The Legends of KING ARTHUR and his KNIGHTS

Sir James Knowles

Illustrated by Lancelot Speed

TOALFRED TENNYSON, D. C. L. POET LAUREATE

THIS ATTEMPT AT A POPULAR VERSION OFTHE ARTHUR LEGENDSIS BY HIS PERMISSION DEDICATEDAS A TRIBUTEOF THE SINCEREST AND WARMEST RESPECT

1862

PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION

The Publishers have asked me to authorise a new edition, in my own name, of this little book--now long out of print--which was written by methirty-five years ago under the initials J. T. K. 

In acceding to their request I wish to say that the book as now publishedis merely a word-for-word reprint of my early effort to help to popularisethe Arthur legends. 

It is little else than an abridgment of Sir Thomas Malory's version ofthem as printed by Caxton--with a few additions from Geoffrey of Monmouthand other sources--and an endeavour to arrange the many tales into a moreor less consecutive story. 

The chief pleasure which came to me from it was, and is, that it began forme a long and intimate acquaintance with Lord Tennyson, to whom, by hispermission, I Dedicated it before I was personally known to him. 

JAMES KNOWLES. 

_Addendum by Lady Knowles_

In response to a widely expressed wish for a fresh edition of this littlebook--now for some years out of print--a new and ninth edition has beenprepared. 

In his preface my husband says that the intimacy with Lord Tennyson towhich it led was the chief pleasure the book brought him. I have beenasked to furnish a few more particulars on this point that may begenerally interesting, and feel that I cannot do better than give someextracts from a letter written by himself to a friend in July 1896. 

"DEAR ----, "I am so _very_ glad you approve of my little effort to popularise theArthur Legends. Tennyson had written his first four 'Idylls of the King'before my book appeared, which was in 1861. Indeed, it was in consequenceof the first four Idylls that I sought and obtained, while yet a strangerto him, leave to dedicate my venture to him. He was extremely kind aboutit--declared 'it ought to go through forty editions'--and when I came toknow him personally talked very frequently about it and Arthur with me, and made constant use of it when he at length yielded to my perpetualurgency and took up again his forsaken project of treating the wholesubject of King Arthur. 

"He discussed and rediscussed at any amount of length the way in whichthis could now be done--and the Symbolism, which had from his earliesttime haunted him as the inner meaning to be given to it, brought him backto the Poem in its changed shape of separate pictures. 

"He used often to say that it was entirely my doing that he revived hisold plan, and added, 'I know more about Arthur than any other man inEngland, and I think you know next most. ' It would amuse you to see inwhat intimate detail he used to consult with me--and often with my littlebook in front of us--over the various tales, and when I wrote an article(in the shape of a long letter) in the _Spectator_ of January 1870 heasked to reprint it, and published it with the collected Idylls. 

"For years, while his boys were at school and college, I acted as hisconfidential friend in business and many other matters, and I suppose hetold me more about himself and his life than any other man now livingknows. "

ISABEL KNOWLES. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

The Finding of Merlin--The Fight of the Dragons--The Giants' Dance--TheProphecies of Merlin and the Birth of Arthur--Uther attacks theSaxons--The Death of Uther

CHAPTER II

Merlin's Advice to the Archbishop--The Miracle of the Sword and Stone--TheCoronation of King Arthur--The Opposition of the Six Kings--The SwordExcalibur--The Defeat of the Six Kings--The War with the Eleven Kings

CHAPTER III

The Adventure of the Questing Beast--The Siege of York--The Battles ofCelidon Forest and Badon Hill--King Arthur drives the Saxons from theRealm--The Embassy from Rome--The King rescues Merlin--The Knight of theFountain

CHAPTER IV

King Arthur conquers Ireland and Norway--Slays the Giant of St. Michael'sMount and conquers Gaul--King Ryence's Insolent Message--The Damsel andthe Sword--The Lady of the Lake--The Adventures of Sir Balin

CHAPTER V

Sir Balin kills Sir Lancear--The Sullen Knight--The Knight Invisible iskilled--Sir Balin smites the Dolorous Stroke, and fights with his brotherSir Balan

CHAPTER VI

The Marriage of King Arthur and Guinevere--The Coronation of theQueen--The Founding of the Round Table--The Quest of the White Hart--TheAdventures of Sir Gawain--The Quest of the White Hound--Sir Tor killsAbellius--The Adventures of Sir Pellinore--The Death of SirHantzlake--Merlin saves King Arthur

CHAPTER VII

King Arthur and Sir Accolon of Gaul are entrapped by Sir Damas--They fighteach other through Enchantment of Queen Morgan le Fay--Sir Damas iscompelled to surrender all his Lands to Sir Outzlake his Brother theirRightful Owner--Queen Morgan essays to kill King Arthur with a MagicGarment--Her Damsel is compelled to wear it and is thereby burned toCinders

CHAPTER VIII

A Second Embassy from Rome--King Arthur's Answer--The Emperor assembleshis Armies--King Arthur slays the Emperor--Sir Gawain and SirPrianius--The Lombards are defeated--King Arthur crowned at Rome

CHAPTER IX

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot--He and his Cousin Sir Lionel setforth--The Four Witch-Queens--King Bagdemagus--Sir Lancelot slays SirTurquine and delivers his Captive Knights--The Foul Knight--Sir Gaunterattacks Sir Lancelot--The Four Knights--Sir Lancelot comes to the ChapelPerilous--Ellawes the Sorceress--The Lady and the Falcon--Sir Bedivere andthe Dead Lady

CHAPTER X

Beaumains is made a Kitchen Page by Sir Key--He claims the Adventure ofthe Damsel Linet--He fights with Sir Lancelot and is knighted by him inhis True Name of Gareth--Is flouted by the Damsel Linet--But overthrowsall Knights he meets and sends them to King Arthur's Court--He deliversthe Lady Lyones from the Knight of the Redlands--The Tournament beforeCastle Perilous--Marriage of Sir Gareth and the Lady Lyones

CHAPTER XI

The Adventures of Sir Tristram--His Stepmother--He is knighted--Fightswith Sir Marhaus--Sir Palomedes and La Belle Isault--Sir Bleoberis and SirSegwarides--Sir Tristram's Quest--His Return--The Castle Pluere--SirBrewnor is slain--Sir Kay Hedius--La Belle Isault's Hound--Sir Dinedanrefuses to fight--Sir Pellinore follows Sir Tristram--SirBrewse-without-pity--The Tournament at the Maiden's Castle--Sir Palomedesand Sir Tristram

CHAPTER XII

Merlin is bewitched by a Damsel of the Lady of the Lake--Galahad knightedby Sir Lancelot--The Perilous Seat--The Marvellous Sword--Sir Galahad inthe Perilous Seat--The Sangreal--The Knights vow themselves to itsQuest--The Shield of the White Knight--The Fiend of the Tomb--Sir Galahadat the Maiden's Castle--The Sick Knight and the Sangreal--Sir Lancelotdeclared unworthy to find the Holy Vessel--Sir Percival seeks SirGalahad--The Black Steed--Sir Bors and the Hermit--Sir Pridan le Noir--SirLionel's Anger--He meets Sir Percival--The ship "Faith"--Sir Galahad andEarl Hernox--The Leprous Lady--Sir Galahad discloses himself to SirLancelot--They part--The Blind King Evelake--Sir Galahad finds theSangreal--His Death

CHAPTER XIII

The Queen quarrels with Sir Lancelot--She is accused of Murder--HerChampion proves her innocence--The Tourney at Camelot--Sir Lancelot in theTourney--Sir Baldwin the Knight-Hermit--Elaine, the Maid of Astolat, seeksfor Sir Lancelot--She tends his Wounds--Her Death--The Queen and SirLancelot are reconciled

CHAPTER XIV

Sir Lancelot attacked by Sir Agravaine, Sir Modred, and thirteen otherKnights--He slays them all but Sir Modred--He leaves the Court--Sir Modredaccuses him to the King--The Queen condemned to be burnt--Her rescue bySir Lancelot and flight with him--The War between Sir Lancelot and theKing--The Enmity of Sir Gawain--The Usurpation of Sir Modred--The Queenretires to a Nunnery--Sir Lancelot goes on Pilgrimage--The Battle ofBarham Downs--Sir Bedivere and the Sword Excalibur--The Death of KingArthur

ILLUSTRATOR'S NOTE

Of scenes from the Legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the RoundTable many lovely pictures have been painted, showing much diversity offigures and surroundings, some being definitely sixth-century British orSaxon, as in Blair Leighton's fine painting of the dead Elaine;others--for example, Watts' Sir Galahad--show knight and charger infifteenth-century armour; while the warriors of Burne Jones wear strangelyimpracticable armour of some mystic period. Each of these painters wasfree to follow his own conception, putting the figures into whateverperiod most appealed to his imagination; for he was not illustrating theactual tales written by Sir Thomas Malory, otherwise he would have foundhimself face to face with a difficulty. 

King Arthur and his knights fought, endured, and toiled in the sixthcentury, when the Saxons were overrunning Britain; but their achievementswere not chronicled by Sir Thomas Malory until late in the fifteenthcentury. 

Sir Thomas, as Froissart has done before him, described the habits oflife, the dresses, weapons, and armour that his own eyes looked upon inthe every-day scenes about him, regardless of the fact that almost everydetail mentioned was something like a thousand years too late. 

Had Malory undertaken an account of the landing of Julius Caesar he would, as a matter of course, have protected the Roman legions with bascinet orsalade, breastplate, pauldron and palette, coudiére, taces and the rest, and have armed them with lance and shield, jewel-hilted sword and slimmisericorde; while the Emperor himself might have been given the very suitof armour stripped from the Duke of Clarence before his fateful encounterwith the butt of malmsey. 

Did not even Shakespeare calmly give cannon to the Romans and supposeevery continental city to lie majestically beside the sea? By the oldwriters, accuracy in these matters was disregarded, and anachronisms werenot so much tolerated as unperceived. 

In illustrating this edition of "The Legends of King Arthur and hisKnights, " it has seemed best, and indeed unavoidable if the text and thepictures are to tally, to draw what Malory describes, to place the fashionof the costumes and armour somewhere about A. D. 1460, and to arm theknights in accordance with the Tabard Period. 

LANCELOT SPEED. 

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The Marriage of King Arthur

Then fell Sir Ector down upon his knees upon the ground before youngArthur, and Sir Key also with him. 

The Lady of the Lake

The giant sat at supper, gnawing on a limb of a man, and baking his hugeframe by the fire

The castle rocked and rove throughout, and all the walls fell crashed andbreaking to the earth

Came forth twelve fair damsels, and saluted King Arthur by his name

Prianius was christened, and made a duke and knight of the Round Table

Sir Lancelot smote down with one spear five knights, and brake the backsof four, and cast down the King of Northgales

Beyond the chapel, he met a fair damsel, who said, "Sir Lancelot, leavethat sword behind thee, or thou diest"

"Lady, " replied Sir Beaumains, "a knight is little worth who may not bearwith a damsel"

So he rode into the hall and alighted

Then they began the battle, and tilted at their hardest against each other

And running to her chamber, she sought in her casket for the piece ofiron . .. And fitted it in Tristram's sword

By the time they had finished drinking they loved each other so well thattheir love never more might leave them

Waving her hands and muttering the charm, and presently enclosed him fastwithin the tree

Galahad . .. Quickly lifted up the stone, and forthwith came out a foulsmoke

"This girdle, lords, " said she, "is made for the most part of mine ownhair, which, while I was yet in the world, I loved full well"

At last the strange knight smote him to the earth, and gave him such abuffet on the helm as wellnigh killed him

Then was Sir Lancelot sent for, and the letter read aloud by a clerk

But still the knights cried mightily without the door, "Traitor, comeforth!"

THE LEGENDS OF KING ARTHUR

CHAPTER I

_The Prophecies of Merlin, and the Birth of Arthur_

King Vortigern the usurper sat upon his throne in London, when, suddenly, upon a certain day, ran in a breathless messenger, and cried aloud--

"Arise, Lord King, for the enemy is come; even Ambrosius and Uther, uponwhose throne thou sittest--and full twenty thousand with them--and theyhave sworn by a great oath, Lord, to slay thee, ere this year be done; andeven now they march towards thee as the north wind of winter forbitterness and haste. "

At those words Vortigern's face grew white as ashes, and, rising inconfusion and disorder, he sent for all the best artificers and craftsmenand mechanics, and commanded them vehemently to go and build himstraightway in the furthest west of his lands a great and strong castle, where he might fly for refuge and escape the vengeance of his master'ssons--"and, moreover, " cried he, "let the work be done within a hundreddays from now, or I will surely spare no life amongst you all. "

Then all the host of craftsmen, fearing for their lives, found out aproper site whereon to build the tower, and eagerly began to lay in thefoundations. But no sooner were the walls raised up above the ground thanall their work was overwhelmed and broken down by night invisibly, no manperceiving how, or by whom, or what. And the same thing happening again, and yet again, all the workmen, full of terror, sought out the king, andthrew themselves upon their faces before him, beseeching him to interfereand help them or to deliver them from their dreadful work. 

Filled with mixed rage and fear, the king called for the astrologers andwizards, and took counsel with them what these things might be, and how toovercome them. The wizards worked their spells and incantations, and inthe end declared that nothing but the blood of a youth born without mortalfather, smeared on the foundations of the castle, could avail to make itstand. Messengers were therefore sent forthwith through all the land tofind, if it were possible, such a child. And, as some of them went down acertain village street, they saw a band of lads fighting and quarrelling, and heard them shout at one--"Avaunt, thou imp!--avaunt! Son of no mortalman! go, find thy father, and leave us in peace. "

At that the messengers looked steadfastly on the lad, and asked who hewas. One said his name was Merlin; another, that his birth and parentagewere known by no man; a third, that the foul fiend alone was his father. Hearing the things, the officers seized Merlin, and carried him before theking by force. 

But no sooner was he brought to him than he asked in a loud voice, forwhat cause he was thus dragged there?

"My magicians, " answered Vortigern, "told me to seek out a man that had nohuman father, and to sprinkle my castle with his blood, that it maystand. "

"Order those magicians, " said Merlin, "to come before me, and I willconvict them of a lie. "

The king was astonished at his words, but commanded the magicians to comeand sit down before Merlin, who cried to them--

"Because ye know not what it is that hinders the foundation of the castle, ye have advised my blood for a cement to it, as if that would avail; buttell me now rather what there is below that ground, for something there issurely underneath that will not suffer the tower to stand?"

The wizards at these words began to fear, and made no answer. Then saidMerlin to the king--

"I pray, Lord, that workmen may be ordered to dig deep down into theground till they shall come to a great pool of water. "

This then was done, and the pool discovered far beneath the surface of theground. 

Then, turning again to the magicians, Merlin said, "Tell me now, falsesycophants, what there is underneath that pool?"--but they were silent. Then said he to the king, "Command this pool to be drained, and at thebottom shall be found two dragons, great and huge, which now are sleeping, but which at night awake and fight and tear each other. At their greatstruggle all the ground shakes and trembles, and so casts down thy towers, which, therefore, never yet could find secure foundations. "

The king was amazed at these words, but commanded the pool to be forthwithdrained; and surely at the bottom of it did they presently discover thetwo dragons, fast asleep, as Merlin had declared. 

But Vortigern sat upon the brink of the pool till night to see what elsewould happen. 

Then those two dragons, one of which was white, the other red, rose up andcame near one another, and began a sore fight, and cast forth fire withtheir breath. But the white dragon had the advantage, and chased the otherto the end of the lake. And he, for grief at his flight, turned back uponhis foe, and renewed the combat, and forced him to retire in turn. But inthe end the red dragon was worsted, and the white dragon disappeared noman knew where. 

When their battle was done, the king desired Merlin to tell him what itmeant. Whereat he, bursting into tears, cried out this prophecy, whichfirst foretold the coming of King Arthur. 

"Woe to the red dragon, which figureth the British nation, for hisbanishment cometh quickly; his lurkingholes shall be seized by the whitedragon--the Saxon whom thou, O king, hast called to the land. Themountains shall be levelled as the valleys, and the rivers of the valleysshall run blood; cities shall be burned, and churches laid in ruins; tillat length the oppressed shall turn for a season and prevail against thestrangers. For a Boar of Cornwall shall arise and rend them, and trampletheir necks beneath his feet. The island shall be subject to his power, and he shall take the forests of Gaul. The house of Romulus shall dreadhim--all the world shall fear him--and his end shall no man know; he shallbe immortal in the mouths of the people, and his works shall be food tothose that tell them. 

"But as for thee, O Vortigern, flee thou the sons of Constantine, for theyshall burn thee in thy tower. For thine own ruin wast thou traitor totheir father, and didst bring the Saxon heathens to the land. Aurelius andUther are even now upon thee to revenge their father's murder; and thebrood of the white dragon shall waste thy country, and shall lick thyblood. Find out some refuge, if thou wilt! but who may escape the doom ofGod?"

The king heard all this, trembling greatly; and, convicted of his sins, said nothing in reply. Only he hasted the builders of his tower by day andnight, and rested not till he had fled thereto. 

In the meantime, Aurelius, the rightful king, was hailed with joy by theBritons, who flocked to his standard, and prayed to be led against theSaxons. But he, till he had first killed Vortigern, would begin no otherwar. He marched therefore to Cambria, and came before the tower which theusurper had built. Then, crying out to all his knights, "Avenge ye on himwho hath ruined Britain and slain my father and your king!" he rushed withmany thousands at the castle walls. But, being driven back again and yetagain, at length he thought of fire, and ordered blazing brands to be castinto the building from all sides. These finding soon a proper fuel, ceasednot to rage, till spreading to a mighty conflagration, they burned downthe tower and Vortigern within it. 

Then did Aurelius turn his strength against Hengist and the Saxons, and, defeating them in many places, weakened their power for a long season, sothat the land had peace. 

Anon the king, making many journeys to and fro, restoring ruined churchesand, creating order, came to the monastery near Salisbury, where all thoseBritish knights lay buried who had been slain there by the treachery ofHengist. For when in former times Hengist had made a solemn truce withVortigern, to meet in peace and settle terms, whereby himself and all hisSaxons should depart from Britain, the Saxon soldiers carried every one ofthem beneath his garment a long dagger, and, at a given signal, fell uponthe Britons, and slew them, to the number of nearly five hundred. 

The sight of the place where the dead lay moved Aurelius to great sorrow, and he cast about in his mind how to make a worthy tomb over so many noblemartyrs, who had died there for their country. 

When he had in vain consulted many craftsmen and builders, he sent, by theadvice of the archbishop, for Merlin, and asked him what to do. "If youwould honour the burying-place of these men, " said Merlin, "with aneverlasting monument, send for the Giants' Dance which is in Killaraus, amountain in Ireland; for there is a structure of stone there which none ofthis age could raise without a perfect knowledge of the arts. They arestones of a vast size and wondrous nature, and if they can be placed hereas they are there, round this spot of ground, they will stand for ever. "

At these words of Merlin, Aurelius burst into laughter, and said, "How isit possible to remove such vast stones from so great a distance, as ifBritain, also, had no stones fit for the work?"

"I pray the king, " said Merlin, "to forbear vain laughter; what I havesaid is true, for those stones are mystical and have healing virtues. Thegiants of old brought them from the furthest coast of Africa, and placedthem in Ireland while they lived in that country: and their design was tomake baths in them, for use in time of grievous illness. For if theywashed the stones and put the sick into the water, it certainly healedthem, as also it did them that were wounded in battle; and there is nostone among them but hath the same virtue still. "

When the Britons heard this, they resolved to send for the stones, and tomake war upon the people of Ireland if they offered to withhold them. So, when they had chosen Uther the king's brother for their chief, they setsail, to the number of 15, 000 men, and came to Ireland. There Gillomanius, the king, withstood them fiercely, and not till after a great battle couldthey approach the Giants' Dance, the sight of which filled them with joyand admiration. But when they sought to move the stones, the strength ofall the army was in vain, until Merlin, laughing at their failures, contrived machines of wondrous cunning, which took them down with ease, and placed them in the ships. 

When they had brought the whole to Salisbury, Aurelius, with the crownupon his head, kept for four days the feast of Pentecost with royal pomp;and in the midst of all the clergy and the people, Merlin raised up thestones, and set them round the sepulchre of the knights and barons, asthey stood in the mountains of Ireland. 

Then was the monument called "Stonehenge, " which stands, as all men know, upon the plain of Salisbury to this very day. 

Soon thereafter it befell that Aurelius was slain by poison at Winchester, and was himself buried within the Giants' Dance. 

At the same time came forth a comet of amazing size and brightness, darting out a beam, at the end whereof was a cloud of fire shaped like adragon, from whose mouth went out two rays, one stretching over Gaul, theother ending in seven lesser rays over the Irish sea. 

At the appearance of this star a great dread fell upon the people, andUther, marching into Cambria against the son of Vortigern, himself wasvery troubled to learn what it might mean. Then Merlin, being calledbefore him, cried with a loud voice: "O mighty loss! O stricken Britain!Alas! the great prince is gone from us. Aurelius Ambrosius is dead, whosedeath will be ours also, unless God help us. Haste, therefore, nobleUther, to destroy the enemy; the victory shall be thine, and thou shalt beking of all Britain. For the star with the fiery dragon signifies thyself;and the ray over Gaul portends that thou shalt have a son, most mighty, whom all those kingdoms shall obey which the ray covers. "

Thus, for the second time, did Merlin foretell the coming of King Arthur. And Uther, when he was made king, remembered Merlin's words, and causedtwo dragons to be made in gold, in likeness of the dragon he had seen inthe star. One of these he gave to Winchester Cathedral, and had the othercarried into all his wars before him, whence he was ever after calledUther Pendragon, or the dragon's head. 

Now, when Uther Pendragon had passed through all the land, and settledit--and even voyaged into all the countries of the Scots, and tamed thefierceness of that rebel people--he came to London, and ministered justicethere. And it befell at a certain great banquet and high feast which theking made at Easter-tide, there came, with many other earls and barons, Gorloïs, Duke of Cornwall, and his wife Igerna, who was the most famousbeauty in all Britain. And soon thereafter, Gorloïs being slain in battle, Uther determined to make Igerna his own wife. But in order to do this, andenable him to come to her--for she was shut up in the high castle ofTintagil, on the furthest coast of Cornwall--the king sent for Merlin, totake counsel with him and to pray his help. This, therefore, Merlinpromised him on one condition--namely, that the king should give him upthe first son born of the marriage. For Merlin by his arts foreknew thatthis firstborn should be the long-wished prince, King Arthur. 

When Uther, therefore, was at length happily wedded, Merlin came to thecastle on a certain day, and said, "Sir, thou must now provide thee forthe nourishing of thy child. "

And the king, nothing doubting, said, "Be it as thou wilt. "

"I know a lord of thine in this land, " said Merlin, "who is a man bothtrue and faithful; let him have the nourishing of the child. His name isSir Ector, and he hath fair possessions both in England and in Wales. When, therefore, the child is born, let him be delivered unto me, unchristened, at yonder postern-gate, and I will bestow him in the care ofthis good knight. "

So when the child was born, the king bid two knights and two ladies totake it, bound in rich cloth of gold, and deliver it to a poor man whomthey should discover at the postern-gate. And the child being deliveredthus to Merlin, who himself took the guise of a poor man, was carried byhim to a holy priest and christened by the name of Arthur, and then wastaken to Sir Ector's house, and nourished at Sir Ector's wife's ownbreasts. And in the same house he remained privily for many years, no mansoever knowing where he was, save Merlin and the king. 

Anon it befell that the king was seized by a lingering distemper, and theSaxon heathens, taking their occasion, came back from over sea, andswarmed upon the land, wasting it with fire and sword. When Uther heardthereof, he fell into a greater rage than his weakness could bear, andcommanded all his nobles to come before him, that he might upbraid themfor their cowardice. And when he had sharply and hotly rebuked them, heswore that he himself, nigh unto death although he lay, would lead themforth against the enemy. Then causing a horse-litter to be made, in whichhe might be carried--for he was too faint and weak to ride--he went upwith all his army swiftly against the Saxons. 

But they, when they heard that Uther was coming in a litter, disdained tofight with him, saying it would be shame for brave men to fight with onehalf dead. So they retired into their city; and, as it were in scorn ofdanger, left the gates wide open. But Uther straightway commanding his mento assault the town, they did so without loss of time, and had alreadyreached the gates, when the Saxons, repenting too late of their haughtypride, rushed forth to the defence. The battle raged till night, and wasbegun again next day; but at last, their leaders, Octa and Eosa, beingslain, the Saxons turned their backs and fled, leaving the Britons a fulltriumph. 

The king at this felt so great joy, that, whereas before he could scarceraise himself without help, he now sat upright in his litter by himself, and said, with a laughing and merry face, "They called me the half-deadking, and so indeed I was; but victory to me half dead is better thandefeat and the best health. For to die with honour is far better than tolive disgraced. "

But the Saxons, although thus defeated, were ready still for war. Utherwould have pursued them; but his illness had by now so grown, that hisknights and barons kept him from the adventure. Whereat the enemy tookcourage, and left nothing undone to destroy the land; until, descending tothe vilest treachery, they resolved to kill the king by poison. 

To this end, as he lay sick at Verulam, they sent and poisoned stealthilya spring of clear water, whence he was wont to drink daily; and so, on thevery next day, he was taken with the pains of death, as were also ahundred others after him, before the villainy was discovered, and heaps ofearth thrown over the well. 

The knights and barons, full of sorrow, now took counsel together, andcame to Merlin for his help to learn the king's will before he died, forhe was by this time speechless. "Sirs, there is no remedy, " said Merlin, "and God's will must be done; but be ye all to-morrow before him, for Godwill make him speak before he die. "

So on the morrow all the barons, with Merlin, stood round the bedside ofthe king; and Merlin said aloud to Uther, "Lord, shall thy son Arthur bethe king of all this realm after thy days?"

Then Uther Pendragon turned him about, and said, in the hearing of themall, "God's blessing and mine be upon him. I bid him pray for my soul, andalso that he claim my crown, or forfeit all my blessing;" and with thosewords he died. 

Then came together all the bishops and the clergy, and great multitudes ofpeople, and bewailed the king; and carrying his body to the convent ofAmbrius, they buried it close by his brother's grave, within the "Giants'Dance. "

CHAPTER II

_The Miracle of the Sword and Stone, and the Coronation of KingArthur--The Sword Excalilur--The War with the Eleven Kings_

Now Arthur the prince had all this time been nourished in Sir Ector'shouse as his own son, and was fair and tall and comely, being of the ageof fifteen years, great in strength, gentle in manner, and accomplished inall exercises proper for the training of a knight. 

But as yet he knew not of his father; for Merlin had so dealt, that nonesave Uther and himself knew aught about him. Wherefore it befell, thatmany of the knights and barons who heard King Uther speak before hisdeath, and call his son Arthur his successor, were in great amazement; andsome doubted, and others were displeased. 

Anon the chief lords and princes set forth each to his own land, and, raising armed men and multitudes of followers, determined every one togain the crown for himself; for they said in their hearts, "If there beany such a son at all as he of whom this wizard forced the king to speak, who are we that a beardless boy should have rule over us?"

So the land stood long in great peril, for every lord and baron sought buthis own advantage; and the Saxons, growing ever more adventurous, wastedand overran the towns and villages in every part. 

Then Merlin went to Brice, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and advised himto require all the earls and barons of the realm and all knights andgentlemen-at-arms to come to him at London, before Christmas, under painof cursing, that they might learn the will of Heaven who should be king. This, therefore, the archbishop did, and upon Christmas Eve were mettogether in London all the greatest princes, lords, and barons; and longbefore day they prayed in St. Paul's Church, and the archbishop besoughtHeaven for a sign who should be lawful king of all the realm. 

And as they prayed, there was seen in the churchyard, set straight beforethe doorways of the church, a huge square stone having a naked sword stuckin the midst of it. And on the sword was written in letters of gold, "Whoso pulleth out the sword from this stone is born the rightful King ofBritain. "

At this all the people wondered greatly; and, when Mass was over, thenobles, knights, and princes ran out eagerly from the church to see thestone and sword; and a law was forthwith made that whoso should pull outthe sword should be acknowledged straightway King of Britain. 

Then many knights and barons pulled at the sword with all their might, andsome of them tried many times, but none could stir or move it. 

When all had tried in vain, the archbishop declared the man whom Heavenhad chosen was not yet there. "But God, " said he, "will doubtless makehim known ere many days. "

So ten knights were chosen, being men of high renown, to watch and keepthe sword; and there was proclamation made through all the land thatwhosoever would, had leave and liberty to try and pull it from the stone. But though great multitudes of people came, both gentle and simple, formany days, no man could ever move the sword a hair's breadth from itsplace. 

Now, at the New Year's Eve a great tournament was to be held in London, which the archbishop had devised to keep together lords and commons, lestthey should grow estranged in the troublous and unsettled times. To thewhich tournament there came, with many other knights, Sir Ector, Arthur'sfoster-father, who had great possessions near to London; and with him camehis son, Sir Key, but recently made knight, to take his part in thejousting, and young Arthur also to witness all the sports and fighting. 

But as they rode towards the jousts, Sir Key found suddenly he had nosword, for he had left it at his father's house; and turning to youngArthur, he prayed him to ride back and fetch it for him. "I will with agood will, " said Arthur; and rode fast back after the sword. 

But when he came to the house he found it locked and empty, for all weregone forth to see the tournament. Whereat, being angry and impatient, hesaid within himself, "I will ride to the churchyard and take with me thesword that sticketh in the stone, for my brother shall not go without asword this day. "

So he rode and came to the churchyard, and alighting from his horse hetied him to the gate, and went to the pavilion, which was pitched nearthe stone, wherein abode the ten knights who watched and kept it; but hefound no knights there, for all were gone to see the jousting. 

Then he took the sword by its handle, and lightly and fiercely he pulledit out of the stone, and took his horse and rode until he came to Sir Keyand delivered him the sword. But as soon as Sir Key saw it he knew well itwas the sword of the stone, and, riding swiftly to his father, he criedout, "Lo! here, sir, is the sword of the stone, wherefore it is I who mustbe king of all this land. "

When Sir Ector saw the sword, he turned back straight with Arthur and SirKey and came to the churchyard, and there alighting, they went all threeinto the church, and Sir Key was sworn to tell truly how he came by thesword. Then he confessed it was his brother Arthur who had brought it tohim. 

Whereat Sir Ector, turning to young Arthur, asked him--"How gottest thouthe sword?"

"Sir, " said he, "I will tell you. When I went home to fetch my brother'ssword, I found nobody to deliver it to me, for all were abroad to thejousts. Yet was I loath to leave my brother swordless, and, bethinking meof this one, I came hither eagerly to fetch it for him, and pulled it outof the stone without any pain. "

Then said Sir Ector, much amazed and looking steadfastly on Arthur, "Ifthis indeed be thus, 'tis thou who shalt be king of all this land--and Godwill have it so--for none but he who should be rightful Lord of Britainmight ever draw this sword forth from that stone. But let me now with mineown eyes see thee put back the sword into its place and draw it forthagain. "

"That is no mystery, " said Arthur; and straightway set it in the stone. And then Sir Ector pulled at it himself, and after him Sir Key, with allhis might, but both of them in vain: then Arthur reaching forth his handand grasping at the pommel, pulled it out easily, and at once. 

Then fell Sir Ector down upon his knees upon the ground before youngArthur, and Sir Key also with him, and straightway did him homage as theirsovereign lord. 

[Illustration: Then fell Sir Ector down upon his knees upon the groundbefore young Arthur, and Sir Key also with him. ]

But Arthur cried aloud, "Alas! mine own dear father and my brother, whykneel ye thus to me?"

"Nay, my Lord Arthur, " answered then Sir Ector, "we are of noblood-kinship with thee, and little though I thought how high thy kinmight be, yet wast thou never more than foster-child of mine. " And then hetold him all he knew about his infancy, and how a stranger had deliveredhim, with a great sum of gold, into his hands to be brought up andnourished as his own born child, and then had disappeared. 

But when young Arthur heard of it, he fell upon Sir Ector's neck, andwept, and made great lamentation, "For now, " said he, "I have in one daylost my father and my mother and my brother. "

"Sir, " said Sir Ector presently, "when thou shalt be made king be good andgracious unto me and mine. "

"If not, " said Arthur, "I were no true man's son at all, for thou art hein all the world to whom I owe the most; and my good lady and mother, thywife, hath ever kept and fostered me as though I were her own; so if it beGod's will that I be king hereafter as thou sayest, desire of me whateverthing thou wilt and I will do it; and God forbid that I should fail theein it. "

"I will but pray, " replied Sir Ector, "that thou wilt make my son Sir Key, thy foster-brother, seneschal of all the lands. "

"That shall he be, " said Arthur; "and never shall another hold thatoffice, save thy son, while he and I do live. "

Anon, they left the church and went to the archbishop to tell him that thesword had been achieved. And when he saw the sword in Arthur's hand he seta day and summoned all the princes, knights, and barons to meet again atSt. Paul's Church and see the will of Heaven signified. So when they cametogether, the sword was put back in the stone, and all tried, from thegreatest to the least, to move it; but there before them all not one couldtake it out save Arthur only. 

But then befell a great confusion and dispute, for some cried out it wasthe will of Heaven, and, "Long live King Arthur, " but many more were fullof wrath and said, "What! would ye give the ancient sceptre of this landunto a boy born none know how?" And the contention growing greatly, tillnothing could be done to pacify their rage, the meeting was at lengthbroken up by the archbishop and adjourned till Candlemas, when all shouldmeet again. 

But when Candlemas was come, Arthur alone again pulled forth the sword, though more than ever came to win it; and the barons, sorely vexed andangry, put it in delay till Easter. But as he had sped before so he did atEaster, and the barons yet once more contrived delays till Pentecost. 

But now the archbishop, fully seeing God's will, called together, byMerlin's counsel, a band of knights and gentlemen-at-arms, and set themabout Arthur to keep him safely till the feast of Pentecost. And when atthe feast Arthur still again alone prevailed to move the sword, the peopleall with one accord cried out, "Long live King Arthur! we will have nomore delay, nor any other king, for so it is God's will; and we will slaywhoso resisteth Him and Arthur;" and wherewithal they kneeled down all atonce, and cried for Arthur's grace and pardon that they had so longdelayed him from his crown. Then he full sweetly and majestically pardonedthem; and taking in his hand the sword, he offered it upon the high altarof the church. 

Anon was he solemnly knighted with great pomp by the most famous knightthere present, and the crown was placed upon his head; and, having takenoath to all the people, lords and commons, to be true king and deal injustice only unto his life's end, he received homage and service from allthe barons who held lands and castles from the crown. Then he made SirKey, High Steward of England, and Sir Badewaine of Britain, Constable, andSir Ulfius, Chamberlain: and after this, with all his court and a greatretinue of knights and armed men, he journeyed into Wales, and was crownedagain in the old city of Caerleon-upon-Usk. 

Meanwhile those knights and barons who had so long delayed him from thecrown, met together and went up to the coronation feast at Caerleon, as ifto do him homage; and there they ate and drank such things as were setbefore them at the royal banquet, sitting with the others in the greathall. 

But when after the banquet Arthur began, according to the ancient royalcustom, to bestow great boons and fiefs on whom he would, they all withone accord rose up, and scornfully refused his gifts, crying that theywould take nothing from a beardless boy come of low or unknown birth, butwould instead give him good gifts of hard sword-strokes between neck andshoulders. 

Whereat arose a deadly tumult in the hall, and every man there made himready to fight. But Arthur leaped up as a flame of fire against them, andall his knights and barons drawing their swords, rushed after him uponthem and began a full sore battle; and presently the king's partyprevailed, and drave the rebels from the hall and from the city, closingthe gates behind them; and King Arthur brake his sword upon them in hiseagerness and rage. 

But amongst them were six kings of great renown and might, who more thanall raged against Arthur and determined to destroy him, namely, King Lot, King Nanters, King Urien, King Carados, King Yder, and King Anguisant. These six, therefore, joining their armies together, laid close siege tothe city of Caerleon, wherefrom King Arthur had so shamefully driven them. 

And after fifteen days Merlin came suddenly into their camp and asked themwhat this treason meant. Then he declared to them that Arthur was no baseadventurer, but King Uther's son, whom they were bound to serve and honoureven though Heaven had not vouchsafed the wondrous miracle of the sword. Some of the kings, when they heard Merlin speak thus, marvelled andbelieved him; but others, as King Lot, laughed him and his words to scorn, and mocked him for a conjurer and wizard. But it was agreed with Merlinthat Arthur should come forth and speak with the kings. 

So he went forth to them to the city gate, and with him the archbishop andMerlin, and Sir Key, Sir Brastias, and a great company of others. And hespared them not in his speech, but spoke to them as king and chieftaintelling them plainly he would make them all bow to him if he lived, unlessthey choose to do him homage there and then; and so they parted in greatwrath, and each side armed in haste. 

"What will ye do?" said Merlin to the kings; "ye had best hold your hands, for were ye ten times as many ye should not prevail. "

"Shall we be afraid of a dream-reader?" quoth King Lot in scorn. 

With that Merlin vanished away and came to King Arthur. 

Then Arthur said to Merlin, "I have need now of a sword that shallchastise these rebels terribly. "

"Come then with me, " said Merlin, "for hard by there is a sword that I cangain for thee. "

So they rode out that night till they came to a fair and broad lake, andin the midst of it King Arthur saw an arm thrust up, clothed in whitesamite, and holding a great sword in the hand. 

"Lo! yonder is the sword I spoke of, " said Merlin. 

Then saw they a damsel floating on the lake in the Moonlight. "What damselis that?" said the king. 

"The lady of the lake, " said Merlin; "for upon this lake there is a rock, and on the rock a noble palace, where she abideth, and she will cometowards thee presently, thou shalt ask her courteously for the sword. "

[Illustration: The lady of the lake. ]

Therewith the damsel came to King Arthur, and saluted him, and he salutedher, and said, "Lady, what sword is that the arm holdeth above the water?I would that it were mine, for I have no sword. "

"Sir King, " said the lady of the lake, "that sword is mine, and if thouwilt give me in return a gift whenever I shall ask it of thee, thou shalthave it. "

"By my faith, " said he, "I will give thee any gift that thou shalt ask. "

"Well, " said the damsel, "go into yonder barge, and row thyself unto thesword, and take it and the scabbard with thee, and I will ask my gift ofthee when I see my time. "

So King Arthur and Merlin alighted, and tied their horses to two trees, and went into the barge; and when they came to the sword that the handheld, King Arthur took it by the handle and bore it with him, and the armand hand went down under the water; and so they came back to land, androde again to Caerleon. 

On the morrow Merlin bade King Arthur to set fiercely on the enemy; and inthe meanwhile three hundred good knights went over to King Arthur from therebels' side. Then at the spring of day, when they had scarce left theirtents, he fell on them with might and main, and Sir Badewaine, Sir Key, and Sir Brastias slew on the right hand and on the left marvellously; andever in the thickest of the fight King Arthur raged like a young lion, andlaid on with his sword, and did wondrous deeds of arms, to the joy andadmiration of the knights and barons who beheld him. 

Then King Lot, King Carados, and the King of the Hundred Knights--who alsorode with them--going round to the rear, set on King Arthur fiercely frombehind; but Arthur, turning to his knights, fought ever in the foremostpress until his horse was slain beneath him. At that, King Lot rodefuriously at him, and smote him down; but rising straightway, and beingset again on horseback, he drew his sword Excalibur that he had gained byMerlin from the lady of the lake, which, shining brightly as the light ofthirty torches, dazzled the eyes of his enemies. And therewith falling onthem afresh with all his knights, he drove them back and slew them ingreat numbers, and Merlin by his arts scattered among them fire and pitchysmoke, so that they broke and fled. Then all the common people ofCaerleon, seeing them give way, rose up with one accord, and rushed atthem with clubs and staves, and chased them far and wide, and slew manygreat knights and lords, and the remainder of them fled and were seen nomore. Thus won King Arthur his first battle and put his enemies to shame. 

But the six kings, though sorely routed, prepared for a new war, andjoining to themselves five others swore together that, whether for weal orwoe, they would keep steadfast alliance till they had destroyed KingArthur. Then, with a host of 50, 000 men-at-arms on horseback, and 10, 000foot, they were soon ready, and sent forth their fore-riders, and drewfrom the northern country towards King Arthur, to the castle of Bedgraine. 

But he by Merlin's counsel had sent over sea to King Ban of Benwick andKing Bors of Gaul, praying them to come and help him in his wars, andpromising to help in return against King Claudas, their foe. To whichthose kings made answer that they would joyfully fulfil his wish, andshortly after came to London with 300 knights, well arrayed for both peaceand war, leaving behind them a great army on the other side of the seatill they had consulted with King Arthur and his ministers how they mightbest dispose of it. 

And Merlin being asked for his advice and help, agreed to go himself andfetch it over sea to England, which in one night he did; and brought withhim 10, 000 horsemen and led them northward privately to the forest ofBedgraine, and there lodged them in a valley secretly. 

Then, by the counsel of Merlin, when they knew which way the eleven kingswould ride and sleep, King Arthur with Kings Ban and Bors made themselvesready with their army for the fight, having yet but 30, 000 men, countingthe 10, 000 who had come from Gaul. 

"Now shall ye do my advice, " said Merlin; "I would that King Ban and KingBors, with all their fellowship of 10, 000 men, were led to ambush in thiswood ere daylight, and stir not therefrom until the battle hath been longwaged. And thou, Lord Arthur, at the spring of day draw forth thine armybefore the enemy, and dress the battle so that they may at once see allthy host, for they will be the more rash and hardy when they see you havebut 20, 000 men. "

To this the three knights and the barons heartily consented, and it wasdone as Merlin had devised. So on the morrow when the hosts beheld eachother, the host of the north was greatly cheered to find so few led outagainst them. 

Then gave King Arthur the command to Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias to take3000 men-at-arms, and to open battle. They therefore setting fiercely onthe enemy slew them on the right hand and the left till it was wonderfulto see their slaughter. 

When the eleven kings beheld so small a band doing such mighty deeds ofarms they were ashamed, and charged them fiercely in return. Then was SirUlfius' horse slain under him; but he fought well and marvellously on footagainst Duke Eustace and King Clarience, who set upon him grievously, tillSir Brastias, seeing his great peril, pricked towards them swiftly, and sosmote the duke through with his spear that horse and man fell down androlled over. Whereat King Clarience turned upon Sir Brastias, and rushingfuriously together they each unhorsed the other and fell both to theground, and there lay a long time stunned, their horses' knees being cutto the bone. Then came Sir Key the seneschal with six companions, and didwondrous well, till the eleven kings went out against them and overthrewSir Griflet and Sir Lucas the butler. And when Sir Key saw Sir Grifletunhorsed and on foot, he rode against King Nanters hotly and smote himdown, and led his horse to Griflet and horsed him again; with the samespear did Sir Key smite down King Lot and wounded him full sore. 

But seeing that, the King of the Hundred Knights rushed at Sir Key andoverthrew him in return, and took his horse and gave it to King Lot. Andwhen Sir Griflet saw Sir Key's mischance, he set his spear in rest, andriding at a mighty man-at-arms, he cast him down headlong and caught hishorse and led it straightway to Sir Key. 

By now the battle was growing perilous and hard, and both sides foughtwith rage and fury. And Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias were both afoot andin great danger of their death, and foully stained and trampled underhorses' feet. Then King Arthur, putting spurs to his horse, rushed forwardlike a lion into the midst of all the _mêlée_, and singling out KingCradlemont of North Wales, smote him through the left side and overthrewhim, and taking his horse by the rein he brought it to Sir Ulfius in hasteand said, "Take this horse, mine old friend, for thou hast great need ofone, and charge by side of me. " And even as he spoke he saw Sir Ector, SirKey's father, smitten to the earth by the King of the Hundred Knights, andhis horse taken to King Cradlemont. 

But when King Arthur saw him ride upon Sir Ector's horse his wrath wasvery great, and with his sword he smote King Cradlemont upon the helm, andshore off the fourth part thereof and of the shield, and drave the swordonward to the horse's neck and slew the horse, and hurled the king uponthe ground. 

And now the battle waxed so great and furious that all the noise and soundthereof rang out by water and by wood, so that Kings Ban and Bors, withall their knights and men-at-arms in ambush, hearing the tumult and thecries, trembled and shook for eagerness, and scarce could stay in secret, but made them ready for the fray and dressed their shields and harness. 

But when King Arthur saw the fury of the enemy, he raged like a mad lion, and stirred and drove his horse now here, now there, to the right hand andto the left, and stayed not in his wrath till he had slain full twentyknights. He wounded also King Lot so sorely in the shoulder that he leftthe field, and in great pain and dolour cried out to the other kings, "Doye as I devise, or we shall be destroyed. I, with the King of the HundredKnights, King Anguisant, King Yder, and the Duke of Cambinet, will takefifteen thousand men and make a circuit, meanwhile that ye do hold thebattle with twelve thousand. Then coming suddenly we will fall fiercely onthem from behind and put them to the rout, but else shall we never standagainst them. "

So Lot and four kings departed with their party to one side, and the sixother kings dressed their ranks against King Arthur and fought long andstoutly. 

But now Kings Ban and Bors, with all their army fresh and eager, brokefrom their ambush and met face to face the five kings and their host asthey came round behind, and then began a frantic struggle with breaking ofspears and clashing of swords and slaying of men and horses. Anon KingLot, espying in the midst King Bors, cried out in great dismay, "Our Ladynow defend us from our death and fearful wounds; our peril groweth great, for yonder cometh one of the worshipfullest kings and best knights in allthe world. "

"Who is he?" said the King of the Hundred Knights. 

"It is King Bors of Gaul, " replied King Lot, "and much I marvel how he mayhave come with all his host into this land without our knowledge. "

"Aha!" cried King Carados, "I will encounter with this king if ye willrescue me when there is need. "

"Ride on, " said they. 

So King Carados and all his host rode softly till they came within abow-shot of King Bors, and then both hosts, spurring their horses to theirgreatest swiftness, rushed at each other. And King Bors encountered inthe onset with a knight, and struck him through with a spear, so that hefell dead upon the earth; then drawing his sword, he did such mighty featsof arms that all who saw him gazed with wonder. Anon King Ban came alsoforth upon the field with all his knights, and added yet more fury, sound, and slaughter, till at length both hosts of the eleven kings began toquake, and drawing all together into one body, they prepared to meet theworst, while a great multitude already fled. 

Then said King Lot, "Lords, we must take yet other means, or worse lossstill awaits us. See ye not what people we have lost in waiting on thefootmen, and that it costs ten horsemen to save one of them? Therefore itis my counsel to put away our footmen from us, for it is almost night, andKing Arthur will not stay to slaughter them. So they can save their livesin this great wood hard by. Then let us gather into one band all thehorsemen that remain, and whoso breaketh rank or leaveth us, let him bestraightway slain by him that seeth him, for it is better that we slay acoward than through a coward be all slain. How say ye?" said King Lot;"answer me, all ye kings. "

"It is well said, " replied they all. 

And swearing they would never fail each other, they mended and set righttheir armour and their shields, and took new spears and set themsteadfastly against their thighs, waiting, and so stood still as a clumpof trees stands on the plain; and no assaults could shake them, they heldso hard together; which when King Arthur saw he marvelled greatly, and wasvery wroth. "Yet, " cried he, "I may not blame them, by my faith, for theydo as brave men ought to do, and are the best fighting men and knights ofmost prowess that I ever saw or heard tell of. " And so said also Kings Banand Bors, and praised them greatly for their noble chivalry. 

But now came forty noble knights out of King Arthur's host, and prayedthat he would suffer them to break the enemy. And when they were allowed, they rode forth with their spears upon their thighs, and spurred theirhorses to their hottest. Then the eleven kings, with a party of theirknights, rushed with set spears as fast and mightily to meet them; andwhen they were encountered, all the crash and splinter of their spears andarmour rang with a mighty din, and so fierce and bloody was their onsetthat in all that day there had been no such cruel press, and rage, andsmiting. At that same moment rode fiercely into the thickest of thestruggle King Arthur and Kings Ban and Bors, and slew downright on bothhands right and left, until their horses went in blood up to the fetlocks. 

And while the slaughter and the noise and shouting were at their greatest, suddenly there came down through the battle Merlin the Wizard, upon agreat black horse, and riding to King Arthur, he cried out, "Alas, myLord! will ye have never done? Of sixty thousand have ye left but fifteenthousand men alive. Is it not time to stay this slaying? for God is illpleased with ye that ye have never ended, and yonder kings shall not bealtogether overthrown this time. But if ye fall upon them any more, thefortune of this day will turn, and go to them. Withdraw, Lord, therefore, to thy lodging, and there now take thy rest, for to-day thou hast won agreat victory, and overcome the noblest chivalry of all the world. And nowfor many years those kings shall not disturb thee. Therefore, I tellthee, fear them no more, for now they are sore beaten, and have nothingleft them but their honour; and why shouldest thou slay them to takethat?"

Then said King Arthur, "Thou sayest well, and I will take thy counsel. "With that he cried out, "Ho!" for the battle to cease, and sent forthheralds through the field to stay more fighting. And gathering all thespoil, he gave it not amongst his own host, but to Kings Ban and Bors andall their knights and men-at-arms, that he might treat them with thegreater courtesy as strangers. 

Then Merlin took his leave of Arthur and the two other kings, and went tosee his master, Blaise, a holy hermit, dwelling in Northumberland, who hadnourished him through all his youth. And Blaise was passing glad to seehim, for there was a great love ever between them; and Merlin told him howKing Arthur had sped in the battle, and how it had ended; and told him thenames of every king and knight of worship who was there. So Blaise wrotedown the battle, word for word, as Merlin told him; and in the same wayever after, all the battles of King Arthur's days Merlin caused Blaise, his master, to record. 

CHAPTER III

_The Adventure of the Questing Beast--King Arthur drives the Saxons fromthe Realm--The Battles of Celidon Forest and Badon Hill_

Anon, thereafter, came word to King Arthur that Ryence, King of NorthWales, was making war upon King Leodegrance of Camelgard; whereat he waspassing wroth, for he loved Leodegrance well, and hated Ryence. So hedeparted with Kings Ban and Bors and twenty thousand men, and came toCamelgard, and rescued Leodegrance, and slew ten thousand of Ryence's menand put him to flight. Then Leodegrance made a great festival to the threekings, and treated them with every manner of mirth and pleasure whichcould be devised. And there had King Arthur the first sight of Guinevere, daughter of Leodegrance, whom in the end he married, as shall be toldhereafter. 

Then did Kings Ban and Bors take leave, and went to their own country, where King Claudas worked great mischief. And King Arthur would have gonewith them, but they refused him, saying, "Nay, ye shall not at this time, for ye have yet much to do in these lands of your own; and we with theriches we have won here by your gifts shall hire many good knights, and, by the grace of God, withstand the malice of King Claudas; and if we haveneed we will send to ye for succour; and likewise ye, if ye have need, send for us, and we will not tarry, by the faith of our bodies. "

When the two kings had left, King Arthur rode to Caerleon, and thithercame to him his half-sister Belisent, wife to King Lot, sent as amessenger, but in truth to espy his power; and with her came a nobleretinue, and also her four sons--Gawain, Gaheris, Agravaine, and Gareth. But when she saw King Arthur and his nobleness, and all the splendour ofhis knights and service, she forbore to spy upon him as a foe, and toldhim of her husband's plots against him and his throne. And the king, notknowing that she was his half-sister, made great court to her; and beingfull of admiration for her beauty, loved her out of measure, and kept hera long season at Caerleon. Wherefore her husband, King Lot, was more thanever King Arthur's enemy, and hated him till death with a passing greathatred. 

At that time King Arthur had a marvellous dream, which gave him greatdisquietness of heart. He dreamed that the whole land was full of manyfiery griffins and serpents, which burnt and slew the people everywhere;and then that he himself fought with them, and that they did him mightyinjuries, and wounded him nigh to death, but that at last he overcame andslew them all. When he woke, he sat in great heaviness of spirit andpensiveness, thinking what this dream might signify, but by-and-by, whenhe could by no means satisfy himself what it might mean, to rid himself ofall his thoughts of it, he made ready with a great company to ride outhunting. 

As soon as he was in the forest, the king saw a great hart before him, andspurred his horse, and rode long eagerly after it, and chased until hishorse lost breath and fell down dead from under him. Then, seeing the hartescaped and his horse dead, he sat down by a fountain, and fell into deepthought again. And as he sat there alone, he thought he heard the noise ofhounds, as it were some thirty couple in number, and looking up he sawcoming towards him the strangest beast that ever he had seen or heard tellof, which ran towards the fountain and drank of the water. Its head waslike a serpent's, with a leopard's body and a lion's tail, and it wasfooted like a stag; and the noise was in its belly, as it were the bayingor questing of thirty couple of hounds. While it drank there was no noisewithin it; but presently, having finished, it departed with a greatersound than ever. 

The king was amazed at all this; but being greatly wearied, he fellasleep, and was before long waked up by a knight on foot, who said, "Knight, full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou sawest a strangebeast pass this way?"

"Such a one I saw, " said King Arthur to the knight, "but that is now twomiles distant at the least. What would you with that beast?"

"Sir, " said the knight, "I have followed it for a long time, and havekilled my horse, and would to heaven I had another to pursue my questwithal. "

At that moment came a yeoman with another horse for the king, which, whenthe knight saw, he earnestly prayed to be given him. "For I have followedthis quest, " said he, "twelve months, and either I shall achieve him orbleed of the best blood of my body. "

It was King Pellinore who at that time followed the questing beast, butneither he nor King Arthur knew each other. 

