold Sir Launcelot what they had done, and showed him them all, that hadsearched him. Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, when so many kingsand knights have assayed and failed, that I should presume upon me toenchieve 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, said Sir Launcelot, ye know well I dare not normay not disobey your commandment, but an I might or durst, wit you wellI would not take upon me to touch that wounded knight in that intentthat I should pass all other knights; Jesu defend me from that shame. Yetake it wrong, said King Arthur, ye shall not do it for no presumption, but for to bear us fellowship, insomuch ye be a fellow of the TableRound; and wit you well, said King Arthur, an ye prevail not and healhim, I dare say there is no knight in this land may heal him, andtherefore I pray you, do as we have done. 

And then all the kings and knights for the most part prayed SirLauncelot to search him; and then the wounded knight, Sir Urre, set himup weakly, and prayed Sir Launcelot heartily, saying: Courteous knight, I require thee for God's sake heal my wounds, for methinketh eversithen ye came here my wounds grieve me not. Ah, my fair lord, saidSir Launcelot, Jesu would that I might help you; I shame me sore that Ishould be thus rebuked, for never was I able in worthiness to do so higha thing. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down by the wounded knight saying:My lord Arthur, I must do your commandment, the which is sore against myheart. And then he held up his hands, and looked into the east, sayingsecretly unto himself: Thou blessed Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Ibeseech thee of thy mercy, that my simple worship and honesty be saved, and thou blessed Trinity, thou mayst give power to heal this sick knightby 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; andthen devoutly kneeling he ransacked the three wounds, that they bled alittle, and forthwith all the wounds fair healed, and seemed as they hadbeen whole a seven year. And in likewise he searched his body of otherthree wounds, and they healed in likewise; and then the last of all hesearched the which was in his hand, and anon it healed fair. 

Then King Arthur and all the kings and knights kneeled down and gavethankings and lovings unto God and to His Blessed Mother. And ever SirLauncelot wept as he had been a child that had been beaten. Then KingArthur let array priests and clerks in the most devoutest manner, tobring in Sir Urre within Carlisle, with singing and loving to God. Andwhen this was done, the king let clothe him in the richest manner thatcould be thought; and then were there but few better made knights in allthe court, for he was passingly well made and bigly; and Arthur askedSir Urre how he felt himself. My good lord, he said, I felt myself neverso lusty. Will ye joust and do deeds of arms? said King Arthur. Sir, said Urre, an I had all that longed unto jousts I would be soon ready. 

CHAPTER XIII. How there was a party made of an hundred knights againstan hundred knights, and of other matters. 

THEN Arthur made a party of hundred knights to be against an hundredknights. And so upon the morn they jousted for a diamond, but therejousted 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 ofthem but he overthrew and pulled down thirty knights; and then by theassent of all the kings and lords, Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine were madeknights of the Table Round. And Sir Lavaine cast his love unto DameFelelolie, Sir Urre's sister, and then they were wedded together withgreat 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 SirLavaine awaited evermore upon him; and they were in all the courtaccounted for good knights, and full desirous in arms; and many nobledeeds they did, for they would have no rest, but ever sought adventures. 

Thus they lived in all that court with great noblesse and joy long time. But every night and day Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother, awaitedQueen Guenever and Sir Launcelot du Lake to put them to a rebuke andshame. And so I leave here of this tale, and overskip great books of SirLauncelot du Lake, what great adventures he did when he was called LeChevaler du Chariot. For as the French book saith, because of despitethat knights and ladies called him the knight that rode in the chariotlike as he were judged to the gallows, therefore in despite of all themthat named him so, he was carried in a chariot a twelvemonth, for, butlittle after that he had slain Sir Meliagrance in the queen's quarrel, he never in a twelvemonth came on horseback. And as the French booksaith, he did that twelvemonth more than forty battles. And because Ihave lost the very matter of Le Chevaier du Chariot, I depart from thetale of Sir Launcelot, and here I go unto the morte of King Arthur; andthat caused Sir Agravaine. 

_Explicit liber xix. And hereafter followeth the most piteous history ofthe morte of King Arthur, the which is the twentieth book. _

BOOK XX. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawainefor to disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and Queen Guenever. 

IN May when every lusty heart flourisheth and bourgeoneth, for as theseason is lusty to behold and comfortable, so man and woman rejoice andgladden of summer coming with his fresh flowers: for winter with hisrough winds and blasts causeth a lusty man and woman to cower and sitfast by the fire. So in this season, as in the month of May, it befella great anger and unhap that stinted not till the flower of chivalry ofall the world was destroyed and slain; and all was long upon two unhappyknights the which were named Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that werebrethren unto Sir Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred hadever a privy hate unto the queen Dame Guenever and to Sir Launcelot, anddaily and nightly they ever watched upon Sir Launcelot. 

So it mishapped, Sir Gawaine and all his brethren were in King Arthur'schamber; 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 ashamedboth to see and to know how Sir Launcelot lieth daily and nightly by thequeen, 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 beshamed. 

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: Brother Sir Agravaine, I pray you andcharge you move no such matters no more afore me, for wit you well, saidSir Gawaine, I will not be of your counsel. So God me help, said SirGaheris and Sir Gareth, we will not be knowing, brother Agravaine, ofyour deeds. Then will I, said Sir Mordred. I lieve well that, said SirGawaine, for ever unto all unhappiness, brother Sir Mordred, theretowill ye grant; and I would that ye left all this, and made you not sobusy, for I know, said Sir Gawaine, what will fall of it. Fall of itwhat fall may, said Sir Agravaine, I will disclose it to the king. Notby my counsel, said Sir Gawaine, for an there rise war and wrack betwixtSir Launcelot and us, wit you well brother, there will many kings andgreat lords hold with Sir Launcelot. Also, brother Sir Agravaine, saidSir Gawaine, ye must remember how ofttimes Sir Launcelot hath rescuedthe king and the queen; and the best of us all had been full cold at theheart-root had not Sir Launcelot been better than we, and that hath heproved himself full oft. And as for my part, said Sir Gawaine, I willnever be against Sir Launcelot for one day's deed, when he rescued mefrom King Carados of the Dolorous Tower, and slew him, and saved mylife. Also, brother Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, in like wise SirLauncelot rescued you both, and threescore and two, from Sir Turquin. Methinketh brother, such kind deeds and kindness should be remembered. Do as ye list, said Sir Agravaine, for I will lain it no longer. Withthese words came to them King Arthur. Now brother, stint your noise, said Sir Gawaine. We will not, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. Willye so? said Sir Gawaine; then God speed you, for I will not hear yourtales ne be of your counsel. No more will I, said Sir Gareth and SirGaheris, for we will never say evil by that man; for because, said SirGareth, Sir Launcelot made me knight, by no manner owe I to say ill ofhim: and therewithal they three departed, making great dole. Alas, saidSir Gawaine and Sir Gareth, now is this realm wholly mischieved, andthe noble fellowship of the Round Table shall be disparpled: so theydeparted. 

CHAPTER II. How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur, andhow King Arthur gave them licence to take him. 

AND then Sir Arthur asked them what noise they made. My lord, saidAgravaine, I shall tell you that I may keep no longer. Here is I, andmy brother Sir Mordred, brake unto my brothers Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and to Sir Gareth, how this we know all, that Sir Launcelot holdethyour queen, and hath done long; and we be your sister's sons, and wemay suffer it no longer, and all we wot that ye should be above SirLauncelot; and ye are the king that made him knight, and therefore wewill 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 wouldbe loath to begin such a thing but I might have proofs upon it; forSir Launcelot is an hardy knight, and all ye know he is the best knightamong us all; and but if he be taken with the deed, he will fight withhim that bringeth up the noise, and I know no knight that is able tomatch him. Therefore an it be sooth as ye say, I would he were takenwith the deed. For as the French book saith, the king was full loaththereto, that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and his queen; forthe king had a deeming, but he would not hear of it, for Sir Launcelothad done so much for him and the queen so many times, that wit ye wellthe king loved him passingly well. My lord, said Sir Agravaine, ye shallride to-morn a-hunting, and doubt ye not Sir Launcelot will not go withyou. Then when it draweth toward night, ye may send the queen word thatye will lie out all that night, and so may ye send for your cooks, andthen upon pain of death we shall take him that night with the queen, andouther we shall bring him to you dead or quick. I will well, said theking; then I counsel you, said the king, take with you sure fellowship. Sir, said Agravaine, my brother, Sir Mordred, and I, will take with ustwelve knights of the Round Table. Beware, said King Arthur, for I warnyou ye shall find him wight. Let us deal, said Sir Agravaine and SirMordred. 

So on the morn King Arthur rode a-hunting, and sent word to the queenthat he would be out all that night. Then Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordredgat to them twelve knights, and hid themself in a chamber in the Castleof Carlisle, and these were their names: Sir Colgrevance, Sir Madorde la Porte, Sir Gingaline, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Petipase ofWinchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the Mountain, SirAstamore, Sir Gromore Somir Joure, Sir Curselaine, Sir Florence, SirLovel. So these twelve knights were with Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine, and all they were of Scotland, outher of Sir Gawaine's kin, eitherwell-willers to his brethren. 

So when the night came, Sir Launcelot told Sir Bors how he would go thatnight and speak with the queen. Sir, said Sir Bors, ye shall not gothis 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 shameand us all; and never gave my heart against no going, that ever ye wentto the queen, so much as now; for I mistrust that the king is out thisnight from the queen because peradventure he hath lain some watch foryou and the queen, and therefore I dread me sore of treason. Have ye nodread, said Sir Launcelot, for I shall go and come again, and make notarrying. Sir, said Sir Bors, that me repenteth, for I dread me sorethat your going out this night shall wrath us all. Fair nephew, said SirLauncelot, I marvel much why ye say thus, sithen the queen hath sentfor me; and wit ye well I will not be so much a coward, but she shallunderstand I will see her good grace. God speed you well, said Sir Bors, and send you sound and safe again. 

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen's chamber, and how SirAgravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay him. 

SO Sir Launcelot departed, and took his sword under his arm, and so inhis mantle that noble knight put himself in great Jeopardy; and so hepassed till he came to the queen's chamber, and then Sir Launcelot waslightly put into the chamber. And then, as the French book saith, thequeen and Launcelot were together. And whether they were abed or atother manner of disports, me list not hereof make no mention, for lovethat time was not as is now-a-days. But thus as they were together, there came Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, with twelve knights with themof the Round Table, and they said with crying voice: Traitor-knight, SirLauncelot du Lake, now art thou taken. And thus they cried with a loudvoice, that all the court might hear it; and they all fourteen werearmed at all points as they should fight in a battle. Alas said QueenGuenever, now are we mischieved both Madam, said Sir Launcelot, is therehere any armour within your chamber, that I might cover my poor bodywithal? An if there be any give it me, and I shall soon stint theirmalice, 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 iscome to a mischievous end, for I hear by their noise there be many nobleknights, and well I wot they be surely armed, and against them ye maymake no resistance. Wherefore ye are likely to be slain, and then shallI be brent. For an ye might escape them, said the queen, I would notdoubt 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, thatI 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 besetthat thou shalt not escape. O Jesu mercy, said Sir Launcelot, thisshameful cry and noise I may not suffer, for better were death at oncethan thus to endure this pain. Then he took the queen in his arms, andkissed her, and said: Most noble Christian queen, I beseech you as yehave been ever my special good lady, and I at all times your true poorknight unto my power, and as I never failed you in right nor in wrongsithen the first day King Arthur made me knight, that ye will pray formy 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 yourself, whatsomever come of me, that ye gowith Sir Bors, my nephew, and Sir Urre, and they all will do you all thepleasure that they can or may, that ye shall live like a queen upon mylands. Nay, Launcelot, said the queen, wit thou well I will never liveafter thy days, but an thou be slain I will take my death as meekly forJesu Christ's sake as ever did any Christian queen. Well, madam, saidLauncelot, sith it is so that the day is come that our love mustdepart, wit you well I shall sell my life as dear as I may; and athousandfold, said Sir Launcelot, I am more heavier for you than formyself. And now I had liefer than to be lord of all Christendom, that Ihad sure armour upon me, that men might speak of my deeds or ever I wereslain. Truly, said the queen, I would an it might please God that theywould take me and slay me, and suffer you to escape. That shall neverbe, said Sir Launcelot, God defend me from such a shame, but Jesu beThou my shield and mine armour!

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in hisharness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve of his fellows. 

AND therewith Sir Launcelot wrapped his mantle about his arm well andsurely; and by then they had gotten a great form out of the hall, andtherewithal they rashed at the door. Fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, leave your noise and your rashing, and I shall set open this door, andthen may ye do with me what it liketh you. Come off then, said theyall, and do it, for it availeth thee not to strive against us all; andtherefore let us into this chamber, and we shall save thy life untilthou come to King Arthur. Then Launcelot unbarred the door, and with hisleft hand he held it open a little, so that but one man might come inat 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 SirLauncelot mightily; and he put aside the stroke, and gave him such abuffet upon the helmet, that he fell grovelling dead within the chamberdoor. And then Sir Launcelot with great might drew that dead knightwithin the chamber door; and Sir Launcelot with help of the queen andher 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 Launcelotunto Sir Agravaine, for wit you well, Sir Agravaine, ye shall not prisonme this night; and therefore an ye do by my counsel, go ye all from thischamber door, and make not such crying and such manner of slander as yedo; for I promise you by my knighthood, an ye will depart and make nomore 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 willaccuse 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 thatwill 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 maugrethy head, and slay thee if we list; for we let thee wit we have thechoice of King Arthur to save thee or to slay thee. Ah sirs, said SirLauncelot, is there none other grace with you? then keep yourself. 

So then Sir Launcelot set all open the chamber door, and mightily andknightly he strode in amongst them; and anon at the first buffet he slewSir Agravaine. And twelve of his fellows after, within a little whileafter, he laid them cold to the earth, for there was none of the twelvethat might stand Sir Launcelot one buffet. Also Sir Launcelot woundedSir Mordred, and he fled with all his might. And then Sir Launcelotreturned again unto the queen, and said: Madam, now wit you well all ourtrue love is brought to an end, for now will King Arthur ever be myfoe; 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 bestye hold you still with this. And if ye see that as to-morn they will putme 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 shallrescue you. And then he kissed her, and either gave other a ring; and sothere he left the queen, and went until his lodging. 

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors, and told him how he hadsped, and in what adventure he had been, and how he had escaped. 

