Le Morte Darthur
by
Thomas Malory
Part 4 out of 9
them.
CHAPTER XXV
How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons
and made them to yield them.
THEN came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their
spears, and so did the other two. And all <143>this while Sir
Marhaus touched them not. Then Sir Marhaus ran to the duke, and
smote him with his spear that horse and man fell to the earth,
and so he served his sons; and then Sir Marhaus alighted down and
bade the duke yield him or else he would slay him. And then some
of his sons recovered, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus; then
Sir Marhaus said to the duke, Cease thy sons, or else I will do
the uttermost to you all. Then the duke saw he might not escape
the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to yield them
to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of
their swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then
they helped up their father, and so by their cominal assent
promised to Sir Marhaus never to be foes unto King Arthur, and
thereupon at Whitsuntide after to come, he and his sons, and put
them in the king's grace.
Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel
brought him whereas was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse
had cried. And who that did best should have a rich circlet of
gold worth a thousand besants. And there Sir Marhaus did so
nobly that he was renowned, and had sometime down forty knights,
and so the circlet of gold was rewarded him. Then he departed
from them with great worship; and so within seven nights his
damosel brought him to an earl's place, his name was the Earl
Fergus, that after was Sir Tristram's knight; and this earl was
but a young man, and late come into his lands, and there was a
giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had another brother
in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he was
out of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir
Marhaus, that there was a giant by him that destroyed all his
lands, and how he durst nowhere ride nor go for him. Sir, said
the knight, whether useth he to fight on horseback or on foot?
Nay, said the earl, there may no horse bear him. Well, said Sir
Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot; so on the morn Sir
Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might bring him
whereas the giant was; and so he was, for he saw <144>him sit
under a tree of holly, and many clubs of iron and gisarms about
him. So this knight dressed him to the giant, putting his shield
afore him, and the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at
the first stroke he clave Sir Marhaus' shield in two pieces. And
there he was in great peril, for the giant was a wily fighter,
but at last Sir Marhaus smote off his right arm above the elbow.
Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him
into a water, but the giant was so high that he might not wade
after him. And then Sir Marhaus made the Earl Fergus' man to
fetch him stones, and with those stones the knight gave the giant
many sore knocks, till at the last he made him fall down into the
water, and so was he there dead. Then Sir Marhaus went unto the
giant's castle, and there he delivered twenty-four ladies and
twelve knights out of the giant's prison, and there he had great
riches without number, so that the days of his life he was never
poor man. Then he returned to the Earl Fergus, the which thanked
him greatly, and would have given him half his lands, but he
would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh half
a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last
he took his leave. And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir
Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and so by adventure he met with four
knights of Arthur's court, the first was Sir Sagramore le
Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and Sir Felot of
Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one spear smote down these
four knights, and hurt them sore. So he departed to meet at his
day aforeset.
CHAPTER XXVI
How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of
age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.
NOW turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel
of three score winter of age, and she brought <145>him thereas
was a tournament nigh the march of Wales. And at that tournament
Sir Uwaine smote down thirty knights, therefore was given him the
prize, and that was a gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped with
cloth of gold. So then Sir Uwaine did many strange adventures by
the means of the old damosel, and so she brought him to a lady
that was called the Lady of the Rock, the which was much
courteous. So there were in the country two knights that were
brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one
knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue
of the Red Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady
of the Rock of a barony of lands by their extortion. And as this
knight was lodged with this lady she made her complaint to him of
these two knights.
Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against
the high order of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if
it like you I will speak with them, because I am a knight of King
Arthur's, and I will entreat them with fairness; and if they will
not, I shall do battle with them, and in the defence of your
right. Gramercy said the lady, and thereas I may not acquit you,
God shall. So on the morn the two knights were sent for, that
they should come thither to speak with the Lady of the Rock, and
wit ye well they failed not, for they came with an hundred horse.
But when this lady saw them in this manner so big, she would not
suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety nor for no
fair language, but she made him speak with them over a tower, but
finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and answered
that they would keep that they had. Well, said Sir Uwaine, then
will I fight with one of you, and prove that ye do this lady
wrong. That will we not, said they, for an we do battle, we two
will fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will
fight so, we will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if
ye win us in battle the lady shall have her lands again. Ye say
well, said Sir Uwaine, therefore make you ready so that ye be
here to-morn in the defence of the lady's right.
<146>
CHAPTER XXVII
How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and
overcame them.
SO was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason
should be wrought on neither party; so then the knights departed
and made them ready, and that night Sir Uwaine had great cheer.
And on the morn he arose early and heard mass, and brake his
fast, and so he rode unto the plain without the gates, where
hoved the two brethren abiding him. So they rode together
passing sore, that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake their spears upon
Sir Uwaine. And Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward that he fell over
his horse and yet his spear brast not. And then he spurred his
horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they soon
recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and
bade Sir Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then
Sir Uwaine devoided his horse suddenly, and put his shield afore
him and drew his sword, and so they dressed together, and either
gave other such strokes, and there these two brethren wounded Sir
Uwaine passing grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened he
should have died. And thus they fought together five hours as
men raged out of reason. And at the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir
Edward upon the helm such a stroke that his sword carved unto his
canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his courage, but Sir Uwaine
pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir Hue: he kneeled
down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his gentleness
received his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into the
castle together. Then the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and
the other brother made great sorrow for his brother's death.
Then the lady was restored of all her lands, and Sir Hue was
commanded to be at the court of King Arthur at the next feast of
Pentecost. So Sir Uwaine dwelt with the lady nigh half a year,
for it was <147>long or he might be whole of his great hurts.
And so when it drew nigh the term-day that Sir Gawaine, Sir
Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way, then every
knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had made;
and Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them,
but Sir Gawaine had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.
CHAPTER XXVIII
How at the year's end all three knights with their three
damosels met at the fountain.
RIGHT so at the twelvemonths' end they met all three knights at
the fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine
had could say but little worship of him so they departed from the
damosels and rode through a great forest, and there they met with
a messenger that came from King Arthur, that had sought them
well-nigh a twelvemonth throughout all England, Wales, and
Scotland, and charged if ever he might find Sir Gawaine and Sir
Uwaine to bring them to the court again. And then were they all
glad, and so prayed they Sir Marhaus to ride with them to the
king's court. And so within twelve days they came to Camelot,
and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was all the
court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him
all their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and
so they did. And there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there
were knights that he had matched aforetime, and he was named one
of the best knights living.
Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and
brought with her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was
great jousting of knights, and of all knights that were at that
jousts, Sir Pelleas had the prize, and Sir Marhaus was named the
next; but Sir Pelleas was so strong there might but few knights
sit him a buffet with a <148>spear. And at that next feast Sir
Pelleas and Sir Marhaus were made knights of the Table Round, for
there were two sieges void, for two knights were slain that
twelvemonth, and great joy had King Arthur of Sir Pelleas and of
Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after Sir Gawaine, but as
he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at jousts
and tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it
rehearseth in the book of French. So Sir Tristram many days
after fought with Sir Marhaus in an island, and there they did a
great battle, but at the last Sir Tristram slew him, so Sir
Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might recover, and lay at a
nunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a worshipful knight,
and was one of the four that achieved the Sangreal, and the
Damosel of the Lake made by her means that never he had ado with
Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot was at any jousts
or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that day,
but if it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.
Explicit liber quartus. Incipit liber quintus.
BOOK V
CHAPTER I
How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur
to demand truage for Britain.
WHEN King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal
feast and Table Round with his allies of kings, princes, and
noble knights all of the Round Table, there came into his hall,
he sitting in his throne royal, twelve ancient men, bearing each
of them a branch of olive, in token that they came as ambassadors
and messengers from the Emperor Lucius, which was called at that
time, Dictator or Procuror of the Public Weal of Rome. Which
said messengers, after their entering and coming into the
presence of King Arthur, did to him their obeisance in making to
him reverence, and said to him in this wise: The high and mighty
Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,
commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him
the truage due of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father
and other to-fore thy precessors have paid as is of record, and
thou as rebel not knowing him as thy sovereign, withholdest and
retainest contrary to the statutes and decrees made by the noble
and worthy Julius Cesar, conqueror of this realm, and first
Emperor of Rome. And if thou refuse his demand and commandment
know thou for certain that he shall make strong war against thee,
thy realms and lands, and shall chastise thee and thy subjects,
that it shall be ensample perpetual unto all kings and princes,
for to deny their truage unto that noble <150>empire which
domineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the
effect of their message, the king commanded them to withdraw
them, and said he should take advice of council and give to them
an answer. Then some of the young knights, hearing this their
message, would have run on them to have slain them, saying that
it was a rebuke to all the knights there being present to suffer
them to say so to the king. And anon the king commanded that
none of them, upon pain of death, to missay them nor do them any
harm, and commanded a knight to bring them to their lodging, and
see that they have all that is necessary and requisite for them,
with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the Romans
be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my
court, yet I must remember mine honour.