"Sir Knight, " said King Arthur, "leave that quest and suffer me to haveit, and I will follow it other twelve months. "

"Ah, fool, " said the knight, "thy desire is utterly in vain, for it shallnever be achieved but by me, or by my next of kin. "

Therewith he started to the king's horse, and mounted to the saddle, crying out, "Grammercy, this horse is mine!"

"Well, " said the king, "thou mayest take my horse by force, and I will notsay nay; but till we prove whether thou or I be best on horseback, I shallnot rest content. "

"Seek me here, " said the knight, "whenever thou wilt, and here by thisfountain thou shalt find me;" and so he passed forth on his way. 

Then sat King Arthur in a deep fit of study, and bade his yeomen fetch himyet another horse as quickly as they could. And when they left him allalone came Merlin, disguised as a child of fourteen years of age, andsaluted the king, and asked him why he was so pensive and heavy. 

"I may well be pensive and heavy, " he replied, "for here even now I haveseen the strangest sight I ever saw. "

"That know I well, " said Merlin, "as well as thyself, and also all thythoughts; but thou art foolish to take thought, for it will not amendthee. Also I know what thou art, and know thy father and thy mother. "

"That is false, " said King Arthur; "how shouldst thou know? thy years arenot enough. "

"Yea, " said Merlin, "but I know better than thou how thou wast born, andbetter than any man living. "

"I will not believe thee, " said King Arthur, and was wroth with the child. 

So Merlin departed, and came again in the likeness of an old man offourscore years of age; and the king was glad at his coming, for he seemedwise and venerable. Then said the old man, "Why art thou so sad?"

"For divers reasons, " said King Arthur; "for I have seen strange thingsto-day, and but this moment there was here a child who told me thingsbeyond his years to know. "

"Yea, " said the old man, "but he told thee truth, and more he would havetold thee hadst thou suffered him. But I will tell thee wherefore thou artsad, for thou hast done a thing of late for which God is displeased withthee, and what it is thou knowest in thy heart, though no man else mayknow. "

"What art thou, " said King Arthur, starting up all pale, "that tellest methese tidings?"

"I am Merlin, " said he, "and I was he in the child's likeness, also. "

"Ah, " said King Arthur, "thou art a marvellous and right fearful man, andI would ask and tell thee many things this day. "

As they talked came one with the king's horses, and so, King Arthurmounting one, and Merlin another, they rode together to Caerleon; andMerlin prophesied to Arthur of his death, and also foretold his own end. 

And now King Arthur, having utterly dispersed and overwhelmed those kingswho had so long delayed his coronation, turned all his mind to overthrowthe Saxon heathens who yet in many places spoiled the land. Callingtogether, therefore, his knights and men-at-arms, he rode with all hishosts to York, where Colgrin, the Saxon, lay with a great army; and therehe fought a mighty battle, long and bloody, and drove him into the city, and besieged him. Then Baldulph, Colgrin's brother, came secretly with sixthousand men to assail King Arthur and to raise the siege. But King Arthurwas aware of him, and sent six hundred horsemen and three thousand foot tomeet and fall on him instead. This therefore they did, encountering themat midnight, and utterly defeated them, till they fled away for life. ButBaldulph, full of grief, resolved to share his brother's peril; whereforehe shaved his head and beard, and disguised himself as a jester, and sopassed through King Arthur's camp, singing and playing on a harp, till bydegrees he drew near to the city walls, where presently he made himselfknown, and was drawn up by ropes into the town. 

Anon, while Arthur closely watched the city, came news that full sixhundred ships had landed countless swarms of Saxons, under Cheldric, onthe eastern coast. At that he raised the siege, and marched straight toLondon, and there increased his army, and took counsel with his barons howto drive the Saxons from the land for evermore. 

Then with his nephew, Hoel, King of the Armorican Britons, who came with agreat force to help him, King Arthur, with a mighty multitude of barons, knights, and fighting men, went swiftly up to Lincoln, which the Saxonslay besieging. And there he fought a passing fierce battle, and madegrievous slaughter, killing above six thousand men, till the main body ofthem turned and fled. But he pursued them hotly into the wood of Celidon, where, sheltering themselves among the trees from his arrows, they made astand, and for a long season bravely defended themselves. Anon, he orderedall the trees in that part of the forest to be cut down, leaving noshelter or ambush; and with their trunks and branches made a mightybarricade, which shut them in and hindered their escape. After three days, brought nigh to death by famine, they offered to give up their wealth ofgold and silver spoils, and to depart forthwith in their empty ships;moreover, to pay tribute to King Arthur when they reached their home, andto leave him hostages till all was paid. 

This offer, therefore, he accepted, and suffered them to depart. But whenthey had been a few hours at sea, they repented of their shameful flight, and turned their ships back again, and landing at Totnes, ravaged all theland as far as the Severn, and, burning and slaying on all sides, benttheir steps towards Bath. 

When King Arthur heard of their treachery and their return, he burned withanger till his eyes shone like two torches, and then he swore a mightyoath to rest no more until he had utterly destroyed those enemies of Godand man, and had rooted them for ever out of the land of Britain. Thenmarching hotly with his armies on to Bath, he cried aloud to them, "Sincethese detestable impious heathens disdain to keep their faith with me, tokeep faith with God, to whom I sware to cherish and defend this realm, will now this day avenge on them the blood of all that they have slain inBritain!"

In like manner after him spoke the archbishop, standing upon a hill, andcrying that to-day they should fight both for their country and forParadise, "For whoso, " he said, "shall in this holy war be slain, theangels shall forthwith receive him; for death in this cause shall bepenance and absolution for all sins. "

At these words every man in the whole army raged with hatred, and pressedeagerly to rush upon those savages. 

Anon King Arthur, dressed in armour shining with gold and jewels, andwearing on his head a helmet with a golden dragon, took a shield paintedwith the likeness of the blessed Mary. Then girding on Excalibur andtaking in his right hand his great lance Ron, he placed his men in orderand led them out against the enemy, who stood for battle on the slope ofBadon Hill, ranged in the form of a wedge, as their custom was. And they, resisting all the onslaughts of King Arthur and his host, made that day astout defence, and at night lay down upon the hill. 

But on the next day Arthur led his army once again to the attack, and withwounds and slaughter such as no man had ever seen before, he drove theheathen step by step before him, backwards and upwards, till he stood withall his noblest knights upon the summit of the hill. 

And then men saw him, "red as the rising sun from spur to plume, " lift uphis sword, and, kneeling, kiss the cross of it; and after, rising to hisfeet, set might and main with all his fellowship upon the foe, till, as atroop of lions roaring for their prey, they drove them like a scatteredherd along the plains, and cut them down till they could cut no more forweariness. 

That day King Arthur by himself alone slew with his word Excalibur fourhundred and seventy heathens. Colgrin also, and his brother Baldulph, wereslain. 

Then the king bade Cador, Duke of Cornwall, follow Cheldric, the chiefleader, and the remnant of his hosts, unto the uttermost. He, therefore, when he had first seized their fleet, and filled it with chosen men, tobeat them back when they should fly to it at last, chased them and slewthem without mercy so long as he could overtake them. And though theycrept with trembling hearts for shelter to the coverts of the woods anddens of mountains, yet even so they found no safety, for Cador slew them, even one by one. Last of all he caught and slew Cheldric himself, andslaughtering a great multitude took hostages for the surrender of therest. 

Meanwhile, King Arthur turned from Badon Hill, and freed his nephew Hoelfrom the Scots and Picts, who besieged him in Alclud. And when he haddefeated them in three sore battles, he drove them before him to a lake, which was one of the most wondrous lakes in all the world, for it was fedby sixty rivers, and had sixty islands, and sixty rocks, and on everyisland sixty eagles' nests. But King Arthur with a great fleet sailedround the rivers and besieged them in the lake for fifteen days, so thatmany thousands died of hunger. 

Anon the King of Ireland came with an army to relieve them; but Arthur, turning on him fiercely, routed him, and compelled him to retreat interror to his land. Then he pursued his purpose, which was no less todestroy the race of Picts and Scots, who, beyond memory, had been aceaseless torment to the Britons by their barbarous malice. 

So bitterly, therefore, did he treat them, giving quarter to none, that atlength the bishops of that miserable country with the clergy met together, and, bearing all the holy relics, came barefooted to the king to pray hismercy for their people. As soon as they were led before him they fell downupon their knees, and piteously besought him to spare the few survivors oftheir countrymen, and grant them any corner of the land where they mightlive in peace. When he thus heard them, and knew that he had now fullypunished them, he consented to their prayer, and withdrew his hosts fromany further slaughter. 

Then turned he back to his own realm, and came to York for Christmas, andthere with high solemnity observed that holy tide; and being passinggrieved to see the ruin of the churches and houses, which the rage or thepagans had destroyed, he rebuilt them, and restored the city to itsancient happy state. 

And on a certain day, as the king sat with his barons, there came into thecourt a squire on horseback, carrying a knight before him wounded to thedeath, and told the king that hard by in the forest was a knight who hadreared up a pavilion by the fountain, "and hath slain my master, a valiantknight, whose name was Nirles; wherefore I beseech thee, Lord, my mastermay be buried, and that some good knight may avenge his death. "

At that stepped forth a squire named Griflet, who was very young, being ofthe same age with King Arthur, and besought the king, for all the servicehe had done, to give him knighthood. 

"Thou art full young and tender of age, " said King Arthur, "to take sohigh an order upon thee. "

"Sir, " said Griflet, "I beseech thee make me a knight;" and Merlin alsoadvising the king to grant his request, "Well, " said Arthur, "be it thenso, " and knighted him forthwith. Then said he to him, "Since I havegranted thee this favour, thou must in turn grant me a gift. "

"Whatsoever thou wilt, my lord, " replied Sir Griflet. 

"Promise me, " said King Arthur, "by the faith of thy body, that when thouhast jousted with this knight at the fountain, thou wilt return to mestraightway, unless he slay thee. "

"I promise, " said Sir Griflet; and taking his horse in haste, he dressedhis shield, and took a spear in his hand and rode full gallop till he cameto the fountain, by the side of which he saw a rich pavilion, and a greathorse standing well saddled and bridled, and on a tree close by there hunga shield of many colours and a long lance. 

Then Sir Griflet smote upon the shield with the butt of his spear until hecast it to the ground. At that a knight came out of the pavilion and said, "Fair knight, why smote ye down my shield?"

"Because, " said Griflet, "I would joust with thee. "

"It were better not, " replied the knight; "for thou art young and butlately made a knight, and thy strength is small compared to mine. "

"For all that, " said Sir Griflet, "I will joust with ye. "

"I am full loath, " replied the knight; "but if I must I must. "

Then did they wheel their horses far apart, and running them together, the strange knight shivered Sir Griflet's spear to fragments, and smotehim through the shield and the left side, and broke his own spear into SirGriflet's body, so that the truncheon stuck there, and Sir Griflet and hishorse fell down. But when the strange knight saw him overthrown, he wassore grieved, and hastily alighted, for he thought that he had slain him. Then he unlaced his helm and gave him air, and tended him carefully tillhe came out of his swoon, and leaving the truncheon of his spear in hisbody, he set him upon horse, and commended him to God, and said he had amighty heart, and if he lived would prove a passing good knight. And soSir Griflet rode to the court, where, by aid of good physicians, he washealed in time and his life saved. 

At that same time there came before the king twelve old men, ambassadorsfrom Lucius Tiberius, Emperor of Rome, and demanded of Arthur tribute untoCaesar for his realm, or else, said they, the emperor would destroy bothhim and his land. To whom King Arthur answered that he owed the emperor notribute, nor would send him any; but said he, "On a fair field I will payhim his proper tribute--with a sharp spear and sword; and by my father'ssoul that tribute shall he take from me, whether he will or not. " So theambassadors departed passing wroth, and King Arthur was as wroth as they. 

But on the morrow of Sir Griflet's hurt, the king commanded to take hishorse and armour secretly outside the city walls before sunrise of thenext morning, and, rising a long while before dawn, he mounted up and tookhis shield and spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry till he came again;but he forbore to take Excalibur, for he had given it for safety intocharge of his sister, Queen Morgan le Fay. And as the king rode at a softpace he saw suddenly three villains chasing Merlin and making to attackand slay him. Clapping spurs to his horse, he rushed towards them, andcried out in a terrible voice, "Flee, churls, or take your deaths;" butthey, as soon as they perceived a knight, fled away with the haste ofhares. 

"O Merlin, " said the king; "here hadst thou been killed, despite thy manycrafts, had I not chanced to pass. "

"Not so, " said Merlin, "for when I would, I could have saved myself; butthou art nearer to thy death than I, for without special help from heaventhou ridest now towards thy grave. "

And as they were thus talking, they came to the fountain and the richpavilion pitched beside it, and saw a knight sitting all armed on a chairin the opening of the tent. "Sir knight, " said King Arthur, "for whatcause abidest thou here? to joust with any knight that passeth by? If so, I caution thee to quit that custom. "

"That custom, " said the knight, "have I followed and will follow, letwhosoever will say nay, and if any is aggrieved at it, let him who willamend it. "

"I will amend it, " said King Arthur. 

"And I will defend it, " answered the knight. 

Then the knight mounted his horse and made himself ready, and charging ateach other they met so hard that both their lances splintered into pieces. Then King Arthur drew his sword, but the knight cried out, "Not so; butlet us run another tilt together with sharp spears. "

"I would with a good will, " said King Arthur; "but I have no more spears. "

"I have enough of spears, " replied the knight, and called a squire, whobrought two good new lances. 

Then spurring their horses, they rushed together with all their might, andbroke each one his own spear short off in his hand. Then the king againput his hand to his sword, but the knight once more cried out, "Nay, yetabide awhile; ye are the best jouster that I ever met with; for the loveof knighthood, let us joust yet once again. "

So once again they tilted with their fullest force, and this time KingArthur's spear was shivered, but the knight's held whole, and drove sofuriously against the king that both his horse and he were hurled to theground. 

At that, King Arthur was enraged and drew his sword and said, "I willattack thee now, Sir knight, on foot, for on horseback I have lost thehonour. "

"I will be on horseback, " said the knight. But when he saw him come onfoot, he lighted from his horse, thinking it shame to have so greatadvantage. 

And then began they a strong battle, with many great strokes and grievousblows, and so hewed with their swords that the fragments of their armourflew about the fields, and both so bled that all the ground around waslike a marsh of blood. Thus they fought long and mightily, and anon, afterbrief rest fell to again, and so hurtled together like two wild boars thatthey both rolled to the ground. At last their swords clashed furiouslytogether, and the knight's sword shivered the king's in two. 

Then said the knight, "Now art thou in my power, to save thee or to slay. Yield therefore as defeated, and a recreant knight, or thou shall surelydie. "

"As for death, " replied King Arthur, "welcome be it when it cometh; but asfor yielding me to thee as a recreant because of this poor accident uponmy sword, I had far liefer die than be so shamed. "

So saying, he sprang on the knight, and took him by the middle and threwhim down, and tore off his helm. But the knight, being a huge man, wrestled and struggled in a frenzy with the king until he brought himunder, and tore off his helm in turn, and would have smitten off his head. 

At that came Merlin and said, "Knight, hold thy hand, for if thou slayestyonder knight, thou puttest all this realm to greater loss and damage thanever realm was in; for he is a man of greater worship than thou dreamestof. "

"Who then is he?" cried the knight. 

"Arthur Pendragon!" answered Merlin. 

Then would he have slain him for dread of his wrath, but Merlin cast aspell upon the knight, so that he fell suddenly to the earth in a deepsleep. Then raising up the king, he took the knight's horse for himselfand rode away. 

"Alas, " said King Arthur, "what hast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slainthis good knight by thy crafts? There never lived a better knight; I hadrather lose my kingdom for a year than have him dead. "

"Be not afraid, " said Merlin; "he is more whole and sound than thou art, and is but in a sleep, wherefrom in three hours' time he will awake. Itold thee what a knight he was, and how near thou wast to death. Thereliveth not a better knight than he in all the world, and hereafter heshall do thee good service. His name is King Pellinore, and he shall havetwo sons, who shall be passing valiant men, and, save one another, shallhave no equal in prowess and in purity of life. The one shall be namedPercival, and the other Lamoracke of Wales. "

So they rode on to Caerleon, and all the knights grieved greatly when theyheard of this adventure, that the king would jeopardise his person thusalone. Yet could they not hide their joy at serving under such a noblechief, who adventured his own life as much as did the poorest knight amongthem all. 

CHAPTER IV

_King Arthur Conquers Ireland and Norway, Slays the Giant of St. Michael'sMount, and Conquers Gaul--The Adventures of Sir Balin_

The land of Britain being now in peace, and many great and valiant knightstherein ready to take part in whatsoever battles or adventures mightarise, King Arthur resolved to follow all his enemies to their own coasts. Anon he fitted out a great fleet, and sailing first to Ireland, in onebattle he miserably routed the people of the country. The King of Irelandalso he took prisoner, and forced all earls and barons to pay him homage. 

Having conquered Ireland, he went next to Iceland and subdued it also, andthe winter being then arrived, returned to Britain. 

In the next year he set forth to Norway, whence many times the heathen haddescended on the British coasts; for he was determined to give so terriblea lesson to those savages as should be told through all their tribes bothfar and near, and make his name fearful to them. 

As soon as he was come, Riculf, the king, with all the power of thatcountry, met and gave him battle; but, after mighty slaughter, the Britonshad at length the advantage, and slew Riculf and a countless multitudebesides. 

Having thus defeated them, they set the cities on fire, dispersed thecountry people, and pursued the victory till they had reduced all Norway, as also Dacia, under the dominion of King Arthur. 

Now, therefore, having thus chastised those pagans who so long hadharassed Britain, and put his yoke upon them, he voyaged on to Gaul, beingsteadfastly set upon defeating the Roman governor of that province, and sobeginning to make good the threats which he had sent the emperor by hisambassadors. 

So soon as he was landed on the shores of Gaul, there came to him acountryman who told him of a fearful giant in the land of Brittany, whohad slain, murdered, and devoured many people, and had lived for sevenyears upon young children only, "insomuch, " said the man, "that all thechildren of the country are destroyed; and but the other day he seizedupon our duchess, as she rode out with her men, and took her away to hislodging in a cave of a mountain, and though five hundred people followedher, yet could they give her no help or rescue, but left her shrieking andcrying lamentably in the giant's hands; and, Lord, she is thy cousinHoel's wife, who is of thy near kindred; wherefore, as thou art a rightfulking, have pity on this lady; and as thou art a valiant conqueror, avengeus and deliver us. "

"Alas!" said King Arthur, "this is a great mischief that ye tell of. I hadrather than the best realm I have, that I had rescued that lady ere thegiant laid his hand on her; but tell me now, good fellow, canst thou bringme where this giant haunteth?"

"Yea, Lord!" replied the man; "lo, yonder, where thou seest two greatfires, there shall thou find him, and more treasure also than is in allGaul besides. "

Then the king returned to his tent, and, calling Sir Key and Sir Bedwin, desired them to get horses ready for himself and them, for that afterevensong he would ride a pilgrimage with them alone to St. Michael'sMount. So in the evening they departed, and rode as fast as they couldtill they came near the mount, and there alighted; and the king commandedthe two knights to await him at the hill foot, while he went up alone. 

Then he ascended the mountain till he came to a great fire. And there hefound a sorrowful widow wringing her hands and weeping miserably, sittingby a new-made grave. And saluting her, King Arthur prayed her whereforeshe made such heavy lamentations. 

"Sir knight, " she said, "speak softly, for yonder is a devil, who, if hehear thy voice, will come and straightway slay thee. Alas! what dost thouhere? Fifty such men as thou were powerless to resist him. Here lieth deadmy lady, Duchess of Brittany, wife to Sir Hoel, who was the fairest ladyin the world, foully and shamefully slaughtered by that fiend! Beware thatthou go not too nigh, for he hath overcome and vanquished fifteen kings, and hath made himself a coat of precious stones, embroidered with theirbeards; but if thou art hardy, and wilt speak with him, at yonder greatfire he is at supper. "

"Well, " said King Arthur, "I will accomplish mine errand, for all thyfearful words;" and so went forth to the crest of the hill, and saw wherethe giant sat at supper, gnawing on a limb of a man, and baking his hugeframe by the fire, while three damsels turned three spits whereon werespitted, like larks, twelve young children lately born. 

[Illustration: The giant sat at supper, gnawing on a limb of a man, andbaking his huge frame by the fire. ]

When King Arthur saw all that, his heart bled for sorrow, and he trembledfor rage and indignation; then lifting up his voice he cried aloud--"God, that wieldeth all the world, give thee short life and shameful death, andmay the devil have thy soul! Why hast thou slain those children and thatfair lady? Wherefore arise, and prepare thee to perish, thou glutton andfiend, for this day thou shalt die by my hands. "

Then the giant, mad with fury at these words, started up, and seizing agreat club, smote the king, and struck his crown from off his head. ButKing Arthur smote him with his sword so mightily in return, that all hisblood gushed forth in streams. 

At that the giant, howling in great anguish, threw away his club of iron, and caught the king in both his arms and strove to crush his ribstogether. But King Arthur struggled and writhed, and twisted him about, sothat the giant could not hold him tightly; and as they fiercely wrestled, they both fell, and rolling over one another, tumbled--wrestling, andstruggling, and fighting frantically--from rock to rock, till they came tothe sea. 

And as they tore and strove and tumbled, the king ever and anon smote atthe giant with his dagger, till his arms stiffened in death around KingArthur's body, and groaning horribly, he died. So presently the twoknights came and found the king locked fast in the giant's arms, and veryfaint and weary, and loosed him from their hold. 

Then the king bade Sir Key to "smite off the giant's head and set it onthe truncheon of a spear, and bear it to Sir Hoel, and tell him that hisenemy is slain; and afterwards let it be fastened to the castle gate, thatall the people may behold it. And go ye two up on the mountain and fetchme my shield and sword, and also the great club of iron ye will see there;and as for the treasure, ye shall find there wealth beyond counting, buttake as much as ye will, for if I have his kirtle and the club, I desireno more. "

Then the knights fetched the club and kirtle, as the king had ordered, andtook the treasure to themselves, as much as they could carry, and returnedto the army. But when this deed was noised abroad, all the people came inmultitudes to thank the king, who told them "to give thanks to God, and todivide the giant's spoils amongst them equally. " And King Arthur desiredSir Hoel to build a church upon the mount, and dedicate it to theArchangel Michael. 

On the morrow, all the host moved onwards into the country of Champagne, and Flollo, the Roman tribune, retired before them into Paris. But whilehe was preparing to collect more forces from the neighbouring countries, King Arthur came upon him unawares, and besieged him in the town. 

And when a month had passed, Flollo--full of grief at the starvation ofhis people, who died in hundreds day by day--sent to King Arthur, anddesired that they two might fight together; for he was a man of mightystature and courage, and thought himself sure of the victory. Thischallenge, King Arthur, full weary the siege, accepted with great joy, andsent back word to Flollo that he would meet him whensoever he appointed. 

And a truce being made on both sides, they met together the next day onthe island without the city, where all the people also were gathered tosee the issue. And as the king and Flollo rode up to the lists, each wasso nobly armed and horsed, and sat so mightily upon his saddle, that noman could tell which way the battle would end. 

When they had saluted one another, and presented themselves against eachother with their lances aloft, they put spurs to their horses and began afierce encounter. But King Arthur, carrying his spear more warily, struckit on the upper part of Flollo's breast, and flung him from his saddle tothe earth. Then drawing his sword, he cried to him to rise, and rushedupon him; but Flollo, starting up, met him with his spear couched, andpierced the breast of King Arthur's horse, and overthrew both horse andman. 

The Britons, when they saw their king upon the ground, could scarcely keepthemselves from breaking up the truce and falling on the Gauls. But asthey were about to burst the barriers, and rush upon the lists, KingArthur hastily arose, and, guarding himself with his shield, ran withspeed on Flollo. And now they renewed the assault with great rage, beingsorely bent upon each other's death. 

At length, Flollo, seizing his advantage, gave King Arthur a huge strokeupon the helm, which nigh overthrew him, and drew forth his blood instreams. 

But when King Arthur saw his armour and shield red with blood, he wasinflamed with fury, and lifting up Excalibur on high, with all his might, he struck straight through the helmet into Flollo's head, and smote itinto halves; and Flollo falling backwards, and tearing up the ground withhis spurs, expired. 

As soon as this news spread, the citizens all ran together, and, openingthe gates, surrendered the city to the conqueror. 

And when he had overrun the whole province with his arms, and reduced iteverywhere to subjection, he returned again to Britain, and held his courtat Caerleon, with greater state than ever. 

Anon he invited thereto all the kings, dukes, earls, and barons, who owedhim homage, that he might treat them royally, and reconcile them to eachother, and to his rule. 

And never was there a city more fit and pleasant for such festivals. Foron one side it was washed by a noble river, so that the kings and princesfrom the countries beyond sea might conveniently sail up to it; and on theother side, the beauty of the groves and meadows, and the stateliness andmagnificence of the royal palaces, with lofty gilded roofs, made it evenrival the grandeur of Rome. It was famous also for two great and noblechurches, whereof one was built in honour of the martyr Julius, andadorned with a choir of virgins who had devoted themselves wholly to theservice of God; and the other, founded in memory of St. Aaron, hiscompanion, maintained a convent of canons, and was the third metropolitanchurch of Britain. Besides, there was a college of two hundredphilosophers, learned in astronomy, and all the other sciences and arts. 

In this place, therefore, full of such delights, King Arthur held hiscourt, with many jousts and tournaments, and royal huntings, and restedfor a season after all his wars. 

And on a certain day there came into the court a messenger from Ryence, King of North Wales, bearing this message from his master: That KingRyence had discomfited eleven kings, and had compelled each one of them tocut off his beard; that he had trimmed a mantle with these beards, andlacked but one more beard to finish it; and that he therefore now sent forKing Arthur's beard, which he required of him forthwith, or else he wouldenter his lands and burn and slay, and never leave them till he had takenby force not his beard only, but his head also. 

When King Arthur heard these words he flushed all scarlet, and rising ingreat anger said, "Well is it for thee that thou speakest another man'swords with thy lips, and not thine own. Thou hast said thy message, whichis the most insolent and villainous that ever man heard sent to any king:now hear my reply. My beard is yet too young to trim that mantle of thymaster's with; yet, young although I be, I owe no homage either to him orany man--nor will ever owe. But, young although I be, I will have thymaster's homage upon both his knees before this year be past, or else heshall lose his head, by the faith of my body, for this message is theshamefullest I ever heard speak of. I see well thy king hath never yet metwith a worshipful man; but tell that King Arthur will have his head or hisworship right soon. "

Then the messenger departed, and Arthur, looking round upon his knights, demanded of them if any there knew this King Ryence. "Yea, " answered SirNoran, "I know him well, and there be few better or stronger knights upona field than he; and he is passing proud and haughty in his heart;wherefore I doubt not, Lord, he will make war on thee with mighty power. "

"Well, " said King Arthur, "I shall be ready for him, and that shall hefind. "

While the king thus spoke, there came into the hall a damsel having on amantle richly furred, which she let fall and showed herself to be girdedwith a noble sword. The king being surprised at this, said, "Damsel, wherefore art thou girt with that sword, for it beseemeth thee not?""Sir, " said she, "I will tell thee. This sword wherewith I am thus girtgives me great sorrow and encumbrance, for I may not be delivered from ittill I find a knight faithful and pure and true, strong of body and ofvaliant deeds, without guile or treachery, who shall be able to draw itfrom its scabbard, which no man else can do. And I have but just now comefrom the court of King Ryence, for there they told me many great and goodknights were to be ever found; but he and all his knights have tried todraw it forth in vain--for none of them can move it. "

"This is a great marvel, " said King Arthur; "I will myself try to drawforth this sword, not thinking in my heart that I am the best knight, butrather to begin and give example that all may try after me. " Saying this, he took the sword and pulled at it with all his might, but could not shakeor move it. 

"Thou needest not strive so hard, Lord, " said the damsel, "for whoever maybe able to pull it forth shall do so very easily. " "Thou sayest well, "replied the king, remembering how he had himself drawn forth the swordfrom the stone before St. Paul's. "Now try ye, all my barons; but bewareye be not stained with shame, or any treachery, or guile. " And turningaway his face from them, King Arthur mused full heavily of sins within hisbreast he knew of, and which his failure brought to mind right sadly. 

Then all the barons present tried each after other, but could none of themsucceed; whereat the damsel greatly wept, and said, "Alas, alas! I thoughtin this court to have found the best knight, without shame or treachery ortreason. "

Now by chance there was at that time a poor knight with King Arthur, whohad been prisoner at his court for half a year and more, charged withslaying unawares a knight who was a cousin of the king's. He was namedBalin le Savage, and had been by the good offices of the barons deliveredfrom prison, for he was of good and valiant address and gentle blood. Hebeing secretly present at the court saw this adventure, and felt his heartrise high within him, and longed to try the sword as did the others; butbeing poor and poorly clad, he was ashamed to come forward in the press ofknights and nobles. But in his heart he felt assured that he could dobetter--if Heaven willed--than any knight among them all. 

So as the damsel left the king, he called to her and said, "Damsel, I praythee of thy courtesy, suffer me to try the sword as well as all theselords; for though I be but poorly clad, I feel assurance in my heart. "

The damsel looking at him, saw in him a likely an honest man, but becauseof his poor garments could not think him to be any knight of worship, andsaid, "Sir, there is no need to put me to any more pain or labour; whyshouldst thou succeed where so many worthy ones have failed?"

"Ah, fair lady, " answered Balin, "worthiness and brave deeds are not shownby fair raiment, but manhood and truth lie hid within the heart. There bemany worshipful knights unknown to all the people. "

"By my faith, thou sayest truth, " replied the damsel; "try therefore, ifthou wilt, what thou canst do. "

So Balin took the sword by the girdle and hilt, and drew it lightly out, and looking on its workmanship and brightness, it pleased him greatly. 

But the king and all the barons marvelled at Sir Balin's fortune, and manyknights were envious of him, for, "Truly, " said the damsel, "this is apassing good knight, and the best man I have ever found, and the mostworshipfully free from treason, treachery, or villainy, and many wondersshall he achieve. "

"Now, gentle and courteous knight, " continued she, turning to Balin, "giveme the sword again. "

"Nay, " said Sir Balin, "save it be taken from me by force, I shallpreserve this sword for evermore. "

"Thou art not wise, " replied the damsel, "to keep it from me; for if thouwilt do so, thou shalt slay with it the best friend thou hast, and thesword shall be thine destruction also. "

"I will take whatever adventure God may send, " said Balin; "but the swordwill I keep, by the faith of my body. "

"Thou will repent it shortly, " said the damsel; "I would take the swordfor thy sake rather than for mine for I am passing grieved and heavy forthy sake, who wilt not believe the peril I foretell thee. " With that shedeparted, making great lamentation. 

Then Balin sent for his horse and armour, and took his leave of KingArthur, who urged him to stay at his court. "For, " said he, "I believethat thou art displeased that I showed thee unkindness; blame me notovermuch, for I was misinformed against thee, and knew not truly what aknight of worship thou art. Abide in this court with my good knights, andI will so advance thee that thou shalt be well pleased. "

"God thank thee, Lord, " said Balin, "for no man can reward thy bounty andthy nobleness; but at this time I must needs depart, praying thee ever tohold me in thy favour. "

"Truly, " said King Arthur, "I am grieved for thy departure; but tarry notlong, and thou shalt be right welcome to me and all my knights when thoureturnest, and I will repair my neglect and all that I have done amissagainst thee. "

"God thank thee, Lord, " again said Balin, and made ready to depart. 

But meanwhile came into the court a lady upon horseback, full richlydressed, and saluted King Arthur, and asked him for the gift that he hadpromised her when she gave him his sword Excalibur, "for, " said she, "I amthe lady of the lake. "

"Ask what thou wilt, " said the king, "and thou shalt have it, if I havepower to give. "

"I ask, " said she, "the head of that knight who hath just achieved thesword, or else the damsel's head who brought it, or else both; for theknight slew my brother, and the lady caused my father's death. "

"Truly, " said King Arthur, "I cannot grant thee this desire; it wereagainst my nature and against my name; but ask whatever else thou wilt, and I will do it. "

"I will demand no other thing, " said she. 

And as she spake came Balin, on his way to leave the court, and saw herwhere she stood, and knew her straightway for his mother's murderess, whomhe had sought in vain three years. And when they told him that she hadasked King Arthur for his head, he went up straight to her and said, "Mayevil have thee! Thou desirest my head, therefore shalt thou lose thine;"and with his sword he lightly smote her head off, in the presence of theking and all the court. 

"Alas, for shame!" cried out King Arthur, rising up in wrath; "why hastthou done this, shaming both me and my court? I am beholden greatly tothis lady, and under my safe conduct came she here; thy deed is passingshameful; never shall I forgive thy villainy. "

"Lord, " cried Sir Balin, "hear me; this lady was the falsest living, andby her witchcraft hath destroyed many, and caused my mother also to beburnt to death by her false arts and treachery. "

"What cause soever thou mightest have had, " said the king, "thou shouldsthave forborne her in my presence. Deceive not thyself, thou shalt repentthis sin, for such a shame was never brought upon my court; depart nowfrom my face with all the haste thou mayest. "

Then Balin took up the head of the lady and carried it to his lodgings, and rode forth with his squire from out the town. Then said he, "Now mustwe part; take ye this head and bear it to my friends in Northumberland, and tell them how I speed, and that our worst foe is dead; also tell themthat I am free from prison, and of the adventure of my sword. "

"Alas!" said the squire, "ye are greatly to blame to have so displeasedKing Arthur. "

"As for that, " said Sir Balin, "I go now to find King Ryence, and destroyhim or lose my life; for should I take him prisoner, and lead him to thecourt, perchance King Arthur would forgive me, and become my good andgracious lord. "

"Where shall I meet thee again?" said the squire. 

"In King Arthur's court, " said Balin. 

CHAPTER V

_Sir Balin Smites the Dolorous Stroke, and Fights with his Brother, SirBalan_

Now there was a knight at the court more envious than the others of SirBalin, for he counted himself one of the best knights in Britain. His namewas Lancear; and going to the king, he begged leave to follow after SirBalin and avenge the insult he had put upon the court. "Do thy best, "replied the king, "for I am passing wroth with Balin. "

In the meantime came Merlin, and was told of this adventure of the swordand lady of the lake. 

"Now hear me, " said he, "when I tell ye that this lady who hath broughtthe sword is the falsest damsel living. "

"Say not so, " they answered, "for she hath a brother a good knight, whoslew another knight this damsel loved; so she, to be revenged upon herbrother, went to the Lady Lile, of Avilion, and besought her help. ThenLady Lile gave her the sword, and told her that no man should draw itforth but one, a valiant knight and strong, who should avenge her on herbrother. This, therefore, was the reason why the damsel came here. " "Iknow it all as well as ye do, " answered Merlin; "and would to God she hadnever come hither, for never came she into any company but to do harm; andthat good knight who hath achieved the sword shall be himself slain by it, which shall be great harm and loss, for a better knight there liveth not;and he shall do unto my lord the king great honour and service. "

Then Sir Lancear, having armed himself at all points, mounted, and rodeafter Sir Balin, as fast as he could go, and overtaking him, he criedaloud, "Abide, Sir knight! wait yet awhile, or I shall make thee do so. "

Hearing him cry, Sir Balin fiercely turned his horse, and said, "Fairknight, what wilt thou with me? wilt thou joust?"

"Yea, " said Sir Lancear, "it is for that I have pursued thee. "

"Peradventure, " answered Balin, "thou hadst best have staid at home, formany a man who thinketh himself already victor, endeth by his owndownfall. Of what court art thou?"

"Of King Arthur's court, " cried Lancear, "and I am come to revenge theinsult thou hast put on it this day. "

"Well, " said Sir Balin, "I see that I must fight thee, and I repent to beobliged to grieve King Arthur or his knights; and thy quarrel seemeth fullfoolish to me, for the damsel that is dead worked endless evils throughthe land, or else I had been loath as any knight that liveth to have slaina lady. "

"Make thee ready, " shouted Lancear, "for one of us shall rest for ever inthis field. "

But at their first encounter Sir Lancear's spear flew into splinters fromSir Balin's shield, and Sir Balin's lance pierced with such might throughSir Lancear's shield that it rove the hauberk also, and passed through theknight's body and the horse's crupper. And Sir Balin turning fiercelyround again, drew out his sword, and knew not that he had already slainhim; and then he saw him lie a corpse upon the ground. 

At that same moment came a damsel riding towards him as fast as her horsecould gallop, who, when she saw Sir Lancear dead, wept and sorrowed out ofmeasure, crying, "O, Sir Balin, two bodies hast thou slain, and one heart;and two hearts in one body; and two souls also hast thou lost. "

Therewith she took the sword from her dead lover's side--for she was SirLancear's lady-love--and setting the pommel of it on the ground, ranherself through the body with the blade. 

When Sir Balin saw her dead he was sorely hurt and grieved in spirit, andrepented the death of Lancear, which had also caused so fair a lady'sdeath. And being unable to look on their bodies for sorrow, he turnedaside into a forest, where presently as he rode, he saw the arms of hisbrother, Sir Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms, andembraced each other, kissing, and weeping for joy and pity. Then Sir Balintold Sir Balan all his late adventures, and that he was on his way to KingRyence, who at that time was besieging Castle Terrabil. "I will be withthee, " answered Sir Balan, "and we will help each other, as brethren oughtto do. "

Anon by chance, as they were talking, came King Mark, of Cornwall, by thatway, and when he saw the two dead bodies of Sir Lancear and his lady lyingthere, and heard the story of their death, he vowed to build a tomb tothem before he left that place. So pitching his pavilion there, he soughtthrough all the country round to find a monument, and found at last a richand fair one in a church, which he took and raised above the dead knightand his damsel, writing on it--"Here lieth Lancear, son of the King ofIreland, who, at his own request, was slain by Balin; and here beside himalso lieth his lady Colombe, who slew herself with her lover's sword forgrief and sorrow. "

Then as Sir Balin and Sir Balan rode away, Merlin met with them, and saidto Balin, "Thou hast done thyself great harm not to have saved that lady'slife who slew herself; and because of it, thou shalt strike the mostDolorous Stroke that ever man struck, save he that smote our Lord. Forthou shalt smite the truest and most worshipful of living knights, whoshall not be recovered from his wounds for many years, and through thatstroke three kingdoms shall be overwhelmed in poverty and misery. "

"If I believed, " said Balin, "what thou sayest, I would slay myself tomake thee a liar. "

At that Merlin vanished suddenly away; but afterwards he met them indisguise towards night, and told them he could lead them to King Ryence, whom they sought. "For this night he is to ride with sixty lances onlythrough a wood hard by. "

So Sir Balin and Sir Balan hid themselves within the wood, and at midnightcame out from their ambush among the leaves by the highway, and waited forthe king, whom presently they heard approaching with his company. Then didthey suddenly leap forth and smote at him and overthrew him and laid himon the ground, and turning on his company wounded and slew forty of them, and put the rest to flight. And returning to King Ryence they would haveslain him there, but he craved mercy, and yielded to their grace, crying, "Knights full of prowess, slay me not; for by my life ye may winsomething--but my death can avail ye nought. "

"Ye say truth, " said the two knights, and put him in a horse-litter, andwent swiftly through all the night, till at cock-crow they came to KingArthur's palace. There they delivered him to the warders and porters, tobe brought before the king, with this message--"That he was sent to KingArthur by the knight of the two swords (for so was Balin known by name, since his adventure with the damsel) and by his brother. " And so they rodeaway again ere sunrise. 

Within a month or two thereafter, King Arthur being somewhat sick, wentforth outside the town, and had his pavilion pitched in a meadow, andthere abode, and laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but could get norest. And as he lay he heard the sound of a great horse, and looking outof the tent door, saw a knight ride by, making great lamentation. 

"Abide, fair sir, " said King Arthur, "and tell me wherefore thou makestthis sorrow. "

"Ye may little amend it, " said the knight, and so passed on. 

Presently after Sir Balin, rode, by chance, past that meadow, and when hesaw the king he alighted and came to him on foot, and kneeled and salutedhim. 

"By my head, " said King Arthur, "ye be welcome, Sir Balin;" and then hethanked him heartily for revenging him upon King Ryence, and for sendinghim so speedily a prisoner to his castle, and told him how King Nero, Ryence's brother, had attacked him afterwards to deliver Ryence fromprison; and how he had defeated him and slain him, and also King Lot, ofOrkney who was joined with Nero, and whom King Pellinore had killed in thebattle. Then when they had thus talked, King Arthur told Sir Balin of thesullen knight that had just passed his tent, and desired him to pursue himand to bring him back. 

So Sir Balin rode and overtook the knight in a forest with a damsel, andsaid, "Sir knight, thou must come back with me unto my lord, King Arthur, to tell him the cause of thy sorrow, which thou hast refused even now todo. "

"That will I not, " replied the knight, "for it would harm me much, and dohim no advantage. "

"Sir, " said Sir Balin, "I pray thee make ready, for thou must needs gowith me--or else I must fight with thee and take thee by force. "

"Wilt thou be warrant for safe conduct, if I go with thee?" inquired theknight. 

"Yea, surely, " answered Balin, "I will die else. "

So the knight made ready to go with Sir Balin, and left the damsel in thewood. 

But as they went, there came one invisible, and smote the knight throughthe body with a spear. "Alas, " cried Sir Herleus (for so was he named), "Iam slain under thy guard and conduct, by that traitor knight calledGarlon, who through magic and witchcraft rideth invisibly. Take, therefore, my horse, which is better than thine, and ride to the damselwhom we left, and the quest I had in hand, as she will lead thee--andrevenge my death when thou best mayest. "

"That will I do, " said Sir Balin, "by my knighthood, and so I swear tothee. "

Then went Sir Balin to the damsel, and rode forth with her; she carryingever with her the truncheon of the spear wherewith Sir Herleus had beenslain. And as they went, a good knight, Perin de Mountbelgard, joinedtheir company, and vowed to take adventure with them wheresoever theymight go. But presently as they passed a hermitage fast by a churchyard, came the knight Garlon, again invisible, and smote Sir Perin through thebody with a spear, and slew him as he had slain Sir Herleus. Whereat, SirBalin greatly raged, and swore to have Sir Garlon's life, whenever next hemight encounter and behold him in his bodily shape. Anon, he and thehermit buried the good knight Sir Perin, and rode on with the damsel tillthey came to a great castle, whereinto they were about to enter. But whenSir Balin had passed through the gateway, the portcullis fell behind himsuddenly, leaving the damsel on the outer side, with men around her, drawing their swords as if to slay her. 

When he saw that, Sir Balin climbed with eager haste by wall and tower, and leaped into the castle moat, and rushed towards the damsel and herenemies, with his sword drawn, to fight and slay them. But they cried out, "Put up thy sword, Sir knight, we will not fight thee in this quarrel, forwe do nothing but an ancient custom of this castle. "

Then they told him that the lady of the castle was sick, and had lain illfor many years, and might never more be cured, unless she had a silverdish full of the blood of a pure maid and a king's daughter. Wherefore thecustom of the castle was, that never should a damsel pass that way but shemust give a dish full of her blood. Then Sir Balin suffered them to bleedthe damsel with her own consent, but her blood helped not the lady of thecastle. So on the morrow they departed, after right good cheer and rest. 

Then they rode three or four days without adventure and came at last tothe abode of a rich man, who sumptuously lodged and fed them. And whilethey sat at supper Sir Balin heard a voice of some one groaninggrievously. "What noise is this?" said he. 

"Forsooth, " said the host, "I will tell you. I was lately at a tournament, and there I fought a knight who is brother to King Pelles, and overthrewhim twice, for which he swore to be revenged on me through my best friend, and so he wounded my son, who cannot be recovered till I have thatknight's blood, but he rideth through witchcraft always invisibly, and Iknow not his name. "

"Ah, " said Sir Balin, "but I know him; his name is Garlon, and he hathslain two knights, companions of mine own, in the same fashion, and Iwould rather than all the riches in this realm that I might meet him faceto face. "

"Well, " said his host, "let me now tell thee that King Pelles hathproclaimed in all the country a great festival, to be held at Listeniss, in twenty days from now, whereto no knight may come without a lady. Atthat great feast we might perchance find out this Garlon, for many will bethere; and if it please thee we will set forth together. "

So on the morrow they rode all three towards Listeniss, and travelledfifteen days, and reached it on the day the feast began. Then theyalighted and stabled their horses, and went up to the castle, and SirBalin's host was denied entrance, having no lady with him. But Sir Balinwas right heartily received, and taken to a chamber, where they unarmedhim, and dressed him in rich robes, of any colour that he chose, and toldhim he must lay aside his sword. This, however, he refused, and said, "Itis the custom of my country for a knight to keep his sword ever with him;and if I may not keep it here, I will forthwith depart. " Then they gavehim leave to wear his sword. So he went to the great hall, and was setamong knights of rank and worship, and his lady before him. 

Soon he found means to ask one who sat near him, "Is there not here aknight whose name is Garlon?"

"Yonder he goeth, " said his neighbour, "he with that black face; he is themost marvellous knight alive, for he rideth invisibly, and destroyeth whomhe will. "

"Ah, well, " said Balin, drawing a long breath, "is that indeed the man? Ihave aforetime heard of him. "

Then he mused long within himself, and thought, "If I shall slay him hereand now, I shall not escape myself; but if I leave him, peradventure Ishall never meet with him again at such advantage; and if he live, howmuch more harm and mischief will he do!"

But while he deeply thought, and cast his eyes from time to time upon SirGarlon, that false knight saw that he watched him, and thinking that hecould at such a time escape revenge, he came and smote Sir Balin on theface with the back of his hand, and said, "Knight, why dost thou so watchme? be ashamed, and eat thy meat, and do that which thou camest for. "

"Thou sayest well, " cried Sir Balin, rising fiercely; "now will Istraightway do that which I came to do, as thou shalt find. " With that hewhirled his sword aloft and struck him downright on the head, and clovehis skull asunder to the shoulder. 

"Give me the truncheon, " cried out Sir Balin to his lady, "wherewith heslew thy knight. " And when she gave it him--for she had always carried itabout with her, wherever she had gone--he smote him through the body withit, and said, "With that truncheon didst thou treacherously murder a goodknight, and now it sticketh in thy felon body. "

Then he called to the father of the wounded son, who had come with him toListeniss, and said, "Now take as much blood as thou wilt, to heal thy sonwithal. "

But now arose a terrible confusion, and all the knights leaped from thetable to slay Balin, King Pelles himself the foremost, who cried out, "Knight, thou hast slain my brother at my board; die, therefore, die, forthou shalt never leave this castle. "

"Slay me, thyself, then, " shouted Balin. 

"Yea, " said the king, "that will I! for no other man shall touch thee, forthe love I bear my brother. "

Then King Pelles caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly atBalin, but Balin put his sword between his head and the king's stroke, andsaved himself but lost his sword, which fell down smashed and shiveredinto pieces by the blow. So being weaponless he ran to the next room tofind a sword, and so from room to room, with King Pelles after him, he invain ever eagerly casting his eyes round every place to find some weapon. 

At last he ran into a chamber wondrous richly decked, where was a bed alldressed with cloth of gold, the richest that could be thought of, and onewho lay quite still within the bed; and by the bedside stood a table ofpure gold borne on four silver pillars, and on the table stood amarvellous spear, strangely wrought. 

When Sir Balin saw the spear he seized it in his hand, and turned uponKing Pelles, and smote at him so fiercely and so sore that he droppedswooning to the ground. 

But at that Dolorous and awful Stroke the castle rocked and rovethroughout, and all the walls fell crashed and breaking to the earth, andBalin himself fell also in their midst, struck as it were to stone, andpowerless to move a hand or foot. And so three days he lay amidst theruins, until Merlin came and raised him up and brought him a good horse, and bade him ride out of that land as swiftly as he could. 

[Illustration: The castle rocked and rove throughout, and all the wallsfell crashed and breaking to the earth. ]

"May I not take the damsel with me I brought hither?" said Sir Balin. 

"Lo! where she lieth dead, " said Merlin. "Ah, little knowest thou, SirBalin, what thou hast done; for in this castle and that chamber which thoudidst defile, was the blood of our Lord Christ! and also that most holycup--the Sangreal--wherefrom the wine was drunk at the last supper of ourLord. Joseph of Arimathea brought it to this land, when first he came hereto convert and save it. And on that bed of gold it was himself who lay, and the strange spear beside him was the spear wherewith the soldierLongus smote our Lord, which evermore had dripped with blood. King Pellesis the nearest kin to Joseph in direct descent, wherefore he held theseholy things in trust; but now have they all gone at thy dolorous stroke, no man knoweth whither; and great is the damage to this land, which untilnow hath been the happiest of all lands, for by that stroke thou hastslain thousands, and by the loss and parting of the Sangreal the safety ofthis realm is put in peril, and its great happiness is gone for evermore. "

Then Balin departed from Merlin, struck to his soul with grief and sorrow, and said, "In this world shall we meet never more. "

So he rode forth through the fair cities and the country, and found thepeople lying dead on every side. And all the living cried out on him as hepassed, "O Balin, all this misery hast thou done! For the dolorous strokethou gavest King Pelles, three countries are destroyed, and doubt not butrevenge will fall on thee at last!"

When he had passed the boundary of those countries, he was somewhatcomforted, and rode eight days without adventure. Anon he came to a cross, whereon was written in letters of gold, "It is not for a knight alone toride towards this castle. " Looking up, he saw a hoary ancient man cometowards him, who said, "Sir Balin le Savage, thou passest thy bounds thisway; therefore turn back again, it will be best for thee;" and with thesewords he vanished. 

Then did he hear a horn blow as it were the deathnote of some huntedbeast. "That blast, " said Balin, "is blown for me, for I am the prey;though yet I be not dead. " But as he spoke he saw a hundred ladies with agreat troop of knights come forth to meet him, with bright faces andgreat welcome, who led him to the castle and made a great feast, withdancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy. 

Then the chief lady of the castle said, "Knight with the two swords, thoumust encounter and fight with a knight hard by, who dwelleth on an island, for no man may pass this way without encountering him. "

"It is a grievous custom, " answered Sir Balin. 

"There is but one knight to defeat, " replied the lady. 

"Well, " said Sir Balin, "be it as thou wilt. I am ready and quite willing, and though my horse and my body be full weary, yet is my heart not weary, save of life. And truly I were glad if I might meet my death. "

"Sir, " said one standing by, "methinketh your shield is not good; I willlend you a bigger. "

"I thank thee, sir, " said Balin, and took the unknown shield and left hisown, and so rode forth, and put himself and horse into a boat and came tothe island. 

As soon as he had landed, he saw come riding towards him, a knight dressedall in red, upon a horse trapped in the same colour. When the red knightsaw Sir Balin, and the two swords he wore, he thought it must have beenhis brother (for the red knight was Sir Balan), but when he saw thestrange arms on his shield, he forgot the thought, and came against himfiercely. At the first course they overthrew each other, and both layswooning on the ground; but Sir Balin was the most hurt and bruised, forhe was weary and spent with travelling. So Sir Balan rose up first to hisfeet and drew his sword, and Sir Balin painfully rose against him andraised his shield. 

Then Sir Balan smote him through the shield and brake his helmet; and SirBalin, in return, smote at him with his fated sword, and had wellnighslain his brother. So they fought till their breaths failed. 

Then Sir Balin, looking up, saw all the castle towers stand full ofladies. So they went again to battle, and wounded each other full sore, and paused, and breathed again, and then again began the fight; and thisfor many times they did, till all the ground was red with blood. And bynow, each had full grievously wounded the other with seven great wounds, the least of which might have destroyed the mightiest giant in the world. But still they rose against each other, although their hauberks now wereall unnailed, and they smiting at each other's naked bodies with theirsharp swords. At the last, Sir Balan, the younger brother, withdrew alittle space and laid him down. 

Then said Sir Balin le Savage, "What knight art thou? for never beforehave I found a knight to match me thus. "

"My name, " said he, all faintly, "is Balan, brother to the good knight SirBalin. "

"Ah, God!" cried Balin, "that ever I should see this day!" and therewithfell down backwards in a swoon. 

Then Sir Balan crept with pain upon his feet and hands, and put hisbrother's helmet off his head, but could not know him by his face, it wasso hewed and bloody. But presently, when Sir Balin came to, he said, "Oh!Balan, mine own brother, thou hast slain me, and I thee! All the wideworld saw never greater grief!"

"Alas!" said Sir Balan, "that I ever saw this day; and through mishapalone I knew thee not, for when I saw thy two swords, if it had not beenfor thy strange shield, I should have known thee for my brother. "

"Alas!" said Balin, "all this sorrow lieth at the door of one unhappyknight within the castle, who made me change my shield. If I might live, Iwould destroy that castle and its evil customs. "

"It were well done, " said Balan, "for since I first came hither I havenever been able to depart, for here they made me fight with one who keptthis island, whom I slew, and by enchantment I might never quit it more;nor couldst thou, brother, hadst thou slain me, and escaped with thine ownlife. "

Anon came the lady of the castle, and when she heard their talk, and sawtheir evil case, she wrung her hands and wept bitterly. So Sir Balanprayed the lady of her gentleness that, for his true service, she wouldbury them both together in that place. This she granted, weeping fullsore, and said it should be done right solemnly and richly, and in thenoblest manner possible. Then did they send for a priest, and received theholy sacrament at his hands. And Balin said, "Write over us upon our tomb, that here two brethren slew each other; then shall never good knight orpilgrim pass this way but he will pray for both our souls. " And anon SirBalan died, but Sir Balin died not till the midnight after; and then theyboth were buried. 