WHEN Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot he was never so glad of his home-comingas he was then. Jesu 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 thatsome of us leapt out of our beds naked, and some in their dreams caughtnaked swords in their hands; therefore, said Sir Bors, we deem there issome great strife at hand; and then we all deemed that ye were betrappedwith some treason, and therefore we made us thus ready, what need thatever 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, asye have heard to-fore. And therefore, my fellows, said Sir Launcelot, Ipray 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 Godsendeth us, and we have had much weal with you and much worship, andtherefore we will take the woe with you as we have taken the weal. Andtherefore, they said all (there were many good knights), look ye take nodiscomfort, for there nis no bands of knights under heaven but we shallbe able to grieve them as much as they may us. And therefore discomfortnot 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. Andtherefore, Sir Launcelot, said they, we will take the woe with the weal. Grant mercy, said Sir Launcelot, of your good comfort, for in my greatdistress, my fair nephew, ye comfort me greatly, and much I am beholdingunto you. But this, my fair nephew, I would that ye did in all hastethat ye may, or it be forth days, that ye will look in their lodgingthat be lodged here nigh about the king, which will hold with me, andwhich 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 clockI 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, SirBlamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantine, SirGalihodin, Sir Galihud, Sir Menadeuke Sir Villiers the Valiant, SirHebes le Renoumes, Sir Lavaine Sir Urre of Hungary, Sir Nerounes, SirPlenorius. These two knights Sir Launcelot made, and the one he won upona bridge, and therefore they would never be against him. And Harry leFise du Lake, and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, and Sir Meliasde Lile, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse, that was Sir Alisander's son LeOrphelin, because his mother Alice le Beale Pellerin and she was kinunto Sir Launcelot, and he held with him. So there came Sir Palomidesand Sir Safere, his brother, to hold with Sir Launcelot, and SirClegis of Sadok, and Sir Dinas, Sir Clarius of Cleremont. So thesetwo-and-twenty knights drew them together, and by then they were armedon horseback, and promised Sir Launcelot to do what he would. Then therefell to them, what of North Wales and of Cornwall, for Sir Lamorak'ssake 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 Icame into this country well willed unto my lord, King Arthur, and untomy lady, Queen Guenever, unto my power; and this night because mylady the queen sent for me to speak with her, I suppose it was made bytreason, howbeit I dare largely excuse her person, notwithstanding I wasthere by a forecast near slain, but as Jesu provided me I escaped alltheir malice and treason. And then that noble knight Sir Launcelot toldthem all how he was hard bestead in the queen's chamber, and how and inwhat manner he escaped from them. And therefore, said Sir Launcelot, wityou 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, asis Sir Agravaine Sir Gawaine's brother, and at the least twelve of hisfellows, for this cause now I am sure of mortal war, for these knightswere sent and ordained by King Arthur to betray me. And therefore theking will in his heat and malice judge the queen to the fire, and thatmay I not suffer, that she should be brent for my sake; for an I may beheard and suffered and so taken, I will fight for the queen, that she isa true lady unto her lord; but the king in his heat I dread me will nottake me as I ought to be taken. 

CHAPTER VI. Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelotand his friends for to save the queen. 

MY lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Bors, by mine advice ye shall take thewoe with the weal, and take it in patience, and thank God of it. Andsithen it is fallen as it is, I counsel you keep yourself, for an yewill yourself, there is no fellowship of knights christened that shalldo you wrong. Also I will counsel you my lord, Sir Launcelot, than anmy lady, Queen Guenever, be in distress, insomuch as she is in pain foryour sake, that ye knightly rescue her; an ye did otherwise, all theworld will speak of you shame to the world's end. Insomuch as ye weretaken with her, whether ye did right or wrong, it is now your part tohold with the queen, that she be not slain and put to a mischievousdeath, for an she so die the shame shall be yours. Jesu defend me fromshame, said Sir Launcelot, and keep and save my lady the queen fromvillainy and shameful death, and that she never be destroyed in mydefault; wherefore my fair lords, my kin, and my friends, said SirLauncelot, what will ye do? Then they said all: We will do as ye willdo. I put this to you, said Sir Launcelot, that if my lord Arthur byevil counsel will to-morn in his heat put my lady the queen to the firethere to be brent, now I pray you counsel me what is best to do. Thenthey said all at once with one voice: Sir, us thinketh best that yeknightly rescue the queen, insomuch as she shall be brent it is for yoursake; and it is to suppose, an ye might be handled, ye should have thesame death, or a more shamefuler death. And sir, we say all, that yehave many times rescued her from death for other men's quarrels, usseemeth it is more your worship that ye rescue the queen from thisperil, insomuch she hath it for your sake. 

Then Sir Launcelot stood still, and said: My fair lords, wit you well Iwould 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 ashameful death; but an it be so that ye will counsel me to rescue her, I must do much harm or I rescue her; and peradventure I shall theredestroy some of my best friends, that should much repent me; andperadventure there be some, an they could well bring it about, ordisobey my lord King Arthur, they would soon come to me, the which Iwere loath to hurt. And if so be that I rescue her, where shall I keepher? That shall be the least care of us all, said Sir Bors. How did thenoble knight Sir Tristram, by your good will? kept not he with him LaBeale Isoud near three year in Joyous Gard? the which was done by youralther device, and that same place is your own; and in likewise may yedo an ye list, and take the queen lightly away, if it so be the kingwill judge her to be brent; and in Joyous Gard ye may keep her longenough until the heat of the king be past. And then shall ye bring againthe queen to the king with great worship; and then peradventure ye shallhave thank for her bringing home, and love and thank where other shallhave maugre. 

That is hard to do, said Sir Launcelot, for by Sir Tristram I may havea warning, for when by means of treaties, Sir Tristram brought againLa Beale Isoud unto King Mark from Joyous Gard, look what befell onthe end, how shamefully that false traitor King Mark slew him as he satharping afore his lady La Beale Isoud, with a grounden glaive he thrusthim in behind to the heart. It grieveth me, said Sir Launcelot, to speakof his death, for all the world may not find such a knight. All this istruth, said Sir Bors, but there is one thing shall courage you andus all, ye know well King Arthur and King Mark were never like ofconditions, for there was never yet man could prove King Arthur untrueof his promise. 

So to make short tale, they were all consented that for better outherfor worse, if so were that the queen were on that morn brought to thefire, shortly they all would rescue her. And so by the advice ofSir Launcelot, they put them all in an embushment in a wood, as nighCarlisle as they might, and there they abode still, to wit what the kingwould do. 

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him ofthe affray and death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights. 

NOW turn we again unto Sir Mordred, that when he was escaped from thenoble knight, Sir Launcelot, he anon gat his horse and mounted upon him, and rode unto King Arthur, sore wounded and smitten, and all forbled;and there he told the king all how it was, and how they were all slainsave himself all only. Jesu mercy, how may this be? said the king; tookye him in the queen's chamber? Yea, so God me help, said Sir Mordred, there we found him unarmed, and there he slew Colgrevance, and armed himin his armour; and all this he told the king from the beginning to theending. Jesu mercy, said the king, he is a marvellous knight of prowess. Alas, me sore repenteth, said the king, that ever Sir Launcelot shouldbe against me. Now I am sure the noble fellowship of the Round Table isbroken for ever, for with him will many a noble knight hold; and nowit is fallen so, said the king, that I may not with my worship, but thequeen must suffer the death. So then there was made great ordinance inthis heat, that the queen must be judged to the death. And the law wassuch in those days that whatsomever they were, of what estate or degree, if they were found guilty of treason, there should be none other remedybut death; and outher the men or the taking with the deed should becauser of their hasty judgment. And right so was it ordained for QueenGuenever, because Sir Mordred was escaped sore wounded, and the death ofthirteen knights of the Round Table. These proofs and experiences causedKing Arthur to command the queen to the fire there to be brent. 

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: My lord Arthur, I would counsel younot to be over-hasty, but that ye would put it in respite, this judgmentof my lady the queen, for many causes. One it is, though it were so thatSir Launcelot were found in the queen's chamber, yet it might be so thathe 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 anyother knight, for ofttimes he hath saved her life, and done battle forher when all the court refused the queen; and peradventure she sent forhim for goodness and for none evil, to reward him for his good deedsthat he had done to her in times past. And peradventure my lady, thequeen, sent for him to that intent that Sir Launcelot should come to hergood grace privily and secretly, weening to her that it was best so todo, in eschewing and dreading of slander; for ofttimes we do many thingsthat we ween it be for the best, and yet peradventure it turneth to theworst. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, my lady, your queen, is to youboth good and true; and as for Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I daresay he will make it good upon any knight living that will put uponhimself villainy or shame, and in like wise he will make good for mylady, Dame Guenever. 

That I believe well, said King Arthur, but I will not that way with SirLauncelot, for he trusteth so much upon his hands and his might that hedoubteth no man; and therefore for my queen he shall never fight more, for she shall have the law. And if I may get Sir Launcelot, wit you wellhe shall have a shameful death. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, that Imay never see it. Why say ye so? said King Arthur; forsooth ye haveno cause to love Sir Launcelot, for this night last past he slew yourbrother, Sir Agravaine, a full good knight, and almost he had slainyour other brother, Sir Mordred, and also there he slew thirteen nobleknights; and also, Sir Gawaine, remember you he slew two sons of yours, Sir Florence and Sir Lovel. My lord, said Sir Gawaine, of all this Ihave knowledge, of whose deaths I repent me sore; but insomuch I gavethem warning, and told my brethren and my sons aforehand what would fallin the end, insomuch they would not do by my counsel, I will not meddleme thereof, nor revenge me nothing of their deaths; for I told themit was no boot to strive with Sir Launcelot. Howbeit I am sorry of thedeath of my brethren and of my sons, for they are the causers of theirown death; for ofttimes I warned my brother Sir Agravaine, and I toldhim the perils the which be now fallen. 

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen fromthe fire, and how he slew many knights. 

THEN said the noble King Arthur to Sir Gawaine: Dear nephew, I pray youmake you ready in your best armour, with your brethren, Sir Gaheris andSir Gareth, to bring my queen to the fire, there to have her judgmentand receive the death. Nay, my most noble lord, said Sir Gawaine, thatwill I never do; for wit you well I will never be in that place where sonoble 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 seeher die; and it shall never be said that ever I was of your counsel ofher death. 

Then said the king to Sir Gawaine: Suffer your brothers Sir Gaheris andSir Gareth to be there. My lord, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well theywill be loath to be there present, because of many adventures the whichbe like there to fall, but they are young and full unable to say younay. Then spake Sir Gaheris, and the good knight Sir Gareth, unto SirArthur: Sir, ye may well command us to be there, but wit you wellit shall be sore against our will; but an we be there by your straitcommandment ye shall plainly hold us there excused: we will be therein peaceable wise, and bear none harness of war upon us. In the nameof God, said the king, then make you ready, for she shall soon have herjudgment anon. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, that ever I should endure to seethis woful day. So Sir Gawaine turned him and wept heartily, and sohe went into his chamber; and then the queen was led forth withoutCarlisle, and there she was despoiled into her smock. And so then herghostly father was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Thenwas there weeping, and wailing, and wringing of hands, of many lords andladies, but there were but few in comparison that would bear any armourfor to strength the death of the queen. 

Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent unto that place for toespy what time the queen should go unto her death; and anon as he sawthe queen despoiled into her smock, and so shriven, then he gave SirLauncelot warning. Then was there but spurring and plucking up ofhorses, and right so they came to the fire. And who that stood againstthem, there were they slain; there might none withstand Sir Launcelot, so all that bare arms and withstood them, there were they slain, fullmany a noble knight. For there was slain Sir Belliance le Orgulous, Sir Segwarides, Sir Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor;Sir Gauter, Sir Gillimer, Sir Reynolds' three brethren; Sir Damas, SirPriamus, Sir Kay the Stranger, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Herminde;Sir Pertilope, Sir Perimones, two brethren that were called the GreenKnight and the Red Knight. And so in this rushing and hurling, as SirLauncelot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris andSir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unware. For asthe French book saith, Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaherisupon the brain-pans, wherethrough they were slain in the field; howbeitin very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and so were they found deadamong the thickest of the press. 

Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and slain and put to flight allthat would withstand him, then he rode straight unto Dame Guenever, andmade a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her; and then he made her tobe set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well thequeen was glad that she was escaped from the death. And then she thankedGod and Sir Launcelot; and so he rode his way with the queen, as theFrench book saith, unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a nobleknight should do; and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelotmany good knights, and many noble knights drew unto Sir Launcelot. When this was known openly, that King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were atdebate, many knights were glad of their debate, and many were full heavyof their debate. 

CHAPTER IX. Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the deathof his nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen, his wife. 

SO turn we again unto King Arthur, that when it was told him how and inwhat manner of wise the queen was taken away from the fire, and when heheard of the death of his noble knights, and in especial of Sir Gaherisand Sir Gareth's death, then the king swooned for pure sorrow. And whenhe awoke of his swoon, then he said: Alas, that ever I bare crown uponmy head! for now have I lost the fairest fellowship of noble knightsthat ever held Christian king together. Alas, my good knights be slainaway from me: now within these two days I have lost forty knights, andalso the noble fellowship of Sir Launcelot and his blood, for now I maynever hold them together no more with my worship. Alas that ever thiswar began. Now fair fellows, said the king, I charge you that no mantell Sir Gawaine of the death of his two brethren; for I am sure, saidthe king, when Sir Gawaine heareth tell that Sir Gareth is dead he willgo nigh out of his mind. Mercy Jesu, said the king, why slew he SirGareth and Sir Gaheris, for I dare say as for Sir Gareth he loved SirLauncelot above all men earthly. That is truth, said some knights, butthey were slain in the hurtling as Sir Launcelot thrang in the thick ofthe press; and as they were unarmed he smote them and wist not whomthat he smote, and so unhappily they were slain. The death of them, saidArthur, will cause the greatest mortal war that ever was; I am sure, wist Sir Gawaine that Sir Gareth were slain, I should never have restof him till I had destroyed Sir Launcelot's kin and himself both, outherelse he to destroy me. And therefore, said the king, wit you well myheart was never so heavy as it is now, and much more I am sorrier formy good knights' loss than for the loss of my fair queen; for queens Imight have enow, but such a fellowship of good knights shall never betogether in no company. And now I dare say, said King Arthur, there wasnever Christian king held such a fellowship together; and alas that everSir Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah Agravaine, Agravaine, saidthe king, Jesu forgive it thy soul, for thine evil will, that thou andthy brother Sir Mordred hadst unto Sir Launcelot, hath caused all thissorrow: and ever among these complaints the king wept and swooned. 

Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the queen was ledaway with Sir Launcelot, and nigh a twenty-four knights slain. O Jesudefend my brethren, said Sir Gawaine, for full well wist I that SirLauncelot would rescue her, outher else he would die in that field; andto say the truth he had not been a man of worship had he not rescued thequeen that day, insomuch she should have been brent for his sake. Andas in that, said Sir Gawaine, he hath done but knightly, and as I wouldhave done myself 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, SirGareth and Sir Gaheris be slain. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, forall the world I would not that they were slain, and in especial my goodbrother, Sir Gareth. Sir, said the man, he is slain, and that is greatpity. Who slew him? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said the man, Launcelot slewthem both. That may I not believe, said Sir Gawaine, that ever he slewmy brother, Sir Gareth; for I dare say my brother Gareth loved himbetter than me, and all his brethren, and the king both. Also I daresay, an Sir Launcelot had desired my brother Sir Gareth, with him hewould have been with him against the king and us all, and therefore Imay never believe that Sir Launcelot slew my brother. Sir, said thisman, it is noised that he slew him. 

CHAPTER X. How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded tomake war against Sir Launcelot, and laid siege to his castle calledJoyous Gard. 

ALAS, said Sir Gawaine, now is my joy gone. And then he fell down andswooned, and long he lay there as he had been dead. And then, when hearose of his swoon, he cried out sorrowfully, and said: Alas! And rightso Sir Gawaine ran to the king, crying and weeping: O King Arthur, mineuncle, my good brother Sir Gareth is slain, and so is my brother SirGaheris, the which were two noble knights. Then the king wept, and heboth; and so they fell a-swooning. And when they were revived then spakeSir Gawaine: Sir, I will go see my brother, Sir Gareth. Ye may not seehim, said the king, for I caused him to be interred, and Sir Gaherisboth; for I well understood that ye would make over-much sorrow, andthe sight of Sir Gareth should have caused your double sorrow. Alas, my lord, said Sir Gawaine, how slew he my brother, Sir Gareth? Mine owngood lord I pray you tell me. Truly, said the king, I shall tell you howit is told me, Sir Launcelot slew him and Sir Gaheris both. Alas, saidSir Gawaine, they bare none arms against him, neither of them both. Iwot not how it was, said the king, but as it is said, Sir Launcelot slewthem both in the thickest of the press and knew them not; and thereforelet us shape a remedy for to revenge their deaths. 