After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the
Round Table to counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say
their advice. Then Sir Cador of Cornwall spake first and said,
Sir, this message liketh me well, for we have many days rested us
and have been idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war on the
Romans, where I doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well,
said Arthur, that this matter pleaseth thee well, but these
answers may not be answered, for the demand grieveth me sore, for
truly I will never pay truage to Rome, wherefore I pray you to
counsel me. I have understood that Belinus and Brenius, kings of
Britain, have had the empire in their hands many days, and also
Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open evidence that we
owe no tribute to Rome but of right we that be descended of them
have right to claim the title of the empire.
<151>
CHAPTER II
How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid
and help against the Romans.
THEN answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to
be above all other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in
Christendom, of knighthood nor of dignity, and I counsel you
never to obey the Romans, for when they reigned on us they
distressed our elders, and put this land to great extortions and
tallies, wherefore I make here mine avow to avenge me on them;
and for to strengthen your quarrel I shall furnish twenty
thousand good men of war, and wage them on my costs, which shall
await on you with myself when it shall please you. And the king
of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty thousand;
wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed to
make war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord
of West Wales promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir
Uwaine, Sir Ider his son, with their cousins, promised to bring
thirty thousand. Then Sir Launcelot with all other promised in
likewise every man a great multitude.
And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he
thanked them heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear
their answer. And in presence of all his lords and knights he
said to them in this wise: I will that ye return unto your lord
and Procuror of the Common Weal for the Romans, and say ye to
him, Of his demand and commandment I set nothing, and that I know
of no truage nor tribute that I owe to him, nor to none earthly
prince, Christian nor heathen; but I pretend to have and occupy
the sovereignty of the empire, wherein I am entitled by the right
of my predecessors, sometime kings of this land; and say to him
that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go with mine army
with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God, to take
<152>possession in the empire and subdue them that be rebel.
Wherefore I command him and all them of Rome, that incontinent
they make to me their homage, and to acknowledge me for their
Emperor and Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then he
commanded his treasurer to give to them great and large gifts,
and to pay all their dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey
them out of the land. And so they took their leave and departed,
and took their shipping at Sandwich, and passed forth by
Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all Italy, until they came
unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they made relation of
their answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.
When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he
was sore moved as he had been all araged, and said, I had
supposed that Arthur would have obeyed to my commandment, and
have served you himself, as him well beseemed or any other king
to do. O Sir, said one of the senators, let be such vain words,
for we let you wit that I and my fellows were full sore afeard to
behold his countenance; I fear me ye have made a rod for
yourself, for he intendeth to be lord of this empire, which sore
is to be doubted if he come, for he is all another man than ye
ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all other
kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On
New Year's Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest
that ever we saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings,
and the noblest fellowship of other princes, lords, and knights
that be in the world, and every knight approved and like a lord,
and holdeth Table Round: and in his person the most manly man
that liveth, and is like to conquer all the world, for unto his
courage it is too little: wherefore I advise you to keep well
your marches and straits in the mountains; for certainly he is a
lord to be doubted. Well, said Lucius, before Easter I suppose
to pass the mountains, and so forth into France, and there
bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors of
Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be
subjects and <153>allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine
aid. And forthwith sent old wise knights unto these countries
following: first to Ambage and Arrage, to Alexandria, to India,
to Armenia, whereas the river of Euphrates runneth into Asia, to
Africa, and Europe the Large, to Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby,
Egypt, and to Damascus, to Damietta and Cayer, to Cappadocia, to
Tarsus, Turkey, Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria and Galatia. And
all these were subject to Rome and many more, as Greece, Cyprus,
Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with many thousands of
Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals, assembled
about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude of
people. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready
his Romans and all the people between him and Flanders.
Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been
engendered of fiends; and they were ordained to guard his person,
and to break the front of the battle of King Arthur. And thus
departed from Rome, and came down the mountains for to destroy
the lands that Arthur had conquered, and came unto Cologne, and
besieged a castle thereby, and won it soon, and stuffed it with
two hundred Saracens or Infidels, and after destroyed many fair
countries which Arthur had won of King Claudas. And thus Lucius
came with all his host, which were disperplyd sixty mile in
breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in Burgoyne, for he
purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.
CHAPTER III
How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he
ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.
NOW leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur,
that commanded all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of
Hilary for to hold a parliament at <154>York. And at that
parliament was concluded to arrest all the navy of the land, and
to be ready within fifteen days at Sandwich, and there he showed
to his army how he purposed to conquer the empire which he ought
to have of right. And there he ordained two governors of this
realm, that is to say, Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to counsel to
the best, and Sir Constantine, son to Sir Cador of Cornwall,
which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm. And in
the presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm
and Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was
wroth, for he left Sir Tristram with King Mark for the love of
Beale Isould. Then the Queen Guenever made great sorrow for the
departing of her lord and other, and swooned in such wise that
the ladies bare her into her chamber. Thus the king with his
great army departed, leaving the queen and realm in the
governance of Sir Baudwin and Constantine. And when he was on
his horse he said with an high voice, If I die in this journey I
will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of this
realm as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into
the sea at Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of
ships, galleys, cogs, and dromounds, sailing on the sea.
CHAPTER IV
How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had
a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.
AND as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a
slumbering and dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a
dreadful dragon did drown much of his people, and he came flying
out of the west, and his head was enamelled with azure, and his
shoulders shone as gold, his belly like mails of a marvellous
hue, his tail full of tatters, his feet full of fine sable, and
his claws like fine gold; and an hideous flame of fire flew out
of his mouth, like as the <155>land and water had flamed all of
fire. After, him seemed there came out of the orient, a grimly
boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he was
rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man
saw, he roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to
hear. Then the dreadful dragon advanced him and came in the wind
like a falcon giving great strokes on the boar, and the boar hit
him again with his grizzly tusks that his breast was all bloody,
and that the hot blood made all the sea red of his blood. Then
the dragon flew away all on an height, and came down with such a
swough, and smote the boar on the ridge, which was ten foot large
from the head to the tail, and smote the boar all to powder both
flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad on the sea.
And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this
dream, and sent anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell
him the signification of his dream. Sir, said the philosopher,
the dragon that thou dreamedst of betokeneth thine own person
that sailest here, and the colours of his wings be thy realms
that thou hast won, and his tail which is all to-tattered
signifieth the noble knights of the Round Table; and the boar
that the dragon slew coming from the clouds betokeneth some
tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art like to fight
with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable, whose
peer ye saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream
doubt thee nothing, but as a conqueror come forth thyself.
Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they
arrived at Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he
found many of his great lords ready, as they had been commanded
to wait upon him.
<156>
CHAPTER V
How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous
giant, and how he fought and conquered him.
THEN came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how
there was in the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great
giant which had slain, murdered and devoured much people of the
country, and had been sustained seven year with the children of
the commons of that land, insomuch that all the children be all
slain and destroyed; and now late he hath taken the Duchess of
Brittany as she rode with her meiny, and hath led her to his
lodging which is in a mountain, for to ravish and lie by her to
her life's end, and many people followed her, more than five
hundred, but all they might not rescue her, but they left her
shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he hath
slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife
unto thy cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood.
Now, as thou art a rightful king, have pity on this lady, and
revenge us all as thou art a noble conqueror. Alas, said King
Arthur, this is a great mischief, I had liefer than the best
realm that I have that I had been a furlong way to-fore him for
to have rescued that lady. Now, fellow, said King Arthur, canst
thou bring me thereas this giant haunteth? Yea, Sir, said the
good man, look yonder whereas thou seest those two great fires,
there shalt thou find him, and more treasure than I suppose is in
all France. When the king had understood this piteous case, he
returned into his tent.
Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded
them secretly to make ready horse and harness for himself and
them twain; for after evensong he would ride on pilgrimage with
them two only unto Saint Michael's mount. And then anon he made
him ready, and armed him at all points, and took his horse and
his shield. And <157>so they three departed thence and rode
forth as fast as ever they might till that they came to the
foreland of that mount. And there they alighted, and the king
commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself go up into
that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to
a great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her
hands and making great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made. And
then King Arthur saluted her, and demanded of her wherefore she
made such lamentation, to whom she answered and said, Sir knight,
speak soft, for yonder is a devil, if he hear thee speak he will
come and destroy thee; I hold thee unhappy; what dost thou here
in this mountain? for if ye were such fifty as ye be, ye were not
able to make resistance against this devil: here lieth a duchess
dead, the which was the fairest of all the world, wife to Sir
Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath murdered her in forcing her,
and hath slit her unto the navel.
Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur,
for to treat with that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such
treaties, said she, he setteth not by the king nor by no man
else; but an if thou have brought Arthur's wife, dame Guenever,
he shall be gladder than thou hadst given to him half France.
