Le Mort d'Arthur Vol. I.....................................................................................................................................1

How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly

How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the

And how Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone by the said

How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast

How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and King Bors, and of their counsel taken for the

Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea

How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur and his host, and many great feats of the war

How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents Chap. xviii.

How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how he saw the Questing Beast Chap. xix.

How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur

How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of treason; and how a knight came and desired to

How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a

How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and made him to sleep Chap.

How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake Chap. xxv.

How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur's beard

How all the children were sent for that were born on Mayday, and how Mordred was saved Chap. xxvii.

Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard

How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which afterward was cause of his death Chap. ii.

How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that had won the sword, or the maiden's head Chap. iii.

How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and how he jousted and slew him Chap. v.

How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan

How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and

How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and

How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to King Arthur

How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by

Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous

How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a

How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the

How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal

How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote

How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would have slain himself for love Chap. xvi.

How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her, and after, how he slew himself with his own sword,

How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to

How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of

How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury

How a poor man, riding upon a lean mare, desired King Arthur to make his son knight Chap. iii.

How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight Chap. iv.

How at the feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a white hart came into the hall, and thirty

couple hounds, and how a brachet pinched the hart, which was taken away Chap. v.

How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for the hart

How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and how Sir Galraine slew a lady Chap. vii.

How four knights fought against Sir Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they were overcome, and their lives

How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his adventure by the way Chap. ix.

How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight assailed him for the said brachet Chap. x.

How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head at the request of a lady Chap. xi.

How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him,

and how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first stroke Chap. xii.

How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur Chap. xiii.

How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in a valley, and of other adventures Chap. xiv.

How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to tell the truth of his quest Chap. xv.

How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a

How five kings came into this land to war against King Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them

How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to

How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was

How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased Chap. v.

How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures

How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that

How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him to do battle against Arthur Chap. viii.

How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword

How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fays King Arthur's sister, and how she would have done

How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died Chap. xii.

How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him Chap. xiii.

How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the

How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and how King Arthur returned home

How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from a mantle which should have burnt him Chap. xvi.

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus

How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both Chap. xviii.

How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three damosels, and each of them took one Chap. xix.

How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how

How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping Chap. xxii.

How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by the mean of the Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after

How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came to the Duke of the South Marches Chap. xxiv.

How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons and made them to yield them Chap. xxv.

How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying. Chap.

How at the year's end all three knights with their three damosels met at the fountain Chap. xxviii.

How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to demand truage for Britain Chap. i.

How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and help against the Romans Chap. ii.

How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained the realm should be governed in his

How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof

How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him Chap. v.

How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were assailed and escaped with

How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were

How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius

How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy

Of a battle done by Gawaine against a Saracen, which after was yielden and became Christian Chap. x.

How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their beasts, and of a great battle Chap. xi.

How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court for to seek adventures, and how Sir Lionel left him

How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine Chap. ii.

How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle

How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight

How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus' daughter, and how he made his complaint to her

How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris

How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners Chap. ix.

How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that dis tressed all ladies and also a villain that

How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and how he smote down a knight Chap. xii.

How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the Round Table and overthrew them Chap. xiii.

How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was

How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a

How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived Chap. xvi.

How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him Chap.

How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats and acts

How Beaumains came to King Arthur's court and demanded three petitions of King Arthur Chap. i.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel

How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of

How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with Sir

How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after

How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and died

How the brother of the knight that was slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he was

How the damosel ever rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him

How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains

How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel, and he suffered it patiently Chap. xi.

How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made him to be yielden Chap. xii.

Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was

How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and

How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege, and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew

How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and how they began their battle Chap. xvi.

How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the

How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's court, and to cry Sir

How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of

How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the castle where he was Chap. xx.

How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the presence of his lady, and how they took

How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the

How the said knight came again the next night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all

the knights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur Chap. xxiii.

How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where Sir Gareth was Chap. xxiv.

How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her

How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came many

How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, and

How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he escaped out of the field Chap. xxx.

How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him Chap.

How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him Chap.

How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against other, and how they knew each other by the damosel

How Sir Gareth knowledged that they loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of their

Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at the feast

How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him

How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram Chap. ii.

How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to

How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore Chap. iv.

How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of Corn wall, and how he was made knight Chap. v

How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus Chap. vi.

How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship

How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and

How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his wound Chap. ix.

How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no harness in

How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardy

How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall Chap.

How Sir Tristram and King Mark 11U ted each other for the love of a knight's wife Chap. xiii.

How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how h er husband fought with Sir Tristram Chap. xiv.

How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's court, whom he took away, and how he w as

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she

How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband

How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into

How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King Arthur's court for treason Chap. xx.

How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish Chap. xxi.

How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never

How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and how they took

How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love

How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady's

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off his head Chap. xxvi.

How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship

How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine Chap.

Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides Chap. xxix.

How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of

How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of

How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram Chap. xxxii.

How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horse

How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into

How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazarcote, and how

How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field Chap. xxxvi.

How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak

How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak Chap. xxxviii.

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle Chap.

How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot

How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother Chap. xli.

How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male

How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taile

How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's fool, and of the rebuke that he had of the damosel

How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady Chap.

How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and

How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners

How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Maledisant, and named her the damosel Bienpensant Chap.

How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot

How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of

How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid Brag waine, and of divers adventures of Sir

How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight

How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one

How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever Chap. xiii.

[How Sir Meliagaunce told for what cause they fought, and how Sir Lamorak jousted with King Arthur]

How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how they

How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life Chap. xvi.

How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that

How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of

How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how

How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself Chap. xx.

How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there

How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years

How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with

How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they must joust with two knights Chap. xxiv.

How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir

How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten with the thirty knights, but they durst not come out

How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from La

How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights Chap. xxviii.

How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelve knights

How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and there he had the prize Chap. xxx.

How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party Chap. xxxi.

How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging Chap. xxxii.

How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats Chap.

How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides Chap. xxxiv.

How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram Chap.

How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights

How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison Chap. xxxvii.

How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with

Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote him down and Andred his cousin Chap. xxxix.

How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they werc delivered

How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of

How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay Chap. xlii.

How Morgan le Fey her paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin Chap. xliii.

How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him Chap xliv

THE Morte Darthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninth year of Edward IV., i.e. between March

4, 1469 and the same date in 1470. It is thus, fitly enough, the last important English book written before the

introduction of printing into this country, and since no manuscript of it has come down to us it is also the first

English classic for our knowledge of which we are entirely dependent on a printed text. Caxton's story of how

the book was brought to him and he was induced to print it may be read farther on in his own preface. From

this we learn also that he was not only the printer of the book, but to some extent its editor also, dividing

Malory's work into twentyone books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means skilfully, and

supplying the ``Rubrish'' or chapterheadings. It may be added that Caxton's preface contains, moreover, a

brief criticism which, on the points on which it touches, is still the soundest and most sympathetic that has

Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some fifteen or sixteen years after Malory wrote his

epilogue. It is clear that the author was then dead, or the printer would not have acted as a clumsy editor to

the book, and recent discoveries (if bibliography may, for the moment, enlarge its bounds to mention such

matters) have revealed with tolerable certainty when Malory died and who he was. In letters to The

Athenaeum in July 1896 Mr. T. Williams pointed out that the name of a Sir Thomas Malorie occurred among

those of a number of other Lancastrians excluded from a general pardon granted by Edward IV. in 1468, and

that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as taking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September

1897, again, in another letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported the finding of the will of a Thomas

Malory of Papworth, a hundred partly in Cambridgeshire, partly in Hunts. This will was made on September

16, 1469, and as it was proved the 27th of the next month the testator must have been in immediate

expectation of death. It contains the most careful provision for the education and starting in life of a family of

three daughters and seven sons, of whom the youngest seems to have been still an infant. We cannot say with

certainty that this Thomas Malory, whose last thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or that

the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical with either or both, but such evidence as the

Morte Darthur offers favours such a belief. There is not only the epilogue with its petition, ``pray for me

while I am alive that God send me good deliverance and when I am dead pray you all for my soul,'' but this

very request is foreshadowed at the end of chap. 37 of Book ix. in the touching passage, surely inspired by

personal experience, as to the sickness ``that is the greatest pain a prisoner may have''; and the reflections on

English fickleness in the first chapter of Book xxi., though the Wars of the Roses might have inspired them in

If the Morte Darthur was really written in prison and by a prisoner distressed by illhealth as well as by lack

of liberty, surely no task was ever better devised to while away weary hours. Leaving abundant scope for

originality in selection, modification, and arrangement, as a compilation and translation it had in it that

mechanical element which adds the touch of restfulness to literary work. No original, it is said, has yet been

found for Book vii., and it is possible that none will ever be forthcoming for chap. 20 of Book xviii., which

describes the arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of Astolat at Arthur's court, or for chap. 25 of the same

book, with its discourse on true love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced chapter by chapter to the

``Merlin'' of Robert de Borron and his successors (Bks. i.iv.), the English metrical romance La Morte Arthur

of the Thornton manuscript (Bk. v.), the French romances of Tristan (Bks. viii.x.) and of Launcelot (Bks.

vi., xi.xix.), and lastly to the English prose Morte Arthur of Harley MS. 2252 (Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to

Malory's choice of his authorities critics have not failed to point out that now and again he gives a worse

version where a better has come down to us, and if he had been able to order a complete set of Arthurian

manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he would have done even better than he did! But of the skill,

approaching to original genius, with which he used the books from which he worked there is little dispute.

Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this condition it was brought to Caxton, who

prepared it for the press with his usual enthusiasm in the cause of good literature, and also, it must be added,

with his usual carelessness. New chapters are sometimes made to begin in the middle of a sentence, and in

addition to simple misprints there are numerous passages in which it is impossible to believe that we have the

text as Malory intended it to stand. After Caxton's edition Malory's manuscript must have disappeared, and

subsequent editions are differentiated only by the degree of closeness with which they follow the first.

Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1498 and 1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas

East about 1585, and by Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer apparently taking the text of his immediate

predecessor and reproducing it with modifications. Stansby's edition served for reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the

latter edited by Thomas Wright); but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey went back to Caxton's

text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and only one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from

Wynkyn de Worde's reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for the present publishers a reprint of

Southey's text in modern spelling, with the substitution of current words for those now obsolete, and the

softening of a handful of passages likely, he thought, to prevent the book being placed in the hands of boys.

In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars by the publication of Dr. H. Oskar Sommer's pageforpage

reprint of Caxton's text, with an elaborate discussion of Malory's sources. Dr. Sommer's edition was used by

Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text, and in 1897 Mr. Israel Gollancz produced for the ``Temple Classics''

a very pretty edition in which Sir Edward Strachey's principles of modernisation in spelling and punctuation

were adopted, but with the restoration of obsolete words and omitted phrases. As to the present edition, Sir

Edward Strachey altered with so sparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version and that

here printed will be looked for in vain; but the most anxious care has been taken to produce a text modernised

as to its spelling, but in other respects in accurate accordance with Caxton's text, as represented by Dr

Sommer's reprint. Obvious misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few cases notes show where

emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de Wordenot that Wynkyn had any more right to emend

Caxton than we, but because even a printer's conjecture gains a little sanctity after four centuries. The

restoration of obsolete words has necessitated a much fuller glossary, and the index of names has therefore

been separated from it and enlarged. In its present form the index is the work of Mr. Henry Littlehales. A. W.

AFTER that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of contemplation as of other historial

and worldly acts of great conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples and doctrine, many

noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England came and demanded me many and oft times, wherefore

that I have not do made and imprint the noble history of the Saint Greal, and of the most renowned Christian

king, first and chief of the three best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to be remembered

among us Englishmen tofore all other Christian kings; for it is notoyrly known through the universal world,

that there be nine worthy and the best that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three

Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were tofore the Incarnation of Christ, which were named, the first

Hector of Troy, of whom the history is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great,

and the third Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had. And as for the

three Jews, which also were tofore the incarnation of our Lord, of whom the first was duke Joshua which

brought the children of Israel into the land of behest, the second David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas

Machabeus, of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts. And since the said

Incarnation have been three noble Christian men, stalled and admitted through the universal world into the

number of the nine best and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purpose to write

in this present book here following. The second was Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of whom the history is

had in many places, both in French and in English. And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose

acts and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, King Edward the Fourth.

The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history of the said noble king and conqueror

King Arthur, and of his knights, with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the said

Arthur; affirming that I ought rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of Boloine, or any of

the other eight, considering that he was a man born within this realm, and king and emperor of the same: and

that there be in French divers and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I

answered that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all such books as been made of

him be feigned and fables, because that some chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him

nothing, nor of his knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him that should say or

think that there was never such a king called Arthur might well be aretted great folly and blindness. For he

said that there were many evidences of the contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in the monastery of

Glastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the

twentythird chapter, where his body was buried, and after found, and translated into the said monastery. Ye

shall see also in the history of Bochas, in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and also of his

fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: and in divers places of England many

remembrances be yet of him, and shall remain perpetually, and also of his knights. First in the abbey of

Westminster, at St. Edward's shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in beryl, in which is

written, Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie, Germanie, Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of Dover ye may

see Gawaine's skull, and Cradok's mantle: at Winchester the Round Table: in other places Launcelot's sword

and many other things. Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably gainsay but there was a

king of this land named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for one of the

nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. And also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more

books made of his noble acts, than there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as in

French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of Camelot, the great stones and the

marvellous works of iron lying under the ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen.

Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it accordeth to the Word

Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that there was such a noble king named

Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men. And many noble

volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea,

which be not had in our maternal tongue. But in Welsh be many and also in French, and some in English but

nowhere nigh all. Wherefore, such as have late been drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple

conning that God hath sent to me, under the favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, enprised

to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy

unto me delivered, which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French, and reduced it

into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set it in imprint, to the intent that noble men may see

and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by

which they came to honour, and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and rebuke;

humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates of what estate or degree they been of, that

shall see and read in this said book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance,

and to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories, and noble and renowned

acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalry. For herein may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity,

friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and leave

the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to pass the time this book shall be pleasant

to read in, but for to give faith and belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but all

is written for our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor sin, but to exercise and follow virtue,

by which we may come and attain to good fame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life

to come unto everlasting bliss in heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed Trinity.

Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all noble princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or

gentlewomen, that desire to read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and

excellent king, King Arthur, sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I, William Caxton,

simple person, present this book following, which I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of the noble acts,

feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness, humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many

wonderful histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of this volume, I have divided it

into XXI Books, and every book chaptered, as hereafter shall by God's grace follow. The First Book shall

treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur, and containeth xxviii chapters. The Second

Book treateth of Balin the noble knight, and containeth xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of the marriage

of King Arthur to Queen Guenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how

Merlin was assotted, and of war made to King Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters. The Fifth Book treateth

of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot

and Sir Lionel, and marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh Book treateth of a

noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth

Book treateth of the birth of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and containeth xli chapters. The

Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille, and also of Sir Tristram, and

containeth xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other marvellous adventures, and

containeth lxxxviii chapters. The Eleventh Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv

chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his madness, and containeth xiv chapters. The

Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad came first to king Arthur's court, and the quest how the Sangreal was

begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the quest of the Sangreal, and containeth

x chapters. The Fifteenth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth Book

treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book treateth of

the Sangreal, and containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and the queen, and

containeth xxv chapters. The Nineteenth Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii

chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur, and containeth xxii chapters. The

Twentyfirst Book treateth of his last departing, and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and

containeth xiii chapters. The sum is twentyone books, which contain the sum of five hundred and seven

CHAPTER I. How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their

IT befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and so reigned, that there was a

mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against him long time. And the duke was called the Duke of Tintagil.

And so by means King Uther sent for this duke, charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was called a

So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the means of great lords they were accorded

both. The king liked and loved this lady well, and he made them great cheer out of measure, and desired to

have lain by her. But she was a passing good woman, and would not assent unto the king. And then she told

the duke her husband, and said, I suppose that we were sent for that I should be dishonoured; wherefore,

husband, I counsel you, that we depart from hence suddenly, that we may ride all night unto our own castle.

And in like wise as she said so they departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were ware of their

departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he

called to him his privy council, and told them of the sudden departing of the duke and his wife.

Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a great charge; and if he will not come at

your summons, then may ye do your best, then have ye cause to make mighty war upon him. So that was

done, and the messengers had their answers; and that was this shortly, that neither he nor his wife would not

Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word again, and bade him be ready and

stuff him and garnish him, for within forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.

When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and garnished two strong castles of his, of the

which the one hight Tintagil, and the other castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine he put in the castle

of Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil, the which had many issues and posterns out. Then in

all haste came Uther with a great host, and laid a siege about the castle of Terrabil. And there he pight many

pavilions, and there was great war made on both parties, and much people slain. Then for pure anger and for

great love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came to the king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and

asked the king why he was sick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love of fair Igraine,

that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir Ulfius, I shall seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that

your heart shall be pleased. So Ulfius departed, and by adventure he met Merlin in a beggar's array, and there

Merlin asked Ulfius whom he sought. And he said he had little ado to tell him. Well, said Merlin, I know

whom thou seekest, for thou seekest Merlin; therefore seek no farther, for I am he; and if King Uther will

well reward me, and be sworn unto me to fulfil my desire, that shall be his honour and profit more than mine;

for I shall cause him to have all his desire. All this will I undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing

reasonable but thou shalt have thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have his intent and desire. And

CHAPTER II. How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin

THEN Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to King Uther Pendragon, and told him

he had met with Merlin. Where is he? said the king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal

Ulfius was ware where Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion's door. And then Merlin was bound to come

to the king. When King Uther saw him, he said he was welcome. Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every

deal; so ye will be sworn unto me as ye be a true king anointed, to fulfil my desire, ye shall have your desire.