My king, my lord, and mine uncle, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well now Ishall make you a promise that I shall hold by my knighthood, that fromthis day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot until the one of us have slainthe other. And therefore I require you, my lord and king, dress you tothe war, for wit you well I will be revenged upon Sir Launcelot;and therefore, as ye will have my service and my love, now haste youthereto, and assay your friends. For I promise unto God, said SirGawaine, for the death of my brother, Sir Gareth, I shall seek SirLauncelot throughout seven kings' realms, but I shall slay him or elsehe 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 JoyousGard; and much people draweth unto him, as I hear say. That may Ibelieve, said Sir Gawaine; but my lord, he said, assay your friends, andI will assay mine. It shall be done, said the king, and as I suppose Ishall be big enough to draw him out of the biggest tower of his castle. 

So then the king sent letters and writs throughout all England, both inthe length and the breadth, for to assummon all his knights. And so untoArthur drew many knights, dukes, and earls, so that he had a great host. And when they were assembled, the king informed them how Sir Launcelothad bereft him his queen. Then the king and all his host made themready to lay siege about Sir Launcelot, where he lay within Joyous Gard. Thereof heard Sir Launcelot, and purveyed him of many good knights, forwith him held many knights; and some for his own sake, and some forthe queen's sake. Thus they were on both parties well furnished andgarnished of all manner of thing that longed to the war. But KingArthur's host was so big that Sir Launcelot would not abide him in thefield, for he was full loath to do battle against the king; but SirLauncelot drew him to his strong castle with all manner of victual, andas many noble men as he might suffice within the town and the castle. Then came King Arthur with Sir Gawaine with an huge host, and laid asiege all about Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle, andthere they made strong war on both parties. But in no wise Sir Launcelotwould ride out, nor go out of his castle, of long time; neither he wouldnone of his good knights to issue out, neither none of the town nor ofthe castle, until fifteen weeks were past. 

CHAPTER XI. Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and how King Arthur reproved him. 

THEN it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot looked overthe walls, and spake on high unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine: My lordsboth, wit ye well all is in vain that ye make at this siege, for herewin ye no worship but maugre and dishonour; for an it list me to comemyself out and my good knights, I should full soon make an end ofthis war. Come forth, said Arthur unto Launcelot, an thou durst, andI 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 nobleking 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 mydeath day; for thou hast slain my good knights, and full noble men ofmy blood, that I shall never recover again. Also thou hast lain by myqueen, and holden her many winters, and sithen like a traitor taken herfrom me by force. 

My most noble lord and king, said Sir Launcelot, ye may say what yewill, for ye wot well with yourself will I not strive; but thereas yesay I have slain your good knights, I wot well that I have done so, andthat me sore repenteth; but I was enforced to do battle with them insaving 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 makeit good upon me, that ever I was a traitor unto your person. And whereit please you to say that I have holden my lady your queen years andwinters, unto that I shall ever make a large answer, and prove it uponany 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 isliving unto her lord, and that will I make good with my hands. Howbeitit hath liked her good grace to have me in chierte, and to cherish memore than any other knight; and unto my power I again have deserved herlove, for ofttimes, my lord, ye have consented that she should be brentand destroyed, in your heat, and then it fortuned me to do battle forher, and or 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 queenfrom the fire; and then ye promised me for ever to be my good lord; andnow methinketh ye reward me full ill for my good service. And my goodlord, meseemeth I had lost a great part of my worship in my knighthoodan I had suffered my lady, your queen, to have been brent, and insomuchshe should have been brent for my sake. For sithen I have done battlesfor your queen in other quarrels than in mine own, meseemeth now I hadmore right to do battle for her in right quarrel. And therefore my goodand gracious lord, said Sir Launcelot, take your queen unto your goodgrace, for she is both fair, true, and good. 

Fie on thee, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine; I let thee wit mylord, mine uncle, King Arthur, shall have his queen and thee, maugre thyvisage, and slay you both whether it please him. It may well be, saidSir Launcelot, but wit you well, my lord Sir Gawaine, an me list to comeout of this castle ye should win me and the queen more harder than everye won a strong battle. Fie on thy proud words, said Sir Gawaine; as formy lady, the queen, I will never say of her shame. But thou, false andrecreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, what cause hadst thou to slay mygood brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee more than all my kin? Alas thoumadest him knight thine own hands; why slew thou him that loved thee sowell? For to excuse me, said Sir Launcelot, it helpeth me not, but byJesu, and by the faith that I owe to the high order of knighthood, Ishould with as good will have slain my nephew, Sir Bors de Ganis, atthat time. But alas that ever I was so unhappy, said Launcelot, that Ihad not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris. 

Thou liest, recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, thou slewest him indespite of me; and therefore, wit thou well I shall make war tothee, and all the while that I may live. That me repenteth, said SirLauncelot; for well I understand it helpeth not to seek none accordmentwhile ye, Sir Gawaine, are so mischievously set. And if ye were not, Iwould not doubt to have the good grace of my lord Arthur. I believe itwell, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine; for thou hast many longdays overled me and us all, and destroyed many of our good knights. Yesay as it pleaseth you, said Sir Launcelot; and yet may it never be saidon me, and openly proved, that ever I by forecast of treason slew nogood knight, as my lord, Sir Gawaine, ye have done; and so did I never, but in my defence that I was driven thereto, in saving of my life. Ah, false knight, said Sir Gawaine, that thou meanest by Sir Lamorak: witthou well I slew him. Ye slew him not yourself, said Sir Launcelot; ithad been overmuch on hand for you to have slain him, for he was one ofthe best knights christened of his age, and it was great pity of hisdeath. 

CHAPTER XII. How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him togo out to battle, and how they made them ready. 

WELL, well, said Sir Gawaine to Launcelot, sithen thou enbraidest me ofSir Lamorak, wit thou well I shall never leave thee till I have thee atsuch avail that thou shalt not escape my hands. I trust you well enough, said Sir Launcelot, an ye may get me I get but little mercy. But asthe French book saith, the noble King Arthur would have taken his queenagain, and have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine wouldnot suffer him by no manner of mean. And then Sir Gawaine made manymen to blow upon Sir Launcelot; and all at once they called him falserecreant knight. 

Then when Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, heardthis outcry, they called to them Sir Palomides, Sir Safere's brother, and Sir Lavaine, with many more of their blood, and all they went untoSir Launcelot, and said thus: My lord Sir Launcelot, wit ye well wehave 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, keepus no longer within these walls; for wit you well plainly, we will rideinto the field and do battle with them; for ye fare as a man that wereafeard, and for all your fair speech it will not avail you. For wit youwell Sir Gawaine will not suffer you to be accorded with King Arthur, and therefore fight for your life and your right, an ye dare. Alas, saidSir Launcelot, for to ride out of this castle, and to do battle, I amfull loath. 

Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto Sir Arthur and Sir Gawaine: Mylords, I require you and beseech you, sithen that I am thus required andconjured to ride into the field, that neither you, my lord King Arthur, nor you Sir Gawaine, come not into the field. What shall we do then?said Sir Gawaine, [N]is this the king's quarrel with thee to fight? andit is my quarrel to fight with thee, Sir Launcelot, because of thedeath of my brother Sir Gareth. Then must I needs unto battle, said SirLauncelot. Now wit you well, my lord Arthur and Sir Gawaine, ye willrepent it whensomever I do battle with you. 

And so then they departed either from other; and then either party madethem ready on the morn for to do battle, and great purveyance was madeon both sides; and Sir Gawaine let purvey many knights for to wait uponSir Launcelot, for to overset him and to slay him. And on the morn atunderne Sir Arthur was ready in the field with three great hosts. Andthen Sir Launcelot's fellowship came out at three gates, in a full goodarray; and Sir Lionel came in the foremost battle, and Sir Launcelotcame in the middle, and Sir Bors came out at the third gate. Thus theycame in order and rule, as full noble knights; and always Sir Launcelotcharged all his knights in any wise to save King Arthur and Sir Gawaine. 

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Gawaine jousted and smote down Sir Lionel, and howSir Launcelot horsed King Arthur. 

THEN came forth Sir Gawaine from the king's host, and he came before andproffered to joust. And Sir Lionel was a fierce knight, and lightly heencountered with Sir Gawaine; and there Sir Gawaine smote Sir Lionelthrough out the body, that he dashed to the earth like as he had beendead; and then Sir Ector de Maris and other more bare him into thecastle. Then there began a great stour, and much people was slain; andever Sir Launcelot did what he might to save the people on King Arthur'sparty, for Sir Palomides, and Sir Bors, and Sir Safere, overthrew manyknights, for they were deadly knights. And Sir Blamore de Ganis, and SirBleoberis de Ganis, with Sir Bellangere le Beuse, these six knights didmuch harm; and ever King Arthur was nigh about Sir Launcelot to haveslain him, and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and would not strike again. So Sir Bors encountered with King Arthur, and there with a spear SirBors smote him down; and so he alighted and drew his sword, and saidto Sir Launcelot: Shall I make an end of this war? and that he meant tohave slain King Arthur. Not so hardy, said Sir Launcelot, upon pain ofthy head, that thou touch him no more, for I will never see that mostnoble king that made me knight neither slain ne shamed. And therewithalSir Launcelot alighted off his horse and took up the king and horsed himagain, and said thus: My lord Arthur, for God's love stint this strife, for ye get here no worship, and I would do mine utterance, but always Iforbear you, and ye nor none of yours forbeareth me; my lord, rememberwhat 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, thinking on the great courtesythat was in Sir Launcelot more than in any other man; and therewith theking rode his way, and might no longer behold him, and said: Alas, thatever this war began. And then either parties of the battles withdrewthem to repose them, and buried the dead, and to the wounded men theylaid soft salves; and thus they endured that night till on the morn. Andon the morn by underne they made them ready to do battle. And then SirBors led the forward. 

So upon the morn there came Sir Gawaine as brim as any boar, with agreat spear in his hand. And when Sir Bors saw him he thought to revengehis brother Sir Lionel of the despite that Sir Gawaine did him the otherday. And so they that knew either other feutred their spears, and withall their mights of their horses and themselves, they met together sofelonously that either bare other through, and so they fell both to theearth; and then the battles joined, and there was much slaughter onboth parties. Then Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bors, and sent him into thecastle; but neither Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not of their wounds, for they were all holpen. Then Sir Lavaine and Sir Urre prayed SirLauncelot to do his pain, and fight as they had done; For we see yeforbear and spare, and that doth much harm; therefore we pray you sparenot your enemies no more than they do you. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, Ihave no heart to fight against my lord Arthur, for ever meseemeth I donot as I ought to do. My lord, said Sir Palomides, though ye spare themall this day they will never con you thank; and if they may get you atavail ye are but dead. So then Sir Launcelot understood that they saidhim truth; and then he strained himself more than he did aforehand, andbecause his nephew Sir Bors was sore wounded. And then within a littlewhile, by evensong time, Sir Launcelot and his party better stood, fortheir horses went in blood past the fetlocks, there was so much peopleslain. And then for pity Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, andsuffered King Arthur's party for to withdraw them aside. And then SirLauncelot's party withdrew them into his castle, and either partiesburied the dead, and put salve unto the wounded men. 

So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they on King Arthur's party were not soorgulous as they were toforehand to do battle. Of this war was noisedthrough all Christendom, and at the last it was noised afore thePope; and he considering the great goodness of King Arthur, and ofSir Launcelot, that was called the most noblest knights of the world, wherefore the Pope called unto him a noble clerk that at that time wasthere 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 interdicting of all England, that he take hisqueen Dame Guenever unto him again, and accord with Sir Launcelot. 

CHAPTER XIV. How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how SirLauncelot 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 fainhe would have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine wouldnot suffer him; but as for to have the queen, thereto he agreed. Butin nowise Sir Gawaine would not suffer the king to accord with SirLauncelot; but as for the queen he consented. And then the Bishop hadof the king his great seal, and his assurance as he was a true anointedking that Sir Launcelot should come safe, and go safe, and that thequeen should not be spoken unto of the king, nor of none other, for nothing done afore time past; and of all these appointments the Bishopbrought with him sure assurance and writing, to shew Sir Launcelot. 

So when the Bishop was come to Joyous Gard, there he shewed SirLauncelot how the Pope had written to Arthur and unto him, and there hetold him the perils if he withheld the queen from the king. It wasnever in my thought, said Launcelot, to withhold the queen from my lordArthur; but, insomuch she should have been dead for my sake, meseemethit was my part to save her life, and put her from that danger, tillbetter recover might come. And now I thank God, said Sir Launcelot, thatthe Pope hath made her peace; for God knoweth, said Sir Launcelot, Iwill be a thousandfold more gladder to bring her again, than ever I wasof 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 neverfor no thing that hath been surmised afore this time, she never fromthis day stand in no peril. For else, said Sir Launcelot, I dareadventure me to keep her from an harder shour than ever I kept her. Itshall not need you, said the Bishop, to dread so much; for wit you well, the Pope must be obeyed, and it were not the Pope's worship nor my poorhonesty to wit you distressed, neither the queen, neither in peril, norshamed. And then he shewed Sir Launcelot all his writing, both from thePope and from King Arthur. This is sure enough, said Sir Launcelot, forfull well I dare trust my lord's own writing and his seal, for he wasnever shamed of his promise. Therefore, said Sir Launcelot unto theBishop, ye shall ride unto the king afore, and recommend me unto hisgood grace, and let him have knowledging that this same day eight days, by the grace of God, I myself shall bring my lady, Queen Guenever, unto him. And then say ye unto my most redoubted king, that I will saylargely for the queen, that I shall none except for dread nor fear, but the king himself, and my lord Sir Gawaine; and that is more for theking's love than for himself. 

So the Bishop departed and came to the king at Carlisle, and told himall how Sir Launcelot answered him; and then the tears brast out of theking's eyen. Then Sir Launcelot purveyed him an hundred knights, and allwere clothed in green velvet, and their horses trapped to their heels;and every knight held a branch of olive in his hand, in tokening ofpeace. And the queen had four-and-twenty gentlewomen following her inthe same wise; and Sir Launcelot had twelve coursers following him, andon every courser sat a young gentleman, and all they were arrayed ingreen velvet, with sarps of gold about their quarters, and the horsetrapped in the same wise down to the heels, with many ouches, y-set withstones and pearls in gold, to the number of a thousand. And she and SirLauncelot were clothed in white cloth of gold tissue; and right so asye have heard, as the French book maketh mention, he rode with thequeen from Joyous Gard to Carlisle. And so Sir Launcelot rode throughoutCarlisle, and so in the castle, that all men might behold; and wityou well there was many a weeping eye. And then Sir Launcelot himselfalighted and avoided his horse, and took the queen, and so led her whereKing Arthur was in his seat: and Sir Gawaine sat afore him, and manyother 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 thequeen both. Wit you well then was there many bold knight there with KingArthur that wept as tenderly as though they had seen all their kin aforethem. So the king sat still, and said no word. And when Sir Launcelotsaw his countenance, he arose and pulled up the queen with him, and thushe spake full knightly. 

CHAPTER XV. Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by SirLauncelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot. 

MY most redoubted king, ye shall understand, by the Pope's commandmentand 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, exceptyour person, that will say or dare say but that she is true and cleanto you, I here myself, Sir Launcelot du Lake, will make it good upon hisbody, that she is a true lady unto you; but liars ye have listened, andthat hath caused debate betwixt you and me. For time hath been, my lordArthur, that ye have been greatly pleased with me when I did battle formy lady, your queen; and full well ye know, my most noble king, that shehath been put to great wrong or this time; and sithen it pleased you atmany times that I should fight for her, meseemeth, my good lord, I hadmore cause to rescue her from the fire, insomuch she should have beenbrent for my sake. For they that told you those tales were liars, and soit fell upon them; for by likelihood had not the might of God been withme, I might never have endured fourteen knights, and they armed andafore purposed, and I unarmed and not purposed. For I was sent for untomy lady your queen, I wot not for what cause; but I was not so soonwithin the chamber door, but anon Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred calledme traitor and recreant knight. They called thee right, said SirGawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, in their quarrel theyproved themselves not in the right. Well well, Sir Launcelot, said theking, I have given thee no cause to do to me as thou hast done, for Ihave worshipped thee and thine more than any of all my knights. 