Beware, approach him not too nigh, for he hath vanquished fifteen
kings, and hath made him a coat full of precious stones
embroidered with their beards, which they sent him to have his
love for salvation of their people at this last Christmas. And
if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great fire at supper.
Well, said Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your
fearful words; and went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw
where he sat at supper gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his
broad limbs by the fire, and breechless, and three fair damosels
turning three broaches whereon were broached twelve young
children late born, like young birds.
When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great
compassion on them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed
him, saying in this wise: He that all <158>the world wieldeth
give thee short life and shameful death; and the devil have thy
soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent children, and
murdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and dress thee, thou
glutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hand. Then the
glutton anon started up, and took a great club in his hand, and
smote at the king that his coronal fell to the earth. And the
king hit him again that he carved his belly and cut off his
genitours, that his guts and his entrails fell down to the
ground. Then the giant threw away his club, and caught the king
in his arms that he crushed his ribs. Then the three maidens
kneeled down and called to Christ for help and comfort of Arthur.
And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was other while under
and another time above. And so weltering and wallowing they
rolled down the hill till they came to the sea mark, and ever as
they so weltered Arthur smote him with his dagger.
And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights
were and kept Arthur's horse; then when they saw the king fast in
the giant's arms they came and loosed him. And then the king
commanded Sir Kay to smite off the giant's head, and to set it
upon a truncheon of a spear, and bear it to Sir Howell, and tell
him that his enemy was slain; and after let this head be bound to
a barbican that all the people may see and behold it; and go ye
two up to the mountain, and fetch me my shield, my sword, and the
club of iron; and as for the treasure, take ye it, for ye shall
find there goods out of number; so I have the kirtle and the club
I desire no more. This was the fiercest giant that ever I met
with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but this
was greater and fiercer. Then the knights fetched the club and
the kirtle, and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and
returned again to the host. And anon this was known through all
the country, wherefore the people came and thanked the king. And
he said again, Give the thanks to God, and depart the goods among
you.
And after that King Arthur said and commanded his <159>cousin
Howell, that he should ordain for a church to be builded on the
same hill in the worship of Saint Michael. And on the morn the
king removed with his great battle, and came into Champayne and
in a valley, and there they pight their tents; and the king being
set at his dinner, there came in two messengers, of whom that one
was Marshal of France, and said to the king that the emperor was
entered into France, and had destroyed a great part, and was in
Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made great slaughter of people,
and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou come not
hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.
CHAPTER VI
How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius,
and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.
THEN the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and
Sir Bedivere, and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius,
and say ye to him that hastily he remove out of my land; and if
he will not, bid him make him ready to battle and not distress
the poor people. Then anon these noble knights dressed them to
horseback, and when they came to the green wood, they saw many
pavilions set in a meadow, of silk of divers colours, beside a
river, and the emperor's pavilion was in the middle with an eagle
displayed above. To the which tent our knights rode toward, and
ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message, and left in
a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir Gawaine and
Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in Arthur's
name to avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle. To
whom Lucius answered and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and
say ye to him that I shall subdue him and all his lands. Then
Sir Gawaine was wroth and said, I had liefer than all France
fight against thee; and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all
Brittany or Burgoyne.
<160>
Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said,
Lo, how these Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag
as though they bare up all the world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore
grieved with these words, and pulled out his sword and smote off
his head. And therewith turned their horses and rode over waters
and through woods till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir
Lionel and Sir Bedivere were hoving. The Romans followed fast
after, on horseback and on foot, over a champaign unto a wood;
then Sir Bors turned his horse and saw a knight come fast on,
whom he smote through the body with a spear that he fell dead
down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the strongest of
Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur's knights. And when Sir
Bors saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote
him through the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth.
Then Sir Feldenak thought to revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir
Gawaine, but Sir Gawaine was ware thereof, and smote him on the
head, which stroke stinted not till it came to his breast. And
then he returned and came to his fellows in the bushment. And
there was a recounter, for the bushment brake on the Romans, and
slew and hew down the Romans, and forced the Romans to flee and
return, whom the noble knights chased unto their tents.
Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on,
and there was a new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and
Sir Berel were taken. But when Sir Gawaine saw that, he took
with him Sir Idrus the good knight, and said he would never see
King Arthur but if he rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his
good sword, and followed them that led those two knights away;
and he smote him that led Sir Bors, and took Sir Bors from him
and delivered him to his fellows. And Sir Idrus in likewise
rescued Sir Berel. Then began the battle to be great, that our
knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to
King Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore
wounded, and that our prisoners may pay goods out of number. And
the messenger came <161>to the king and told him his message.
And anon the king did do assemble his army, but anon, or he
departed the prisoners were come, and Sir Gawaine and his fellows
gat the field and put the Romans to flight, and after returned
and came with their fellowship in such wise that no man of
worship was lost of them, save that Sir Gawaine was sore hurt.
Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted him. And
thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and
Romans, and there were slain of the Romans more than ten
thousand, and great joy and mirth was made that night in the host
of King Arthur. And on the morn he sent all the prisoners into
Paris under the guard of Sir Launcelot, with many knights, and of
Sir Cador.
CHAPTER VII
How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have
taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.
NOW turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these
prisoners should be sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a
bushment certain knights and princes with sixty thousand men, for
to rescue his knights and lords that were prisoners. And so on
the morn as Launcelot and Sir Cador, chieftains and governors of
all them that conveyed the prisoners, as they should pass through
a wood, Sir Launcelot sent certain knights to espy if any were in
the woods to let them. And when the said knights came into the
wood, anon they espied and saw the great embushment, and returned
and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in await for them three
score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with such knights
as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put them
in array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew
and detrenched many of the Romans, and slew many knights and
admirals of the party of the Romans and Saracens; there <162>was
slain the king of Lyly and three great lords, Aladuke, Herawd,
and Heringdale. But Sir Launcelot fought so nobly that no man
might endure a stroke of his hand, but where he came he showed
his prowess and might, for he slew down right on every side; and
the Romans and Saracens fled from him as the sheep from the wolf
or from the lion, and put them, all that abode alive, to flight.
And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and
anon he graithed him and came to the battle, and saw his knights
how they had vanquished the battle, he embraced them knight by
knight in his arms, and said, Ye be worthy to wield all your
honour and worship; there was never king save myself that had so
noble knights. Sir, said Cador, there was none of us failed
other, but of the prowess and manhood of Sir Launcelot were more
than wonder to tell, and also of his cousins which did that day
many noble feats of war. And also Sir Cador told who of his
knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and Sir
Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes
with a kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed
you, for though ye had returned again, ye had lost no worship;
for I call it folly, knights to abide when they be overmatched.
Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamed may never be
recovered.
CHAPTER VIII
How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also
of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.
NOW leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the
field, and had brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of
a senator which escaped from the battle, and came to Lucius the
emperor, and said to him, Sir emperor, I advise thee for to
withdraw thee; what dost thou here? thou shalt win nothing in
these marches but great strokes out of all measure, for this day
one of <163>Arthur's knights was worth in the battle an hundred
of ours. Fie on thee, said Lucius, thou speakest cowardly; for
thy words grieve me more than all the loss that I had this day.
And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir Leomie, with a
great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would
follow hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent
his people to Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from
the Romans. Then the king commanded Sir Cador to take the
rearward, and to take with him certain knights of the Round
Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir
Marhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the King Arthur
disperpled his host in divers parties, to the end that his
enemies should not escape.
When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might
see where King Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and
he was beset round about with his enemies, that needs he must
fight or yield him, for he might not flee, but said openly unto
the Romans, Sirs, I admonish you that this day ye fight and
acquit you as men, and remember how Rome domineth and is chief
and head over all the earth and universal world, and suffer not
these Britons this day to abide against us; and therewith he did
command his trumpets to blow the bloody sounds, in such wise that
the ground trembled and dindled.
Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides,
and great strokes were smitten on both sides, many men
overthrown, hurt, and slain; and great valiances, prowesses and
appertices of war were that day showed, which were over long to
recount the noble feats of every man, for they should contain an
whole volume. But in especial, King Arthur rode in the battle
exhorting his knights to do well, and himself did as nobly with
his hands as was possible a man to do; he drew out Excalibur his
sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans were thickest and most
grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that part, and
hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew a
great giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity
and height, <164>he shorted him and smote off both his legs by
the knees, saying, Now art thou better of a size to deal with
than thou were, and after smote off his head. There Sir Gawaine
fought nobly and slew three admirals in that battle. And so did
all the knights of the Round Table. Thus the battle between King
Arthur and Lucius the Emperor endured long. Lucius had on his
side many Saracens which were slain. And thus the battle was
great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and anon at
an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King Arthur
espied where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his
own hands. And anon he rode to him. And either smote other
fiercely, and at last Lucius smote Arthur thwart the visage, and
gave him a large wound. And when King Arthur felt himself hurt,
anon he smote him again with Excalibur that it cleft his head,
from the summit of his head, and stinted not till it came to his
breast. And then the emperor fell down dead and there ended his
life.