Then the king was sworn upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my desire: the first night that ye

shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child on her, and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to

nourish there as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child's avail, as mickle as the child is

worth. I will well, said the king, as thou wilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall lie

with Igraine in the castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the duke her husband, Ulfius shall be like Sir

Brastias, a knight of the duke's, and I will be like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the duke's. But

wait ye make not many questions with her nor her men, but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and

rise not on the morn till I come to you, for the castle of Tintagil is but ten miles hence; so this was done as

they devised. But the duke of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and therefore that

night he issued out of the castle at a postern for to have distressed the king's host. And so, through his own

issue, the duke himself was slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.

So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than three hours after his death, and begat on

her that night Arthur, and on day came Merlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he kissed

the lady Igraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady heard tell of the duke her husband, and by all

record he was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then she marvelled who that might be that lay with her in

likeness of her lord; so she mourned privily and held her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayed the

king of accord betwixt the lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave, for fain would he have been

accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last

the king and she met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a lusty knight and wifeless, and

my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady; it were great joy unto us all, an it might please the king to make her his

queen. Unto that they all well accorded and moved it to the king. And anon, like a lusty knight, he assented

thereto with good will, and so in all haste they were married in a morning with great mirth and joy.

And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that was Gawaine's mother, and King

Nentres of the land of Garlot wedded Elaine. All this was done at the request of King Uther. And the third

sister Morgan le Fay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so much that she was a great clerk

of necromancy. And after she was wedded to King Uriens of the land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain's le

THEN Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after within half a year, as King Uther lay

by his queen, he asked her, by the faith she owed to him, whose was the child within her body; then she sore

abashed to give answer. Dismay you not, said the king, but tell me the truth, and I shall love you the better,

by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I shall tell you the truth. The same night that my lord was dead, the

hour of his death, as his knights record, there came into my castle of Tintagil a man like my lord in speech

and in countenance, and two knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias and Jordanus, and so I

went unto bed with him as I ought to do with my lord, and the same night, as I shall answer unto God, this

child was begotten upon me. That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that came in the

likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the child; and there he told her all the cause, how it

was by Merlin's counsel. Then the queen made great joy when she knew who was the father of her child.

Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you for the nourishing of your child. As thou

wilt, said the king, be it. Well, said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and

a faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a lord of fair

livelihood in many parts in England and Wales; and this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and

speak with you, and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will put his own child to nourishing to

another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when the child is born let it be delivered to me at

yonder privy postern unchristened. So like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come he

made fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired; and there the king granted Sir Ector

great rewards. Then when the lady was delivered, the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take the

child, bound in a cloth of gold, and that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at the postern gate of the

castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to

christen him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector's wife nourished him with her own pap.

THEN within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in the meanwhile his enemies usurped

upon him, and did a great battle upon his men, and slew many of his people. Sir, said Merlin, ye may not lie

so as ye do, for ye must to the field though ye ride on an horselitter: for ye shall never have the better of

your enemies but if your person be there, and then shall ye have the victory. So it was done as Merlin had

devised, and they carried the king forth in an horselitter with a great host towards his enemies. And at St.

Albans there met with the king a great host of the North. And that day Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great

deeds of arms, and King Uther's men overcame the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the

remnant to flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy of his victory. And then he

fell passing sore sick, so that three days and three nights he was speechless: wherefore all the barons made

great sorrow, and asked Merlin what counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God

will have his will. But look ye all barons be before King Uther tomorn, and God and I shall make him to

speak. So on the morn all the barons with Merlin came tofore the king; then Merlin said aloud unto King

Uther, Sir, shall your son Arthur be king after your days, of this realm with all the appurtenance? Then Uther

Pendragon turned him, and said in hearing of them all, I give him God's blessing and mine, and bid him pray

for my soul, and righteously and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing; and

therewith he yielded up the ghost, and then was he interred as longed to a king. Wherefore the queen, fair

CHAPTER V. How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a sword taken out of a stone

THEN stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that was mighty of men made him strong,

and many weened to have been king. Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him

for to send for all the lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of arms, that they should to London come by

Christmas, upon pain of cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus, that was born on that night, that he would of

his great mercy show some miracle, as he was come to be king of mankind, for to show some miracle who

should be rightwise king of this realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent for all the lords and

gentlemen of arms that they should come by Christmas even unto London. And many of them made them

clean of their life, that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in the greatest church of

London, whether it were Paul's or not the French book maketh no mention, all the estates were long or day in

the church for to pray. And when matins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the churchyard,

against the high altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and in midst thereof was like an

anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck a fair sword naked by the point, and letters there were written

in gold about the sword that said thus:Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise

king born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and told it to the Archbishop. I command, said the

Archbishop, that ye keep you within your church and pray unto God still, that no man touch the sword till the

high mass be all done. So when all masses were done all the lords went to behold the stone and the sword.

And when they saw the scripture some assayed, such as would have been king. But none might stir the sword

nor move it. He is not here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the sword, but doubt not God will make

him known. But this is my counsel, said the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame,

and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made a cry, that every man should assay

that would, for to win the sword. And upon New Year's Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament,

that all knights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this was ordained for to keep the lords

together and the commons, for the Archbishop trusted that God would make him known that should win the

So upon New Year's Day, when the service was done, the barons rode unto the field, some to joust and some

to tourney, and so it happened that Sir Ector, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the jousts,

and with him rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was his nourished brother; and Sir Kay was made

knight at All Hallowmass afore. So as they rode to the jousts ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it

at his father's lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword. I will well, said Arthur, and

rode fast after the sword, and when he came home, the lady and all were out to see the jousting. Then was

Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in

the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So when he came to the churchyard,

Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there, for

they were at the jousting. And so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of

the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the

sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to

his father Sir Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I must be king of this land.

When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned again and came to the church, and there they alighted all three,

and went into the church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword. Sir, said

Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat ye this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I

will tell you. When I came home for my brother's sword, I found nobody at home to deliver me his sword;

and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither eagerly and pulled it out of

the stone without any pain. Found ye any knights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now,

said Sir Ector to Arthur, I understand ye must be king of this land. Wherefore I, said Arthur, and for what

cause? Sir, said Ector, for God will have it so; for there should never man have drawn out this sword, but he

that shall be rightwise king of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was, and pull

it out again. That is no mastery, said Arthur, and so he put it in the stone; wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to

Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with all his might; but it would not

be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And

therewithal Sir Ector knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said Arthur, my own dear father and brother,

why kneel ye to me? Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so; I was never your father nor of your blood, but I

wot well ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were. And then Sir Ector told him all, how he was

betaken him for to nourish him, and by whose commandment, and by Merlin's deliverance.

Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not his father. Sir, said Ector unto

Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious lord when ye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are

the man in the world that I am most beholden to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well as her

own hath fostered me and kept. And if ever it be God's will that I be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me

what I may do, and I shall not fail you; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of

you, but that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands. That shall be

done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of my body, that never man shall have that office but he, while he

and I live Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the sword was achieved, and by

whom; and on Twelfthday all the barons came thither, and to assay to take the sword, who that would assay.

But there afore them all, there might none take it out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords wroth, and

said it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be overgoverned with a boy of no high blood born.

And so they fell out at that time that it was put off till Candlemas and then all the barons should meet there

again; but always the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they set a pavilion

over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither

for to have won the sword, but there might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas, he did at

Candlemas, and pulled out the sword easily, whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and put it off in delay

till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped before, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great

lords had indignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay till the feast of Pentecost.

Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin's providence let purvey then of the best knights that they might

get, and such knights as Uther Pendragon loved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights were put

about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias. All these, with many other, were

AND at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the sword that would assay; but none

might prevail but Arthur, and pulled it out afore all the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all the

commons cried at once, We will have Arthur unto our king, we will put him no more in delay, for we all see

that it is God's will that he shall be our king, and who that holdeth against it, we will slay him. And

therewithal they kneeled at once, both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy because they had delayed him

so long, and Arthur forgave them, and took the sword between both his hands, and offered it upon the altar

where the Archbishop was, and so was he made knight of the best man that was there. And so anon was the

coronation made. And there was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to stand with

true justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also then he made all lords that held of the crown to come

in, and to do service as they ought to do. And many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs

that were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and

gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that owned them.

When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries about London, then he let make Sir Kay

seneschal of England; and Sir Baudwin of Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain;

and Sir Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was that time the most

party the king's enemies. But within few years after Arthur won all the north, Scotland, and all that were

under their obeissance. Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur, but he overcame them all, as he did the

remnant, through the noble prowess of himself and his knights of the Round Table.

CHAPTER VIII. How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and what kings and lords

THEN the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that it should be holden at Pentecost after the

incoronation of him at the city of Carlion. Unto the feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with five

hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens of Gore with four hundred knights with

him. Also there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, with seven hundred knights with him. Also there

came to the feast the king of Scotland with six hundred knights with him, and he was but a young man. Also

there came to the feast a king that was called the King with the Hundred Knights, but he and his men were

passing well beseen at all points. Also there came the king of Carados with five hundred knights. And King

Arthur was glad of their coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for great love, and to

have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king made great joy, and sent the kings and knights great

presents. But the kings would none receive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and said they had no joy

to receive no gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low blood, and sent him word they would none of his

gifts, but that they were come to give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders: and

therefore they came thither, so they told to the messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all them to see

such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was. With this answer the messengers departed and

told to King Arthur this answer. Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with

five hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siege tofore him, but King

Arthur was well victualed. And within fifteen days there came Merlin among them into the city of Carlion.

Then all the kings were passing glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made your

king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he is King Uther Pendragon's son, born in wedlock,

gotten on Igraine, the duke's wife of Tintagil. Then is he a bastard, they said all. Nay, said Merlin, after the

death of the duke, more than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen days after King Uther wedded

Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no bastard. And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all his

enemies; and, or he die, he shall be long king of all England, and have under his obeissance Wales, Ireland,

and Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse. Some of the kings had marvel of Merlin's words, and

deemed well that it should be as he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as King Lot; and more

other called him a witch. But then were they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur should come out and

speak with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such surance there was made. So Merlin went unto

King Arthur, and told him how he had done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak with

them, and spare them not, but answer them as their king and chieftain; for ye shall overcome them all,

THEN King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a jesseraunt of double mail, and there

went with him the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias:

these were the men of most worship that were with him. And when they were met there was no meekness, but

stout words on both sides; but always King Arthur answered them, and said he would make them to bow an

he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep them well, and they bade the king

keep him well. So the king returned him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What will ye

do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shall not here prevail though ye were ten times

so many. Be we well advised to be afeared of a dreamreader? said King Lot. With that Merlin vanished

away, and came to King Arthur, and bade him set on them fiercely; and in the meanwhile there were three

hundred good men, of the best that were with the kings, that went straight unto King Arthur, and that

comforted him greatly. Sir, said Merlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that ye

see ye go unto the worse, then draw it out and do your best. So forthwithal King Arthur set upon them in their

lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was

marvel; and always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and did marvellous deeds of arms, that

Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and King Carados, and set

on Arthur fiercely behind him. With that Sir Arthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before,

and ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain underneath him. And therewith King Lot

smote down King Arthur. With that his four knights received him and set him on horseback. Then he drew

his sword Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies' eyes, that it gave light like thirty torches. And

therewith he put them a back, and slew much people. And then the commons of Carlion arose with clubs

and staves and slew many knights; but all the kings held them together with their knights that were left alive,

and so fled and departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow them no further.

CHAPTER X. How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and King Bors, and of their

SO after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London, and so by the counsel of Merlin, the king

let call his barons to council, for Merlin had told the king that the six kings that made war upon him would in

all haste be awroke on him and on his lands. Wherefore the king asked counsel at them all. They could no

counsel give, but said they were big enough. Ye say well, said Arthur; I thank you for your good courage, but

will ye all that loveth me speak with Merlin? ye know well that he hath done much for me, and he knoweth

many things, and when he is afore you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best advice. All the barons

said they would pray him and desire him. So Merlin was sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give

them best counsel. I shall say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your enemies are passing strong for you, and

they are good men of arms as be alive, and by this time they have gotten to them four kings more, and a

mighty duke; and unless that our king have more chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of

his own realm, an he fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and slain. What were best to do in this

cause? said all the barons. I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice; there are two brethren beyond the sea,

and they be kings both, and marvellous good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of Benwick,

and that other hight King Bors of Gaul, that is France. And on these two kings warreth a mighty man of men,

the King Claudas, and striveth with them for a castle, and great war is betwixt them. But this Claudas is so

mighty of goods whereof he getteth good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the worse;

wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign lord send unto the kings Ban and Bors by two

trusty knights with letters well devised, that an they will come and see King Arthur and his court, and so help

him in his wars, that he will be sworn unto them to help them in their wars against King Claudas. Now, what

say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin. This is well counselled, said the king and all the barons.

Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the message unto the two kings. So were there

made letters in the pleasant wise according unto King Arthur's desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made the

messengers, and so rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the guise was that time, and so passed the

sea and rode toward the city of Benwick. And there besides were eight knights that espied them, and at a

strait passage they met with Ulfius and Brastias, and would have taken them prisoners; so they prayed them

that they might pass, for they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King Arthur. Therefore,

said the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for we be knights of King Claudas. And therewith two of

them dressed their spears, and Ulfius and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together with great raundom.

And Claudas' knights brake their spears, and theirs toheld and bare the two knights out of their saddles to

the earth, and so left them lying, and rode their ways. And the other six knights rode afore to a passage to

meet with them again, and so Ulfius and Brastias smote other two down, and so passed on their ways. And at

the fourth passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto the earth; so there was none of the eight

knights but he was sore hurt or bruised. And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there were both kings,

And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there were sent unto them two knights of

worship, the one hight Lionses, lord of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon

they asked from whence they came, and they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took them in

their arms and made great joy each of other. But anon, as the two kings wist they were messengers of

Arthur's, there was made no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the knights, and welcomed them in the

faithfullest wise, and said they were most welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they

kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors understood the letters, then they were more

welcome than they were before. And after the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they would

fulfil the desire of King Arthur's writing, and Ulfius and Brastias, tarry there as long as they would, they

should have such cheer as might be made them in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of

the adventure at their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said Ban and Bors, they were my good friends. I

would I had wist of them; they should not have escaped so. So Ulfius and Brastias had good cheer and great

gifts, as much as they might bear away; and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two kings

would come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. So the two knights rode on afore, and passed the sea,

and came to their lord, and told him how they had sped, whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time

suppose ye the two kings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king let purvey for a

great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All Hallowmass the two kings were come over the sea with

three hundred knights well arrayed both for the peace and for the war. And King Arthur met with them ten

mile out of London, and there was great joy as could be thought or made. And on All Hallowmass at the great

feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that

was Duke Corneus' son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of Cardol, these three knights had the rule of all the

service that served the kings. And anon, as they had washen and risen, all knights that would joust made them

ready; by then they were ready on horseback there were seven hundred knights. And Arthur, Ban, and Bors,

with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay's father, they were in a place covered with cloth of

gold like an hall, with ladies and gentlewomen, for to behold who did best, and thereon to give judgment.

CHAPTER XI. Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings Ban and Bors, and how they

AND King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred knights in two parties. And there were three

hundred knights of the realm of Benwick and of Gaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their

shields, and began to couch their spears many good knights. So Griflet was the first that met with a knight,

one Ladinas, and they met so eagerly that all men had wonder; and they so fought that their shields fell to

pieces, and horse and man fell to the earth; and both the French knight and the English knight lay so long that

all men weened they had been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he horsed him again anon, and

they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many bachelors. Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with

five knights with him, and they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day marvellous deeds of arms,

that there was none did so well as he that day. Then there came Ladinas and Gracian, two knights of France,

Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and smote him down horse and man,

wherefore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met with Sir Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But

when the five knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out of wit, and therewith each of them five

bare down a knight. When King Arthur and the two kings saw them begin to wax wroth on both parties, they

leapt on small hackneys, and let cry that all men should depart unto their lodging. And so they went home

and unarmed them, and so to evensong and supper. And after, the three kings went into a garden, and gave

the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, and unto Sir Griflet. And then they went unto council, and

with them Gwenbaus, the brother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius and Brastias,

and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went unto bed. And on the morn they heard mass, and to

dinner, and so to their council, and made many arguments what were best to do. At the last they were

concluded, that Merlin should go with a token of King Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men and King Bors';

and Gracian and Placidas should go again and keep their castles and their countries, as for [dread of King

Claudas] King Ban of Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed the sea and came to

Benwick. And when the people saw King Ban's ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were glad, and asked

how the kings fared, and made great joy of their welfare and cording, and according unto the sovereign lords

desire, the men of war made them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen thousand on horse and

foot, and they had great plenty of victual with them, by Merlin's provision. But Gracian and Placidas were

left to furnish and garnish the castles, for dread of King Claudas. Right so Merlin passed the sea, well

victualled both by water and by land. And when he came to the sea he sent home the footmen again, and took

no more with him but ten thousand men on horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed

the sea into England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of Merlin, he had the host northward, the

priviest way that could be thought, unto the forest of Bedegraine, and there in a valley he lodged them

Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how he had sped; whereof they had great

marvel, that man on earth might speed so soon, and go and come. So Merlin told them ten thousand were in

the forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all points. Then was there no more to say, but to horseback went all

the host as Arthur had afore purveyed. So with twenty thousand he passed by night and day, but there was

made such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that there should no man of war ride nor go in no country on this

side Trent water, but if he had a token from King Arthur, where through the king's enemies durst not ride as

AND SO within a little space the three kings came unto the castle of Bedegraine, and found there a passing

fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereof they had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the

cause of the northern host: that they were reared for the despite and rebuke the six kings had at Carlion. And

those six kings by their means, gat unto them five other kings; and thus they began to gather their people.