My good lord, said Sir Launcelot, so ye be not displeased, ye shallunderstand I and mine have done you oft better service than any otherknights have done, in many divers places; and where ye have been fullhard bestead divers times, I have myself rescued you from many dangers;and ever unto my power I was glad to please you, and my lord SirGawaine; both in jousts, and tournaments, and in battles set, bothon horseback and on foot, I have often rescued you, and my lord SirGawaine, and many mo of your knights in many divers places. For now Iwill make avaunt, said Sir Launcelot, I will that ye all wit that yetI found never no manner of knight but that I was overhard for him, an Ihad done my utterance, thanked be God; howbeit I have been matched withgood knights, as Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak, but ever I had a favourunto them and a deeming what they were. And I take God to record, saidSir Launcelot, I never was wroth nor greatly heavy with no good knightan I saw him busy about to win worship; and glad I was ever when I foundany knight that might endure me on horseback and on foot: howbeit SirCarados of the Dolorous Tower was a full noble knight and a passingstrong man, and that wot ye, my lord Sir Gawaine; for he might wellbe called a noble knight when he by fine force pulled you out of yoursaddle, and bound you overthwart afore him to his saddle bow; and there, my lord Sir Gawaine, I rescued you, and slew him afore your sight. AlsoI found his brother, Sir Turquin, in likewise leading Sir Gaheris, yourbrother, bounden afore him; and there I rescued your brother and slewthat Turquin, and delivered three-score-and-four of my lord Arthur'sknights out of his prison. And now I dare say, said Sir Launcelot, I metnever with so strong knights, nor so well fighting, as was Sir Caradosand Sir Turquin, for I fought with them to the uttermost. And therefore, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, meseemeth ye ought of right toremember this; for, an I might have your good will, I would trust to Godto have my lord Arthur's good grace. 

CHAPTER XVI. Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot, with much other language. 

THE king may do as he will, said Sir Gawaine, but wit thou well, SirLauncelot, thou and I shall never be accorded while we live, for thouhast slain three of my brethren; and two of them ye slew traitorly andpiteously, for they bare none harness against thee, nor none would bear. God would they had been armed, said Sir Launcelot, for then had theybeen alive. And wit ye well Sir Gawaine, as for Sir Gareth, I love noneof my kinsmen so much as I did him; and ever while I live, said SirLauncelot, I will bewail Sir Gareth's death, not all only for the greatfear I have of you, but many causes cause me to be sorrowful. One is, for I made him knight; another is, I wot well he loved me above allother knights; and the third is, he was passing noble, true, courteous, and gentle, and well conditioned; the fourth is, I wist well, anon as Iheard that Sir Gareth was dead, I should never after have your love, buteverlasting war betwixt us; and also I wist well that ye would cause mynoble lord Arthur for ever to be my mortal foe. And as Jesu be my help, said Sir Launcelot, I slew never Sir Gareth nor Sir Gaheris by my will;but alas that ever they were unarmed that unhappy day. But thus muchI shall offer me, said Sir Launcelot, if it may please the king's goodgrace, 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' endI will found and gar make an house of religion, of what order that yewill 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 shallI perform from Sandwich unto Carlisle; and every house shall havesufficient livelihood. And this shall I perform while I have anylivelihood in Christendom; and there nis none of all these religiousplaces, but they shall be performed, furnished and garnished in allthings as an holy place ought to be, I promise you faithfully. And this, Sir Gawaine, methinketh were more fairer, holier, and more better totheir souls, than ye, my most noble king, and you, Sir Gawaine, to warupon me, for thereby shall ye get none avail. 

Then all knights and ladies that were there wept as they were mad, andthe tears fell on King Arthur's cheeks. Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I have right well heard thy speech, and thy great proffers, but witthou well, let the king do as it pleased him, I will never forgive mybrothers' death, and in especial the death of my brother, Sir Gareth. And if mine uncle, King Arthur, will accord with thee, he shall lose myservice, 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 andif ye, Sir Gawaine, will charge me with so high a thing, ye must pardonme, for then needs must I answer you. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, we are pastthat at this time, and that caused the Pope, for he hath charged mineuncle, the king, that he shall take his queen again, and to accord withthee, Sir Launcelot, as for this season, and therefore thou shalt gosafe as thou camest. But in this land thou shalt not abide past fifteendays, such summons I give thee: so the king and we were consented andaccorded or thou camest. And else, said Sir Gawaine, wit thou well thoushouldst not have come here, but if it were maugre thy head. And ifit were not for the Pope's commandment, said Sir Gawaine, I should dobattle with mine own body against thy body, and prove it upon thee, thatthou hast been both false unto mine uncle King Arthur, and to me both;and that shall I prove upon thy body, when thou art departed from hence, wheresomever I find thee. 

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from JoyousGard over seaward, and what knights went with him. 

THEN Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks, and then he said thus: Alas, most noble Christian realm, whom I haveloved above all other realms, and in thee I have gotten a great part ofmy worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Truly me repenteththat ever I came in this realm, that should be thus shamefully banished, undeserved and causeless; but fortune is so variant, and the wheel somoveable, there nis none constant abiding, and that may be proved bymany old chronicles, of noble Ector, and Troilus, and Alisander, themighty conqueror, and many mo other; when they were most in theirroyalty, they alighted lowest. And so fareth it by me, said SirLauncelot, for in this realm I had worship, and by me and mine all thewhole Round Table hath been increased more in worship, by me and mineblood, than by any other. And therefore wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, Imay live upon my lands as well as any knight that here is. And if ye, most redoubted king, will come upon my lands with Sir Gawaine to warupon me, I must endure you as well as I may. But as to you, Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I pray you charge me not with treason nor felony, for an ye do, I must answer you. Do thou thy best, said Sir Gawaine;therefore hie thee fast that thou were gone, and wit thou well we shallsoon come after, and break the strongest castle that thou hast, upon thyhead. That shall not need, said Sir Launcelot, for an I were as orgulousset as ye are, wit you well I should meet you in midst of the field. Make thou no more language, said Sir Gawaine, but deliver the queen fromthee, 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 orthat I had come hither; for an the queen had been so dear to me as yenoise her, I durst have kept her from the fellowship of the best knightsunder heaven. 

And then Sir Launcelot said unto Guenever, in hearing of the king andthem all: Madam, now I must depart from you and this noble fellowshipfor ever; and sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say mewell; and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues, lightly my ladysend me word, and if any knight's hands may deliver you by battle, Ishall deliver you. And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen; andthen he said all openly. Now let see what he be in this place that daresay the queen is not true unto my lord Arthur, let see who will speak anhe dare speak. And therewith he brought the queen to the king, and thenSir Launcelot took his leave and departed; and there was neither king, duke, nor earl, baron nor knight, lady nor gentlewoman, but all theywept as people out of their mind, except Sir Gawaine. And when the nobleSir Launcelot took his horse to ride out of Carlisle, there was sobbingand weeping for pure dole of his departing; and so he took his way untoJoyous Gard. And then ever after he called it the Dolorous Gard. Andthus departed Sir Launcelot from the court for ever. 

And so when he came to Joyous Gard he called his fellowship unto him, and asked them what they would do Then they answered all wholly togetherwith one voice they would as he would do. My fair fellows, said SirLauncelot, I must depart out of this most noble realm, and now I shalldepart it grieveth me sore, for I shall depart with no worship, for aflemed man departed never out of a realm with no worship; and that is myheaviness, for ever I fear after my days that men shall chronicle uponme that I was flemed out of this land; and else, my fair lords, be yesure, an I had not dread shame, my lady, Queen Guenever, and I shouldnever have departed. 

Then spake many noble knights, as Sir Palomides, Sir Safere his brother, and Sir Bellingere le Beuse, and Sir Urre, with Sir Lavaine, with manyothers: Sir, an ye be so disposed to abide in this land we will neverfail you; and if ye list not to abide in this land there nis none of thegood knights that here be will fail you, for many causes. One is, allwe that be not of your blood shall never be welcome to the court. And sithen it liked us to take a part with you in your distress andheaviness in this realm, wit you well it shall like us as well to go inother countries with you, and there to take such part as ye do. My fairlords, said Sir Launcelot, I well understand you, and as I can, thankyou: and ye shall understand, such livelihood as I am born unto I shalldepart with you in this manner of wise; that is for to say, I shalldepart all my livelihood and all my lands freely among you, and I myselfwill have as little as any of you, for have I sufficient that may longto my person, I will ask none other rich array; and I trust to God tomaintain you on my lands as well as ever were maintained any knights. Then spake all the knights at once: He have shame that will leave you;for we all understand in this realm will be now no quiet, but everstrife and debate, now the fellowship of the Round Table is broken; forby the noble fellowship of the Round Table was King Arthur upborne, andby their noblesse the king and all his realm was in quiet and rest, anda great part they said all was because of your noblesse. 

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he madegreat lords of the knights that went with him. 

TRULY, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you all of your good saying, howbeit, I wot well, in me was not all the stability of this realm, but in thatI might I did my devoir; and well I am sure I knew many rebellions inmy days that by me were peaced, and I trow we all shall hear of them inshort space, and that me sore repenteth. For ever I dread me, said SirLauncelot, that Sir Mordred will make trouble, for he is passing enviousand applieth him to trouble. So they were accorded to go with SirLauncelot to his lands; and to make short tale, they trussed, and paidall that would ask them; and wholly an hundred knights departed with SirLauncelot at once, and made their avows they would never leave him forweal nor for woe. 

And so they shipped at Cardiff, and sailed unto Benwick: some men callit Bayonne, and some men call it Beaune, where the wine of Beaune is. But to say the sooth, Sir Launcelot and his nephews were lords of allFrance, and of all the lands that longed unto France; he and his kindredrejoiced it all through Sir Launcelot's noble prowess. And then SirLauncelot stuffed and furnished and garnished all his noble towns andcastles. Then all the people of those lands came to Sir Launcelot onfoot and hands. And so when he had stablished all these countries, heshortly called a parliament; and there he crowned Sir Lionel, King ofFrance; and Sir Bors [he] crowned him king of all King Claudas' lands;and Sir Ector de Maris, that was Sir Launcelot's youngest brother, he crowned him King of Benwick, and king of all Guienne, that was SirLauncelot's own land. And he made Sir Ector prince of them all, and thushe departed. 

Then Sir Launcelot advanced all his noble knights, and first he advancedthem of his blood; that was Sir Blamore, he made him Duke of Limosinin Guienne and Sir Bleoberis he made him Duke of Poictiers, and SirGahalantine he made him Duke of Querne, and Sir Galihodin he made himDuke of Sentonge, and Sir Galihud he made him Earl of Perigot, and SirMenadeuke he made him Earl of Roerge, and Sir Villiars the Valiant hemade him Earl of Bearn, and Sir Hebes le Renoumes he made him Earl ofComange, and Sir Lavaine he made him Earl of Arminak, and Sir Urre hemade him Earl of Estrake, and Sir Neroneus he made him Earl of Pardiak, and Sir Plenorius he made Earl of Foise, and Sir Selises of the DolorousTower he made him Earl of Masauke, and Sir Melias de Lile he made himEarl of Tursauk, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse he made Earl of the Launds, and Sir Palomides he made him Duke of the Provence, and Sir Saferehe made him Duke of Landok, and Sir Clegis he gave him the Earldom ofAgente, and Sir Sadok he gave the Earldom of Surlat, and Sir Dinas leSeneschal he made him Duke of Anjou, and Sir Clarrus he made him Duke ofNormandy. Thus Sir Launcelot rewarded his noble knights and many more, that meseemeth it were too long to rehearse. 

CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready togo over sea to make war on Sir Launcelot. 

SO leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble knights with him, and return we again unto King Arthur and to Sir Gawaine, that made agreat host ready, to the number of threescore thousand; and all thingwas made ready for their shipping to pass over the sea, and so theyshipped at Cardiff. And there King Arthur made Sir Mordred chief rulerof 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 hisland and of his wife; and so the king passed the sea and landed upon SirLauncelot's lands, and there he brent and wasted, through the vengeanceof Sir Gawaine, all that they might overrun. 

When this word came to Sir Launcelot, that King Arthur and Sir Gawainewere landed upon his lands, and made a full great destruction and waste, then spake Sir Bors, and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, it is shame thatwe suffer them thus to ride over our lands, for wit you well, suffer yethem as long as ye will, they will do you no favour an they may handleyou. Then said Sir Lionel that was wary and wise: My lord Sir Launcelot, I will give this counsel, let us keep our strong walled towns until theyhave hunger and cold, and blow on their nails; and then let us freshlyset upon them, and shred them down as sheep in a field, that aliens maytake example for ever how they land upon our lands. 

Then spake King Bagdemagus to Sir Launcelot: Sir, your courtesy willshende us all, and thy courtesy hath waked all this sorrow; for an theythus over our lands ride, they shall by process bring us all tonought whilst we thus in holes us hide. Then said Sir Galihud unto SirLauncelot: Sir, here be knights come of kings' blood, that will not longdroop, and they are within these walls; therefore give us leave, like aswe be knights, to meet them in the field, and we shall slay them, thatthey shall curse the time that ever they came into this country. Thenspake seven brethren of North Wales, and they were seven noble knights;a man might seek in seven kings' lands or he might find such sevenknights. Then they all said at once: Sir Launcelot, for Christ's sakelet us out ride with Sir Galihud, for we be never wont to cower incastles nor in noble towns. 

Then spake Sir Launcelot, that was master and governor of them all: Myfair lords, wit you well I am full loath to ride out with my knights forshedding of Christian blood; and yet my lands I understand be full barefor to sustain any host awhile, for the mighty wars that whilom madeKing Claudas upon this country, upon my father King Ban, and on mineuncle King Bors; howbeit we will as at this time keep our strong walls, and I shall send a messenger unto my lord Arthur, a treaty for to take;for better is peace than always war. 

So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damosel and a dwarf with her, requiringKing Arthur to leave his warring upon his lands; and so she start upona palfrey, and the dwarf ran by her side. And when she came to thepavilion of King Arthur, there she alighted; and there met her a gentleknight, Sir Lucan the Butler, and said: Fair damosel, come ye from SirLauncelot du Lake? Yea sir, she said, therefore I come hither to speakwith my lord the king. Alas, said Sir Lucan, my lord Arthur would loveLauncelot, but Sir Gawaine will not suffer him. And then he said: I prayto God, damosel, ye may speed well, for all we that be about the kingwould Sir Launcelot did best of any knight living. And so with thisLucan led the damosel unto the king where he sat with Sir Gawaine, forto hear what she would say. So when she had told her tale, the water ranout of the king's eyen, and all the lords were full glad for to advisethe king as to be accorded with Sir Launcelot, save all only SirGawaine, and he said: My lord mine uncle, what will ye do? Will ye nowturn again, now ye are passed thus far upon this journey? all theworld will speak of your villainy. Nay, said Arthur, wit thou well, SirGawaine, I will do as ye will advise me; and yet meseemeth, said Arthur, his fair proffers were not good to be refused; but sithen I am come sofar upon this journey, I will that ye give the damosel her answer, for Imay not speak to her for pity, for her proffers be so large. 

CHAPTER XX. What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot; and how KingArthur laid siege to Benwick, and other matters. 