On the morrow of their death came Merlin, and took Sir Balin's sword andfixed on it a new pommel, and set it in a mighty stone, which then, bymagic, he made float upon the water. And so, for many years, it floated toand fro around the island, till it swam down the river to Camelot, whereyoung Sir Galahad achieved it, as shall be told hereafter. 

CHAPTER VI

_The Marriage of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, and the Founding of theRound Table--The Adventure of the Hart and Hound_

It befell upon a certain day, that King Arthur said to Merlin, "My lordsand knights do daily pray me now to take a wife; but I will have nonewithout thy counsel, for thou hast ever helped me since I came first tothis crown. "

"It is well, " said Merlin, "that thou shouldst take a wife, for no man ofbounteous and noble nature should live without one; but is there any ladywhom thou lovest better than another?"

"Yea, " said King Arthur, "I love Guinevere, the daughter of KingLeodegrance, of Camelgard, who also holdeth in his house the Round Tablethat he had from my father Uther; and as I think, that damsel is thegentlest and the fairest lady living. "

"Sir, " answered Merlin, "as for her beauty, she is one of the fairest thatdo live; but if ye had not loved her as ye do, I would fain have had yechoose some other who was both fair and good. But where a man's heart isset, he will be loath to leave. " This Merlin said, knowing the miserythat should hereafter happen from this marriage. 

Then King Arthur sent word to King Leodegrance that he mightily desired towed his daughter, and how that he had loved her since he saw her first, when with Kings Ban and Bors he rescued Leodegrance from King Ryence ofNorth Wales. 

When King Leodegrance heard the message, he cried out "These be the besttidings I have heard in all my life--so great and worshipful a prince toseek my daughter for his wife! I would fain give him half my lands withher straightway, but that he needeth none--and better will it please himthat I send him the Round Table of King Uther, his father, with a hundredgood knights towards the furnishing of it with guests, for he will soonfind means to gather more, and make the table full. "

Then King Leodegrance delivered his daughter Guinevere to the messengersof King Arthur, and also the Round Table with the hundred knights. 

So they rode royally and freshly, sometimes by water and sometimes byland, towards Camelot. And as they rode along in the spring weather, theymade full many sports and pastimes. And, in all those sports and games, ayoung knight lately come to Arthur's court, Sir Lancelot by name, waspassing strong, and won praise from all, being full of grace andhardihood; and Guinevere also ever looked on him with joy. And always inthe eventide, when the tents were set beside some stream or forest, manyminstrels came and sang before the knights and ladies as they sat in thetent-doors, and many knights would tell adventures; and still Sir Lancelotwas foremost, and told the knightliest tales, and sang the goodliestsongs, of all the company. 

And when they came to Camelot, King Arthur made great joy, and all thecity with him; and riding forth with a great retinue he met Guinevere andher company, and led her through the streets all filled with people, andin the midst of all their shoutings and the ringing of church bells, to apalace hard by his own. 

Then, in all haste, the king commanded to prepare the marriage and thecoronation with the stateliest and most honourable pomp that could bemade. And when the day was come, the archbishops led the king to thecathedral, whereto he walked, clad in his royal robes, and having fourkings, bearing four golden swords, before him; a choir of passing sweetmusic going also with him. 

In another part, was the queen dressed in her richest ornaments, and ledby archbishops and bishops to the Chapel of the Virgins, the four queensalso of the four kings last mentioned walked before her, bearing fourwhite doves, according to ancient custom; and after her there followedmany damsels, singing and making every sign of joy. 

And when the two processions were come to the churches, so wondrous wasthe music and the singing, that all the knights and barons who were therepressed on each other, as in the crowd of battle, to hear and see the mostthey might. 

When the king was crowned, he called together all the knights that camewith the Round Table from Camelgard, and twenty-eight others, great andvaliant men, chosen by Merlin out of all the realm, towards making up thefull number of the table. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury blessed theseats of all the knights, and when they rose again therefrom to pay theirhomage to King Arthur there was found upon the back of each knight's seathis name, written in letters of gold. But upon one seat was found written, "This is the Siege Perilous, wherein if any man shall sit save him whomHeaven hath chosen, he shall be devoured by fire. "

Anon came young Gawain, the king's nephew, praying to be made a knight, whom the king knighted then and there. Soon after came a poor man, leadingwith him a tall fair lad of eighteen years of age, riding on a lean mare. And falling at the king's feet, the poor man said, "Lord, it was told me, that at this time of thy marriage thou wouldst give to any man the gift heasked for, so it were not unreasonable. "

"That is the truth, " replied King Arthur, "and I will make it good. "

"Thou sayest graciously and nobly, " said the poor man. "Lord, I asknothing else but that thou wilt make my son here a knight. "

"It is a great thing that thou askest, " said the king. "What is thy name?"

"Aries, the cowherd, " answered he. 

"Cometh this prayer from thee or from thy son?" inquired King Arthur. 

"Nay, lord, not from myself, " said he, "but from him only, for I havethirteen other sons, and all of them will fall to any labour that I putthem to. But this one will do no such work for anything that I or my wifemay do, but is for ever shooting or fighting, and running to see knightsand joustings, and torments me both night and day that he be made aknight. "

"What is thy name?" said the king to the young man. 

"My name is Tor, " said he. 

Then the king, looking at him steadfastly, was well pleased with his faceand figure, and with his look of nobleness and strength. 

"Fetch all thy other sons before me, " said the king to Aries. But when hebrought them, none of them resembled Tor in size or shape or feature. 

Then the king knighted Tor, saying, "Be thou to thy life's end a goodknight and a true, as I pray God thou mayest be; and if thou provestworthy, and of prowess, one day thou shall be counted in the Round Table. "Then turning to Merlin, Arthur said, "Prophesy now, O Merlin, shall SirTor become a worthy knight, or not?"

"Yea, lord, " said Merlin, "so he ought to be, for he is the son of thatKing Pellinore whom thou hast met, and proved to be one of the bestknights living. He is no cowherd's son. "

Presently after came in King Pellinore, and when he saw Sir Tor he knewhim for his son, and was more pleased than words can tell to find himknighted by the king. And Pellinore did homage to King Arthur, and wasgladly and graciously accepted of the king; and then was led by Merlin toa high seat at the Table Round, near to the Perilous Seat. 

But Sir Gawain was full of anger at the honour done King Pellinore, andsaid to his brother Gaheris, "He slew our father, King Lot, therefore willI slay him. "

"Do it not yet, " said he; "wait till I also be a knight, then will I helpye in it: it is best ye suffer him to go at this time, and not troublethis high feast with bloodshed. "

"As ye will, be it, " said Sir Gawain. 

Then rose the king and spake to all the Table Round, and charged them tobe ever true and noble knights, to do neither outrage nor murder, nor anyunjust violence, and always to flee treason; also by no means ever to becruel, but give mercy unto him that asked for mercy, upon pain offorfeiting the liberty of his court for evermore. Moreover, at all times, on pain of death, to give all succour unto ladies and young damsels; andlastly, never to take part in any wrongful quarrel, for reward or payment. And to all this he swore them knight by knight. 

Then he ordained that, every year at Pentecost, they should all comebefore him, wheresoever he might appoint a place, and give account of alltheir doings and adventures of the past twelvemonth. And so, with prayerand blessing, and high words of cheer, he instituted the most noble orderof the Round Table, whereto the best and bravest knights in all the worldsought afterwards to find admission. 

Then was the high feast made ready, and the king and queen sat side byside, before the whole assembly; and great and royal was the banquet andthe pomp. 

And as they sat, each man in his place, Merlin went round and said, "Sitstill awhile, for ye shall see a strange and marvellous adventure. "

So as they sat, there suddenly came running through the hall, a whitehart, with a white hound next after him, and thirty couple of blackrunning hounds, making full cry; and the hart made circuit of the TableRound, and past the other tables; and suddenly the white hound flew uponhim and bit him fiercely, and tore out a piece from his haunch. Whereatthe hart sprang suddenly with a great leap, and overthrew a knight sittingat the table, who rose forthwith, and, taking up the hound, mounted, androde fast away. 

But no sooner had he left, than there came in a lady, mounted on a whitepalfrey, who cried out to the king, "Lord, suffer me not to have thisinjury!--the hound is mine which that knight taketh. " And as she spake, aknight rode in all armed, on a great horse, and suddenly took up the ladyand rode away with her by force, although she greatly cried and moaned. 

Then the king desired Sir Gawain, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore to mount andfollow this adventure to the uttermost; and told Sir Gawain to bring backthe hart, Sir Tor the hound and knight, and King Pellinore the knight andthe lady. 

So Sir Gawain rode forth at a swift pace, and with him Gaheris, hisbrother, for a squire. And as they went, they saw two knights fighting onhorseback, and when they reached them they divided them and asked thereason of their quarrel. "We fight for a foolish matter, " one replied, "for we be brethren; but there came by a white hart this way, chased bymany hounds, and thinking it was an adventure for the high feast of KingArthur, I would have followed it to have gained worship; whereat myyounger brother here declared he was the better knight and would go afterit instead, and so we fight to prove which of us be the better knight. "

"This is a foolish thing, " said Sir Gawain. "Fight with all strangers, ifye will, but not brother with brother. Take my advice, set on against me, and if ye yield to me, as I shall do my best to make ye, ye shall go toKing Arthur and yield ye to his grace. "

"Sir knight, " replied the brothers, "we are weary, and will do thy wishwithout encountering thee; but by whom shall we tell the king that we weresent?"

"By the knight that followeth the quest of the white hart, " said SirGawain. "And now tell me your names, and let us part. "

"Sorlous and Brian of the Forest, " they replied; and so they went theirway to the king's court. 

Then Sir Gawain, still following his quest by the distant baying of thehounds, came to a great river, and saw the hart swimming over and near tothe further bank. And as he was about to plunge in and swim after, he sawa knight upon the other side, who cried, "Come not over here, Sir knight, after that hart, save thou wilt joust with me. "

"I will not fail for that, " said Sir Gawain; and swam his horse across thestream. 

Anon they got their spears, and ran against each other fiercely; and SirGawain smote the stranger off his horse, and turning, bade him yield. 

"Nay, " replied he, "not so; for though ye have the better of me onhorseback, I pray thee, valiant knight, alight, and let us match togetherwith our swords on foot. "

"What is thy name?" quoth Gawain. 

"Allardin of the Isles, " replied the stranger. 

Then they fell on each other; but soon Sir Gawain struck him through thehelm, so deeply and so hard, that all his brains were scattered, and SirAllardin fell dead. "Ah, " said Gaheris, "that was a mighty stroke for ayoung knight!"

Then did they turn again to follow the white hart, and let slip threecouple of greyhounds after him; and at the last they chased him to acastle, and there they overtook and slew him, in the chief courtyard. 

At that there rushed a knight forth from a chamber, with a drawn sword inhis hand, and slew two of the hounds before their eyes, and chased theothers from the castle, crying, "Oh, my white hart! alas, that thou artdead! for thee my sovereign lady gave to me, and evil have I kept thee;but if I live, thy death shall be dear bought. " Anon he went within andarmed, and came out fiercely, and met Sir Gawain face to face. 

"Why have ye slain my hounds?" said Sir Gawain; "they did but after theirnature: and ye had better have taken vengeance on me than on the poor dumbbeasts. "

"I will avenge me on thee, also, " said the other, "ere thou depart thisplace. "

Then did they fight with each other savagely and madly, till the blood randown to their feet. But at last Sir Gawain had the better, and felled theknight of the castle to the ground. Then he cried out for mercy, andyielded to Sir Gawain, and besought him as he was a knight and gentlemanto save his life. "Thou shalt die, " said Sir Gawain, "for slaying myhounds. "

"I will make thee all amends within my power, " replied the knight. 

But Sir Gawain would have no mercy, and unlaced his helm to strike hishead off; and so blind was he with rage, that he saw not where a lady ranout from her chamber and fell down upon his enemy. And making a fierceblow at him, he smote off by mischance the lady's head. 

"Alas!" cried Gaheris, "foully and shamefully have ye done--the shameshall never leave ye! Why give ye not your mercy unto them that ask it? aknight without mercy is without worship also. "

Then Sir Gawain was sore amazed at that fair lady's death, and knew notwhat to do, and said to the fallen knight, "Arise, for I will give theemercy. "

"Nay, nay, " said he, "I care not for thy mercy now, for thou hast slain mylady and my love--that of all earthly things I loved the best. "

"I repent me sorely of it, " said Sir Gawain, "for I meant to have struckthee: but now shalt thou go to King Arthur and tell him this adventure, and how thou hast been overcome by the knight that followeth the quest ofthe white hart. "

"I care not whether I live or die, or where I go, " replied the knight. 

So Sir Gawain sent him to the court to Camelot, making him bear one deadgreyhound before and one behind him on his horse. "Tell me thy name beforewe part, " said he. 

"My name is Athmore of the Marsh, " he answered. 

Then went Sir Gawain into the castle, and prepared to sleep there andbegan to unarm; but Gaheris upbraided him, saying, "Will ye disarm in thisstrange country? bethink ye, ye must needs have many enemies about. "

No sooner had he spoken than there came out suddenly four knights, wellarmed, and assailed them hard, saying to Sir Gawain, "Thou new-madeknight, how hast thou shamed thy knighthood! a knight without mercy isdishonoured! Slayer of fair ladies, shame to thee evermore! Doubt not thoushalt thyself have need of mercy ere we leave thee. "

Then were the brothers in great jeopardy, and feared for their lives, forthey were but two to four, and weary with travelling; and one of the fourknights shot Sir Gawain with a bolt, and hit him through the arm, so thathe could fight no more. But when there was nothing left for them butdeath, there came four ladies forth and prayed the four knights' mercy forthe strangers. So they gave Sir Gawain and Gaheris their lives, and madethem yield themselves prisoners. 

On the morrow, came one of the ladies to Sir Gawain, and talked with him, saying, "Sir knight, what cheer?"

"Not good, " said he. 

"It is your own default, sir, " said the lady, "for ye have done a passingfoul deed in slaying that fair damsel yesterday--and ever shall it begreat shame to you. But ye be not of King Arthur's kin. "

"Yea, truly am I, " said he; "my name is Gawain, son of King Lot of Orkney, whom King Pellinore slew--and my mother, Belisent, is half-sister to theking. "

When the lady heard that, she went and presently got leave for him to quitthe castle; and they gave him the head of the white hart to take with him, because it was in his quest; but made him also carry the dead lady withhim--her head hung round his neck and her body lay before him on hishorse's neck. 

So in that fashion he rode back to Camelot; and when the king and queensaw him, and heard tell of his adventures, they were heavily displeased, and, by the order of the queen, he was put upon his trial before a courtof ladies--who judged him to be evermore, for all his life, the knight ofladies' quarrels, and to fight always on their side, and never againstany, except he fought for one lady and his adversary for another; alsothey charged him never to refuse mercy to him that asked it, and swore himto it on the Holy Gospels. Thus ended the adventure of the white hart. 

Meanwhile, Sir Tor had made him ready, and followed the knight who rodeaway with the hound. And as he went, there suddenly met him in the road adwarf, who struck his horse so viciously upon the head with a great staff, that he leaped backwards a spear's length. 

"Wherefore so smitest thou my horse, foul dwarf?" shouted Sir Tor. 

"Because thou shall not pass this way, " replied the dwarf, "unless thoufight for it with yonder knights in those pavilions, " pointing to twotents, where two great spears stood out, and two shields hung upon twotrees hard by. 

"I may not tarry, for I am on a quest I needs must follow, " said Sir Tor. 

"Thou shalt not pass, " replied the dwarf, and therewith blew his horn. Then rode out quickly at Sir Tor one armed on horseback, but Sir Tor wasquick as he, and riding at him bore him from his horse, and made himyield. Directly after came another still more fiercely, but with a fewgreat strokes and buffets Sir Tor unhorsed him also, and sent them both toCamelot to King Arthur. Then came the dwarf and begged Sir Tor to takehim in his service, "for, " said he, "I will serve no more recreantknights. "

"Take then a horse, and come with me, " said Tor. 

"Ride ye after the knight with the white hound?" said the dwarf; "I cansoon bring ye where he is. "

So they rode through the forest till they came to two more tents. And SirTor alighting, went into the first, and saw three damsels lie there, sleeping. Then went he to the other, and found another lady also sleeping, and at her feet the white hound he sought for, which instantly began tobay and bark so loudly, that the lady woke. But Sir Tor had seized thehound and given it to the dwarfs charge. 

"What will ye do, Sir knight?" cried out the lady; "will ye take away myhound from me by force?"

"Yea, lady, " said Sir Tor; "for so I must, having the king's command; andI have followed it from King Arthur's court, at Camelot, to this place. "

"Well" said the lady, "ye will not go far before ye be ill handled, andwill repent ye of the quest. "

"I shall cheerfully abide whatsoever adventure cometh, by the grace ofGod, " said Sir Tor; and so mounted his horse and began to ride back on hisway. But night coming on, he turned aside to a hermitage that was in theforest, and there abode till the next day, making but sorrowful cheer ofsuch poor food as the hermit had to give him, and hearing a Mass devoutlybefore he left on the morrow. 

And in the early morning, as he rode forth with the dwarf towards Camelot, he heard a knight call loudly after him, "Turn, turn! Abide, Sir knight, and yield me up the hound thou tookest from my lady. " At which he turned, and saw a great and strong knight, armed full splendidly, riding down uponhim fiercely through a glade of the forest. 

Now Sir Tor was very ill provided, for he had but an old courser, whichwas as weak as himself, because of the hermit's scanty fare. He waited, nevertheless, for the strange knight to come, and at the first onset withtheir spears, each unhorsed the other, and then fell to with their swordslike two mad lions. Then did they smite through one another's shields andhelmets till the fragments flew on all sides, and their blood ran out instreams; but yet they carved and rove through the thick armour of thehauberks, and gave each other great and ghastly wounds. But in the end, Sir Tor, finding the strange knight faint, doubled his strokes until hebeat him to the earth. Then did he bid him yield to his mercy. 

"That will I not, " replied Abellius, "while my life lasteth and my soul isin my body, unless thou give me first the hound. "

"I cannot, " said Sir Tor, "and will not, for it was my quest to bringagain that hound and thee unto King Arthur, or otherwise to slay thee. "

With that there came a damsel riding on a palfrey, as fast as she coulddrive, and cried out to Sir Tor with a loud voice, "I pray thee, for KingArthur's love, give me a gift. "

"Ask, " said Sir Tor, "and I will give thee. "

"Grammercy, " said the lady, "I ask the head of this false knight Abellius, the most outrageous murderer that liveth. "

"I repent me of the gift I promised, " said Sir Tor. "Let him make theeamends for all his trespasses against thee. "

"He cannot make amends, " replied the damsel, "for he hath slain mybrother, a far better knight than he, and scorned to give him mercy, though I kneeled for half an hour before him in the mire, to beg it, andthough it was but by a chance they fought, and for no former injury orquarrel. I require my gift of thee as a true knight, or else will I shamethee in King Arthur's court; for this Abellius is the falsest knightalive, and a murderer of many. "

When Abellius heard this, he trembled greatly, and was sore afraid, andyielded to Sir Tor, and prayed his mercy. 

"I cannot now, Sir knight, " said he, "lest I be false to my promise. Yewould not take my mercy when I offered it; and now it is too late. "

Therewith he unlaced his helmet, and took it off; but Abellius, in dismalfear, struggled to his feet, and fled, until Sir Tor overtook him, andsmote off his head entirely with one blow. 

"Now, sir, " said the damsel, "it is near night, I pray ye come and lodgeat my castle hard by. "

"I will, with a good will, " said he, for both his horse and he had faredbut poorly since they left Camelot. 

So he went to the lady's castle and fared sumptuously, and saw herhusband, an old knight, who greatly thanked him for his service, and urgedhim oftentimes to come again. 

On the morrow he departed, and reached Camelot by noon, where the king andqueen rejoiced to see him, and the king made him Earl; and Merlinprophesied that these adventures were but little to the things he shouldachieve hereafter. 

Now while Sir Gawain and Sir Tor had fulfilled their quests, KingPellinore pursued the lady whom the knight had seized away from thewedding-feast. And as he rode through the woods, he saw in a valley a fairyoung damsel sitting by a well-side, and a wounded knight lying in herarms, and King Pellinore saluted her as he passed by. 

As soon as she perceived him she cried out, "Help, help me, knight, forour Lord's sake!" But Pellinore was far too eager in his quest to stay orturn, although she cried a hundred times to him for help; at which sheprayed to heaven he might have such sore need before he died as she hadnow. And presently thereafter her knight died in her arms; and she, forgrief and love slew herself with his sword. 

But King Pellinore rode on till he met a poor man and asked him had heseen a knight pass by that way leading by force a lady with him. 

"Yea, surely, " said the man, "and greatly did she moan and cry; but evennow another knight is fighting with him to deliver the lady; ride on andthou shalt find them fighting still. "

At that King Pellinore rode swiftly on, and came to where he saw the twoknights fighting, hard by where two pavilions stood. And when he looked inone of them he saw the lady that was his quest, and with her the twosquires of the two knights who fought. 

"Fair lady, " said he, "ye must come with me unto Arthur's court. "

"Sir knight, " said the two squires, "yonder be two knights fighting forthis lady; go part them, and get their consent to take her, ere thou touchher. "

"Ye say well, " said King Pellinore, and rode between the combatants, andasked them why they fought. 

"Sir knight, " said the one, "yon lady is my cousin, mine aunt's daughter, whom I met borne away against her will, by this knight here, with whom Itherefore fight to free her. "

"Sir knight, " replied the other, whose name was Hantzlake of Wentland, "this lady got I, by my arms and prowess, at King Arthur's court to-day. "

"That is false, " said King Pellinore; "ye stole the lady suddenly, andfled away with her, before any knight could arm to stay thee. But it is myservice to take her back again. Neither of ye shall therefore have her;but if ye will fight for her, fight with me now and here. "

"Well, " said the knights, "make ready, and we will assail thee with allour might. "

Then Sir Hantzlake ran King Pellinore's horse through with his sword, sothat they might be all alike on foot. But King Pellinore at that waspassing wroth, and ran upon Sir Hantzlake, with a cry, "Keep well thyhead!" and gave him such a stroke upon the helm as clove him to the chin, so that he fell dead to the ground. When he saw that, the other knightrefused to fight, and kneeling down said, "Take my cousin the lady withthee, as thy quest is; but as thou art a true knight, suffer her to cometo neither shame nor harm. "

So the next day King Pellinore departed for Camelot, and took the ladywith him; and as they rode in a valley full of rough stones, the damsel'shorse stumbled and threw her, so that her arms were sorely bruised andhurt. And as they rested in the forest for the pain to lessen, night cameon, and there they were compelled to make their lodging. A little beforemidnight they heard the trotting of a horse. "Be ye still, " said KingPellinore, "for now we may hear of some adventure, " and therewith he armedhim. Then he heard two knights meet and salute each other, in the dark;one riding from Camelot, the other from the north. 

"What tidings at Camelot?" said one. 

"By my head, " said the other, "I have but just left there, and have espiedKing Arthur's court, and such a fellowship is there as never may be brokeor overcome; for wellnigh all the chivalry of the world is there, and allfull loyal to the king, and now I ride back homewards to the north to tellour chiefs, that they waste not their strength in wars against him. "

"As for all that, " replied the other knight, "I am but now from the north, and bear with me a remedy, the deadliest poison that ever was heard tellof, and to Camelot will I with it; for there we have a friend close to theking, and greatly cherished of him, who hath received gifts from us topoison him, as he hath promised soon to do. "

"Beware, " said the first knight, "of Merlin, for he knoweth all things, bythe devil's craft. "

"I will not fear for that, " replied the other, and so rode on his way. 

Anon King Pellinore and the lady passed on again; and when they came tothe well at which the lady with the wounded knight had sat, they foundboth knight and Damsel utterly devoured by lions and wild beasts, all savethe lady's head. 

When King Pellinore saw that, he wept bitterly, saying, "Alas! I mighthave saved her life had I but tarried a few moments in my quest. "

"Wherefore make so much sorrow now?" said the lady. 

"I know not, " answered he, "but my heart grieveth greatly for this poorlady's death, so fair she was and young. "

Then he required a hermit to bury the remains of the bodies, and bare thelady's head with him to Camelot, to the court. 

When he was arrived, he was sworn to tell the truth of his quest beforethe King and Queen, and when he had entered the Queen somewhat upbraidedhim, saying, "Ye were much to blame that ye saved not that lady's life. "

"Madam, " said he, "I shall repent it all my life. "

"Ay, king, " quoth Merlin, who suddenly came in, "and so ye ought to do, for that lady was your daughter, not seen since infancy by thee. And shewas on her way to court, with a right good young knight, who would havebeen her husband, but was slain by treachery of a felon knight, Lorrainele Savage, as they came; and because thou wouldst not abide and help her, thy best friend shall fail thee in thine hour of greatest need, for suchis the penance ordained thee for that deed. "

Then did King Pellinore tell Merlin secretly of the treason he had heardin the forest, and Merlin by his craft so ordered that the knight who barethe poison was himself soon after slain by it, and so King Arthur's lifewas saved. 

CHAPTER VII

_King Arthur and Sir Accolon of Gaul_

Being now happily married, King Arthur for a season took his pleasure, with great tournaments, and jousts, and huntings. So once upon a time theking and many of his knights rode hunting in a forest, and Arthur, KingUrience, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, followed after a great hart, and beingall three well mounted, they chased so fast that they outsped theircompany, and left them many miles behind; but riding still as rapidly asthey could go, at length their horses fell dead under them. Then being allthree on foot, and seeing the stag not far before them, very weary andnigh spent--"What shall we do, " said King Arthur, "for we are hardbested?" "Let us go on afoot, " said King Urience, "till we can find somelodging. " At that they saw the stag lying upon the bank of a great lake, with a hound springing at his throat, and many other hounds troopingtowards him. So, running forward, Arthur blew the death-note on his horn, and slew the hart. Then lifting up his eyes he saw before him on the lakea barge, all draped down to the water's edge, with silken folds andcurtains, which swiftly came towards him, and touched upon the sands; butwhen he went up close and looked in, he saw no earthly creature. Then hecried out to his companions, "Sirs, come ye hither, and let us see whatthere is in this ship. " So they all three went in, and found it everywherethroughout furnished, and hung with rich draperies of silk and gold. 

By this time eventide had come, when suddenly a hundred torches were setup on all sides of the barge, and gave a dazzling light, and at the sametime came forth twelve fair damsels, and saluted King Arthur by his name, kneeling on their knees, and telling him that he was welcome, and shouldhave their noblest cheer, for which the king thanked them courteously. Then did they lead him and his fellows to a splendid chamber, where was atable spread with all the richest furniture, and costliest wines andviands; and there they served them with all kinds of wines and meats, tillArthur wondered at the splendour of the feast, declaring he had never inhis life supped better, or more royally. After supper they led him toanother chamber, than which he had never beheld a richer, where he wasleft to rest. King Urience, also, and Sir Accolon were each conducted intorooms of like magnificence. And so they all three fell asleep, and beingvery weary slept deeply all that night. 

[Illustration: Came forth twelve fair damsels, and saluted King Arthur byhis name. ]

But when the morning broke, King Urience found himself in his own house inCamelot, he knew not how; and Arthur awaking found himself in a darkdungeon, and heard around him nothing but the groans of woful knights, prisoners like himself. Then said King Arthur, "Who are ye, thus groaningand complaining?" And some one answered him, "Alas, we be all prisoners, even twenty good knights, and some of us have lain here seven years--somemore--nor seen the light of day for all that time. " "For what cause?" saidKing Arthur. "Know ye not then yourself?" they answered--"we will soontell you. The lord of this strong castle is Sir Damas, and is the falsestand most traitorous knight that liveth; and he hath a younger brother, agood and noble knight, whose name is Outzlake. This traitor Damas, although passing rich, will give his brother nothing of his wealth, andsave what Outzlake keepeth to himself by force, he hath no share of theinheritance. He owneth, nevertheless, one fair rich manor, whereupon heliveth, loved of all men far and near. But Damas is as altogether hated ashis brother is beloved, for he is merciless and cowardly: and now for manyyears there hath been war between these brothers, and Sir Outzlakeevermore defieth Damas to come forth and fight with him, body to body, forthe inheritance; and if he be too cowardly, to find some champion knightthat will fight for him. And Damas hath agreed to find some champion, butnever yet hath found a knight to take his evil cause in hand, or wagerbattle for him. So with a strong band of men-at-arms he lieth ever inambush, and taketh captive every passing knight who may unwarily go near, and bringeth him into this castle, and desireth him either to fight SirOutzlake, or to lie for evermore in durance. And thus hath he dealt withall of us, for we all scorned to take up such a cause for such a falsefoul knight--but rather one by one came here, where many a good knighthath died of hunger and disease. But if one of us would fight, Sir Damaswould deliver all the rest. "

"God of his mercy send you deliverance, " said King Arthur, and satturning in his mind how all these things should end, and how he mighthimself gain freedom for so many noble hearts. 

Anon there came a damsel to the king, saying, "Sir if thou wilt fight formy lord thou shalt be delivered out of prison, but else nevermore shaltthou escape with thy life. " "Nay, " said King Arthur, "that is but a hardchoice, yet had I rather fight than die in prison, and if I may delivernot myself alone, but all these others, I will do the battle. " "Yea, " saidthe damsel, "it shall be even so. " "Then, " said King Arthur, "I am readynow, if but I had a horse and armour. " "Fear not, " said she, "that shaltthou have presently, and shalt lack nothing proper for the fight. " "Have Inot seen thee, " said the king, "at King Arthur's court? for it seemeththat thy face is known to me. " "Nay, " said the damsel, "I was never there;I am Sir Damas' daughter, and have never been but a day's journey fromthis castle. " But she spoke falsely, for she was one of the damsels ofMorgan le Fay, the great enchantress, who was King Arthur's half-sister. 

When Sir Damas knew that there had been at length a knight found who wouldfight for him, he sent for Arthur, and finding him a man so tall andstrong, and straight of limb, he was passingly well pleased, and made acovenant with him, that he should fight unto the uttermost for his cause, and that all the other knights should be delivered. And when they weresworn to each other on the holy gospels, all those imprisoned knights werestraightway led forth and delivered, but abode there one and all to seethe battle. 

In the meanwhile there had happened to Sir Accolon of Gaul a strangeadventure; for when he awoke from his deep sleep upon the silken barge, hefound himself upon the edge of a deep well, and in instant peril offalling thereinto. Whereat, leaping up in great affright, he crossedhimself and cried aloud, "May God preserve my lord King Arthur and KingUrience, for those damsels in the ship have betrayed us, and weredoubtless devils and no women; and if I may escape this misadventure, Iwill certainly destroy them wheresoever I may find them. " With that therecame to him a dwarf with a great mouth, and a flat nose, and saluted him, saying that he came from Queen Morgan le Fay. "And she greeteth you well, "said he, "and biddeth you be strong of heart, for to-morrow you shall dobattle with a strange knight, and therefore she hath sent you hereExcalibur, King Arthur's sword, and the scabbard likewise. And shedesireth you as you do love her to fight this battle to the uttermost, andwithout any mercy, as you have promised her you would fight when sheshould require it of you; and she will make a rich queen for ever of anydamsel that shall bring her that knight's head with whom you are tofight. "

"Well, " said Sir Accolon, "tell you my lady Queen Morgan, that I shallhold to that I promised her, now that I have this sword--and, " said he, "Isuppose it was to bring about this battle that she made all theseenchantments by her craft. " "You have guessed rightly, " said the dwarf, and therewithal he left him. 

Then came a knight and lady, and six squires, to Sir Accolon, and took himto a manor house hard by, and gave him noble cheer; and the house belongedto Sir Outzlake, the brother of Sir Damas, for so had Morgan le Faycontrived with her enchantments. Now Sir Outzlake himself was at that timesorely wounded and disabled, having been pierced through both his thighsby a spear-thrust. When, therefore, Sir Damas sent down messengers to hisbrother, bidding him make ready by to-morrow morning, and be in the fieldto fight with a good knight, for that he had found a champion ready to dobattle at all points, Sir Outzlake was sorely annoyed and distressed, forhe knew he had small chance of victory, while yet he was disabled by hiswounds; notwithstanding, he determined to take the battle in hand, although he was so weak that he must needs be lifted to his saddle. Butwhen Sir Accolon of Gaul heard this, he sent a message to Sir Outzlakeoffering to take the battle in his stead, which cheered Sir Outzlakemightily, who thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart, and joyfullyaccepted him. 

So, on the morrow, King Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked SirDamas, "When shall we go to the field?" "Sir, " said Sir Damas, "you shallfirst hear mass. " And when mass was done, there came a squire on a greathorse, and asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready, "for our knight isalready in the field. " Then King Arthur mounted on horseback, and therearound were all the knights, and barons, and people of the country; andtwelve of them were chosen to wait upon the two knights who were about tofight. And as King Arthur sat on horseback, there came a damsel fromMorgan le Fay, and brought to him a sword, made like Excalibur, and ascabbard also, and said to him, "Morgan le Fay sendeth you here your swordfor her great love's sake. " And the king thanked her, and believed it tobe as she said; but she traitorously deceived him, for both sword andscabbard were counterfeit, brittle, and false, and the true swordExcalibur was in the hands of Sir Accolon. Then, at the sound of atrumpet, the champions set themselves on opposite sides of the field, andgiving rein and spur to their horses urged them to so great a speed thateach smiting the other in the middle of the shield, rolled his opponent tothe ground, both horse and man. Then starting up immediately, both drewtheir swords and rushed swiftly together. And so they fell to eagerly, andgave each other many great and mighty strokes. 

And as they were thus fighting, the damsel Vivien, lady of the lake, wholoved King Arthur, came upon the ground, for she knew by her enchantmentshow Morgan le Fay had craftily devised to have King Arthur slain by hisown sword that day, and therefore came to save his life. And Arthur andSir Accolon were now grown hot against each other, and spared not strengthnor fury in their fierce assaults; but the king's sword gave waycontinually before Sir Accolon's, so that at every stroke he was sorewounded, and his blood ran from him so fast that it was a marvel he couldstand. When King Arthur saw the ground so sore be-blooded, he bethoughthim in dismay that there was magic treason worked upon him, and that hisown true sword was changed, for it seemed to him that the sword in SirAccolon's hand was Excalibur, for fearfully it drew his blood at everyblow, while what he held himself kept no sharp edge, nor fell with anyforce upon his foe. 

"Now, knight, look to thyself, and keep thee well from me, " cried out SirAccolon. But King Arthur answered not, and gave him such a buffet on thehelm as made him stagger and nigh fall upon the ground. Then Sir Accolonwithdrew a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote KingArthur in return with such a mighty stroke as almost felled him; and bothbeing now in hottest wrath, they gave each other grievous and savageblows. But Arthur all the time was losing so much blood that scarcelycould he keep upon his feet yet so full was he of knighthood, thatknightly he endured the pain, and still sustained himself, though now hewas so feeble that he thought himself about to die. Sir Accolon, as yet, had lost no drop of blood, and being very bold and confident in Excalibur, even grew more vigorous and hasty in his assaults. But all men who beheldthem said they never saw a knight fight half so well as did King Arthur;and all the people were so grieved for him that they besought Sir Damasand Sir Outzlake to make up their quarrel and so stay the fight; but theywould not. 

So still the battle raged, till Arthur drew a little back for breath and afew moments' rest; but Accolon came on after him, following fiercely andcrying loud, "It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest, " and therewithset upon him. Then Arthur, full of scorn and rage, lifted up his sword andstruck Sir Accolon upon the helm so mightily that he drove him to hisknees; but with the force of that great stroke his brittle, treacheroussword broke short off at the hilt, and fell down in the grass among theblood, leaving the pommel only in his hand. At that, King Arthur thoughtwithin himself that all was over, and secretly prepared his mind fordeath, yet kept himself so knightly sheltered by his shield that he lostno ground, and made as though he yet had hope and cheer. Then said SirAccolon, "Sir knight, thou now art overcome and canst endure no longer, seeing thou art weaponless, and hast lost already so much blood. Yet am Ifully loth to slay thee; yield, then, therefore, to me as recreant. ""Nay, " said King Arthur, "that may I not, for I have promised to do battleto the uttermost by the faith of my body while my life lasteth; and I hadrather die with honour than live with shame; and if it were possible forme to die an hundred times, I had rather die as often than yield me tothee, for though I lack weapons, I shall lack no worship, and it shall beto thy shame to slay me weaponless. " "Aha, " shouted then Sir Accolon, "asfor the shame, I will not spare; look to thyself, sir knight, for thou arteven now but a dead man. " Therewith he drove at him with pitiless force, and struck him nearly down; but Arthur evermore waxing in valour as hewaned in blood, pressed on Sir Accolon with his shield, and hit at him sofiercely with the pommel in his hand, as hurled him three stridesbackwards. 

This, therefore, so confused Sir Accolon, that rushing up, all dizzy, todeliver once again a furious blow, even as he struck, Excalibur, byVivien's magic, fell from out his hands upon the earth. Beholding which, King Arthur lightly sprang to it, and grasped it, and forthwith felt itwas his own good sword, and said to it, "Thou hast been from me all toolong, and done me too much damage. " Then spying the scabbard hanging bySir Accolon's side, he sprang and pulled it from him, and cast it away asfar as he could throw it; for so long as he had worn it, Arthur new hislife would have been kept secure. "Oh, knight!" then said the king, "thouhast this day wrought me much damage by this sword, but now art thou cometo thy death, for I shall not warrant thee but that thou shalt suffer, erewe part, somewhat of that thou hast made me suffer. " And therewithal KingArthur flew at him with all his might, and pulled him to the earth, andthen struck off his helm, and gave him on the head a fearful buffet, tillthe blood leaped forth. "Now will I slay thee!" cried King Arthur; for hisheart was hardened, and his body all on fire with fever, till for a momenthe forgot his knightly mercy. "Slay me thou mayest, " said Sir Accolon, "for thou art the best knight I ever found, and I see well that God iswith thee; and I, as thou hast, have promised to fight this battle to theuttermost, and never to be recreant while I live; therefore shall I neveryield me with my mouth, and God must do with my body what he will. " And asSir Accolon spoke, King Arthur thought he knew his voice; and parting allhis blood-stained hair from out his eyes, and leaning down towards him, saw, indeed, it was his friend and own true knight. Then said he--keepinghis own visor down--"I pray thee tell me of what country art thou, andwhat court?" "Sir knight, " he answered, "I am of King Arthur's court, andmy name is Sir Accolon of Gaul. " Then said the king, "Oh, sir knight! Ipray thee tell me who gave thee this sword? and from whom thou hadst it?"

Then said Sir Accolon, "Woe worth this sword, for by it I have gotten mydeath. This sword hath been in my keeping now for almost twelve months, and yesterday Queen Morgan le Fay, wife of King Urience, sent it to me bya dwarf, that therewith I might in some way slay her brother, King Arthur;for thou must understand that King Arthur is the man she hateth most inall the world, being full of envy and jealousy because he is of greaterworship and renown than any other of her blood. She loveth me also as muchas she doth hate him; and if she might contrive to slay King Arthur by hercraft and magic, then would she straightway kill her husband also, andmake me the king of all this land, and herself my queen, to reign with me;but now, " said he, "all that is over, for this day I am come to my death. "

"It would have been sore treason of thee to destroy thy lord, " saidArthur. "Thou sayest truly, " answered he; "but now that I have told thee, and openly confessed to thee all that foul treason whereof I now dobitterly repent, tell me, I pray thee, whence art thou, and of whatcourt?" "O, Sir Accolon!" said King Arthur, "learn that I am myself KingArthur. " When Sir Accolon heard this he cried aloud, "Alas, my graciouslord! have mercy on me, for I knew thee not. " "Thou shalt have mercy, "said he, "for thou knewest not my person at this time; and though by thineown confession thou art a traitor, yet do I blame thee less, because thouhast been blinded by the false crafts of my sister Morgan le Fay, whom Ihave trusted more than all others of my kin, and whom I now shall knowwell how to punish. " Then did Sir Accolon cry loudly, "O, lords, and allgood people! this noble knight that I have fought with is the noblest andmost worshipful in all the world; for it is King Arthur, our liege lordand sovereign king; and full sorely I repent that I have ever lifted lanceagainst him, though in ignorance I did it. "

Then all the people fell down on their knees and prayed the pardon of theking for suffering him to come to such a strait. But he replied, "Pardonye cannot have, for, truly, ye have nothing sinned; but here ye see whatill adventure may ofttimes befall knights-errant, for to my own hurt, andhis danger also, I have fought with one of my own knights. "

Then the king commanded Sir Damas to surrender to his brother the wholemanor, Sir Outzlake only yielding him a palfrey every year; "for, " said hescornfully, "it would become thee better to ride on than a courser;" andordered Damas, upon pain of death, never again to touch or to distressknights-errant riding on their adventures; and also to make fullcompensation and satisfaction to the twenty knights whom he had held inprison. "And if any of them, " said the king, "come to my court complainingthat he hath not had full satisfaction of thee for his injuries, by myhead, thou shalt die therefor. "

Afterwards, King Arthur asked Sir Outzlake to come with him to his court, where he should become a knight of his, and, if his deeds were noble, beadvanced to all he might desire. 

So then he took his leave of all the people and mounted upon horseback, and Sir Accolon went with him to an abbey hard by, where both their woundswere dressed. But Sir Accolon died within four days after. And when he wasdead, the king sent his body to Queen Morgan, to Camelot, saying that hesent her a present in return for the sword Excalibur which she had senthim by the damsel. 

So, on the morrow, there came a damsel from Queen Morgan to the king, andbrought with her the richest mantle that ever was seen, for it was set asfull of precious stones as they could stand against each other, and theywere the richest stones that ever the king saw. And the damsel said, "Yoursister sendeth you this mantle, and prayeth you to take her gift, and inwhatsoever thing she hath offended you, she will amend it at yourpleasure. " To this the king replied not, although the mantle pleased himmuch. With that came in the lady of the lake, and said, "Sir, put not onthis mantle till thou hast seen more; and in nowise let it be put uponthee, or any of thy knights, till ye have made the bringer of it first putit on her. " "It shall be done as thou dost counsel, " said the king. Thensaid he to the damsel that came from his sister, "Damsel, I would see thismantle ye have brought me upon yourself. " "Sir, " said she, "it will notbeseem me to wear a knight's garment. " "By my head, " said King Arthur, "thou shall wear it ere it go on any other person's back!" And so they putit on her by force, and forthwith the garment burst into a flame andburned the damsel into cinders. When the king saw that, he hated thatfalse witch Morgan le Fay with all his heart, and evermore was deadlyquarrel between her and Arthur to their lives' end. 

CHAPTER VIII

_King Arthur conquers Rome, and is crowned Emperor_

And now again the second time there came ambassadors from Lucius Tiberius, Emperor of Rome, demanding, under pain of war, tribute and homage fromKing Arthur, and the restoration of all Gaul, which he had conquered fromthe tribune Flollo. 

When they had delivered their message, the king bade them withdraw whilehe consulted with his knights and barons what reply to send. Then some ofthe younger knights would have slain the ambassadors, saying that theirspeech was a rebuke to all who heard the king insulted by it. But whenKing Arthur heard that, he ordered none to touch them upon pain of death;and sending officers, he had them taken to a noble lodging, and thereentertained with the best cheer. "And, " said he, "let no dainty be spared, for the Romans are great lords; and though their message please me not, yet must I remember mine honour. "

Then the lords and knights of the Round Table were called on to declaretheir counsel--what should be done upon this matter; and Sir Cador ofCornwall speaking first, said, "Sir, this message is the best news I haveheard for a long time, for we have been now idle and at rest for manydays, and I trust that thou wilt make sharp war upon the Romans, wherein, I doubt not, we shall all gain honour. "

"I believe well, " said Arthur, "that thou art pleased, Sir Cador; but thatis scarce an answer to the Emperor of Rome, and his demand doth grieve mesorely, for truly I will never pay him tribute; wherefore, lords, I prayye counsel me. Now, I have understood that Belinus and Brennius, knightsof Britain, held the Roman Empire in their hands for many days, and alsoConstantine, the son of Helen, which is open evidence, not only that weowe Rome no tribute, but that I, being descended from them, may, of right, myself claim the empire. "

Then said King Anguish of Scotland, "Sir, thou oughtest of right to beabove all other kings, for in all Christendom is there not thine equal;and I counsel thee never to obey the Romans. For when they reigned herethey grievously distressed us, and put the land to great and heavyburdens; and here, for my part, I swear to avenge me on them when I may, and will furnish thee with twenty thousand men-at-arms, whom I will payand keep, and who shall wait on thee with me, when it shall please thee. "

Then the King of Little Britain rose and promised King Arthur thirtythousand men; and likewise many other kings, and dukes, and barons, promised aid--as the lord of West Wales thirty thousand men, Sir Ewaineand his cousin thirty thousand men, and so forth; Sir Lancelot also, andevery other knight of the Round Table, promised each man a great host. 

So the king, passing joyful at their courage and good will, thanked themall heartily, and sent for the ambassadors again, to hear his answer. "Iwill, " said he, "that ye now go back straightway unto the Emperor yourmaster and tell him that I give no heed to his words, for I have conqueredall my kingdoms by the will of God and by my own right arm, and I amstrong enough to keep them, without paying tribute to any earthlycreature. But, on the other hand, I claim both tribute and submission fromhimself, and also claim the sovereignty of all his empire, whereto I amentitled by the right of my own ancestors--sometime kings of this land. And say to him that I will shortly come to Rome, and by God's grace willtake possession of my empire and subdue all rebels. Wherefore, lastly, Icommand him and all the lords of Rome that they forthwith pay me theirhomage, under pain of my chastisement and wrath. "

Then he commanded his treasurers to give the ambassadors great gifts, anddefray all their charges, and appointed Sir Cador to convey themworshipfully out of the land. 

So when they returned to Rome and came before Lucius, he was sore angry attheir words, and said, "I thought this Arthur would have instantly obeyedmy orders and have served me as humbly as any other king; but because ofhis fortune in Gaul, he hath grown insolent. "

"Ah, lord, " said one of the ambassadors, "refrain from such vain words, for truly I and all with me were fearful at his royal majesty and angrycountenance. I fear me thou hast made a rod for thee more sharp than thouhast counted on. He meaneth to be master of this empire; and is anotherkind of man than thou supposest, and holdeth the most noble court of allthe world. We saw him on the new year's day, served at his table by ninekings, and the noblest company of other princes, lords, and knights thatever was in all the world; and in his person he is the most manly-seemingman that liveth, and looketh like to conquer all the earth. "

Then Lucius sent messengers to all the subject countries of Rome, andbrought together a mighty army, and assembled sixteen kings, and manydukes, princes, lords, and admirals, and a wondrous great multitude ofpeople. Fifty giants also, born of fiends, were set around him for abody-guard. With all that host he straightway went from Rome, and passedbeyond the mountains into Gaul, and burned the towns and ravaged all thecountry of that province, in rage for its submission to King Arthur. Thenhe moved on towards Little Britain. 

Meanwhile, King Arthur having held a parliament at York, left the realm incharge of Sir Badewine and Sir Constantine, and crossed the sea fromSandwich to meet Lucius. And so soon as he was landed, he sent Sir Gawain, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and Sir Bedivere to the Emperor, commanding him "tomove swiftly and in haste out of his land, and, if not, to make himselfready for battle, and not continue ravaging the country and slayingharmless people. " Anon, those noble knights attired themselves and setforth on horseback to where they saw, in a meadow, many silken tents ofdivers colours, and the Emperor's pavilion in the midst, with a goldeneagle set above it. 

Then Sir Gawain and Sir Bors rode forward, leaving the other two behindin ambush, and gave King Arthur's message. To which the Emperor replied, "Return, and tell your lord that I am come to conquer him and all hisland. "

At this, Sir Gawain burned with anger, and cried out, "I had rather thanall France that I might fight with thee alone!"

"And I also, " said Sir Bors. 

Then a knight named Ganius, a near cousin of the Emperor, laughed outaloud, and said, "Lo! how these Britons boast and are full of pride, bragging as though they bare up all the world!"

At these words, Sir Gawain could refrain no longer, but drew forth hissword and with one blow shore oft Ganius' head; then with Sir Bors, heturned his horse and rode over waters and through woods, back to theambush, where Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere were waiting. The Romansfollowed fast behind them till the knights turned and stood, and then SirBors smote the foremost of them through the body with a spear, and slewhim on the spot. Then came on Calibere, a huge Pavian, but Sir Borsoverthrew him also. And then the company of Sir Lionel and Sir Bediverebrake from their ambush and fell on the Romans, and slew and hewed themdown, and forced them to return and flee, chasing them to their tents. 

But as they neared the camp, a great host more rushed forth, and turnedthe battle backwards, and in the turmoil, Sir Bors and Sir Berel fell intothe Romans' hands. When Sir Gawain saw that, he drew his good swordGalotine, and swore to see King Arthur's face no more if those two knightswere not delivered; and then, with good Sir Idrus, made so sore anonslaught that the Romans fled and left Sir Bors and Sir Berel to theirfriends. So the Britons returned in triumph to King Arthur, having slainmore than ten thousand Romans, and lost no man of worship from amongstthemselves. 

When the Emperor Lucius heard of that discomfiture he arose, with all hisarmy, to crush King Arthur, and met him in the vale of Soissons. Thenspeaking to all his host, he said, "Sirs, I admonish you that this day yefight and acquit yourselves as men; and remembering how Rome is chief ofall the earth, and mistress of the universal world, suffer not thesebarbarous and savage Britons to abide our onset. " At that, the trumpetsblew so loud, that the ground trembled and shook. 

Then did the rival hosts draw near each other with great shoutings; andwhen they closed, no tongue can tell the fury of their smiting, and thesore struggling, wounds, and slaughter. Then King Arthur, with hismightiest knights, rode down into the thickest of the fight, and drewExcalibur, and slew as lightning slays for swiftness and for force. And inthe midmost crowd he met a giant, Galapas by name, and struck off both hislegs at the knee-joints; then saying, "Now art thou a better size to dealwith!" smote his head off at a second blow: and the body killed six men infalling down. 

Anon, King Arthur spied where Lucius fought and worked great deeds ofprowess with his own hands. Forthwith he rode at him, and each attackedthe other passing fiercely; till at the last, Lucius struck King Arthurwith a fearful wound across the face, and Arthur, in return, lifting upExcalibur on high, drove it with all his force upon the Emperor's head, shivering his helmet, crashing his head in halves, and splitting his bodyto the breast. And when the Romans saw their Emperor dead they fled inhosts of thousands; and King Arthur and his knights, and all his armyfollowed them, and slew one hundred thousand men. 

Then returning to the field, King Arthur rode to the place where Luciuslay dead, and round him the kings of Egypt and Ethiopia, and seventeenother kings, with sixty Roman senators, all noble men. All these heordered to be carefully embalmed with aromatic gums, and laid in leadencoffins, covered with their shields and arms and banners. Then calling forthree senators who were taken prisoners, he said to them, "As the ransomof your lives, I will that ye take these dead bodies and carry them toRome, and there present them for me, with these letters saying I willmyself be shortly there. And I suppose the Romans will beware how theyagain ask tribute of me; for tell them, these dead bodies that I send themare for the tribute they have dared to ask of me; and if they wish formore, when I come I will pay them the rest. "

So, with that charge, the three senators departed with the dead bodies, and went to Rome; the body of the Emperor being carried in a chariotblazoned with the arms of the empire, all alone, and the bodies of thekings two and two in chariots following. 

After the battle, King Arthur entered Lorraine, Brabant, and Flanders, andthence, subduing all the countries as he went, passed into Germany, and sobeyond the mountains into Lombardy and Tuscany. At length he came before acity which refused to obey him, wherefore he sat down before it to besiegeit. And after a long time thus spent, King Arthur called Sir Florence, and told him they began to lack food for his hosts--"And not far fromhence, " said he, "are great forests full of cattle belonging to myenemies. Go then, and bring by force all that thou canst find; and takewith thee Sir Gawain, my nephew, and Sir Clegis, Sir Claremond the Captainof Cardiff, and a strong band. "

Anon, those knights made ready, and rode over holts and hills, and throughforests and woods, till they came to a great meadow full of fair flowersand grass, and there they rested themselves and their horses that night. And at the dawn of the next day, Sir Gawain took his horse and rode awayfrom his fellows to seek some adventure. Soon he saw an armed knightwalking his horse by a wood's side, with his shield laced to his shoulder, and no attendant with him save a page, bearing a mighty spear; and on hisshield were blazoned three gold griffins. When Sir Gawain spied him, heput his spear in rest, and riding straight to him, asked who he was. "ATuscan, " said he; "and they mayest prove me when thou wilt, for thou shaltbe my prisoner ere we part. "

Then said Sir Gawain, "Thou vauntest thee greatly, and speakest proudwords; yet I counsel thee, for all thy boastings, look to thyself the bestthou canst. "

At that they took their spears and ran at each other with all the mightthey had, and smote each other through their shields into their shoulders;and then drawing swords smote with great strokes, till the fire sprang outof their helms. Then was Sir Gawain enraged, and with his good swordGalotine struck his enerny through shield and hauberk, and splintered intopieces all the precious stones of it, and made so huge a wound that menmight see both lungs and liver. At that the Tuscan, groaning loudly, rushed on to Sir Gawain, and gave him a deep slanting stroke, and made amighty wound and cut a great vein asunder, so that he bled fast. Then hecried out, "Bind thy wound quickly up, Sir knight, for thou be-bloodestall thy horse and thy fair armour, and all the surgeons of the world shallnever staunch thy blood; for so shall it be to whomsoever is hurt withthis good sword. "

Then answered Sir Gawain, "It grieveth me but little, and thy boastfulwords give me no fear, for thou shalt suffer greater grief and sorrow erewe part; but tell me quickly who can staunch this blood. "

"That can I do, " said the strange knight, "and will, if thou wilt aid andsuccour me to become christened, and to believe on God, which now I dorequire of thee upon thy manhood. "

"I am content, " said Sir Gawain; "and may God help me to grant all thywishes. But tell mefirst, what soughtest thou thus here alone, and of whatland art thou?"