And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other, till they had destroyed Arthur. And

then they made an oath. The first that began the oath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with

him five thousand men of arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then sware King Brandegoris of

Stranggore that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Then sware King Clariance of

Northumberland he would bring three thousand men of arms. Then sware the King of the Hundred Knights,

that was a passing good man and a young, that he would bring four thousand men of arms on horseback.

Then there swore King Lot, a passing good knight, and Sir Gawain's father, that he would bring five thousand

men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Urience, that was Sir Uwain's father, of the land of Gore,

and he would bring six thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Idres of Cornwall, that he

would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Cradelmas to bring five

thousand men on horseback. Also there swore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five thousand men of arms

on horseback. Also there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there

swore King Carados to bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. So their whole host was of clean men

of arms on horseback fifty thousand, and afoot ten thousand of good men's bodies. Then were they soon

ready, and mounted upon horse and sent forth their foreriders, for these eleven kings in their ways laid a

siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the

siege, for the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the men that were therein were Arthur's.

So by Merlin's advice there were sent foreriders to skim the country, and they met with the foreriders of

the north, and made them to tell which way the host came, and then they told it to Arthur, and by King Ban

and Bors' council they let burn and destroy all the country afore them, there they should ride.

The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore the battle, that there blew a great

wind, and blew down their castles and their towns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All that

heard of the sweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by counsel of Merlin, when they wist which way

the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, at midnight they set upon them, as they were in their

pavilions. But the scoutwatch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here be your enemies at your hand!

CHAPTER XIV. How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur and his host, and many great

THEN King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and trusty knights, set on them so fiercely

that they made them overthrow their pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of

arms, took a fair champaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men's bodies. And so

they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward day.

Now shall ye do by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings: I would that King Ban and King Bors, with

their fellowship of ten thousand men, were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and keep them

privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day come, and that they stir not till ye and your knights have

fought with them long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore them and the passage, that they

may see all your host, for then will they be the more hardy, when they see you but about twenty thousand

men, and cause them to be the gladder to suffer you and your host to come over the passage. All the three

kings and the whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it was done anon as Merlin had devised.

So on the morn, when either host saw other, the host of the north was well comforted. Then to Ulfius and

Brastias were delivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them fiercely in the passage, and slew on

When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did such deeds of arms, they were

ashamed and set on them again fiercely; and there was Sir Ulfius's horse slain under him, but he did

marvellously well on foot. But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King Clariance of Northumberland, were

alway grievous on Ulfius. Then Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smote the duke with a spear, that

horse and man fell down. That saw King Clariance and returned unto Brastias, and either smote other so that

horse and man went to the earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses' knees brast to the hard bone.

Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with him, and did passing well. With that came the eleven

kings, and there was Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the butler, horse and man, by King

Brandegoris, and King Idres, and King Agwisance. Then waxed the medley passing hard on both parties.

When Sir Kay saw Griflet on foot, he rode on King Nentres and smote him down, and led his horse unto Sir

Griflet, and horsed him again. Also Sir Kay with the same spear smote down King Lot, and hurt him passing

sore. That saw the King with the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay and smote him down, and took his

horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said gramercy. When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler

on foot, he took a sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms, and smote horse and

man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay. Then King Lot saw King Nentres on foot,

he ran unto Melot de la Roche, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Nentres the horse, and

horsed him again. Also the King of the Hundred Knights saw King Idres on foot; then he ran unto Gwiniart

de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Idres the horse, and horsed him again; and King

Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest Savage, and gave the horse unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had

horsed the kings again they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would be revenged of the

damage that they had taken that day. The meanwhile came in Sir Ector with an eager countenance, and found

Ulfius and Brastias on foot, in great peril of death, that were foul defoiled under horsefeet.

Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and smote him through the left side, that

the horse and the king fell down; and then he took the horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and said,

Have this horse, mine old friend, for great need hast thou of horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir Arthur

did so marvellously in arms, that all men had wonder. When the King with the Hundred Knights saw King

Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that was well horsed, Sir Kay's father, and smote horse and man

down, and gave the horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the king ride on

Sir Ector's horse, he was wroth and with his sword he smote the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm

and shield fell down, and so the sword carved down unto the horse's neck, and so the king and the horse fell

down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir Morganore, seneschal with the King of the Hundred

Knights, and smote him down, horse and man, and led the horse unto his father, Sir Ector; then Sir Ector ran

unto a knight, hight Lardans, and smote horse and man down, and led the horse unto Sir Brastias, that great

need had of an horse, and was greatly defoiled. When Brastias beheld Lucas the butler, that lay like a dead

man under the horses' feet, and ever Sir Griflet did marvellously for to rescue him, and there were always

fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of them on the helm, that it went to the teeth, and he

rode to another and smote him, that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the third and smote him on

the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when Griflet saw rescues, he smote a knight on the

temples, that head and helm went to the earth, and Griflet took the horse of that knight, and led him unto Sir

Lucas, and bade him mount upon the horse and revenge his hurts. For Brastias had slain a knight to fore and

THEN Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la Roche, and Lucas ran to him with a short

spear that was great, that he gave him such a fall, that the horse fell down to the earth. Also Lucas found there

on foot, Bloias de La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights, and in that woodness that Lucas was in,

he slew two bachelors and horsed them again. Then waxed the battle passing hard on both parties, but Arthur

was glad that his knights were horsed again, and then they fought together, that the noise and sound rang by

the water and the wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and dressed their shields and

harness, and they were so courageous that many knights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this while

Lucas, and Gwinas, and Briant, and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against six kings, that was King

Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and King Agwisance. So with the help of Sir

Kay and of Sir Griflet they held these six kings hard, that unnethe they had any power to defend them. But

when Sir Arthur saw the battle would not be ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and steered his

horse here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand, that he stinted not till he had slain twenty

knights. Also he wounded King Lot sore on the shoulder, and made him to leave that ground, for Sir Kay and

Griflet did with King Arthur there great deeds of arms. Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir Ector encountered

against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment, and King Clariance of Northumberland, and King Carados,

and against the King with the Hundred Knights. So these knights encountered with these kings, that they

made them to avoid the ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his fellows, and said

unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I devise we shall be slain and destroyed; let me have the King with the

Hundred Knights, and King Agwisance, and King Idres, and the Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings will

have fifteen thousand men of arms with us, and we will go apart while ye six kings hold medley with twelve

thousand; an we see that ye have foughten with them long, then will we come on fiercely, and else shall we

never match them, said King Lot, but by this mean. So they departed as they here devised, and six kings

In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and Lionses and Phariance had the

vanguard, and they two knights met with King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great medley of

breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying of men and horses, and King Idres was near at

That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in point of death; for the Duke of Cambenet

came on withal with a great fellowship. So these two knights were in great danger of their lives that they were

fain to return, but always they rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously When King Bors saw

those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black as

Inde. When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he said, O Jesu, defend us from death

and horrible maims! for I see well we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one of the most

worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the world, is inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said

the King with the Hundred Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how they came into this

country without witting of us all. It was by Merlin's advice, said the knight. As for him, said King Carados, I

will encounter with King Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they all, we will do all that

we may. Then King Carados and his host rode on a soft pace, till that they came as nigh King Bors as

bowdraught; then either battle let their horse run as fast as they might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto

King Bors, he bare his chief standard, that was a passing good knight. Now shall we see, said King Bors, how

these northern Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors encountered with a knight, and smote him

throughout with a spear that he fell dead unto the earth; and after drew his sword and did marvellous deeds of

arms, that all parties had great wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but did their part, and King Carados

was smitten to the earth. With that came the King with the Hundred Knights and rescued King Carados

mightily by force of arms, for he was a passing good knight of a king, and but a young man.

BY then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with bands of green and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said

King Lot, we must be discomfited, for yonder I see the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of the

most renown, for such two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are not living, wherefore we must needs

void or die; and but if we avoid manly and wisely there is but death. When King Ban came into the battle, he

came in so fiercely that the strokes redounded again from the wood and the water; wherefore King Lot wept

for pity and dole that he saw so many good knights take their end. But through the great force of King Ban

they made both the northern battles that were departed hurtled together for great dread; and the three kings

and their knights slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of the people that fled. But King

Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and King Morganore gathered the people together passing knightly,

When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that King Ban did, he thrust unto him with

his horse, and smote him on high upon the helm, a great stroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was

wroth with him, and followed on him fiercely; the other saw that, and cast up his shield, and spurred his horse

forward, but the stroke of King Ban fell down and carved a cantel off the shield, and the sword slid down by

the hauberk behind his back, and cut through the trapping of steel and the horse even in two pieces, that the

sword felt the earth. Then the King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and with his sword he

broached the horse of King Ban through and through. With that King Ban voided lightly from the dead horse,

and then King Ban smote at the other so eagerly, and smote him on the helm that he fell to the earth. Also in

that ire he felled King Morganore, and there was great slaughter of good knights and much people. By then

came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban standing among dead men and dead horses, fighting on

foot as a wood lion, that there came none nigh him, as far as he might reach with his sword, but he caught a

grievous buffet; whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so bloody, that by his shield there

might no man know him, for all was blood and brains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a

knight that was passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to him, and smote him on the helm, that

his sword went unto his teeth, and the knight sank down to the earth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse by

the rein, and led him unto King Ban, and said, Fair brother, have this horse, for he have great myster thereof,

and me repenteth sore of your great damage. It shall be soon revenged, said King Ban, for I trust in God mine

ure is not such but some of them may sore repent this. I will well, said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual;

But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new battle, the which was sore and hard,

and passing great slaughter. And so through great force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their

knights a little to withdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with their chivalry never turned back; and so

withdrew them to a little wood, and so over a little river, and there they rested them, for on the night they

might have no rest on the field. And then the eleven kings and knights put them on a heap all together, as men

adread and out of all comfort. But there was no man might pass them, they held them so hard together both

behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of their deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir

Arthur, said King Ban and King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought to do. For by my faith,

said King Ban, they are the best fighting men, and knights of most prowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of,

and those eleven kings are men of great worship; and if they were longing unto you there were no king under

the heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship. I may not love them, said Arthur, they would

destroy me. That wot we well, said King Ban and King Bors, for they are your mortal enemies, and that hath

been proved aforehand; and this day they have done their part, and that is great pity of their wilfulness.

Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King Lot, Lords, ye must other ways than ye do,

or else the great loss is behind; ye may see what people we have lost, and what good men we lose, because

we wait always on these footmen, and ever in saving of one of the footmen we lose ten horsemen for him;

therefore this is mine advice, let us put our footmen from us, for it is near night, for the noble Arthur will

not tarry on the footmen, for they may save themselves, the wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be

together, look every each of you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain of death. And who

that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be slain, for it is better that we slay a coward, than

through a coward all we to be slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me all ye kings. It is well said, quoth

King Nentres; so said the King of the Hundred Knights; the same said the King Carados, and King Uriens; so

did King Idres and King Brandegoris; and so did King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the same said

King Clariance and King Agwisance, and sware they would never fail other, neither for life nor for death.

And whoso that fled, but did as they did, should be slain. Then they amended their harness, and righted their

shields, and took new spears and set them on their thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.

WHEN Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their knights, they praised them much for their

noble cheer of chivalry, for the hardiest fighters that ever they heard or saw. With that, there dressed them a

forty noble knights, and said unto the three kings, they would break their battle; these were their names:

Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas the butler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet de la Roche,

Guinas de Bloi, Briant de la Forest Savage, Bellaus, Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of the

Castle of Ladies, Annecians that was King Bors' godson, a noble knight, Ladinas de la Rouse, Emerause,

Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois de la Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on

afore with spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as the horses might run. And the eleven

kings with part of their knights rushed with their horses as fast as they might with their spears, and there they

did on both parties marvellous deeds of arms. So came into the thick of the press, Arthur, Ban, and Bors, and

slew down right on both hands, that their horses went in blood up to the fetlocks. But ever the eleven kings

and their host was ever in the visage of Arthur. Wherefore Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the

great slaughter that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a little river. With that came Merlin

on a great black horse, and said unto Arthur, Thou hast never done! Hast thou not done enough? of three

score thousand this day hast thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho! For God is wroth

with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven kings at this time will not be overthrown, but an

thou tarry on them any longer, thy fortune will turn and they shall increase. And therefore withdraw you unto

your lodging, and rest you as soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold and with silver, for

they have well deserved it; there may no riches be too dear for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were

never men did more of prowess than they have done today, for ye have matched this day with the best

fighters of the world. That is truth, said King Ban and Bors. Also said Merlin, withdraw you where ye list, for

this three year I dare undertake they shall not dere you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings. And then

Merlin said unto Arthur, These eleven kings have more on hand than they are ware of, for the Saracens are

landed in their countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and slay, and have laid siege at the castle

Wandesborow, and make great destruction; therefore dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the goods

that be gotten at this battle, let it be searched, and when ye have it in your hands, let it be given freely unto

these two kings, Ban and Bors, that they may reward their knights withal; and that shall cause strangers to be

of better will to do you service at need. Also you be able to reward your own knights of your own goods

whensomever it liketh you. It is well said, quoth Arthur, and as thou hast devised, so shall it be done. When it

was delivered to Ban and Bors, they gave the goods as freely to their knights as freely as it was given to

them. Then Merlin took his leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and see his master Bleise, that

dwelt in Northumberland; and so he departed and came to his master, that was passing glad of his coming;

and there he told how Arthur and the two kings had sped at the great battle, and how it was ended, and told

the names of every king and knight of worship that was there. And so Bleise wrote the battle word by word,

as Merlin told him, how it began, and by whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the worse.

All the battles that were done in Arthur's days Merlin did his master Bleise do write; also he did do write all

After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur, that was in the castle of Bedegraine, that

was one of the castles that stand in the forest of Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King Arthur

knew him not, for he was all befurred in black sheepskins, and a great pair of boots, and a bow and arrows,

in a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand, and it was on the morn after Candlemas day; but King

Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin unto the king, will ye give me a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur,

should I give thee a gift, churl? Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is not in your hand than

to lose great riches, for here in the same place where the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth.

Who told thee so, churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said he. Then Ulfius and Brastias knew him well

enough, and smiled. Sir, said these two knights, it is Merlin that so speaketh unto you. Then King Arthur was

greatly abashed, and had marvel of Merlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they had great disport

at him. So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that was an earl's daughter: his name was Sanam, and her

name was Lionors, a passing fair damosel; and so she came thither for to do homage, as other lords did after

the great battle. And King Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him, and the king had ado

with her, and gat on her a child: his name was Borre, that was after a good knight, and of the Table Round.

Then there came word that the King Rience of North Wales made great war on King Leodegrance of

Cameliard, for the which thing Arthur was wroth, for he loved him well, and hated King Rience, for he was

alway against him. So by ordinance of the three kings that were sent home unto Benwick, all they would

depart for dread of King Claudas; and Phariance, and Antemes, and Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with

CHAPTER XVIII. How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance, and other

AND then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with their fellowship, a twenty thousand, and

came within six days into the country of Cameliard, and there rescued King Leodegrance, and slew there

much people of King Rience, unto the number of ten thousand men, and put him to flight. And then had these

three kings great cheer of King Leodegrance, that thanked them of their great goodness, that they would

revenge him of his enemies; and there had Arthur the first sight of Guenever, the king's daughter of

Cameliard, and ever after he loved her. After they were wedded, as it telleth in the book. So, briefly to make

an end, they took their leave to go into their own countries, for King Claudas did great destruction on their

lands. Then said Arthur, I will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at this time, for ye have much to

do yet in these lands, therefore we will depart, and with the great goods that we have gotten in these lands by

your gifts, we shall wage good knights and withstand the King Claudas' malice, for by the grace of God, an

we have need we will send to you for your succour; and if ye have need, send for us, and we will not tarry, by

the faith of our bodies. It shall not, said Merlin, need that these two kings come again in the way of war, but I

know well King Arthur may not be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall have great need, and then

shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have done on his. For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by

the great might and prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it telleth after); their names be Balin le

Savage, and Balan, his brother, that be marvellous good knights as be any living.

Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that hight Sorhaute, the which city was within King

Uriens', and there they refreshed them as well as they might, and made leeches search their wounds, and

sorrowed greatly for the death of their people. With that there came a messenger and told how there was

come into their lands people that were lawless as well as Saracens, a forty thousand, and have burnt and slain

all the people that they may come by, without mercy, and have laid siege on the castle of Wandesborow.

Alas, said the eleven kings, here is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred against Arthur as we have

done, he would soon revenge us. As for King Leodegrance, he loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King

Rience, he hath enough to do with Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him. So they consented together

to keep all the marches of Cornwall, of Wales, and of the North. So first, they put King Idres in the City of

Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of arms, to watch both the water and the land. Also they put in

the city of Windesan, King Nentres of Garlot, with four thousand knights to watch both on water and on land.

Also they had of other men of war more than eight thousand, for to fortify all the fortresses in the marches of

Cornwall. Also they put more knights in all the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good men of

arms, and so they kept them together the space of three year, and ever allied them with mighty kings and

dukes and lords. And to them fell King Rience of North Wales, the which and Nero that was a mighty man of

men. And all this while they furnished them and garnished them of good men of arms, and victual, and of all

manner of habiliment that pretendeth to the war, to avenge them for the battle of Bedegraine, as it telleth in

CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how he saw the questing beast.