THEN Sir Gawaine said to the damosel thus: Damosel, say ye to SirLauncelot that it is waste labour now to sue to mine uncle; for tellhim, an he would have made any labour for peace, he should have madeit or this time, for tell him now it is too late; and say that I, SirGawaine, so send him word, that I promise him by the faith I owe untoGod and to knighthood, I shall never leave him till he have slain meor I him. So the damosel wept and departed, and there were many weepingeyen; and so Sir Lucan brought the damosel to her palfrey, and so shecame to Sir Launcelot where he was among all his knights. And when SirLauncelot had heard this answer, then the tears ran down by his cheeks. And then his noble knights strode about him, and said: Sir Launcelot, wherefore make ye such cheer, think what ye are, and what men we are, and let us noble knights match them in midst of the field. That may belightly done, said Sir Launcelot, but I was never so loath to do battle, and therefore I pray you, fair sirs, as ye love me, be ruled as I willhave you, for I will always flee that noble king that made me knight. And when I may no further, I must needs defend me, and that will be moreworship for me and us all than to compare with that noble king whom wehave all served. Then they held their language, and as that night theytook their rest. 

And upon the morn early, in the dawning of the day, as knights lookedout, they saw the city of Benwick besieged round about; and fast theybegan to set up ladders, and then they defied them out of the town, andbeat them from the walls wightly. Then came forth Sir Gawaine well armedupon a stiff steed, and he came before the chief gate, with his spearin his hand, crying: Sir Launcelot, where art thou? is there none of youproud knights dare break a spear with me? Then Sir Bors made him ready, and came forth out of the town, and there Sir Gawaine encountered withSir Bors. And at that time he smote Sir Bors down from his horse, andalmost he had slain him; and so Sir Bors was rescued and borne into thetown. Then came forth Sir Lionel, brother to Sir Bors, and thought torevenge him; and either feutred their spears, and ran together; andthere they met spitefully, but Sir Gawaine had such grace that he smoteSir Lionel down, and wounded him there passing sore; and then Sir Lionelwas rescued and borne into the town. And this Sir Gawaine came everyday, 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 onboth parties. Then it befell upon a day, Sir Gawaine came afore thegates armed at all pieces on a noble horse, with a great spear in hishand; and then he cried with a loud voice: Where art thou now, thoufalse traitor, Sir Launcelot? Why hidest thou thyself within holes andwalls like a coward? Look out now, thou false traitor knight, and hereI shall revenge upon thy body the death of my three brethren. All thislanguage heard Sir Launcelot every deal; and his kin and his knightsdrew about him, and all they said at once to Sir Launcelot: SirLauncelot, now must ye defend you like a knight, or else ye be shamedfor ever; for, now ye be called upon treason, it is time for you tostir, for ye have slept over-long and suffered over-much. So God mehelp, said Sir Launcelot, I am right heavy of Sir Gawaine's words, fornow he charged me with a great charge; and therefore I wot it as well asye, that I must defend me, or else to be recreant. 

Then Sir Launcelot bade saddle his strongest horse, and bade letfetch his arms, and bring all unto the gate of the tower; and then SirLauncelot spake on high unto King Arthur, and said: My lord Arthur, andnoble king that made me knight, wit you well I am right heavy for yoursake, that ye thus sue upon me; and always I forbare you, for an I wouldhave been vengeable, I might have met you in midst of the field, andthere to have made your boldest knights full tame. And now I haveforborne half a year, and suffered you and Sir Gawaine to do what yewould do; and now may I endure it no longer, for now must I needs defendmyself, insomuch Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of treason; the which isgreatly against my will that ever I should fight against any of yourblood, but now I may not forsake it, I am driven thereto as a beast tilla bay. 

Then Sir Gawaine said: Sir Launcelot, an thou durst do battle, leave thybabbling and come off, and let us ease our hearts. Then Sir Launcelotarmed him lightly, and mounted upon his horse, and either of the knightsgat great spears in their hands, and the host without stood still allapart, and the noble knights came out of the city by a great number, insomuch that when Arthur saw the number of men and knights, hemarvelled, and said to himself: Alas, that ever Sir Launcelot wasagainst me, for now I see he hath forborne me. And so the covenant wasmade, there should no man nigh them, nor deal with them, till the onewere dead or yelden. 

CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, andhow Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt. 

THEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great way asunder, andthen they came together with all their horses' might as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their shields; but the knights wereso strong, and their spears so big, that their horses might not enduretheir buffets, and so their horses fell to the earth; and then theyavoided their horses, and dressed their shields afore them. Then theystood together and gave many sad strokes on divers places of theirbodies, that the blood brast out on many sides and places. Then had SirGawaine such a grace and gift that an holy man had given to him, thatevery day in the year, from underne till high noon, his might increasedthose three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that causedSir Gawaine to win great honour. And for his sake King Arthur made anordinance, that all manner of battles for any quarrels that should bedone afore King Arthur should begin at underne; and all was done for SirGawaine's love, that by likelihood, if Sir Gawaine were on the one part, he should have the better in battle while his strength endureth threehours; but there were but few knights that time living that knew thisadvantage that Sir Gawaine had, but King Arthur all only. 

Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and when Sir Launcelot felthis might evermore increase, Sir Launcelot wondered and dread him soreto be shamed. For as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot weened, whenhe felt Sir Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend andnone earthly man; wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and traversed, andcovered himself with his shield, and kept his might and his braideduring three hours; and that while Sir Gawaine gave him many sad brunts, and many sad strokes, that all the knights that beheld Sir Launcelotmarvelled how that he might endure him; but full little understood theythat travail that Sir Launcelot had for to endure him. And then whenit was past noon Sir Gawaine had no more but his own might. When SirLauncelot felt him so come down, then he stretched him up and stoodnear Sir Gawaine, and said thus: My lord Sir Gawaine, now I feel ye havedone; now my lord Sir Gawaine, I must do my part, for many great andgrievous strokes I have endured you this day with great pain. 

Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes and gave Sir Gawaine such abuffet on the helmet that he fell down on his side, and Sir Launcelotwithdrew him from him. Why withdrawest thou thee? said Sir Gawaine;now turn again, false traitor knight, and slay me, for an thou leave methus, when I am whole I shall do battle with thee again. I shall endureyou, Sir, by God's grace, but wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, I will neversmite a felled knight. And so Sir Launcelot went into the city; and SirGawaine was borne into King Arthur's pavilion, and leeches were broughtto him, and searched and salved with soft ointments. And then SirLauncelot said: Now have good day, my lord the king, for wit you well yewin no worship at these walls; and if I would my knights outbring, thereshould many a man die. Therefore, my lord Arthur, remember you of oldkindness; and however I fare, Jesu be your guide in all places. 

CHAPTER XXII. Of the sorrow that King Arthur made for the war, and ofanother battle where also Sir Gawaine had the worse. 

ALAS, said the king, that ever this unhappy war was begun; for ever SirLauncelot forbeareth me in all places, and in likewise my kin, and thatis seen well this day by my nephew Sir Gawaine. Then King Arthur fellsick for sorrow of Sir Gawaine, that he was so sore hurt, and becauseof the war betwixt him and Sir Launcelot. So then they on King Arthur'spart kept the siege with little war withoutforth; and they withinforthkept their walls, and defended them when need was. Thus Sir Gawaine laysick three weeks in his tents, with all manner of leech-craft that mightbe had. And as soon as Sir Gawaine might go and ride, he armed him atall points, and start upon a courser, and gat a spear in his hand, andso he came riding afore the chief gate of Benwick; and there he criedon height: Where art thou, Sir Launcelot? Come forth, thou false traitorknight and recreant, for I am here, Sir Gawaine, will prove this that Isay on thee. 

All this language Sir Launcelot heard, and then he said thus: SirGawaine, me repents of your foul saying, that ye will not cease of yourlanguage; for you wot well, Sir Gawaine, I know your might and all thatye may do; and well ye wot, Sir Gawaine, ye may not greatly hurt me. Come down, traitor knight, said he, and make it good the contrary withthy hands, for it mishapped me the last battle to be hurt of thy hands;therefore wit thou well I am come this day to make amends, for I weenthis day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me. Jesu defend me, said SirLauncelot, that ever I be so far in your danger as ye have been in mine, for then my days were done. But Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, yeshall not think that I tarry long, but sithen that ye so unknightly callme of treason, ye shall have both your hands full of me. And then SirLauncelot armed him at all points, and mounted upon his horse, and gata great spear in his hand, and rode out at the gate. And both the hostswere assembled, of them without and of them within, and stood in arrayfull manly. And both parties were charged to hold them still, to see andbehold the battle of these two noble knights. And then they laid theirspears in their rests, and they came together as thunder, and SirGawaine brake his spear upon Sir Launcelot in a hundred pieces untohis hand; and Sir Launcelot smote him with a greater might, that SirGawaine's horse's feet raised, and so the horse and he fell to theearth. Then Sir Gawaine deliverly avoided his horse, and put his shieldafore him, and eagerly drew his sword, and bade Sir Launcelot: Alight, traitor knight, for if this mare's son hath failed me, wit thou well aking's son and a queen's son shall not fail thee. 

Then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and dressed his shield aforehim, and drew his sword; and so stood they together and gave many sadstrokes, that all men on both parties had thereof passing greatwonder. But when Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawaine's might so marvellouslyincrease, he then withheld his courage and his wind, and kept himselfwonder covert of his might; and under his shield he traced and traversedhere and there, to break Sir Gawaine's strokes and his courage; and SirGawaine enforced himself with all his might and power to destroy SirLauncelot; for as the French book saith, ever as Sir Gawaine's mightincreased, right so increased his wind and his evil will. Thus SirGawaine did great pain unto Sir Launcelot three hours, that he had rightgreat pain for to defend him. 

And when the three hours were passed, that Sir Launcelot felt that SirGawaine was come to his own proper strength, then Sir Launcelot saidunto Sir Gawaine: Now have I proved you twice, that ye are a fulldangerous knight, and a wonderful man of your might; and many wonderfuldeeds have ye done in your days, for by your might increasing you havedeceived many a full noble and valiant knight; and, now I feel that yehave done your mighty deeds, now wit you well I must do my deeds. And then Sir Launcelot stood near Sir Gawaine, and then Sir Launcelotdoubled his strokes; and Sir Gawaine defended him mightily, butnevertheless Sir Launcelot smote such a stroke upon Sir Gawaine's helm, and upon the old wound, that Sir Gawaine sinked down upon his oneside in a swoon. And anon as he did awake he waved and foined at SirLauncelot as he lay, and said: Traitor knight, wit thou well I am notyet slain, come thou near me and perform this battle unto the uttermost. I will no more do than I have done, said Sir Launcelot, for when I seeyou on foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see you stand onyour feet; but for to smite a wounded man that may not stand, God defendme from such a shame. And then he turned him and went his way toward thecity. And Sir Gawaine evermore calling him traitor knight, and said:Wit thou well Sir Launcelot, when I am whole I shall do battle with theeagain, for I shall never leave thee till that one of us be slain. Thusas this siege endured, and as Sir Gawaine lay sick near a month; andwhen he was well recovered and ready within three days to do battleagain with Sir Launcelot, right so came tidings unto Arthur from Englandthat made King Arthur and all his host to remove. 

_Here followeth the xxi. Book. _

BOOK XXI. 

CHAPTER I. How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King ofEngland, and would have married the queen, his father's wife. 

AS Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he did do make letters asthough that they came from beyond the sea, and the letters specifiedthat King Arthur was slain in battle with Sir Launcelot. Wherefore SirMordred made a parliament, and called the lords together, and there hemade them to choose him king; and so was he crowned at Canterbury, and held a feast there fifteen days; and afterward he drew him untoWinchester, and there he took the Queen Guenever, and said plainly thathe would wed her which was his uncle's wife and his father's wife. Andso he made ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that they should bewedded; wherefore Queen Guenever was passing heavy. But she durst notdiscover 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 mannerof things that longed unto the wedding. And because of her fair speechSir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to go. And sowhen she came to London she took the Tower of London, and suddenly inall haste possible she stuffed it with all manner of victual, and wellgarnished it with men, and so kept it. 

Then when Sir Mordred wist and understood how he was beguiled, he waspassing wroth out of measure. And a short tale for to make, he wentand laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and made many greatassaults thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot greatguns. But all might not prevail Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever wouldnever for fair speech nor for foul, would never trust to come in hishands again. 

Then came the Bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble clerk and anholy man, and thus he said to Sir Mordred: Sir, what will ye do? willye first displease God and sithen shame yourself, and all knighthood? Isnot King Arthur your uncle, no farther but your mother's brother, and onher himself King Arthur begat you upon his own sister, therefore howmay you wed your father's wife? Sir, said the noble clerk, leave thisopinion or I shall curse you with book and bell and candle. Do thou thyworst, said Sir Mordred, wit thou well I shall defy thee. Sir, said theBishop, and wit you well I shall not fear me to do that me ought to do. Also where ye noise where my lord Arthur is slain, and that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this land. Peace, thou falsepriest, said Sir Mordred, for an thou chafe me any more I shall makestrike off thy head. So the Bishop departed and did the cursing in themost orgulist wise that might be done. And then Sir Mordred sought theBishop of Canterbury, for to have slain him. Then the Bishop fled, andtook part of his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury; andthere he was as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived in poverty and inholy prayers, for well he understood that mischievous war was at hand. 

Then Sir Mordred sought on Queen Guenever by letters and sonds, and byfair means and foul means, for to have her to come out of the Tower ofLondon; but all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openlyand privily, that she had liefer slay herself than to be married withhim. Then came word to Sir Mordred that King Arthur had araised thesiege for Sir Launcelot, and he was coming homeward with a great host, to be avenged upon Sir Mordred; wherefore Sir Mordred made write writsto all the barony of this land, and much people drew to him. For thenwas the common voice among them that with Arthur was none other life butwar and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus wasSir Arthur depraved, and evil said of. And many there were that KingArthur had made up of nought, and given them lands, might not then sayhim a good word. Lo ye all Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief herewas! for he that was the most king and knight of the world, andmost loved the fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were allupholden, now might not these Englishmen hold them content with him. Lothus was the old custom and usage of this land; and also men say thatwe of this land have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage. Alas, this is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may no thingplease us no term. And so fared the people at that time, they werebetter pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur; andmuch people drew unto Sir Mordred, and said they would abide with himfor better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host toDover, for there he heard say that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so hethought to beat his own father from his lands; and the most part of allEngland held with Sir Mordred, the people were so new-fangle. 

CHAPTER II. How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and cameto Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of the deathof Sir Gawaine. 

AND so as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King Arthurwith a great navy of ships, and galleys, and carracks. And there was SirMordred ready awaiting upon his landing, to let his own father to landupon the land that he was king over. Then there was launching of greatboats and small, and full of noble men of arms; and there was muchslaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron was laid fulllow, on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous that there mightno manner of knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely followedhim; and so they landed maugre Sir Mordred and all his power, and putSir Mordred aback, that he fled and all his people. 

So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that weredead. And then was noble Sir Gawaine found in a great boat, lying morethan half dead When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low; hewent unto him; and there the king made sorrow out of measure, and tookSir Gawaine in his arms, and thrice he there swooned. And then whenhe awaked, he said: Alas, Sir Gawaine, my sister's son, here now thouliest; the man in the world that I loved most; and now is my joy gone, for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine, I will discover me unto your person: inSir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine affiance, and now haveI lost my joy of you both; wherefore all mine earthly joy is gone fromme. Mine uncle King Arthur, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well my death-dayis come, and all is through mine own hastiness and wilfulness; for I amsmitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot gave me, on the whichI 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 SirLauncelot and his blood, through their prowess, held all your cankeredenemies in subjection and daunger. And now, said Sir Gawaine, yeshall miss Sir Launcelot. But alas, I would not accord with him, andtherefore, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you, fair uncle, that I may havepaper, pen, and ink, that I may write to Sir Launcelot a cedle with mineown hands. 