"Sir, " said the knight, "my name is Prianius, and my father is a greatprince, who hath rebelled against Rome. He is descended from Alexander andHector, and of our lineage also were Joshua and Maccabaeus. I am of rightthe king of Alexandria, and Africa, and all the outer isles, yet I wouldbelieve in the Lord thou worshippest, and for thy labour I will give theetreasure enough. I was so proud in heart that I thought none my equal, butnow have I encountered with thee, who hast given me my fill of fighting;wherefore, I pray thee, Sir knight, tell me of thyself. "

"I am no knight, " said Sir Gawain; "I have been brought up many years inthe wardrobe of the noble prince King Arthur, to mind his armour andarray. "

"Ah, " said Prianius, "if his varlets be so keen and fierce, his knightsmust be passing good! Now, for the love of heaven, whether thou be knightor knave, tell me thy name. "

"By heaven!" said Gawain, "now will I tell thee the truth. My name is SirGawain, and I am a knight of the Round Table. "

"Now am I better pleased, " said Prianius, "than if thou hadst given me allthe province of Paris the rich. I had rather have been torn by wild horsesthan that any varlet should have won such victory over me as thou hastdone. But now, Sir knight, I warn thee that close by is the Duke ofLorraine, with sixty thousand good men of war; and we had both best fleeat once, for he will find us else, and we be sorely wounded and neverlikely to recover. And let my page be careful that he blow no horn, forhard by are a hundred knights, my servants; and if they seize thee, noransom of gold or silver would acquit thee. "

Then Sir Gawain rode over a river to save himself, and Sir Prianius afterhim, and so they both fled till they came to his companions who were inthe meadow, where they spent the night. When Sir Whishard saw Sir Gawainso hurt, he ran to him weeping, and asked him who it was had wounded him;and Sir Gawain told him how he had fought with that man--pointing toPrianius--who had salves to heal them both. "But I can tell ye othertidings, " said he--"that soon we must encounter many enemies, for a greatarmy is close to us in our front. "

Then Prianius and Sir Gawain alighted and let their horses graze whilethey unarmed, and when they took their armour and their clothing off, thehot blood ran down freshly from their wounds till it was piteous to see. But Prianius took from his page a vial filled from the four rivers thatflow out of Paradise, and anointed both their wounds with a certain balm, and washed them with that water, and within an hour afterwards they wereboth as sound and whole as ever they had been. Then, at the sound of atrumpet, all the knights were assembled to council; and after muchtalking, Prianius said, "Cease your words, for I warn you in yonder woodye shall find knights out of number, who will put out cattle for a decoyto lead you on; and ye are not seven hundred!"

"Nevertheless, " said Sir Gawain, "let us at once encounter them, and seewhat they can do; and may the best have the victory. "

Then they saw suddenly an earl named Sir Ethelwold, and the Duke ofDuchmen come leaping out of ambush of the woods in front, with many athousand after them, and all rode straight down to the battle. And SirGawain, full of ardour and courage, comforted his knights, saying, "Theyall are ours. " Then the seven hundred knights, in one close company, setspurs to their horses and began to gallop, and fiercely met their enemies. And then were men and horses slain and overthrown on every side, and inand out amidst them all, the knights of the Round Table pressed andthrust, and smote down to the earth all who withstood them, till at lengththe whole of them turned back and fled. 

"By heaven!" said Sir Gawain, "this gladdeneth well my heart, for nowbehold them as they flee! they are full seventy thousand less in numberthan they were an hour ago!"

Thus was the battle quickly ended, and a great host of high lords andknights of Lombardy and Saracens left dead upon the field. Then Sir Gawainand his company collected a great plenty of cattle, and of gold andsilver, and all kind of treasure, and returned to King Arthur, where hestill kept the siege. 

"Now God be thanked, " cried he; "but who is he that standeth yonder byhimself, and seemeth not a prisoner?"

"Sir, " said Sir Gawain, "he is a good man with his weapons, and hathmatched me; but cometh hither to be made a Christian. Had it not been forhis warnings, we none of us should have been here this day. I pray thee, therefore, let him be baptized, for there can be few nobler men, or betterknights. "

So Prianius was christened, and made a duke and knight of the Round Table. 

[Illustration: Prianius was christened, and made a duke and knight of theRound Table. ]

Presently afterwards, they made a last attack upon the city, and enteredby the walls on every side; and as the men were rushing to the pillage, came the Duchess forth, with many ladies and damsels, and kneeled beforeKing Arthur; and besought him to receive their submission. To whom theking made answer, with a noble countenance, "Madam, be well assured thatnone shall harm ye, or your ladies; neither shall any that belong to theebe hurt; but the Duke must abide my judgment. " Then he commanded to staythe assault and took the keys from the Duke's eldest son, who brought themkneeling. Anon the Duke was sent a prisoner to Dover for his life, andrents and taxes were assigned for dowry of the Duchess and her children. 

Then went he on with all his hosts, winning all towns and castles, andwasting them that refused obedience, till he came to Viterbo. From thencehe sent to Rome, to ask the senators whether they would receive him fortheir lord and governor. In answer, came out to him all the Senate whoremained alive, and the Cardinals, with a majestic retinue and procession;and laying great treasures at his feet, they prayed him to come in at onceto Rome, and there be peaceably crowned as Emperor. "At this nextChristmas, " said King Arthur, "will I be crowned, and hold my Round Tablein your city. "

Anon he entered Rome, in mighty pomp and state; and after him came all hishosts, and his knights, and princes, and great lords, arrayed in gold andjewels, such as never were beheld before. And then was he crowned Emperorby the Pope's hands, with all the highest solemnity that could be made. 

Then after his coronation, he abode in Rome for a season, settling hislands and giving kingdoms to his knights and servants, to each one afterhis deserving, and in such wise fashion that no man among them allcomplained. Also he made many dukes and earls, and loaded all hismen-at-arms with riches and great treasures. 

When all this was done, the lords and knights, and all the men of greatestate, came together before him, and said, "Noble Emperor! by theblessing of Eternal God, thy mortal warfare is all finished, and thyconquests all achieved; for now in all the world is none so great andmighty as to dare make war with thee. Wherefore we beseech and heartilypray thee of thy noble grace, to turn thee homeward, and to give us alsoleave to see our wives and homes again, for now we have been from them along season, and all thy journey is completed with great honour andworship. "

"Ye say well, " replied he, "and to tempt God is no wisdom; therefore makeready in all haste, and turn we home to England. "

So King Arthur returned with his knights and lords and armies, in greattriumph and joy, through all the countries he had conquered, and commandedthat no man, upon pain of death, should rob or do any violence by the way. And crossing the sea, he came at length to Sandwich, where Queen Guineverereceived him, and made great joy at his arrival. And through all the realmof Britain was there such rejoicing as no tongue can tell. 

CHAPTER IX

_The Adventures of Sir Lancelot du Lake_

Then, at the following Pentecost, was held a feast of the Round Table atCaerleon, with high splendour; and all the knights thereof resorted to thecourt, and held many games and jousts. And therein Sir Lancelot increasedin fame and worship above all men, for he overthrew all comers, and neverwas unhorsed or worsted, save by treason and enchantment. 

When Queen Guinevere had seen his wondrous feats, she held him in greatfavour, and smiled more on him than on any other knight. And ever since hefirst had gone to bring her to King Arthur, had Lancelot thought on her asfairest of all ladies, and done his best to win her grace. So the queenoften sent for him, and bade him tell of his birth and strange adventures:how he was only son of great King Ban of Brittany, and how, one night, hisfather, with his mother Helen and himself, fled from his burning castle;how his father, groaning deeply, fell to the ground and died of grief andwounds, and how his mother, running to her husband, left himself alone;how, as he thus lay wailing, came the lady of the lake, and took him inher arms and went with him into the midst of the waters, where, with hiscousins Lionel and Bors he had been cherished all his childhood until hecame to King Arthur's court; and how this was the reason why men calledhim Lancelot du Lake. 

Anon it was ordained by King Arthur, that in every year at Pentecost thereshould be held a festival of all the knights of the Round Table atCaerleon, or such other place as he should choose. And at those festivalsshould be told publicly the most famous adventures of any knight duringthe past year. 

So, when Sir Lancelot saw Queen Guinevere rejoiced to hear his wanderingsand adventures, he resolved to set forth yet again, and win more worshipstill, that he might more increase her favour. Then he bade his cousin SirLionel make ready, "for, " said he, "we two will seek adventure. " So theymounted their horses--armed at all points--and rode into a vast forest;and when they had passed through it, they came to a great plain, and theweather being very hot about noontide, Sir Lancelot greatly longed tosleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple-tree standing by a hedge, andsaid, "Brother, yonder is a fair shadow where we may rest ourselves andhorses. "

"I am full glad of it, " said Sir Lancelot, "for all these seven years Ihave not been so sleepy. "

So they alighted there, and tied their horses up to sundry trees; and SirLionel waked and watched while Sir Lancelot fell asleep, and slept passingfast. 

In the meanwhile came three knights, riding as fast flying as ever theycould ride, and after them followed a single knight; but when Sir Lionellooked at him, he thought he had never seen so great and strong a man, orso well furnished and apparelled. Anon he saw him overtake the last ofthose who fled, and smite him to the ground; then came he to the second, and smote him such a stroke that horse and man went to the earth; thenrode he to the third, likewise, and struck him off his horse more than aspear's length. With that he lighted from his horse, and bound all threeknights fast with the reins of their own bridles. 

When Sir Lionel saw this he thought the time was come to prove himselfagainst him, so quietly and cautiously, lest he should wake Sir Lancelot, he took his horse and mounted and rode after him. Presently overtakinghim, he cried aloud to him to turn, which instantly he did, and smote SirLionel so hard that horse and man went down forthwith. Then took he up SirLionel, and threw him bound over his own horse's back; and so he servedthe three other knights, and rode them away to his own castle. There theywere disarmed, stripped naked, and beaten with thorns, and afterwardsthrust into a deep prison, where many more knights, also, made great moansand lamentations, saying, "Alas, alas! there is no man can help us but SirLancelot, for no other knight can match this tyrant Turquine, ourconqueror. "

But all this while, Sir Lancelot lay sleeping soundly under theapple-tree. And, as it chanced, there passed that way four queens, of highestate, riding upon four white mules, under four canopies of green silkborne on spears, to keep them from the sun. As they rode thus, they hearda great horse grimly neigh, and, turning them about, soon saw a sleepingknight that lay all armed under an apple-tree; and when they saw hisface, they knew it was Lancelot of the Lake. 

Then they began to strive which of them should have the care of him. ButQueen Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's half sister, the great sorceress, wasone of them, and said "We need not strive for him, I have enchanted him, so that for six hours more he shall not wake. Let us take him to mycastle, and, when he wakes, himself shall choose which one of us he wouldrather serve. " So Sir Lancelot was laid upon his shield and borne onhorseback between two knights, to the castle, and there laid in a coldchamber, till the spell should pass. 

Anon, they sent him a fair damsel, bearing his supper, who asked him, "What cheer?"

"I cannot tell, fair damsel, " said he, "for I know not how I came intothis castle, if it were not by enchantment. "

"Sir, " said she, "be of good heart, and to-morrow at the dawn of day, yeshall know more. "

And so she left him alone, and there he lay all night. In the morningearly came the four queens to him, passing richly dressed; and said, "Sirknight, thou must understand that thou art our prisoner, and that we knowthee well for King Ban's son, Sir Lancelot du Lake. And though we knowfull well there is one lady only in this world may have thy love, and sheQueen Guinevere--King Arthur's wife--yet now are we resolved to have theeto serve one of us; choose, therefore, of us four which thou wilt serve. Iam Queen Morgan le Fay, Queen of the land of Gore, and here also is theQueen of Northgales, and the Queen of Eastland, and the Queen of the OutIsles. Choose, then, at once, for else shall thou abide here, in thisprison, till thy death. "

"It is a hard case, " said Sir Lancelot, "that either I must die, or chooseone of you for my mistress! Yet had I rather die in this prison than serveany living creature against my will. So take this for my answer. I willserve none of ye, for ye be false enchantresses. And as for my lady, QueenGuinevere, whom lightly ye have spoken of, were I at liberty I would proveit upon you or upon yours she is the truest lady living to her lord theking. "

"Well, " said the queen, "is this your answer, that ye refuse us all?"

"Yea, on my life, " said Lancelot, "refused ye be of me. "

So they departed from him in great wrath, and left him sorrowfullygrieving in his dungeon. 

At noon the damsel came to him and brought his dinner, and asked him asbefore, "What cheer?"

"Truly, fair damsel, " said Sir Lancelot, "in all my life never so ill. "

"Sir, " replied she, "I grieve to see ye so, but if ye do as I advise, Ican help ye out of this distress, and will do so if you promise me aboon. "

"Fair damsel, " said Sir Lancelot, "right willingly will I grant it thee, for sorely do I dread these four witch-queens, who have destroyed andslain many a good knight with their enchantments. "

Then said the damsel, "Sir, wilt thou promise me to help my father on nextTuesday, for he hath a tournament with the King of Northgales, and lastTuesday lost the field through three knights of King Arthur's court, whocame against him. And if next Tuesday thou wilt aid him, to-morrow, before daylight, by God's grace, I will deliver thee. "

"Fair maiden, " said Sir Lancelot, "tell me thy father's name and I willanswer thee. "

"My father is King Bagdemagus, " said she. 

"I know him well, " replied Sir Lancelot, "for a noble king and a goodknight; and by the faith of my body I will do him all the service I amable on that day. "

"Grammercy to thee, Sir knight, " said the damsel. 

"To-morrow, when thou art delivered from this place, ride ten miles henceunto an abbey of white monks, and there abide until I bring my father tothee. "

"So be it, " said Sir Lancelot, "as I am a true knight. "

So she departed, and on the morrow, early, came again, and let him out oftwelve gates, differently locked, and brought him to his armour; and whenhe was all armed, she brought him his horse also, and lightly he saddledhim, and took a great spear in his hand, and mounted and rode forth, saying, as he went, "Fair damsel, I shall not fail thee, by the grace ofGod. "

And all that day he rode in a great forest, and could find no highway, andspent the night in the wood; but the next morning found his road, and cameto the abbey of white monks. And there he saw King Bagdemagus and hisdaughter waiting for him. So when they were together in a chamber, SirLancelot told the king how he had been betrayed by an enchantment, and howhis brother Lionel was gone he knew not where, and how the damsel haddelivered him from the castle of Queen Morgan le Fay. "Wherefore while Ilive, " said he, "I shall do service to herself and all her kindred. "

"Then am I sure of thy aid, " said the king, "on Tuesday now next coming?"

"Yea, sir, I shall not fail thee, " said Sir Lancelot; "but what knightswere they who last week defeated thee, and took part with the King ofNorthgales?"

"Sir Mador de la Port, Sir Modred, and Sir Gahalatine, " replied the king. 

"Sir, " said Sir Lancelot, "as I understand, the tournament shall takeplace but three miles from this abbey; send then to me here, three knightsof thine, the best thou hast, and let them all have plain white shields, such as I also will; then will we four come suddenly into the midstbetween both parties, and fall upon thy enemies, and grieve them all wecan, and none will know us who we are. "

So, on the Tuesday, Sir Lancelot and the three knights lodged themselvesin a small grove hard by the lists. Then came into the field the King ofNorthgales, with one hundred and sixty helms, and the three knights ofKing Arthur's court, who stood apart by themselves. And when KingBagdemagus had arrived, with eighty helms, both companies set all theirspears in rest and came together with a mighty clash, wherein were slaintwelve knights of King Bagdemagus, and six of the King of Northgales; andthe party of King Bagdemagus was driven back. 

With that, came Sir Lancelot, and thrust into the thickest of the press, and smote down with one spear five knights, and brake the backs of four, and cast down the King of Northgales, and brake his thigh by the fall. When the three knights of Arthur's court saw this, they rode at SirLancelot, and each after other attacked him; but he overthrew them all, and smote them nigh to death. Then taking a new spear, he bore down to theground sixteen more knights, and hurt them all so sorely, that they couldcarry arms no more that day. And when his spear at length was broken, hetook yet another, and smote down twelve knights more, the most of whom hewounded mortally, till in the end the party of the King of Northgaleswould joust no more, and the victory was cried to King Bagdemagus. 

[Illustration: Sir Lancelot smote down with one spear five knights, andbrake the backs of four, and cast down the King of Northgales. ]

Then Sir Lancelot rode forth with King Bagdemagus to his castle, and therehe feasted with great cheer and welcome, and received many royal gifts. And on the morrow he took leave and went to find his brother Lionel. 

Anon, by chance, he came to the same forest where the four queens hadfound him sleeping, and there he met a damsel riding on a white palfrey. When they had saluted each other, Sir Lancelot said, "Fair damsel, knowestthou where any adventures may be had in this country?"

"Sir knight, " said she, "there are adventures great enough close by ifthou darest prove them. "

"Why should I not, " said he, "since for that cause I came here?"

"Sir, " said the damsel, "hard by this place there dwelleth a knight thatcannot be defeated by any man, so great and perilously strong he is. Hisname is Sir Turquine, and in the prisons of his castle lie three scoreknights and four, mostly from King Arthur's court, whom he hath taken withhis own hands. But promise me, ere thou undertakest their deliverance, togo and help me afterwards, and free me and many other ladies that aredistressed by a false knight. " "Bring me but to this felon Turquine, "quoth Sir Lancelot, "and I will afterwards fulfil all your wishes. "

So the damsel went before, and brought him to a ford, and a tree whereon agreat brass basin hung; and Sir Lancelot beat with his spear-end upon thebasin, long and hard, until he beat the bottom of it out, but he sawnothing. Then he rode to and fro before the castle gates for well-nighhalf an hour, and anon saw a great knight riding from the distance, driving a horse before him, across which hung an armed man bound. And whenthey came near, Sir Lancelot knew the prisoner for a knight of the RoundTable. By that time, the great knight who drove the prisoner saw SirLancelot, and each of them began to settle his spear, and to make ready. 

"Fair sir, " then said Sir Lancelot, "put off that wounded knight, I praythee, from his horse, and let him rest while thou and I shall prove ourstrength upon each other; for, as I am told, thou doest, and hast done, great shame and injury to knights of the Round Table. Wherefore, I warnthee now, defend thyself. "

"If thou mayest be of the Round Table, " answered Turquine, "I defy thee, and all thy fellows. "

"That is saying overmuch, " said Sir Lancelot. 

Then, setting their lances in rest, they spurred their horses towards eachother, as fast as they could go, and smote so fearfully upon each other'sshields, that both their horses' backs brake under them. As soon as theycould clear their saddles, they took their shields before them, and drewtheir swords, and came together eagerly, and fought with great andgrievous strokes; and soon they both had many grim and fearful wounds, andbled in streams. Thus they fought two hours and more, thrusting andsmiting at each other, wherever they could hit. 

Anon, they both were breathless, and stood leaning on their swords. 

"Now, comrade, " said Sir Turquine, "let us wait awhile, and answer me whatI shall ask thee. "

"Say on, " said Lancelot. 

"Thou art, " said Turquine, "the best man I ever met, and seemest like onethat I hate above all other knights that live; but if thou be not he, Iwill make peace with thee, and for sake of thy great valour, will deliverall the three score prisoners and four who lie within my dungeons, andthou and I will be companions evermore. Tell me, then, thy name. "

"Thou sayest well, " replied Sir Lancelot; "but who is he thou hatest soabove all others?"

"His name, " said Turquine, "is Sir Lancelot of the Lake; and he slew mybrother Sir Carados, at the dolorous tower; wherefore, if ever I shallmeet with him, one of us two shall slay the other; and thereto I havesworn by a great oath. And to discover and destroy him I have slain ahundred knights, and crippled utterly as many more, and many have died inmy prisons; and now, as I have told thee, I have many more therein, whoall shall be delivered, if thou tell me thy name, and it be not SirLancelot. "

"Well, " said Lancelot, "I am that knight, son of King Ban of Benwick, andKnight of the Round Table; so now I defy thee to do thy best!"

"Aha!" said Turquine, with a shout, "is it then so at last! Thou art morewelcome to my sword than ever knight or lady was to feast, for nevershall we part till one of us be dead. "

Then did they hurtle together like two wild bulls, slashing and lashingwith their shields and swords, and sometimes falling both on to theground. For two more hours they fought so, and at the last Sir Turquinegrew very faint, and gave a little back, and bare his shield full low forweariness. When Sir Lancelot saw him thus, he leaped upon him fiercely asa lion, and took him by the crest of his helmet, and dragged him to hisknees; and then he tore his helmet off and smote his neck asunder. 

Then he arose, and went to the damsel who had brought him to Sir Turquine, and said, "I am ready, fair lady, to go with thee upon thy service, but Ihave no horse. "

"Fair sir, " said she, "take ye this horse of the wounded knight whomTurquine but just now was carrying to his prisons, and send that knight onto deliver all the prisoners. "

So Sir Lancelot went to the knight and prayed him for the loan of hishorse. 

"Fair lord, " said he, "ye are right welcome, for to-day ye have saved bothme and my horse; and I see that ye are the best knight in all the world, for in my sight have ye slain the mightiest man and the best knight, except thyself, I ever saw. "

"Sir, " said Sir Lancelot, "I thank thee well; and now go into yondercastle, where thou shall find many noble knights of the Round Table, for Ihave seen their shields hung on the trees around. On yonder tree alonethere are Sir Key's, Sir Brandel's, Sir Marhaus', Sir Galind's, and SirAliduke's, and many more; and also my two kinsmen's shields, Sir Ector deMaris' and Sir Lionel's. And I pray you greet them all from me, SirLancelot of the Lake, and tell them that I bid them help themselves to anytreasures they can find within the castle; and that I pray my brethren, Lionel and Ector, to go to King Arthur's court and stay there till I come. And by the high feast at Pentecost I must be there; but now I must rideforth with this damsel to fulfil my promise. "

So, as they went, the damsel told him, "Sir, we are now near the placewhere the foul knight haunteth, who robbeth and distresseth all ladies andgentlewomen travelling past this way, against whom I have sought thy aid. "

Then they arranged that she should ride on foremost, and Sir Lancelotshould follow under cover of the trees by the roadside, and if he saw hercome to any mishap, he should ride forth and deal with him that troubledher. And as the damsel rode on at a soft ambling pace, a knight and pageburst forth from the roadside and forced the damsel from her horse, tillshe cried out for help. 

Then came Sir Lancelot rushing through the wood as fast as he might fly, and all the branches of the trees crackled and waved around him. "O thoufalse knight and traitor to all knighthood!" shouted he, "who taught theeto distress fair ladies thus?"

The foul knight answered nothing, but drew out his sword and rode at SirLancelot, who threw his spear away and drew his own sword likewise, andstruck him such a mighty blow as clave his head down to the throat. "Nowhast thou the wages thou long hast earned!" said he; and so departed fromthe damsel. 

Then for two days he rode in a great forest, and had but scanty food andlodging, and on the third day he rode over a long bridge, when suddenlythere started up a passing foul churl, and smote his horse across thenose, so that he started and turned back, rearing with pain. "Why ridestthou over here without my leave?" said he. 

"Why should I not?" said Sir Lancelot; "there is no other way to ride. "

"Thou shalt not pass by here, " cried out the churl, and dashed at him witha great club full of iron spikes, till Sir Lancelot was fain to draw hissword and smite him dead upon the earth. 

At the end of the bridge was a fair village, and all the people came andcried, "Ah, sir! a worse deed for thyself thou never didst, for thou hastslain the chief porter of the castle yonder!" But he let them talk as theypleased, and rode straight forward to the castle. 

There he alighted, and tied his horse to a ring in the wall; and going in, he saw a wide green court, and thought it seemed a noble place to fightin. And as he looked about, he saw many people watching him from doors andwindows, making signs of warning, and saying, "Fair knight, thou artunhappy. " In the next moment came upon him two great giants, well armedsave their heads, and with two horrible clubs in their hands. Then he puthis shield before him, and with it warded off one giant's stroke, andclove the other with his sword from the head downward to the chest. Whenthe first giant saw that, he ran away mad with fear; but Sir Lancelot ranafter him, and smote him through the shoulder, and shore him down hisback, so that he fell dead. 

Then he walked onward to the castle hall, and saw a band of sixty ladiesand young damsels coming forth, who knelt to him, and thanked him fortheir freedom. "For, sir, " said they, "the most of us have been prisonershere these seven years; and have been kept at all manner of work to earnour meat, though we be all great gentlewomen born. Blessed be the timethat thou wast born, for never did a knight a deed of greater worship thanthou hast this day, and thereto will we all bear witness in all times andplaces! Tell us, therefore, noble knight, thy name and court, that we maytell them to our friends!" And when they heard it, they all cried aloud, "Well may it be so, for we knew that no knight save thou shouldst everovercome those giants; and many a long day have we sighed for thee; forthe giants feared no other name among all knights but thine. "

Then he told them to take the treasures of the castle as a reward fortheir grievances, and to return to their homes, and so rode away into manystrange and wild countries. And at last, after many days, by chance hecame, near the night time, to a fair mansion, wherein he found an oldgentlewoman, who gave him and his horse good cheer. And when bed time wascome, his host brought him to a chamber over a gate, and there he unarmed, and went to bed and fell asleep. 

But soon thereafter came one riding in great haste, and knockingvehemently at the gate below, which when Sir Lancelot heard, he rose andlooked out of the window, and, by the moonlight, saw three knights comeriding fiercely after one man, and lashing on him all at once with theirswords, while the one knight nobly fought all. 

Then Sir Lancelot quickly armed himself, and getting through the window, let himself down by a sheet into the midst of them, crying out, "Turn yeon me, ye cowards, and leave fighting with that knight!" Then they allleft Sir Key, for the first knight was he, and began to fall upon SirLancelot furiously. And when Sir Key would have come forward to assisthim, Sir Lancelot refused, and cried, "Leave me alone to deal with them. "And presently, with six great strokes, he felled them all. 

Then they cried out, "Sir knight, we yield us unto thee, as to a man ofmight!"

"I will not take your yielding!" said he; "yield ye to Sir Key, theseneschal, or I will have your lives. "

"Fair knight, " said they, "excuse us in that thing, for we have chased SirKey thus far, and should have overcome him but for thee. "

"Well, " said Sir Lancelot, "do as ye will, for ye may live or die; but, ifye live, ye shall be holden to Sir Key. "

Then they yielded to him; and Sir Lancelot commanded them to go unto KingArthur's court at the next Pentecost, and say, Sir Key had sent themprisoners to Queen Guinevere. And this they sware to do upon their swords. 

Then Sir Lancelot knocked at the gate with his sword-hilt till his hostesscame and let him in again, and Sir Key also. And when the light came, SirKey knew Sir Lancelot, and knelt and thanked him for his courtesy, andgentleness, and kindness. "Sir, " said he, "I have done no more than what Iought to do, and ye are welcome; therefore let us now take rest. "

So when Sir Key had supped, they went to sleep, and Sir Lancelot and heslept in the same bed. On the morrow, Sir Lancelot rose early, and tookSir Key's shield and armour and set forth. When Sir Key arose, he foundSir Lancelot's armour by his bedside, and his own arms gone. "Now, by myfaith, " thought he, "I know that he will grieve some knights of our king'scourt; for those who meet him will be bold to joust with him, mistakinghim for me, while I, dressed in his shield and armour, shall surely ridein peace. "

Then Sir Lancelot, dressed in Sir Key's apparel, rode long in a greatforest, and came at last to a low country, full of rivers and fairmeadows, and saw a bridge before him, whereon were three silk tents ofdivers colours, and to each tent was hung a white shield, and by eachshield stood a knight. So Sir Lancelot went by without speaking a word. And when he had passed, the three knights said it was the proud Sir Key, "who thinketh no knight equal to himself, although the contrary is fulloften proved upon him. "

"By my faith!" said one of them, named Gaunter, "I will ride after andattack him for all his pride, and ye shall watch my speed. "

Then, taking shield and spear, he mounted and rode after Sir Lancelot, andcried, "Abide, proud knight, and turn, for thou shalt not pass free!"

So Sir Lancelot turned, and each one put his spear in rest and came withall his might against the other. And Sir Gaunter's spear brake short, butSir Lancelot smote him down, both horse and man. 

When the other knights saw this, they said, "Yonder is not Sir Key, but abigger man. "

"I dare wager my head, " said Sir Gilmere, "yonder knight hath slain SirKey, and taken his horse and harness. "

"Be it so, or not, " said Sir Reynold, the third brother; "let us now go toour brother Gaunter's rescue; we shall have enough to do to match thatknight, for, by his stature, I believe it is Sir Lancelot or SirTristram. "

Anon, they took their horses and galloped after Sir Lancelot; and SirGilmere first assailed him, but was smitten down forthwith, and laystunned on the earth. Then said Sir Reynold, "Sir knight, thou art astrong man, and, I believe, hast slain my two brothers, wherefore my heartis sore against thee; yet, if I might with honour, I would avoid thee. Nevertheless, that cannot be, so keep thyself. " And so they hurtledtogether with all their might, and each man shivered his spear to pieces;and then they drew their swords and lashed out eagerly. 

And as they fought, Sir Gaunter and Sir Gilmere presently arose andmounted once again, and came down at full tilt upon Sir Lancelot. But, when he saw them coming, he put forth all his strength, and struck SirReynold off his horse. Then, with two other strokes, he served the otherslikewise. 

Anon, Sir Reynold crept along the ground, with his head all bloody, andcame towards Sir Lancelot. "It is enough, " said Lancelot, "I was not farfrom thee when thou wast made a knight, Sir Reynold, and know thee for agood and valiant man, and was full loth to slay thee. "

"Grammercy for thy gentleness!" said Sir Reynold. "I and my brethren willstraightway yield to thee when we know thy name, for well we know thatthou art not Sir Key. "

"As for that, " said Sir Lancelot, "be it as it may, but ye shall yield toQueen Guinevere at the next feast of Pentecost as prisoners, and say thatSir Key sent ye. "

Then they swore to him it should be done as he commanded. And so SirLancelot passed on, and the three brethren helped each other's wounds asbest they might. 

Then rode Sir Lancelot forward into a deep forest, and came upon fourknights of King Arthur's court, under an oak tree--Sir Sagramour, SirEctor, Sir Gawain, and Sir Ewaine. And when they spied him, they thoughthe was Sir Key. "Now by my faith, " said Sir Sagramour, "I will prove SirKey's might!" and taking his spear he rode towards Sir Lancelot. 

But Sir Lancelot was aware of him, and, setting his spear in rest, smotehim so sorely, that horse and man fell to the earth. 

"Lo!" cried Sir Ector, "I see by the buffet that knight hath given ourfellow he is stronger than Sir Key. Now will I try what I can do againsthim!" So Sir Ector took his spear, and galloped at Sir Lancelot; and SirLancelot met him as he came, and smote him through shield and shoulder, sothat he fell, but his own spear was not broken. 

"By my faith, " cried Sir Ewaine, "yonder is a strong knight, and must haveslain Sir Key, and taken his armour! By his strength, I see it will behard to match him. " So saying he rode towards Sir Lancelot, who met himhalfway and struck him so fiercely, that at one blow he overthrew himalso. 

"Now, " said Sir Gawain, "will I encounter him. " So he took a good spear inhis hand, and guarded himself with his shield. And he and Sir Lancelotrode against each other, with their horses at full speed, and furiouslysmote each other on the middle of their shields; but Sir Gawain's spearbroke short asunder, and Sir Lancelot charged so mightily upon him, thathis horse and he both fell, and rolled upon the ground. 

"Ah, " said Sir Lancelot, smiling, as he rode away from the four knights, "heaven give joy to him who made this spear, for never held I better in myhand. "

But the four knights said to each other, "Truly one spear hath felled usall. "

"I dare lay my life, " said Sir Gawain, "it is Sir Lancelot. I know him byhis riding. "

So they all departed for the court. 

And as Sir Lancelot rode still in the forest, he saw a black bloodhound, running with its head towards the ground, as if it tracked a deer. Andfollowing after it, he came to a great pool of blood. But the hound, everand anon looking behind, ran through a great marsh, and over a bridge, towards an old manor house. So Sir Lancelot followed, and went into thehall, and saw a dead knight lying there, whose wounds the hound licked. And a lady stood behind him, weeping and wringing her hands, who cried, "Oknight! too great is the sorrow which thou hast brought me!"

"Why say ye so?" replied Sir Lancelot; "for I never harmed this knight, and am full sorely grieved to see thy sorrow. "

"Nay, sir, " said the lady, "I see it is not thou hast slain my husband, for he that truly did that deed is deeply wounded, and shall never morerecover. "

"What is thy husband's name?" said Sir Lancelot. 

"His name, " she answered, "was Sir Gilbert--one of the best knights in allthe world; but I know not his name who hath slain him. "

"God send thee comfort, " said Sir Lancelot, and departed again into theforest. 

And as he rode, he met with a damsel who knew him, who cried out, "Wellfound, my lord! I pray ye of your knighthood help my brother, who is sorewounded and ceases not to bleed, for he fought this day with Sir Gilbert, and slew him, but was himself well nigh slain. And there is a sorceress, who dwelleth in a castle hard by, and she this day hath told me that mybrother's wound shall never be made whole until I find a knight to go intothe Chapel Perilous, and bring from thence a sword and the bloody cloth inwhich the wounded knight was wrapped. "

"This is a marvellous thing!" said Sir Lancelot; "but what is yourbrother's name?"

"His name, sir, " she replied, "is Sir Meliot de Logres. "

"He is a Fellow of the Round Table, " said Sir Lancelot, "and truly will Ido my best to help him. "

"Then, sir, " said she, "follow this way, and it will bring ye to theChapel Perilous. I will abide here till God send ye hither again; for ifye speed not, there is no living knight who may achieve that adventure. "

So Sir Lancelot departed, and when he came to the Chapel Perilous healighted, and tied his horse to the gate. And as soon as he was withinthe churchyard, he saw on the front of the chapel many shields of knightswhom he had known, turned upside down. Then saw he in the pathway thirtymighty knights, taller than any men whom he had ever seen, all armed inblack armour, with their swords drawn; and they gnashed their teeth uponhim as he came. But he put his shield before him, and took his sword inhand, ready to do battle with them. And when he would have cut his waythrough them, they scattered on every side and let him pass. Then he wentinto the chapel, and saw therein no light but of a dim lamp burning. Thenhe was aware of a corpse in the midst of the chapel, covered with a silkencloth, and so stooped down and cut off a piece of the cloth, whereat theearth beneath him trembled. Then saw he a sword lying by the dead knight, and taking it in his hand, he hied him from the chapel. As soon as he wasin the churchyard again, all the thirty knights cried out to him withfierce voices, "Sir Lancelot! lay that sword from thee, or thou diest!"

"Whether I live or die, " said he, "ye shall fight for it ere ye take itfrom me. "

With that they let him pass. 

And further on, beyond the chapel, he met a fair damsel, who said, "SirLancelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou diest. "

[Illustration: Beyond the chapel, he met a fair damsel, who said, "SirLancelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou diest. "]

"I will not leave it, " said Sir Lancelot, "for any asking. "

"Then, gentle knight, " said the damsel, "I pray thee kiss me once. "

"Nay, " said Sir Lancelot, "that God forbid!"

"Alas!" cried she, "I have lost all my labour! but hadst thou kissed me, thy life's days had been all done!"

"Heaven save me from thy subtle crafts!" said Sir Lancelot; and therewithtook his horse and galloped forth. 

And when he was departed, the damsel sorrowed greatly, and died in fifteendays. Her name was Ellawes, the sorceress. 

Then came Sir Lancelot to Sir Meliot's sister, who, when she saw him, clapped her hands and wept for joy, and took him to the castle hard by, where Sir Meliot was. And when Sir Lancelot saw Sir Meliot, he knew him, though he was pale as ashes for loss of blood. And Sir Meliot, when he sawSir Lancelot, kneeled to him and cried aloud, "O lord, Sir Lancelot! helpme!"

And thereupon, Sir Lancelot went to him and touched his wounds with thesword, and wiped them with the piece of bloody cloth. And immediately hewas as whole as though he had been never wounded. Then was there great joybetween him and Sir Meliot; and his sister made Sir Lancelot good cheer. So on the morrow, he took his leave, that he might go to King Arthur'scourt, "for, " said he, "it draweth nigh the feast of Pentecost, and there, by God's grace, shall ye then find me. "

And riding through many strange countries, over marshes and valleys, hecame at length before a castle. As he passed by he heard two little bellsringing, and looking up, he saw a falcon flying overhead, with bells tiedto her feet, and long strings dangling from them. And as the falcon flewpast an elm-tree, the strings caught in the boughs, so that she could flyno further. 

In the meanwhile, came a lady from the castle and cried, "Oh, SirLancelot! as thou art the flower of all knights in the world, help me toget my hawk, for she hath slipped away from me, and if she be lost, mylord my husband is so hasty, he will surely slay me!"

"What is thy lord's name?" said Sir Lancelot. 

"His name, " said she, "is Sir Phelot, a knight of the King of Northgales. "

"Fair lady, " said Sir Lancelot, "since you know my name, and require me, on my knighthood, to help you, I will do what I can to get your hawk. "

And thereupon alighting, he tied his horse to the same tree, and prayedthe lady to unarm him. So when he was unarmed, he climbed up and reachedthe falcon, and threw it to the lady. 

Then suddenly came down, out of the wood, her husband, Sir Phelot, allarmed, with a drawn sword in his hand, and said, "Oh, Sir Lancelot! nowhave I found thee as I would have thee!" and stood at the trunk of thetree to slay him. 

"Ah, lady!" cried Sir Lancelot, "why have ye betrayed me?"

"She hath done as I commanded her, " said Sir Phelot, "and thine hour iscome that thou must die. "

"It were shame, " said Lancelot, "for an armed to slay an unarmed man. "

"Thou hast no other favour from me, " said Sir Phelot. 

"Alas!" cried Sir Lancelot, "that ever any knight should die weaponless!"And looking overhead, he saw a great bough without leaves, and wrenched itoff the tree, and suddenly leaped down. Then Sir Phelot struck at himeagerly, thinking to have slain him, but Sir Lancelot put aside the strokewith the bough, and therewith smote him on the side of the head, till hefell swooning to the ground. And tearing his sword from out his hands, heshore his neck through from the body. Then did the lady shriek dismally, and swooned as though she would die. But Sir Lancelot put on his armour, and with haste took his horse and departed thence, thanking God he hadescaped that peril. 

And as he rode through a valley, among many wild ways, he saw a knight, with a drawn sword, chasing a lady to slay her. And seeing Sir Lancelot, she cried and prayed to him to come and rescue her. 

At that he went up, saying, "Fie on thee, knight! why wilt thou slay thislady? Thou doest shame to thyself and all knights. "

"What hast thou to do between me and my wife?" replied the knight. "I willslay her in spite of thee. "

"Thou shall not harm her, " said Sir Lancelot, "till we have first foughttogether. "

"Sir, " answered the knight, "thou doest ill, for this lady hath betrayedme. "

"He speaketh falsely, " said the lady, "for he is jealous of me withoutcause, as I shall answer before Heaven; but as thou art named the mostworshipful knight in the world, I pray thee of thy true knighthood to saveme, for he is without mercy. "

"Be of good cheer, " said Sir Lancelot; "it shall not lie within his powerto harm thee. "

"Sir, " said the knight, "I will be ruled as ye will have me. "

So Sir Lancelot rode between the knight and the lady. And when they hadridden awhile, the knight cried out suddenly to Sir Lancelot to turn andsee what men they were who came riding after them; and while Sir Lancelot, thinking not of treason, turned to look, the knight, with one greatstroke, smote off the lady's head. 

Then was Sir Lancelot passing wroth, and cried, "Thou traitor! Thou hastshamed me for ever!" and, alighting from his horse, he drew his sword tohave slain him instantly; but the knight fell on the ground and claspedSir Lancelot's knees, and cried out for mercy. "Thou shameful knight, "answered Lancelot, "thou mayest have no mercy, for thou showedst none, therefore arise and fight with me. "

"Nay, " said the knight, "I will not rise till thou dost grant me mercy. "

"Now will I deal fairly by thee, " said Sir Lancelot; "I will unarm me tomy shirt, and have my sword only in my hand, and if thou canst slay methou shall be quit for ever. "

"That will I never do, " said the knight. 

"Then, " answered Sir Lancelot, "take this lady and the head, and bear itwith thee, and swear to me upon thy sword never to rest until thou comestto Queen Guinevere. "

"That will I do, " said he. 

"Now, " said Sir Lancelot, "tell me thy name. "

"It is Pedivere, " answered the knight. 

"In a shameful hour wert thou born, " said Sir Lancelot. 

So Sir Pedivere departed, bearing with him the dead lady and her head. Andwhen he came to Winchester, where the Queen was with King Arthur, he toldthem all the truth; and afterwards did great and heavy penance manyyears, and became an holy hermit. 

"So, two days before the Feast of Pentecost, Sir Lancelot returned to thecourt, and King Arthur was full glad of his coming. And when Sir Gawain, Sir Ewaine, Sir Sagramour, and Sir Ector, saw him in Sir Key's armour, they knew well it was he who had smitten them all down with one spear. Anon, came all the knights Sir Turquine had taken prisoners, and gaveworship and honour to Sir Lancelot. Then Sir Key told the King how SirLancelot had rescued him when he was in near danger of his death; "and, "said Sir Key, "he made the knights yield, not to himself, but me. And byHeaven! because Sir Lancelot took my armour and left me his, I rode inpeace, and no man would have aught to do with me. " Then came the knightswho fought with Sir Lancelot at the long bridge and yielded themselvesalso to Sir Key, but he said nay, he had not fought with them. "It is SirLancelot, " said he, "that overcame ye. " Next came Sir Meliot de Logres, and told King Arthur how Sir Lancelot had saved him from death. 

And so all Sir Lancelot's deeds and great adventures were made known; howthe four sorceress-queens had him in prison; how he was delivered by thedaughter of King Bagdemagus, and what deeds of arms he did at thetournament between the King of North Wales and King Bagdemagus. And so, atthat festival, Sir Lancelot had the greatest name of any knight in all theworld, and by high and low was he the most honoured of all men. 

CHAPTER X

_Adventures of Sir Beaumains or Sir Gareth_

Again King Arthur held the Feast of Pentecost, with all the Table Round, and after his custom sat in the banquet hall, before beginning meat, waiting for some adventure. Then came there to the king a squire and said, "Lord, now may ye go to meat, for here a damsel cometh with some strangeadventure. " So the king was glad, and sat down to meat. 

Anon the damsel came in and saluted him, praying him for succour. "Whatwilt thou?" said the king. "Lord, " answered she, "my mistress is a lady ofgreat renown, but is at this time besieged by a tyrant, who will notsuffer her to go out of her castle; and because here in thy court theknights are called the noblest in the world, I come to pray thee for thysuccour. "Where dwelleth your lady?" answered the king. "What is her name, and who is he that hath besieged her?" "For her name, " replied the damsel, "as yet I may not tell it; but she is a lady of worship and great lands. The tyrant that besiegeth her and wasteth her lands is called the RedKnight of the Redlands. " "I know him not, " said Arthur. "But I know him, lord, " said Sir Gawain, "and he is one of the most perilous knights in allthe world. Men say he hath the strength of seven; and from him I myselfonce hardly escaped with life. " "Fair damsel, " said the king, "there behere many knights that would gladly do their uttermost to rescue yourlady, but unless ye tell me her name, and where she dwelleth, none of myknights shall go with you by my leave. "

Now, there was a stripling at the court called Beaumains, who served inthe king's kitchen, a fair youth and of great stature. Twelve monthsbefore this time he had come to the king as he sat at meat, atWhitsuntide, and prayed three gifts of him. And being asked what gifts, heanswered, "As for the first gift I will ask it now, but the other twogifts I will ask on this day twelve months, wheresoever ye hold your highfeast. " Then said King Arthur, "What is thy first request?" "This, lord, "said he, "that thou wilt give me meat and drink enough for twelve monthsfrom this time, and then will I ask my other two gifts. " And the kingseeing that he was a goodly youth, and deeming that he was come ofhonourable blood, had granted his desire, and given him into the charge ofSir Key, the steward. But Sir Key scorned and mocked the youth, callinghim Beaumains, because his hands were large and fair, and putting him intothe kitchen, where he had served for twelve months as a scullion, and, inspite of all his churlish treatment, had faithfully obeyed Sir Key. ButSir Lancelot and Sir Gawain were angered when they saw Sir Key so churlishto a youth that had so worshipful a bearing, and ofttimes had they givenhim gold and clothing. 

And now at this time came young Beaumains to the king, while the damselwas there, and said, "Lord, now I thank thee well and heartily that I havebeen twelve months kept in thy kitchen, and have had full sustenance. Nowwill I ask my two remaining gifts. " "Ask, " said King Arthur, "on my goodfaith. " "These, lord, " said he, "shall be my two gifts--the one, that thouwilt grant me this adventure of the damsel, for to me of right itbelongeth; and the other, that thou wilt bid Sir Lancelot make me aknight, for of him only will I have that honour; and I pray that he mayride after me and make me a knight when I require him. " "Be it as thouwilt, " replied the king. But thereupon the damsel was full wroth, andsaid, "Shall I have a kitchen page for this adventure?" and so she tookhorse and departed. 

Then came one to Beaumains, and told him that a dwarf with a horse andarmour were waiting for him. And all men marvelled whence these thingscame. But when he was on horseback and armed, scarce any one at the courtwas a goodlier man than he. And coming into the hall, he took his leave ofthe king and Sir Gawain, and prayed Sir Lancelot to follow him. So he rodeafter the damsel, and many of the court went out to see him, so richlyarrayed and horsed; yet he had neither shield nor spear. Then Sir Keycried, "I also will ride after the kitchen boy, and see whether he willobey me now. " And taking his horse, he rode after him, and said, "Know yenot me, Beaumains?" "Yea, " said he, "I know thee for an ungentle knight, therefore beware of me. " Then Sir Key put his spear in rest and ran athim, but Beaumains rushed upon him with his sword in his hand, andtherewith, putting aside the spear, struck Sir Key so sorely in the side, that he fell down, as if dead. Then he alighted, and took his shield andspear, and bade his dwarf ride upon Sir Key's horse. 

By this time, Sir Lancelot had come up, and Beaumains offering to tiltwith him, they both made ready. And their horses came together so fiercelythat both fell to the earth, full sorely bruised. Then they arose, andBeaumains, putting up his shield before him, offered to fight SirLancelot, on foot. So they rushed upon each other, striking, andthrusting, and parrying, for the space of an hour. And Lancelot marvelledat the strength of Beaumains, for he fought more like a giant than a man, and his fighting was passing fierce and terrible. So, at the last, hesaid, "Fight not so sorely, Beaumains; our quarrel is not such that we maynot now cease. " "True, " answered Beaumains; "yet it doth me good to feelthy might, though I have not yet proved my uttermost. " "By my faith, " saidLancelot, "I had as much as I could do to save myself from you unshamed, therefore be in no doubt of any earthly knight. " "May I, then, stand as aproved knight?" said Beaumains. "For that will I be thy warrant, " answeredLancelot. "Then, I pray thee, " said he, "give me the order of knighthood. ""First, then, must thou tell me of thy name and kindred, " said SirLancelot. "If thou wilt tell them to no other, I will tell thee, " answeredhe. "My name is Gareth of Orkney, and I am own brother to Sir Gawain. ""Ah!" said Sir Lancelot, "at that am I full glad; for, truly, I deemedthee to be of gentle blood. " So then he knighted Beaumains, and, afterthat, they parted company, and Sir Lancelot, returning to the court, tookup Sir Key on his shield. And hardly did Sir Key escape with his life, from the wound Beaumains had given him; but all men blamed him for hisungentle treatment of so brave a knight. 

Then Sir Beaumains rode forward, and soon overtook the damsel; but shesaid to him, in scorn, "Return again, base kitchen page! What art thou, but a washer-up of dishes!" "Damsel, " said he, "say to me what thou wilt, I will not leave thee; for I have undertaken to King Arthur to relieve thyadventure, and I will finish it to the end, or die. " "Thou finish myadventure!" said she--"anon, thou shalt meet one, whose face thou wilt noteven dare to look at. " "I shall attempt it, " answered he. So, as they rodethus, into a wood, there met them a man, fleeing, as for his life. "Whither fleest thou?" said Sir Beaumains. "O lord!" he answered, "helpme; for, in a valley hard by, there are six thieves, who have taken mylord, and bound him, and I fear will slay him. " "Bring me thither, " saidSir Beaumains. So they rode to the place, and Sir Beaumains rushed afterthe thieves, and smote one, at the first stroke, so that he died; andthen, with two other blows, slew a second and third. Then fled the otherthree, and Sir Beaumains rode after them, and overtook and slew them all. Then he returned and unbound the knight. And the knight thanked him, andprayed him to ride to his castle, where he would reward him. "Sir, "answered Sir Beaumains, "I will have no reward of thee, for but this daywas I made knight by the most noble Sir Lancelot; and besides, I must gowith this damsel. " Then the knight begged the damsel to rest that night athis castle. So they all rode thither, and ever the damsel scoffed at SirBeaumains as a kitchen boy, and laughed at him before the knight theirhost, so that he set his meat before him at a lower table, as though hewere not of their company. 

And on the morrow, the damsel and Sir Beaumains took their leave of theknight, and thanking him departed. Then they rode on their way till theycame to a great forest, through which flowed a river, and there was butone passage over it, whereat stood two knights armed to hinder the way. "Wilt thou match those two knights, " said the damsel to Sir Beaumains, "orreturn again?" "I would not return, " said he, "though they were six. "Therewith he galloped into the water, and swam his horse into the middleof the stream. And there, in the river, one of the knights met him, andthey brake their spears together, and then drew their swords, and smotefiercely at each other. And at the last, Sir Beaumains struck the othermightily upon the helm, so that he fell down stunned into the water, andwas drowned. Then Sir Beaumains spurred his horse on to the land, whereinstantly the other knight fell on him. And they also brake their spearsupon each other, and then drew their swords, and fought savagely and longtogether. And after many blows, Sir Beaumains clove through the knight'sskull down to the shoulders. Then rode Sir Beaumains to the damsel, butever she still scoffed at him, and said, "Alas! that a kitchen page shouldchance to slay two such brave knights! Thou deemest now that thou hastdone a mighty deed, but it is not so; for the first knight's horsestumbled, and thus was he drowned--not by thy strength; and as for thesecond knight, thou wentest by chance behind him, and didst kill himshamefully. " "Damsel, " said Sir Beaumains, "say what ye list, I care notso I may win your lady; and wouldst thou give me but fair language, allmy care were past; for whatsoever knights I meet, I fear them not. " "Thoushalt see knights that shall abate thy boast, base kitchen knave, " repliedshe; "yet say I this for thine advantage, for if thou followest me thouwilt be surely slain, since I see all thou doest is but by chance, and notby thy own prowess. " "Well damsel, " said he, "say what ye will, whereverye go I will follow. "

So they rode on until the eventide, and still the damsel evermore keptchiding Sir Beaumains. Then came they to a black space of land, whereonwas a black hawthorn tree, and on the tree there hung a black banner, andon the other side was a black shield and spear, and by them a great blackhorse, covered with silk; and hard by sat a knight armed in black armour, whose name was the Knight of the Blacklands. When the damsel saw him, shecried out to Beaumains, "Flee down the valley, for thy horse is notsaddled!" "Wilt thou for ever deem me coward?" answered he. With that camethe Black Knight to the damsel, and said, "Fair damsel, hast thou broughtthis knight from Arthur's court to be thy champion?" "Not so, fairknight, " said she; "he is but a kitchen knave. " "Then wherefore cometh hein such array?" said he; "it is a shame that he should bear thee company. ""I cannot be delivered from him, " answered she: "for in spite of me herideth with me; and would to Heaven you would put him from me, or now slayhim, for he hath slain two knights at the river passage yonder, and donemany marvellous deeds through pure mischance. " "I marvel, " said the BlackKnight, "that any man of worship will fight with him. " "They know himnot, " said the damsel, "and think, because he rideth with me, that he iswell born. " "Truly, he hath a goodly person, and is likely to be a strongman, " replied the knight; "but since he is no man of worship, he shallleave his horse and armour with me, for it were a shame for me to do himmore harm. "

When Sir Beaumains heard him speak thus, he said, "Horse or armour gettestthou none of me, Sir knight, save thou winnest them with thy hands;therefore defend thyself, and let me see what thou canst do. " "How sayestthou?" answered the Black Knight. "Now quit this lady also, for itbeseemeth not a kitchen knave like thee to ride with such a lady. " "I amof higher lineage than thou, " said Sir Beaumains, "and will straightwayprove it on thy body. " Then furiously they drove their horses at eachother, and came together as it had been thunder. But the Black Knight'sspear brake short, and Sir Beaumains thrust him through the side, and hisspear breaking at the head, left its point sticking fast in the BlackKnight's body. Yet did the Black Knight draw his sword, and smite at SirBeaumains with many fierce and bitter blows; but after they had fought anhour and more, he fell down from his horse in a swoon, and forthwith died. Then Sir Beaumains lighted down and armed himself in the Black Knight'sarmour, and rode on after the damsel. But notwithstanding all his valour, still she scoffed at him, and said, "Away! for thou savourest ever of thekitchen. Alas! that such a knave should by mishap destroy so good aknight; yet once again I counsel thee to flee, for hard by is a knight whoshall repay thee!" "It may chance that I am beaten or slain, " answered SirBeaumains, "but I warn thee, fair damsel, that I will not flee away, norleave thy company or my quest, for all that ye can say. "

Anon, as they rode, they saw a knight come swiftly towards them, dressedall in green, who, calling to the damsel said, "Is that my brother, theBlack Knight, that ye have brought with you?" "Nay, and alas!" said she, "this kitchen knave hath slain thy brother through mischance. " "Alas!"said the Green Knight, "that such a noble knight as he was should be slainby a knave's hand. Traitor!" cried he to Sir Beaumains, "thou shalt diefor this! Sir Pereard was my brother, and a full noble knight. " "I defythee, " said Sir Beaumains, "for I slew him knightly and not shamefully. "Then the Green Knight rode to a thorn whereon hung a green horn, and, whenhe blew three notes, there came three damsels forth, who quickly armedhim, and brought him a great horse and a green shield and spear. Then didthey run at one another with their fullest might, and break their spearsasunder; and, drawing their swords, they closed in fight, and sorely smoteand wounded each other with many grievous blows. 