And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the
Romans with all their host put them to flight, and King Arthur
with all his knights followed the chase, and slew down right all
them that they might attain. And thus was the victory given to
King Arthur, and the triumph; and there were slain on the part of
Lucius more than an hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did
do ransack the dead bodies, and did do bury them that were slain
of his retinue, every man according to the estate and degree that
he was of. And them that were hurt he let the surgeons do search
their hurts and wounds, and commanded to spare no salves nor
medicines till they were whole.
Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius
lay dead, and with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the
King of Egypt and of Ethiopia, which were two noble kings, with
seventeen other kings of divers regions, and also sixty senators
of Rome, all noble men, whom the king did do balm and gum with
many good gums aromatic, and after did do cere them in <165>sixty
fold of cered cloth of sendal, and laid them in chests of lead,
because they should not chafe nor savour, and upon all these
bodies their shields with their arms and banners were set, to the
end they should be known of what country they were. And after he
found three senators which were alive, to whom he said, For to
save your lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry
them with you unto great Rome, and present them to the Potestate
on my behalf, shewing him my letters, and tell them that I in my
person shall hastily be at Rome. And I suppose the Romans shall
beware how they shall demand any tribute of me. And I command
you to say when ye shall come to Rome, to the Potestate and all
the Council and Senate, that I send to them these dead bodies for
the tribute that they have demanded. And if they be not content
with these, I shall pay more at my coming, for other tribute owe
I none, nor none other will I pay. And methinketh this sufficeth
for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And
furthermore, I charge you to say to them, that I command them
upon pain of their heads never to demand tribute nor tax of me
nor of my lands. Then with this charge and commandment, the
three senators aforesaid departed with all the said dead bodies,
laying the body of Lucius in a car covered with the arms of the
Empire all alone; and after alway two bodies of kings in a
chariot, and then the bodies of the senators after them, and so
went toward Rome, and showed their legation and message to the
Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in France, and
how the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain.
Wherefore they advised them in no wise to move no more war
against that noble conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is
most to be doubted, seen the noble kings and great multitude of
knights of the Round Table, to whom none earthly prince may
compare.
<166>
CHAPTER IX
How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the
Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.
NOW turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after
the great battle achieved against the Romans, entered into
Lorraine, Brabant and Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut
Almaine, and so over the mountains into Lombardy, and after, into
Tuscany wherein was a city which in no wise would yield themself
nor obey, wherefore King Arthur besieged it, and lay long about
it, and gave many assaults to the city; and they within defended
them valiantly. Then, on a time, the king called Sir Florence, a
knight, and said to him they lacked victual, And not far from
hence be great forests and woods, wherein be many of mine enemies
with much bestial: I will that thou make thee ready and go
thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my nephew,
Sir Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of
Cardiff with other, and bring with you all the beasts that ye
there can get.
And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and
hills, through forests and woods, till they came into a fair
meadow full of fair flowers and grass; and there they rested them
and their horses all that night. And in the springing of the day
in the next morn, Sir Gawaine took his horse and stole away from
his fellowship, to seek some adventures. And anon he was ware of
a man armed, walking his horse easily by a wood's side, and his
shield laced to his shoulder, sitting on a strong courser,
without any man saving a page bearing a mighty spear. The knight
bare in his shield three griffins of gold, in sable carbuncle,
the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gay knight, he
feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of him
from whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of
Tuscany, <167>and demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou,
proud knight, thee so boldly? here gettest thou no prey, thou
mayest prove what thou wilt, for thou shalt be my prisoner or
thou depart. Then said Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and
speakest proud words, I counsel thee for all thy boast that thou
make thee ready, and take thy gear to thee, to-fore greater grame
fall to thee.
CHAPTER X
Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which
after was yielden and became Christian.
THEN they took their spears and ran each at other with all the
might they had, and smote each other through their shields into
their shoulders, wherefore anon they pulled out their swords, and
smote great strokes that the fire sprang out of their helms.
Then Sir Gawaine was all abashed, and with Galatine his good
sword he smote through shield and thick hauberk made of thick
mails, and all to-rushed and break the precious stones, and made
him a large wound, that men might see both liver and lung. Then
groaned that knight, and addressed him to Sir Gawaine, and with
an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein, which
grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore. Then the knight said to
Sir Gawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou
be-bleedest all thy horse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers
of Brittany shall not con staunch thy blood, for whosomever is
hurt with this blade he shall never be staunched of bleeding.
Then answered Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great words
shall not fear me nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer
teen and sorrow or we depart, but tell me in haste who may
staunch my bleeding. That may I do, said the knight, if I will,
and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, that I may be
christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thy
<168>manhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul. I grant,
said Gawaine, so God help me, to accomplish all thy desire, but
first tell me what thou soughtest here thus alone, and of what
land and liegiance thou art of. Sir, he said, my name is
Priamus, and a great prince is my father, and he hath been rebel
unto Rome and overridden many of their lands. My father is
lineally descended of Alexander and of Hector by right line. And
Duke Joshua and Maccabaeus were of our lineage. I am right
inheritor of Alexandria and Africa, and all the out isles, yet
will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest on; and for thy
labour I shall give thee treasure enough. I was so elate and
hauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me
semblable. I was sent into this war with seven score knights,
and now I have encountered with thee, which hast given to me of
fighting my fill, wherefore sir knight, I pray thee to tell me
what thou art. I am no knight, said Gawaine, I have been brought
up in the guardrobe with the noble King Arthur many years, for to
take heed to his armour and his other array, and to point his
paltocks that long to himself. At Yule last he made me yeoman,
and gave to me horse and harness, and an hundred pound in money;
and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to be well advanced
and holpen by my liege lord. Ah, said Priamus, if his knaves be
so keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the
King's love of Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell
thou me thy name. By God, said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee
sooth, my name is Sir Gawaine, and known I am in his court and in
his chamber, and one of the knights of the Round Table, he dubbed
me a duke with his own hand. Therefore grudge not if this grace
is to me fortuned, it is the goodness of God that lent to me my
strength. Now am I better pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst
given to me all the Provence and Paris the rich. I had liefer to
have been torn with wild horses, than any varlet had won such
loos, or any page or priker should have had prize on me. But now
sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of Lorraine with his
army, and <169>the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of
Lombardy, with the garrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland,
y-numbered sixty thousand of good men of arms; wherefore but if
we hie us hence, it will harm us both, for we be sore hurt, never
like to recover; but take heed to my page, that he no horn blow,
for if he do, there be hoving here fast by an hundred knights
awaiting on my person, and if they take thee, there shall no
ransom of gold nor silver acquit thee.
Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the
knight followed him, and so rode forth till they came to his
fellows which were in the meadow, where they had been all the
night. Anon as Sir Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaine and saw that
he was hurt, he ran to him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded of
him who had so hurt him; and Gawaine told how he had foughten
with that man, and each of them had hurt other, and how he had
salves to heal them; but I can tell you other tidings, that soon
we shall have ado with many enemies.
Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses
graze in the meadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran
freshly from their wounds. And Priamus took from his page a vial
full of the four waters that came out of Paradise, and with
certain balm anointed their wounds, and washed them with that
water, and within an hour after they were both as whole as ever
they were. And then with a trumpet were they all assembled to
council, and there Priamus told unto them what lords and knights
had sworn to rescue him, and that without fail they should be
assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled them to
withdraw them. Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to
them to avoid without any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our
arms and to make us ready to meet with these Saracens and
misbelieving men, and with the help of God we shall overthrow
them and have a fair day on them. And Sir Florence shall abide
still in this field to keep the stale as a noble knight, and we
shall not forsake yonder fellows. Now, said Priamus, cease your
words, for I warn you ye shall find in yonder <170>woods many
perilous knights; they will put forth beasts to call you on, they
be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which be
over few to fight with so many. Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine,
we shall once encounter them, and see what they can do, and the
best shall have the victory.
CHAPTER XI
How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their
beasts, and of a great battle.
THEN Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred
knights, and drove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him
seven hundred men of arms; and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair
steed came springing out of the woods, and came to Sir Florence
and asked him why he fled. Then Sir Florence took his spear and
rode against him, and smote him in the forehead and brake his
neck bone. Then all the other were moved, and thought to avenge
the death of Sir Ferant, and smote in among them, and there was
great fight, and many slain and laid down to ground, and Sir
Florence with his hundred knights alway kept the stale, and
fought manly.
Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he
went to Sir Gawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour
his fellowship, which were sore bestead with their enemies. Sir,
grieve you not, said Sir Gawaine, for their gree shall be theirs.
I shall not once move my horse to them ward, but if I see more
than there be; for they be strong enough to match them.