THEN after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode into Carlion. And thither came to

him, King Lot's wife, of Orkney, in manner of a message, but she was sent thither to espy the court of King

Arthur; and she came richly beseen, with her four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravine, and Gareth, with many

other knights and ladies. For she was a passing fair lady, therefore the king cast great love unto her, and

desired to lie by her; so they were agreed, and he begat upon her Mordred, and she was his sister, on his

mother's side, Igraine. So there she rested her a month, and at the last departed. Then the king dreamed a

marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread. But all this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife

was his sister. Thus was the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was come into this land griffins and

serpents, and him thought they burnt and slew all the people in the land, and then him thought he fought with

them, and they did him passing great harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew them. When

the king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so to put it out of thoughts, he made him ready with

many knights to ride a hunting. As soon as he was in the forest the king saw a great hart afore him. This hart

will I chase, said King Arthur, and so he spurred the horse, and rode after long, and so by fine force oft he

was like to have smitten the hart; whereas the king had chased the hart so long, that his horse lost his breath,

So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him down by a fountain, and there he fell in

great thoughts. And as he sat so, him thought he heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with that

the king saw coming toward him the strangest beast that ever he saw or heard of; so the beast went to the well

and drank, and the noise was in the beast's belly like unto the questing of thirty couple hounds; but all the

while the beast drank there was no noise in the beast's belly: and there.with the beast departed with a great

noise, whereof the king had great marvel. And so he was in a great thought, and therewith he fell asleep.

Right so there came a knight afoot unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thou

sawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I, said King Arthur, that is past two mile; what would ye

with the beast? said Arthur. Sir, I have followed that beast long time, and killed mine horse, so would God I

had another to follow my quest. Right so came one with the king's horse, and when the knight saw the horse,

he prayed the king to give him the horse: for I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I shall

achieve him, or bleed of the best blood of my body. Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing Beast,

CHAPTER XX. How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the Questing Beast, and how Merlin

SIR knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me to have it, and I will follow it another twelvemonth.

Ah, fool, said the knight unto Arthur, it is in vain thy desire, for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my

next kin. Therewith he started unto the king's horse and mounted into the saddle, and said, Gramercy, this

horse is my own. Well, said the king, thou mayst take my horse by force, but an I might prove thee whether

thou were better on horseback or I.Well, said the knight, seek me here when thou wilt, and here nigh this

well thou shalt find me, and so passed on his way. Then the king sat in a study, and bade his men fetch his

horse as fast as ever they might. Right so came by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year of age, and saluted

the king, and asked him why he was so pensive. I may well be pensive, said the king, for I have seen the

marvellest sight that ever I saw. That know I well, said Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts, but

thou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee. Also I know what thou art, and who was thy

father, and of whom thou wert begotten; King Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on Igraine.

That is false, said King Arthur, how shouldest thou know it, for thou art not so old of years to know my

father? Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living. I will not believe thee, said Arthur, and

was wroth with the child. So departed Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an old man of fourscore year

Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad? I may well be heavy, said Arthur, for many things. Also here was

a child, and told me many things that meseemeth he should not know, for he was not of age to know my

father. Yes, said the old man, the child told you truth, and more would he have told you an ye would have

suffered him. But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with you, for ye have lain by your sister,

and on her ye have gotten a child that shall destroy you and all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said

Arthur, that tell me these tidings? I am Merlin, and I was he in the child's likeness. Ah, said King Arthur, ye

are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words that I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it

is God's will your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well be sorry, said Merlin, for I shall

die a shameful death, to be put in the earth quick, and ye shall die a worshipful death. And as they talked this,

came one with the king's horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin on another, and so rode

unto Carlion. And anon the king asked Ector and Ulfius how he was begotten, and they told him Uther

Pendragon was his father and Queen Igraine his mother. Then he said to Merlin, I will that my mother be sent

for that I may speak with her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. In all haste, the queen was sent

for, and she came and brought with her Morgan le Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might be,

CHAPTER XXI. How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of treason; and how a knight

RIGHT SO came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear that were feasted that day, Ye are

the falsest lady of the world, and the most traitress unto the king's person. Beware, said Arthur, what thou

sayest; thou speakest a great word. I am well ware, said Ulfius, what I speak, and here is my glove to prove it

upon any man that will say the contrary, that this Queen Igraine is causer of your great damage, and of your

great war. For, an she would have uttered it in the life of King Uther Pendragon, of the birth of you, and how

ye were begotten ye had never had the mortal wars that ye have had; for the most part of your barons of your

realm knew never whose son ye were, nor of whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body

should have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours, and in like wise to all the realm,

wherefore I prove her false to God and to you and to all your realm, and who will say the contrary I will

Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight, but rather than I should be dishonoured,

there would some good man take my quarrel. More, she said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye Sir Ulfius, how

King Uther came to me in the Castle of Tintagil in the likeness of my lord, that was dead three hours tofore,

and thereby gat a child that night upon me. And after the thirteenth day King Uther wedded me, and by his

commandment when the child was born it was delivered unto Merlin and nourished by him, and so I saw the

child never after, nor wot not what is his name, for I knew him never yet. And there, Ulfius said to the queen,

Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the queen, I bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot

not where he is become. Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is your mother. And therewith

Sir Ector bare witness how he nourished him by Uther's commandment. And therewith King Arthur took his

mother, Queen Igraine, in his arms and kissed her, and either wept upon other. And then the king let make a

Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback, leading a knight before him wounded to the

death, and told him how there was a knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain my

master, a good knight, his name was Miles; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be buried, and that

some knight may revenge my master's death. Then the noise was great of that knight's death in the court, and

every man said his advice. Then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was but young, of the age of the

king Arthur, so he besought the king for all his service that he had done him to give the order of knighthood.

THOU art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I

beseech you make me knight. Sir, said Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a passing good

man when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his life. And if he adventure his body with yonder knight

at the fountain, it is in great peril if ever he come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and the

strongest man of arms. Well, said Arthur. So at the desire of Griflet the king made him knight. Now, said

Arthur unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou must give me a gift. What ye will, said Griflet. Thou

shalt promise me by the faith of thy body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the fountain, whether it

fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come again unto me without making any more

debate. I will promise you, said Griflet, as you desire. Then took Griflet his horse in great haste, and dressed

his shield and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he came to the fountain, and thereby

he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a tree a

shield of divers colours and a great spear. Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his spear, that the

shield fell down to the ground. With that the knight came out of the pavilion, and said, Fair knight, why

smote ye down my shield? For I will joust with you, said Griflet. It is better ye do not, said the knight, for ye

are but young, and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine. As for that, said Griflet, I will joust

with you. That is me loath, said the knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me thereto. Of whence be ye?

said the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur's court. So the two knights ran together that Griflet's spear all to

shivered; and there withal he smote Griflet through the shield and the left side, and brake the spear that the

CHAPTER XXIII. How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land of Arthur, and

WHEN the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was passing heavy, for he weened he had

slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse,

and so betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a passing

good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole was made for him. But through good

leeches he was healed and saved. Right so came into the court twelve knights, and were aged men, and they

came from the Emperor of Rome, and they asked of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the emperor

would destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye are messengers, therefore ye may say what ye

will, other else ye should die therefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor no truage, nor none will I

hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage that shall be with a sharp spear, or else with a sharp

sword, and that shall not be long, by my father's soul, Uther Pendragon. And therewith the messengers

departed passingly wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for in evil time came they then; for the king was

passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a privy man of his chamber that or it be day

his best horse and armour, with all that longeth unto his person, be without the city or tomorrow day. Right

so or tomorrow day he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed his shield and took

his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he came again. And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was

day, and then was he ware of three churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain him. Then the king rode unto

them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then were they afeard when they saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said

Arthur, here hadst thou been slain for all thy crafts had I not been. Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save

myself an I would; and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the deathward, an God be not

So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilion there by it. Then King Arthur

was ware where sat a knight armed in a chair. Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that

there may no knight ride this way but if he joust with thee? said the king. I rede thee leave that custom, said

Arthur. This custom, said the knight, have I used and will use maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with

my custom let him amend it that will. I will amend it, said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon

he took his horse and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard either in other's shields, that

all toshivered their spears. Therewith anon Arthur pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight; it is

fairer, said the knight, that we twain run more together with sharp spears. I will well, said Arthur, an I had

any more spears. I have enow, said the knight; so there came a squire and brought two good spears, and

Arthur chose one and he another; so they spurred their horses and came together with all their mights, that

either brake their spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his sword. Nay, said the knight, ye shall do

better, ye are a passing good jouster as ever I met withal, and once for the love of the high order of

knighthood let us joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought two great spears, and

every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran together that Arthur's spear all toshivered. But the other

knight hit him so hard in midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith Arthur was

eager, and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, sir knight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on

horseback. I will be on horseback, said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield toward him

with his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alighted, for him thought no worship to have a knight at

such avail, he to be on horseback and he on foot, and so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And

there began a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords that the cantels flew in

the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all the place there as they fought was overbled with blood, and

thus they fought long and rested them, and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled together like two

rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they smote together that both their swords met even together.

But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then said the

knight unto Arthur, Thou art in my daunger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee

as overcome and recreant, thou shalt die. As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but

to yield me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed. And therewithal the king leapt unto

Pellinore, and took him by the middle and threw him down, and raced off his helm. When the knight felt that

he was adread, for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced off

CHAPTER XXIV. How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment on King Pellinore and

THEREWITHAL came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou slay that knight thou puttest this

realm in the greatest damage that ever was realm: for this knight is a man of more worship than thou wotest

of. Why, who is he? said the knight. It is King Arthur. Then would he have slain him for dread of his wrath,

and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to the knight, that he fell to the earth in a

great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and rode forth on the knight's horse. Alas! said Arthur, what

hast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? There liveth not so worshipful a knight

as he was; I had liefer than the stint of my land a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin, for he is

wholer than ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you, said Merlin, what a knight

he was; here had ye been slain had I not been. Also there liveth not a bigger knight than he is one, and he

shall hereafter do you right good service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall be

passing good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good living, and their names shall be

Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, and he shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your

CHAPTER XXV. How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.

RIGHT SO the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a good man and a great leech. So the

hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good salves; so the king was there three days, and then were his

wounds well amended that he might ride and go, and so departed. And as they rode, Arthur said, I have no

sword. No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours, an I may. So they rode till they came to a

lake, the which was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in

white samite, that held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword that I spake of. With

that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. What damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake,

said Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and richly beseen;

and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword. Anon

withal came the damosel unto Arthur, and saluted him, and he her again. Damosel, said Arthur, what sword is

that, that yonder the arm holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for I have no sword. Sir Arthur,

king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By

my faith, said Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well! said the damosel, go ye into yonder barge,

and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my

time. So Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the ship, and

when they came to the sword that the hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him,

and the arm and the hand went under the water. And so [they] came unto the land and rode forth, and then Sir

Arthur saw a rich pavilion. What signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight's pavilion, said Merlin, that ye

fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is out, he is not there. He hath ado with a knight of yours that hight

Egglame, and they have foughten together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had been dead, and he

hath chased him even to Carlion, and we shall meet with him anon in the highway. That is well said, said

Arthur, now have I a sword, now will I wage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir, you shall not so,

said Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing, so that ye shall have no worship to have ado with

him; also he will not be lightly matched of one knight living, and therefore it is my counsel, let him pass, for

he shall do you good service in short time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall see that day in short

space, you shall be right glad to give him your sister to wed. When I see him, I will do as ye advise, said

Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well. Whether liketh you better, said Merlin, the

sword or the scabbard? Me liketh better the sword, said Arthur. Ye are more unwise, said Merlin, for the

scabbard is worth ten of the swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no blood,

be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the scabbard always with you. So they rode unto Carlion,

and by the way they met with Sir Pellinore; but Merlin had done such a craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur,

and he passed by without any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would not speak. Sir, said Merlin,

he saw you not, for an he had seen you, ye had not lightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his

knights were passing glad. And when they heard of his adventures, they marvelled that he would jeopard his

person so, alone. But all men of worship said it was merry to be under such a chieftain, that would put his

CHAPTER XXVI. How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome eleven kings, and how he

THIS meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and king he was of all Ireland, and of

many isles. And this was his message, greeting well King Arthur in this manner wise, saying that King

Rience had discomfited and overcome eleven kings, and everych of them did him homage, and that was this,

they gave him their beards clean flayed off, as much as there was; wherefore the messenger came for King

Arthur's beard. For King Rience had purfled a mantle with kings' beards, and there lacked one place of the

mantle; wherefore he sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and burn and slay, and never

leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, said Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most

villainous and lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a king; also thou mayest see my beard is full

young yet to make a purfle of it. But tell thou thy king this: I owe him none homage, nor none of mine elders;

but or it be long to, he shall do me homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his head, by the faith of my

body, for this is the most shamefulest message that ever I heard speak of. I have espied thy king met never yet

with worshipful man, but tell him, I will have his head without he do me homage. Then the messenger

Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? Then answered a knight that hight Naram, Sir,

I know the king well; he is a passing good man of his body, as few be living, and a passing proud man, and

Sir, doubt ye not he will make war on you with a mighty puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain for him

CHAPTER XXVII. How all the children were sent for that were born on Mayday, and how Mordred was

THEN King Arthur let send for all the children born on Mayday, begotten of lords and born of ladies; for

Merlin told King Arthur that he that should destroy him should be born on Mayday, wherefore he sent for

them all, upon pain of death; and so there were found many lords' sons, and all were sent unto the king, and

so was Mordred sent by King Lot's wife, and all were put in a ship to the sea, and some were four weeks old,

and some less. And so by fortune the ship drave unto a castle, and was all to riven, and destroyed the most

part, save that Mordred was cast up, and a good man found him, and nourished him till he was fourteen year

old, and then he brought him to the court, as it rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur.

So many lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their children were so lost, and many put the wite

on Merlin more than on Arthur; so what for dread and for love, they held their peace. But when the

messenger came to King Rience, then was he wood out of measure, and purveyed him for a great host, as it

rehearseth after in the book of Balin le Savage, that followeth next after, how by adventure Balin gat the

CHAPTER I. Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man of such virtue to draw it out of

AFTER the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the which had great war in his days for to get

all England into his hand. For there were many kings within the realm of England, and in Wales, Scotland,

and Cornwall. So it befell on a time when King Arthur was at London, there came a knight and told the king

tidings how that the King Rience of North Wales had reared a great number of people, and were entered into

the land, and burnt and slew the king's true liege people. If this be true, said Arthur, it were great shame unto

mine estate but that he were mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for I saw the host myself. Well,

said the king, let make a cry, that all the lords, knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle

called Camelot in those days, and there the king would let make a councilgeneral and a great jousts.

So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as they seemed best, there was come a

damosel the which was sent on message from the great lady Lile of Avelion. And when she came before King

Arthur, she told from whom she came, and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes. Then she

let her mantle fall that was richly furred; and then was she girt with a noble sword whereof the king had

marvel, and said, Damosel, for what cause are ye girt with that sword? it beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell

you, said the damosel; this sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and cumbrance, for I may not be

delivered of this sword but by a knight, but he must be a passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and

without villainy or treachery, and without treason. And if I may find such a knight that hath all these virtues,

he may draw out this sword out of the sheath, for I have been at King Rience's it was told me there were

passing good knights, and he and all his knights have assayed it and none can speed. This is a great marvel,

said Arthur, if this be sooth; I will myself assay to draw out the sword, not presuming upon myself that I am

the best knight, but that I will begin to draw at your sword in giving example to all the barons that they shall

assay everych one after other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the sword by the sheath and by the

Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he that shall pull it out shall do it with little might.

Ye say well, said Arthur; now assay ye all my barons; but beware ye be not defiled with shame, treachery,

nor guile. Then it will not avail, said the damosel, for he must be a clean knight without villainy, and of a

gentle strain of father side and mother side. Most of all the barons of the Round Table that were there at that

time assayed all by row, but there might none speed; wherefore the damosel made great sorrow out of

measure, and said, Alas! I weened in this court had been the best knights without treachery or treason. By my

faith, said Arthur, here are good knights, as I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help you,

CHAPTER II. How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which afterward was the cause

THEN fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur, that had been prisoner with him half a

year and more for slaying of a knight, the which was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight was

called Balin, and by good means of the barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good man named

of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And so he went privily into the court, and saw this

adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and he would assay it as other knights did, but for he was poor and

poorly arrayed he put him not far in press. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well, if his grace

happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel took her leave of Arthur and of all the barons,

so departing, this knight Balin called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy, suffer me as

well to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly clothed, in my heart meseemeth I am fully assured as

some of these others, and meseemeth in my heart to speed right well. The damosel beheld the poor knight,

and saw he was a likely man, but for his poor arrayment she thought he should be of no worship without

villainy or treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to put me to more pain or labour,

for it seemeth not you to speed there as other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good

tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and worship is hid within man's person, and

many a worshipful knight is not known unto all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in

arrayment. By God, said the damosel, ye say sooth; therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may. Then Balin

took the sword by the girdle and sheath, and drew it out easily; and when he looked on the sword it pleased

him much. Then had the king and all the barons great marvel that Balin had done that adventure, and many

knights had great despite of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and the best that

ever I found, and most of worship without treason, treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now,

gentle and courteous knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said Balin, for this sword will I keep, but it be

taken from me with force. Well, said the damosel, ye are not wise to keep the sword from me, for ye shall

slay with the sword the best friend that ye have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword

shall be your destruction. I shall take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword ye

shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye shall repent it within short time, said the damosel, for

I would have the sword more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake; for ye will

not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and that is great pity. With that the damosel departed,

Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would depart from the court, and took his leave of

King Arthur. Nay, said the king, I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose ye are

displeased that I have shewed you unkindness; blame me the less, for I was misinformed against you, but I

weened ye had not been such a knight as ye are, of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in this court

among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin,

your bounty and highness may no man praise half to the value; but at this time I must needs depart,

beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the king, I am right wroth for your departing; I pray

you, fair knight, that ye tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons, and I shall

amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your great lordship, said Balin, and therewith made

him ready to depart. Then the most part of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this

CHAPTER III. How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that had won the sword, or the

THE meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart, there came into the court a lady that hight

the Lady of the Lake. And she came on horseback, richly beseen, and saluted King Arthur, and there asked

him a gift that he promised her when she gave him the sword. That is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I promised

you, but I have forgotten the name of my sword that ye gave me. The name of it, said the lady, is Excalibur,

that is as much to say as Cutsteel. Ye say well, said the king; ask what ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie

in my power to give it. Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that hath won the sword, or else the

damosel's head that brought it; I take no force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a good

knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father's death. Truly, said King Arthur, I may not

grant neither of their heads with my worship, therefore ask what ye will else, and I shall fulfil your desire. I

will ask none other thing, said the lady. When Balin was ready to depart, he saw the Lady of the Lake, that by

her means had slain Balin's mother, and he had sought her three years; and when it was told him that she

asked his head of King Arthur, he went to her straight and said, Evil be you found; ye would have my head,

and therefore ye shall lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off her head before King Arthur. Alas,

for shame! said Arthur, why have ye done so? ye have shamed me and all my court, for this was a lady that I

was beholden to, and hither she came under my safe conduct; I shall never forgive you that trespass. Sir,

said Balin, me forthinketh of your displeasure, for this same lady was the untruest lady living, and by

enchantment and sorcery she hath been the destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer that my

mother was burnt, through her falsehood and treachery. What cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye should

have forborne her in my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye shall repent it, for such another despite

had I never in my court; therefore withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.

Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his hostelry, and there he met with his squire,

that was sorry he had displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the town. Now, said Balin, we

must depart, take thou this head and bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my friends

in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how I am out of prison, and what adventure

befell me at the getting of this sword. Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to blame for to displease King

Arthur. As for that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet with King Rience and destroy

him, either else to die therefore; and if it may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and

gracious lord. Where shall I meet with you? said the squire. In King Arthur's court, said Balin. So his squire

and he departed at that time. Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole and had shame of the death

AT that time there was a knight, the which was the king's son of Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the

which was an orgulous knight, and counted himself one of the best of the court; and he had great despite at

Balin for the achieving of the sword, that any should be accounted more hardy, or more of prowess; and he

asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride after Balin and to revenge the despite that he had done.

Do your best, said Arthur, I am right wroth with Balin; I would he were quit of the despite that he hath done

to me and to my court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him ready. In the meanwhile came

Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there was told him the adventure of the sword, and the death of the

Lady of the Lake. Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that here standeth, that brought the

sword unto your court, I shall tell you the cause of her coming: she was the falsest damosel that liveth. Say

not so, said they. She hath a brother, a passing good knight of prowess and a full true man; and this damosel

loved another knight that held her to paramour, and this good knight her brother met with the knight that held

her to paramour, and slew him by force of his hands. When this false damosel understood this, she went to

the Lady Lile of Avelion, and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.

CHAPTER V. How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and how he jousted and slew

AND so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she brought with her, and told there should no

man pull it out of the sheath but if he be one of the best knights of this realm, and he should be hard and full

of prowess, and with that sword he should slay her brother. This was the cause that the damosel came into

this court. I know it as well as ye. Would God she had not come into this court, but she came never in

fellowship of worship to do good, but always great harm; and that knight that hath achieved the sword shall

be destroyed by that sword, for the which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of more prowess

than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur, great honour and kindness; and it is great pity he shall

not endure but a while, for of his strength and hardiness I know not his match living.

So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his shield on his shoulder, and mounted upon

horseback, and took his spear in his hand, and rode after a great pace, as much as his horse might go; and

within a little space on a mountain he had a sight of Balin, and with a loud voice he cried, Abide, knight, for

ye shall abide whether ye will or nill, and the shield that is tofore you shall not help. When Balin heard the

noise, he turned his horse fiercely, and said, Fair knight, what will ye with me, will ye joust with me? Yea,

said the Irish knight, therefore come I after you. Peradventure, said Balin, it had been better to have holden

you at home, for many a man weeneth to put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of what

court be ye sent from? said Balin. I am come from the court of King Arthur, said the knight of Ireland, that

come hither for to revenge the despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his court. Well, said Balin, I see

well I must have ado with you, that me forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his court; and your

quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for the lady that is dead, did me great damage, and else would I

have been loath as any knight that liveth for to slay a lady. Make you ready, said the knight Lanceor, and

dress you unto me, for that one shall abide in the field. Then they took their spears, and came together as

much as their horses might drive, and the Irish knight smote Balin on the shield, that all went shivers off his

spear, and Balin hit him through the shield, and the hauberk perished, and so pierced through his body and

the horse's croup, and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and wist not that he had slain

CHAPTER VI. How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how Balin met with

THEN he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding full fast as the horse might ride, on a

fair palfrey. And when she espied that Lanceor was slain, she made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin,

two bodies thou hast slain and one heart, and two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost. And

therewith she took the sword from her love that lay dead, and fell to the ground in a swoon. And when she

arose she made great dole out of measure, the which sorrow grieved Balin passingly sore, and he went unto

her for to have taken the sword out of her hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it out of her hand

unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set the pommel to the ground, and rove herself through the

body. When Balin espied her deeds, he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that so fair a damosel

had destroyed herself for the love of his death. Alas, said Balin, me repenteth sore the death of this knight, for

the love of this damosel, for there was much true love betwixt them both, and for sorrow might not longer

behold him, but turned his horse and looked toward a great forest, and there he was ware, by the arms, of his

brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms and kissed together, and wept for joy and

pity. Then Balan said, I little weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right glad of your

deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a man told me, in the castle of Four Stones, that ye were

delivered, and that man had seen you in the court of King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into this

country, for here I supposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin told his brother of his adventure of the sword,

and of the death of the Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur was displeased with him. Wherefore he sent

this knight after me, that lieth here dead, and the death of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, said

Balan, but ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, said Balin, I am right heavy that my

Lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he is the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his

love will I get or else will I put my life in adventure. For the King Rience lieth at a siege at the Castle

Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove our worship and prowess upon him. I will well, said

CHAPTER VII. How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall

Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile as they talked, there came a dwarf from

the city of Camelot on horseback, as much as he might; and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great

dole, and pulled out his hair for sorrow, and said, Which of you knights have done this deed? Whereby askest

thou it? said Balan. For I would wit it, said the dwarf. It was I, said Balin, that slew this knight in my defence,

for hither he came to chase me, and either I must slay him or he me; and this damosel slew herself for his

love, which repenteth me, and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love. Alas, said the dwarf, thou

hast done great damage unto thyself, for this knight that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that

lived, and trust well, Balin, the kin of this knight will chase you through the world till they have slain you. As

for that, said Balin, I fear not greatly, but I am right heavy that I have displeased my lord King Arthur, for the

death of this knight. So as they talked together, there came a king of Cornwall riding, the which hight King

Mark. And when he saw these two bodies dead, and understood how they were dead, by the two knights

above said, then made the king great sorrow for the true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not

depart till I have on this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his pavilions and sought through all the

country to find a tomb, and in a church they found one was fair and rich, and then the king let put them both

in the earth, and put the tomb upon them, and wrote the names of them both on the tomb. How here lieth

Lanceor the king's son of Ireland, that at his own request was slain by the hands of Balin; and how his lady,

CHAPTER VIII. How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world should fight there, which

THE meanwhile as this was adoing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and seeing all his doing, said, Here shall

be in this same place the greatest battle betwixt two knights that was or ever shall be, and the truest lovers,

and yet none of them shall slay other. And there Merlin wrote their names upon the tomb with letters of gold

that should fight in that place, whose names were Launcelot de Lake, and Tristram. Thou art a marvellous

man, said King Mark unto Merlin, that speakest of such marvels, thou art a boistous man and an unlikely to

tell of such deeds. What is thy name? said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell, but at that time

when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign lady, then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye

shall hear tidings that shall not please you. Then said Merlin to Balin, Thou hast done thyself great hurt,

because that thou savest not this lady that slew herself, that might have saved her an thou wouldest. By the

faith of my body, said Balin, I might not save her, for she slew herself suddenly. Me repenteth, said Merlin;

because of the death of that lady thou shalt strike a stroke most dolorous that ever man struck, except the

stroke of our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest knight and the man of most worship that now liveth, and

through that stroke three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and wretchedness twelve years, and the

knight shall not be whole of that wound for many years. Then Merlin took his leave of Balin. And Balin said,

If I wist it were sooth that ye say I should do such a perilous deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a

liar. Therewith Merlin vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his brother took their leave of King

Mark. First, said the king, tell me your name. Sir, said Balan, ye may see he beareth two swords, thereby ye

may call him the Knight with the Two Swords. And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King Arthur,

and Balin took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode together they met with Merlin disguised, but

they knew him not. Whither ride you? said Merlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to tell thee. But

what is thy name? said Balin. At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell it thee. It is evil seen, said the knights,

that thou art a true man that thou wilt not tell thy name. As for that, said Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell

you wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Rience; but it will not avail you without ye have my

counsel. Ah! said Balin, ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by your counsel. Come on, said Merlin, ye shall have

great worship, and look that ye do knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said Balin, dread you

CHAPTER IX. How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took King Rience and brought him to

THEN Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and took off the bridles of their

horses and put them to grass and laid them down to rest them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade

them rise, and make them ready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with a three

score horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode tofore to warn the Lady de Vance that the king

was coming; for that night King Rience should have lain with her. Which is the king? said Balin. Abide, said

Merlin, here in a strait way ye shall meet with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his brother where he

Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down, and wounded him fiercely, and laid him

to the ground; and there they slew on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than forty of his men,

and the remnant fled. Then went they again to King Rience and would have slain him had he not yielded him

unto their grace. Then said he thus: Knights full of prowess, slay me not, for by my life ye may win, and by

my death ye shall win nothing. Then said these two knights, Ye say sooth and truth, and so laid him on a

horselitter. With that Merlin was vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him how his most

enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King Arthur. By two knights, said Merlin, that would

please your lordship, and tomorrow ye shall know what knights they are. Anon after came the Knight with

the Two Swords and Balan his brother, and brought with them King Rience of North Wales, and there

delivered him to the porters, and charged them with him; and so they two returned again in the dawning of

the day. King Arthur came then to King Rience, and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what adventure come

ye hither? Sir, said King Rience, I came hither by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur. Sir,

said the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which are two marvellous knights of prowess.

I know them not, said Arthur, but much I am beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall tell you: it is Balin

that achieved the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of prowess and of

worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I knew of knight, for he shall not long endure.

Alas, said King Arthur, that is great pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto

him for his kindness. Nay, said Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that shall ye know in haste. But,

sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for tomorn the host of Nero, King Rience's brother, will set on you or

noon with a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart from you.

CHAPTER X. How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was

THEN King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready in the field afore the Castle

Terrabil with a great host, and he had ten battles, with many more people than Arthur had. Then Nero had the

vanguard with the most part of his people, and Merlin came to King Lot of the Isle of Orkney, and held him

with a tale of prophecy, till Nero and his people were destroyed. And there Sir Kay the seneschal did

passingly well, that the days of his life the worship went never from him; and Sir Hervis de Revel did

marvellous deeds with King Arthur, and King Arthur slew that day twenty knights and maimed forty. At that

time came in the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they two did so marvellously that

the king and all the knights marvelled of them, and all they that beheld them said they were sent from heaven

as angels, or devils from hell; and King Arthur said himself they were the best knights that ever he saw, for

In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he tarried there Nero was destroyed and slain

with all his people. Alas, said King Lot, I am ashamed, for by my default there is many a worshipful man

slain, for an we had been together there had been none host under the heaven that had been able for to have

matched with us; this faiter with his prophecy hath mocked me. All that did Merlin, for he knew well that an

King Lot had been with his body there at the first battle, King Arthur had been slain, and all his people

destroyed; and well Merlin knew that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was Merlin that any

of them both should be slain; but of the twain, he had liefer King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now

what is best to do? said King Lot of Orkney; whether is me better to treat with King Arthur or to fight, for the

greater part of our people are slain and destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set on Arthur for they are weary and

forfoughten and we be fresh. As for me, said King Lot, I would every knight would do his part as I would do

mine. And then they advanced banners and smote together and all toshivered their spears; and Arthur's

knights, with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan put King Lot and his host to

the worse. But always King Lot held him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of arms, for all his

host was borne up by his hands, for he abode all knights. Alas he might not endure, the which was great pity,

that so worthy a knight as he was one should be overmatched, that of late time afore had been a knight of

King Arthur's, and wedded the sister of King Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King Lot's wife, the which

was Arthur's sister, and gat on her Mordred, therefore King Lot held against Arthur. So there was a knight

that was called the Knight with the Strange Beast, and at that time his right name was called Pellinore, the

which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King Lot as he fought with all his

enemies, and he failed of his stroke, and smote the horse's neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot. And

therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the helm and head unto the brows. And then all the

host of Orkney fled for the death of King Lot, and there were slain many mothers' sons. But King Pellinore

bare the wite of the death of King Lot, wherefore Sir Gawaine revenged the death of his father the tenth year

after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore with his own hands. Also there were slain at that battle

twelve kings on the side of King Lot with Nero, and all were buried in the Church of Saint Stephen's in

CHAPTER XI. Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of Merlin, and how Balin should

SO at the interment came King Lot's wife Margawse with her four sons, Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and

Gareth. Also there came thither King Uriens, Sir Ewaine's father, and Morgan le Fay his wife that was King

Arthur's sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these twelve kings King Arthur let make the tomb

of King Lot passing richly, and made his tomb by his own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of latten

and copper, and overgilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve kings, and each one of them held a taper of wax

that burnt day and night; and King Arthur was made in sign of a figure standing above them with a sword

drawn in his hand, and all the twelve figures had countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this

made Merlin by his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am dead these tapers shall burn no longer,

and soon after the adventures of the Sangreal shall come among you and be achieved. Also he told Arthur

how Balin the worshipful knight shall give the dolorous stroke, whereof shall fall great vengeance. Oh, where

is Balin and Balan and Pellinore? said King Arthur. As for Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you soon;

and as for Balin he will not be long from you; but the other brother will depart, ye shall see him no more. By

my faith, said Arthur, they are two marvellous knights, and namely Balin passeth of prowess of any knight

that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto him; would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin,

look ye keep well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye have the scabbard upon you,

though ye have as many wounds upon you as ye may have. So after, for great trust, Arthur betook the

scabbard to Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another knight better than her husband King Uriens or

King Arthur, and she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she let make another scabbard

like it by enchantment, and gave the scabbard Excalibur to her love; and the knight's name was called

Accolon, that after had near slain King Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy that

there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own son should be against him. Also he told

CHAPTER XII. How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin fetched him, and how that

WITHIN a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his pavilion in a meadow, and there

he laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but he might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse,

and therewith the king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even by him, making

great dole. Abide, fair sir, said Arthur, and tell me wherefore thou makest this sorrow. Ye may little amend

me, said the knight, and so passed forth to the castle of Meliot. Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw

King Arthur he alighted off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and saluted him. By my head, said

Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came riding this way a knight making great mourn, for what cause I

cannot tell; wherefore I would desire of you of your courtesy and of your. gentleness to fetch again that

knight either by force or else by his good will. I will do more for your lordship than that, said Balin; and so

he rode more than a pace, and found the knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir knight, ye must come

with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow. That will I not, said the knight, for it will scathe me

greatly, and do you none avail. Sir, said Balin, I pray you make you ready, for ye must go with me, or else I

must fight with you and bring you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be my warrant, said the

knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or else I will die therefore. And so he made him ready to go with

Balin, and left the damosel still. And as they were even afore King Arthur's pavilion, there came one

invisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin throughout the body with a spear. Alas, said the knight, I

am slain under your conduct with a knight called Garlon; therefore take my horse that is better than yours,

and ride to the damosel, and follow the quest that I was in as she will lead you, and revenge my death when

ye may. That shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow unto knighthood; and so he departed from this knight

with great sorrow. So King Arthur let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his tomb, how there

was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the treachery was done, the knight Garlon. But ever the damosel

CHAPTER XIII. How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in likewise slain, and how the

So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a knight that had been ahunting, and that

knight asked Balin for what cause he made so great sorrow. Me list not to tell you, said Balin. Now, said the

knight, an I were armed as ye be I would fight with you. That should little need, said Balin, I am not afeard to

tell you, and told him all the cause how it was. Ah, said the knight, is this all? here I ensure you by the faith

of my body never to depart from you while my life lasteth. And so they went to the hostelry and armed them,

and so rode forth with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by a churchyard, there came the knight

Garlon invisible, and smote this knight, Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a spear. Alas, said the

knight, I am slain by this traitor knight that rideth invisible. Alas, said Balin, it is not the first despite he hath

done me; and there the hermit and Balin buried the knight under a rich stone and a tomb royal. And on the

morn they found letters of gold written, how Sir Gawaine shall revenge his father's death, King Lot, on the

King Pellinore. Anon after this Balin and the damosel rode till they came to a castle, and there Balin alighted,

and he and the damosel went to go into the castle, and anon as Balin came within the castle's gate the

portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many men about the damosel, and would have slain her. When

Balin saw that, he was sore aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he went up into the tower, and

leapt over walls into the ditch, and hurt him not; and anon he pulled out his sword and would have foughten

with them. And they all said nay, they would not fight with him, for they did nothing but the old custom of

the castle; and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years, and she might not be whole but if

she had a dish of silver full of blood of a clean maid and a king's daughter; and therefore the custom of this

castle is, there shall no damosel pass this way but she shall bleed of her blood in a silver dish full. Well, said

Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed, but I will not lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth. And

so Balin made her to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the lady. And so he and she rested there

all night, and had there right good cheer, and on the morn they passed on their ways. And as it telleth after in

the Sangreal, that Sir Percivale's sister helped that lady with her blood, whereof she was dead.

CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and there he slew him, to have

THEN they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by hap they were lodged with a gentle

man that was a rich man and well at ease. And as they sat at their supper Balin overheard one complain

grievously by him in a chair. What is this noise? said Balin. Forsooth, said his host, I will tell you. I was but

late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice smote I him

down, and then he promised to quit me on my best friend; and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole

till I have of that knight's blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his name. Ah! said Balin, I

know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hath slain two knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had

liefer meet with that knight than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he hath done me. Well, said his

host, I shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made do cry in all this country a great feast that shall be

within these twenty days, and no knight may come there but if he bring his wife with him, or his paramour;

and that knight, your enemy and mine, ye shall see that day. Then I behote you, said Balin, part of his blood

to heal your son withal. We will be forward tomorn, said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward

Pellam, and they had fifteen days' journey or they came thither; and that same day began the great feast. And

so they alighted and stabled their horses, and went into the castle; but Balin's host might not be let in because

he had no lady. Then Balin was well received and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him; and there were

brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin leave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin,

that do I not, for it is the custom of my country a knight always to keep his weapon with him, and that custom

will I keep, or else I will depart as I came. Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so he went unto

Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court whose name is Garlon? Yonder he goeth, said a

knight, he with the black face; he is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good

knights, for he goeth invisible. Ah well, said Balin, is that he? Then Balin advised him long: If I slay him

here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now, peradventure I shall never meet with him again at such a

steven, and much harm he will do an he live. Therewith this Garlon espied that this Balin beheld him, and

then he came and smote Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and said, Knight, why beholdest me so?

for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do that thou came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not the first

despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do what I came for, and rose up fiercely and clave his

head to the shoulders. Give me the truncheon, said Balin to his lady, wherewith he slew your knight. Anon

she gave it him, for alway she bare the truncheon with her. And therewith Balin smote him through the body,

and said openly, With that truncheon thou hast slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy body. And then

Balin called unto him his host, saying, Now may ye fetch blood enough to heal your son withal.

CHAPTER XV. How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword brake, and how he gat a spear

ANON all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and

said, Knight, hast thou slain my brother? thou shalt die therefore or thou depart. Well, said Balin, do it

yourself. Yes, said King Pellam, there shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love of my brother.

Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly at Balin; but Balin put the sword

betwixt his head and the stroke, and therewith his sword burst in sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he

ran into a chamber for to seek some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no weapon he could find,

and always King Pellam after him. And at the last he entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight

and richly, and a bed arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one lying therein, and

thereby stood a table of clean gold with four pillars of silver that bare up the table, and upon the table stood a

marvellous spear strangely wrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he gat it in his hand and turned him to

King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon, and

therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell to the earth, and Balin fell down so that he might not stir

foot nor hand. And so the most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that dolorous stroke, lay upon

CHAPTER XVI. How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would have slain himself for

THEN Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse, for his was dead, and bade him ride

out of that country. I would have my damosel, said Balin. Lo, said Merlin, where she lieth dead. And King

Pellam lay so, many years sore wounded, and might never be whole till Galahad the haut prince healed him in

the quest of the Sangreal, for in that place was part of the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph of

Arimathea brought into this land, and there himself lay in that rich bed. And that was the same spear that

Longius smote our Lord to the heart; and King Pellam was nigh of Joseph's kin, and that was the most

worshipful man that lived in those days, and great pity it was of his hurt, for through that stroke, turned to

great dole, tray and tene. Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world we meet never no more.

So he rode forth through the fair countries and cities, and found the people dead, slain on every side. And all

that were alive cried, O Balin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries; for the dolorous stroke thou

gavest unto King Pellam three countries are destroyed, and doubt not but the vengeance will fall on thee at

So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last he came into a fair forest in a valley, and was

ware of a tower, and there beside he saw a great horse of war, tied to a tree, and there beside sat a fair knight

on the ground and made great mourning, and he was a likely man, and a well made. Balin said, God save you,

why be ye so heavy? tell me and I will amend it, an I may, to my power. Sir knight, said he again, thou dost

me great grief, for I was in merry thoughts, and now thou puttest me to more pain. Balin went a little from

him, and looked on his horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, why have ye broken my promise,

for thou promisest me to meet me here by noon, and I may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for

with this sword I slay myself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin stert unto him and took him by the hand.

Let go my hand, said the knight, or else I shall slay thee. That shall not need, said Balin, for I shall promise

you my help to get you your lady, an ye will tell me where she is. What is your name? said the knight. My

name is Balin le Savage. Ah, sir, I know you well enough, ye are the Knight with the Two Swords, and the

man of most prowess of your hands living. What is your name? said Balin. My name is Garnish of the

Mount, a poor man's son, but by my prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me lands;

his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I love, and she me as I deemed. How far is she hence?

said Balin. But six mile, said the knight. Now ride we hence, said these two knights. So they rode more than a

pace, till that they came to a fair castle well walled and ditched. I will into the castle, said Balin, and look if

she be there. So he went in and searched from chamber to chamber, and found her bed, but she was not there.

Then Balin looked into a fair little garden, and under a laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of green samite

and a knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under their heads grass and herbs. When Balin saw her

lie so with the foulest knight that ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin went through all the chambers

again, and told the knight how he found her as she had slept fast, and so brought him in the place there she

CHAPTER XVII. How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her, and after, how he slew himself

AND when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and nose burst out ableeding, and with

his sword he smote off both their heads, and then he made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, much

sorrow hast thou brought unto me, for hadst thou not shewed me that sight I should have passed my sorrow.

Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to this intent that it should better thy courage, and that ye might see and know

her falsehood, and to cause you to leave love of such a lady; God knoweth I did none other but as I would ye

did to me. Alas, said Garnish, now is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now have I slain that I most

loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove himself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw

that, he dressed him thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them; and so he rode forth, and within three

days he came by a cross, and thereon were letters of gold written, that said, It is not for no knight alone to

ride toward this castle. Then saw he an old hoar gentleman coming toward him, that said, Balin le Savage,

thou passest thy bounds to come this way, therefore turn again and it will avail thee. And he vanished away

anon; and so he heard an horn blow as it had been the death of a beast. That blast, said Balin, is blown for me,

for I am the prize and yet am I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many knights, that

welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him passing good cheer unto his sight, and led him into the

castle, and there was dancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy. Then the chief lady of the castle said,

Knight with the Two Swords, ye must have ado and joust with a knight hereby that keepeth an island, for

there may no man pass this way but he must joust or he pass. That is an unhappy custom, said Balin, that a

knight may not pass this way but if he joust. Ye shall not have ado but with one knight, said the lady.

Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but travelling men are oft weary and their horses too, but

though my horse be weary my heart is not weary, I would be fain there my death should be. Sir, said a knight

to Balin, methinketh your shield is not good, I will lend you a bigger. Thereof I pray you. And so he took the

shield that was unknown and left his own, and so rode unto the island, and put him and his horse in a great

boat; and when he came on the other side he met with a damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye

left your own shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your shield ye should have been

known; it is great pity of you as ever was of knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no fellow

living. Me repenteth, said Balin, that ever I came within this country, but I may not turn now again for shame,

and what adventure shall fall to me, be it life or death, I will take the adventure that shall come to me. And

then he looked on his armour, and understood he was well armed, and therewith blessed him and mounted

CHAPTER XVIII. How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till

THEN afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his horse trapped all red, and himself in the

same colour. When this knight in the red beheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin by cause of

his two swords, but by cause he knew not his shield he deemed it was not he. And so they aventryd their

spears and came marvellously fast together, and they smote each other in the shields, but their spears and

their course were so big that it bare down horse and man, that they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was

bruised sore with the fall of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan was the first that rose on foot

and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and he arose and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first,

and he put up his shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his helm. Then Balin smote him again

with that unhappy sword, and wellnigh had felled his brother Balan, and so they fought there together till

their breaths failed. Then Balin looked up to the castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies. So they went

unto battle again, and wounded everych other dolefully, and then they breathed ofttimes, and so went unto

battle that all the place there as they fought was blood red. And at that time there was none of them both but

they had either smitten other seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the death of the

Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to hear of that battle for the great

bloodshedding, and their hauberks unnailed that naked they were on every side. At last Balan the younger

brother withdrew him a little and laid him down. Then said Balin le Savage, What knight art thou? for or now

I found never no knight that matched me. My name is, said he, Balan, brother unto the good knight, Balin.

Alas, said Balin, that ever I should see this day, and therewith he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede

on all four feet and hands, and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know him by the visage it was

so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he said, O Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee,

wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both. Alas, said Balan, that ever I saw this day, that through

mishap I might not know you, for I espied well your two swords, but by cause ye had another shield I deemed

ye had been another knight. Alas, said Balin, all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he caused me

to leave my own shield to our both's destruction, and if I might live I would destroy that castle for ill customs.

That were well done, said Balan, for I had never grace to depart from them since that I came hither, for here it

happed me to slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart, and no more should ye,

brother, an ye might have slain me as ye have, and escaped yourself with the life.

Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies and six yeomen unto them, and there she

heard how they made their moan either to other, and said, We came both out of one tomb, that is to say one

mother's belly, and so shall we lie both in one pit. So Balan prayed the lady of her gentleness, for his true

service, that she would bury them both in that same place there the battle was done. And she granted them,

with weeping, it should be done richly in the best manner. Now, will ye send for a priest, that we may receive

our sacrament, and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ? Yea, said the lady, it shall be done; and

so she sent for a priest and gave them their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one tomb, and the

mention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will never good knight, nor good man, see our

tomb but they will pray for our souls. And so all the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. Then anon Balan

died, but Balin died not till the midnight after, and so were they buried both, and the lady let make a mention

of Balan how he was there slain by his brother's hands, but she knew not Balin's name.

IN the morn came Merlin and let write Balin's name on the tomb with letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le

Savage that was the Knight with the Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Also Merlin let

make there a bed, that there should never man lie therein but he went out of his wit, yet Launcelot de Lake

fordid that bed through his noblesse. And anon after Balin was dead, Merlin took his sword, and took off the

pommel and set on another pommel. So Merlin bade a knight that stood afore him handle that sword, and he

assayed, and he might not handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? said the knight. This is the cause,

said Merlin: there shall never man handle this sword but the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir

Launcelot or else Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that in the world he

loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let write in the pommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make

a bridge of iron and of steel into that island, and it was but half a foot broad, and there shall never man pass

that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over, but if he were a passing good man and a good knight without

treachery or villainy. Also the scabbard of Balin's sword Merlin left it on this side the island, that Galahad

should find it. Also Merlin let make by his subtilty that Balin's sword was put in a marble stone standing

upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone hoved always above the water and did many years, and so by

adventure it swam down the stream to the City of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And that same day

Galahad the haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad brought with him the scabbard and achieved

the sword that was there in the marble stone hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved the

Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the dolorous stroke that Balin gave to

King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan fought together the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how

they were buried both in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever I heard tell of two

knights, for in the world I know not such two knights. Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan, two

CHAPTER I. How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the

IN the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure and by grace; for the most part of the

barons knew not that he was Uther Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings

and lords held great war against him for that cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for the most part the

days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin. So it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin,

My barons will let me have no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and

by thine advice. It is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a man of your bounty and noblesse

should not be without a wife. Now is there any that ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love

Guenever the king's daughter, Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which holdeth in his house the

Table Round that ye told he had of my father Uther. And this damosel is the most valiant and fairest lady that

I know living, or yet that ever I could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she is one of the

fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as ye do, I should find you a damosel of beauty and of goodness

that should like you and please you, an your heart were not set; but there as a man's heart is set, he will be

loath to return. That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the king covertly that Guenever was not

wholesome for him to take to wife, for he warned him that Launcelot should love her, and she him again; and

Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that should enquire of Guenever, and so the king

granted him, and Merlin went forth unto King Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told him of the desires of the

king that he would have unto his wife Guenever his daughter. That is to me, said King Leodegrance, the best

tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and noblesse will wed my daughter. And as for my

lands, I will give him, wist I it might please him, but he hath lands enow, him needeth none; but I shall send

him a gift shall please him much more, for I shall give him the Table Round, the which Uther Pendragon

gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an hundred knights and fifty. And as for an hundred good

knights I have myself, but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my days. And so Leodegrance

delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round with the hundred knights, and so they

rode freshly, with great royalty, what by water and what by land, till that they came nigh unto London.

CHAPTER II. How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop

WHEN King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred knights with the Table Round, then

King Arthur made great joy for her coming, and that rich present, and said openly, This fair lady is passing

welcome unto me, for I have loved her long, and therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knights

with the Round Table please me more than right great riches. And in all haste the king let ordain for the

marriage and the coronation in the most honourable wise that could be devised. Now, Merlin, said King

Arthur, go thou and espy me in all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship. Within short

time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil twenty and eight knights, but no more he could find.

Then the Bishop of Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the sieges with great royalty and devotion, and

there set the eight and twenty knights in their sieges. And when this was done Merlin said, Fair sirs, ye must

all arise and come to King Arthur for to do him homage; he will have the better will to maintain you. And so

they arose and did their homage, and when they were gone Merlin found in every sieges letters of gold that

told the knights' names that had sitten therein. But two sieges were void. And so anon came young Gawaine

and asked the king a gift. Ask, said the king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will make me knight

that same day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it with a good will, said King Arthur, and do unto you all

CHAPTER III. How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King Arthur to make his son knight.

FORTHWITHAL there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him a fair young man of eighteen

years of age riding upon a lean mare; and the poor man asked all men that he met, Where shall I find King

Arthur? Yonder he is, said the knights, wilt thou anything with him? Yea, said the poor man, therefore I came

hither. Anon as he came before the king, he saluted him and said: O King Arthur, the flower of all knights

and kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it was told me that at this time of your marriage ye would give any

man the gift that he would ask, out except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the king, such cries I let

make, and that will I hold, so it apair not my realm nor mine estate. Ye say well and graciously, said the poor

man; Sir, I ask nothing else but that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great thing thou askest of me,

said the king. What is thy name? said the king to the poor man. Sir, my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether

cometh this of thee or of thy son? said the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire cometh of my son and not of

me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen sons, and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will be right

glad to do labour, but this child will not labour for me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he

will be shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to behold knights, and always day and night

he desireth of me to be made a knight. What is thy name? said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is

Tor. The king beheld him fast, and saw he was passingly wellvisaged and passingly well made of his years.

Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons afore me that I may see them. And so the

poor man did, and all were shaped much like the poor man. But Tor was not like none of them all in shape

nor in countenance, for he was much more than any of them. Now, said King Arthur unto the cow herd,

where is the sword he shall be made knight withal? It is here, said Tor. Take it out of the sheath, said the

Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword, kneeling, and requiring the king that he would make

him knight, and that he might be a knight of the Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and therewith

smote him in the neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and so I pray to God so ye may be, and if

ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be a knight of the Table Round. Now Merlin, said Arthur, say

whether this Tor shall be a good knight or no. Yea, sir, he ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as

good a man as any is alive, and of kings' blood. How so, sir? said the king. I shall tell you, said Merlin: This

poor man, Aries the cowherd, is not his father; he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore is his father. I

suppose nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she shall not say nay. Anon the wife

was fetched, which was a fair housewife, and there she answered Merlin full womanly, and there she told the

king and Merlin that when she was a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a stern knight, and half

by force he had my maidenhead, and at that time he begat my son Tor, and he took away from me my

greyhound that I had that time with me, and said that he would keep the greyhound for my love. Ah, said the

cowherd, I weened not this, but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me. Sir, said Tor unto

Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is a

good man and a king, and he may right well advance you and your mother, for ye were begotten or ever she

was wedded. That is truth, said the wife. It is the less grief unto me, said the cowherd.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.

SO on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which had great joy of him, and told him of

Tor, how he was his son, and how he had made him knight at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore

beheld Tor, he pleased him much. So the king made Gawaine knight, but Tor was the first he made at the

feast. What is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two places void in the sieges? Sir, said Merlin, there

shall no man sit in those places but they that shall be of most worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no

man sit therein but one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed, and he that shall sit there

shall have no fellow. And therewith Merlin took King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next the two

sieges and the Siege Perilous he said, in open audience, This is your place and best ye are worthy to sit

therein of any that is here. Thereat sat Sir Gawaine in great envy and told Gaheris his brother, yonder knight

is put to great worship, the which grieveth me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will slay him,

said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that is passing trenchant. Ye shall not so, said Gaheris, at this

time, for at this time I am but a squire, and when I am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore,

brother, it is best ye suffer till another time, that we may have him out of the court, for an we did so we

CHAPTER V. How at feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a white hart came into the hall,

and thirty couple hounds, and how a brachet pinched the hart which was taken away.

THEN was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at Camelot unto Dame Guenever in the

church of Saint Stephen's, with great solemnity. And as every man was set after his degree, Merlin went to all

the knights of the Round Table, and bade them sit still, that none of them remove. For ye shall see a strange

and a marvellous adventure. Right so as they sat there came running in a white hart into the hall, and a white

brachet next him, and thirty couple of black running hounds came after with a great cry, and the hart went

about the Table Round as he went by other boards. The white brachet bit him by the buttock and pulled out a

piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap and overthrew a knight that sat at the board side; and therewith

the knight arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out of the hall, and took his horse and rode his

way with the brachet. Right so anon came in a lady on a white palfrey, and cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir,

suffer me not to have this despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight led away. I may not do therewith,

With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse, and took the lady away with him with force,

and ever she cried and made great dole. When she was gone the king was glad, for she made such a noise.

Nay, said Merlin, ye may not leave these adventures so lightly; for these adventures must be brought again or

else it would be disworship to you and to your feast. I will, said the king, that all be done by your advice.

Then, said Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine, for he must bring again the white hart. Also, sir, ye must let call Sir

Tor, for he must bring again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him. Also let call King Pellinore, for he

must bring again the lady and the knight, or else slay him. And these three knights shall do marvellous

adventures or they come again. Then were they called all three as it rehearseth afore, and each of them took

his charge, and armed them surely. But Sir Gawaine had the first request, and therefore we will begin at him.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how two brethren fought each

SIR GAWAINE rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode with him instead of a squire to do

him service. So as they rode they saw two knights fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir Gawaine and his

brother rode betwixt them, and asked them for what cause they fought so. The one knight answered and said,

We fight for a simple matter, for we two be two brethren born and begotten of one man and of one woman.