At last, Sir Beaumains' horse jostled against the Green Knight's horse, and overthrew him. Then both alighted, and, hurtling together like madlions, fought a great while on foot. But the damsel cheered the GreenKnight, and said, "My lord, why wilt thou let a kitchen knave so longstand up against thee?" Hearing these words, he was ashamed, and gave SirBeaumains such a mighty stroke as clave his shield asunder. When SirBeaumains heard the damsel's words, and felt that blow, he waxed passingwroth, and gave the Green Knight such a buffet on the helm that he fell onhis knees, and with another blow Sir Beaumains threw him on the ground. Then the Green Knight yielded, and prayed him to spare his life. "All thyprayers are vain, " said he, "unless this damsel who came with me pray forthee. " "That will I never do, base kitchen knave, " said she. "Then shallhe die, " said Beaumains. "Alas! fair lady, " said the Green Knight, "sufferme not to die for a word! O, Sir knight, " cried he to Beaumains, "give memy life, and I will ever do thee homage; and thirty knights, who owe meservice, shall give allegiance to thee. " "All availeth not, " answered SirBeaumains, "unless the damsel ask me for thy life;" and thereupon he madeas though he would have slain him. Then cried the damsel, "Slay him not;for if thou do thou shalt repent it. " "Damsel, " said Sir Beaumains, "atthy command, he shall obtain his life. Arise, Sir knight of the greenarmour, I release thee!" Then the Green Knight knelt at his feet, and didhim homage with his words. "Lodge with me this night, " said he, "andto-morrow will I guide ye through the forest. " So, taking their horses, they rode to his castle, which was hard by. 

Yet still did the damsel rebuke and scoff at Sir Beaumains, and would notsuffer him to sit at her table. "I marvel, " said the Green Knight to her, "that ye thus chide so noble a knight, for truly I know none to match him;and be sure, that whatsoever he appeareth now, he will prove, at the end, of noble blood and royal lineage. " But of all this would the damsel takeno heed, and ceased not to mock at Sir Beaumains. On the morrow, theyarose and heard mass; and when they had broken their fast, took theirhorses and rode on their way, the Green Knight conveying them through theforest. Then, when he had led them for a while, he said to Sir Beaumains, "My lord, my thirty knights and I shall always be at thy commandwhensoever thou shalt send for us. " "It is well said, " replied he; "andwhen I call upon you, you shall yield yourself and all your knights untoKing Arthur. " "That will we gladly do, " said the Green Knight, and sodeparted. 

And the damsel rode on before Sir Beaumains, and said to him, "Why dostthou follow me, thou kitchen boy? I counsel thee to throw aside thy spearand shield, and flee betimes, for wert thou as mighty as Sir Lancelot orSir Tristram, thou shouldest not pass a valley near this place, called thePass Perilous. " "Damsel, " answered he, "let him that feareth flee; as forme, it were indeed a shameful thing to turn after so long a journey. " Ashe spake, they came upon a tower as white as snow, with mightybattlements, and double moats round it, and over the tower-gate hung fiftyshields of divers colours. Before the tower walls, they saw a fair meadow, wherein were many knights and squires in pavilions, for on the morrowthere was a tournament at that castle. 

Then the lord of the castle, seeing a knight armed at all points, with adamsel and a page, riding towards the tower, came forth to meet them; andhis horse and harness, with his shield and spear, were all of a redcolour. When he came near Sir Beaumains, and saw his armour all of black, he thought him his own brother, the Black Knight, and so cried aloud, "Brother! what do ye here, within these borders?" "Nay!" said the damsel, "it is not thy brother, but a kitchen knave of Arthur's court, who hathslain thy brother, and overcome thy other brother also, the Green Knight. ""Now do I defy thee!" cried the Red Knight to Sir Beaumains, and put hisspear in rest and spurred his horse. Then both knights turned back alittle space, and ran together with all their might, till their horsesfell to the earth. Then, with their swords, they fought fiercely for thespace of three hours. And at last, Sir Beaumains overcame his foe, andsmote him to the ground. Then the Red Knight prayed his mercy, and said, "Slay me not, noble knight, and I will yield to thee with sixty knightsthat do my bidding. " "All avails not, " answered Sir Beaumains, "save thisdamsel pray me to release thee. " Then did he lift his sword to slay him;but the damsel cried aloud, "Slay him not, Beaumains, for he is a nobleknight. " Then Sir Beaumains bade him rise up and thank the damsel, whichstraightway he did, and afterwards invited them to his castle, and madethem goodly cheer. 

But notwithstanding all Sir Beaumains' mighty deeds, the damsel ceased notto revile and chide him, at which the Red Knight marvelled much; andcaused his sixty knights to watch Sir Beaumains, that no villainy mighthappen to him. And on the morrow, they heard mass and broke their fast, and the Red Knight came before Sir Beaumains, with his sixty knights, andproffered him homage and fealty. "I thank thee, " answered he; "and when Icall upon thee thou shalt come before my lord King Arthur at his court, and yield yourselves to him. " "That will we surely do, " said the RedKnight. So Sir Beaumains and the damsel departed. 

And as she constantly reviled him and tormented him, he said to her, "Damsel, ye are discourteous thus always to rebuke me, for I have done youservice; and for all your threats of knights that shall destroy me, allthey who come lie in the dust before me. Now, therefore, I pray yourebuke me no more till you see me beaten or a recreant, and then bid me gofrom you. " "There shall soon meet thee a knight who shall repay thee allthy deeds, thou boaster, " answered she, "for, save King Arthur, he is theman of most worship in the world. " "It will be the greater honour toencounter him, " said Sir Beaumains. 

Soon after, they saw before them a city passing fair, and between them andthe city was a meadow newly mown, wherein were many goodly tents. "Seestthou yonder blue pavilion?" said the damsel to Sir Beaumains; "it is SirPerseant's, the lord of that great city, whose custom is, in all fairweather, to lie in this meadow, and joust with his knights. "

And as she spake, Sir Perseant, who had espied them coming, sent amessenger to meet Sir Beaumains, and to ask him if he came in war orpeace. "Say to thy lord, " he answered, "that I care not whether of thetwain it be. " So when the messenger gave this reply, Sir Perseant came outto fight with Sir Beaumains. And making ready, they rode their steedsagainst each other; and when their spears were shivered asunder, theyfought with their swords. And for more than two hours did they hack andhew at each other, till their shields and hauberks were all dinted withmany blows, and they themselves were sorely wounded. And at the last, SirBeaumains smote Sir Perseant on the helm, so that he fell grovelling onthe earth. And when he unlaced his helm to slay him, the damsel prayed forhis life. "That will I grant gladly, " answered Sir Beaumains, "for it werepity such a noble knight should die. " "Grammercy!" said Sir Perseant, "for now I certainly know that it was thou who slewest my brother, theBlack Knight, Sir Pereard; and overcame my brothers, the Green Knight, SirPertolope, and the Red Knight, Sir Perimones; and since thou hast overcomeme also, I will do thee homage and fealty, and place at thy command onehundred knights to do thy bidding. "

But when the damsel saw Sir Perseant overthrown, she marvelled greatly atthe might of Sir Beaumains, and said, "What manner of man may ye be, fornow am I sure that ye be come of noble blood? And truly, never did womanrevile knight as I have done thee, and yet ye have ever courteously bornewith me, which surely never had been were ye not of gentle blood andlineage. "

"Lady, " replied Sir Beaumains, "a knight is little worth who may not bearwith a damsel; and so whatsoever ye said to me I took no heed, save onlythat at times when your scorn angered me, it made me all the strongeragainst those with whom I fought, and thus have ye furthered me in mybattles. But whether I be born of gentle blood or no, I have done yougentle service, and peradventure will do better still, ere I depart fromyou. "

[Illustration: "Lady, " replied Sir Beaumains, "a knight is little worthwho may not bear with a damsel. "]

"Alas!" said she, weeping at his courtesy, "forgive me, fair SirBeaumains, all that I have missaid and misdone against you. " "With all myheart, " said he; "and since you now speak fairly to me, I am passing gladof heart, and methinks I have the strength to overcome whatever knights Ishall henceforth encounter. "

Then Sir Perseant prayed them to come to his pavilion, and set before themwines and spices, and made them great cheer. So they rested that night;and on the morrow, the damsel and Sir Beaumains rose, and heard mass. Andwhen they had broken their fast, they took their leave of Sir Perseant. "Fair damsel, " said he "whither lead ye this knight?" "Sir, " answered she, "to the Castle Dangerous, where my sister is besieged by the Knight of theRedlands. " "I know him well, " said Sir Perseant, "for the most perilousknight alive--a man without mercy, and with the strength of seven men. Godsave thee, Sir Beaumains, from him! and enable thee to overcome him, forthe Lady Lyones, whom he besiegeth, is as fair a lady as there liveth inthis world. " "Thou sayest truth, sir, " said the damsel; "for I am hersister; and men call me Linet, or the Wild Maiden. " "Now, I would havethee know, " said Sir Perseant to Sir Beaumains, "that the Knight of theRedlands hath kept that siege more than two years, and prolongeth the timehoping that Sir Lancelot, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamoracke, may come andbattle with him; for these three knights divide between them allknighthood; and thou if thou mayest match the Knight of the Redlands, shall well be called the fourth knight of the world. " "Sir, " said SirBeaumains, "I would fain have that good fame; and truly, I am come ofgreat and honourable lineage. And so that you and this fair damsel willconceal it, I will tell ye my descent. " And when they swore to keep itsecret, he told them, "My name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, my father was KingLot, and my mother the Lady Belisent, King Arthur's sister. Sir Gawain, Sir Agravain, and Sir Gaheris, are my brethren, and I am the youngest ofthem all. But, as yet King Arthur and the court know me not, who I am. "When he had thus told them, they both wondered greatly. 

And the damsel Linet sent the dwarf forward to her sister, to tell her oftheir coming. Then did Dame Lyones inquire what manner of man the knightwas who was coming to her rescue. And the dwarf told her of all SirBeaumains' deeds by the way: how he had overthrown Sir Key, and left himfor dead; how he had battled with Sir Lancelot, and was knighted of him;how he had fought with, and slain, the thieves; how he had overcome thetwo knights who kept the river passage; how he had fought with, and slain, the Black Knight; and how he had overcome the Green Knight, the RedKnight, and last of all, the Blue Knight, Sir Perseant. Then was DameLyones passing glad, and sent the dwarf back to Sir Beaumains with greatgifts, thanking him for his courtesy, in taking such a labour on him forher sake, and praying him to be of good heart and courage. And as thedwarf returned, he met the Knight of the Redlands, who asked him whence hecame. "I came here with the sister of my lady of the castle, " said thedwarf, "who hath been now to King Arthur's court and brought a knight withher to take her battle on him. " "Then is her travail lost, " replied theknight; "for, though she had brought Sir Lancelot, Sir Tristram, SirLamoracke, or Sir Gawain, I count myself their equal, and who besidesshall be so called?" Then the dwarf told the knight what deeds SirBeaumains had done; but he answered, "I care not for him, whosoever he be, for I shall shortly overcome him, and give him shameful death, as to somany others I have done. "

Then the damsel Linet and Sir Beaumains left Sir Perseant, and rode onthrough a forest to a large plain, where they saw many pavilions, and hardby, a castle passing fair. 

But as they came near Sir Beaumains saw upon the branches of some treeswhich grew there, the dead bodies of forty knights hanging, with richarmour on them, their shields and swords about their necks, and goldenspurs upon their heels. "What meaneth this?" said he, amazed. "Lose notthy courage, fair sir, " replied the damsel, "at this shameful sight, forall these knights came hither to rescue my sister; and when the Knight ofthe Redlands had overcome them, he put them to this piteous death, withoutmercy; and in such wise will he treat thee also unless thou bearest theemore valiantly than they. " "Truly he useth shameful customs, " said SirBeaumains; "and it is a marvel that he hath endured so long. "

So they rode onward to the castle walls, and found them double-moated, andheard the sea waves dashing on one side the walls. Then said the damsel, "See you that ivory horn hanging upon the sycamore-tree? The Knight of theRedlands hath hung it there, that any knight may blow thereon, and thenwill he himself come out and fight with him. But I pray thee sound it nottill high noontide, for now it is but daybreak, and till noon his strengthincreases to the might of seven men. " "Let that be as it may, fairdamsel, " answered he, "for were he stronger knight than ever lived, Iwould not fail him. Either will I defeat him at his mightiest, or dieknightly in the field. " With that he spurred his horse unto the sycamore, and blew the ivory horn so eagerly, that all the castle rang its echoes. Instantly, all the knights who were in the pavilions ran forth, and thosewithin the castle looked out from the windows, or above the walls. And theKnight of the Redlands, arming himself quickly in blood-red armour, withspear, and shield, and horse's trappings of like colour, rode forth into alittle valley by the castle walls, so that all in the castle, and at thesiege, might see the battle. 

"Be of good cheer, " said the damsel Linet to Sir Beaumains, "for thydeadly enemy now cometh; and at yonder window is my lady and sister, DameLyones. " "In good sooth, " said Sir Beaumains, "she is the fairest lady Ihave ever seen, and I would wish no better quarrel than to fight for her. "With that, he looked up to the window, and saw the Lady Lyones, who wavedher handkerchief to her sister and to him to cheer them. Then called theKnight of the Redlands to Sir Beaumains, "Leave now thy gazing, Sirknight, and turn to me, for I warn thee that lady is mine. " "She lovethnone of thy fellowship, " he answered; "but know this, that I love her, andwill rescue her from thee, or die. " "Say ye so!" said the Red Knight. "Take ye no warning from those knights that hang on yonder trees?" "Forshame that thou so boastest!" said Sir Beaumains. "Be sure that sight hathraised a hatred for thee that will not lightly be put out, and given menot fear, but rage. " "Sir knight, defend thyself, " said the Knight of theRedlands, "for we will talk no longer. "

Then did they put their spears in rest, and came together at the fullestspeed of their horses, and smote each other in the midst of their shields, so that their horses' harness sundered by the shock, and they fell to theground. And both lay there so long time, stunned, that many deemed theirnecks were broken. And all men said the strange knight was a strong man, and a noble jouster, for none had ever yet so matched the Knight of theRedlands. Then, in a while, they rose, and putting up their shields beforethem, drew their swords, and fought with fury, running at each other likewild beasts--now striking such buffets that both reeled backwards, nowhewing at each other till they shore the harness off in pieces, and lefttheir bodies naked and unarmed. And thus they fought till noon was past, when, for a time they rested to get breath, so sorely staggering andbleeding, that many who beheld them wept for pity. Then they renewed thebattle--sometimes rushing so furiously together, that both fell to theground, and anon changing swords in their confusion. Thus they endured, and lashed, and struggled, until eventide, and none who saw knew which wasthe likeliest to win; for though the Knight of the Redlands was a wily andsubtle warrior, his subtlety made Sir Beaumains wilier and wiser too. Soonce again they rested for a little space, and took their helms off tofind breath. 

But when Sir Beaumains' helm was off, he looked up to Dame Lyones, whereshe leaned, gazing and weeping, from her window. And when he saw thesweetness of her smiling, all his heart was light and joyful, and startingup, he bade the Knight of the Redlands make ready. Then did they lacetheir helms and fight together yet afresh, as though they had never foughtbefore. And at the last, the Knight of the Redlands with a sudden strokesmote Sir Beaumains on the hand, so that his sword fell from it, and witha second stroke upon the helm he drove him to the earth. Then cried aloudthe damsel Linet, "Alas! Sir Beaumains, see how my sister weepeth tobehold thee fallen!" And when Sir Beaumains heard her words, he sprangupon his feet with strength, and leaping to his sword, he caught it; andwith many heavy blows pressed so sorely on the Knight of the Redlands, that in the end he smote his sword from out his hand, and, with a mightyblow upon the head, hurled him upon the ground. 

Then Sir Beaumains unlaced his helm, and would have straightway slain him, but the Knight of the Redlands yielded, and prayed for mercy. "I may notspare thee, " answered he, "because of the shameful death which thou hastgiven to so many noble knights. " "Yet hold thy hand, Sir knight, " said he, "and hear the cause. I loved once a fair damsel, whose brother was slain, as she told me, by a knight of Arthur's court, either Sir Lancelot, or SirGawain; and she prayed me, as I truly loved her, and by the faith of myknighthood, to labour daily in deeds of arms, till I should meet with him;and to put all knights of the Round Table whom I should overcome to avillainous death. And this I swore to her. " Then prayed the earls, andknights, and barons, who stood round Sir Beaumains, to spare the RedKnight's life. "Truly, " replied he, "I am loth to slay him, notwithstanding he hath done such shameful deeds. And inasmuch as what hedid was done to please his lady and to gain her love, I blame him less, and for your sakes I will release him. But on this agreement only shall hehold his life--that straightway he depart into the castle, and yield himto the lady there, and make her such amends as she shall ask, for all thetrespass he hath done upon her lands; and afterwards, that he shall gounto King Arthur's court, and ask the pardon of Sir Lancelot and SirGawain for all the evil he hath done against them. " "All this, Sir knight, I swear to do, " said the Knight of the Redlands; and therewith he did himhomage and fealty. 

Then came the damsel Linet to Sir Beaumains and the Knight of theRedlands, and disarmed them, and staunched their wounds. And when theKnight of the Redlands had made amends for all his trespasses, he departedfor the court. 

Then Sir Beaumains, being healed of his wounds, armed himself, and tookhis horse and spear and rode straight to the castle of Dame Lyones, forgreatly he desired to see her. But when he came to the gate they closed itfast, and pulled the drawbridge up. And as he marvelled thereat, he sawthe Lady Lyones standing at a window, who said, "Go thy way as yet, SirBeaumains, for thou shalt not wholly have my love until thou be among theworthiest knights of all the world. Go, therefore, and labour yet in armsfor twelve months more, and then return to me. " "Alas! fair lady, " saidSir Beaumains, "I have scarce deserved this of thee, for sure I am that Ihave bought thy love with all the best blood in my body. " "Be notaggrieved, fair knight, " said she, "for none of thy service is forgot orlost. Twelve months will soon be passed in noble deeds; and trust that tomy death I shall love thee and not another. " With that she turned and leftthe window. 

So Sir Beaumains rode away from the castle very sorrowrul at heart, androde he knew not whither, and lay that night in a poor man's cottage. Onthe morrow he went forward, and came at noon to a broad lake, and therebyhe alighted, being very sad and weary, and rested his head upon hisshield, and told his dwarf to keep watch while he slept. 

Now, as soon as he had departed, the Lady Lyones repented, and greatlylonged to see him back, and asked her sister many times of what lineage hewas; but the damsel would not tell her, being bound by her oath to SirBeaumains, and said his dwarf best knew, So she called Sir Gringamors, her brother, who dwelt with her, and prayed him to ride after SirBeaumains till he found him sleeping, and then to take his dwarf away andbring him back to her. Anon Sir Gringamors departed, and rode till he cameto Sir Beaumains, and found him as he lay sleeping by the water-side. Thenstepping stealthily behind the dwarf he caught him in his arms and rodeoff in haste. And though the dwarf cried loudly to his lord for help, andwoke Sir Beaumains, yet, though he rode full quickly after him, he couldnot overtake Sir Gringamors. 

When Dame Lyones saw her brother come back, she was passing glad of heart, and forthwith asked the dwarf his master's lineage. "He is a king's son, "said the dwarf, "and his mother is King Arthur's sister. His name is SirGareth of Orkney, and he is brother to the good knight, Sir Gawain. But Ipray you suffer me to go back to my lord, for truly he will never leavethis country till he have me again. " But when the Lady Lyones knew herdeliverer was come of such a kingly stock, she longed more than ever tosee him again. 

Now as Sir Beaumains rode in vain to rescue his dwarf, he came to a fairgreen road and met a poor man of the country, and asked him had he seen aknight on a black horse, riding with a dwarf of a sad countenance behindhim. "Yea, " said the man, "I met with such a knight an hour agone, and hisname is Sir Gringamors. He liveth at a castle two miles from hence; but heis a perilous knight, and I counsel ye not to follow him save ye bear himgoodwill. " Then Sir Beaumains followed the path which the poor man showedhim, and came to the castle. And riding to the gate in great anger, hedrew his sword, and cried aloud, "Sir Gringamors, thou traitor! deliverme my dwarf again, or by my knighthood it shall be ill for thee!" Then SirGringamors looked out of a window and said, "Sir Gareth of Orkney, leavethy boasting words, for thou wilt not get thy dwarf again. " But the LadyLyones said to her brother, "Nay brother, but I will that he have hisdwarf, for he hath done much for me, and delivered me from the Knight ofthe Redlands, and well do I love him above all other knights. " So SirGringamors went down to Sir Gareth and cried him mercy, and prayed him toalight and take good cheer. 

Then he alighted, and his dwarf ran to him. And when he was in the hallcame the Lady Lyones dressed royally like a princess. And Sir Gareth wasright glad of heart when he saw her. Then she told him how she had madeher brother take away his dwarf and bring him back to her. And then shepromised him her love, and faithfully to cleave to him and none other allthe days of her life. And so they plighted their troth to each other. ThenSir Gringamors prayed him to sojourn at the castle, which willingly hedid. "For, " said he, "I have promised to quit the court for twelve months, though sure I am that in the meanwhile I shall be sought and found by mylord King Arthur and many others. " So he sojourned long at the castle. 

Anon the knights, Sir Perseant, Sir Perimones, and Sir Pertolope, whom SirGareth had overthrown, went to King Arthur's court with all the knightswho did them service, and told the king they had been conquered by aknight of his named Beaumains. And as they yet were talking, it was toldthe king there came another great lord with five hundred knights, who, entering in, did homage, and declared himself to be the Knight of theRedlands. "But my true name, " said he, "is Ironside, and I am hither sentby one Sir Beaumains, who conquered me, and charged me to yield unto yourgrace. " "Thou art welcome, " said King Arthur, "for thou hast been long afoe to me and mine, and truly I am much beholden to the knight who sentthee. And now, Sir Ironside, if thou wilt amend thy life and hold of me, Iwill entreat thee as a friend, and make thee Knight of the Round Table;but thou mayst no more be a murderer of noble knights. " Then the Knight ofthe Redlands knelt to the king, and told him of his promise to SirBeaumains to use never more such shameful customs; and how he had so donebut at the prayer of a lady whom he loved. Then knelt he to Sir Lancelotand Sir Gawain, and prayed their pardon for the hatred he had borne them. 

But the king and all the court marvelled greatly who Sir Beaumains was. "For, " said the king, "he is a full noble knight. " Then said Sir Lancelot, "Truly he is come of honourable blood, else had I not given him the orderof knighthood; but he charged me that I should conceal his secret. "

Now as they talked thus it was told King Arthur that his sister, the Queenof Orkney, was come to the court with a great retinue of knights andladies. Then was there great rejoicing, and the king rose and saluted hissister. And her sons, Sir Gawain, Sir Agravain, and Sir Gaheris kneltbefore her and asked her blessing, for during fifteen years last past theyhad not seen her. Anon she said, "Where is my youngest son, Sir Gareth?for I know that he was here a twelvemonth with you, and that ye made akitchen knave of him. Then the king and all the knights knew that SirBeaumains and Sir Gareth were the same. "Truly, " said the king, "I knewhim not. " "Nor I, " said Sir Gawain and both his brothers. Then said theking, "God be thanked, fair sister, that he is proved as worshipful aknight as any now alive, and by the grace of Heaven he shall be foundforthwith if he be anywhere within these seven realms. " Then said SirGawain and his brethren, "Lord, if ye will give us leave we will go seekhim. " But Sir Lancelot said, "It were better that the king should send amessenger to Dame Lyones and pray her to come hither with all speed, andshe will counsel where ye shall find him. " "It is well said, " replied theking; and sent a messenger quickly unto Dame Lyones. 

When she heard the message she promised she would come forthwith, and toldSir Gareth what the messenger had said, and asked him what to do. "I prayyou, " said he, "tell them not where I am, but when my lord King Arthurasketh for me, advise him thus--that he proclaim a tournament before thiscastle on Assumption Day, and that the knight who proveth best shall winyourself and all your lands. " So the Lady Lyones departed and came to KingArthur's court, and there was right nobly welcomed. And when they askedher where Sir Gareth was, she said she could not tell. "But, lord, " saidshe, "with thy goodwill I will proclaim a tournament before my castle onthe Feast of the Assumption, whereof the prize shall be myself and all mylands. Then if it be proclaimed that you, lord, and your knights will bethere, I will find knights on my side to fight you and yours, and thus amI sure ye will hear tidings of Sir Gareth. " "Be it so done, " replied theking. 

So Sir Gareth sent messengers privily to Sir Perseant and Sir Ironside, and charged them to be ready on the day appointed, with their companies ofknights to aid him and his party against the king. And when they werearrived he said, "Now be ye well assured that we shall be matched with thebest knights of the world, and therefore must we gather all the goodknights we can find. "

So proclamation was made throughout all England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Cornwall, and in the out isles and other countries, that at the Feastof the Assumption of our Lady, next coming, all knights who came to joustat Castle Perilous should make choice whether they would side with theking or with the castle. Then came many good knights on the side of thecastle. Sir Epinogris, the son of the King of Northumberland, and SirPalomedes the Saracen, and Sir Grummore Grummorsum, a good knight ofScotland, and Sir Brian des Iles, a noble knight, and Sir Carados of theTower Dolorous, and Sir Tristram, who as yet was not a knight of the RoundTable, and many others. But none among them knew Sir Gareth, for he tookno more upon him than any mean person. 

And on King Arthur's side there came the King of Ireland and the King ofScotland, the noble prince Sir Galahaut, Sir Gawain and his brothers SirAgravain and Sir Gaheris, Sir Ewaine, Sir Tor, Sir Perceval, and SirLamoracke, Sir Lancelot also and his kindred, Sir Lionel, Sir Ector, SirBors and Sir Bedivere, likewise Sir Key and the most part of the TableRound. The two queens also, Queen Guinevere and the Queen of Orkney, SirGareth's mother, came with the king. So there was a great array bothwithin and without the castle, with all manner of feasting and minstrelsy. 

Now before the tournament began, Sir Gareth privily prayed Dame Lyones, Sir Gringamors, Sir Ironside, and Sir Perseant, that they would in nowisedisclose his name, nor make more of him than of any common knight. Thensaid Dame Lyones, "Dear lord, I pray thee take this ring, which hath thepower to change the wearer's clothing into any colour he may will, andguardeth him from any loss of blood. But give it me again, I pray thee, when the tournament is done, for it greatly increaseth my beautywhensoever I wear it. " "Grammercy, mine own lady, " said Sir Gareth, "Iwished for nothing better, for now I may be certainly disguised as long asI will. " Then Sir Gringamors gave Sir Gareth a bay courser that was apassing good horse, with sure armour, and a noble sword, won by his fatherfrom a heathen tyrant. And then every knight made him ready for thetournament. 

So on the day of the Assumption, when mass and matins were said, theheralds blew their trumpets and sounded for the tourney. Anon came out theknights of the castle and the knights of King Arthur, and matchedthemselves together. 

Then Sir Epinogris, son of the King of Northumberland, a knight of thecastle, encountered Sir Ewaine, and both broke off their spears short totheir hands. Then came Sir Palomedes from the castle, and met Sir Gawain, and they so hardly smote each other, that both knights and horses fell tothe earth. Then Sir Tristram, from the castle, encountered with SirBedivere, and smote him to the earth, horse and man. Then the Knight ofthe Redlands and Sir Gareth met with Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis; and theKnight of the Redlands and Sir Bors smote together so hard that theirspears burst, and their horses fell grovelling to the ground. And SirBleoberis brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but himself was hurled uponthe ground. When Sir Galihodin saw that, he bade Sir Gareth keep him, butSir Gareth lightly smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud got a spear toavenge his brother, but was served in like manner. And Sir Dinadam, andhis brother La-cote-male-taile, and Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Dodinasle Savage, he bore down all with one spear. 

When King Anguish of Ireland saw this, he marvelled what that knight couldbe who seemed at one time green and at another blue; for so at everycourse he changed his colour that none might know him. Then he ran towardshim and encountered him, and Sir Gareth smote the king from his horse, saddle and all. And in like manner he served the King of Scotland, andKing Urience of Gore, and King Bagdemagus. 

Then Sir Galahaut, the noble prince, cried out, "Knight of the manycolours! thou hast jousted well; now make thee ready to joust with me. "When Sir Gareth heard him, he took a great spear and met him swiftly. Andthe prince's spear broke off, but Sir Gareth smote him on the left side ofthe helm, so that he reeled here and there, and had fallen down had nothis men recovered him. "By my faith, " said King Arthur, "that knight ofthe many colours is a good knight. I pray thee, Sir Lancelot du Lake, encounter with him. " "Lord, " said Sir Lancelot, "by thy leave I willforbear. I find it in my heart to spare him at this time, for he hath doneenough work for one day; and when a good knight doth so well it is noknightly part to hinder him from this honour. And peradventure his quarrelis here to-day, and he may be the best beloved of the Lady Lyones of allthat be here; for I see well he paineth and forceth himself to do greatdeeds. Therefore, as for me, this day he shall have the honour; forthough I were able to put him from it, I would not. " "You speak well andtruly, " said the king. 

Then after the tilting, they drew swords, and there began a greattournament, and there Sir Lancelot did marvellous deeds of arms, for firsthe fought with both Sir Tristram and Sir Carados, albeit they were themost perilous in all the world. Then came Sir Gareth and put them asunder, but would not smite a stroke against Sir Lancelot, for by him he had beenknighted. Anon Sir Gareth's helm had need of mending, and he rode aside tosee to it and to drink water, for he was sore athirst with all his mightyfeats of strength. And while he drank, his dwarf said to him, "Give meyour ring, lest ye lose it while ye drink. " So Sir Gareth took it off. Andwhen he had finished drinking, he rode back eagerly to the field, and inhis haste forgot to take the ring again. Then all the people saw that hewore yellow armour. And King Arthur told a herald, "Ride and espy thecognizance of that brave knight, for I have asked many who he is, and nonecan tell me. "

Then the herald rode near, and saw written round about his helmet inletters of gold, "Sir Gareth of Orkney. " And instantly the herald criedhis name aloud, and all men pressed to see him. 

But when he saw he was discovered, he pushed with haste through all thecrowd, and cried to his dwarf, Boy, thou hast beguiled me foully inkeeping my ring; give it me again, that I may be hidden. " And as soon ashe had put it on, his armour changed again, and no man knew where he hadgone. Then he passed forth from the field; but Sir Gawain, his brother, rode after him. 

And when Sir Gareth had ridden far into the forest, he took off his ring, and sent it back by the dwarf to the Lady Lyones, praying her to be trueand faithful to him while he was away. 

Then rode Sir Gareth long through the forest, till night fell, and comingto a castle he went up to the gate, and prayed the porter to let him in. But churlishly he answered "that he should not lodge there. " Then said SirGareth, "Tell thy lord and lady that I am a knight of King Arthur's court, and for his sake I pray their shelter. " With that the porter went to theduchess who owned the castle. "Let him in straightway, " cried she; "forthe king's sake he shall not be harbourless!" and went down to receivehim. When Sir Gareth saw her coming, he saluted her, and said, "Fair lady, I pray you give me shelter for this night, and if there be here anychampion or giant with whom I must needs fight, spare me till to-morrow, when I and my horse shall have rested, for we are full weary. " "Sirknight, " she said, "thou speakest boldly; for the lord of this castle is afoe to King Arthur and his court, and if thou wilt rest here to-night thoumust agree, that wheresoever thou mayest meet my lord, thou must yield tohim as a prisoner. " "What is thy lord's name, lady?" said Sir Gareth. "TheDuke de la Rowse, " said she. "I will promise thee, " said he, "to yield tohim, if he promise to do me no harm; but if he refuse, I will releasemyself with my sword and spear. "

"It is well, " said the duchess; and commanded the drawbridge to be letdown. So he rode into the hall and alighted. And when he had taken off hisarmour, the duchess and her ladies made him passing good cheer. And aftersupper his bed was made in the hall, and there he rested that night. Onthe morrow he rose and heard mass, and having broken his fast, took hisleave and departed. 

[Illustration: So he rode into the hall and alighted. ]

And as he rode past a certain mountain there met him a knight named SirBendelaine, and cried unto him "Thou shalt not pass unless thou joust withme or be my prisoner!" "Then will we joust, " replied Sir Gareth. So theylet their horses run at full speed, and Sir Gareth smote Sir Bendelainethrough his body so sorely that he scarcely reached his castle ere he felldead. And as Sir Gareth presently came by the castle, Sir Bendelaine'sknights and servants rode out to revenge their lord. And twenty of themfell on him at once, although his spear was broken. But drawing his swordhe put his shield before him. And though they brake their spears upon him, one and all, and sorely pressed on him, yet ever he defended himself likea noble knight. Anon, finding they could not overcome him, they agreed toslay his horse; and having killed it with their spears, they set upon SirGareth as he fought on foot. But every one he struck he slew, and drave atthem with fearful blows, till he had slain them all but four, who fled. Then taking the horse of one of those that lay there dead, he rode uponhis way. 

Anon he came to another castle and heard from within a sound as of manywomen moaning and weeping. Then said he to a page who stood without, "Whatnoise is this I hear?" "Sir knight, " said he, "there be within thirtyladies, the widows of thirty knights who have been slain by the lord ofthis castle. He is called the Brown Knight without pity, and is the mostperilous knight living, wherefore I warn thee to flee. " "That will I neverdo, " said Sir Gareth, "for I fear him not. " Then the page saw the BrownKnight coming and said to Gareth, "Lo! my lord is near. "

So both knights made them ready and galloped their horses towards eachother, and the Brown Knight brake his spear upon Sir Gareth's shield; butSir Gareth smote him through the body so that he fell dead. At that herode into the castle and told the ladies he had slain their foe. Then werethey right glad of heart and made him all the cheer they could, andthanked him out of measure. But on the morrow as he went to mass he foundthe ladies weeping in the chapel upon divers tombs that were there. And heknew that in those tombs their husbands lay. Then he bade them becomforted, and with noble and high words he desired and prayed them all tobe at Arthur's court on the next Feast of Pentecost. 

So he departed and rode past a mountain where was a goodly knight waiting, who said to him, "Abide, Sir knight, and joust with me!" "How are yenamed?" said Sir Gareth. "I am the Duke de la Rowse, " answered he. "Ingood sooth, " then said Sir Gareth, "not long ago I lodged within yourcastle, and there promised I would yield to you whenever we might meet. ""Art thou that proud knight, " said the duke, "who was ready to fight withme? Guard thyself therefore and make ready. " So they ran together, and SirGareth smote the duke from his horse. Then they alighted and drew theirswords, and fought full sorely for the space of an hour; and at the lastSir Gareth smote the duke to the earth and would have slain him, but heyielded. "Then must ye go, " said Sir Gareth, "to my lord King Arthur atthe next Feast of Pentecost and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent ye. " "As yewill be it, " said the duke; and gave him up his shield for pledge. 

And as Sir Gareth rode alone he saw an armed knight coming towards him. And putting the duke's shield before him he rode fast to tilt with him;and so they ran together as it had been thunder, and brake their spearsupon each other. Then fought they fiercely with their swords and lashedtogether with such mighty strokes that blood ran to the ground on everyside. And after they had fought together for two hours and more, itchanced the damsel Linet passed that way; and when she saw them she criedout, "Sir Gawain and Sir Gareth, leave your fighting, for ye arebrethren!" At that they threw away their shields and swords, and took eachother in their arms and wept a great while ere they could speak. And eachgave to the other the honour of the battle, and there was many a kind wordbetween them. Then said Sir Gawain, "O my brother, for your sake have Ihad great sorrow and labour! But truly I would honour you though ye werenot my brother, for ye have done great worship to King Arthur and hiscourt, and sent more knights to him than any of the Table Round, exceptSir Lancelot. "

Then the damsel Linet staunched their wounds, and their horses being wearyshe rode her palfrey to King Arthur and told him of this strangeadventure. When she had told her tidings, the king himself mounted hishorse and bade all come with him to meet them. So a great company of lordsand ladies went forth to meet the brothers. And when King Arthur saw themhe would have spoken hearty words, but for gladness he could not. And bothSir Gawain and Sir Gareth fell down at their uncle's knees and did himhomage, and there was passing great joy and gladness among them all. 

Then said the king to the damsel Linet, "Why cometh not the Lady Lyones tovisit her knight, Sir Gareth, who hath had such travail for her love?""She knoweth not, my lord, that he is here, " replied the damsel, "fortruly she desireth greatly to see him. " "Go ye and bring her hither, "said the king. So the damsel rode to tell her sister where Sir Gareth was, and when she heard it she rejoiced full heartily and came with all thespeed she could. And when Sir Gareth saw her, there was great joy andcomfort between them. 

Then the king asked Sir Gareth whether he would have that lady for hiswife? "My lord, " replied Sir Gareth, "know well that I love her above allladies living. " "Now, fair lady, " said King Arthur, "what say ye?" "Mostnoble king, " she answered, "my lord, Sir Gareth, is my first love andshall be my last, and if I may not have him for my husband I will havenone. " Then said the king to them, "Be well assured that for my crown Iwould not be the cause of parting your two hearts. "

Then was high preparation made for the marriage, for the king desired itshould be at the Michaelmas next following, at Kinkenadon-by-the-Sea. 

So Sir Gareth sent out messages to all the knights whom he had overcome inbattle that they should be there upon his marriage-day. 

Therefore, at the next Michaelmas, came a goodly company toKinkenadon-by-the-Sea. And there did the Archbishop of Canterbury marrySir Gareth and the Lady Lyones with all solemnity. And all the knightswhom Sir Gareth had overcome were at the feast; and every manner of revelsand games was held with music and minstrelsy. And there was a greatjousting for three days. But because of his bride the king would notsuffer Sir Gareth to joust. Then did King Arthur give great lands andfair, with store of gold, to Sir Gareth and his wife, that so they mightlive royally together to their lives' end. 

CHAPTER XI

_The Adventures of Sir Tristram of Lyonesse_

Again King Arthur held high festival at Caerleon, at Pentecost, andgathered round him all the fellowship of the Round Table, and so, according to his custom, sat and waited till some adventure should arise, or some knight return to court whose deeds and perils might be told. 

Anon he saw Sir Lancelot and a crowd of knights coming through the doorsand leading in their midst the mighty knight, Sir Tristram. As soon asKing Arthur saw him, he rose up and went through half the hall, and heldout both his hands and cried, "Right welcome to thee, good Sir Tristram, as welcome art thou as any knight that ever came before into this court. Along time have I wished for thee amongst my fellowship. " Then all theknights and barons rose up with one accord and came around, and cried out, "Welcome. " Queen Guinevere came also, and many ladies with her, and allwith one voice said the same. 

Then the king took Sir Tristram by the hand and led him to the Round Tableand said, "Welcome again for one of the best and gentlest knights in allthe world; a chief in war, a chief in peace, a chief in field and forest, a chief in the ladies' chamber--right heartily welcome to this court, andmayest thou long abide in it. "

When he had so said he looked at every empty seat until he came to whathad been Sir Marhaus', and there he found written in gold letters, "Thisis the seat of the noble knight, Sir Tristram. " Whereat they made him, with great cheer and gladness, a Fellow of the Round Table. 

Now the story of Sir Tristram was as follows:--

There was a king of Lyonesse, named Meliodas, married to the sister ofKing Mark of Cornwall, a right fair lady and a good. And so it happenedthat King Meliodas hunting in the woods was taken by enchantment and madeprisoner in a castle. When his wife Elizabeth heard it she was nigh madwith grief, and ran into the forest to seek out her lord. But after manydays of wandering and sorrow she found no trace of him, and laid her downin a deep valley and prayed to meet her death. And so indeed she did, butere she died she gave birth in the midst of all her sorrow to a child, aboy, and called him with her latest breath Tristram; for she said, "Hisname shall show how sadly he hath come into this world. "

Therewith she gave up her ghost, and the gentlewoman who was with her tookthe child and wrapped it from the cold as well as she was able, and laydown with it in her arms beneath the shadow of a tree hard by, expectingdeath to come to her in turn. 

But shortly after came a company of lords and barons seeking for thequeen, and found the lady and the child and took them home. And on thenext day came King Meliodas, whom Merlin had delivered, and when he heardof the queen's death his sorrow was greater than tongue can tell. And anonhe buried her solemnly and nobly, and called the child Tristram as she haddesired. 

Then for seven years King Meliodas mourned and took no comfort, and allthat time young Tristram was well nourished; but in a while he wedded withthe daughter of Howell, King of Brittany, who, that her own children mightenjoy the kingdom, cast about in her mind how she might destroy Tristram. So on a certain day she put poison in a silver cup, where Tristram and herchildren were together playing, that when he was athirst he might drink ofit and die. But so it happened that her own son saw the cup, and, thinkingit must hold good drink, he climbed and took it, and drank deeply of it, and suddenly thereafter burst and fell down dead. 

When the queen heard that, her grief was very great, but her anger andenvy were fiercer than before, and soon again she put more poison in thecup. And by chance one day her husband finding it when thirsty, took it upand was about to drink therefrom, when, seeing him, she sprang up with amighty cry and dashed it from his hands. 

At that King Meliodas, wondering greatly, called to mind the sudden deathof his young child, and taking her fiercely by the hand he cried:

"Traitress, tell me what drink is in this cup or I will slay thee in amoment;" and therewith pulling out his sword he swore by a great oath toslay her if she straightway told him not the truth. 

"Ah, mercy, lord, " said she, and fell down at his feet; "mercy, and I willtell thee all. "

And then she told him of her plot to murder Tristram, that her own sonsmight enjoy the kingdom. 

"The law shall judge thee, " said the king. 

And so anon she was tried before the barons, and condemned to be burnt todeath. 

But when the fire was made, and she brought out, came Tristram kneeling athis father's feet and besought of him a favour. 

"Whatsoever thou desirest I will give thee, " said the king. 

"Give me the life, then, of the queen, my stepmother, " said he. 

"Thou doest wrong to ask it, " said Meliodas; "for she would have slainthee with her poisons if she could, and chiefly for thy sake she ought todie. "

"Sir, " said he, "as for that, I beseech thee of thy mercy to forgive ither, and for my part may God pardon her as I do; and so I pray thee grantme my boon, and for God's sake hold thee to thy promise. "

"If it must be so, " said the king, "take thou her life, for to thee I giveit, and go and do with her as thou wilt. "

Then went young Tristram to the fire and loosed the queen from all herbonds and delivered her from death. 

And after a great while by his good means the king again forgave and livedin peace with her, though never more in the same lodgings. 

Anon was Tristram sent abroad to France in care of one named Governale. And there for seven years he learned the language of the land, and allknightly exercises and gentle crafts, and especially was he foremost inmusic and in hunting, and was a harper beyond all others. And when atnineteen years of age he came back to his father, he was as lusty andstrong of body and as noble of heart as ever man was seen. 

Now shortly after his return it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sentto King Mark of Cornwall for the tribute due to Ireland, but which was nowseven years behindhand. To whom King Mark sent answer, if he would have ithe must send and fight for it, and they would find a champion to fightagainst it. 

So King Anguish called for Sir Marhaus, his wife's brother, a good knightof the Round Table, who lived then at his court, and sent him with aknightly retinue in six great ships to Cornwall. And, casting anchor bythe castle of Tintagil, he sent up daily to King Mark for the tribute orthe champion. But no knight there would venture to assail him, for hisfame was very high in all the realm for strength and hardihood. 

Then made King Mark a proclamation throughout Cornwall, that if any knightwould fight Sir Marhaus he should stand at the king's right hand forevermore, and have great honour and riches all the rest of his days. Anonthis news came to the land of Lyonesse, and when young Tristram heard ithe was angry and ashamed to think no knight of Cornwall durst assail theIrish champion. "Alas, " said he, "that I am not a knight, that I mightmatch this Marhaus! I pray you give me leave, sir, to depart to KingMark's court and beg of his grace to make me knight. "

"Be ruled by thy own courage, " said his father. 

So Tristram rode away forthwith to Tintagil to King Mark, and went upboldly to him and said, "Sir, give me the order of knighthood and I willfight to the uttermost with Sir Marhaus of Ireland. "

"What are ye, and whence come ye?" said the king, seeing he was but ayoung man, though strong and well made both in body and limb. 

"My name is Tristram, " said he, "and I was born in the country ofLyonesse. "

"But know ye, " said the king, "this Irish knight will fight with none whobe not come of royal blood and near of kin to kings or queens, as hehimself is, for his sister is the Queen of Ireland. "

Then said Tristram, "Let him know that I am come both on my father's andmy mother's side of blood as good as his, for my father is King Meliodasand my mother was that Queen Elizabeth, thy sister, who died in the forestat my birth. "

When King Mark heard that he welcomed him with all his heart, and knightedhim forthwith, and made him ready to go forth as soon as he would choose, and armed him royally in armour covered with gold and silver. 

Then he sent Sir Marhaus word, "That a better man than he should fightwith him, Sir Tristram of Lyonesse, son of King Meliodas and of KingMark's own sister. " So the battle was ordained to be fought in an islandnear Sir Marhaus' ships, and there Sir Tristram landed on the morrow, withGovernale alone attending him for squire, and him he sent back to the landwhen he had made himself ready. 

When Sir Marhaus and Sir Tristram were thus left alone, Sir Marhaus said, "Young knight Sir Tristram what doest thou here? I am full sorry for thyrashness, for ofttimes have I been assailed in vain, and by the bestknights of the world. Be warned in time, return to them that sent thee. "

"Fair knight, and well-proved knight, " replied Sir Tristram, "be sure thatI shall never quit this quarrel till one of us be overcome. For this causehave I been made knight, and thou shalt know before we part that though asyet unproved, I am a king's son and first-born of a queen. Moreover I havepromised to deliver Cornwall from this ancient burden, or to die. Also, thou shouldst have known, Sir Marhaus, that thy valour and thy might arebut the better reasons why I should assail thee; for whether I win or loseI shall gain honour to have met so great a knight as thou art. "

Then they began the battle, and tilted at their hardest against eachother, so that both knights and horses fell to the earth. But Sir Marhaus'spear smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side. Then, springing upfrom their horses, they lashed together with their swords like two wildboars. And when they had stricken together a great while they left offstrokes and lunged at one another's breasts and visors; but seeing thisavailed not they hurtled together again to bear each other down. 

[Illustration: Then they began the battle, and tilted at their hardestagainst each other. ]

Thus fought they more than half the day, till both were sorely spent andblood ran from them to the ground on every side. But by this time SirTristram remained fresher than Sir Marhaus and better winded, and with amighty stroke he smote him such a buffet as cut through his helm into hisbrain-pan, and there his sword stuck in so fast that thrice Sir Tristrampulled ere he could get it from his head. Then fell Sir Marhaus down uponhis knees, and the edge of Sir Tristram's sword broke off into hisbrain-pan. And suddenly when he seemed dead, Sir Marhaus rose and threwhis sword and shield away from him and ran and fled into his ship. AndTristram cried out after him, "Aha! Sir knight of the Round Table, dostthou withdraw thee from so young a knight? it is a shame to thee and allthy kin; I would rather have been hewn into a hundred pieces than havefled from thee. "

But Sir Marhaus answered nothing, and sorely groaning fled away. 

"Farewell, Sir knight, farewell, " laughed Tristram, whose own voice nowwas hoarse and faint with loss of blood; "I have thy sword and shield inmy safe keeping, and will wear them in all places where I ride on myadventures, and before King Arthur and the Table Round. "

Then was Sir Marhaus taken back to Ireland by his company; and as soon ashe arrived his wounds were searched, and when they searched his head theyfound therein a piece of Tristram's sword; but all the skill of surgeonswas in vain to move it out. So anon Sir Marhaus died. 

But the queen, his sister, took the piece of sword-blade and put it safelyby, for she thought that some day it might help her to revenge herbrother's death. 

Meanwhile, Sir Tristram, being sorely wounded, sat down softly on a littlemound and bled passing fast; and in that evil case was found anon byGovernale and King Mark's knights. Then they gently took him up andbrought him in a barge back to the land, and lifted him into a bed withinthe castle, and had his wounds dressed carefully. 

But for a great while he lay sorely sick, and was likely to have died ofthe first stroke Sir Marhaus had given him with the spear, for the pointof it was poisoned. And, though the wisest surgeons and leeches--both menand women--came from every part, yet could he be by no means cured. Atlast came a wise lady, and said plainly that Sir Tristram never should behealed, until he went and stayed in that same country whence the poisoncame. When this was understood, the king sent Sir Tristram in a fair andgoodly ship to Ireland, and by fortune he arrived fast by a castle wherethe king and queen were. And as the ship was being anchored, he sat uponhis bed and harped a merry lay, and made so sweet a music as was neverequalled. 

When the king heard that the sweet harper was a wounded knight, he sentfor him, and asked his name. "I am of the country of Lyonesse, " heanswered, "and my name is Tramtrist;" for he dared not tell his true namelest the vengeance of the queen should fall upon him for her brother'sdeath. 

"Well, " said King Anguish, "thou art right welcome here, and shalt haveall the help this land can give thee; but be not anxious if I am at timescast down and sad, for but lately in Cornwall the best knight in theworld, fighting for my cause, was slain; his name was Sir Marhaus, aknight of King Arthur's Round Table. " And then he told Sir Tristram allthe story of Sir Marhaus' battle, and Sir Tristram made pretence of greatsurprise and sorrow, though he knew all far better than the king himself. 

Then was he put in charge of the king's daughter, La Belle Isault, to behealed of his wound, and she was as fair and noble a lady as men's eyesmight see. And so marvellously was she skilled in medicine, that in a fewdays she fully cured him; and in return Sir Tristram taught her the harp;so, before long, they two began to love each other greatly. 

But at that time a heathen knight, Sir Palomedes, was in Ireland, and muchcherished by the king and queen. He also loved mightily La Belle Isault, and never wearied of making her great gifts, and seeking for her favour, and was ready even to be christened for her sake. Sir Tristram thereforehated him out of measure, and Sir Palomedes was full of rage and envyagainst Tristram. 

And so it befell that King Anguish proclaimed a great tournament to beheld, the prize whereof should be a lady called the Lady of the Launds, ofnear kindred to the king: and her the winner of the tournament should wedin three days afterwards, and possess all her lands. When La Belle Isaulttold Sir Tristram of this tournament, he said, "Fair lady! I am yet afeeble knight, and but for thee had been a dead man now: what wouldestthou I should do? Thou knowest well I may not joust. "

"Ah, Tristram, " said she, "why wilt thou not fight in this tournament? SirPalomedes will be there, and will do his mightiest; and therefore be thouthere, I pray thee, or else he will be winner of the prize. "

"Madam, " said Tristram, "I will go, and for thy sake will do my best; butlet me go unknown to all men; and do thou, I pray thee, keep my counsel, and help me to a disguise. "

So on the day of jousting came Sir Palomedes, with a black shield, andoverthrew many knights. And all the people wondered at his prowess; for onthe first day he put to the worse Sir Gawain, Sir Gaheris, Sir Agravaine, Sir Key, and many more from far and near. And on the morrow he wasconqueror again, and overthrew the king with a hundred knights and theKing of Scotland. But presently Sir Tristram rode up to the lists, havingbeen let out at a privy postern of the castle, where none could see. LaBelle Isault had dressed him in white armour and given him a white horseand shield, and so he came suddenly into the field as it had been a brightangel. 

As soon as Sir Palomedes saw him he ran at him with a great spear in rest, but Sir Tristram was ready, and at the first encounter hurled him to theground. Then there arose a great cry that the knight with the black shieldwas overthrown. And Palomedes sorely hurt and shamed, sought out a secretway and would have left the field; but Tristram watched him, and rodeafter him, and bade him stay, for he had not yet done with him. Then didSir Palomedes turn with fury, and lash at Sir Tristram with his sword; butat the first stroke Sir Tristram smote him to the earth, and cried, "Donow all my commands, or take thy death. " Then he yielded to Sir Tristram'smercy, and promised to forsake La Belle Isault, and for twelve months towear no arms or armour. And rising up, he cut his armour off him intoshreds with rage and madness, and turned and left the field: and SirTristram also left the lists, and rode back to the castle through thepostern gate. 

Then was Sir Tristram long cherished by the King and Queen of Ireland, andever with La Belle Isault. But on a certain day, while he was bathing, came the queen with La Belle Isault by chance into his chamber, and sawhis sword lie naked on the bed: anon she drew it from the scabbard andlooked at it a long while, and both thought it a passing fair sword; butwithin a foot and a half of the end there was a great piece broken out, and while the queen was looking at the gap, she suddenly remembered thepiece of sword-blade that was found in the brain-pan of her brother SirMarhaus. 