And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of
Dutchmen, came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and
Priamus' knights, and came straight unto the battle. Then Sir
Gawaine comforted his knights, and bade them not to be abashed,
for all shall be ours. Then they began to wallop and met with
their enemies, <171>there were men slain and overthrown on every
side. Then thrust in among them the knights of the Table Round,
and smote down to the earth all them that withstood them, in so
much that they made them to recoil and flee. By God, said Sir
Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be they less in number
by twenty thousand. Then entered into the battle Jubance a
giant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our
knights, among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales.
Then our knights took heart to them, and slew many Saracens. And
then came in Sir Priamus with his pennon, and rode with the
knights of the Round Table, and fought so manfully that many of
their enemies lost their lives. And there Sir Priamus slew the
Marquis of Moises land, and Sir Gawaine with his fellows so quit
them that they had the field, but in that stour was Sir
Chestelaine, a child and ward of Sir Gawaine slain, wherefore was
much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged. Thus was the
battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead
in the field.
Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people,
and took great plenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great
treasure and riches, and returned unto King Arthur, which lay
still at the siege. And when they came to the king they
presented their prisoners and recounted their adventures, and how
they had vanquished their enemies.
CHAPTER XII
How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners,
and how the King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor.
NOW thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner
man is he that standeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner.
Sir, said Gawaine, this is a good man of arms, he hath matched
me, but he is yielden unto <172>God, and to me, for to become
Christian; had not he have been we should never have returned,
wherefore I pray you that he may be baptised, for there liveth
not a nobler man nor better knight of his hands. Then the king
let him anon be christened, and did do call him his first name
Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the Table Round. And
then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there was
rearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that
men with little pain might enter into the city. Then came out a
duchess, and Clarisin the countess, with many ladies and
damosels, and kneeling before King Arthur, required him for the
love of God to receive the city, and not to take it by assault,
for then should many guiltless be slain. Then the king avaled
his visor with a meek and noble countenance, and said, Madam,
there shall none of my subjects misdo you nor your maidens, nor
to none that to you belong, but the duke shall abide my judgment.
Then anon the king commanded to leave the assault, and anon the
duke's oldest son brought out the keys, and kneeling delivered
them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the king seized
the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent him
to Dover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and
assigned certain rents for the dower of the duchess and for her
children.
Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought
to do in his own country; and after he took his journey toward
Rome, and sent Sir Floris and Sir Floridas to-fore, with five
hundred men of arms, and they came to the city of Urbino and laid
there a bushment, thereas them seemed most best for them, and
rode to-fore the town, where anon issued out much people and
skirmished with the fore-riders. Then brake out the bushment and
won the bridge, and after the town, and set upon the walls the
king's banner. Then came the king upon an hill, and saw the city
and his banner on the walls, by which he knew that the city was
won. And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liege men
should defoul nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came
<173>into the city, he passed to the castle, and comforted them
that were in sorrow, and ordained there a captain, a knight of
his own country.
And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent
to King Arthur great sums of money, and besought him as their
lord to have pity on them, promising to be his subjects for ever,
and yield to him homage and fealty for the lands of Pleasance and
Pavia, Petersaint, and the Port of Tremble, and to give him
yearly a million of gold all his lifetime. Then he rideth into
Tuscany, and winneth towns and castles, and wasted all in his way
that to him will not obey, and so to Spolute and Viterbe, and
from thence he rode into the Vale of Vicecount among the vines.
And from thence he sent to the senators, to wit whether they
would know him for their lord. But soon after on a Saturday came
unto King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the
noblest cardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of
peace, and proferred him full large, and besought him as governor
to give licence for six weeks for to assemble all the Romans, and
then to crown him emperor with chrism as it belongeth to so high
estate. I assent, said the king, like as ye have devised, and at
Christmas there to be crowned, and to hold my Round Table with my
knights as me liketh. And then the senators made ready for his
enthronization. And at the day appointed, as the romance
telleth, he came into Rome, and was crowned emperor by the pope's
hand, with all the royalty that could be made, and sojourned
there a time, and established all his lands from Rome into
France, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights,
to everych after his desert, in such wise that none complained,
rich nor poor. And he gave to Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine;
and he thanked him, and said he would serve him the days of his
life; and after made dukes and earls, and made every man rich.
Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore
him, and said: Blessed be God, your war is finished and your
conquest achieved, in so much that we <174>know none so great nor
mighty that dare make war against you: wherefore we beseech you
to return homeward, and give us licence to go home to our wives,
from whom we have been long, and to rest us, for your journey is
finished with honour and worship. Then said the king, Ye say
truth, and for to tempt God it is no wisdom, and therefore make
you ready and return we into England. Then there was trussing of
harness and baggage and great carriage. And after licence given,
he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should not
rob nor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he
should pay therefore. And thus he came over the sea and landed
at Sandwich, against whom Queen Guenever his wife came and met
him, and he was nobly received of all his commons in every city
and burgh, and great gifts presented to him at his home-coming to
welcome him with.
Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur
had against Lucius the Emperor of Rome, and here
followeth the sixth book, which is of Sir Launcelot
du Lake.
BOOK VI
CHAPTER I
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court,
and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken.
SOON after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then
all the knights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and
made many jousts and tournaments, and some there were that were
but knights, which increased so in arms and worship that they
passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds, and that was
well proved on many; but in especial it was proved on Sir
Launcelot du Lake, for in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of
arms, both for life and death, he passed all other knights, and
at no time he was never overcome but if it were by treason or
enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increased so marvellously in
worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first knight that the
French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came from Rome.
Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all other
knights, and in certain he loved the queen again above all other
ladies and damosels of his life, and for her he did many deeds of
arms, and saved her from the fire through his noble chivalry.
Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then
he thought himself to prove himself in strange adventures, then
he bade his nephew, Sir Lionel, for to make him ready; for we two
will seek adventures. So they mounted on their horses, armed at
all rights, and <176>rode into a deep forest and so into a deep
plain. And then the weather was hot about noon, and Sir
Launcelot had great lust to sleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a
great apple-tree that stood by an hedge, and said, Brother,
yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and] our horses.
It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this eight
year I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted
and tied their horses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot
laid him down under an appletree, and his helm he laid under his
head. And Sir Lionel waked while he slept. So Sir Launcelot was
asleep passing fast.
And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast
fleeing as ever they might ride. And there followed them three
but one knight. And when Sir Lionel saw him, him thought he saw
never so great a knight, nor so well faring a man, neither so
well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while this strong
knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he smote him
to the cold earth that he lay still. And then he rode unto the
second knight, and smote him so that man and horse fell down.
And then straight to the third knight he rode, and smote him
behind his horse's arse a spear length. And then he alighted
down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three
knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir
Lionel saw him do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him
ready, and stilly and privily he took his horse, and thought not
for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when he was mounted upon his
horse, he overtook this strong knight, and bade him turn, and the
other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the
earth, and so he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him
overthwart his own horse, and so he served them all four, and
rode with them away to his own castle. And when he came there he
gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, and after
put them in a deep prison where were many more knights, that made
great dolour.
<177>
CHAPTER II
How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how
he was taken by Sir Turquine.
WHEN Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of
the court to seek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made
him ready to seek Sir Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a
great forest he met with a man was like a forester. Fair fellow,
said Sir Ector, knowest thou in this country any adventures that
be here nigh hand? Sir, said the forester, this country know I
well, and hereby, within this mile, is a strong manor, and well
dyked, and by that manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford
for horses to drink of, and over that ford there groweth a fair
tree, and thereon hang many fair shields that wielded sometime
good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a basin of
copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of
thy spear thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and
else hast thou the fairest grace that many a year had ever knight
that passed through this forest. Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and
departed and came to the tree, and saw many fair shields. And
among them he saw his brother's shield, Sir Lionel, and many more
that he knew that were his fellows of the Round Table, the which
grieved his heart, and promised to revenge his brother.
Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then
he gave his horse drink at the ford, and there came a knight
behind him and bade him come out of the water and make him ready;
and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and in feuter cast his
spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that his horse
turned twice about. This was well done, said the strong knight,
and knightly thou hast stricken me; and therewith he rushed his
horse on Sir Ector, and cleight him under his right arm, and bare
him clean out of the saddle, and rode with <178>him away into his
own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor. The name of
this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, For
thou hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these
twelve years, now will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be
sworn to be my prisoner all thy life days. Nay, said Sir Ector,
that will I never promise thee, but that I will do mine
advantage. That me repenteth, said Sir Turquine. And then he
gart to unarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked, and sithen
put him down in a deep dungeon, where he knew many of his
fellows. But when Sir Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great
sorrow. Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is my brother Sir
Launcelot? Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from him
yode, under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot
tell you. Alas, said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we
may never be delivered, for we know now no knight that is able to
match our master Turquine.
CHAPTER III
How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by
enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.