And then when paper and ink was brought, then Gawaine was set up weaklyby King Arthur, for he was shriven a little to-fore; and then he wrotethus, as the French book maketh mention: Unto Sir Launcelot, flowerof all noble knights that ever I heard of or saw by my days, I, SirGawaine, King Lot's son of Orkney, sister's son unto the noble KingArthur, send thee greeting, and let thee have knowledge that the tenthday of May I was smitten upon the old wound that thou gavest me aforethe city of Benwick, and through the same wound that thou gavest me Iam come to my death-day. And I will that all the world wit, that I, SirGawaine, knight of the Table Round, sought my death, and not through thydeserving, but it was mine own seeking; wherefore I beseech thee, SirLauncelot, to return again unto this realm, and see my tomb, and praysome prayer more or less for my soul. And this same day that I wrotethis cedle, I was hurt to the death in the same wound, the which I hadof thy hand, Sir Launcelot; for of a more nobler man might I not beslain. Also Sir Launcelot, for all the love that ever was betwixt us, make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all haste, that thou maystwith thy noble knights rescue that noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord Arthur; for he is full straitly bestead with a falsetraitor, that is my half-brother, Sir Mordred; and he hath let crown himking, and would have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so had he donehad she not put herself in the Tower of London. And so the tenth day ofMay last past, my lord Arthur and we all landed upon them at Dover; andthere we put that false traitor, Sir Mordred, to flight, and there itmisfortuned me to be stricken upon thy stroke. And at the date of thisletter was written, but two hours and a half afore my death, writtenwith mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart's blood. AndI require thee, most famous knight of the world, that thou wilt see mytomb. And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept; and then theyswooned both. And when they awaked both, the king made Sir Gawaine toreceive his Saviour. And then Sir Gawaine prayed the king for to sendfor Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights. 

And so at the hour of noon Sir Gawaine yielded up the spirit; and thenthe king let inter him in a chapel within Dover Castle; and there yetall men may see the skull of him, and the same wound is seen that SirLauncelot gave him in battle. Then was it told the king that Sir Mordredhad pight a new field upon Barham Down. And upon the morn the king rodethither to him, and there was a great battle betwixt them, and muchpeople was slain on both parties; but at the last Sir Arthur's partystood best, and Sir Mordred and his party fled unto Canterbury. 

CHAPTER III. How after, Sir Gawaine's ghost appeared to King Arthur, andwarned him that he should not fight that day. 

AND then the king let search all the towns for his knights that wereslain, and interred them; and salved them with soft salves that so sorewere wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then theysaid that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur with wrong. And thenKing Arthur drew him with his host down by the seaside, westward towardSalisbury; and there was a day assigned betwixt King Arthur and SirMordred, that they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not farfrom the seaside; and this day was assigned on a Monday after TrinitySunday, whereof King Arthur was passing glad, that he might be avengedupon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred araised much people about London, for they of Kent, Southsex, and Surrey, Estsex, and of Southfolk, andof Northfolk, held the most part with Sir Mordred; and many a full nobleknight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king: but they that loved SirLauncelot drew unto Sir Mordred. 

So upon Trinity Sunday at night, King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream, and that was this: that him seemed he sat upon a chaflet in a chair, and the chair was fast to a wheel, and thereupon sat King Arthur in therichest cloth of gold that might be made; and the king thought there wasunder him, far from him, an hideous deep black water, and therein wereall manner of serpents, and worms, and wild beasts, foul and horrible;and suddenly the king thought the wheel turned up-so-down, and he fellamong the serpents, and every beast took him by a limb; and then theking cried as he lay in his bed and slept: Help. And then knights, squires, and yeomen, awaked the king; and then he was so amazed that hewist not where he was; and then he fell a-slumbering again, not sleepingnor thoroughly waking. So the king seemed verily that there came SirGawaine unto him with a number of fair ladies with him. And when KingArthur saw him, then he said: Welcome, my sister's son; I weened thouhadst been dead, and now I see thee alive, much am I beholding untoAlmighty Jesu. O fair nephew and my sister's son, what be these ladiesthat hither be come with you? Sir, said Sir Gawaine, all these be ladiesfor whom I have foughten when I was man living, and all these are thosethat I did battle for in righteous quarrel; and God hath given them thatgrace at their great prayer, because I did battle for them, that theyshould bring me hither unto you: thus much hath God given me leave, forto warn you of your death; for an ye fight as to-morn with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye must be slain, and themost part of your people on both parties. And for the great grace andgoodness that almighty Jesu hath unto you, and for pity of you, and manymore other good men there shall be slain, God hath sent me to you ofhis special grace, to give you warning that in no wise ye do battleas to-morn, but that ye take a treaty for a month day; and proffer youlargely, so as to-morn to be put in a delay. For within a monthshall come Sir Launcelot with all his noble knights, and rescue youworshipfully, and slay Sir Mordred, and all that ever will hold withhim. Then Sir Gawaine and all the ladies vanished. 

And anon the king called upon his knights, squires, and yeomen, andcharged them wightly to fetch his noble lords and wise bishops untohim. And when they were come, the king told them his avision, what SirGawaine had told him, and warned him that if he fought on the morn heshould be slain. Then the king commanded Sir Lucan the Butler, and hisbrother Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them inany 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. Sothen they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a grim host ofan 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, byArthur's days: after, all England, after the days of King Arthur. 

CHAPTER IV. How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, whereMordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death. 

THEN were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred shouldmeet betwixt both their hosts, and everych of them should bring fourteenpersons; and they came with this word unto Arthur. Then said he: I amglad that this is done: and so he went into the field. And when Arthurshould 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 inno wise trust him. In like wise Sir Mordred warned his host that: An yesee any sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay allthat ever before you standeth; for in no wise I will not trust for thistreaty, for I know well my father will be avenged on me. And so theymet as their appointment was, and so they were agreed and accordedthoroughly; and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right soon came anadder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot. Andwhen the knight felt him stung, he looked down and saw the adder, andthen he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none otherharm. And when the host on both parties saw that sword drawn, then theyblew beams, trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hostsdressed them together. And King Arthur took his horse, and said: Alasthis unhappy day! and so rode to his party. And Sir Mordred in likewise. And never was there seen a more dolefuller battle in no Christianland; for there was but rushing and riding, foining and striking, andmany a grim word was there spoken either to other, and many a deadlystroke. But ever King Arthur rode throughout the battle of Sir Mordredmany times, and did full nobly as a noble king should, and at all timeshe fainted never; and Sir Mordred that day put him in devoir, and ingreat peril. And thus they fought all the long day, and never stintedtill the noble knights were laid to the cold earth; and ever they foughtstill till it was near night, and by that time was there an hundredthousand laid dead upon the down. Then was Arthur wood wroth out ofmeasure, when he saw his people so slain from him. 

Then the king looked about him, and then was he ware, of all his hostand of all his good knights, were left no more alive but two knights;that one was Sir Lucan the Butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, andthey were full sore wounded. Jesu mercy, said the king, where are all mynoble knights become? Alas that ever I should see this doleful day, fornow, said Arthur, I am come to mine end. But would to God that I wistwhere were that traitor Sir Mordred, that hath caused all this mischief. Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned upon his sword amonga great heap of dead men. Now give me my spear, said Arthur unto SirLucan, for yonder I have espied the traitor that all this woe hathwrought. Sir, let him be, said Sir Lucan, for he is unhappy; and if yepass this unhappy day ye shall be right well revenged upon him. Goodlord, remember ye of your night's dream, and what the spirit ofSir Gawaine told you this night, yet God of his great goodness hathpreserved you hitherto. Therefore, for God's sake, my lord, leave offby this, for blessed be God ye have won the field, for here we be threealive, and with Sir Mordred is none alive; and if ye leave off now thiswicked day of destiny is past. Tide me death, betide me life, saith theking, now I see him yonder alone he shall never escape mine hands, forat a better avail shall I never have him. God speed you well, said SirBedivere. 

Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran toward SirMordred, crying: Traitor, now is thy death-day come. And when SirMordred heard Sir Arthur, he ran until him with his sword drawn in hishand. And there King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield, with afoin of his spear, throughout the body, more than a fathom. And whenSir Mordred felt that he had his death wound he thrust himself with themight that he had up to the bur of King Arthur's spear. And right so hesmote his father Arthur, with his sword holden in both his hands, on theside of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain-pan, and therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth; and the nobleArthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and there he swooned ofttimes. AndSir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up. And soweakly they led him betwixt them both, to a little chapel not far fromthe seaside. And when the king was there he thought him well eased. 

Then heard they people cry in the field. Now go thou, Sir Lucan, saidthe king, and do me to wit what betokens that noise in the field. So SirLucan departed, for he was grievously wounded in many places. And soas he yede, he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how that pillers androbbers were come into the field, to pill and to rob many a full nobleknight of brooches, and beads, of many a good ring, and of many a richjewel; and who that were not dead all out, there they slew them fortheir harness and their riches. When Sir Lucan understood this work, hecame to the king as soon as he might, and told him all what he had heardand seen. Therefore by my rede, said Sir Lucan, it is best that we bringyou to some town. I would it were so, said the king. 

CHAPTER V. How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur intothe water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge. 

BUT I may not stand, mine head works so. Ah Sir Launcelot, said KingArthur, this day have I sore missed thee: alas, that ever I was againstthee, for now have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in mydream. Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and Sir Bediverethe other part, and in the lifting the king swooned; and Sir Lucan fellin a swoon with the lift, that the part of his guts fell out of hisbody, and therewith the noble knight's heart brast. And when the kingawoke, he beheld Sir Lucan, how he lay foaming at the mouth, and partof his guts lay at his feet. Alas, said the king, this is to me a fullheavy sight, to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he wouldhave holpen me, that had more need of help than I. Alas, he would notcomplain him, his heart was so set to help me: now Jesu have mercy uponhis soul! Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. Leavethis mourning and weeping, said the king, for all this will not availme, for wit thou well an I might live myself, the death of Sir Lucanwould grieve me evermore; but my time hieth fast, said the king. Therefore, said Arthur unto Sir Bedivere, take thou Excalibur, my goodsword, and go with it to yonder water side, and when thou comest thereI charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come again and tell mewhat thou there seest. My lord, said Bedivere, your commandment shall bedone, and lightly bring you word again. 

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 hesaid to himself: If I throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shallnever come good, but harm and loss. And then Sir Bedivere hid Excaliburunder 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 thewater. What saw thou there? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothingbut waves and winds. That is untruly said of thee, said the king, therefore go thou lightly again, and do my commandment; as thou art tome lief and dear, spare not, but throw it in. Then Sir Bedivere returnedagain, and took the sword in his hand; and then him thought sin andshame to throw away that noble sword, and so eft he hid the sword, andreturned again, and told to the king that he had been at the water, anddone 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 weenedthat, thou that hast been to me so lief and dear? and thou art named anoble knight, and would betray me for the richness of the sword. But nowgo again lightly, for thy long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy ofmy 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 thouwouldst for my rich sword see me dead. 

Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took itup, and went to the water side; and there he bound the girdle about thehilts, 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 caughtit, and so shook it thrice and brandished, and then vanished away thehand with the sword in the water. So Sir Bedivere came again to theking, and told him what he saw. Alas, said the king, help me hence, forI dread me I have tarried over long. Then Sir Bedivere took the kingupon his back, and so went with him to that water side. And when theywere at the water side, even fast by the bank hoved a little barge withmany fair ladies in it, and among them all was a queen, and all they hadblack 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; andthere received him three queens with great mourning; and so they setthem down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head. And thenthat 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 thenthey rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all those ladies gofrom him. Then Sir Bedivere cried: Ah my lord Arthur, what shall becomeof 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 meis no trust for to trust in; for I will into the vale of Avilion to healme of my grievous wound: and if thou hear never more of me, pray for mysoul. But ever the queens and ladies wept and shrieked, that it was pityto hear. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, hewept 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 andan hermitage. 

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bedivere found him on the morrow dead in anhermitage, and how he abode there with the hermit. 

THEN was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went; and when he came intothe chapel, he saw where lay an hermit grovelling on all four, therefast by a tomb was new graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere he knewhim well, for he was but little to-fore Bishop of Canterbury, that SirMordred flemed. Sir, said Bedivere, what man is there interred that yepray so fast for? Fair son, said the hermit, I wot not verily, but bydeeming. But this night, at midnight, here came a number of ladies, andbrought hither a dead corpse, and prayed me to bury him; and here theyoffered an hundred tapers, and they gave me an hundred besants. Alas, said Sir Bedivere, that was my lord King Arthur, that here lieth buriedin this chapel. Then Sir Bedivere swooned; and when he awoke he prayedthe hermit he might abide with him still there, to live with fasting andprayers. 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. Ye arewelcome to me, said the hermit, for I know ye better than ye ween thatI do. Ye are the bold Bedivere, and the full noble duke, Sir Lucan theButler, was your brother. Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all as yehave heard to-fore. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit that wasto-fore Bishop of Canterbury, and there Sir Bedivere put upon him poorclothes, 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 thuswas he led away in a ship wherein were three queens; that one wasKing Arthur's sister, Queen Morgan le Fay; the other was the Queen ofNorthgalis; the third was the Queen of the Waste Lands. Also there wasNimue, the chief lady of the lake, that had wedded Pelleas the goodknight; and this lady had done much for King Arthur, for she would neversuffer Sir Pelleas to be in no place where he should be in danger ofhis life; and so he lived to the uttermost of his days with her in greatrest. More of the death of King Arthur could I never find, but thatladies brought him to his burials; and such one was buried there, thatthe hermit bare witness that sometime was Bishop of Canterbury, butyet the hermit knew not in certain that he was verily the body of KingArthur: for this tale Sir Bedivere, knight of the Table Round, made itto be written. 

CHAPTER VII. Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur; andhow Queen Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury. 

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 saythat he shall come again, and he shall win the holy cross. I will notsay it shall be so, but rather I will say: here in this world he changedhis life. But many men say that there is written upon his tomb thisverse: _Hic jacet Arthurus, Rex quondam, Rexque futurus. _ Thus leave Ihere Sir Bedivere with the hermit, that dwelled that time in a chapelbeside Glastonbury, and there was his hermitage. And so they livedin their prayers, and fastings, and great abstinence. And when QueenGuenever understood that King Arthur was slain, and all the nobleknights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant, then the queen stole away, andfive ladies with her, and so she went to Almesbury; and there she letmake herself a nun, and ware white clothes and black, and great penanceshe took, as ever did sinful lady in this land, and never creature couldmake her merry; but lived in fasting, prayers, and alms-deeds, that allmanner of people marvelled how virtuously she was changed. Now leave weQueen Guenever in Almesbury, a nun in white clothes and black, and thereshe was Abbess and ruler as reason would; and turn we from her, andspeak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 

CHAPTER VIII. How when Sir Lancelot heard of the death of King Arthur, and of Sir Gawaine, and other matters, he came into England. 

AND when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred was crowned king inEngland, and made war against King Arthur, his own father, and would lethim to land in his own land; also it was told Sir Launcelot how thatSir Mordred had laid siege about the Tower of London, because the queenwould not wed him; then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and saidto his kinsmen: Alas, that double traitor Sir Mordred, now me repenteththat ever he escaped my hands, for much shame hath he done unto my lordArthur; for all I feel by the doleful letter that my lord Sir Gawainesent me, on whose soul Jesu have mercy that my lord Arthur is full hardbestead. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should live to hear thatmost noble king that made me knight thus to be overset with his subjectin his own realm. And this doleful letter that my lord, Sir Gawaine, hath sent me afore his death, praying me to see his tomb, wit you wellhis doleful words shall never go from mine heart, for he was a fullnoble knight as ever was born; and in an unhappy hour was I born thatever I should have that unhap to slay first Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheristhe good knight, and mine own friend Sir Gareth, that full noble knight. Alas, I may say I am unhappy, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I shoulddo thus unhappily, and, alas, yet might I never have hap to slay thattraitor, Sir Mordred. 