Therewith she turned and cried, "By my faith, this is the felon knight whoslew thy uncle!" And running to her chamber she sought in her casket forthe piece of iron from Sir Marhaus' head and brought it back, and fittedit in Tristram's sword; and surely did it fit therein as closely as it hadbeen but yesterday broke out. 

[Illustration: And running to her chamber, she sought in her casket forthe piece of iron . .. And fitted it in Tristram's sword. ]

Then the queen caught the sword up fiercely in her hand, and ran into theroom where Sir Tristram was yet in his bath, and making straight for him, had run him through the body, had not his squire, Sir Hebes, got her inhis arms, and pulled the sword away from her. 

Then ran she to the king, and fell upon her knees before him, saying, "Lord and husband, thou hast here in thy house that felon knight who slewmy brother Marhaus!"

"Who is it?" said the king. 

"It is Sir Tristram!" said she, "whom Isault hath healed. "

"Alas!" replied the king, "I am full grieved thereat, for he is a goodknight as ever I have seen in any field; but I charge thee leave thou him, and let me deal with him. "

Then the king went to Sir Tristram's chamber and found him all armed andready to mount his horse, and said to him, "Sir Tristram, it is not toprove me against thee I come, for it were shameful of thy host to seek thylife. Depart in peace, but tell me first thy name, and whether thouslewest my brother, Sir Marhaus. "

Then Sir Tristram told him all the truth, and how he had hid his name, tobe unknown in Ireland; and when he had ended, the king declared he heldhim in no blame. "Howbeit, I cannot for mine honour's sake retain thee atthis court, for so I should displease my barons, and my wife, and all herkin. "

"Sir, " said Sir Tristram, "I thank thee for the goodness thou hast shownme here, and for the great goodness my lady, thy daughter, hath shown me;and it may chance to be more for thy advantage if I live than if I die;for wheresoever I may be, I shall ever seek thy service, and shall be mylady thy daughter's servant in all places, and her knight in right andwrong, and shall never fail to do for her as much as knight can do. "

Then Sir Tristram went to La Belle Isault, and took his leave of her. "Ogentle knight, " said she, "full of grief am I at your departing, for neveryet I saw a man to love so well. "

"Madam, " said he, "I promise faithfully that all my life I shall be yourknight. "

Then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another, and afterthat he left her, weeping and lamenting, and went among the barons, andopenly took his leave of them all, saying, "Fair lords, it so befalleththat I now must depart hence; therefore, if there be any here whom I haveoffended or who is grieved with me, let him now say it, and before I go Iwill amend it to the utmost of my power. And if there be but one whowould speak shame of me behind my back, let him say it now or never, andhere is my body to prove it on--body against body. "

And all stood still and said no word, though some there were of thequeen's kindred who would have assailed him had they dared. 

So Sir Tristram departed from Ireland and took the sea and came with afair wind to Tintagil. And when the news came to King Mark that SirTristram was returned, healed of his wound, he was passing glad, and sowere all his barons. And when he had visited the king his uncle, he rodeto his father, King Meliodas, and there had all the heartiest welcome thatcould be made him. And both the king and queen gave largely to him oftheir lands and goods. 

Anon he came again to King Mark's court, and there lived in great joy andpleasure, till within a while the king grew jealous of his fame, and ofthe love and favour shown him by all damsels. And as long as King Marklived, he never after loved Sir Tristram, though there was much fairspeech between them. 

Then it befell upon a certain day that the good knight Sir Bleoberis deGanis, brother to Sir Blamor de Ganis, and nigh cousin to Sir Lancelot ofthe Lake, came to King Mark's court and asked of him a favour. And thoughthe king marvelled, seeing he was a man of great renown, and a knight ofthe Round Table, he granted him all his asking. Then said Sir Bleoberis, "I will have the fairest lady in your court, at my own choosing. "

"I may not say thee nay, " replied the king; "choose therefore, but takeall the issues of thy choice. "

So when he had looked around, he chose the wife of Earl Segwarides, andtook her by the hand, and set her upon horseback behind his squire, androde forth on his way. 

Presently thereafter came in the earl, and rode out straightway after himin rage. But all the ladies cried out shame upon Sir Tristram that he hadnot gone, and one rebuked him foully and called him coward knight, that hewould stand and see a lady forced away from his uncle's court. But SirTristram answered her, "Fair lady, it is not my place to take part in thisquarrel while her lord and husband is here to do it. Had he not been atthis court, peradventure I had been her champion. And if it so befall thathe speed ill, then may it happen that I speak with that foul knight beforehe pass out of this realm. "

Anon ran in one of Sir Segwarides' squires, and told that his master wassore wounded, and at the point of death. When Sir Tristram heard that, hewas soon armed and on his horse, and Governale, his servant, followed himwith shield and spear. 

And as he rode, he met his cousin Sir Andret, who had been commanded byKing Mark to bring home to him two knights of King Arthur's court whoroamed the country thereabouts seeking adventures. 

"What tidings?" said Sir Tristram. 

"God help me, never worse, " replied his cousin; "for those I went to bringhave beaten and defeated me, and set my message at naught. "

"Fair cousin, " said Sir Tristram, "ride ye on your way, perchance if Ishould meet them ye may be revenged. "

So Sir Andret rode into Cornwall, but Sir Tristram rode after the twoknights who had misused him, namely, Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and SirDodinas le Savage. And before long he saw them but a little way beforehim. 

"Sir, " said Governale, "by my advice thou wilt leave them alone, for theybe two well-proved knights of Arthur's court. "

"Shall I not therefore rather meet them?" said Sir Tristram, and, ridingswiftly after them, he called to them to stop, and asked them whence theycame, and whither they were going, and what they were doing in thosemarches. 

Sir Sagramour looked haughtily at Sir Tristram, and made mocking of hiswords, and said, "Fair knight, be ye a knight of Cornwall?"

"Wherefore askest thou that?" said Tristram. 

"Truly, because it is full seldom seen, " replied Sir Sagramour, "thatCornish knights are valiant with their arms as with their tongues. It isbut two hours since there met us such a Cornish knight, who spoke greatwords with might and prowess, but anon, with little mastery, he was laidon earth, as I trow wilt thou be also. "

"Fair lords, " said Sir Tristram, "it may chance I be a better man than he;but, be that as it may, he was my cousin, and for his sake I will assailye both; one Cornish knight against ye two. "

When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard this speech, he caught at his spear andsaid, "Sir knight, keep well thyself;" and then they parted and cametogether as it had been thunder, and Sir Dodinas' spear split asunder; butSir Tristram smote him with so full a stroke as hurled him over hishorse's crupper, and nearly brake his neck. Sir Sagramour, seeing hisfellow's fall, marvelled who this new knight might be, and dressed hisspear, and came against Sir Tristram as a whirlwind; but Sir Tristramsmote him a mighty buffet, and rolled him with his horse down on theground; and in the falling he brake his thigh. 

Then, looking at them both as they lay grovelling on the grass, SirTristram said, "Fair knights, will ye joust any more? Are there no biggerknights in King Arthur's court? Will ye soon again speak shame of Cornishknights?"

"Thou hast defeated us, in truth, " replied Sir Sagramour, "and on thefaith of knighthood I require thee tell us thy right name?"

"Ye charge me by a great thing, " said Sir Tristram, "and I will answerye. "

And when they heard his name the two knights were right glad that they hadmet Sir Tristram, for his deeds were known through all the land, and theyprayed him to abide in their company. 

"Nay, " said he, "I must find a fellow-knight of yours, Sir Bleoberis deGanis, whom I seek. "

"God speed you well, " said the two knights; and Sir Tristram rode away. 

Soon he saw before him in a valley Sir Bleoberis with Sir Segwarides' wiferiding behind his squire upon a palfrey. At that he cried out aloud, "Abide, Sir knight of King Arthur's court, bring back again that lady ordeliver her to me. "

"I will not, " said Bleoberis, "for I dread no Cornish knight. "

"Why, " said Sir Tristram, "may not a Cornish knight do well as any other?This day, but three miles back, two knights of thy own court met me, andfound one Cornish knight enough for both before we parted. "

"What were their names?" said Sir Bleoberis. 

"Sir Sagramour le Desirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage, " said Sir Tristram. 

"Ah, " said Sir Bleoberis, amazed; "hast thou then met with them? By myfaith, they were two good knights and men of worship, and if thou hastbeat both thou must needs be a good knight; but for all that thou shaltbeat me also ere thou hast this lady. "

"Defend thee, then, " cried out Sir Tristram, and came upon him swiftlywith his spear in rest. But Sir Bleoberis was as swift as he, and eachbore down the other, horse and all, on to the earth. 

Then they sprang clear of their horses, and lashed together full eagerlyand mightily with their swords, tracing and traversing on the right handand on the left more than two hours, and sometimes rushing together withsuch fury that they both lay grovelling on the ground. At last SirBleoberis started back and said, "Now, gentle knight, hold hard awhile, and let us speak together. "

"Say on, " said Sir Tristram, "and I will answer thee. "

"Sir, " said Sir Bleoberis, "I would know thy name, and court, andcountry. "

"I have no shame to tell them, " said Sir Tristram. "I am King Meliodas'son, and my mother was sister to King Mark, from whose court I now come. My name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse. " "Truly, " said Sir Bleoberis, "I amright glad to hear it, for thou art he that slew Sir Marhaus hand-to-hand, fighting for the Cornish tribute; and overcame Sir Palomedes at the greatIrish tournament, where also thou didst overthrow Sir Gawain and his ninecompanions. "

"I am that knight, " said Sir Tristram, "and now I pray thee tell me thyname. "

"I am Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, cousin of Sir Lancelot of the Lake, one ofthe best knights in all the world, " he answered. 

"Thou sayest truth, " said Sir Tristram; "for Sir Lancelot, as all menknow, is peerless in courtesy and knighthood, and for the great love Ibear to his name I will not willingly fight more with thee his kinsman. "

"In good faith, sir, " said Sir Bleoberis, "I am as loth to fight theemore; but since thou hast followed me to win this lady, I proffer theekindness, courtesy, and gentleness; this lady shall be free to go withwhich of us she pleaseth best. "

"I am content, " said Sir Tristram, "for I doubt not she will come to me. "

"That shalt thou shortly prove, " said he, and called his squire, and setthe lady in the midst between them, who forthwith walked to Sir Bleoberisand elected to abide with him. Which, when Sir Tristram saw, he was inwondrous anger with her, and felt that he could scarce for shame return toKing Mark's court. But Sir Bleoberis said, "Hearken to me, good knight, Sir Tristram, because King Mark gave me free choice of any gift, andbecause this lady chose to go with me, I took her; but now I havefulfilled my quest and my adventure, and for thy sake she shall be sentback to her husband at the abbey where he lieth. "

So Sir Tristram rode back to Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis to the abbeywhere Sir Segwarides lay wounded, and there delivered up his lady, anddeparted as a noble knight. 

After this adventure Sir Tristram abode still at his uncle's court, tillin the envy of his heart King Mark devised a plan to be rid of him. So ona certain day he desired him to depart again for Ireland, and there demandLa Belle Isault on his behalf, to be his queen--for ever had Sir Tristrampraised her beauty and her goodness, till King Mark desired to wed her forhimself. Moreover, he believed his nephew surely would be slain by thequeen's kindred if he once were found again in Ireland. 

But Sir Tristram, scorning fear, made ready to depart, and took with himthe noblest knights that could be found, arrayed in the richest fashion. 

And when they were come to Ireland, upon a certain day Sir Tristram gavehis uncle's message, and King Anguish consented thereto. 

But when La Belle Isault was told the tidings she was very sorrowful andloth--yet made she ready to set forth with Sir Tristram, and took with herDame Bragwaine, her chief gentlewoman. Then the queen gave Dame Bragwaine, and Governale, Sir Tristram's servant, a little flask, and charged themthat La Belle Isault and King Mark should both drink of it on theirmarriage day, and then should they surely love each other all their lives. 

Anon, Sir Tristram and Isault, with a great company, took the sea anddeparted. And so it chanced that one day sitting in their cabin they wereathirst, and saw a little flask of gold which seemed to hold good wine. SoSir Tristram took it up, and said, "Fair lady, this looketh to be the bestof wines, and your maid, Dame Bragwaine, and my servant, Governale, havekept it for themselves. " Thereat they both laughed merrily, and drank eachafter other from the flask, and never before had they tasted any winewhich seemed so good and sweet. But by the time they had finished drinkingthey loved each other so well that their love nevermore might leave themfor weal or woe. And thus it came to pass that though Sir Tristram mightnever wed La Belle Isault, he did the mightiest deeds of arms for her sakeonly all his life. 

[Illustration: By the time they had finished drinking they loved eachother so well that their love never more might leave them. ]

Then they sailed onwards till they came to a castle called Pluere, wherethey would have rested. But anon there ran forth a great company and tookthem prisoners. And when they were in prison, Sir Tristram asked a knightand lady whom they found therein wherefore they were so shamefully dealtwith; "for, " said he, "it was never the custom of any place of honour thatI ever came unto to seize a knight and lady asking shelter and thrust theminto prison, and a full evil and discourteous custom is it. "

"Sir, " said the knight, "know ye not that this is called the CastlePluere, or the weeping castle, and that it is an ancient custom here thatwhatsoever knight abideth in it must needs fight the lord of it, SirBrewnor, and he that is the weakest shall lose his head. And if the ladyhe hath with him be less fair than the lord's wife, she shall lose herhead; but if she be fairer, then must the lady of the castle lose herhead. "

"Now Heaven help me, " said Sir Tristram, "but this is a foul and shamefulcustom. Yet have I one advantage, for my lady is the fairest that dothlive in all the world, so that I nothing fear for her; and as for me, Iwill full gladly fight for my own head in a fair field. "

Then said the knight, "Look ye be up betimes to-morrow, and make you readyand your lady. "

And on the morrow came Sir Brewnor to Sir Tristram, and put him and Isaultforth out of prison, and brought him a horse and armour, and bade him makeready, for all the commons and estates of that lordship waited in thefield to see and judge the battle. 

Then Sir Brewnor, holding his lady by the hand, all muffled, came forth, and Sir Tristram went to meet him with La Belle Isault beside him, muffledalso. Then said Sir Brewnor, "Sir knight, if thy lady be fairer than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady's head; but if my lady be fairer thanthine, with my sword I will smite off thy lady's head. And if I overcomethee thy lady shall be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head. "

"Sir knight, " replied Sir Tristram, "this is a right foul and feloncustom, and rather than my lady shall lose her head will I lose my own. "

"Nay, " said Sir Brewnor, "but the ladies shall be now compared togetherand judgment shall be had. "

"I consent not, " cried Sir Tristram, "for who is here that will giverightful judgment? Yet doubt not that my lady is far fairer than thineown, and that will I prove and make good. " Therewith Sir Tristram liftedup the veil from off La Belle Isault, and stood beside her with his nakedsword drawn in his hand. 

Then Sir Brewnor unmuffled his lady and did in like manner. But when hesaw La Belle Isault he knew that none could be so fair, and all therepresent gave their judgment so. Then said Sir Tristram, "Because thou andthy lady have long used this evil custom, and have slain many good knightsand ladies, it were a just thing to destroy thee both. "

"In good sooth, " said Sir Brewnor, "thy lady is fairer than mine, and ofall women I never saw any so fair. Therefore, slay my lady if thou wilt, and I doubt not but I shall slay thee and have thine. "

"Thou shalt win her, " said Sir Tristram, "as dearly as ever knight wonlady; and because of thy own judgment and of the evil custom that thy ladyhath consented to, I will slay her as thou sayest. "

And therewithal Sir Tristram went to him and took his lady from him, andsmote off her head at a stroke. 

"Now take thy horse, " cried out Sir Brewnor, "for since I have lost mylady I will win thine and have thy life. "

So they took their horses and came together as fast as they could fly, andSir Tristram lightly smote Sir Brewnor from his horse. But he rose rightquickly, and when Sir Tristram came again he thrust his horse through boththe shoulders, so that it reeled and fell. But Sir Tristram was light andnimble, and voided his horse, and rose up and dressed his shield beforehim, though meanwhile, ere he could draw out his sword, Sir Brewnor gavehim three or four grievous strokes. Then they rushed furiously togetherlike two wild boars, and fought hurtling and hewing here and there fornigh two hours, and wounded each other full sorely. Then at the last SirBrewnor rushed upon Sir Tristram and took him in his arms to throw him, for he trusted greatly in his strength. But Sir Tristram was at that timecalled the strongest and biggest knight of the world; for he was biggerthan Sir Lancelot, though Sir Lancelot was better breathed. So anon hethrust Sir Brewnor grovelling to the earth, and then unlaced his helm andstruck off his head. Then all they that belonged to the castle came anddid him homage and fealty, and prayed him to abide there for a season andput an end to that foul custom. 

But within a while he departed and came to Cornwall, and there King Markwas forthwith wedded to La Belle Isault with great joy and splendour. 

And Sir Tristram had high honour, and ever lodged at the king's court. Butfor all he had done him such services King Mark hated him, and on acertain day he set two knights to fall upon him as he rode in the forest. But Sir Tristram lightly smote one's head off, and sorely wounded theother, and made him bear his fellow's body to the king. At that the kingdissembled and hid from Sir Tristram that the knights were sent by him;yet more than ever he hated him in secret, and sought to slay him. 

So on a certain day, by the assent of Sir Andret, a false knight, andforty other knights, Sir Tristram was taken prisoner in his sleep andcarried to a chapel on the rocks above the sea to be cast down. But asthey were about to cast him in, suddenly he brake his bonds asunder, andrushing at Sir Andret, took his sword and smote him down therewith. Then, leaping down the rocks where none could follow, he escaped them. But oneshot after him and wounded him full sorely with a poisoned arrow in thearm. 

Anon, his servant Governale, with Sir Lambegus sought him and found himsafe among the rocks, and told him that King Mark had banished him and allhis followers to avenge Sir Andret's death. So they took ship and came toBrittany. 

Now Sir Tristram, suffering great anguish from his wound, was told to seekIsoude, the daughter of the King of Brittany, for she alone could curesuch wounds. Wherefore he went to King Howell's court, and said, "Lord, Iam come into this country to have help from thy daughter, for men tell menone but she may help me. " And Isoude gladly offering to do her best, within a month he was made whole. 

While he abode still at that court, an earl named Grip made war upon KingHowell, and besieged him; and Sir Kay Hedius, the king's son, went forthagainst him, but was beaten in battle and sore wounded. Then the kingpraying Sir Tristram for his help, he took with him such knights as hecould find, and on the morrow, in another battle, did such deeds of armsthat all the land spake of him. For there he slew the earl with his ownhands, and more than a hundred knights besides. 

When he came back King Howell met him, and saluted him with every honourand rejoicing that could be thought of, and took him in his arms, andsaid, "Sir Tristram, all my kingdom will I resign to thee. "

"Nay, " answered he, "God forbid, for truly am I beholden to you for everfor your daughter's sake. "

Then the king prayed him to take Isoude in marriage, with a great dower oflands and castles. To this Sir Tristram presently consenting anon theywere wedded at the court. 

But within a while Sir Tristram greatly longed to see Cornwall, and SirKay Hedius desired to go with him. So they took ship; but as soon as theywere at sea the wind blew them upon the coast of North Wales, nigh toCastle Perilous, hard by a forest wherein were many strange adventuresofttimes to be met. Then said Sir Tristram to Sir Kay Hedius, "Let usprove some of them ere we depart. " So they took their horses and rodeforth. 

When they had ridden a mile or more, Sir Tristram spied a goodly knightbefore him well armed, who sat by a clear fountain with a strong horsenear him, tied to an oak-tree. "Fair sir, " said he, when they came near, "ye seem to be a knight errant by your arms and harness, therefore makeready now to joust with one of us, or both. "

Thereat the knight spake not, but took his shield and buckled it round hisneck, and leaping on his horse caught a spear from his squire's hand. 

Then said Sir Kay Hedius to Sir Tristram, "Let me assay him. "

"Do thy best, " said he. 

So the two knights met, and Sir Kay Hedius fell sorely wounded in thebreast. 

"Thou hast well jousted, " cried Sir Tristram to the knight; "now makeready for me!"

"I am ready, " answered he, and encountered him, and smote him so heavilythat he fell down from his horse. Whereat, being ashamed, he put hisshield before him, and drew his sword, crying to the strange knight to dolikewise. Then they fought on foot for well nigh two hours, till they wereboth weary. 

At last Sir Tristram said, "In all my life I never met a knight so strongand well-breathed as ye be. It were a pity we should further hurt eachother. Hold thy hand, fair knight, and tell me thy name. "

"That will I, " answered he, "if thou wilt tell me thine. "

"My name, " said he, "is Sir Tristram of Lyonesse. "

"And mine, Sir Lamoracke of Gaul. "

Then both cried out together, "Well met;" and Sir Lamoracke said, "Sir, for your great renown, I will that ye have all the worship of this battle, and therefore will I yield me unto you. " And therewith he took his swordby the point to yield him. 

"Nay, " said Sir Tristram, "ye shall not do so, for well I know ye do it ofcourtesy, and not of dread. " And therewith he offered his sword to SirLamoracke, saying, "Sir, as an overcome knight, I yield me unto you asunto the man of noblest powers I have ever met with. "

"Hold, " said Sir Lamoracke, "let us now swear together nevermore to fightagainst each other. "

Then did they swear as he said. 

Then Sir Tristram returned to Sir Kay Hedius, and when he was whole of hiswounds, they departed together in a ship, and landed on the coast ofCornwall. And when they came ashore, Sir Tristram eagerly sought news ofLa Belle Isault. And one told him in mistake that she was dead. Whereat, for sore and grievous sorrow, he fell down in a swoon, and so lay forthree days and nights. 

When he awoke therefrom he was crazed, and ran into the forest and abodethere like a wild man many days; whereby he waxed lean and weak of body, and would have died, but that a hermit laid some meat beside him as heslept. Now in that forest was a giant named Tauleas, who, for fear ofTristram, had hid himself within a castle, but when they told him he wasmad, came forth and went at large again. And on a certain day he saw aknight of Cornwall, named Sir Dinaunt, pass by with a lady, and when hehad alighted by a well to rest, the giant leaped out from his ambush, andtook him by the throat to slay him. But Sir Tristram, as he wanderedthrough the forest, came upon them as they struggled; and when the knightcried out for help, he rushed upon the giant, and taking up Sir Dinaunt'ssword, struck off therewith the giant's head, and straightway disappearedamong the trees. 

Anon, Sir Dinaunt took the head of Tauleas, and bare it with him to thecourt of King Mark, whither he was bound, and told of his adventures. "Where had ye this adventure?" said King Mark. 

"At a fair fountain in thy forest, " answered he. 

"I would fain see that wild man, " said the king. 

So within a day or two he commanded his knights to a great hunting in theforest. And when the king came to the well, he saw a wild man lying thereasleep, having a sword beside him; but he knew not that it was SirTristram. Then he blew his horn, and summoned all his knights to take himgently up and bear him to the court. 

And when they came thereto they bathed and washed him, and brought himsomewhat to his right mind. Now La Belle Isault knew not that Sir Tristramwas in Cornwall; but when she heard that a wild man had been found in theforest, she came to see him. And so sorely was he changed, she knew himnot. "Yet, " said she to Dame Bragwaine, "in good faith I seem to havebeheld him ofttimes before. "

As she thus spoke a little hound, which Sir Tristram had given her whenshe first came to Cornwall, and which was ever with her, saw Sir Tristramlying there, and leapt upon him, licking his hands and face, and whinedand barked for joy. 

"Alas, " cried out La Belle Isault, "it is my own true knight, SirTristram. "

And at her voice Sir Tristram's senses wholly came again, and wellnigh hewept for joy to see his lady living. 

But never would the hound depart from Tristram; and when King Mark andother knights came up to see him, it sat upon his body and bayed at allwho came too near. Then one of the knights said, "Surely this is SirTristram; I see it by the hound. "

"Nay, " said the king, "it cannot be, " and asked Sir Tristram on his faithwho he was. 

"My name, " said he, "is Sir Tristram of Lyonesse, and now ye may do whatye list with me. "

Then the king said, "It repents me that ye are recovered, " and sought tomake his barons slay him. But most of them would not assent thereto, andcounselled him instead to banish Tristram for ten years again fromCornwall, for returning without orders from the king. So he was sworn todepart forthwith. 

And as he went towards the ship a knight of King Arthur, named SirDinadan, who sought him, came and said, "Fair knight, ere that you passout of this country, I pray you joust with me!"

"With a good will, " said he. 

Then they ran together, and Sir Tristram lightly smote him from his horse. Anon he prayed Sir Tristram's leave to bear him company, and when he hadconsented they rode together to the ship. 

Then was Sir Tristram full of bitterness of heart, and said to all theknights who took him to the shore, "Greet well King Mark and all mineenemies from me, and tell them I will come again when I may. Well am I nowrewarded for slaying Sir Marhaus, and delivering this kingdom from itsbondage, and for the perils wherewithal I brought La Belle Isault fromIreland to the king, and rescued her at the Castle Pluere, and for theslaying of the giant Tauleas, and all the other deeds that I have done forCornwall and King Mark. " Thus angrily and passing bitterly he spake, andwent his way. 

And after sailing awhile the ship stayed at a landing-place upon the coastof Wales; and there Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan alighted, and on theshore they met two knights, Sir Ector and Sir Bors. And Sir Ectorencountered with Sir Dinadan and smote him to the ground; but Sir Borswould not encounter with Sir Tristram, "For, " said he, "no Cornish knightsare men of worship. " Thereat Sir Tristram was full wroth, but presentlythere met them two more knights, Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant; and SirBleoberis proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, who shortly smote himdown. 

"I had not thought, " cried out Sir Bors, "that any Cornish knight could doso valiantly. "

Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan departed, and rode into a forest, and asthey rode a damsel met them, who for Sir Lancelot's sake was seeking anynoble knights to rescue him. For Queen Morgan le Fay, who hated him, hadordered thirty men-at-arms to lie in ambush for him as he passed, with theintent to kill him. So the damsel prayed them to rescue him. 

Then said Sir Tristram, "Bring me to that place, fair damsel. "

But Sir Dinadan cried out, "It is not possible for us to meet with thirtyknights! I will take no part in such a hardihood, for to match one or twoor three knights is enough; but to match fifteen I will never assay. "

"For shame, " replied Sir Tristram, "do but your part. "

"That will I not, " said he; "wherefore, I pray ye, lend me your shield, for it is of Cornwall, and because men of that country are deemed cowards, ye are but little troubled as ye ride with knights to joust with. "

"Nay, " said Sir Tristram, "I will never give my shield up for her sake whogave it me; but if thou wilt not stand by me to-day I will surely slaythee; for I ask no more of thee than to fight one knight, and if thy heartwill not serve thee that much, thou shalt stand by and look on me andthem. "

"Would God that I had never met with ye!" cried Sir Dinadan; "but Ipromise to look on and do all that I may to save myself. "

Anon they came to where the thirty knights lay waiting, and Sir Tristramrushed upon them, saying, "Here is one who fights for love of Lancelot!"Then slew he two of them at the first onset with his spear, and ten moreswiftly after with his sword. At that Sir Dinadan took courage, andassailed the others with him, till they turned and fled. 

But Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode on till nightfall, and meeting witha shepherd, asked him if he knew of any lodging thereabouts. 

"Truly, fair lords, " said he, "there is good lodging in a castle hard by, but it is a custom there that none shall lodge therein save ye first joustwith two knights, and as soon as ye be within, ye shall find your match. "

"That is an evil lodging, " said Sir Dinadan; "lodge where ye will, I willnot lodge there. "

"Shame on thee!" said Sir Tristram; "art thou a knight at all?"

Then he required him on his knighthood to go with him, and they rodetogether to the castle. As soon as they were near, two knights came outand ran full speed against them; but both of them they overthrew, and wentwithin the castle, and had noble cheer. Now, when they were unarmed andready to take rest, there came to the castle-gate two knights, SirPalomedes and Sir Gaheris, and desired the custom of the castle. 

"I would far rather rest than fight, " said Sir Dinadan. 

"That may not be, " replied Sir Tristram, "for we must needs defend thecustom of the castle, seeing we have overcome its lords; therefore, makeready. "

"Alas that I ever came into your company, " said Sir Dinadan. 

So they made ready, and Sir Gaheris encountered Sir Tristram and fellbefore him; but Sir Palomedes overthrew Sir Dinadan. Then would all fighton foot save Sir Dinadan, for he was sorely bruised and frighted by hisfall. And when Sir Tristram prayed him to fight, "I will not, " answeredhe, "for I was wounded by those thirty knights with whom we fought thismorning; and as to you, ye are in truth like one gone mad, and who wouldcast himself away! There be but two knights in the world so mad, and theother is Sir Lancelot, with whom I once rode forth, who kept me evermoreat battling so that for a quarter of a year thereafter I lay in my bed. Heaven defend me again from either of your fellowships!"

"Well, " said Sir Tristram, "if it must be, I will fight them both. "

Therewith he drew his sword and assailed Sir Palomedes and Sir Gaheristogether; but Sir Palomedes said, "Nay, but it is a shame for two to fightwith one. " So he bade Sir Gaheris stand by, and he and Sir Tristram foughtlong together; but in the end Sir Tristram drave him backward, whereat SirGaheris and Sir Dinadan with one accord sundered them. Then Sir Tristramprayed the two knights to lodge there; but Sir Dinadan departed and rodeaway into a priory hard by, and there he lodged that night. 

And on the morrow came Sir Tristram to the priory to find him, and seeinghim so weary that he could not ride, he left him, and departed. At thatsame priory was lodged Sir Pellinore, who asked Sir Dinadan Sir Tristram'sname, but could not learn it, for Sir Tristram had charged that he shouldremain unknown. Then said Sir Pellinore, "Since ye will not tell it me, Iwill ride after him and find it myself. "

"Beware, Sir knight, " said Sir Dinadan, "ye will repent it if ye followhim. "

But Sir Pellinore straightway mounted and overtook him, and cried to himto joust; whereat Sir Tristram forthwith turned and smote him down, andwounded him full sorely in the shoulder. 

On the day after, Sir Tristram met a herald, who told him of a tournamentproclaimed between King Carados of Scotland, and the King of North Wales, to be held at the Maiden's Castle. Now King Carados sought Sir Lancelot tofight there on his side, and the King of North Wales sought Sir Tristram. And Sir Tristram purposed to be there. So as he rode, he met Sir Key, theseneschal, and Sir Sagramour, and Sir Key proffered to joust with him. Buthe refused, desiring to keep himself unwearied for the tourney. Then SirKey cried, "Sir knight of Cornwall, joust with me, or yield as recreant. "When Sir Tristram heard that, he fiercely turned and set his spear inrest, and spurred his horse towards him. But when Sir Key saw him so madlycoming on, he in his turn refused, whereat Sir Tristram called him coward, till for shame he was compelled to meet him. Then Sir Tristram lightlysmote him down, and rode away. But Sir Sagramour pursued him, cryingloudly to joust with him also. So Sir Tristram turned and quicklyoverthrew him likewise, and departed. 

Anon a damsel met him as he rode, and told him of a knight adventurous whodid great harm thereby, and prayed him for his help. But as he went withher he met Sir Gawain, who knew the damsel for a maiden of Queen Morgan leFay. Knowing, therefore, that she needs must have evil plots against SirTristram, Sir Gawain demanded of him courteously whither he went. 

"I know not whither, " said he, "save as this damsel leadeth me. "

"Sir, " said Sir Gawain, "ye shall not ride with her, for she and her ladynever yet did good to any;" and, drawing his sword, he said to thedamsel, "Tell me now straightway for what cause thou leadest this knightor else shalt thou die; for I know of old thy lady's treason. "

"Mercy, Sir Gawain, " cried the damsel, "and I will tell thee all. " Thenshe told him that Queen Morgan had ordained thirty fair damsels to seekout Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram, and by their wiles persuade them to hercastle, where she had thirty knights in wait to slay them. 

"Oh shame!" cried Sir Gawain, "that ever such foul treason should bewrought by a queen, and a king's sister. " Then said he to Sir Tristram, "Sir knight, if ye will stand with me, we will together prove the maliceof these thirty knights. "

"I will not fail you, " answered he, "for but few days since I had to dowith thirty knights of that same queen, and trust we may win honour aslightly now as then. "

So they rode together, and when they came to the castle, Sir Gawain criedaloud, "Queen Morgan le Fay, send out thy knights that we may fight withthem. "

Then the queen urged her knights to issue forth, but they durst not, forthey well knew Sir Tristram, and feared him greatly. 

So Sir Tristram and Sir Gawain went on their way, and as they rode theysaw a knight, named Sir Brewse-without-pity, chasing a lady, with intentto slay her. Then Sir Gawain prayed Sir Tristram to hold still and let himassail that knight. So he rode up between Sir Brewse and the lady, andcried, "False knight, turn thee to me and leave that lady. " Then SirBrewse turned and set his spear in rest, and rushed against Sir Gawainand overthrew him, and rode his horse upon him as he lay, which when SirTristram saw, he cried, "Forbear that villainy, " and galloped at him. Butwhen Sir Brewse saw by the shield it was Sir Tristram, he turned and fled. And though Sir Tristram followed swiftly after him, yet he was so wellhorsed that he escaped. 

Anon Sir Tristram and Sir Gawain came nigh the Maiden's Castle, and therean old knight named Sir Pellonnes gave them lodging. And Sir Persides, theson of Sir Pellonnes, a good knight, came out to welcome them. And, asthey stood talking at a bay window of the castle, they saw a goodly knightride by on a black horse, and carrying a black shield. "What knight isthat?" asked Tristram. 

"One of the best knights in all the world, " said Sir Persides. 

"Is he Sir Lancelot?" said Sir Tristram. 

"Nay, " answered Sir Persides, "it is Sir Palomedes, who is yetunchristened. "

Within a while one came and told them that a knight with a black shieldhad smitten down thirteen knights. "Let us go and see this jousting, " saidSir Tristram. So they armed themselves and went down. And when SirPalomedes saw Sir Persides, he sent a squire to him and proffered him tojoust. So they jousted, and Sir Persides was overthrown. Then Sir Tristrammade ready to joust, but ere he had his spear in rest, Sir Palomedes tookhim at advantage, and struck him on the shield so that he fell. At thatSir Tristram was wroth out of measure and sore ashamed, wherefore he senta squire and prayed Sir Palomedes to joust once again. But he would not, saying, "Tell thy master to revenge himself to-morrow at the Maiden'sCastle, where he shall see me again. "

So on the morrow Sir Tristram commanded his servant to give him a blackshield with no cognizance thereon, and he and Sir Persides rode into thetournament and joined King Carados' side. 

Then the knights of the King of North Wales came forth, and there was agreat fighting and breaking of spears, and overthrow of men and horses. 

Now King Arthur sat above in a high gallery to see the tourney and givethe judgment, and Sir Lancelot sat beside him. Then came against SirTristram and Sir Persides, two knights with them of North Wales, SirBleoberis and Sir Gaheris; and Sir Persides was smitten down and nighslain, for four horsemen rode over him. But Sir Tristram rode against SirGaheris and smote him from his horse, and when Sir Bleoberis nextencountered him, he overthrew him also. Anon they horsed themselves again, and with them came Sir Dinadan, whom Sir Tristram forthwith smote sosorely, that he reeled off his saddle. Then cried he, "Ah! Sir knight, Iknow ye better than ye deem, and promise nevermore to come against ye. "Then rode Sir Bleoberis at him the second time, and had a buffet thatfelled him to the earth. And soon thereafter the king commanded to ceasefor that day, and all men marvelled who Sir Tristram was, for the prize ofthe first day was given him in the name of the Knight of the Black Shield. 

Now Sir Palomedes was on the side of the King of North Wales, but knew notSir Tristram again. And, when he saw his marvellous deeds, he sent to askhis name. "As to that, " said Sir Tristram, "he shall not know at thistime, but tell him he shall know when I have broken two spears upon him, for I am the knight he smote down yesterday, and whatever side he taketh, I will take the other. "

So when they told him that Sir Palomedes would be on King Carados'side--for he was kindred to King Arthur--"Then will I be on the King ofNorth Wales' side, " said he, "but else would I be on my lord KingArthur's. "

Then on the morrow, when King Arthur was come, the heralds blew unto thetourney. And King Carados jousted with the King of a Hundred Knights andfell before him, and then came in King Arthur's knights and bare backthose of North Wales. But anon Sir Tristram came to aid them and bare backthe battle, and fought so mightily that none could stand against him, forhe smote down on the right and on the left, so that all the knights andcommon people shouted his praise. 

"Since I bare arms, " said King Arthur, "never saw I a knight do moremarvellous deeds. "

Then the King of the Hundred Knights and those of North Wales, set upontwenty knights who were of Sir Lancelot's kin, who fought all together, none failing the others. When Sir Tristram beheld their nobleness andvalour, he marvelled much. "Well may he be valiant and full of prowess, "said he, "who hath such noble knights for kindred. " So, when he had lookedon them awhile, he thought it shame to see two hundred men assailingtwenty, and riding to the King of a Hundred Knights, he said, "I praythee, Sir king, leave your fighting with those twenty knights, for ye betoo many and they be too few. For ye shall gain no honour if ye win, andthat I see verily ye will not do unless ye slay them; but if ye will notstay, I will ride with them and help them. "

"Nay, " said the king, "ye shall not do so; for full gladly I will do youcourtesy, " and with that he withdrew his knights. 

Then Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, that no man might knowhim. And King Arthur caused the heralds to blow that the tourney shouldend that day, and he gave the King of North Wales the prize, because SirTristram was on his side. And in all the field there was such a cry thatthe sound thereof was heard two miles away--"The knight with the blackshield hath won the field. "

"Alas!" said King Arthur, "where is that knight? it is shame to let himthus escape us. " Then he comforted his knights, and said, "Be notdismayed, my friends, howbeit ye have lost the day; be of good cheer;to-morrow I myself will be in the field, and fare with you. " So they allrested that night. 

And on the morrow the heralds blew unto the field. So the King of NorthWales and the King of a Hundred Knights encountered with King Carados andthe King of Ireland, and overthrew them. With that came King Arthur, anddid mighty deeds of arms, and overthrew the King of North Wales and hisfellows, and put twenty valiant knights to the worse. Anon came in SirPalomedes, and made great fight upon King Arthur's side. But Sir Tristramrode furiously against him, and Sir Palomedes was thrown from his horse. Then cried King Arthur, "Knight of the Black Shield, keep thyself. " And ashe spake he came upon him, and smote him from his saddle to the ground, and so passed on to other knights. Then Sir Palomedes having now anotherhorse rushed at Sir Tristram, as he was on foot, thinking to run over him. But he was aware of him, and stepped aside, and grasped Sir Palomedes bythe arms, and pulled him off his horse. Then they rushed together withtheir swords, and many stood still to gaze on them. And Sir Tristram smoteSir Palomedes with three mighty strokes upon the helm, crying at eachstroke, "Take this for Sir Tristram's sake, " and with that Sir Palomedesfell to the earth. 

Anon the King of North Wales brought Sir Tristram another horse, and SirPalomedes found one also. Then did they joust again with passing rage, forboth by now were like mad lions. But Sir Tristram avoided his spear, andseized Sir Palomedes by the neck, and pulled him from his saddle, and borehim onward ten spears' length, and so let him fall. Then King Arthur drewforth his sword and smote the spear asunder, and gave Sir Tristram two orthree sore strokes ere he could get at his own sword. But when he had itin his hand he mightily assailed the king. With that eleven knights ofLancelot's kin went forth against him, but he smote them all down to theearth, so that men marvelled at his deeds. 

And the cry was now so great that Sir Lancelot got a spear in his hand, and came down to assay Sir Tristram, saying, "Knight with the blackshield, make ready. " When Sir Tristram heard him he levelled his spear, and both stooping their heads, they ran together mightily, as it had beenthunder. And Sir Tristram's spear brake short, but Sir Lancelot struck himwith a deep wound in the side and broke his spear, yet overthrew him not. Therewith Sir Tristram, smarting at his wound, drew forth his sword, andrushing at Sir Lancelot, gave him mighty strokes upon the helm, so thatthe sparks flew from it, and Sir Lancelot stooped his head down to thesaddle-bow. But then Sir Tristram turned and left the field, for he felthis wound so grievous that he deemed he should soon die. Then did SirLancelot hold the field against all comers, and put the King of NorthWales and his party to the worse. And because he was the last knight inthe field the prize was given him. 

But he refused to take it, and when the cry was raised, "Sir Lancelot hathwon the day, " he cried out, "Nay, but Sir Tristram is the victor, for hefirst began and last endured, and so hath he done each day. " And all menhonoured Lancelot more for his knightly words than if he had taken theprize. 

Thus was the tournament ended, and King Arthur departed to Caerleon, forthe Whitsun feast was now nigh come, and all the knights adventurous wenttheir ways. And many sought Sir Tristram in the forest whither he hadgone, and at last Sir Lancelot found him, and brought him to King Arthur'scourt, as hath been told already. 

CHAPTER XII

_The Quest of the Sangreal, and the Adventures of Sir Percival, Sir Bors, and Sir Galahad_

After these things, Merlin fell into a dotage of love for a damsel of theLady of the Lake, and would let her have no rest, but followed her inevery place. And ever she encouraged him, and made him welcome till shehad learned all his crafts that she desired to know. 

Then upon a time she went with him beyond the sea to the land of Benwicke, and as they went he showed her many wonders, till at length she wasafraid, and would fain have been delivered from him. 

And as they were in the forest of Broceliande, they sat together under anoak-tree, and the damsel prayed to see all that charm whereby men might beshut up yet alive in rocks or trees. But he refused her a long time, fearing to let her know, yet in the end, her prayers and kisses overcamehim, and he told her all. Then did she make him great cheer, but anon, ashe lay down to sleep, she softly rose, and walked about him waving herhands and muttering the charm, and presently enclosed him fast within thetree whereby he slept. And therefrom nevermore he could by any means comeout for all the crafts that he could do. And so she departed and leftMerlin. 

[Illustration: Waving her hands and muttering the charm, and presentlyenclosed him fast within the tree. ]

At the vigil of the next Feast of Pentecost, when all the Knights of theRound Table were met together at Camelot, and had heard mass, and wereabout to sit down to meat, there rode into the hall a fair lady onhorseback, who went straight up to King Arthur where he sat upon histhrone, and reverently saluted him. 

"God be with thee, fair damsel, " quoth the king; "what desirest thou ofme?"

"I pray thee tell me, lord, " she answered, "where Sir Lancelot is. "

"Yonder may ye see him, " said King Arthur. 

Then went she to Sir Lancelot and said, "Sir, I salute thee in KingPelles' name, and require thee to come with me into the forest hereby. "

Then asked he her with whom she dwelt, and what she wished of him. 

"I dwell with King Pelles, " said she, "whom Balin erst so sorely woundedwhen he smote the dolorous stroke. It is he who hath sent me to callthee. "

"I will go with thee gladly, " said Sir Lancelot, and bade his squirestraightway saddle his horse and bring his armour. 

Then came the queen to him and said, "Sir Lancelot, will ye leave me thusat this high feast?"

"Madam, " replied the damsel, "by dinner-time to-morrow he shall be withyou. "

"If I thought not, " said the queen, "he should not go with thee by mygoodwill. "

Then Sir Lancelot and the lady rode forth till they came to the forest, and in a valley thereof found an abbey of nuns, whereby a squire stoodready to open the gates. When they had entered, and descended from theirhorses, a joyful crowd pressed round Sir Lancelot and heartily salutedhim, and led him to the abbess's chamber, and unarmed him. Anon he saw hiscousins likewise there, Sir Bors and Sir Lionel, who also made great joyat seeing him, and said, "By what adventure art thou here, for we thoughtto have seen thee at Camelot to-morrow?"

"A damsel brought me here, " said he, "but as yet I know not for whatservice. "

As they thus talked twelve nuns came in, who brought with them a youth sopassing fair and well made, that in all the world his match could not befound. His name was Galahad, and though he knew him not, nor Lancelot him, Sir Lancelot was his father. 

"Sir, " said the nuns, "we bring thee here this child whom we havenourished from his youth, and pray thee to make him a knight, for from noworthier hand can he receive that order. "

Then Sir Lancelot, looking on the youth, saw that he was seemly and demureas a dove, with every feature good and noble, and thought he never hadbeheld a better fashioned man of his years. "Cometh this desire fromhimself?" said he. 

"Yea, " answered Galahad and all the nuns. 

"To-morrow, then, in reverence for the feast, he shall have his wish, "said Sir Lancelot. 

And the next day at the hour of prime, he knighted him, and said, "Godmake of thee as good a man as He hath made thee beautiful. "

Then with Sir Lionel and Sir Bors he returned to the court, and found allgone to the minster to hear service. When they came into the banquet-halleach knight and baron found his name written in some seat in letters ofgold, as "here ought to sit Sir Lionel, " "here ought to sit SirGawain, "--and so forth. And in the Perilous Seat, at the high centre ofthe table, a name was also written, whereat they marvelled greatly, for noliving man had ever yet dared sit upon that seat, save one, and him aflame leaped forth and drew down under earth, so that he was no more seen. 

Then came Sir Lancelot and read the letters in that seat, and said, "Mycounsel is that this inscription be now covered up until the knight become who shall achieve this great adventure. " So they made a veil of silkand put it over the letters. 

In the meanwhile came Sir Gawain to the court and told the king he had amessage to him from beyond the sea, from Merlin. 

"For, " said he, "as I rode through the forest of Broceliande but five dayssince, I heard the voice of Merlin speaking to me from the midst of anoak-tree, whereat, in great amazement, I besought him to come forth. Buthe, with many groans, replied he never more might do so, for that nonecould free him, save the damsel of the Lake, who had enclosed him there byhis own spells which he had taught her. 'But go, ' said he, 'to KingArthur, and tell him, that he now prepare his knights and all his TableRound to seek the Sangreal, for the time is come when it shall beachieved. '"

When Sir Gawain had spoken thus, King Arthur sat pensive in spirit, andmused deeply of the Holy Grale an what saintly knight should come whomight achieve it. 

Anon he bade them hasten to set on the banquet. "Sir, " said Sir Key, theseneschal, "if ye go now to meat ye will break the ancient custom of yourcourt, for never have ye dined at this high feast till ye have seen somestrange adventure. "

"Thou sayest truly, " said the king, "but my mind was full of wonders andmusings, till I bethought me not of mine old custom. "

As they stood speaking thus, a squire ran in and cried, "Lord, I bringthee marvellous tidings. "

"What be they?" said King Arthur. 

"Lord, " said he, "hereby at the river is a marvellous great stone, which Imyself saw swim down hitherwards upon the water, and in it there is set asword, and ever the stone heaveth and swayeth on the water, but floatethdown no further with the stream. "

"I will go and see it, " said the king. So all the knights went with him, and when they came to the river, there surely found they a mighty stone ofred marble floating on the water, as the squire had said, and thereinstuck a fair and rich sword, on the pommel whereof were precious stoneswrought skilfully with gold into these words: "No man shall take me hencebut he by whose side I should hang, and he shall be the best knight in theworld. "

When the king read this, he turned round to Sir Lancelot, and said, "Fairsir, this sword ought surely to be thine, for thou art the best knight inall the world. "

But Lancelot answered soberly, "Certainly, sir, it is not for me; nor willI have the hardihood to set my hand upon it. For he that toucheth it andfaileth to achieve it shall one day be wounded by it mortally. But I doubtnot, lord, this day will show the greatest marvels that we yet have seen, for now the time is fully come, as Merlin hath forewarned us, when all theprophecies about the Sangreal shall be fulfilled. "

Then stepped Sir Gawain forward and pulled at the sword, but could notmove it, and after him Sir Percival, to keep him fellowship in any perilhe might suffer. But no other knight durst be so hardy as to try. 

"Now may ye go to your dinner, " said Sir Key, "for a marvellous adventureye have had. "

So all returned from the river, and every knight sat down in his ownplace, and the high feast and banquet then was sumptuously begun, and allthe hall was full of laughter and loud talk and jests, and running to andfro of squires who served their knights, and noise of jollity and mirth. 

Then suddenly befell a wondrous thing, for all the doors and windows ofthe hall shut violently of themselves, and made thick darkness; andpresently there came a fair and gentle light from out the Perilous Seat, and filled the palace with its beams. Then a dead silence fell on all theknights, and each man anxiously beheld his neighbour. 

But King Arthur rose and said, "Lords and fair knights, have ye no fear, but rejoice; we have seen strange things to-day, but stranger yet remain. For now I know we shall to-day see him who may sit in the Siege Perilous, and shall achieve the Sangreal. For as ye all well know, that holy vessel, wherefrom at the Supper of our Lord before His death He drank the winewith His disciples, hath been held ever since the holiest treasure of theworld, and wheresoever it hath rested peace and prosperity have restedwith it on the land. But since the dolorous stroke which Balin gave KingPelles none have seen it, for Heaven, wroth with that presumptuous blow, hath hid it none know where. Yet somewhere in the world it still may be, and may be it is left to us, and to this noble order of the Table Round, to find and bring it home, and make of this our realm the happiest in theearth. Many great quests and perilous adventures have ye all taken andachieved, but this high quest he only shall attain who hath clean handsand a pure heart, and valour and hardihood beyond all othermen. "

While the king spoke there came in softly an old man robed all in white, leading with him a young knight clad in red from top to toe, but withoutarmour or shield, and having by his side an empty scabbard. 

The old man went up to the king, and said, "Lord, here I bring thee thisyoung knight of royal lineage, and of the blood of Joseph of Arimathea, bywhom the marvels of thy court shall fully be accomplished. "

The king was right glad at his words, and said, "Sir, ye be right heartilywelcome, and the young knight also. "

Then the old man put on Sir Galahad (for it was he) a crimson robe trimmedwith fine ermine, and took him by the hand and led him to the PerilousSeat, and lifting up the silken cloth which hung upon it, read these wordswritten in gold letters, "This is the seat of Sir Galahad, the goodknight. "

"Sir, " said the old man, "this place is thine. "

Then sat Sir Galahad down firmly and surely, and said to the old man, "Sir, ye may now go your way, for ye have done well and truly all ye werecommanded, and commend me to my grandsire, King Pelles, and say that Ishall see him soon. " So the old man departed with a retinue of twentynoble squires. 

But all the knights of the Round Table marvelled at Sir Galahad, and athis tender age, and at his sitting there so surely in the Perilous Seat. 

Then the king led Sir Galahad forth from the palace, to show him theadventure of the floating stone. "Here" said he, "is as great a marvel asI ever saw, and right good knights have tried and failed to gain thatsword. "

"I marvel not thereat, " said Galahad, "for this adventure is not theirs, but mine; and for the certainty I had thereof, I brought no sword with me, as thou mayst see here by this empty scabbard. "

Anon he laid his hand upon the sword, and lightly drew it from the stone, and put it in his sheath, and said, "This sword was that enchanted onewhich erst belonged to the good knight, Sir Balin, wherewith he slewthrough piteous mistake his brother Balan; who also slew him at the sametime: all which great woe befell him through the dolorous stroke he gavemy grandsire, King Pelles, the wound whereof is not yet whole, nor shallbe till I heal him. "

As he stood speaking thus, they saw a lady riding swiftly down the river'sbank towards them, on a white palfrey; who, saluting the king and queen, said, "Lord king, Nacien the hermit sendeth thee word that to thee shallcome to-day the greatest honour and worship that hath yet ever befallen aking of Britain; for this day shall the Sangreal appear in thy house. "

With that the damsel took her leave, and departed the same way she came. 

"Now, " said the king, "I know that from to-day the quest of the Sangrealshall begin, and all ye of the Round Table will be scattered so thatnevermore shall I see ye again together as ye are now; let me then see ajoust and tournament amongst ye for the last time before ye go. "

So they all took their harness and met together in the meadows by Camelot, and the queen and all her ladies sat in a tower to see. 

Then Sir Galahad, at the prayer of the king and queen, put on a coat oflight armour, and a helmet, but shield he would take none, and grasping alance, he drove into the middle of the press of knights, and began tobreak spears marvellously, so that all men were full of wonder. And in soshort a time he had surmounted and exceeded the rest, save Sir Lancelotand Sir Percival, that he took the chief worship of the field. 

Then the king and all the court and fellowship of knights went back to thepalace, and so to evensong in the great minster, a royal and goodlycompany, and after that sat down to supper in the hall, every knight inhis own seat, as they had been before. 

Anon suddenly burst overhead the cracking and crying of great peals ofthunder, till the palace walls were shaken sorely, and they thought to seethem riven all to pieces. 

And in the midst of the blast there entered in a sunbeam, clearer by seventimes than ever they saw day, and a marvellous great glory fell upon themall. Then each knight, looking on his neighbour, found his face fairerthan he had ever seen, and so--all standing on their feet--they gazed asdumb men on each other, not knowing what to say. 

Then entered into the hall the Sangreal, borne aloft without hands throughthe midst of the sunbeam, and covered with white samite, so that nonemight see it. And all the hall was filled with perfume and incense, andevery knight was fed with the food he best loved. And when the holy vesselhad been thus borne through the hall, it suddenly departed, no man sawwhither. 

When they recovered breath to speak, King Arthur first rose up, andyielded thanks to God and to our Lord. 

Then Sir Gawain sprang up and said, "Now have we all been fed by miraclewith whatsoever food we thought of or desired; but with our eyes we havenot seen the blessed vessel whence it came, so carefully and preciously itwas concealed. Therefore, I make a vow, that from to-morrow I shall labourtwelve months and a day in quest of the Sangreal, and longer if need be;nor will I come again into this court until mine eyes have seen itevidently. "

When he had spoken thus, knight after knight rose up and vowed himself tothe same quest, till the most part of the Round Table had thus sworn. 