Alas, said Sir Gawaine, why do ye so? Sir, said the elder, there came a white hart this way this day, and many

hounds chased him, and a white brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was adventure made for

the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would have gone after to have won me worship; and here my

younger brother said he would go after the hart, for he was better knight than I: and for this cause we fell at

debate, and so we thought to prove which of us both was better knight. This is a simple cause, said Sir

Gawaine; uncouth men ye should debate withal, and not brother with brother; therefore but if you will do by

my counsel I will have ado with you, that is ye shall yield you unto me, and that ye go unto King Arthur and

yield you unto his grace. Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are forfoughten and much blood have we lost

through our wilfulness, and therefore we would be loath to have ado with you. Then do as I will have you,

said Sir Gawaine. We will agree to fulfil your will; but by whom shall we say that we be thither sent? Ye may

say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the hart that was white. Now what is your name? said Gawaine.

Sorlouse of the Forest, said the elder. And my name is, said the younger, Brian of the Forest. And so they

And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even afore him there was a great river, and the

hart swam over; and as Sir Gawaine would follow after, there stood a knight over the other side, and said, Sir

knight, come not over after this hart but if thou wilt joust with me. I will not fail as for that, said Sir Gawaine,

to follow the quest that I am in, and so made his horse to swim over the water. And anon they gat their spears

and ran together full hard; but Sir Gawaine smote him off his horse, and then he turned his horse and bade

him yield him. Nay, said the knight, not so, though thou have the better of me on horseback. I pray thee,

valiant knight, alight afoot, and match we together with swords. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine.

Allardin of the Isles, said the other. Then either dressed their shields and smote together, but Sir Gawaine

smote him so hard through the helm that it went to the brains, and the knight fell down dead. Ah! said

CHAPTER VII. How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.

THEN Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart, and let slip at the hart three couple of

greyhounds, and so they chased the hart into a castle, and in the chief place of the castle they slew the hart;

Sir Gawaine and Gaheris followed after. Right so there came a knight out of a chamber with a sword drawn

in his hand and slew two of the greyhounds, even in the sight of Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he chased

them with his sword out of the castle. And when he came again, he said, O my white hart, me repenteth that

thou art dead, for my sovereign lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy death shall be dear

bought an I live. And anon he went into his chamber and armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he

with Sir Gawaine. Why have ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine, for they did but their kind, and liefer I

had ye had wroken your anger upon me than upon a dumb beast. Thou sayest truth, said the knight, I have

avenged me on thy hounds, and so I will on thee or thou go. Then Sir Gawaine alighted afoot and dressed his

shield, and struck together mightily, and clave their shields, and stoned their helms, and brake their hauberks

At the last Sir Gawaine smote the knight so hard that he fell to the earth, and then he cried mercy, and yielded

him, and besought him as he was a knight and gentleman, to save his life. Thou shalt die, said Sir Gawaine,

for slaying of my hounds. I will make amends, said the knight, unto my power. Sir Gawaine would no mercy

have, but unlaced his helm to have stricken off his head. Right so came his lady out of a chamber and fell

over him, and so he smote off her head by misadventure. Alas, said Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully

done, that shame shall never from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask mercy, for a knight

without mercy is without worship. Sir Gawaine was so stonied of the death of this fair lady that he wist not

what he did, and said unto the knight, Arise, I will give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, I take no force

of mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady that I loved best of all earthly things. Me sore

repenteth it, said Sir Gawaine, for I thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go unto King Arthur and

tell him of thine adventures, and how thou art overcome by the knight that went in the quest of the white hart.

I take no force, said the knight, whether I live or I die; but so for dread of death he swore to go unto King

Arthur, and he made him to bear one greyhound before him on his horse, and another behind him. What is

your name? said Sir Gawaine, or we depart. My name is, said the knight, Ablamar of the Marsh. So he

CHAPTER VIII. How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they were overcome,

AND Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there all night, and would have unarmed

him. What will ye do, said Gaheris, will ye unarm you in this country? Ye may think ye have many enemies

here. They had not sooner said that word but there came four knights well armed, and assailed Sir Gawaine

hard, and said unto him, Thou newmade knight, thou hast shamed thy knighthood, for a knight without

mercy is dishonoured. Also thou hast slain a fair lady to thy great shame to the world's end, and doubt thou

not thou shalt have great need of mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one of them smote Sir

Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and Gaheris smote him again sore, and so they were on

the one side and on the other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy of their lives; and one with a

bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine through the arm that it grieved him wonderly sore. And as they should

have been slain, there came four fair ladies, and besought the knights of grace for Sir Gawaine; and goodly at

request of the ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and Gaheris their lives, and made them to yield them as prisoners.

Then Gawaine and Gaheris made great dole. Alas! said Sir Gawaine, mine arm grieveth me sore, I am like to

Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four ladies that had heard all his complaint, and

said, Sir knight, what cheer? Not good, said he. It is your own default, said the lady, for ye have done a

passing foul deed in the slaying of the lady, the which will be great villainy unto you. But be ye not of King

Arthur's kin? said the lady. Yes truly, said Sir Gawaine. What is your name? said the lady, ye must tell it me

or ye pass. My name is Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney's son, and my mother is King Arthur's sister. Ah!

then are ye nephew unto King Arthur, said the lady, and I shall so speak for you that ye shall have conduct to

go to King Arthur for his love. And so she departed and told the four knights how their prisoner was King

Arthur's nephew, and his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son of Orkney. And they gave him the hart's head

because it was in his quest. Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he should bear the

dead lady with him in this manner; the head of her was hanged about his neck, and the whole body of her lay

before him on his horse's mane. Right so rode he forth unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin

desired of King Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures, and how he slew the

lady, and how he would give no mercy unto the knight, wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the king and

the queen were greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And there by ordinance of the

queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they judged him for ever while he lived to be with

all ladies, and to fight for their quarrels; and that ever he should be courteous, and never to refuse mercy to

him that asketh mercy. Thus was Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he should never be against

lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and his adversary fought for another. And thus endeth the

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his adventure by the way.

WHEN Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after the knight with the brachet. So as

he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly that smote his horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward his

spear length. Why dost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not pass this way, but if thou joust with yonder

knights of the pavilions. Then was Tor ware where two pavilions were, and great spears stood out, and two

shields hung on trees by the pavilions. I may not tarry, said Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needs

follow. Thou shalt not pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn. Then there came one armed on

horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fast toward Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran

together that Tor bare him from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But, sir, I have a

fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon. He shall be welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he

ware of another knight coming with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other, that marvel it was to

see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke in midst of the shield that his spear all toshivered. And Sir

Tor smote him through the shield below of the shield that it went through the cost of the knight, but the stroke

slew him not. And therewith Sir Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, and therewith the

knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, said Sir Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto

King Arthur, and yield you prisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall say by

the knight that went in the quest of the knight that went with the brachet. Now, what be your two names? said

Sir Tor. My name is, said the one, Sir Felot of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir Petipase of

Winchelsea. Now go ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed you and me. Then came the dwarf and said unto

Sir Tor, I pray you give me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask no more, said the dwarf, but that ye will

suffer me to do you service, for I will serve no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on

with me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shall bring you where he is, said the

dwarf. And so they rode throughout a forest, and at the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a priory,

with two shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and the other shield was red.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight assailed him for the said

THEREWITH Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so he came to the white pavilion, and saw

three damosels lie in it, on one pallet, sleeping, and so he went to the other pavilion, and found a lady lying

sleeping therein, but there was the white brachet that bayed at her fast, and therewith the lady yede out of the

pavilion and all her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied the white brachet, he took her by force and took her

to the dwarf. What, will ye so, said the lady, take my brachet from me? Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I

sought from King Arthur's court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, ye shall not go far with her, but that ye

shall be met and grieved. I shall abide what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted upon

his horse, and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was so near night he might not pass but little further.

Know ye any lodging? said Tor. I know none, said the dwarf, but here beside is an hermitage, and there ye

must take lodging as ye find. And within a while they came to the hermitage and took lodging; and was there

grass, oats and bread for their horses; soon it was sped, and full hard was their supper; but there they rested

them all night till on the morn, and heard a mass devoutly, and took their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor

prayed the hermit to pray for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And so mounted upon

With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and he said, Knight, abide and yield my brachet

that thou took from my lady. Sir Tor returned again, and beheld him how he was a seemly knight and well

horsed, and well armed at all points; then Sir Tor dressed his shield, and took his spear in his hands, and the

other came fiercely upon him, and smote both horse and man to the earth. Anon they arose lightly and drew

their swords as eagerly as lions, and put their shields afore them, and smote through the shields, that the

cantels fell off both parties. Also they tamed their helms that the hot blood ran out, and the thick mails of

their hauberks they carved and rove in sunder that the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many

wounds and were passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight fainted, and then he sued fast upon

him, and doubled his strokes, and gart him go to the earth on the one side. Then Sir Tor bade him yield him.

That will I not, said Abelleus, while my life lasteth and the soul is within my body, unless that thou wilt give

me the brachet. That will I not do, said Sir Tor, for it was my quest to bring again thy brachet, thee, or both.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head at the request of a lady.

WITH that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might drive, and cried with a loud voice unto Sir

Tor. What will ye with me? said Sir Tor. I beseech thee, said the damosel, for King Arthur's love, give me a

gift; I require thee, gentle knight, as thou art a gentleman. Now, said Tor, ask a gift and I will give it you.

Gramercy, said the damosel; now I ask the head of the false knight Abelleus, for he is the most outrageous

knight that liveth, and the greatest murderer. I am loath, said Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you; let him

make amends in that he hath trespassed unto you. Now, said the damosel, he may not, for he slew mine own

brother before mine own eyes, that was a better knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half an

hour afore him in the mire for to save my brother's life, that had done him no damage, but fought with him by

adventure of arms, and so for all that I could do he struck off his head; wherefore I require thee, as thou art a

true knight, to give me my gift, or else I shall shame thee in all the court of King Arthur; for he is the falsest

knight living, and a great destroyer of good knights. Then when Abelleus heard this, he was more afeard, and

yielded him and asked mercy. I may not now, said Sir Tor, but if I should be found false of my promise; for

while I would have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye had the brachet again, that was my quest.

And therewith he took off his helm, and he arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off his head

Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and lodge with me here at my place, it is here fast

by. I will well, said Sir Tor, for his horse and he had fared evil since they departed from Camelot, and so he

rode with her, and had passing good cheer with her; and she had a passing fair old knight to her husband that

made him passing good cheer, and well eased both his horse and him. And on the morn he heard his mass,

and brake his fast, and took his leave of the knight and of the lady, that besought him to tell them his name.

Truly, he said, my name is Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the first quest of arms that ever I

did, to bring again that this knight Abelleus took away from King Arthur's court. O fair knight, said the lady

and her husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our poor lodging, and it shall be always at

your commandment. So Sir Tor departed and came to Camelot on the third day by noon, and the king and the

queen and all the court was passing fain of his coming, and made great joy that he was come again; for he

went from the court with little succour, but as King Pellinore his father gave him an old courser, and King

Arthur gave him armour and a sword, and else had he none other succour, but rode so forth himself alone.

And then the king and the queen by Merlin's advice made him to swear to tell of his adventures, and so he

told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore rehearsed, wherefore the king and the queen made great joy.

Nay, nay, said Merlin, these be but japes to that he shall do; for he shall prove a noble knight of prowess, as

good as any is living, and gentle and courteous, and of good tatches, and passing true of his promise, and

never shall outrage. Wherethrough Merlin's words King Arthur gave him an earldom of lands that fell unto

CHAPTER XII. How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady

desired help of him, and how he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first

THEN King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and rode more than a pace after the lady that

the knight led away. And as he rode in a forest, he saw in a valley a damosel sit by a well, and a wounded

knight in her arms, and Pellinore saluted her. And when she was ware of him, she cried overloud, Help me,

knight; for Christ's sake, King Pellinore. And he would not tarry, he was so eager in his quest, and ever she

cried an hundred times after help. When she saw he would not abide, she prayed unto God to send him as

much need of help as she had, and that he might feel it or he died. So, as the book telleth, the knight there

died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for pure sorrow slew herself with his sword. As King

Pellinore rode in that valley he met with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou not, said Pellinore, a knight

riding and leading away a lady? Yea, said the man, I saw that knight, and the lady that made great dole; and

yonder beneath in a valley there shall ye see two pavilions, and one of the knights of the pavilions challenged

that lady of that knight, and said she was his cousin near, wherefore he should lead her no farther. And so

they waged battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have her by force, and the other said he would have

the rule of her, by cause he was her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he left them

fighting. And if ye will ride a pace ye shall find them fighting, and the lady was beleft with the two squires in

Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions, and the two knights fighting. Anon he rode

unto the pavilions, and saw the lady that was his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must go with me unto the court

of King Arthur. Sir knight, said the two squires that were with her, yonder are two knights that fight for this

lady, go thither and depart them, and be agreed with them, and then may ye have her at your pleasure. Ye say

well, said King Pellinore. And anon he rode betwixt them, and departed them, and asked them the causes why

that they fought? Sir knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this lady is my kinswoman nigh, mine aunt's

daughter, and when I heard her complain that she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with

him. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of Wentland, and this lady I gat by my prowess of

arms this day at Arthur's court. That is untruly said, said King Pellinore, for ye came in suddenly there as we

were at the high feast, and took away this lady or any man might make him ready; and therefore it was my

quest to bring her again and you both, or else the one of us to abide in the field; therefore the lady shall go

with me, or I will die for it, for I have promised it King Arthur. And therefore fight ye no more, for none of

you shall have no part of her at this time; and if ye list to fight for her, fight with me, and I will defend her.

Well, said the knights, make you ready, and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King Pellinore

would have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove his horse through with a sword, and said: Now art

thou on foot as well as we are. When King Pellinore espied that his horse was slain, lightly he leapt from his

horse and pulled out his sword, and put his shield afore him, and said, Knight, keep well thy head, for thou

shalt have a buffet for the slaying of my horse. So King Pellinore gave him such a stroke upon the helm that

CHAPTER XIII. How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur.

AND then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But when he saw the other's buffet, he

would not fight, but kneeled down and said, Take my cousin the lady with you at your request, and I require

you, as ye be a true knight, put her to no shame nor villainy. What, said King Pellinore, will ye not fight for

her? No, sir, said the knight, I will not fight with such a knight of prowess as ye be. Well, said Pellinore, ye

say well; I promise you she shall have no villainy by me, as I am true knight; but now me lacketh an horse,

said Pellinore, but I will have Hontzlake's horse. Ye shall not need, said the knight, for I shall give you such

an horse as shall please you, so that you will lodge with me, for it is near night. I will well, said King

Pellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with him right good cheer, and fared of the best with

passing good wine, and had merry rest that night. And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and then was

brought him a fair bay courser, and King Pellinore's saddle set upon him. Now, what shall I call you? said the

knight, inasmuch as ye have my cousin at your desire of your quest. Sir, I shall tell you, my name is King

Pellinore of the Isles and knight of the Table Round. Now I am glad, said the knight, that such a noble man

shall have the rule of my cousin. Now, what is your name? said Pellinore, I pray you tell me. Sir, my name is

Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this lady my cousin hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion is

my sworn brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian of the Isles, and he is full loath to do wrong,

and full loath to fight with any man, but if he be sore sought on, so that for shame he may not leave it. It is

marvel, said Pellinore, that he will not have ado with me. Sir, he will not have ado with no man but if it be at

his request. Bring him to the court, said Pellinore, one of these days. Sir, we will come together. And ye shall

be welcome, said Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur, and greatly allowed for your coming. And so he

So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the lady's horse stumbled and threw her down, that

her arm was sore bruised and near she swooned for pain. Alas! sir, said the lady, mine arm is out of lithe,

wherethrough I must needs rest me. Ye shall well, said King Pellinore. And so he alighted under a fair tree

where was fair grass, and he put his horse thereto, and so laid him under the tree and slept till it was nigh

night. And when he awoke he would have ridden. Sir, said the lady, it is so dark that ye may as well ride

backward as forward. So they abode still and made there their lodging. Then Sir Pellinore put off his armour;

then a little afore midnight they heard the trotting of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we shall

CHAPTER XIV. How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in a valley, and of their

AND therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met two knights, the one came froward Camelot,

and the other from the north, and either saluted other. What tidings at Camelot? said the one. By my head,

said the other, there have I been and espied the court of King Arthur, and there is such a fellowship they may

never be broken, and wellnigh all the world holdeth with Arthur, for there is the flower of chivalry. Now for

this cause I am riding into the north, to tell our chieftains of the fellowship that is withholden with King

Arthur. As for that, said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that is the greatest poison that

ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot will I with it, for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and well

cherished, that shall poison King Arthur; for so he hath promised our chieftains, and received great gifts for

to do it. Beware, said the other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth all things by the devil's craft. Therefore will

I not let it, said the knight. And so they departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore made him ready, and his lady,

[and] rode toward Camelot; and as they came by the well there as the wounded knight was and the lady, there

he found the knight, and the lady eaten with lions or wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he made great

sorrow, and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life might I have saved; but I was so fierce in my quest,

therefore I would not abide. Wherefore make ye such dole? said the lady. I wot not, said Pellinore, but my

heart mourneth sore of the death of her, for she was a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye do by mine

advice? said the lady, take this knight and let him be buried in an hermitage, and then take the lady's head and

bear it with you unto Arthur. So King Pellinore took this dead knight on his shoulders, and brought him to the

hermitage, and charged the hermit with the corpse, that service should be done for the soul; and take his

harness for your pain. It shall be done, said the hermit, as I will answer unto God.

CHAPTER XV. How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to tell the truth of his quest.