Leave your complaints, said Sir Bors, and first revenge you of the deathof Sir Gawaine; and it will be well done that ye see Sir Gawaine's tomb, and secondly that ye revenge my lord Arthur, and my lady, Queen GueneverI thank you, said Sir Launcelot, for ever ye will my worship. 

Then they made them ready in all the haste that might be, with ships andgalleys, with Sir Launcelot and his host to pass into England. And sohe passed over the sea till he came to Dover, and there he landed withseven kings, and the number was hideous to behold. Then Sir Launcelotspered of men of Dover where was King Arthur become. Then the peopletold him how that he was slain, and Sir Mordred and an hundred thousanddied on a day; and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the firstbattle at his landing, and there was good Sir Gawaine slain; and on themorn Sir Mordred fought with the king upon Barham Down, and there theking put Sir Mordred to the worse. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, this isthe heaviest tidings that ever came to me. Now, fair sirs, said SirLauncelot, shew me the tomb of Sir Gawaine. And then certain people ofthe town brought him into the castle of Dover, and shewed him the tomb. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down and wept, and prayed heartily for hissoul. And that night he made a dole, and all they that would come hadas much flesh, fish, wine and ale, and every man and woman had twelvepence, come who would. Thus with his own hand dealt he this money, in amourning gown; and ever he wept, and prayed them to pray for the soulof Sir Gawaine. And on the morn all the priests and clerks that mightbe gotten in the country were there, and sang mass of Requiem; and thereoffered first Sir Launcelot, and he offered an hundred pound; andthen the seven kings offered forty pound apiece; and also there was athousand knights, and each of them offered a pound; and the offeringdured from morn till night, and Sir Launcelot lay two nights on his tombin prayers and weeping. 

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 ofyour coming into this country with me, but we came too late, and thatshall repent me while I live, but against death may no man rebel. Butsithen it is so, said Sir Launcelot, I will myself ride and seek mylady, Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath had great pain and muchdisease; and I heard say that she is fled into the west. Therefore yeall 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. 

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, andhow he found her at Almesbury. 

THEN came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, what thinkye for to do, now to ride in this realm? wit ye well ye shall find fewfriends. Be as be may, said Sir Launcelot, keep you still here, for Iwill forth on my journey, and no man nor child shall go with me. So itwas no boot to strive, but he departed and rode westerly, and there hesought 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 thecloister. And when she saw him there she swooned thrice, that all theladies and gentlewomen had work enough to hold the queen up. So whenshe might speak, she called ladies and gentlewomen to her, and said: Yemarvel, fair ladies, why I make this fare. Truly, she said, it is forthe sight of yonder knight that yonder standeth; wherefore I pray youall 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 ofthe most noblest knights of the world; for through our love that we haveloved together is my most noble lord slain. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, wit thou well I am set in such a plight to get my soul-heal; and yetI trust through God's grace that after my death to have a sight of theblessed face of Christ, and at domesday to sit on his right side, for assinful as ever I was are saints in heaven. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, Irequire thee and beseech thee heartily, for all the love that ever wasbetwixt us, that thou never see me more in the visage; and I commandthee, on God's behalf, that thou forsake my company, and to thy kingdomthou turn again, and keep well thy realm from war and wrack; for aswell 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 forme to our Lord that I may amend my misliving. Now, sweet madam, said SirLauncelot, would ye that I should now return again unto my country, andthere to wed a lady? Nay, madam, wit you well that shall I never do, forI shall never be so false to you of that I have promised; but the samedestiny that ye have taken you to, I will take me unto, for to pleaseJesu, and ever for you I cast me specially to pray. If thou wilt do so, said the queen, hold thy promise, but I may never believe but that thouwilt turn to the world again. Well, madam, said he, ye say as pleasethyou, yet wist you me never false of my promise, and God defend butI should forsake the world as ye have done. For in the quest of theSangreal I had forsaken the vanities of the world had not your lordbeen. And if I had done so at that time, with my heart, will, andthought, I had passed all the knights that were in the Sangreal exceptSir Galahad, my son. And therefore, lady, sithen ye have taken you toperfection, I must needs take me to perfection, of right. For I takerecord of God, in you I have had mine earthly joy; and if I had foundyou now so disposed, I had cast me to have had you into mine own realm. 

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the Archbishopof Canterbury was, and how he took the habit on him. 

BUT sithen I find you thus disposed, I ensure you faithfully, I willever take me to penance, and pray while my life lasteth, if I may findany hermit, either gray or white, that will receive me. Wherefore, madam, I pray you kiss me and never no more. Nay, said the queen, thatshall 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 seethe dolour that they made; for there was lamentation as they had beenstung with spears; and many times they swooned, and the ladies bare thequeen to her chamber. 

And Sir Launcelot awoke, and went and took his horse, and rode all thatday and all night in a forest, weeping. And at the last he was ware ofan hermitage and a chapel stood betwixt two cliffs; and then he heard alittle bell ring to mass, and thither he rode and alighted, and tied hishorse to the gate, and heard mass. And he that sang mass was the Bishopof Canterbury. Both the Bishop and Sir Bedivere knew Sir Launcelot, andthey spake together after mass. But when Sir Bedivere had told histale all whole, Sir Launcelot's heart almost brast for sorrow, and SirLauncelot threw his arms abroad, and said: Alas, who may trust thisworld. And then he kneeled down on his knee, and prayed the Bishop toshrive him and assoil him. And then he besought the Bishop that he mightbe his brother. Then the Bishop said: I will gladly; and there he putan habit upon Sir Launcelot, and there he served God day and night withprayers and fastings. 

Thus the great host abode at Dover. And then Sir Lionel took fifteenlords with him, and rode to London to seek Sir Launcelot; and there SirLionel was slain and many of his lords. Then Sir Bors de Ganis made thegreat host for to go home again; and Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, SirBlamore, Sir Bleoberis, with more other of Sir Launcelot's kin, took onthem to ride all England overthwart and endlong, to seek Sir Launcelot. So Sir Bors by fortune rode so long till he came to the same chapelwhere Sir Launcelot was; and so Sir Bors heard a little bell knell, thatrang to mass; and there he alighted and heard mass. And when mass wasdone, the Bishop Sir Launcelot, and Sir Bedivere, came to Sir Bors. Andwhen Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot in that manner clothing, then he prayedthe Bishop that he might be in the same suit. And so there was an habitput upon him, and there he lived in prayers and fasting. And withinhalf a year, there was come Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Blamore, SirBleoberis, Sir Villiars, Sir Clarras, and Sir Gahalantine. So all theseseven noble knights there abode still. And when they saw Sir Launcelothad taken him to such perfection, they had no lust to depart, but tooksuch an habit as he had. 

Thus they endured in great penance six year; and then Sir Launcelot tookthe 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, andholp for to sing mass, and rang bells, and did bodily all manner ofservice. And so their horses went where they would, for they took noregard of no worldly riches. For when they saw Sir Launcelot endure suchpenance, in prayers, and fastings, they took no force what pain theyendured, for to see the noblest knight of the world take such abstinencethat he waxed full lean. And thus upon a night, there came a vision toSir Launcelot, and charged him, in remission of his sins, to hastehim unto Almesbury: And by then thou come there, thou shalt find QueenGuenever dead. And therefore take thy fellows with thee, and purvey themof an horse bier, and fetch thou the corpse of her, and bury her by herhusband, the noble King Arthur. So this avision came to Sir Launcelotthrice in one night. 

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to Almesbury, and found there Queen Guenever dead, whom they brought to Glastonbury. 

THEN Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the hermit. It were welldone, said the hermit, that ye made you ready, and that you disobey notthe avision. Then Sir Launcelot took his eight fellows with him, and onfoot they yede from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little morethan thirty mile. And thither they came within two days, for they wereweak and feeble to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesburywithin the nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an hour afore. Andthe ladies told Sir Launcelot that Queen Guenever told them all orshe passed, that Sir Launcelot had been priest near a twelvemonth, Andhither he cometh as fast as he may to fetch my corpse; and beside mylord, King Arthur, he shall bury me. Wherefore the queen said in hearingof them all: I beseech Almighty God that I may never have power to seeSir Launcelot with my worldly eyen; and thus, said all the ladies, wasever her prayer these two days, till she was dead. Then Sir Launcelotsaw her visage, but he wept not greatly, but sighed. And so he did allthe observance of the service himself, both the dirige, and on themorn he sang mass. And there was ordained an horse bier; and so with anhundred torches ever brenning about the corpse of the queen, and everSir Launcelot with his eight fellows went about the horse bier, singingand reading many an holy orison, and frankincense upon the corpseincensed. Thus Sir Launcelot and his eight fellows went on foot fromAlmesbury unto Glastonbury. 

And when they were come to the chapel and the hermitage, there she hada dirige, with great devotion. And on the morn the hermit that sometimewas Bishop of Canterbury sang the mass of Requiem with great devotion. And Sir Launcelot was the first that offered, and then also his eightfellows. And then she was wrapped in cered cloth of Raines, from the topto 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 SirLauncelot swooned, and lay long still, while the hermit came and awakedhim, and said: Ye be to blame, for ye displease God with such mannerof sorrow-making. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I trust I do not displeaseGod, for He knoweth mine intent. For my sorrow was not, nor is notfor any rejoicing of sin, but my sorrow may never have end. For when Iremember of her beauty, and of her noblesse, that was both with her kingand 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 Iremember me how by my default, mine orgule and my pride, that they wereboth laid full low, that were peerless that ever was living of Christianpeople, wit you well, said Sir Launcelot, this remembered, of theirkindness and mine unkindness, sank so to mine heart, that I might notsustain myself. So the French book maketh mention. 

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whosebody was borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried. 

THEN Sir Launcelot never after ate but little meat, ne drank, till hewas dead. For then he sickened more and more, and dried, and dwinedaway. For the Bishop nor none of his fellows might not make him to eat, and little he drank, that he was waxen by a cubit shorter than he was, that the people could not know him. For evermore, day and night, heprayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken sleep; ever he was lyinggrovelling on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guenever. And there wasno comfort that the Bishop, nor Sir Bors, nor none of his fellows, couldmake him, it availed not. So within six weeks after, Sir Launcelot fellsick, and lay in his bed; and then he sent for the Bishop that there washermit, and all his true fellows. Then Sir Launcelot said with drearysteven: Sir Bishop, I pray you give to me all my rites that longeth toa Christian man. It shall not need you, said the hermit and all hisfellows, it is but heaviness of your blood, ye shall be well mended bythe grace of God to-morn. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit youwell my careful body will into the earth, I have warning more than nowI will say; therefore give me my rites. So when he was houseled andanealed, and had all that a Christian man ought to have, he prayed theBishop that his fellows might bear his body to Joyous Gard. Some men sayit was Alnwick, and some men say it was Bamborough. Howbeit, said SirLauncelot, me repenteth sore, but I made mine avow sometime, that inJoyous Gard I would be buried. And because of breaking of mine avow, Ipray you all, lead me thither. Then there was weeping and wringing ofhands among his fellows. 

So at a season of the night they all went to their beds, for they alllay 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 agreat laughter. And therewith all the fellowship awoke, and came to theBishop, 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 wellat ease. Wherefore? said Sir Bors. Truly said the Bishop, here was SirLauncelot with me with mo angels than ever I saw men in one day. AndI saw the angels heave up Sir Launcelot unto heaven, and the gates ofheaven opened against him. It is but dretching of swevens, said SirBors, for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth nothing but good. It maywell be, said the Bishop; go ye to his bed, and then shall ye prove thesooth. So when Sir Bors and his fellows came to his bed they found himstark dead, and he lay as he had smiled, and the sweetest savour abouthim that ever they felt. 

Then was there weeping and wringing of hands, and the greatest dolethey made that ever made men. And on the morn the Bishop did his massof Requiem, and after, the Bishop and all the nine knights put SirLauncelot in the same horse bier that Queen Guenever was laid in to-forethat she was buried. And so the Bishop and they all together went withthe body of Sir Launcelot daily, till they came to Joyous Gard; and everthey had an hundred torches brenning about him. And so within fifteendays they came to Joyous Gard. And there they laid his corpse in thebody of the quire, and sang and read many psalters and prayers over himand about him. 

And ever his visage was laid open and naked, that all folks might beholdhim. For such was the custom in those days, that all men of worshipshould so lie with open visage till that they were buried. And rightthus as they were at their service, there came Sir Ector de Maris, thathad seven years sought all England, Scotland, and Wales, seeking hisbrother, Sir Launcelot. 

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, andhow Constantine reigned next after Arthur; and of the end of this book. 

AND when Sir Ector heard such noise and light in the quire of JoyousGard, 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 heknew not them. Then went Sir Bors unto Sir Ector, and told him howthere lay his brother, Sir Launcelot, dead; and then Sir Ector threwhis shield, sword, and helm from him. And when he beheld Sir Launcelot'svisage, he fell down in a swoon. And when he waked it were hard anytongue to tell the doleful complaints that he made for his brother. AhLauncelot, he said, thou were head of all Christian knights, and nowI dare say, said Sir Ector, thou Sir Launcelot, there thou liest, thatthou were never matched of earthly knight's hand. And thou were thecourteoust knight that ever bare shield. And thou were the truest friendto thy lover that ever bestrad horse. And thou were the truest lover ofa sinful man that ever loved woman. And thou were the kindest man thatever struck with sword. And thou were the goodliest person that evercame among press of knights. And thou was the meekest man and thegentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies. And thou were the sternestknight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest. Then there wasweeping and dolour out of measure. 

Thus they kept Sir Launcelot's corpse aloft fifteen days, and then theyburied it with great devotion. And then at leisure they went all withthe Bishop of Canterbury to his hermitage, and there they were togethermore than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir Cador's son ofCornwall, was chosen king of England. And he was a full noble knight, and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this King Constantinesent for the Bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where he was. Andso he was restored unto his Bishopric, and left that hermitage. And SirBedivere was there ever still hermit to his life's end. Then Sir Bors deGanis, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiars le Valiant, Sir Clarrus ofClermont, all these knights drew them to their countries. Howbeit KingConstantine would have had them with him, but they would not abide inthis realm. And there they all lived in their countries as holy men. And some English books make mention that they went never out of Englandafter the death of Sir Launcelot, but that was but favour of makers. Forthe French book maketh mention, and is authorised, that Sir Bors, SirEctor, Sir Blamore, and Sir Bleoberis, went into the Holy Land thereasJesu Christ was quick and dead, and anon as they had stablished theirlands. 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 manybattles upon the miscreants or Turks. And there they died upon a GoodFriday for God's sake. 