But when King Arthur heard them all, he could not refrain his eyes fromtears, and said, "Sir Gawain, Sir Gawain, thou hast set me in greatsorrow, for I fear me my true fellowship shall never meet together hereagain; and surely never Christian king had such a company of worthyknights around his table at one time. "

And when the queen and her ladies and gentlewomen heard the vows, they hadsuch grief and sorrow as no tongue could tell; and Queen Guinevere criedout, "I marvel that my lord will suffer them to depart from him. " And manyof the ladies who loved knights would have gone with them, but wereforbidden by the hermit Nacien, who sent this message to all who had swornthemselves to the quest: "Take with ye no lady nor gentlewoman, for intoso high a service as ye go in, no thought but of our Lord and heaven mayenter. "

On the morrow morning all the knights rose early, and when they were fullyarmed, save shields and helms, they went in with the king and queen toservice in the minster. Then the king counted all who had taken theadventure on themselves, and found them a hundred and fifty knights of theRound Table; and so they all put on their helms, and rode away together inthe midst of cries and lamentations from the court, and from the ladies, and from all the town. 

But the queen went alone to her chamber, that no man might see her sorrow;and Sir Lancelot followed her to say farewell. 

When she saw him she cried out, "Oh, Sir Lancelot, thou hast betrayed me;thou hast put me to death thus to depart and leave my lord the king. "

"Ah, madam, " said he, "be not displeased or angry, for I shall come againas soon as I can with honour. "

"Alas!" said she, "that ever I saw thee; but He that suffered death uponthe cross for all mankind be to thee safety and good conduct, and to allthy company. "

Then Sir Lancelot saluted her and the king, and went forth with the rest, and came with them that night to Castle Vagon, where they abode, and onthe morrow they departed from each other on their separate ways, everyknight taking the way that pleased him best. 

Now Sir Galahad went forth without a shield, and rode so four days withoutadventure; and on the fourth day, after evensong, he came to an abbey ofwhite monks, where he was received in the house, and led into a chamber. And there he was unarmed, and met two knights of the Round Table, KingBagdemagus, and Sir Uwaine. 

"Sirs, " said Sir Galahad, "what adventure hath brought ye here?"

"Within this place, as we are told, " they answered, "there is a shield noman may bear around his neck without receiving sore mischance, or deathwithin three days. "

"To-morrow, " said King Bagdemagus, "I shall attempt the adventure; and ifI fail, do thou, Sir Galahad, take it up after me. "

"I will willingly, " said he; "for as ye see I have no shield as yet. "

So on the morrow they arose and heard mass, and afterwards King Bagdemagusasked where the shield was kept. Then a monk led him behind the altar, where the shield hung, as white as any snow, and with a blood-red cross inthe midst of it. 

"Sir, " said the monk, "this shield should hang from no knight's neckunless he be the worthiest in the world. I warn ye, therefore, knights;consider well before ye dare to touch it. "

"Well, " said King Bagdemagus, "I know well that I am far from the bestknight in all the world, yet shall I make the trial;" and so he took theshield, and bore it from the monastery. 

"If it please thee, " said he to Sir Galahad, "abide here till thou hearesthow I speed. "

"I will abide thee, " said he. 

Then taking with him a squire who might return with any tidings to SirGalahad, the king rode forth; and before he had gone two miles, he saw ina fair valley a hermitage, and a knight who came forth dressed in whitearmour, horse and all, who rode fast against him. When they encountered, Bagdemagus brake his spear upon the White Knight's shield, but was himselfstruck through the shoulder with a sore wound, and hurled down from hishorse. Then the White Knight alighting, came and took the white shieldfrom the king, and said, "Thou hast done great folly, for this shieldought never to be borne but by one who hath no living peer. " And turningto the squire, he said, "Bear thou this shield to the good knight, SirGalahad, and greet him well from me. "

"In whose name shall I greet him?" said the squire. 

"Take thou no heed of that, " he answered; "it is not for thee or anyearthly man to know. "

"Now tell me, fair sir, at the least, " said the squire, "why may thisshield be never borne except its wearer come to injury or death?"

"Because it shall belong to no man save its rightful owner, Galahad, "replied the knight. 

Then the squire went to his master, and found him wounded nigh to death, wherefore he fetched his horse, and bore him back with him to the abbey. And there they laid him in a bed, and looked to his wounds; and when hehad lain many days grievously sick, he at the last barely escaped with hislife. 

"Sir Galahad, " said the squire, "the knight who overthrew King Bagdemagussent you greeting, and bade you bear this shield. "

"Now blessed be God and fortune, " said Sir Galahad, and hung the shieldabout his neck, and armed him, and rode forth. 

Anon he met the White Knight by the hermitage, and each salutedcourteously the other. 

"Sir, " said Sir Galahad, "this shield I bear hath surely a full marvelloushistory. "

"Thou sayest rightly, " answered he. "That shield was made in the days ofJoseph of Arimathea, the gentle knight who took our Lord down from thecross. He, when he left Jerusalem with his kindred, came to the country ofKing Evelake, who warred continually with one Tollome; and when, by theteaching of Joseph, King Evelake became a Christian, this shield was madefor him in our Lord's name; and through its aid King Tollome was defeated. For when King Evelake met him next in battle, he hid it in a veil, andsuddenly uncovering it, he showed his enemies the figure of a bleeding mannailed to a cross, at sight of which they were discomfited and fled. Presently after that, a man whose hand was smitten off touched the crossupon the shield, and had his hand restored to him; and many other miraclesit worked. But suddenly the cross that was upon it vanished away. Anonboth Joseph and King Evelake came to Britain, and by the preaching ofJoseph the people were made Christians. And when at length he lay upon hisdeath-bed, King Evelake begged of him some token ere he died. Then, calling for his shield, he dipped his finger in his own blood, for he wasbleeding fast, and none could staunch the wound, and marked that crossupon it, saying, 'This cross shall ever show as bright as now, and thelast of my lineage shall wear this shield about his neck, and go forth toall the marvellous deeds he will achieve. '"

When the White Knight had thus spoken he vanished suddenly away, and SirGalahad returned to the abbey. 

As he alighted, came a monk, and prayed him to go see a tomb in thechurchyard, wherefrom came such a great and hideous noise, that none couldhear it but they went nigh mad, or lost all strength. "And sir, " said he, "I deem it is a fiend. "

"Lead me thither, " said Sir Galahad. 

When they were come near the place, "Now, " said the monk, "go thou to thetomb, and lift it up. "

And Galahad, nothing afraid, quickly lifted up the stone, and forthwithcame out a foul smoke, and from the midst thereof leaped up the loathliestfigure that ever he had seen in the likeness of man; and Galahad blessedhimself, for he knew it was a fiend of hell. Then he heard a voice cryingout, "Oh, Galahad, I cannot tear thee as I would; I see so many angelsround thee, that I may not come at thee. "

[Illustration: Galahad . .. Quickly lifted up the stone, and forthwith cameout a foul smoke. ]

Then the fiend suddenly disappeared with a marvellous great cry; and SirGalahad, looking in the tomb, saw there a body all armed, with a swordbeside it. "Now, fair brother, " said he to the monk, "let us remove thiscursed body, which is not fit to lie in a churchyard, for when it lived, afalse and perjured Christian man dwelt in it. Cast it away, and thereshall come no more hideous noises from the tomb. "

"And now must I depart, " he added, "for I have much in hand, and am uponthe holy quest of the Sangreal, with many more good knights. "

So he took his leave, and rode many journeys backwards and forwards asadventure would lead him; and at last one day he departed from a castlewithout first hearing mass, which was it ever his custom to hear before heleft his lodging. Anon he found a ruined chapel on a mountain, and went inand kneeled before the altar, and prayed for wholesome counsel what to do;and as he prayed he heard a voice, which said, "Depart, adventurousknight, unto the Maiden's Castle, and redress the violence and wrongsthere done!"

Hearing these words he cheerfully arose, and mounted his horse, and rodebut half a mile, when he saw before him a strong castle, with deep ditchesround it, and a fair river running past. And seeing an old churl hard by, he asked him what men called that castle. 

"Fair sir, " said he, "it is the Maiden's Castle. "

"It is a cursed place, " said Galahad, "and all its masters are but felons, full of mischief and hardness and shame. "

"For that good reason, " said the old man, "thou wert well-advised to turnthee back. "

"For that same reason, " quoth Sir Galahad, "will I the more certainly rideon. "

Then, looking at his armour carefully, to see that nothing failed him, hewent forward, and presently there met him seven damsels, who cried out, "Sir knight, thou ridest in great peril, for thou hast two waters to passover. "

"Why should I not pass over them?" said he, and rode straight on. 

Anon he met a squire, who said, "Sir knight, the masters of this castledefy thee, and bid thee go no further, till thou showest them thy businesshere. "

"Fair fellow, " said Sir Galahad, "I am come here to destroy their wickedcustoms. "

"If that be thy purpose, " answered he, "thou wilt have much to do. "

"Go thou, " said Galahad, "and hasten with my message. "

In a few minutes after rode forth furiously from the gateways of thecastle seven knights, all brothers, and crying out, "Knight, keep thee, "bore down all at once upon Sir Galahad. But thrusting forth his spear, hesmote the foremost to the earth, so that his neck was almost broken, andwarded with his shield the spears of all the others, which every one brakeoff from it, and shivered into pieces. Then he drew out his sword, and setupon them hard and fiercely, and by his wondrous force drave them beforehim, and chased them to the castle gate, and there he slew them. 

At that came out to him an ancient man, in priest's vestments, saying, "Behold, sir, here, the keys of this castle. "

Then he unlocked the gates, and found within a multitude of people, whocried out, "Sir knight, ye be welcome, for long have we waited thydeliverance, " and told him that the seven felons he had slain had longenslaved the people round about, and killed all knights who passed thatway, because the maiden whom they had robbed of the castle had foretoldthat by one knight they should themselves be overthrown. 

"Where is the maiden?" asked Sir Galahad. 

"She lingereth below in a dungeon, " said they. 

So Sir Galahad went down and released her, and restored her herinheritance; and when he had summoned the barons of the country to do herhomage, he took his leave, and departed. 

Presently thereafter, as he rode, he entered a great forest, and in aglade thereof met two knights, disguised, who proffered him to joust. These were Sir Lancelot, his father, and Sir Percival, but neither knewthe other. So he and Sir Lancelot encountered first, and Sir Galahad smotedown his father. Then drawing his sword, for his spear was broken, hefought with Sir Percival, and struck so mightily that he clave SirPercival's helm, and smote him from his horse. 

Now hard by where they fought there was a hermitage, where dwelt a piouswoman, a recluse, who, when she heard the sound, came forth, and seeingSir Galahad ride, she cried, "God be with thee, the best knight in theworld; had yonder knights known thee as well as I do, they would not haveencountered with thee. "

When Sir Galahad heard that, fearing to be made known, he forthwith smotehis horse with his spurs, and departed at a great pace. 

Sir Lancelot and Sir Percival heard her words also, and rode fast afterhim, but within awhile he was out of their sight. Then Sir Percival rodeback to ask his name of the recluse; but Sir Lancelot went forward on hisquest, and following any path his horse would take, he came by-and-byafter nightfall to a stone cross hard by an ancient chapel. When he hadalighted and tied his horse up to a tree, he went and looked in throughthe chapel door, which was all ruinous and wasted, and there within he sawan altar, richly decked with silk, whereon there stood a fair candlestickof silver, bearing six great lights. And when Sir Lancelot saw the light, he tried to get within the chapel, but could find no place. So, beingpassing weary and heavy, he came again to his horse, and when he hadunsaddled him, and set him free to pasture, he unlaced his helm, andungirded his sword, and laid him down to sleep upon his shield before thecross. 

And while he lay between waking and sleeping, he saw come by him two whitepalfreys bearing a litter, wherein a sick knight lay, and the palfreysstood still by the cross. Then Sir Lancelot heard the sick man say, "Osweet Lord, when shall this sorrow leave me, and the holy vessel pass byme, wherethrough I shall be blessed? for I have long endured. "

With that Sir Lancelot saw the chapel open, and the candlestick with thesix tapers come before the cross, but he could see none who bare it. Thencame there also a table of silver, and thereon the holy vessel of theSangreal. And when the sick knight saw that, he sat up, and lifting bothhis hands, said, "Fair Lord, sweet Lord, who art here within this holyvessel, have mercy on me, that I may be whole;" and therewith he creptupon his hands and knees so nigh, that he might touch the vessel; and whenhe had kissed it, he leaped up, and stood and cried aloud, "Lord God, Ithank Thee, for I am made whole. " Then the Holy Grale departed with thetable and the silver candlestick into the chapel, so that Sir Lancelot sawit no more, nor for his sins' sake could he follow it. And the knight whowas healed went on his way. 

Then Sir Lancelot awake, and marvelled whether he had seen aught but adream. And as he marvelled, he heard a voice saying, "Sir Lancelot, thouare unworthy, go thou hence, and withdraw thee from this holy place. " Andwhen he heard that, he was passing heavy, for he bethought him of hissins. 

So he departed weeping, and cursed the day of his birth, for the wordswent into his heart, and he knew wherefore he was thus driven forth. Thenhe went to seek his arms and horse, but could not find them; and then hecalled himself the wretchedest and most unhappy of all knights, and said, "My sin hath brought me unto great dishonour: for when I sought earthlyhonours, I achieved them ever; but now I take upon me holy things, myguilt doth hinder me, and shameth me; therefore had I no power to stir orspeak when the holy blood appeared before me. "

So thus he sorrowed till it was day, and he heard the birds sing; then washe somewhat comforted, and departing from the cross on foot, he came intoa wild forest, and to a high mountain, and there he found a hermitage;and, kneeling before the hermit down upon both his knees, he cried formercy for his wicked works, and prayed him to hear his confession. Butwhen he told his name, the hermit marvelled to see him in so sore a case, and said, "Sir, ye ought to thank God more than any knight living, for Hehath given thee more honour than any; yet for thy presumption, while indeadly sin to come into the presence of His flesh and blood, He sufferedthee neither to see nor follow it. Wherefore, believe that all thystrength and manhood will avail thee little, when God is against thee. "

Then Sir Lancelot wept and said, "Now know I well ye tell me truth. "

Then he confessed to him, and told him all his sins, and how he had forfourteen years served but Queen Guinevere only, and forgotten God, anddone great deeds of arms for her, and not for Heaven, and had little ornothing thanked God for the honour that he won. And then Sir Lancelotsaid, "I pray you counsel me. "

"I will counsel thee, " said he: "never more enter into that queen'scompany when ye can avoid it. "

So Sir Lancelot promised him. 

"Look that your heart and your mouth accord, " said the good man, "and yeshall have more honour and more nobleness than ever ye have had. "

Then were his arms and horse restored to him, and so he took his leave, and rode forth, repenting greatly. 

Now Sir Percival had ridden back to the recluse, to learn who that knightwas whom she had called the best in the world. And when he had told herthat he was Sir Percival, she made passing great joy of him, for she washis mother's sister, wherefore she opened her door to him, and made himgood cheer. And on the morrow she told him of her kindred to him, and theyboth made great rejoicing. Then he asked her who that knight was, and shetold him, "He it is who on Whit Sunday last was clad in the red robe, andbare the red arms; and he hath no peer, for he worketh all by miracle, andshall be never overcome by any earthly hands. "

"By my goodwill, " said Sir Percival, "I will never after these tidingshave to do with Sir Galahad but in the way of kindness; and I would fainlearn where I may find him. "

"Fair nephew, " said she, "ye must ride to the Castle of Goth, where hehath a cousin; by him ye may be lodged, and he will teach you the way togo; but if he can tell you no tidings, ride straight to the Castle ofCarbonek, where the wounded king is lying, for there shall ye surely heartrue tidings of him. "

So Sir Percival departed from his aunt, and rode till evensong time, whenhe was ware of a monastery closed round with walls and deep ditches, wherehe knocked at the gate, and anon was let in. And there he had good cheerthat night, and on the morrow heard mass. And beside the altar where thepriest stood, was a rich bed of silk and cloth of gold; and on the bedthere lay a man passing old, having a crown of gold upon his head, and allhis body was full of great wounds, and his eyes almost wholly blind; andever he held up his hands and said, "Sweet Lord, forget not me!"

Then Sir Percival asked one of the brethren who he was. 

"Sir, " said the good man, "ye have heard of Joseph of Arimathea, how hewas sent of Jesus Christ into this land to preach and teach the Christianfaith. Now, in the city of Sarras he converted a king named Evelake, andthis is he. He came with Joseph to this land, and ever desired greatly tosee the Sangreal; so on a time he came nigh thereto, and was struck almostblind. Then he cried out for mercy, and said, 'Fair Lord, I pray thee letme never die until a good knight of my blood achieve the Sangreal, and Imay see and kiss him. ' When he had thus prayed, he heard a voice thatsaid, 'Thy prayers be heard and answered, for thou shalt not die till thatknight kiss thee; and when he cometh shall thine eyes be opened and thywounds be healed. ' And now hath he lived here for three hundred winters ina holy life, and men say a certain knight of King Arthur's court shallshortly heal him. "

Thereat Sir Percival marvelled greatly, for he well knew who that knightshould be; and so, taking his leave of the monk, departed. 

Then he rode on till noon, and came into a valley where he met twentymen-at-arms bearing a dead knight on a bier. And they cried to him, "Whence comest thou?"

"From King Arthur's court, " he answered. 

Then they all cried together, "Slay him, " and set upon him. 

But he smote down the first man to the ground, and his horse upon him;whereat seven of them all at once assailed him, and others slew his horse. Thus he had been either taken or slain, but by good chance Sir Galahad waspassing by that way, who, seeing twenty men attacking one, cried, "Slayhim not, " and rushed upon them; and, as fast as his horse could drive, heencountered with the foremost man, and smote him down. Then, his spearbeing broken, he drew forth his sword and struck out on the right hand andon the left, at each blow smiting down a man, till the remainder fled, andhe pursued them. 

Then Sir Percival, knowing that it was Sir Galahad, would fain haveovertaken him, but could not, for his horse was slain. Yet followed he onfoot as fast as he could go; and as he went there met him a yeoman ridingon a palfrey, and leading in his hand a great black steed. So Sir Percivalprayed him to lend him the steed, that he might overtake Sir Galahad. Buthe replied, "That can I not do, fair sir, for the horse is my master's, and should I lend it he would slay me. " So he departed, and Sir Percivalsat down beneath a tree in heaviness of heart. And as he sat, anon aknight went riding past on the black steed which the yeoman had led. Andpresently after came the yeoman back in haste, and asked Sir Percival ifhe had seen a knight riding his horse. 

"Yea, " said Sir Percival. 

"Alas, " said the yeoman, "he hath reft him from me by strength, and mymaster will slay me. "

Then he besought Sir Percival to take his hackney and follow, and get backhis steed. So he rode quickly, and overtook the knight, and cried, "Knight, turn again. " Whereat he turned and set his spear, and smote SirPercival's hackney in the breast, so that it fell dead, and then went onhis way. Then cried Sir Percival after him, "Turn now, false knight, andfight with me on foot;" but he would not, and rode out of sight. 

Then was Sir Percival passing wroth and heavy of heart, and lay down torest beneath a tree, and slept till midnight. When he awoke he saw a womanstanding by him, who said to him right fiercely, "Sir Percival, what doestthou here?"

"I do neither good nor evil, " said he. 

"If thou wilt promise me, " said she, "to do my will whenever I shall askthee, I will bring thee here a horse that will bear thee wheresoever thoudesirest. "

At that he was full glad, and promised as she asked. Then anon she cameagain, with a great black steed, strong and well apparelled. So SirPercival mounted, and rode through the clear moonlight, and within lessthan an hour had gone a four days' journey, till he came to a rough waterthat roared; and his horse would have borne him into it, but Sir Percivalwould not suffer him, yet could he scarce restrain him. And seeing thewater so furious, he made the sign of the cross upon his forehead, whereatthe horse suddenly shook him off, and with a terrible sound leaped intothe water and disappeared, the waves all burning up in flames around him. Then Sir Percival knew it was a fiend which had brought him the horse; sohe commended himself to God, and prayed that he might escape temptations, and continued in prayer till it was day. 

Then he saw that he was on a wild mountain, nigh surrounded on all sidesby the sea, and filled with wild beasts; and going on into a valley, hesaw a serpent carrying a young lion by the neck. With that came anotherlion, crying and roaring after the serpent, and anon overtook him, andbegan to battle with him. And Sir Percival helped the lion, and drew hissword, and gave the serpent such a stroke that it fell dead. Thereat thelion fawned upon him like a dog, licking his hands, and crouching at hisfeet, and at night lay down by him and slept at his side. 

And at noon the next day Sir Percival saw a ship come sailing before astrong wind upon the sea towards him, and he rose and went towards it. Andwhen it came to shore, he found it covered with white samite, and on thedeck there stood an old man dressed in priest's robes, who said, "God bewith you, fair sir; whence come ye?"

"I am a knight of King Arthur's court, " said he, "and follow the quest ofthe Sangreal; but here have I lost myself in this wilderness. "

"Fear nothing, " said the old man, "for I have come from a strange countryto comfort thee. "

Then he told Sir Percival it was a fiend of hell upon which he had riddento the sea, and that the lion, whom he had delivered from the serpent, meant the Church. And Sir Percival rejoiced at these tidings, and enteredinto the ship, which presently sailed from the shore into the sea. 

Now when Sir Bors rode forth from Camelot to seek the Sangreal, anon hemet a holy man riding on an ass, and courteously saluted him. 

"Who are ye, son?" said the good man. 

"I am a knight, " said he, "in quest of the Sangreal, and would fain havethy counsel, for he shall have much earthly honour who may bring it to afavourable end. "

"That is truth, " said the good man, "for he shall be the best knight ofthe world; yet know that none shall gain it save by sinless living. "

So they rode to his hermitage together, and there he prayed Sir Bors toabide that night, and anon they went into the chapel, and Sir Bors wasconfessed. And they eat bread and drank water together. 

"Now, " said the hermit, "I pray thee eat no other food till thou sit atthe table where the Sangreal shall be. " Thereto Sir Bors agreed. 

"Also, " said the hermit, "it were wise that ye should wear a sackclothgarment next your skin, for penance;" and in this also did Sir Bors as hewas counselled. And afterwards he armed himself and took his leave. 

Then rode he onwards all that day, and as he rode he saw a passing greatbird sit in an old dry tree, whereon no leaves were left; and many littlebirds lay round the great one, nigh dead with hunger. Then did the bigbird smite himself with his own bill, and bled till he died amongst hislittle ones, and they recovered life in drinking up his blood. When SirBors saw this he knew it was a token, and rode on full of thought. Andabout eventide he came to a tower, whereto he prayed admission, and he wasreceived gladly by the lady of the castle. But when a supper of many meatsand dainties was set before him, he remembered his vow, and bade a squireto bring him water, and therein he dipped his bread, and ate. 

Then said the lady, "Sir Bors, I fear ye like not my meat. "

"Yea, truly, " said he; "God thank thee, madam; but I may eat no other meatthis day. "

After supper came a squire, and said, "Madam, bethink thee to provide achampion for thee to-morrow for the tourney, or else shall thy sister havethy castle. "

At that the lady wept, and made great sorrow. But Sir Bors prayed her tobe comforted, and asked her why the tournament was held. Then she told himhow she and her sister were the daughters of King Anianse, who left themall his lands between them; and how her sister was the wife of a strongknight, named Sir Pridan le Noir, who had taken from herself all herlands, save the one tower wherein she dwelt. "And now, " said she, "thisalso will they take, unless I find a champion by to-morrow. "

Then said Sir Bors, "Be comforted; to-morrow I will fight for thee;"whereat she rejoiced not a little, and sent word to Sir Pridan that shewas provided and ready. And Sir Bors lay on the floor, and in no bed, norever would do otherwise till he had achieved his quest. 

On the morrow he arose and clothed himself, and went into the chapel, where the lady met him, and they heard mass together. Anon he called forhis armour, and went with a goodly company of knights to the battle. Andthe lady prayed him to refresh himself ere he should fight, but he refusedto break his fast until the tournament were done. So they all rodetogether to the lists, and there they saw the lady's eldest sister, andher husband, Sir Pridan le Noir. And a cry was made by the heralds that, whichever should win, his lady should have all the other's lands. 

Then the two knights departed asunder a little space, and came togetherwith such force, that both their spears were shivered, and their shieldsand hauberks pierced through; and both fell to the ground sorely wounded, with their horses under them. But swiftly they arose, and drew theirswords, and smote each other on the head with many great and heavy blows, till the blood ran down their bodies; and Sir Pridan was a full goodknight, so that Sir Bors had more ado than he had thought for to overcomehim. 

But at last Sir Pridan grew a little faint; that instantly perceived SirBors, and rushed upon him the more vehemently, and smote him fiercely, till he rent off his helm, and then gave him great strokes upon his visagewith the flat of his sword, and bade him yield or be slain. 

And then Sir Pridan cried him mercy, and said, "For God's sake slay menot, and I will never war against thy lady more. " So Sir Bors let him go, and his wife fled away with all her knights. 

Then all those who had held lands of the lady of the tower came and didhomage to her again, and swore fealty. And when the country was at peaceSir Bors departed, and rode forth into a forest until it was midday, andthere befell him a marvellous adventure. 

For at a place where two ways parted, there met him two knights, bearingSir Lionel, his brother, all naked, bound on a horse, and as they rode, they beat him sorely with thorns, so that the blood trailed down in morethan a hundred places from his body; but for all this he uttered no wordor groan, so great he was of heart. As soon as Sir Bors knew his brother, he put his spear in rest to run and rescue him; but in the same momentheard a woman's voice cry close beside him in the wood, "St. Mary, succourthy maid;" and, looking round, he saw a damsel whom a felon knight draggedafter him into the thickets; and she, perceiving him, cried piteously forhelp, and adjured him to deliver her as he was a sworn knight. Then wasSir Bors sore troubled, and knew not what to do, for he thought withinhimself, "If I let my brother be, he will be murdered; but if I help notthe maid, she is shamed for ever, and my vow compelleth me to set herfree; wherefore must I first help her, and trust my brother unto God. "

So, riding to the knight who held the damsel, he cried out, "Sir knight, lay your hand off that maid, or else ye be but dead. "

At that the knight set down the maid, and dropped his shield, and drewforth his sword against Sir Bors, who ran at him, and smote him throughboth shield and shoulder, and threw him to the earth; and when he pulledhis spear forth, the knight swooned. Then the maid thanked Sir Borsheartily, and he set her on the knight's horse, and brought her to hermen-at-arms, who presently came riding after her. And they made much joy, and besought him to come to her father, a great lord, and he should beright welcome. But "truly, " said he, "I may not at this time, for I have agreat adventure yet to do;" and commending them to God, he departed ingreat haste to find his brother. 

So he rode, seeking him by the track of the horses a great while. Anon hemet a seeming holy man riding upon a strong black horse, and asked him, had he seen pass by that way a knight led bound and beaten with thorns bytwo others. 

"Yea, truly, such an one I saw, " said the man; "but he is dead, and lo!his body is hard by in a bush. "

Then he showed him a newly slain body lying in a thick bush, which seemedindeed to be Sir Lionel. Then made Sir Bors such mourning and sorrow thatby-and-by he fell into a swoon upon the ground. And when he came tohimself again, he took the body in his arms and put it on his horse'ssaddle, and bore it to a chapel hard by, and would have buried it. Butwhen he made the sign of the cross, he heard a full great noise and cry asthough all the fiends of hell had been about him, and suddenly the bodyand the chapel and the old man vanished all away. Then he knew that it wasthe devil who had thus beguiled him, and that his brother yet lived. 

Then held he up his hands to heaven, and thanked God for his own escapefrom hurt, and rode onwards; and anon, as he passed by an hermitage in aforest, he saw his brother sitting armed by the door. And when he saw himhe was filled with joy, and lighted from his horse, and ran to him andsaid, "Fair brother, when came ye hither?"

But Sir Lionel answered, with an angry face, "What vain words be these, when for you I might have been slain? Did ye not see me bound and led awayto death, and left me in that peril to go succouring a gentlewoman, thelike whereof no brother ever yet hath done? Now, for thy false misdeed, Ido defy thee, and ensure thee speedy death. "

Then Sir Bors prayed his brother to abate his anger, and said, "Fairbrother, remember the love that should be between us twain. "

But Sir Lionel would not hear, and prepared to fight and mounted his horseand came before him, crying, "Sir Bors, keep thee from me, for I shall doto thee as a felon and a traitor; therefore, start upon thy horse, for ifthou wilt not, I will run upon thee as thou standest. "

But for all his words Sir Bors would not defend himself against hisbrother. And anon the fiend stirred up Sir Lionel to such rage, that herushed over him and overthrew him with his horse's hoofs, so that he layswooning on the ground. Then would he have rent off his helm and slainhim, but the hermit of that place ran out, and prayed him to forbear, andshielded Sir Bors with his body. 

Then Sir Lionel cried out, "Now, God so help me, sir priest, but I shallslay thee else thou depart, and him too after thee. "

And when the good man utterly refused to leave Sir Bors, he smote him onthe head until he died, and then he took his brother by the helm andunlaced it, to have stricken off his head, and so he would have done, butsuddenly was pulled off backwards by a knight of the Round Table, who, bythe will of Heaven, was passing by that place--Sir Colgrevance by name. 

"Sir Lionel, " he cried, "will ye slay your brother, one of the bestknights of all the world? That ought no man to suffer. "

"Why, " said Sir Lionel, "will ye hinder me and meddle in this strife?beware, lest I shall slay both thee and him. "

And when Sir Colgrevance refused to let them be, Sir Lionel defied him, and gave him a great stroke through the helmet, whereat Sir Colgrevancedrew his sword, and smote again right manfully. And so long they foughttogether that Sir Bors awoke from his swoon, and tried to rise and partthem, but had no strength to stand upon his feet. 

Anon Sir Colgrevance saw him, and cried out to him for help, for now SirLionel had nigh defeated him. When Sir Bors heard that, he struggled tohis feet, and put his helmet on, and took his sword. But before he couldcome to him, Sir Lionel had smitten off Sir Colgrevance's helm, and thrownhim to the earth and slain him. Then turned he to his brother as a manpossessed by fiends, and gave him such a stroke as bent him nearly double. 

But still Sir Bors prayed him for God's sake to quit that battle, "For ifit befell us that we either slew the other we should die for care of thatsin. "

"Never will I spare thee if I master thee, " cried out Sir Lionel. 

Then Sir Bors drew his sword all weeping, and said, "Now, God have mercyon me, though I defend my life against my brother;" with that he lifted uphis sword to strike, but suddenly he heard a mighty voice, "Put up thysword, Sir Bors, and flee, or thou shalt surely slay him. " And then therefell upon them both a fiery cloud, which flamed and burned their shields, and they fell to the earth in sore dread. 

Anon Sir Bors rose to his feet, and saw that Sir Lionel had taken no harm. Then came the voice again, and said, "Sir Bors, go hence and leave thybrother, and ride thou forward to the sea, for there Sir Percival abideththee. "

Then he said to his brother, "Brother, forgive me all my trespass againstthee. "

And Sir Lionel answered, "God forgive it thee, as I do. "

Then he departed and rode to the sea, and on the strand he found a shipall covered with white samite, and as soon as he had entered thereinto, it put forth from the shore. And in the midst of the ship there stood anarmed knight, whom he knew to be Sir Percival. Then they rejoiced greatlyover each other, and said, "We lack nothing now but the good knight SirGalahad. "

Now when Sir Galahad had rescued Sir Percival from the twenty knights herode into a vast forest. And after many days it befell that he came to acastle whereat was a tournament. And the knights of the castle were put tothe worse; which when he saw, he set his spear in rest and ran to helpthem, and smote down many of their adversaries. And as it chanced, SirGawain was amongst the stranger knights, and when he saw the white shieldwith the red cross, he knew it was Sir Galahad, and proffered to joustwith him. So they encountered, and having broken their spears, they drewtheir swords, and Sir Galahad smote Sir Gawain so sorely on the helm thathe clove it through, and struck on slanting to the earth, carving thehorse's shoulder in twain, and Sir Gawain fell to the earth. Then SirGalahad beat back all who warred against the castle, yet would he not waitfor thanks, but rode away that no man might know him. 

And he rested that night at a hermitage, and when he was asleep, he hearda knocking at the door. So he rose, and found a damsel there, who said, "Sir Galahad, I will that ye arm you, and mount upon your horse and followme, for I will show you within these three days the highest adventure thatever any knight saw. "

Anon Sir Galahad armed him, and took his horse, and commended himself toGod, and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would follow where she liked. 

So they rode onwards to the sea as fast as their horses might gallop, andat night they came to a castle in a valley, inclosed by running water, andby strong and high walls, whereinto they entered and had great cheer, forthe lady of the castle was the damsel's mistress. 

And when he was unarmed, the damsel said to her lady, "Madam, shall weabide here this night?"

"Nay, " said she, "but only till he hath dined and slept a little. "

So he ate and slept a while, till the maid called him, and armed him bytorchlight; and when he had saluted the lady of the castle, the damsel andSir Galahad rode on. 

Anon they came to the seaside, and lo! the ship, wherein were Sir Percivaland Sir Bors, abode by the shore. Then they cried, "Welcome, Sir Galahad, for we have awaited thee long. "

Then they rejoiced to see each other, and told of all their adventures andtemptations. And the damsel went into the ship with them, and spake to SirPercival: "Sir Percival, know ye not who I am?"

And he replied, "Nay, certainly, I know thee not. "

Then said she, "I am thy sister, the daughter of King Pellinore, and amsent to help thee and these knights, thy fellows, to achieve the questwhich ye all follow. "

So Sir Percival rejoiced to see his sister, and they departed from theshore. And after a while they came upon a whirlpool, where their shipcould not live. Then saw they another greater ship hard by and wenttowards it, but saw neither man nor woman therein. And on the end of itthese words were written, "Thou who shalt enter me, beware that thou be insteadfast belief, for I am Faith; and if thou doubtest, I cannot helpthee. " Then were they all adread, but, commending themselves to God, theyentered in. 

As soon as they were on board they saw a fair bed; whereon lay a crown ofsilk, and at the foot was a fair and rich sword drawn from its scabbardhalf a foot and more. The pommel was of precious stones of many colours, every colour having a different virtue, and the scales of the haft were oftwo ribs of different beasts. The one was bone of a serpent from Calidoneforest, named the serpent of the fiend; and its virtue saveth all men whohold it from weariness. The other was of a fish that haunteth the floodsof Euphrates, named Ertanax; and its virtue causeth whoever holdeth it toforget all other things, whether of joy or pain, save the thing he seethbefore him. 

"In the name of God, " said Sir Percival, "I shall assay to handle thissword; "and set his hand to it, but could not grasp it. "By my faith, "said he, "now have I failed. "

Sir Bors set his hand to it, and failed also. 

Then came Sir Galahad, and saw these letters written red as blood, "Noneshall draw me forth save the hardiest of all men; but he that draweth meshall never be shamed or wounded to death. " "By my faith, " said SirGalahad, "I would draw it forth, but dare not try. "

"Ye may try safely, " said the gentlewoman, Sir Percival's sister, "for beye well assured the drawing of this sword is forbid to all but you. Forthis was the sword of David, King of Israel, and Solomon his son made forit this marvellous pommel and this wondrous sheath, and laid it on thisbed till thou shouldest come and take it up; and though before thee somehave dared to raise it, yet have they all been maimed or wounded for theirdaring. "

"Where, " said Sir Galahad, "shall we find a girdle for it?"

"Fair sir, " said she, "dismay you not;" and therewith took from out a boxa girdle, nobly wrought with golden thread, set full of precious stonesand with a rich gold buckle. "This girdle, lords, " said she, "is made forthe most part of mine own hair, which, while I was yet in the world, Iloved full well; but when I knew that this adventure was ordained me, Icut off and wove as ye now see. "

[Illustration: "This girdle, lords, " said she, "is made for the most partof mine own hair, which, while I was yet in the world, I loved fullwell. "]

Then they all prayed Sir Galahad to take the sword, and so anon he grippedit in his fingers; and the maiden girt it round his waist, saying, "Nowreck I not though I die, for I have made thee the worthiest knight of allthe world. "

"Fair damsel, " said Sir Galahad, "ye have done so much that I shall beyour knight all the days of my life. "

Then the ship sailed a great way on the sea, and brought them to land nearthe Castle of Carteloise. When they were landed came a squire and askedthem, "Be ye of King Arthur's court?"

"We are, " said they. 

"In an evil hour are ye come, " said he, and went back swiftly to thecastle. 

Within a while they heard a great horn blow, and saw a multitude ofwell-armed knights come forth, who bade them yield or die. At that theyran together, and Sir Percival smote one to the earth and mounted hishorse, and so likewise did Sir Bors and Sir Galahad, and soon had theyrouted all their enemies and alighted on foot, and with their swords slewthem downright, and entered into the castle. 

Then came there forth a priest, to whom Sir Galahad kneeled and said, "Insooth, good father, I repent me of this slaughter; but we were firstassailed, or else it had not been. "

"Repent ye not, " said the good man, "for if ye lived as long as the worldlasted ye could do no better deed, for these were all the felon sons of agood knight, Earl Hernox, whom they have thrown into a dungeon, and in hisname have slain priests and clerks, and beat down chapels far and near. "

Then Sir Galahad prayed the priest to bring him to the earl; who, when hesaw Sir Galahad, cried out, "Long have I waited for thy coming, and now Ipray thee hold me in thine arms that I may die in peace. "

And therewith, when Sir Galahad had taken him in his arms, his souldeparted from his body. 

Then came a voice in the hearing of them all, "Depart now, Sir Galahad, and go quickly to the maimed king, for he hath long abided to receivehealth from thy hand. "

So the three knights departed, and Sir Percival's sister with them, andcame to a vast forest, and saw before them a white hart, exceeding fair, led by four lions; and marvelling greatly at that sight, they followed. 

Anon they came to a hermitage and a chapel, whereunto the hart entered, and the lions with it. Then a priest offered mass, and presently they sawthe hart change into the figure of a man, most sweet and comely to behold;and the four lions also changed and became a man, an eagle, a lion, and anox. And suddenly all those five figures vanished without sound. Then theknights marvelled greatly, and fell upon their knees, and when they rosethey prayed the priest to tell them what that sight might mean. 

"What saw ye, sirs?" said he, "for I saw nothing. " Then they told him. 

"Ah, lords!" said he, "ye are full welcome; now know I well ye be theknights who shall achieve the Sangreal, for unto them alone suchmysteries are revealed. The hart ye saw is One above all men, white andwithout blemish, and the four lions with Him are the four evangelists. "

When they heard that they heartily rejoiced, and thanking the priest, departed. 

Anon, as they passed by a certain castle, an armed knight suddenly cameafter them, and cried out to the damsel, "By the holy cross, ye shall notgo till ye have yielded to the custom of the castle. "

"Let her go, " said Sir Percival, "for a maiden, wheresoever she cometh, isfree. "

"Whatever maiden passeth here, " replied the knight, "must give a dishfulof her blood from her right arm. "

"It is a foul and shameful custom, " cried Sir Galahad and both hisfellows, "and sooner will we die than let this maiden yield thereto. "

"Then shall ye die, " replied the knight, and as he spake there came outfrom a gate hard by, ten or twelve more, and encountered with them, running upon them vehemently with a great cry. But the three knightswithstood them, and set their hands to their swords, and beat them downand slew them. 

At that came forth a company of threescore knights, all armed. "Fairlords, " said Sir Galahad, "have mercy on yourselves and keep from us. "

"Nay, fair lords, " they answered, "rather be advised by us, and yield yeto our custom. "

"It is an idle word, " said Galahad, "in vain ye speak it. "

"Well, " said they, "will ye die?"

"We be not come thereto as yet, " replied Sir Galahad. 

Then did they fall upon each other, and Sir Galahad drew forth his sword, and smote on the right hand and on the left, and slew so mightily thatall who saw him thought he was a monster and no earthly man. And both hiscomrades helped him well, and so they held the field against thatmultitude till it was night. Then came a good knight forward from theenemy and said, "Fair knights, abide with us to-night and be rightwelcome; by the faith of our bodies as we are true knights, to-morrow yeshall rise unharmed, and meanwhile maybe ye will, of your own accord, accept the custom of the castle when ye know it better. "

So they entered and alighted and made great cheer. Anon, they asked themwhence that custom came. "The lady of this castle is a leper, " said they, "and can be no way cured save by the blood of a pure virgin and a king'sdaughter; therefore to save her life are we her servants bound to stayevery maid that passeth by, and try if her blood may not cure ourmistress. "

Then said the damsel, "Take ye of my blood as much as ye will, if it mayavail your lady. "

And though the three knights urged her not to put her life in that greatperil, she replied, "If I die to heal another's body, I shall get healthto my soul, " and would not be persuaded to refuse. 

So on the morrow she was brought to the sick lady, and her arm was bared, and a vein thereof was opened, and the dish filled with her blood. Thenthe sick lady was anointed therewith, and anon she was whole of hermalady. With that Sir Percival's sister lifted up her hand and blessedher, saying, "Madam, I am come to my death to make you whole; for God'slove pray for me;" and thus saying she fell down in a swoon. 

Then Sir Galahad, Sir Percival, and Sir Bors started to lift her up andstaunch her blood, but she had lost too much to live. So when she came toherself she said to Sir Percival, "Fair brother, I must die for thehealing of this lady, and now, I pray thee, bury me not here, but when Iam dead put me in a boat at the next haven and let me float at venture onthe sea. And when ye come to the city of Sarras, to achieve the Sangreal, shall ye find me waiting by a tower, and there I pray thee bury me, forthere shall Sir Galahad and ye also be laid. " Thus having said, she died. 

Then Sir Percival wrote all the story of her life and put it in her righthand, and so laid her in a barge and covered it with silk. And the windarising drove the barge from land, and all the knights stood watching ittill it was out of sight. 

Anon they returned to the castle, and forthwith fell a sudden tempest ofthunder and lightning and rain, as if the earth were broken up: and halfthe castle was thrown down. Then came a voice to the three knights whichsaid, "Depart ye now asunder till ye meet again where the maimed king islying. " So they parted and rode divers ways. 

Now after Sir Lancelot had left the hermit, he rode a long while till heknew not whither to turn, and so he lay down to sleep, if haply he mightdream whither to go. 

And in his sleep a vision came to him saying, "Lancelot, rise up and takethine armour, and enter the first ship that thou shalt find. "

When he awoke he obeyed the vision, and rode till he came to thesea-shore, and found there a ship without sails or oars, and as soon as hewas in it he smelt the sweetest savour he had ever known, and seemedfilled with all things he could think of or desire. And looking round hesaw a fair bed, and thereon a gentlewoman lying dead, who was SirPercival's sister. And as Sir Lancelot looked on her he spied the writingin her right hand, and, taking it, he read therein her story. And morethan a month thereafter he abode in that ship and was nourished by thegrace of Heaven, as Israel was fed with manna in the desert. 

And on a certain night he went ashore to pass the time, for he wassomewhat weary, and, listening, he heard a horse come towards him, fromwhich a knight alighted and went up into the ship; who, when he saw SirLancelot, said, "Fair sir, ye be right welcome to mine eyes, for I am thyson Galahad, and long time I have sought for thee. " With that he kneeledand asked his blessing, and took off his helm and kissed him, and thegreat joy there was between them no tongue can tell. 

Then for half a year they dwelt together in the ship, and served God nightand day with all their powers, and went to many unknown islands, where nonebut wild beasts haunted, and there found many strange and perilousadventures. 

And upon a time they came to the edge of a forest, before a cross ofstone, and saw a knight armed all in white, leading a white horse. Thenthe knight saluted them, and said to Galahad, "Ye have been long timeenough with your father; now, therefore, leave him and ride this horsetill ye achieve the Holy Quest. "

Then went Sir Galahad to his father and kissed him full courteously, andsaid, "Fair father, I know not when I shall see thee again. "

And as he took his horse a voice spake in their hearing, "Ye shall meet nomore in this life. "

"Now, my son, Sir Galahad, " said Sir Lancelot, "since we must so part andsee each other never more, I pray the High Father of Heaven to preserveboth you and me. "

Then they bade farewell, and Sir Galahad entered the forest, and SirLancelot returned to the ship, and the wind rose and drove him more than amonth through the sea, whereby he slept but little, yet ever prayed thathe might see the Sangreal. 

So it befell upon a certain midnight, the moon shining clear, he camebefore a fair and rich castle, whereof the postern gate was open towardsthe sea, having no keeper save two lions in the entry. 

Anon Sir Lancelot heard a voice: "Leave now thy ship and go within thecastle, and thou shalt see a part of thy desire. "

Then he armed and went towards the gate, and coming to the lions he drewout his sword, but suddenly a dwarf rushed out and smote him on the arm, so that he dropt his sword, and heard again the voice, "Oh, man of evilfaith, and poor belief, wherefore trustest thou thine arms above thyMaker?" Then he put up his sword and signed the cross upon his forehead, and so passed by the lions without hurt. 

And going in, he found a chamber with the door shut, which in vain hetried to open. And listening thereat he heard a voice within, which sangso sweetly that it seemed no earthly thing, "Joy and honour be to theFather of Heaven!" Then he kneeled down at the door, for he knew well theSangreal was there within. 

Anon the door was opened without hands, and forthwith came thereout sogreat a splendour as if all the torches of the world had been alighttogether. But when he would have entered in, a voice forbad him; whereforehe drew back, and looked, standing upon the threshold of the door. Andthere he saw a table of silver, and the holy vessel covered with redsamite, and many angels round it holding burning candles and a cross andall the ornaments of the altar. 

Then a priest stood up and offered mass, and when he took the vessel up, he seemed to sink beneath that burden. At that Sir Lancelot cried, "OFather, take it not for sin that I go in to help the priest, who hath muchneed thereof. " So saying, he went in, but when he came towards the tablehe felt a breath of fire which issued out therefrom and smote him to theground, so that he had no power to rise. 

Then felt he many hands about him, which took him up and laid him downoutside the chapel door. There lay he in a swoon all through that night, and on the morrow certain people found him senseless, and bore him to aninner chamber and laid him on a bed. And there he rested, living, butmoving no limbs, twenty-four days and nights. 

On the twenty-fifth day he opened his eyes and saw those standing round, and said, "Why have ye waked me? for I have seen marvels that no tonguecan tell, and more than any heart can think. "

Then he asked where he was, and they told him, "In the Castle ofCarbonek. "

"Tell your lord, King Pelles, " said he, "that I am Sir Lancelot. "

At that they marvelled greatly, and told their lord it was Sir Lancelotwho had lain there so long. 

Then was King Pelles wondrous glad and went to see him, and prayed him toabide there for a season. But Sir Lancelot said, "I know well that I havenow seen as much as mine eyes may behold of the Sangreal; wherefore I willreturn to my own country. " So he took leave of King Pelles, and departedtowards Logris. 

Now after Sir Galahad had parted from Sir Lancelot, he rode many days, till he came to the monastery where the blind King Evelake lay, whom SirPercival had seen. And on the morrow, when he had heard mass, Sir Galahaddesired to see the king, who cried out, "Welcome, Sir Galahad, servant ofthe Lord! long have I abided thy coming. Take me now in thine arms, that Imay die in peace. "

At that Sir Galahad embraced him; and when he had so done the king's eyeswere opened, and he said, "Fair Lord Jesus, suffer me now to come toThee;" and anon his soul departed. 

Then they buried him royally, as a king should be; and Sir Galahad went onhis way. 

Within a while he came to a chapel in a forest, in the crypt whereof hesaw a tomb which always blazed and burnt. And asking the brethren whatthat might mean, they told him, "Joseph of Arimathea's son did found thismonastery, and one who wronged him hath lain here these three hundred andfifty years and burneth evermore, until that perfect knight who shallachieve the Sangreal doth quench the fire. "

Then said he, "I pray ye bring me to the tomb. "

And when he touched the place immediately the fire was quenched, and avoice came from the grave and cried, "Thanks be to God, who now hathpurged me of my sin, and draweth me from earthly pains into the joys ofparadise. "

Then Sir Galahad took the body in his arms and bore it to the abbey, andon the morrow put it in the earth before the high altar. 

Anon he departed from thence and rode five days in a great forest; andafter that he met Sir Percival, and a little further on Sir Bors. Whenthey had told each other their adventures, they rode together to theCastle of Carbonek: and there King Pelles gave them hearty welcome, for heknew they should achieve the Holy Quest. 

As soon as they were come into the castle, a voice cried in the midst ofthe chamber, "Let them who ought not now to sit at the table of the Lordrise and depart hence!" Then all, save those three knights, departed. 

Anon they saw other knights come in with haste at the hall doors and taketheir harness off, who said to Sir Galahad, "Sir, we have tried sore to bewith you at this table. "

"Ye be welcome, " said he, "but whence are ye?"

So three of them said they were from Gaul; and three from Ireland; andthree from Denmark. 

Then came forth the likeness of a bishop, with a cross in his hand, andfour angels stood by him, and a table of silver was before them, whereonwas set the vessel of the Sangreal. Then came forth other angels also--twobearing burning candles, and the third a towel, and the fourth a spearwhich bled marvellously, the drops wherefrom fell into a box he held inhis left hand. Anon the bishop took the wafer up to consecrate it, and atthe lifting up, they saw the figure of a Child, whose visage was as brightas any fire, which smote itself into the midst of the wafer and vanished, so that all saw the flesh made bread. 

Thereat the bishop went to Galahad and kissed him, and bade him go andkiss his fellows; and said, "Now, servants of the Lord, prepare for foodsuch as none ever yet were fed with since the world began. "

With that he vanished, and the knights were filled with a great dread andprayed devoutly. 

Then saw they come forth from the holy vessel the vision of a man bleedingall openly, whom they knew well by the tokens of His passion for the LordHimself. At that they fell upon their faces and were dumb. Anon he broughtthe Holy Grale to them and spake high words of comfort, and, when theydrank therefrom, the taste thereof was sweeter than any tongue could tellor heart desire. Then a voice said to Galahad, "Son, with this blood whichdrippeth from the spear anoint thou the maimed king and heal him. And whenthou hast this done, depart hence with thy brethren in a ship that yeshall find, and go to the city of Sarras. And bear with thee the holyvessel, for it shall no more be seen in the realm of Logris. "

At that Sir Galahad walked to the bleeding spear, and therefrom anointinghis fingers went out straightway to the maimed King Pelles, and touchedhis wound. Then suddenly he uprose from his bed as whole a man as ever hewas, and praised God passing thankfully with all his heart. 

Then Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Percival departed as they had beentold; and when they had ridden three days they came to the sea-shore, andfound the ship awaiting them. Therein they entered, and saw in the midstthe silver table and the vessel of the Sangreal, covered with red samite. Then were they passing glad, and made great reverence thereto. And SirGalahad prayed that now he might leave the world and pass to God. Andpresently, the while he prayed, a voice said to him, "Galahad, thy prayeris heard, and when thou asketh the death of the body thou shalt have it, and find the life of thy soul. "

But while they prayed and slept the ship sailed on, and when they wokethey saw the city of Sarras before them, and the other ship wherein wasSir Percival's sister. Then the three knights took up the holy table andthe Sangreal and went into the city; and there, in a chapel, they buriedSir Percival's sister right solemnly. 

Now at the gate of the town they saw an old cripple sitting, whom SirGalahad called to help them bear their weight. 

"Truly, " said the old man, "it is ten years since I have gone a stepwithout these crutches. "

"Care ye not, " said Sir Galahad; "rise now and show goodwill. "

So he assayed to move, and found his limbs as strong as any man's mightbe, and running to the table helped to carry it. 

Anon there rose a rumour in the city that a cripple had been healed bycertain marvellous strange knights. 

But the king, named Estouranse, who was a heathen tyrant, when he heardthereof took Sir Galahad and his fellows, and put them in prison in a deephole. Therein they abode a great while, but ever the Sangreal was withthem and fed them with marvellous sweet food, so that they fainted not, but had all joy and comfort they could wish. 

At the year's end the king fell sick and felt that he should die. Thensent he for the three knights, and when they came before him prayed theirmercy for his trespasses against them. So they forgave him gladly, andanon he died. 

Then the chief men of the city took counsel together who should be king inhis stead, and as they talked, a voice cried in their midst, "Choose yethe youngest of the three knights King Estouranse cast into prison foryour king. " At that they sought Sir Galahad and made him king with theassent of all the city, and else they would have slain him. 

But within a twelvemonth came to him, upon a certain day, as he prayedbefore the Sangreal, a man in likeness of a bishop, with a great companyof angels round about him, who offered mass, and afterwards called to SirGalahad, "Come forth, thou servant of the Lord, for the time hath comethou hast desired so long. "

Then Sir Galahad lifted up his hands and prayed, "Now, blessed Lord! wouldI no longer live if it might please Thee. "

Anon the bishop gave him the sacrament, and when he had received it withunspeakable gladness, he said, "Who art thou, father?"

"I am Joseph of Arimathea, " answered he, "whom our Lord hath sent to bearthee fellowship. "

When he heard that, Sir Galahad went to Sir Percival and Sir Bors andkissed them and commended them to God, saying, "Salute for me SirLancelot, my father, and bid him remember this unstable world. "

Therewith he kneeled down and prayed, and suddenly his soul departed, anda multitude of angels bare it up to heaven. Then came a hand from heavenand took the vessel and the spear and bare them out of sight. 

Since then was never man so hardy as to say that he had seen the Sangreal. 