NOW leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir
Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even
about the noon there came by him four queens of great estate;
and, for the heat should not annoy them, there rode four knights
about them, and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears,
betwixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four white
mules. Thus as they rode they heard by them a great horse grimly
neigh, then were they ware of a sleeping knight, that lay all
armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queens looked on his
face, they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to
strive for that knight, everych one said they would have him to
her love. We shall not strive, said <179>Morgan le Fay, that was
King Arthur's sister, I shall put an enchantment upon him that he
shall not awake in six hours, and then I will lead him away unto
my castle, and when he is surely within my hold, I shall take the
enchantment from him, and then let him choose which of us he will
have unto paramour.
So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they
laid him upon his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt
two knights, and brought him unto the castle Chariot, and there
they laid him in a chamber cold, and at night they sent unto him
a fair damosel with his supper ready dight. By that the
enchantment was past, and when she came she saluted him, and
asked him what cheer. I cannot say, fair damosel, said Sir
Launcelot, for I wot not how I came into this castle but it be by
an enchantment. Sir, said she, ye must make good cheer, and if
ye be such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you more
to-morn by prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir
Launcelot, of your good will I require you. And so she departed.
And there he lay all that night without comfort of anybody. And
on the morn early came these four queens, passingly well beseen,
all they bidding him good morn, and he them again.
Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art
our prisoner, and we here know thee well that thou art Sir
Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son, and because we understand your
worthiness, that thou art the noblest knight living, and as we
know well there can no lady have thy love but one, and that is
Queen Guenever, and now thou shalt lose her for ever, and she
thee, and therefore thee behoveth now to choose one of us four.
I am the Queen Morgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here
is the queen of Northgalis, and the queen of Eastland, and the
queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of us which thou wilt have
to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else in this
prison to die. This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that
either I must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to
die in this prison with worship, than to have one of you to my
paramour maugre my <180>head. And therefore ye be answered, I
will none of you, for ye be false enchantresses, and as for my
lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove
it on you or on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord
living. Well, said the queens, is this your answer, that ye will
refuse us. Yea, on my life, said Sir Launcelot, refused ye be of
me. So they departed and left him there alone that made great
sorrow.
CHAPTER IV
How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel.
RIGHT so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner,
and asked him what cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir
Launcelot, in my life days never so ill. Sir, she said, that me
repenteth, but an ye will be ruled by me, I shall help you out of
this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villainy, so that
ye hold me a promise. Fair damosel, I will grant you, and sore I
am of these queen-sorceresses afeard, for they have destroyed
many a good knight. Sir, said she, that is sooth, and for the
renown and bounty that they hear of you they would have your
love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, the
flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye
have refused them. But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my
father on Tuesday next coming, that hath made a tournament
betwixt him and the King of Northgalis--for the last Tuesday past
my father lost the field through three knights of Arthur's
court--an ye will be there on Tuesday next coming, and help my
father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver
you clean. Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me what is your
father's name, and then shall I give you an answer. Sir knight,
she said, my father is King Bagdemagus, that was foul rebuked at
the last tournament. I know your father well, said Sir
Launcelot, for a noble king and a good knight, <181>and by the
faith of my body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father
and you service at that day. Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-
morn await ye be ready betimes and I shall be she that shall
deliver you and take you your armour and your horse, shield and
spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey of white
monks, there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I
bring my father unto you. All this shall be done, said Sir
Launcelot as I am true knight.
And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him
ready; then she brought him out of twelve locks, and brought him
unto his armour, and when he was clean armed, she brought him
until his own horse, and lightly he saddled him and took a great
spear in his hand and so rode forth, and said, Fair damosel, I
shall not fail you, by the grace of God. And so he rode into a
great forest all that day, and never could find no highway and so
the night fell on him, and then was he ware in a slade, of a
pavilion of red sendal. By my faith, said Sir Launcelot, in that
pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so there he alighted
down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he unarmed
him, and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell
asleep sadly.
CHAPTER V
How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed,
and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.
THEN within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion
ought, and he weened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so
he laid him down beside Sir Launcelot, and took him in his arms
and began to kiss him. And when Sir Launcelot felt a rough beard
kissing him, he started out of the bed lightly, and the other
knight after him, and either of them gat their swords in their
hands, and out at the pavilion door went the knight of the
<182>pavilion, and Sir Launcelot followed him, and there by a
little slake Sir Launcelot wounded him sore, nigh unto the death.
And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and so he granted
him, so that he would tell him why he came into the bed. Sir,
said the knight, the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I
had assigned my lady to have slept with me, and now I am likely
to die of this wound. That me repenteth, said Launcelot, of your
hurt, but I was adread of treason, for I was late beguiled, and
therefore come on your way into your pavilion and take your rest,
and as I suppose I shall staunch your blood. And so they went
both into the pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot staunched his
blood.
Therewithal came the knight's lady, that was a passing fair lady,
and when she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she
cried out on Sir Launcelot, and made great dole out of measure.
Peace, my lady and my love, said Belleus, for this knight is a
good man, and a knight adventurous, and there he told her all the
cause how he was wounded; And when that I yielded me unto him, he
left me goodly and hath staunched my blood. Sir, said the lady,
I require thee tell me what knight ye be, and what is your name?
Fair lady, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. So me
thought ever by your speech, said the lady, for I have seen you
oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween. But now an ye
would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye have
done to me and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur's
court for to cause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for
he is a passing good man of arms, and a mighty lord of lands of
many out isles.
Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the
next high feast, and look that ye come with him, and I shall do
my power, an ye prove you doughty of your hands, that ye shall
have your desire. So thus within a while, as they thus talked,
the night passed, and the day shone, and then Sir Launcelot armed
him, and took his horse, and they taught him to the Abbey, and
thither he rode within the space of two hours.<183>
CHAPTER VI
How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus'
daughter, and how he made his complaint to her father.
AND soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the
daughter of King Bagdemagus heard a great horse go on the
pavement. And she then arose and yede unto a window, and there
she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon she made men fast to take his
horse from him and let lead him into a stable, and himself was
led into a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and the lady sent him a
long gown, and anon she came herself. And then she made
Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in
the world was most welcome to her. Then in all haste she sent
for her father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that
Abbey, and afore even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights
with him. And when the king was alighted off his horse he yode
straight unto Sir Launcelot's chamber and there he found his
daughter, and then the king embraced Sir Launcelot in his arms,
and either made other good cheer.
Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was
betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he
wist not where, and how his daughter had delivered him out of
prison; Therefore while I live I shall do her service and all her
kindred. Then am I sure of your help, said the king, on Tuesday
next coming. Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you,
for so I have promised my lady your daughter. But, sir, what
knights be they of my lord Arthur's that were with the King of
Northgalis? And the king said it was Sir Mador de la Porte, and
Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that all for-fared my knights,
for against them three I nor my knights might bear no strength.
Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the tournament shall
be here <184>within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send
unto me three knights of yours, such as ye trust, and look that
the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no
painture on the shields, and we four will come out of a little
wood in midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of
our enemies and grieve them that we may; and thus shall I not be
known what knight I am.
So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday,
and so the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three
knights with the four white shields. And on the Tuesday they
lodged them in a little leaved wood beside there the tournament
should be. And there were scaffolds and holes that lords and
ladies might behold and to give the prize. Then came into the
field the King of Northgalis with eight score helms. And then
the three knights of Arthur's stood by themselves. Then came
into the field King Bagdemagus with four score of helms. And
then they feutred their spears, and came together with a great
dash, and there were slain of knights at the first recounter
twelve of King Bagdemagus' party, and six of the King of
Northgalis' party, and King Bagdemagus' party was far set aback.
CHAPTER VII
How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how
he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.
WITH that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his
spear in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with
one spear five knights, and of four of them he brake their backs.
And in that throng he smote down the King of Northgalis, and
brake his thigh in that fall. All this doing of Sir Launcelot
saw the three knights of Arthur's. Yonder is a shrewd guest,
said Sir Mador de la Porte, therefore have here once at him. So
they encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and
<185>man, so that his shoulder went out of lith. Now befalleth
it to me to joust, said Mordred, for Sir Mador hath a sore fall.
Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand,
and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir
Launcelot gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle
brake, and so he flew over his horse's tail, that his helm butted
into the earth a foot and more, that nigh his neck was broken,
and there he lay long in a swoon.
Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot
against him, with all their strength that they might drive, that
both their spears to-brast even to their hands, and then they
flang out with their swords and gave many a grim stroke. Then
was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir
Gahalantine on the helm that his nose brast out on blood, and
ears and mouth both, and therewith his head hung low. And
therewith his horse ran away with him, and he fell down to the
earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his
hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the
earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and
not the horse, and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare
none arms that day. And then he gat another great spear, and
smote down twelve knights, and the most part of them never throve
after. And then the knights of the King of Northgalis would
joust no more. And there the gree was given to King Bagdemagus.