_Here is the end of the book of King Arthur, and of his noble knightsof the Round Table, that when they were whole together there was everan hundred and forty. And here is the end of the death of Arthur. I prayyou all, gentlemen and gentlewomen that readeth this book of Arthur andhis knights, from the beginning to the ending, pray for me while I amalive, that God send me good deliverance, and when I am dead, I prayyou all pray for my soul. For this book was ended the ninth year of thereign of King Edward the Fourth, by Sir Thomas Maleore, knight, as Jesuhelp him for his great might, as he is the servant of Jesu both day andnight. _

_Thus endeth this noble and joyous book entitled Le Morte Darthur. Notwithstanding it treateth of the birth, life, and acts of the saidKing Arthur, of his noble knights of the Round Table, their marvellousenquests and adventures, the achieving of the Sangreal, and in the endthe dolorous death and departing out of this world of them all. Whichbook was reduced into English by Sir Thomas Malory, knight, as afore issaid, and by me divided into twenty-one books, chaptered and emprinted, and finished in the abbey, Westminster, the last day of July the year ofour Lord MCCCCLXXX{?}. _

_Caxton me fieri fecit. _

GLOSSARY

 Abashed, abased, lowered, Abate, depress, calm, Abought, paid for, Abraid, started, Accompted, counted, Accorded, agreed, Accordment, agreement, Acquit, repay, Actually, actively, Adoubted, afraid, Advision, vision, Afeard, afraid, Afterdeal, disadvantage, Againsay, retract, Aknown, known, Aligement, alleviation, Allegeance, alleviation, Allow, approve, Almeries, chests, Alther, gen. Pl. , of all, Amounted, mounted, Anealed, anointed, Anguishly, in pain, Anon, at once, Apair, weaken, Apparelled, fitted up, Appeach, impeach, Appealed, challenged, accused, Appertices, displays, Araged, enraged, ; confused, Araised, raised, Arase, obliterate, Areared, reared, Armyvestal, martial, Array, plight, state of affairs, Arrayed, situated, Arson, saddle-bow, Askance, casually, Assoiled, absolved, Assotted, infatuated, Assummon, summon, Astonied, amazed, stunned, At, of, by, At-after, after, Attaint, overcome, Aumbries, chests, Avail (at), at an advantage, Avaled, lowered, Avaunt, boast, Aventred, couched, Avised, be advised, take thought, Avision, vision, Avoid, quit, Avoided, got clear off, Avow, vow, Await of (in), in watch for, Awayward, away, Awke, sideways, Bachelors, probationers for knighthood Bain, bath, Barbican, gate-tower, Barget, little ship, Battle, division of an army, Bawdy, dirty, Beams, trumpets, Be-closed, enclosed, Become, pp. , befallen, gone to, Bedashed, splashed, Behests, promises, Behight, promised, Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to, Behote, promised, Benome, deprived, taken away, Besants, gold coins, Beseek, beseech, Beseen, appointed, arrayed, Beskift, shove off, Bested, beset, Betaken, entrusted, Betaught, entrusted, recommended, Betid, happened, Betook, committed, entrusted, Bevered, quivered, Board, sb. , deck, Bobaunce, boasting, pride, Boishe, bush, branch of a tree, Boistous, rough, Bole, trunk of a tree, Boot, remedy, Borrow out, redeem, Borrows, pledges, Bote, remedy, Bound, ready, Bourded, jested, Bourder, jester, Braced, embraced, Brachet, little hound, Braide, quick movement, Brast, burst, break, Breaths, breathing holes, Brief, shorten, Brim, fierce, furious, Brised, broke, Broached, pierced, Broaches, spits, Bur, hand-guard of a spear, Burble, bubble, Burbling, bubbling, Burgenetts, buds, blossoms, Bushment, ambush, By and by, immediately, Bywaryed, expended, bestowed, Canel bone, collar bone, Cankered, inveterate, Cantel, slice, strip, Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles, Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time, Cast, ref: v. , propose, Cedle, schedule, note, Cere, wax over, embalm, ; cerel, Certes, certainly, Chafe, heat, decompose, ; chafed, heated, Chaflet, platform, scaffold, Champaign, open country, Chariot (Fr charette), cart, Cheer, countenance, entertainment, Chierte, dearness, Chrism, anointing oil, Clatter, talk confusedly, Cleight, clutched, Cleped, called, Clipping, embracing, Cog, small boat, Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction, Coif, head-piece, Comfort, strengthen, help, Cominal, common, Complished, complete, Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful, Conserve, preserve, Conversant, abiding in, Cording, agreement, Coronal, circlet, Cost, side, Costed, kept up with, Couched, lay, Courage, encourage, Courtelage, courtyard, Covert, sheltered, Covetise, covetousness, Covin, deceit, Cream, oil, Credence, faith, Croup, crupper, Curteist, most courteous, Daffish, foolish, Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of, Dawed, v tr. , revived, intr. Dawned, Deadly, mortal, human, Deal, part, portion, Debate, quarrel, strife, Debonair, courteous, Deceivable, deceitful, Defaded, faded, Default, fault, Defend, forbid, ; defended, ; forbidden, Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered, Degree (win the), rank, superiority, Delibered, determined, Deliverly, adroitly, Departed, divided, Departition, departure, Dere, harm, Descrive, describe, Despoiled, stripped, Detrenched, cut to pieces, Devised, looked carefully at, Devoir, duty, service, Did off, doffed, Dight, prepared, Dindled, trembled, Disadventure, misfortune, Discover, reveal, Disherited, disinherited, Disparpled, scattered, Dispenses, expenses, Disperplyd, scattered, Dispoiled, stripped, Distained, sullied, dishonoured, Disworship, shame, Dole, gift of alms, Dole, sorrow, Domineth, dominates, rules, Don, gift, Doted, foolish, Doubted, redoubtable, Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses, Drenched, drowned, Dress, make ready, Dressed up, raised, Dretched, troubled in sleep, Dretching, being troubled in sleep, Dromounds, war vessels, Dure, endure, last, ; dured, ; during, Duresse, bondage, hardship, Dwined, dwindled, Eased, entertained, Eft, after, again, Eftures, passages, Embattled, ranged for battle, Embushed, concealed in the woods, Eme, uncle, Empoison, poison, Emprised, undertook, Enbraid, Enchafe, heat, ; enchafed, heated, Enchieve, achieve, Endlong, alongside of, Enewed, painted, Enforce, constrain, Engine, device, Enow, enough, Enquest, enterprise, Ensured, assured, Entermete, intermeddle, Errant, wandering, Estates, ranks, Even hand, at an equality, Evenlong, along, Everych, each, every one, Faiter, vagabond, Fare, sb. , ado, commotion, Faren, pp. , treated, Faute, lack, ; fauted, lacked, Fealty, oath of fidelity, Fear, frighten, Feute, trace, track, Feuter, set in rest, couch, Feutred, set in socket, Fiaunce, affiance, promise, Flang, flung, ; rushed, Flatling, prostrate, Fleet, float, Flemed, put to flight, Flittered, fluttered, Foiled, defeated, shamed, Foined, thrust, Foining, thrusting, Foins, thrusts, Foot-hot, hastily, For-bled, spent with bleeding, Force (no), no concern, Fordeal, advantage, Fordo, destroy, ; fordid, Forecast, preconcerted plot, For-fared, worsted, Forfend, forbid, Forfoughten, weary with fighting, Forhewn, hewn to pieces, Forjousted, tired with jousting, Forthinketh, repents, Fortuned, happened, Forward, vanguard, Forwowmded, sorely wounded, Free, noble, Freshed, Froward, away from, Gad, wedge or spike of iron, Gainest, readiest, Gar, cause, Gart, compelled, Gentily, like a gentleman, Gerfalcon, a fine hawk, Germane, closely allied, Gest, deed, story, Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe, Glaive, sword, Glasting, barking, Glatisant, barking, yelping, Gobbets, lumps, Graithed, made ready, Gree, degree, superiority, Greed, pp. , pleased, content, Grescs, steps, Grimly, ugly, Grovelling, on his face, Guerdonless, without reward, Guise, fashion, Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached, Hair, a hair-shirt, Hale and how, a sailor's cry, Halp, helped, Halsed, embraced, Halsing, embracing, Handfast, betrothed, Handsel, earnest-money, Hangers, testicles, Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings, Harness, armour, Hart of greese, fat deer, Hauberk, coat of mail, Haut, high, noble, Hauteyn, haughty, Heavy, sad, Hete, command, Hide, skin, Hied, hurried, High (on), aloud, Higher hand, the uppermost, Hight, called, Hilled, covered, concealed, Holden, held, Holp, helped, Holts, woods, Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint, Houselled, to be given the Eucharist, Hoved, hovered, waited about, Hurled, dashed, staggered, ; hurling, Hurtle, dash, Incontinent, forthwith, Ind, dark blue, Infellowship, join in fellowship, In like, alike, Intermit, interpose, Japer, jester, Japes, jests, Jesseraunt, a short cuirass, Keep, sb. , care, Keep, s. , care, reck, Kemps, champions, Kind, nature, Kindly, natural, Knights parters, marshals, Know, acknowledge, Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession, Lain, conceal, Langering, sauntering, Lapped, took in her lap, Large, generous, Largeness, liberality, Laton, latten, brass, Laund, waste plain, Layne, conceal, Lazar-cot, leper-house, Learn, teach, Lears, cheeks, Leaved, leafy, Lecher, fornicator, Leech, physician, Leman, lover, Let, caused to, Let, hinder, Lewdest, most ignorant, Licours lecherous, Lief, dear, Liefer, more gladly, Lieve, believe, Limb-meal, limb from limb, List, desire, pleasure, Lithe, joint, Longing unto, belonging to, Long on (upon), because of, Loos, praise, Lotless, without a share, Loveday, day for. Settling disputes, Loving, praising, Lunes, leashes, strings, Lusk, lubber, Lusts, inclinations, Maims, wounds, Makeless, matchless, Makers, authors, poets, Mas, ease, discomfort, Mal engine, evil design, Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap, Marches, borders, Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead, Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence, Maugre, sb. , despite, Measle, disease, Medled, mingled, Medley, melee, general encounter, Meiny, retinue, Mickle, much, Minever, ermine, Mischieved, hurt, Mischievous, painful, Miscorr fort, discomfort, Miscreature, unbeliever, Missay, revile, ; missaid, Mo, more, More and less, rich and poor, Motes, notes on a horn, Mount~ lance, amount of, extent, Much, great, Naked, unarmed, Namely, especially, Ne, nor, Near-hand, nearly, ; near, Needly, needs, on your own compulsion, Nesh, soft, tender, Nigh-hand, nearly, Nill, will not, Nilt, will not, Nis, ne is, is not, Nist, ne wist, knew not, Noblesse, nobleness, Nobley, nobility, splendour, Noised, reported, Nold, would not, Noseling, on his nose, Not for then, nevertheless, Notoyrly, notoriously, Noyous, hurtful, Obeissance, obedience, Or, before, Orgule, haughtiness, Orgulist, haughtiest, Orgulite, pride, arrogance, Orgulous, proud, Other, or, Ouches, jewels, Ought, owned, Outcept, except, Outher, or, Out-taken, except, Over-evening, last night, Overget, overtake, Overhylled, covered, Over-led, domineered over, Overlong, the length of, Overslip, pass, Overthwart, adj. , cross, Overthwart, sb. , mischance, Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length, Painture, painting, Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse, Paltocks, short coats, Parage, descent, Pareil, like, Passing, surpassingly, Paynim, pagan, Pensel, pennon, Perclos, partition, Perdy, par Dieu, Perigot, falcon, Perish, destroy, Peron, tombstone, Pight, pitched, Pike, steal away, Piked, stole, Pillers, plunderers, Pilling, plundering, Pleasaunce, pleasure, Plenour, complete, Plump, sb. , cluster, Pointling, aiming, Pont, bridge, Port, gate, Posseded, possessed, Potestate, governor, Precessours, predecessors, Press, throng, Pretendeth, belongs to, Pricker, hard rider, Pricking, spurring, Prime, A. M. , Prise, capture, Puissance, power, Purfle, trimming, Purfled, embroidered, Purvey, provide, Quarrels, arrowheads, Questing, barking, Quick, alive, Quit, repaid, ; acquitted, behaved, Raced (rased), tore, Rack (of bulls), herd, Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth, Ramping, raging, Range, rank, station, Ransacked, searched, Rashed, fell headlong, Rashing, rushing, Rasing, rushing, Rasure, Raundon, impetuosity, Rear, raise, Rechate, note of recall, Recomforted, comforted, cheered, Recounter, rencontre, encounter, Recover, rescue, Rede, advise, ; sb. , counsel, Redounded, glanced back, Religion, religious order, Reneye, deny, Report, refer, Resemblaunt; semblance, Retrayed, drew back, Rightwise, rightly, Rivage, shore, Romed, roared, Roted, practised, Rove, cleft, Rownsepyk, a branch, Sacring, consecrating, Sad, serious, Sadly, heartily, earnestly, Salle, room, Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver threads, Sangreal, Holy Grail, Sarps, girdles, Saw, proverb, Scathes, harms, hurts, icripture, writing, Search, probe wounds, Selar, canopy, Semblable, like, Semblant, semblance, Sendal, fine cloth, Sennight, week, Servage, slavery, Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them, Shaft-mon, handbreadth, Shaw, thicket, Sheef, thrust, Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week, Shend, harm, Shenship, disgrace, Shent, undone, blamed, Shour, attack, Shrew, rascal, Shrewd, knavish, Sib, akin to, Sideling, sideways, Siege, seat, Signified, likened, Siker, sure, Sikerness, assurance, Sith, since, Sithen, afterwards, since, Skift, changed, Slade, valley, Slake, glen, Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water, Sonds, messages, Sort, company, Sperd, bolted, Spere, ask, inquire, Spered, asked, Sperhawk, sparrowhawk, Sprent, sprinkled, Stale, station, Stark, thoroughly, Stead, place, Stert, started, rose quickly, Steven, appointment, ; steven ser. Appointment made, Steven, voice, Stigh, path, Stilly, silently, Stint, fixed revenue, Stonied, astonished, ; became confused, Stour, battle, Strain, race, descent, Strait, narrow, Straked, blew a horn, Sue, pursue, Sued, pursued, Surcingles, saddle girths, Swang, swung, Sweven, dream, Swough, sound of wind, Talent, desire, Tallages, taxes, Tallies, taxes, Tamed, crushed, Tatches, qualities, Tene, sorrow, Term, period of time, Thilk, that same, Tho, then, Thrang, pushed, Thrulled, pushed, Till, to, To-brast, burst, To-fore, before, To-morn, to-morrow, Took, gave, To-rove, broke up, To-shivered, broken to pieces, Traced, advanced and retreated, Trains, devices, wiles, Trasing, pressing forward, Travers (met at), came across, Traverse, slantwise, Traversed, moved sideways, Tray, grief, Treatise, treaty, Tree, timber, Trenchant, cutting, sharp, Tres:, hunting term, Truage, tribute, Trussed, packed, Ubblie, wafer, Host, Umbecast, cast about, Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes, Umbre, shade, Unavised, thoughtlessly, Uncouth, strange, Underne, - A. M. , Ungoodly, rudely, Unhappy, unlucky, Unhilled, uncovered, Unr the, scarcely, Unsicker, unstable, Unwimpled, uncovered, Unwrast, untwisted, unbound, Upright, flat on the back, Up-so-down, upside down, Ure, usage, Utas, octave of a festival, Utterance, uttermost, Varlet, servant, Venery, hunting, Ven ails, breathing holes, Villain, man of low birth, Visors, the perforated parts of helmets, Voided, slipped away from, Wagging, shaking, Waited, watched, Waits, watches, Wallop, gallop, Wanhope, despair, Wap, ripple, Ware, aware, Warison, reward, Warn, forbid, refuse, Weeds, garments, Weltered, rolled about, Wend, thought, Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic, Where, whereas, Wide-where, over wide space, Wield, possess, have power over, Wield himself, come to himself, Wight, brave, strong, Wightly, swiftly, Wildsome, desolate, Wimpled, with the head covered, Win, make way, Wite, v. , blame, Within-forth, on the inside, Without-forth, on the outside, Wittiest, cleverest, Wittily, cleverly, 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, Worshipped, cause to be honoured, Worts, roots, Wot, know, Wrack, destruction, Wroken, wreaked, Wrothe, twisted, Yede, ran, Yelden, yielded, Yerde, stick, stem, Yode, went, Yolden, yielded, Y-wis, certainly,