And after all these things, Sir Percival put off his armour and betook himto an hermitage, and within a little while passed out of this world. AndSir Bors, when he had buried him beside his sister, returned, weeping sorefor the loss of his two brethren, to King Arthur, at Camelot. 

CHAPTER XIII

_Sir Lancelot and the Fair Maid of Astolat_

Now after the quest of the Sangreal was fulfilled and all the knights whowere left alive were come again to the Round Table, there was great joy inthe court. And passing glad were King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to seeSir Lancelot and Sir Bors, for they had been long absent in that quest. 

And so greatly was Sir Lancelot's fame now spread abroad that many ladiesand damsels daily resorted to him and besought him for their champion; andall right quarrels did he gladly undertake for the pleasure of our LordChrist. And always as much as he might he withdrew him from the queen. 

Wherefore Queen Guinevere, who counted him for her own knight, grew wrothwith him, and on a certain day she called him to her chamber, and saidthus: "Sir Lancelot, I daily see thy loyalty to me doth slack, for everthou art absent from this court, and takest other ladies' quarrels on theemore than ever thou wert wont. Now do I understand thee, false knight, andtherefore shall I never trust thee more. Depart now from my sight, andcome no more within this court upon pain of thy head. " With that sheturned from him and would hear no excuses. 

So Sir Lancelot departed in heaviness of heart, and calling Sir Bors, SirEctor, and Sir Lionel, he told them how the queen had dealt with him. 

"Fair sir, " replied Sir Bors, "remember what honour ye have in thiscountry, and how ye are called the noblest knight in the world; whereforego not, for women are hasty, and do often what they sore repent ofafterwards. Be ruled by my advice. Take horse and ride to the hermitagebeside Windsor, and there abide till I send ye better tidings. "

To that Sir Lancelot consented, and departed with a sorrowful countenance. 

Now when the queen heard of his leaving she was inwardly sorry, but madeno show of grief, bearing a proud visage outwardly. And on a certain dayshe made a costly banquet to all the knights of the Round Table, to showshe had as great joy in all others as in Sir Lancelot. And at the banquetwere Sir Gawain, and his brothers Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and SirGareth; also Sir Modred, Sir Bors, Sir Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Ector, Sir Lionel, Sir Palomedes, Sir Mador de la Port, and his cousin SirPatrice--a knight of Ireland, Sir Pinell le Savage, and many more. 

Now Sir Pinell hated Sir Gawain because he had slain one of his kinsmen bytreason; and Sir Gawain had a great love for all kinds of fruit, which, when Sir Pinell knew, he poisoned certain apples that were set upon thetable, with intent to slay him. And so it chanced as they ate and mademerry, Sir Patrice, who sat next to Sir Gawain, took one of the poisonedapples and eat it, and when he had eaten he suddenly swelled up and felldown dead. 

At that every knight leapt from the board ashamed and enraged nigh out oftheir wits, for they knew not what to say, yet seeing that the queen hadmade the banquet they all had suspicion of her. 

"My lady the queen, " said Sir Gawain, "I wit well this fruit was meant forme, for all men know my love for it, and now had I been nearly slain;wherefore, I fear me, ye will be ashamed. "

"This shall not end so, " cried Sir Mador de la Port; "now have I lost anoble knight of my own blood, and for this despite and shame I will berevenged to the uttermost. "

Then he challenged Queen Guinevere concerning the death of his cousin, butshe stood still, sore abashed, and anon with her sorrow and dread, sheswooned. 

At the noise and sudden cry came in King Arthur, and to him appealed SirMador, and impeached the queen. 

"Fair lords, " said he, "full sorely am I troubled at this matter, for Imust be rightful judge, and therein it repenteth me I may not do battlefor my wife, for, as I deem, this deed was none of hers. But I suppose shewill not lack a champion, and some good knight surely will put his body injeopardy to save her. "

But all who had been bidden to the banquet said they could not hold thequeen excused, or be her champions, for she had made the feast, and eitherby herself or servants must it have come. 

"Alas!" said the queen, "I made this dinner for a good intent, and noevil, so God help me in my need. "

"My lord the king, " said Sir Mador, "I require you heartily as you be arighteous king give me a day when I may have justice. "

"Well, " said the king, "I give ye this day fifteen days, when ye shall beready and armed in the meadow beside Westminster, and if there be aknight to fight with you, God speed the right, and if not, then must myqueen be burnt. "

When the king and queen were alone together he asked her how this casebefell. 

"I wot not how or in what manner, " answered she. 

"Where is Sir Lancelot?" said King Arthur, "for he would not grudge to dobattle for thee. "

"Sir, " said she, "I cannot tell you, but all his kinsmen deem he is not inthis realm. "

"These be sad tidings, " said the king; "I counsel ye to find Sir Bors, andpray him for Sir Lancelot's sake to do this battle for you. "

So the queen departed and sent for Sir Bors to her chamber, and besoughthis succour. 

"Madam, " said he, "what would you have me do? for I may not with my honourtake this matter on me, for I was at that same dinner, and all the otherknights would have me ever in suspicion. Now do ye miss Sir Lancelot, forhe would not have failed you in right nor yet in wrong, as ye have oftenproved, but now ye have driven him from the country. "

"Alas! fair knight, " said the queen, "I put me wholly at your mercy, andall that is done amiss I will amend as ye will counsel me. "

And therewith she kneeled down upon both her knees before Sir Bors, andbesought him to have mercy on her. 

Anon came in King Arthur also, and prayed him of his courtesy to help her, saying, "I require you for the love of Lancelot. "

"My lord, " said he, "ye require the greatest thing of me that any man canask, for if I do this battle for the queen I shall anger all my fellows ofthe Table Round; nevertheless, for my lord Sir Lancelot's sake, and foryours, I will that day be the queen's champion, unless there chance tocome a better knight than I am to do battle for her. " And this he promisedon his faith. 

Then were the king and queen passing glad, and thanked him heartily, andso departed. 

But Sir Bors rode in secret to the hermitage where Sir Lancelot was, andtold him all these tidings. 

"It has chanced as I would have it, " said Sir Lancelot; "yet make ye readyfor the battle, but tarry till ye see me come. "

"Sir, " said Sir Bors, "doubt not but ye shall have your will. "

But many of the knights were greatly wroth with him when they heard he wasto be the queen's champion, for there were few in the court but deemed herguilty. 

Then said Sir Bors, "Wit ye well, fair lords, it were a shame to us all tosuffer so fair and noble a lady to be burnt for lack of a champion, forever hath she proved herself a lover of good knights; wherefore I doubtnot she is guiltless of this treason. "

At that were some well pleased, but others rested passing wroth. 

And when the day was come, the king and queen and all the knights went tothe meadow beside Westminster, where the battle should be fought. Then thequeen was put in ward, and a great fire was made round the iron stake, where she must be burnt if Sir Mador won the day. 

So when the heralds blew, Sir Mador rode forth, and took oath that QueenGuinevere was guilty of Sir Patrice's death, and his oath he would provewith his body against any who would say the contrary. Then came forth SirBors, and said, "Queen Guinevere is in the right, and that will I provewith my hands. "

With that they both departed to their tents to make ready for the battle. But Sir Bors tarried long, hoping Sir Lancelot would come, till Sir Madorcried out to King Arthur, "Bid thy champion come forth, unless he darenot. " Then was Sir Bors ashamed, and took his horse and rode to the end ofthe lists. 

But ere he could meet Sir Mador he was ware of a knight upon a whitehorse, armed at all points, and with a strange shield, who rode to him andsaid, "I pray you withdraw from this quarrel, for it is mine, and I haveridden far to fight in it. "

Thereat Sir Bors rode to King Arthur, and told him that another knight wascome who would do battle for the queen. 

"Who is he?" said King Arthur. 

"I may not tell you, " said Sir Bors; "but he made a covenant with me to behere to-day, wherefore I am discharged. "

Then the king called that knight, and asked him if he would fight for thequeen. 

"Therefore came I hither, Sir king, " answered he; "but let us tarry nolonger, for anon I have other matters to do. But wit ye well, " said he tothe Knights of the Round Table, "it is shame to ye for such a courteousqueen to suffer this dishonour. "

And all men marvelled who this knight might be, for none knew him save SirBors. 

Then Sir Mador and the knight rode to either end of the lists, andcouching their spears, ran one against the other with all their might; andSir Mador's spear broke short, but the strange knight bore both him andhis horse down to the ground. Then lightly they leaped from their saddlesand drew their swords, and so came eagerly to the battle, and either gavethe other many sad strokes and sore and deep wounds. 

Thus they fought nigh an hour, for Sir Mador was a full strong and valiantknight. But at last the strange knight smote him to the earth, and gavehim such a buffet on the helm as wellnigh killed him. Then did Sir Madoryield, and prayed his life. 

[Illustration: At last the strange knight smote him to the earth, and gavehim such a buffet on the helm as well-nigh killed him. ]

"I will but grant it thee, " said the strange knight, "if thou wilt releasethe queen from this quarrel for ever, and promise that no mention shall bemade upon Sir Patrice's tomb that ever she consented to that treason. "

"All this shall be done, " said Sir Mador. 

Then the knights parters took up Sir Mador and led him to his tent, andthe other knight went straight to the stair foot of King Arthur's throne;and by that time was the queen come to the king again, and kissed himlovingly. 

Then both the king and she stooped down, and thanked the knight, andprayed him to put off his helm and rest him, and to take a cup of wine. And when he put his helmet off to drink, all people saw it was SirLancelot. But when the queen beheld him she sank almost to the groundweeping for sorrow and for joy, that he had done her such great goodnesswhen she had showed him such unkindness. 

Then the knights of his blood gathered round him, and there was great joyand mirth in the court. And Sir Mador and Sir Lancelot were soon healed oftheir wounds; and not long after came the Lady of the Lake to the court, and told all there by her enchantments how Sir Pinell, and not the queen, was guilty of Sir Patrice's death. Whereat the queen was held excused ofall men, and Sir Pinell fled the country. 

So Sir Patrice was buried in the church of Winchester, and it was writtenon his tomb that Sir Pinell slew him with a poisoned apple, in error forSir Gawain. Then, through Sir Lancelot's favour, the queen was reconciledto Sir Mador, and all was forgiven. 

Now fifteen days before the Feast of the Assumption of our Lady, the kingproclaimed a tourney to be held that feast-day at Camelot, whereat himselfand the King of Scotland would joust with all who should come againstthem. So thither went the King of North Wales, and King Anguish ofIreland, and Sir Galahaut the noble prince, and many other nobles ofdivers countries. 

And King Arthur made ready to go, and would have had the queen go withhim, but she said that she was sick. Sir Lancelot, also, made excuses, saying he was not yet whole of his wounds. 

At that the king was passing heavy and grieved, and so departed alonetowards Camelot. And by the way he lodged in a town called Astolat, andlay that night in the castle. 

As soon as he had gone, Sir Lancelot said to the queen, "This night I willrest, and to-morrow betimes will I take my way to Camelot; for at thesejousts I will be against the king and his fellowship. "

"Ye may do as ye list, " said Queen Guinevere; "but by my counsel ye willnot be against the king, for in his company are many hardy knights, as yewell know. "

"Madam, " said Sir Lancelot, "I pray ye be not displeased with me, for Iwill take the adventure that God may send me. "

And on the morrow he went to the church and heard mass, and took his leaveof the queen, and so departed. 

Then he rode long till he came to Astolat, and there lodged at the castleof an old baron called Sir Bernard of Astolat, which was near the castlewhere King Arthur lodged. And as Sir Lancelot entered the king espied him, and knew him. Then said he to the knights, "I have just seen a knight whowill fight full well at the joust toward which we go. "

"Who is it?" asked they. 

"As yet ye shall not know, " he answered smiling. 

When Sir Lancelot was in his chamber unarming, the old baron came to himsaluting him, though as yet he knew not who he was. 

Now Sir Bernard had a daughter passing beautiful, called the Fair Maid ofAstolat, and when she saw Sir Lancelot she loved him from that instantwith her whole heart, and could not stay from gazing on him. 

On the morrow, Sir Lancelot asked the old baron to lend him a strangeshield. "For, " said he, "I would be unknown. "

"Sir, " said his host, "ye shall have your desire, for here is the shieldof my eldest son, Sir Torre, who was hurt the day he was made knight, sothat he cannot ride; and his shield, therefore, is not known. And, if itplease you, my youngest son, Sir Lavaine, shall ride with you to thejousts, for he is of his age full strong and mighty; and I deem ye be anoble knight, wherefore I pray ye tell me your name. "

"As to that, " said Sir Lancelot, "ye must hold me excused at this time, but if I speed well at the jousts, I will come again and tell you; but inanywise let me have your son, Sir Lavaine, with me, and lend me hisbrother's shield. "

Then, ere they departed, came Elaine, the baron's daughter, and said toSir Lancelot, "I pray thee, gentle knight, to wear my token at to-morrow'stourney. "

"If I should grant you that, fair damsel, " said he, "ye might say that Idid more for you than ever I have done for lady or damsel. "

Then he bethought him that if he granted her request he would be the moredisguised, for never before had he worn any lady's token. So anon he said, "Fair damsel, I will wear thy token on my helmet if thou wilt show it me. "

Thereat was she passing glad, and brought him a scarlet sleeve broideredwith pearls, which Sir Lancelot took, and put upon his helm. Then heprayed her to keep his shield for him until he came again, and taking SirTorre's shield instead, rode forth with Sir Lavaine towards Camelot. 

On the morrow the trumpets blew for the tourney, and there was a greatpress of dukes and earls and barons and many noble knights; and KingArthur sat in a gallery to behold who did the best. So the King ofScotland and his knights, and King Anguish of Ireland rode forth on KingArthur's side; and against them came the King of North Wales, the King ofa Hundred Knights, the King of Northumberland, and the noble prince SirGalahaut. 

But Sir Lancelot and Sir Lavaine rode into a little wood behind the partywhich was against King Arthur, to watch which side should prove theweakest. 

Then was there a strong fight between the two parties, for the King of aHundred Knights smote down the King of Scotland; and Sir Palomedes, whowas on King Arthur's side, overthrew Sir Galahaut. Then came fifteenKnights of the Round Table and beat back the Kings of Northumberland andNorth Wales with their knights. 

"Now, " said Sir Lancelot to Sir Lavaine, "if ye will help me, ye shallsee yonder fellowship go back as fast as they came. "

"Sir, " said Sir Lavaine, "I will do what I can. "

Then they rode together into the thickest of the press, and there, withone spear, Sir Lancelot smote down five Knights of the Round Table, oneafter other, and Sir Lavaine overthrew two. And taking another spear, forhis own was broken, Sir Lancelot smote down four more knights, and SirLavaine a fifth. Then, drawing his sword, Sir Lancelot fought fiercely onthe right hand and the left, and unhorsed Sir Safire, Sir Epinogris, andSir Galleron. At that the Knights of the Round Table withdrew themselvesas well as they were able. 

"Now, mercy, " said Sir Gawain, who sat by King Arthur; "what knight isthat who doth such marvellous deeds of arms? I should deem him by hisforce to be Sir Lancelot, but that he wears a lady's token on his helm asnever Lancelot doth. "

"Let him be, " said King Arthur; "he will be better known, and do more erehe depart. "

Thus the party against King Arthur prospered at this time, and his knightswere sore ashamed. Then Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel calledtogether the knights of their blood, nine in number, and agreed to jointogether in one band against the two strange knights. So they encounteredSir Lancelot all at once, and by main force smote his horse to the ground;and by misfortune Sir Bors struck Sir Lancelot through the shield into theside, and the spear broke off and left the head in the wound. 

When Sir Lavaine saw that, he ran to the King of Scotland and struck himoff his horse, and brought it to Sir Lancelot, and helped him to mount. Then Sir Lancelot bore Sir Bors and his horse to the ground, and in likemanner served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel; and turning upon three otherknights he smote them down also; while Sir Lavaine did many gallant deeds. 

But feeling himself now sorely wounded Sir Lancelot drew his sword, andproffered to fight with Sir Bors, who, by this time, was mounted anew. Andas they met, Sir Ector and Sir Lionel came also, and the swords of allthree drave fiercely against him. When he felt their buffets, and hiswound that was so grievous, he determined to do all his best while hecould yet endure, and smote Sir Bors a blow that bent his head down nearlyto the ground and razed his helmet off and pulled him from his horse. 

Then rushing at Sir Ector and Sir Lionel, he smote them down, and mighthave slain all three, but when he saw their faces his heart forbade him. Leaving them, therefore, on the field, he hurled into the thickest of thepress, and did such feats of arms as never were beheld before. 

And Sir Lavaine was with him through it all, and overthrew ten knights;but Sir Lancelot smote down more than thirty, and most of them Knights ofthe Round Table. 

Then the king ordered the trumpets to blow for the end of the tourney, andthe prize to be given by the heralds to the knight with the white shieldwho bore the red sleeve. 

But ere Sir Lancelot was found by the heralds, came the King of theHundred Knights, the King of North Wales, the King of Northumberland, andSir Galahaut, and said to him, "Fair knight, God bless thee, for much haveye done this day for us; wherefore we pray ye come with us and receivethe honour and the prize as ye have worshipfully deserved it. "

"My fair lords, " said Sir Lancelot, "wit ye well if I have deservedthanks, I have sore bought them, for I am like never to escape with mylife; therefore I pray ye let me depart, for I am sore hurt. I take nothought of honour, for I had rather rest me than be lord of all theworld. " And therewith he groaned piteously, and rode a great gallop awayfrom them. 

And Sir Lavaine rode after him, sad at heart, for the broken spear stillstuck fast in Sir Lancelot's side, and the blood streamed sorely from thewound. Anon they came near a wood more than a mile from the lists, wherehe knew he could be hidden. 

Then said he to Sir Lavaine, "O gentle knight, help me to pull out thisspear-head from my side, for the pain thereof nigh killeth me. "

"Dear lord, " said he, "I fain would help ye; but I dread to draw it forth, lest ye should die for loss of blood. "

"I charge you as you love me, " said Sir Lancelot, "draw it out. "

So they dismounted, and with a mighty wrench Sir Lavaine drew the spearforth from Sir Lancelot's side; whereat he gave a marvellous great shriekand ghastly groan, and all his blood leaped forth in a full stream. Thenhe sank swooning to the earth, with a visage pale as death. 

"Alas!" cried Sir Lavaine, "what shall I do now?"

And then he turned his master's face towards the wind, and sat by him nighhalf an hour while he lay quiet as one dead. But at the last he lifted uphis eyes, and said, "I pray ye bear me on my horse again, and lead me to a hermit who dwelleth within two miles hence, for he was formerly a knightof Arthur's court, and now hath mighty skill in medicine and herbs. "

So with great pain Sir Lavaine got him to his horse, and led him to thehermitage within the wood, beside a stream. Then knocked he with his spearupon the door, and prayed to enter. At that a child came out, to whom hesaid, "Fair child, pray the good man thy master to come hither and let ina knight who is sore wounded. "

Anon came out the knight-hermit, whose name was Sir Baldwin, and asked, "Who is this wounded knight?"

"I know not, " said Sir Lavaine, "save that he is the noblest knight I evermet with, and hath done this day such marvellous deeds of arms againstKing Arthur that he hath won the prize of the tourney. "

Then the hermit gazed long on Sir Lancelot, and hardly knew him, so palehe was with bleeding, yet said he at the last, "Who art thou, lord?"

Sir Lancelot answered feebly, "I am a stranger knight adventurous, wholaboureth through many realms to win worship. "

"Why hidest thou thy name, dear lord, from me?" cried Sir Baldwin; "for insooth I know thee now to be the noblest knight in all the world--my lordSir Lancelot du Lake, with whom I long had fellowship at the Round Table. "

"Since ye know me, fair sir, " said he, "I pray ye, for Christ's sake, tohelp me if ye may. "

"Doubt not, " replied he, "that ye shall live and fare right well. "

Then he staunched his wound, and gave him strong medicines and cordialstill he was refreshed from his faintness and came to himself again. 

Now after the jousting was done King Arthur held a feast, and asked to seethe knight with the red sleeve that he might take the prize. So they toldhim how that knight had ridden from the field wounded nigh to death. "These be the worst tidings I have heard for many years, " cried out theking; "I would not for my kingdom he were slain. "

Then all men asked, "Know ye him, lord?"

"I may not tell ye at this time, " said he; "but would to God we had goodtidings of him. "

Then Sir Gawain prayed leave to go and seek that knight, which the kinggladly gave him. So forthwith he mounted and rode many leagues roundCamelot, but could hear no tidings. 

Within two days thereafter King Arthur and his knights returned fromCamelot, and Sir Gawain chanced to lodge at Astolat, in the house of SirBernard. And there came in the fair Elaine to him, and prayed him news ofthe tournament, and who won the prize. "A knight with a white shield, "said he, "who bare a red sleeve in his helm, smote down all comers and wonthe day. "

At that the visage of Elaine changed suddenly from white to red, andheartily she thanked our Lady. 

Then said Sir Gawain, "Know ye that knight?" and urged her till she toldhim that it was her sleeve he wore. So Sir Gawain knew it was for lovethat she had given it; and when he heard she kept his proper shield heprayed to see it. 

As soon as it was brought he saw Sir Lancelot's arms thereon, and cried, "Alas! now am I heavier of heart than ever yet. "

"Wherefore?" said fair Elaine. 

"Fair damsel, " answered he, "know ye not that the knight ye love is ofall knights the noblest in the world, Sir Lancelot du Lake? With all myheart I pray ye may have joy of each other, but hardly dare I think thatye shall see him in this world again, for he is so sore wounded he mayscarcely live, and is gone out of sight where none can find him. "

Then was Elaine nigh mad with grief and sorrow, and with piteous words sheprayed her father that she might go seek Sir Lancelot and her brother. Soin the end her father gave her leave, and she departed. 

And on the morrow came Sir Gawain to the court, and told how he had foundSir Lancelot's shield in Elaine's keeping, and how it was her sleeve whichhe had worn; whereat all marvelled, for Sir Lancelot had done for her morethan he had ever done for any woman. 

But when Queen Guinevere heard it she was beside herself with wrath, andsending privily for Sir Bors, who sorrowed sorely that through him SirLancelot had been hurt--"Have ye now heard, " said she, "how falsely SirLancelot hath betrayed me?"

"I beseech thee, madam, " said he, "speak not so, for else I may not hearthee. "

"Shall I not call him traitor, " cried she, "who hath worn another lady'stoken at the jousting?"

"Be sure he did it, madam, for no ill intent, " replied Sir Bors, "but thathe might be better hidden, for never did he in that wise before. "

"Now shame on him, and thee who wouldest help him, " cried the queen. 

"Madam, say what ye will, " said he; "but I must haste to seek him, and Godsend me soon good tidings of him. "

So with that he departed to find Sir Lancelot. 

Now Elaine had ridden with full haste from Astolat, and come to Camelot, and there she sought throughout the country for any news of Lancelot. Andso it chanced that Sir Lavaine was riding near the hermitage to exercisehis horse, and when she saw him she ran up and cried aloud, "How doth mylord Sir Lancelot fare?"

Then said Sir Lavaine, marvelling greatly, "How know ye my lord's name, fair sister?"

So she told him how Sir Gawain had lodged with Sir Bernard, and knew SirLancelot's shield. 

Then prayed she to see his lord forthwith, and when she came to thehermitage and found him lying there sore sick and bleeding, she swoonedfor sorrow. Anon, as she revived, Sir Lancelot kissed her, and said, "Fairmaid, I pray ye take comfort, for, by God's grace, I shall be shortlywhole of this wound, and if ye be come to tend me, I am heartily boundento your great kindness. " Yet was he sore vexed to hear Sir Gawain haddiscovered him, for he knew Queen Guinevere would be full wroth because ofthe red sleeve. 

So Elaine rested in the hermitage, and ever night and day she watched andwaited on Sir Lancelot, and would let none other tend him. And as she sawhim more, the more she set her love upon him, and could by no meanswithdraw it. Then said Sir Lancelot to Sir Lavaine, "I pray thee set someto watch for the good knight Sir Bors, for as he hurt me, so will hesurely seek for me. "

Now Sir Bors by this time had come to Camelot, and was seeking for SirLancelot everywhere, so Sir Lavaine soon found him, and brought him to thehermitage. 

And when he saw Sir Lancelot pale and feeble, he wept for pity and sorrowthat he had given him that grievous wound. "God send thee a right speedycure, dear lord, " said he; "for I am of all men most unhappy to havewounded thee, who art our leader, and the noblest knight in all theworld. "

"Fair cousin, " said Sir Lancelot, "be comforted, for I have but gainedwhat I sought, and it was through pride that I was hurt, for had I warnedye of my coming it had not been; wherefore let us speak of other things. "

So they talked long together, and Sir Bors told him of the queen's anger. Then he asked Sir Lancelot, "Was it from this maid who tendeth you solovingly ye had the token?"

"Yea, " said Sir Lancelot; "and would I could persuade her to withdraw herlove from me. "

"Why should ye do so?" said Sir Bors; "for she is passing fair and loving. I would to heaven ye could love her. "

"That may not be, " replied he; "but it repenteth me in sooth to grieveher. "

Then they talked of other matters, and of the great jousting atAllhallowtide next coming, between King Arthur and the King of NorthWales. 

"Abide with me till then, " said Sir Lancelot, "for by that time I trust tobe all whole again, and we will go together. "

So Elaine daily and nightly tending him, within a month he felt so stronghe deemed himself full cured. Then on a day, when Sir Bors and Sir Lavainewere from the hermitage, and the knight-hermit also was gone forth, SirLancelot prayed Elaine to bring him some herbs from the forest. 

When she was gone he rose and made haste to arm himself, and try if hewere whole enough to joust, and mounted on his horse, which was fresh withlack of labour for so long a time. But when he set his spear in the restand tried his armour, the horse bounded and leapt beneath him, so that SirLancelot strained to keep him back. And therewith his wound, which was notwholly healed, burst forth again, and with a mighty groan he sank downswooning on the ground. 

At that came fair Elaine and wept and piteously moaned to see him lyingso. And when Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine came back, she called them traitorsto let him rise, or to know any rumour of the tournament. Anon the hermitreturned and was wroth to see Sir Lancelot risen, but within a while herecovered him from his swoon and staunched the wound. Then Sir Lancelottold him how he had risen of his own will to assay his strength for thetournament. But the hermit bad him rest and let Sir Bors go alone, forelse would he sorely peril his life. And Elaine, with tears, prayed him inthe same wise, so that Sir Lancelot in the end consented. 

So Sir Bors departed to the tournament, and there he did such feats ofarms that the prize was given between him and Sir Gawain, who did likevaliantly. 

And when all was over he came back and told Sir Lancelot, and found him sonigh well that he could rise and walk. And within a while thereafter hedeparted from the hermitage and went with Sir Bors, Sir Lavaine, and fairElaine to Astolat, where Sir Bernard joyfully received them. 

But after they had lodged there a few days Sir Lancelot and Sir Bors mustneeds depart and return to King Arthur's court. 

So when Elaine knew Sir Lancelot must go, she came to him and said, "Havemercy on me, fair knight, and let me not die for your love. "

Then said Sir Lancelot, very sad at heart, "Fair maid, what would ye thatI should do for you?"

"If I may not be your wife, dear lord, " she answered, "I must die. "

"Alas!" said he, "I pray heaven that may not be; for in sooth I may not beyour husband. But fain would I show ye what thankfulness I can for allyour love and kindness to me. And ever will I be your knight, fair maiden;and if it chance that ye shall ever wed some noble knight, right heartilywill I give ye such a dower as half my lands will bring. "

"Alas! what shall that aid me?" answered she; "for I must die, " andtherewith she fell to the earth in a deep swoon. 

Then was Sir Lancelot passing heavy of heart, and said to Sir Bernard andSir Lavaine, "What shall I do for her?"

"Alas!" said Sir Bernard, "I know well that she will die for your sake. "

And Sir Lavaine said, "I marvel not that she so sorely mourneth yourdeparture, for truly I do as she doth, and since I once have seen you, lord, I cannot leave you. "

So anon, with a full sorrowful heart, Sir Lancelot took his leave, and SirLavaine rode with him to the court. And King Arthur and the Knights of theRound Table joyed greatly to see him whole of his wound, but QueenGuinevere was sorely wroth, and neither spake with him nor greeted him. 

Now when Sir Lancelot had departed, the Maid of Astolat could neither eat, nor drink, not sleep for sorrow; and having thus endured ten days, shefelt within herself that she must die. 

Then sent she for a holy man, and was shriven and received the sacrament. But when he told her she must leave her earthly thoughts, she answered, "Am I not an earthly woman? What sin is it to love the noblest knight ofall the world? And, by my truth, I am not able to withstand the lovewhereof I die; wherefore, I pray the High Father of Heaven to have mercyon my soul. "

Then she besought Sir Bernard to indite a letter as she should devise, andsaid, "When I am dead put this within my hand, and dress me in my fairestclothes, and lay me in a barge all covered with black samite, and steer itdown the river till it reach the court. Thus, father, I beseech thee letit be. "

Then, full of grief, he promised her it should be so. And anon she died, and all the household made a bitter lamentation over her. 

Then did they as she had desired, and laid her body, richly dressed, upona bed within the barge, and a trusty servant steered it down the rivertowards the court. 

Now King Arthur and Queen Guinevere sat at a window of the palace, and sawthe barge come floating with the tide, and marvelled what was laidtherein, and sent a messenger to see, who, soon returning, prayed them tocome forth. 

When they came to the shore they marvelled greatly, and the king asked ofthe serving-men who steered the barge what this might mean. But he madesigns that he was dumb, and pointed to the letter in the damsel's hands. So King Arthur took the letter from the hand of the corpse, and foundthereon written, "To the noble knight, Sir Lancelot du Lake. "

Then was Sir Lancelot sent for, and the letter read aloud by a clerk, andthus it was written:--

[Illustration: Then was Sir Lancelot sent for, and the letter read aloudby a clerk. ]

"Most noble knight, my lord Sir Lancelot, now hath death for ever partedus. I, whom men call the Maid of Astolat, set my love upon you, and havedied for your sake. This is my last request, that ye pray for my soul andgive me burial. Grant me this, Sir Lancelot, as thou art a peerlessknight. "

At these words the queen and all the knights wept sore for pity. 

Then said Sir Lancelot, "My lord, I am right heavy for the death of thisfair damsel; and God knoweth that right unwillingly I caused it, for shewas good as she was fair, and much was I beholden to her; but she loved mebeyond measure, and asked me that I could not give her. "

"Ye might have shown her gentleness enough to save her life, " answered thequeen. 

"Madam, " said he, "she would but be repaid by my taking her to wife, andthat I could not grant her, for love cometh of the heart and not byconstraint. "

"That is true, " said the king; "for love is free. "

"I pray you, " said Sir Lancelot, "let me now grant her last asking, to beburied by me. "

So on the morrow, he caused her body to be buried richly and solemnly, andordained masses for her soul, and made great sorrow over her. 

Then the queen sent for Sir Lancelot, and prayed his pardon for her wrathagainst him without cause. "This is not the first time it hath been so, "answered he; "yet must I ever bear with ye, and so do I now forgive you. "

So Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot were made friends again; but anon suchfavour did she show him, as in the end brought many evils on them both andall the realm. 

CHAPTER XIV

_The War between King Arthur and Sir Lancelot and the Death of KingArthur_

Within a while thereafter was a jousting at the court, wherein SirLancelot won the prize. And two of those he smote down were Sir Agravaine, the brother of Sir Gawain, and Sir Modred, his false brother--KingArthur's son by Belisent. And because of his victory they hated SirLancelot, and sought how they might injure him. 

So on a night, when King Arthur was hunting in the forest, and the queensent for Sir Lancelot to her chamber, they two espied him; and thinkingnow to make a scandal and a quarrel between Lancelot and the king, theyfound twelve others, and said Sir Lancelot was ever now in the queen'schamber, and King Arthur was dishonoured. 

Then, all armed, they came suddenly round the queen's door, and cried, "Traitor! now art thou taken. "

"Madam, we be betrayed, " said Sir Lancelot; "yet shall my life cost thesemen dear. "

Then did the queen weep sore, and dismally she cried, "Alas! there is noarmour here whereby ye might withstand so many; wherefore ye will beslain, and I be burnt for the dread crime they will charge on me. "

But while she spake the shouting of the knights was heard without, "Traitor, come forth, for now thou art snared!"

"Better were twenty deaths at once than this vile outcry, " said SirLancelot. 

Then he kissed her and said, "Most noble lady, I beseech ye, as I haveever been your own true knight, take courage; pray for my soul if I be nowslain, and trust my faithful friends, Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine, to saveyou from the fire. "

But ever bitterly she wept and moaned, and cried, "Would God that theywould take and slay me, and that thou couldest escape. "

"That shall never be, " said he. And wrapping his mantle round his arm heunbarred the door a little space, so that but one could enter. 

Then first rushed in Sir Chalaunce, a full strong knight, and lifted uphis sword to smite Sir Lancelot; but lightly he avoided him, and struckSir Chalaunce, with his hand, such a sore buffet on the head as felled himdead upon the floor. 

Then Sir Lancelot pulled in his body and barred the door again, anddressed himself in his armour, and took his drawn sword in his hand. 

But still the knights cried mightily without the door, "Traitor, comeforth!"

[Illustration: But still the knights cried mightily without the door, "Traitor, come forth!"]

"Be silent and depart, " replied Sir Lancelot; "for be ye sure ye will nottake me, and to-morrow will I meet ye face to face before the king. "

"Ye shall have no such grace, " they cried; "but we will slay thee, or takethee as we list. "

"Then save yourselves who may, " he thundered, and therewith suddenlyunbarred the door and rushed forth at them. And at the first blow he slewSir Agravaine, and after him twelve other knights, with twelve more mightybuffets. And none of all escaped him save Sir Modred, who, sorely wounded, fled away for life. 

Then returned he to the queen, and said, "Now, madam, will I depart, andif ye be in any danger I pray ye come to me. "

"Surely will I stay here, for I am queen, " she answered; "yet if to-morrowany harm come to me I trust to thee for rescue. "

"Have ye no doubt of me, " said he, "for ever while I live am I your owntrue knight. "

Therewith he took his leave, and went and told Sir Bors and all hiskindred of this adventure. "We will be with thee in this quarrel, " saidthey all; "and if the queen be sentenced to the fire, we certainly willsave her. "

Meanwhile Sir Modred, in great fear and pain, fled from the court, androde until he found King Arthur, and told him all that had befallen. Butthe king would scarce believe him till he came and saw the bodies of SirAgravaine and all the other knights. 

Then felt he in himself that all was true, and with his passing grief hisheart nigh broke. "Alas!" cried he, "now is the fellowship of the RoundTable for ever broken: yea, woe is me! I may not with my honour spare myqueen. "

Anon it was ordained that Queen Guinevere should be burned to death, because she had dishonoured King Arthur. 

But when Sir Gawain heard thereof, he came before the king, and said, "Mylord, I counsel thee be not too hasty in this matter, but stay thejudgment of the queen a season, for it may well be that Sir Lancelot wasin her chamber for no evil, seeing she is greatly beholden to him for somany deeds done for her sake, and peradventure she had sent to him tothank him, and did it secretly that she might avoid slander. "

But King Arthur answered, full of grief, "Alas! I may not help her; she isjudged as any other woman. "

Then he required Sir Gawain and his brethren, Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, to be ready to bear the queen to-morrow to the place of execution. 

"Nay, noble lord, " replied Sir Gawain, "that can I never do; for neitherwill my heart suffer me to see the queen die, nor shall men ever say I wasof your counsel in this matter. "

Then said his brothers, "Ye may command us to be there, but since it isagainst our will, we will be without arms, that we may do no battleagainst her. "

So on the morrow was Queen Guinevere led forth to die by fire, and amighty crowd was there, of knights and nobles, armed and unarmed. And allthe lords and ladies wept sore at that piteous sight. Then was she shrivenby a priest, and the men came nigh to bind her to the stake and light thefire. 

At that Sir Lancelot's spies rode hastily and told him and his kindred, who lay hidden in a wood hard by; and suddenly, with twenty knights, herushed into the midst of all the throng to rescue her. 

But certain of King Arthur's knights rose up and fought with them, andthere was a full great battle and confusion. And Sir Lancelot dravefiercely here and there among the press, and smote on every side, and atevery blow struck down a knight, so that many were slain by him and hisfellows. 

Then was the queen set free, and caught up on Sir Lancelot's saddle andfled away with him and all his company to the Castle of La Joyous Garde. 

Now so it chanced that, in the turmoil of the fighting, Sir Lancelot hadunawares struck down and slain the two good knights Sir Gareth and SirGaheris, knowing it not, for he fought wildly, and saw not that they wereunarmed. 

When King Arthur heard thereof, and of all that battle, and the rescue ofthe queen, he sorrowed heavily for those good knights, and was passingwroth with Lancelot and the queen. 

But when Sir Gawain heard of his brethren's death he swooned for sorrowand wrath, for he wist that Sir Lancelot had killed them in malice. And assoon as he recovered he ran in to the king, and said, "Lord king anduncle, hear this oath which now I swear, that from this day I will notfail Sir Lancelot till one of us hath slain the other. And now, unless yehaste to war with him, that we may be avenged, will I myself alone goafter him. "

Then the king, full of wrath and grief, agreed thereto, and sent lettersthroughout the realm to summon all his knights, and went with a vast armyto besiege the Castle of La Joyous Garde. And Sir Lancelot, with hisknights, mightily defended it; but never would he suffer any to go forthand attack one of the king's army, for he was right loth to fight againsthim. 

So when fifteen weeks were passed, and King Arthur's army wasted itself invain against the castle, for it was passing strong, it chanced upon a daySir Lancelot was looking from the walls and espied King Arthur and SirGawain close beside. 

"Come forth, Sir Lancelot, " said King Arthur right fiercely, "and let ustwo meet in the midst of the field. "

"God forbid that I should encounter with thee, lord, for thou didst makeme a knight, " replied Sir Lancelot. 

Then cried Sir Gawain, "Shame on thee, traitor and false knight, yet be yewell assured we will regain the queen and slay thee and thy company; yea, double shame on ye to slay my brother Gaheris unarmed, Sir Gareth also, who loved ye so well. For that treachery, be sure I am thine enemy tilldeath. "

"Alas!" cried Sir Lancelot, "that I hear such tidings, for I knew not Ihad slain those noble knights, and right sorely now do I repent it with aheavy heart. Yet abate thy wrath, Sir Gawain, for ye know full well I didit by mischance, for I loved them ever as my own brothers. "

"Thou liest, false recreant, " cried Sir Gawain, fiercely. 

At that Sir Lancelot was wroth, and said, "I well see thou art now mineenemy, and that there can be no more peace with thee, or with my lord theking, else would I gladly give back the queen. "

Then the king would fain have listened to Sir Lancelot, for more than allhis own wrong did he grieve at the sore waste and damage of the realm, butSir Gawain persuaded him against it, and ever cried out foully on SirLancelot. 

When Sir Bors and the other knights of Lancelot's party heard the fiercewords of Sir Gawain, they were passing wroth, and prayed to ride forth andbe avenged on him, for they were weary of so long waiting to no good. Andin the end Sir Lancelot, with a heavy heart, consented. 

So on the morrow the hosts on either side met in the field, and there wasa great battle. And Sir Gawain prayed his knights chiefly to set upon SirLancelot; but Sir Lancelot commanded his company to forbear King Arthurand Sir Gawain. 

So the two armies jousted together right fiercely, and Sir Gawainproffered to encounter with Sir Lionel, and overthrew him. But Sir Bors, and Sir Blamor, and Sir Palomedes, who were on Sir Lancelot's side, didgreat feats of arms, and overthrew many of King Arthur's knights. 

Then the king came forth against Sir Lancelot, but Sir Lancelot forborehim and would not strike again. 

At that Sir Bors rode up against the king and smote him down. But SirLancelot cried, "Touch him not on pain of thy head, " and going to KingArthur he alighted and gave him his own horse, saying, "My lord, I praythee forbear this strife, for it can bring to neither of us any honour. "

And when King Arthur looked on him the tears came to his eyes as hethought of his noble courtesy, and he said within himself, "Alas! thatever this war began. "

But on the morrow Sir Gawain led forth the army again, and Sir Borscommanded on Sir Lancelot's side. And they two struck together so fiercelythat both fell to the ground sorely wounded; and all the day they foughttill night fell, and many were slain on both sides, yet in the end neithergained the victory. 

But by now the fame of this fierce war spread through all Christendom, andwhen the Pope heard thereof he sent a Bull, and charged King Arthur tomake peace with Lancelot, and receive back Queen Guinevere; and for theoffence imputed to her absolution should be given by the Pope. 

Thereto would King Arthur straightway have obeyed, but Sir Gawain everurged him to refuse. 

When Sir Lancelot heard thereof, he wrote thus to the king: "It was neverin my thought, lord, to withhold thy queen from thee; but since she wascondemned for my sake to death, I deemed it but a just and knightly partto rescue her therefrom; wherefore I recommend me to your grace, andwithin eight days will I come to thee and bring the queen in safety. "

Then, within eight days, as he had said, Sir Lancelot rode from out thecastle with Queen Guinevere, and a hundred knights for company, eachcarrying an olive branch, in sign of peace. And so they came to the court, and found King Arthur sitting on his throne, with Sir Gawain and manyother knights around him. And when Sir Lancelot entered with the queen, they both kneeled down before the king. 

Anon Sir Lancelot rose and said, "My lord, I have brought hither my ladythe queen again, as right requireth, and by commandment of the Pope andyou. I pray ye take her to your heart again and forget the past. Formyself I may ask nothing, and for my sin I shall have sorrow and sorepunishment; yet I would to heaven I might have your grace. "

But ere the king could answer, for he was moved with pity at his words, Sir Gawain cried aloud, "Let the king do as he will, but be sure, SirLancelot, thou and I shall never be accorded while we live, for thou hasslain my brethren traitorously and unarmed. "

"As heaven is my help, " replied Sir Lancelot, "I did it ignorantly, for Iloved them well, and while I live I shall bewail their death; but to makewar with me were no avail, for I must needs fight with thee if thouassailest, and peradventure I might kill thee also, which I were rightloth to do. "

"I will forgive thee never, " cried Sir Gawain, "and if the king accordethwith thee he shall lose my service. "

Then the knights who stood near tried to reconcile Sir Gawain to SirLancelot, but he would not hear them. So, at the last, Sir Lancelot said, "Since peace is vain, I will depart, lest I bring more evil on myfellowship. "

And as he turned to go, the tears fell from him, and he said, "Alas, mostnoble Christian realm, which I have loved above all others, now shall Isee thee never more!" Then said he to the queen, "Madam, now must I leaveye and this noble fellowship for ever. And, I beseech ye, pray for me, andif ye ever be defamed of any, let me hear thereof, and as I have been everthy true knight in right and wrong, so will I be again. "

With that he kneeled and kissed King Arthur's hands, and departed on hisway. And there was none in all that court, save Sir Gawain alone, but weptto see him go. 

So he returned with all his knights to the Castle of La Joyous Garde, and, for his sorrow's sake, he named it Dolorous Garde thenceforth. 

Anon he left the realm, and went with many of his fellowship beyond thesea to France, and there divided all his lands among them equally, hesharing but as the rest. 

And from that time forward peace had been between him and King Arthur, butfor Sir Gawain, who left the king no rest, but constantly persuaded himthat Lancelot was raising mighty hosts against him. 

So in the end his malice overcame the king, who left the government incharge of Modred, and made him guardian of the queen, and went with agreat army to invade Sir Lancelot's lands. 

Yet Sir Lancelot would make no war upon the king, and sent a message togain peace on any terms King Arthur chose. But Sir Gawain met the heraldere he reached the king, and sent him back with taunting and bitter words. Whereat Sir Lancelot sorrowfully called his knights together and fortifiedthe Castle of Benwicke, and there was shortly besieged by the army of KingArthur. 

And every day Sir Gawain rode up to the walls, and cried out foully on SirLancelot, till, upon a time, Sir Lancelot answered him that he would meethim in the field and put his boasting to the proof. So it was agreed onboth sides that there should none come nigh them or separate them till onehad fallen or yielded; and they two rode forth. 

Then did they wheel their horses apart, and turning, came together as ithad been thunder, so that both horses fell, and both their lances broke. At that they drew their swords and set upon each other fiercely, withpassing grievous strokes. 

Now Sir Gawain had through magic a marvellous great gift. For every day, from morning till noon, his strength waxed to the might of seven men, butafter that waned to his natural force. Therefore till noon he gave SirLancelot many mighty buffets, which scarcely he endured. Yet greatly heforbore Sir Gawain, for he was aware of his enchantment, and smote himslightly till his own knights marvelled. But after noon Sir Gawain'sstrength sank fast, and then, with one full blow, Sir Lancelot laid him onthe earth. Then Sir Gawain cried out, "Turn not away, thou traitor knight, but slay me if thou wilt, or else I will arise and fight with thee againsome other time. "

"Sir knight, " replied Sir Lancelot, "I never yet smote a fallen man. "

At that they bore Sir Gawain sorely wounded to his tent, and King Arthurwithdrew his men, for he was loth to shed the blood of so many knights ofhis own fellowship. 

But now came tidings to King Arthur from across the sea, which caused himto return in haste. For thus the news ran, that no sooner was Sir Modredset up in his regency, than he had forged false tidings from abroad thatthe king had fallen in a battle with Sir Lancelot. Whereat he hadproclaimed himself the king, and had been crowned at Canterbury, where hehad held a coronation feast for fifteen days. Then he had gone toWinchester, where Queen Guinevere abode, and had commanded her to be hiswife; whereto, for fear and sore perplexity, she had feigned consent, but, under pretext of preparing for the marriage, had fled in haste to Londonand taken shelter in the Tower, fortifying it and providing it with allmanner of victuals, and defending it against Sir Modred, and answering toall his threats that she would rather slay herself than be his queen. 

Thus was it written to King Arthur. Then, in passing great wrath andhaste, he came with all his army swiftly back from France and sailed toEngland. But when Sir Modred heard thereof, he left the Tower and marchedwith all his host to meet the king at Dover. 

Then fled Queen Guinevere to Amesbury to a nunnery, and there she clothedherself in sackcloth, and spent her time in praying for the king and ingood deeds and fasting. And in that nunnery evermore she lived, sorelyrepenting and mourning for her sin, and for the ruin she had brought onall the realm. And there anon she died. 

And when Sir Lancelot heard thereof, he put his knightly armour off, andbade farewell to all his kin, and went a mighty pilgrimage for many years, and after lived a hermit till his death. 

When Sir Modred came to Dover, he found King Arthur and his army but justlanded; and there they fought a fierce and bloody battle, and many greatand noble knights fell on both sides. 

But the king's side had the victory, for he was beyond himself with mightand passion, and all his knights so fiercely followed him, that, in spiteof all their multitude, they drove Sir Modred's army back with fearfulwounds and slaughter, and slept that night upon the battle-field. 

But Sir Gawain was smitten by an arrow in the wound Sir Lancelot gave him, and wounded to the death. Then was he borne to the king's tent, and KingArthur sorrowed over him as it had been his own son. "Alas!" said he; "inSir Lancelot and in you I had my greatest earthly joy, and now is all gonefrom me. "

And Sir Gawain answered, with a feeble voice, "My lord and king, I knowwell my death is come, and through my own wilfulness, for I am smitten inthe wound Sir Lancelot gave me. Alas! that I have been the cause of allthis war, for but for me thou hadst been now at peace with Lancelot, andthen had Modred never done this treason. I pray ye, therefore, my dearlord, be now agreed with Lancelot, and tell him, that although he gave memy death-wound, it was through my own seeking; wherefore I beseech him tocome back to England, and here to visit my tomb, and pray for my soul. "

When he had thus spoken, Sir Gawain gave up his ghost, and the kinggrievously mourned for him. 

Then they told him that the enemy had camped on Barham Downs, whereat, with all his hosts, he straightway marched there, and fought again abloody battle, and overthrew Sir Modred utterly. Howbeit, he raised yetanother army, and retreating ever from before the king, increased hisnumbers as he went, till at the farthest west in Lyonesse, he once moremade a stand. 

Now, on the night of Trinity Sunday, being the eve of the battle, KingArthur had a vision, and saw Sir Gawain in a dream, who warned him not tofight with Modred on the morrow, else he would be surely slain; and prayedhim to delay till Lancelot and his knights should come to aid him. 

So when King Arthur woke he told his lords and knights that vision, andall agreed to wait the coming of Sir Lancelot. Then a herald was sent witha message of truce to Sir Modred, and a treaty was made that neither armyshould assail the other. 

But when the treaty was agreed upon, and the heralds returned, King Arthursaid to his knights, "Beware, lest Sir Modred deceive us, for I in no wisetrust him, and if swords be drawn be ready to encounter!" And Sir Modredlikewise gave an order, that if any man of the king's army drew his sword, they should begin to fight. 

And as it chanced, a knight of the king's side was bitten by an adder inthe foot, and hastily drew forth his sword to slay it. That saw SirModred, and forthwith commanded all his army to assail the king's. 

So both sides rushed to battle, and fought passing fiercely. And when theking saw there was no hope to stay them, he did right mightily and noblyas a king should do, and ever, like a lion, raged in the thickest of thepress, and slew on the right hand and on the left, till his horse wentfetlock deep in blood. So all day long they fought, and stinted not tillmany a noble knight was slain. 

But the king was passing sorrowful to see his trusty knights lie dead onevery side. And at the last but two remained beside him, Sir Lucan, andhis brother, Sir Bedivere, and both were sorely wounded. 

"Now am I come to mine end, " said King Arthur; "but, lo! that traitorModred liveth yet, and I may not die till I have slain him. Now, give memy spear, Sir Lucan. "

"Lord, let him be, " replied Sir Lucan; "for if ye pass through thisunhappy day, ye shall be right well revenged upon him. My good lord, remember well your dream, and what the spirit of Sir Gawain did forewarnye. "

"Betide me life, betide me death, " said the king; "now I see him yonderalone, he shall never escape my hands, for at a better vantage shall Inever have him. "

"God speed you well, " said Sir Bedivere. 

Then King Arthur got his spear in both his hands, and ran towards SirModred, crying, "Traitor, now is thy death-day come!" And when Sir Modredheard his words, and saw him come, he drew his sword and stood to meethim. Then King Arthur smote Sir Modred through the body more than afathom. And when Sir Modred felt he had his death wound, he thrust himselfwith all his might up to the end of King Arthur's spear, and smote hisfather, Arthur, with his sword upon the head, so that it pierced both helmand brain-pan. 

And therewith Sir Modred fell down stark dead to the earth, and KingArthur fell down also in a swoon, and swooned many times. 

Then Sir Lucan and Sir Bedivere came and bare him away to a little chapelby the sea-shore. And there Sir Lucan sank down with the bleeding of hisown wounds, and fell dead. 

And King Arthur lay long in a swoon, and when he came to himself, he foundSir Lucan lying dead beside him, and Sir Bedivere weeping over the body ofhis brother. 

Then said the king to Sir Bedivere, "Weeping will avail no longer, elsewould I grieve for evermore. Alas! now is the fellowship of the RoundTable dissolved for ever, and all my realm I have so loved is wasted withwar. But my time hieth fast, wherefore take thou Excalibur, my good sword, and go therewith to yonder water-side and throw it in, and bring me wordwhat thing thou seest. "

So Sir Bedivere departed; but as he went he looked upon the sword, thehilt whereof was all inlaid with precious stones exceeding rich. Andpresently he said within himself, "If I now throw this sword into thewater, what good should come of it?" So he hid the sword among the reeds, and came again to the king. 

"What sawest thou?" said he to Sir Bedivere. 

"Lord, " said he, "I saw nothing else but wind and waves. "

"Thou hast untruly spoken, " said the king; "wherefore go lightly back andthrow it in, and spare not. "

Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword up in his hand; butwhen he looked on it, he thought it sin and shame to throw away a thing sonoble. Wherefore he hid it yet again, and went back to the king. 

"What saw ye?" said King Arthur. 

"Lord, " answered he, "I saw nothing but the water ebbing and flowing. "

"Oh, traitor and untrue!" cried out the king; "twice hast thou nowbetrayed me. Art thou called of men a noble knight, and wouldest betray mefor a jewelled sword? Now, therefore, go again for the last time, for thytarrying hath put me in sore peril of my life, and I fear my wound hathtaken cold; and if thou do it not this time, by my faith I will arise andslay thee with my hands. "

Then Sir Bedivere ran quickly and took up the sword, and went down to thewater's edge, and bound the girdle round the hilt and threw it far intothe water. And lo! an arm and hand came forth above the water, and caughtthe sword, and brandished it three times, and vanished. 

So Sir Bedivere came again to the king and told him what he had seen. 

"Help me from hence, " said King Arthur; "for I dread me I have tarriedover long. "

Then Sir Bedivere took the king up in his arms, and bore him to thewater's edge. And by the shore they saw a barge with three fair queenstherein, all dressed in black, and when they saw King Arthur they wept andwailed. 

"Now put me in the barge, " said he to Sir Bedivere, and tenderly he didso. 

Then the three queens received him, and he laid his head upon the lap ofone of them, who cried, "Alas! dear brother, why have ye tarried so long, for your wound hath taken cold?"

With that the barge put from the land, and when Sir Bedivere saw itdeparting, he cried with a bitter cry, "Alas! my lord King Arthur, whatshall become of me now ye have gone from me?"

"Comfort ye, " said King Arthur, "and be strong, for I may no more help ye. I go to the Vale of Avilion to heal me of my grievous wound, and if ye seeme no more, pray for my soul. "

Then the three queens kneeled down around the king and sorely wept andwailed, and the barge went forth to sea, and departed slowly out of SirBedivere's sight.