So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot
rode forth with King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had
passing good cheer both with the king and with his daughter, and
they proffered him great gifts. And on the morn he took his
leave, and told the king that he would go and seek his brother
Sir Lionel, that went from him when that he slept, so he took his
horse, and betaught them all to God. And there he said unto the
king's daughter, If ye have need any time of my service I pray
you let me have knowledge, and I shall not fail you as I am true
knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he came
into the same forest there he was <186>taken sleeping. And in
the midst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white
palfrey, and there either saluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir
Launcelot, know ye in this country any adventures? Sir knight,
said that damosel, here are adventures near hand, an thou durst
prove them. Why should I not prove adventures? said Sir
Launcelot for that cause come I hither. Well, said she, thou
seemest well to be a good knight, and if thou dare meet with a
good knight, I shall bring thee where is the best knight, and the
mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell me what is thy
name, and what knight thou art. Damosel, as for to tell thee my
name I take no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du
Lake. Sir, thou beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall
for thee, for hereby dwelleth a knight that will not be
overmatched for no man I know but ye overmatch him, and his name
is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he hath in his prison, of
Arthur's court, good knights three score and four, that he hath
won with his own hands. But when ye have done that journey ye
shall promise me as ye are a true knight for to go with me, and
to help me and other damosels that are distressed daily with a
false knight. All your intent, damosel, and desire I will
fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight. Now, fair knight,
come on your way; and so she brought him unto the ford and the
tree where hung the basin.
So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the
basin with the butt of his spear so hard with all his might till
the bottom fell out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing.
Then he rode endlong the gates of that manor nigh half-an-hour.
And then was he ware of a great knight that drove an horse afore
him, and overthwart the horse there lay an armed knight bound.
And ever as they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he
should know him. Then Sir Launcelot was ware that it was Sir
Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, a knight of the Table Round. Now,
fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometh a knight
fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto Sir
Gawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave
of God, to rescue that knight; <187>but if his master sit better
in the saddle I shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out
of danger, for I am sure he hath two brethren of mine prisoners
with him. By that time that either had seen other, they gripped
their spears unto them. Now, fair knight, said Sir Launcelot,
put that wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile,
and let us two prove our strengths; for as it is informed me,
thou doest and hast done great despite and shame unto knights of
the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee. An thou be of
the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thy
fellowship. That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER VIII
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together.
AND then they put their spears in the rests, and came together
with their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote
other in midst of their shields, that both their horses' backs
brast under them, and the knights were both stonied. And as soon
as they might avoid their horses, they took their shields afore
them, and drew out their swords, and came together eagerly, and
either gave other many strong strokes, for there might neither
shields nor harness hold their strokes. And so within a while
they had both grimly wounds, and bled passing grievously. Thus
they fared two hours or more trasing and rasing either other,
where they might hit any bare place.
Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on
their swords. Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a
while, and tell me what I shall ask thee. Say on. Then Turquine
said, Thou art the biggest man that ever I met withal, and the
best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all other
knights; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with
thee, and for thy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I
have, that is three score and four, so thou wilt tell me thy
name. And <188>thou and I we will be fellows together, and never
to fail thee while that I live. It is well said, said Sir
Launcelot, but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship,
what knight is he that thou so hatest above all other?
Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his name is Sir Launcelot du Lake,
for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at the dolorous tower, that
was one of the best knights alive; and therefore him I except of
all knights, for may I once meet with him, the one of us shall
make an end of other, I make mine avow. And for Sir Launcelot's
sake I have slain an hundred good knights, and as many I have
maimed all utterly that they might never after help themselves,
and many have died in prison, and yet have I three score and
four, and all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name,
so be it that thou be not Sir Launcelot.
Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be,
I might have peace, and such a man I might be, that there should
be war mortal betwixt us. And now, sir knight, at thy request I
will that thou wit and know that I am Launcelot du Lake, King
Ban's son of Benwick, and very knight of the Table Round. And
now I defy thee, and do thy best. Ah, said Turquine, Launcelot,
thou art unto me most welcome that ever was knight, for we shall
never depart till the one of us be dead. Then they hurtled
together as two wild bulls rushing and lashing with their shields
and swords, that sometime they fell both over their noses. Thus
they fought still two hours and more, and never would have rest,
and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all the
ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.
CHAPTER IX
How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade
Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.
THEN at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat
aback, and bare his shield low for weariness. <189>That espied
Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon him fiercely and gat him by the
beaver of his helmet, and plucked him down on his knees, and anon
he raced off his helm, and smote his neck in sunder. And when
Sir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the damosel and said,
Damosel, I am ready to go with you where ye will have me, but I
have no horse. Fair sir, said she, take this wounded knight's
horse and send him into this manor, and command him to deliver
all the prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris, and
prayed him not to be aggrieved for to lend him his horse. Nay,
fair lord, said Gaheris, I will that ye take my horse at your own
commandment, for ye have both saved me and my horse, and this day
I say ye are the best knight in the world, for ye have slain this
day in my sight the mightiest man and the best knight except you
that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I pray you tell me
your name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that ought to
help you of right for King Arthur's sake, and in especial for my
lord Sir Gawaine's sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye
come within yonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many
knights of the Round Table, for I have seen many of their shields
that I know on yonder tree. There is Kay's shield, and Sir
Brandel's shield, and Sir Marhaus' shield, and Sir Galind's
shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois' shield, and Sir Aliduke's
shield, with many more that I am not now advised of, and also my
two brethren's shields, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Lionel;
wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I bid
them take such stuff there as they find, and that in any wise my
brethren go unto the court and abide me there till that I come,
for by the feast of Pentecost I cast me to be there, for as at
this time I must ride with this damosel for to save my promise.
And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the
manor, and there he found a yeoman porter keeping there many
keys. Anon withal Sir Gaheris threw the porter unto the ground
and took the keys from him, and hastily he opened the prison
door, and there he let <190>out all the prisoners, and every man
loosed other of their bonds. And when they saw Sir Gaheris, all
they thanked him, for they weened that he was wounded. Not so,
said Gaheris, it was Launcelot that slew him worshipfully with
his own hands. I saw it with mine own eyes. And he greeteth you
all well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as unto
Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the
court. That shall we not do, says his brethren, we will find him
an we may live. So shall I, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at
the court, as I am true knight.
Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was,
and then they armed them, and every knight found his own horse,
and all that ever longed unto him. And when this was done, there
came a forester with four horses laden with fat venison. Anon,
Sir Kay said, Here is good meat for us for one meal, for we had
not many a day no good repast. And so that venison was roasted,
baken, and sodden, and so after supper some abode there all
night, but Sir Lionel and Ector de Maris and Sir Kay rode after
Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.
CHAPTER X
How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight
that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge.
NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a
fair highway. Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a
knight that distressed all ladies and gentlewomen, and at the
least he robbeth them or lieth by them. What, said Sir
Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight and a ravisher of women? he
doth shame unto the order of knighthood, and contrary unto his
oath; it is pity that he liveth. But, fair damosel, ye shall
ride on afore, yourself, and I will keep myself in covert, and if
<191>that he trouble you or distress you I shall be your rescue
and learn him to be ruled as a knight.
So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a
while came out that knight on horseback out of the wood, and his
page with him, and there he put the damosel from her horse, and
then she cried. With that came Launcelot as fast as he might
till he came to that knight, saying, O thou false knight and
traitor unto knighthood, who did learn thee to distress ladies
and gentlewomen? When the knight saw Sir Launcelot thus rebuking
him he answered not, but drew his sword and rode unto Sir
Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear from him, and drew
out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that he
clave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou thy
payment that long thou hast deserved! That is truth, said the
damosel, for like as Sir Turquine watched to destroy knights, so
did this knight attend to destroy and distress ladies, damosels,
and gentlewomen, and his name was Sir Peris de Forest Savage.
Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will ye any more service of me?
Nay, sir, she said, at this time, but almighty Jesu preserve you
wheresomever ye ride or go, for the curteist knight thou art, and
meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen, that now liveth. But
one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are a knight
wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for I
could never hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree,
and that is great pity; but it is noised that ye love Queen
Guenever, and that she hath ordained by enchantment that ye shall
never love none other but her, nor none other damosel nor lady
shall rejoice you; wherefore many in this land, of high estate
and low, make great sorrow.
Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak
of me what it pleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think
it not; for then I must couch with her, and leave arms and
tournaments, battles, and adventures; and as for to say for to
take my pleasaunce with paramours, that will I refuse in
principal <192>for dread of God; for knights that be adventurous
or lecherous shall not be happy nor fortunate unto the wars, for
other they shall be overcome with a simpler knight than they be
themselves, other else they shall by unhap and their cursedness
slay better men than they be themselves. And so who that useth
paramours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy that is
about them.
And so Sir Launcelot and she departed. And then he rode in a
deep forest two days and more, and had strait lodging. So on the
third day he rode over a long bridge, and there stert upon him
suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smote his horse on the nose
that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over that bridge
without his licence. Why should I not ride this way? said Sir
Launcelot, I may not ride beside. Thou shalt not choose, said
the churl, and lashed at him with a great club shod with iron.
Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put the stroke aback, and
clave his head unto the paps. At the end of the bridge was a
fair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on Sir
Launcelot, and said, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself,
for thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle. Sir
Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight he went into
the castle; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and
tied his horse to a ring on the wall and there he saw a fair
green court, and thither he dressed him, for there him thought
was a fair place to fight in. So he looked about, and saw much
people in doors and windows that said, Fair knight, thou art
unhappy.
CHAPTER XI
How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free.
ANON withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all
save the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir
Launcelot put his shield afore him and put the stroke away of the
one giant, and with his sword he clave <193>his head asunder.
When his fellow saw that, he ran away as he were wood, for fear
of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot after him with all his
might, and smote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the navel.
Then Sir Launcelot went into the hall, and there came afore him
three score ladies and damosels, and all kneeled unto him, and
thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir, said they, the
most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners,
and we have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we
are all great gentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight,
that ever thou be born, for thou hast done the most worship that
ever did knight in this world, that will we bear record, and we
all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell our friends
who delivered us out of prison. Fair damosel, he said, my name
is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, sir, said they all, well mayest
thou be he, for else save yourself, as we deemed, there might
never knight have the better of these two giants; for many fair
knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and many times have
we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight but
you. Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how
and who hath delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if
that I come in any of your marches, show me such cheer as ye have
cause, and what treasure that there in this castle is I give it
you for a reward for your grievance, and the lord that is owner
of this castle I would he received it as is right. Fair sir,
said they, the name of this castle is Tintagil, and a duke ought
it sometime that had wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her
Uther Pendragon, and gat on her Arthur. Well, said Sir
Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; and so he
departed from them, and betaught them unto God.
And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange
and wild countries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil
was he lodged. And at the last by fortune him happened, against
a night, to come to a fair courtelage, and therein he found an
old gentlewoman that lodged him with good will, and there he had
good cheer <194>for him and his horse. And when time was, his
host brought him into a fair garret, over the gate, to his bed.
There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and
went to bed, and anon he fell asleep. So, soon after, there came
one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste, and
when Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the
window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after
that one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords,
and that one knight turned on them knightly again, and defended
him. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, yonder one knight shall I help,
for it were shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he
be slain I am partner of his death; and therewith he took his
harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down to the four
knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you knights
unto me, and leave your fighting with that knight. And then they
all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there
began great battle, for they alighted all three, and struck many
great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side.
Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay,
sir, said he, I will none of your help; therefore as ye will have
my help, let me alone with them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of
the knight, suffered him for to do his will, and so stood aside.
And then anon within six strokes, Sir Launcelot had stricken them
to the earth.
And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you
as a man of might makeless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I
will not take your yielding unto me. But so that ye will yield
you unto Sir Kay the Seneschal, on that covenant I will save your
lives, and else not. Fair knight, said they, that were we loath
to do; for as for Sir Kay, we chased him hither, and had overcome
him had not ye been, therefore to yield us unto him it were no
reason. Well, as to that, said Launcelot, advise you well, for
ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for an ye be yolden it
shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then they said, in saving of
our lives we will do as thou commandest <195>us. Then shall ye,
said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court
of King Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever,
and put you all three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir
Kay sent you thither to be her prisoners. Sir, they said, it
shall be done by the faith of our bodies, an we be living, and
there they swore every knight upon his sword. And so Sir
Launcelot suffered them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot
knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword, and with that
came his host, and in they entered Sir Kay and he. Sir, said his
host, I weened ye had been in your bed. So I was, said Sir
Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to help an
old fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light, Sir
Kay knew well that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled
down and thanked him of all his kindness that he had holpen him
twice from the death. Sir, he said, I have nothing done but that
me ought for to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye repose
you and take your rest.
So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was
meat fetched him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped
they went to their beds and were lodged together in one bed. On
the morn Sir Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping,
and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay's armour and his shield, and armed
him, and so he went to the stable, and took his horse, and took
his leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after arose
Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot. And then he espied that he had
his armour and his horse. Now by my faith I know well that he
will grieve some of the court of King Arthur; for on him knights
will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that will beguile them.
And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall ride in
peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his
host.
<196>
CHAPTER XII
How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and
how he smote down a knight.
NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great
forest, and at the last he came into a low country, full of fair
rivers and meadows. And afore him he saw a long bridge, and
three pavilions stood thereon, of silk and sendal of divers hue.
And without the pavilions hung three white shields on truncheons
of spears, and great long spears stood upright by the pavilions,
and at every pavilion's door stood three fresh squires, and so
Sir Launcelot passed by them and spake no word. When he was
passed the three knights said them that it was the proud Kay; He
weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary is ofttime
proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir
Gaunter, I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride,
and ye may behold how that I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter,
armed him, and hung his shield upon his shoulder, and mounted
upon a great horse, and gat his spear in his hand, and walloped
after Sir Launcelot. And when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide,
thou proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir
Launcelot turned him, and either feutred their spears, and came
together with all their mights, and Sir Gaunter's spear brake,
but Sir Launcelot smote him down horse and man. And when Sir
Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each one to other,
Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare
lay my head, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay
and hath taken his horse and his harness. Whether it be so or
no, said Sir Raynold, the third brother, let us now go mount upon
our horses and rescue our brother Sir Gaunter, upon pain of
death. We all shall have work enough to match that knight, for
ever meseemeth by his person it is Sir <197>Launcelot, or Sir
Tristram, or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.
Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and
Sir Gilmere put forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and
Sir Launcelot smote him down that he lay in a swoon. Sir knight,
said Sir Raynold, thou art a strong man, and as I suppose thou
hast slain my two brethren, for the which raseth my heart sore
against thee, and if I might with my worship I would not have ado
with you, but needs I must take part as they do, and therefore,
knight, he said, keep thyself. And so they hurtled together with
all their mights, and all to-shivered both their spears. And
then they drew their swords and lashed together eagerly. Anon
therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brother Sir
Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir
Raynold, that yonder marvellously matched yonder good knight.
Therewithal, they leapt on their horses and hurtled unto Sir
Launcelot.
And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir
Raynold, that he fell off his horse to the ground, and then he
struck to the other two brethren, and at two strokes he struck
them down to the earth. With that Sir Raynold began to start up
with his head all bloody, and came straight unto Sir Launcelot.
Now let be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not far from thee when thou
wert made knight, Sir Raynold, and also I know thou art a good
knight, and loath I were to slay thee. Gramercy, said Sir
Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as for me and my
brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that we
knew your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay. As for that
be it as it be may, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever,
and look that ye be with her on Whitsunday, and yield you unto
her as prisoners, and say that Sir Kay sent you unto her. Then
they swore it should be done, and so passed forth Sir Launcelot,
and each one of the brethren holp other as well as they might.
<198>
CHAPTER XIII
How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the
Round Table and overthrew them.
SO Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade,
he saw four knights hoving under an oak, and they were of
Arthur's court, one was Sir Sagramour le Desirous, and Ector de
Maris, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine. Anon as these four
knights had espied Sir Launcelot, they weened by his arms it had
been Sir Kay. Now by my faith, said Sir Sagramour, I will prove
Sir Kay's might, and gat his spear in his hand, and came toward
Sir Launcelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and knew him
well, and feutred his spear against him, and smote Sir Sagramour
so sore that horse and man fell both to the earth. Lo, my
fellows, said he, yonder ye may see what a buffet he hath; that
knight is much bigger than ever was Sir Kay. Now shall ye see
what I may do to him. So Sir Ector gat his spear in his hand and
walloped toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him
through the shield and shoulder, that man and horse went to the
earth, and ever his spear held.
By my faith, said Sir Uwaine, yonder is a strong knight, and I am
sure he hath slain Sir Kay; and I see by his great strength it
will be hard to match him. And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his
spear in his hand and rode toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir
Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the plain, and gave
him such a buffet that he was astonied, that long he wist not
where he was. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I must encounter
with that knight. Then he dressed his shield and gat a good
spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knew him well; and then they
let run their horses with all their mights, and either knight
smote other in midst of the shield. But Sir Gawaine's spear to-
brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse
<199>reversed up-so-down. And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to
avoid his horse, and so Sir Launcelot passed on a pace and
smiled, and said, God give him joy that this spear made, for
there came never a better in my hand.
Then the four knights went each one to other and comforted each
other. What say ye by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one
spear hath felled us all four. We commend him unto the devil,
they said all, for he is a man of great might. Ye may well say
it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a man of might, for I dare lay
my head it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by his riding. Let him
go, said Sir Gawaine, for when we come to the court then shall we
wit; and then had they much sorrow to get their horses again.
CHAPTER XIV
How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he
found a dead knight, and how he after was required of
a damosel to heal her brother.
NOW leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great
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