AND therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the lady lay with a fair yellow hair that grieved

King Pellinore passingly sore when he looked on it, for much he cast his heart on the visage. And so by noon

they came to Camelot; and the king and the queen were passing fain of his coming to the court. And there he

was made to swear upon the Four Evangelists, to tell the truth of his quest from the one to the other. Ah! Sir

Pellinore, said Queen Guenever, ye were greatly to blame that ye saved not this lady's life. Madam, said

Pellinore, ye were greatly to blame an ye would not save your own life an ye might, but, save your pleasure, I

was so furious in my quest that I would not abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my life. Truly,

said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that lady was your own daughter begotten on the lady of the Rule,

and that knight that was dead was her love, and should have wedded her, and he was a right good knight of a

young man, and would have proved a good man, and to this court was he coming, and his name was Sir Miles

of the Launds, and a knight came behind him and slew him with a spear, and his name is Loraine le Savage, a

false knight and a coward; and she for great sorrow and dole slew herself with his sword, and her name was

Eleine. And because ye would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail you when ye be in the

greatest distress that ever ye were or shall be. And that penance God hath ordained you for that deed, that he

that ye shall most trust to of any man alive, he shall leave you there ye shall be slain. Me forthinketh, said

Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which followed Sir Gawaine; and the quest of the

brachet, followed of Sir Tor, Pellinore's son; and the quest of the lady that the knight took away, the which

King Pellinore at that time followed; then the king stablished all his knights, and them that were of lands not

rich he gave them lands, and charged them never to do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason;

also, by no means to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their

worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to do ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen

succour, upon pain of death. Also, that no man take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no

world's goods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and young. And every year

CHAPTER I. How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in

SO after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it fell so that Merlin fell in a dotage on the

damosel that King Pellinore brought to court, and she was one of the damosels of the lake, that hight Nimue.

But Merlin would let her have no rest, but always he would be with her. And ever she made Merlin good

cheer till she had learned of him all manner thing that she desired; and he was assotted upon her, that he

might not be from her. So on a time he told King Arthur that he should not dure long, but for all his crafts he

should be put in the earth quick. And so he told the king many things that should befall, but always he

warned the king to keep well his sword and the scabbard, for he told him how the sword and the scabbard

should be stolen by a woman from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur that he should miss

him,Yet had ye liefer than all your lands to have me again. Ah, said the king, since ye know of your

adventure, purvey for it, and put away by your crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it will not be; so he

departed from the king. And within a while the Damosel of the Lake departed, and Merlin went with her

evermore wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would have had her privily away by his subtle crafts;

then she made him to swear that he should never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will.

And so he sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick, whereas King Ban was king

that had great war against King Claudas, and there Merlin spake with King Ban's wife, a fair lady and a good,

and her name was Elaine, and there he saw young Launcelot. There the queen made great sorrow for the

mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord and on her lands. Take none heaviness, said Merlin, for this

same child within this twenty year shall revenge you on King Claudas, that all Christendom shall speak of it;

and this same child shall be the most man of worship of the world, and his first name is Galahad, that know I

well, said Merlin, and since ye have confirmed him Launcelot. That is truth, said the queen, his first name

was Galahad. O Merlin, said the queen, shall I live to see my son such a man of prowess? Yea, lady, on my

And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way Merlin showed her many wonders, and

came into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay about the lady to have her maidenhood, and she was ever passing

weary of him, and fain would have been delivered of him, for she was afeard of him because he was a devil's

son, and she could not beskift him by no mean. And so on a time it happed that Merlin showed to her in a

rock whereas was a great wonder, and wrought by enchantment, that went under a great stone. So by her

subtle working she made Merlin to go under that stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but she wrought so

there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could do. And so she departed and left Merlin.

CHAPTER II. How five kings came into this land to war against King Arthur, and what counsel Arthur

AND as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast with mirth and joy, so soon after he

returned unto Cardoile, and there came unto Arthur new tidings that the king of Denmark, and the king of

Ireland that was his brother, and the king of the Vale, and the king of Soleise, and the king of the Isle of

Longtains, all these five kings with a great host were entered into the land of King Arthur, and burnt and slew

clean afore them, both cities and castles, that it was pity to hear. Alas, said Arthur, yet had I never rest one

month since I was crowned king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with those kings in a fair field,

that I make mine avow; for my true liege people shall not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will,

and abide who that will. Then the king let write unto King Pellinore, and prayed him in all haste to make him

ready with such people as he might lightliest rear and hie him after in all haste. All the barons were privily

wroth that the king would depart so suddenly; but the king by no mean would abide, but made writing unto

them that were not there, and bade them hie after him, such as were not at that time in the court. Then the

king came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you ready, for ye shall go with me, for I may not long

miss you; ye shall cause me to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not wit my lady to be in

no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your commandment, and shall be ready what time so ye be ready. So on the

morn the king and the queen departed with such fellowship as they had, and came into the north, into a forest

beside Humber, and there lodged them. When the word and tiding came unto the five kings above said, that

Arthur was beside Humber in a forest, there was a knight, brother unto one of the five kings, that gave them

this counsel: Ye know well that Sir Arthur hath the flower of chivalry of the world with him, as it is proved

by the great battle he did with the eleven kings; and therefore hie unto him night and day till that we be nigh

him, for the longer he tarrieth the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is so courageous of himself

that he is come to the field with little people, and therefore let us set upon him or day and we shall slay down;

CHAPTER III. How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and slew the five kings and

UNTO this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth with their host through North Wales,

and came upon Arthur by night, and set upon his host as the king and his knights were in their pavilions.

King Arthur was unarmed, and had laid him to rest with his Queen Guenever. Sir, said Sir Kay, it is not good

we be unarmed. We shall have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir Griflet, that lay in a little pavilion by the

king. With that they heard a great noise, and many cried, Treason, treason! Alas, said King Arthur, we be

betrayed! Unto arms, fellows, then he cried. So they were armed anon at all points. Then came there a

wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed,

and much people of ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the three knights took their horses, and

rode toward Humber to pass over it, and the water was so rough that they were afraid to pass over. Now may

ye choose, said King Arthur, whether ye will abide and take the adventure on this side, for an ye be taken

they will slay you. It were me liefer, said the queen, to die in the water than to fall in your enemies' hands and

And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming on horseback by themselves alone, with their

spears in their hands even toward them. Lo, said Sir Kay, yonder be the five kings; let us go to them and

match them. That were folly, said Sir Gawaine, for we are but three and they be five. That is truth, said Sir

Griflet. No force, said Sir Kay, I will undertake for two of them, and then may ye three undertake for the

other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay let his horse run as fast as he might, and struck one of them through the

shield and the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. That saw Sir Gawaine, and ran unto

another king so hard that he smote him through the body. And therewithal King Arthur ran to another, and

smote him through the body with a spear, that he fell to the earth dead Then Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth

king, and gave him such a fall that his neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran unto the fifth king, and smote him so

hard on the helm that the stroke clave the helm and the head to the earth. That was well stricken, said King

Arthur, and worshipfully hast thou holden thy promise, therefore I shall honour thee while that I live. And

therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but always Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his

deeds, and said, What lady that ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to blame; and among

ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble fame, for ye spake a great word, and fulfilled it worshipfully.

Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for there they supposed to hear of them that were

escaped; and there he found the most part of his people, and told them all how the five kings were dead. And

therefore let us hold us together till it be day, and when their host have espied that their chieftains be slain,

they will make such dole that they shall no more help themselves. And right so as the king said, so it was; for

when they found the five kings dead, they made such dole that they fell from their horses. Therewithal came

King Arthur but with a few people, and slew on the left hand and on the right hand, that wellnigh there

escaped no man, but all were slain to the number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the king

kneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for the queen, and soon she was come, and she

CHAPTER IV. How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur founded an abbey where the

THEREWITHAL came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore was within three mile with a

great host; and he said, Go unto him, and let him understand how we have sped. So within a while King

Pellinore came with a great host, and saluted the people and the king, and there was great joy made on every

side. Then the king let search how much people of his party there was slain; and there were found but little

past two hundred men slain and eight knights of the Table Round in their pavilions. Then the king let rear and

devise in the same place whereat the battle was done a fair abbey, and endowed it with great livelihood, and

let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. But when some of them came into their countries, whereof the

five kings were kings, and told them how they were slain, there was made great dole. And all King Arthur's

enemies, as the King of North Wales, and the kings of the North, [when they] wist of the battle, they were

And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto him, and said, Ye understand well that we

have lost eight knights of the best of the Table Round, and by your advice we will choose eight again of the

best we may find in this court. Sir, said Pellinore, I shall counsel you after my conceit the best: there are in

your court full noble knights both of old and young; and therefore by mine advice ye shall choose half of the

old and half of the young. Which be the old? said King Arthur. Sir, said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King

Uriens that hath wedded your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and Sir Hervise de Revel, a

noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth. This is well devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be.

Now, which are the four young knights? said Arthur. Sir, said Pellinore, the first is Sir Gawaine, your

nephew, that is as good a knight of his time as any is in this land; and the second as meseemeth best is Sir

Griflet le Fise de Dieu, that is a good knight and full desirous in arms, and who may see him live he shall

prove a good knight; and the third as meseemeth is well to be one of the knights of the Round Table, Sir Kay

the Seneschal, for many times he hath done full worshipfully, and now at your last battle he did full

honourably for to undertake to slay two kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a knight of the

Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done no more prowess in his life days.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.

NOW, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall choose which is most worthy, that is

Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my son. But because Sir Tor is my son I may not praise him, but else, an he

were not my son, I durst say that of his age there is not in this land a better knight than he is, nor of better

conditions and loath to do any wrong, and loath to take any wrong. By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing

good knight as any ye spake of this day, that wot I well, said the king; for I have seen him proved, but he

saith little and he doth much more, for I know none in all this court an he were as well born on his mother's

side as he is on your side, that is like him of prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this time,

and leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time. So when they were so chosen by the assent of all the barons, so

were there found in their sieges every knights' names that here are rehearsed, and so were they set in their

sieges; whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced afore him, and therefore

suddenly he departed from the court, and took his squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came to

a cross, and there alighted and said his prayers devoutly. The meanwhile his squire found written upon the

cross, that Bagdemagus should never return unto the court again, till he had won a knight's body of the Round

Table, body for body. So, sir, said the squire, here I find writing of you, therefore I rede you return again to

the court. That shall I never, said Bagdemagus, till men speak of me great worship, and that I be worthy to be

a knight of the Round Table. And so he rode forth, and there by the way he found a branch of an holy herb

that was the sign of the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but he were a good liver.

So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him to come to the rock whereas the Lady of

the Lake had put Merlin under the stone, and there he heard him make great dole; whereof Sir Bagdemagus

would have holpen him, and went unto the great stone, and it was so heavy that an hundred men might not lift

it up. When Merlin wist he was there, he bade leave his labour, for all was in vain, for he might never be

holpen but by her that put him there. And so Bagdemagus departed and did many adventures, and proved

after a full good knight, and came again to the court and was made knight of the Round Table. So on the

CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart, and of their

THEN it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode ahunting into a great forest, and it happed King

Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, followed a great hart, for they three were well horsed, and so

they chased so fast that within a while they three were then ten mile from their fellowship. And at the last

they chased so sore that they slew their horses underneath them. Then were they all three on foot, and ever

they saw the hart afore them passing weary and enbushed. What will we do? said King Arthur, we are hard

bestead. Let us go on foot, said King Uriens, till we may meet with some lodging. Then were they ware of the

hart that lay on a great water bank, and a brachet biting on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then

Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a great water a little ship, all apparelled with silk

down to the water, and the ship came right unto them and landed on the sands. Then Arthur went to the bank

and looked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs, said the king, come thence, and let us see what is

in this ship. So they went in all three, and found it richly behanged with cloth of silk. By then it was dark

night, and there suddenly were about them an hundred torches set upon all the sides of the ship boards, and it

gave great light; and therewithal there came out twelve fair damosels and saluted King Arthur on their knees,

and called him by his name, and said he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have of the

best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led the king and his two fellows into a fair chamber, and

there was a cloth laid, richly beseen of all that longed unto a table, and there were they served of all wines

and meats that they could think; of that the king had great marvel, for he fared never better in his life as for

one supper. And so when they had supped at their leisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a richer

beseen chamber saw he never none, and so was King Uriens served, and led into such another chamber, and

Sir Accolon was led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen; and so they were laid in their beds

easily. And anon they fell asleep, and slept marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow King Uriens

was in Camelot abed in his wife's arms, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he had great marvel, how he

came there, for on the even afore he was two days' journey from Camelot. And when King Arthur awoke he

found himself in a dark prison, hearing about him many complaints of woful knights.

CHAPTER VII. How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver

WHAT are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here twenty knights, prisoners, said they, and some

of us have lain here seven year, and some more and some less. For what cause? said Arthur. We shall tell

you, said the knights; this lord of this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and he is the falsest knight that liveth,

and full of treason, and a very coward as any liveth, and he hath a younger brother, a good knight of prowess,

his name is Sir Ontzlake; and this traitor Damas, the elder brother will give him no part of his livelihood, but

as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands, and so he keepeth from him a full fair manor and a

rich, and therein Sir Ontzlake dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people. And this Sir Damas,

our master is as evil beloved, for he is without mercy, and he is a coward, and great war hath been betwixt

them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and ever he proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood,

body for body, but he will not do; otherelse to find a knight to fight for him. Unto that Sir Damas had

granted to find a knight, but he is so evil beloved and hated, that there is never a knight will fight for him.

And when Damas saw this, that there was never a knight would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with

many knights with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and espy their adventures, he hath

taken them by force and brought them to his prison. And so he took us separately as we rode on our

adventures, and many good knights have died in this prison for hunger, to the number of eighteen knights;

and if any of us all that here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his brother Ontzlake, he would have

delivered us, but for because this Damas is so false and so full of treason we would never fight for him to die

for it. And we be so lean for hunger that unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for his mercy,

Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked him, What cheer? I cannot say, said he. Sir,

said she, an ye will fight for my lord, ye shall be delivered out of prison, and else ye escape never the life.

Now, said Arthur, that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a knight than to die in prison; with this, said

Arthur, I may be delivered and all these prisoners, I will do the battle. Yes, said the damosel. I am ready, said

Arthur, an I had horse and armour. Ye shall lack none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should have

seen you in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never there, I am the lord's daughter of this

Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle for him, and so he sent for Arthur. And

when he came he was well coloured, and well made of his limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were

pity that such a knight should die in prison. So Sir Damas and he were agreed that he should fight for him

upon this covenant, that all other knights should be delivered; and unto that was Sir Damas sworn unto

Arthur, and also to do the battle to the uttermost. And with that all the twenty knights were brought out of the

dark prison into the hall, and delivered, and so they all abode to see the battle.

CHAPTER VIII. How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him to do battle against Arthur.

NOW turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found himself by a deep wellside, within half a

foot, in great peril of death. And there came out of that fountain a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe ran water

all on high in a stone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed him and said, Jesus save my lord

King Arthur, and King Uriens, for these damosels in this ship have betrayed us, they were devils and no

women; and if I may escape this misadventure, I shall destroy all where I may find these false damosels that

use enchantments. Right with that there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a flat nose, and saluted Sir

Accolon, and said how he came from Queen Morgan le Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of

strong heart, for ye shall fight to morrow with a knight at the hour of prime, and therefore she hath sent you

here Excalibur, Arthur's sword, and the scabbard, and she biddeth you as ye love her, that ye do the battle to

the uttermost, without any mercy, like as ye had promised her when ye spake together in privity; and what

damosel that bringeth her the knight's head, which ye shall fight withal, she will make her a queen. Now I

understand you well, said Accolon, I shall hold that I have promised her now I have the sword: when saw ye

my lady Queen Morgan le Fay? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms and said,

Recommend me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be done that I have promised her, and else I will

die for it. Now I suppose, said Accolon, she hath made all these crafts and enchantments for this battle. Ye

may well believe it, said the dwarf. Right so there came a knight and a lady with six squires, and saluted

Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come and rest him at his manor. And so Accolon mounted upon a

void horse, and went with the knight unto a fair manor by a priory, and there he had passing good cheer.

Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make him ready by tomorn at the hour of

prime, and to be in the field to fight with a good knight, for he had found a good knight that was ready to do

battle at all points. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was passing heavy, for he was wounded a little

tofore through both his thighs with a spear, and made great dole; but as he was wounded, he would have

taken the battle on hand. So it happed at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay, Accolon was with Sir

Ontzlake lodged; and when he heard of that battle, and how Ontzlake was wounded, he said that he would

fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent him Excalibur and the sheath for to fight with the knight on

the morn: this was the cause Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passing glad, and

thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so much for him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent

word unto his brother Sir Damas, that he had a knight that for him should be ready in the field by the hour of

So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked Sir Damas, When shall we to the field? Sir,

said Sir Damas, ye shall hear mass. And so Arthur heard a mass, and when mass was done there came a

squire on a great horse, and asked Sir Damas if his knight were ready, for our knight is ready in the field.

Then Sir Arthur mounted upon horseback, and there were all the knights and commons of that country; and

so by all advices there were chosen twelve good men of the country for to wait upon the two knights. And

right as Arthur was on horseback there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur a

sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto Arthur, Morgan le Fay sendeth here your sword

for great love. And he thanked her, and weened it had been so, but she was false, for the sword and the

AND then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their horses run so fast that either smote

other in the midst of the shield with their spearheads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and then

they started up both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile that they were thus at the battle, came the

Damosel of the Lake into the field, that put Merlin under the stone; and she came thither for love of King

Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le Fay had so ordained that King Arthur should have been slain that day,

and therefore she came to save his life. And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave many great strokes,

but always Arthur's sword bit not like Accolon's sword; but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave

he wounded sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fell from him fast.

When Arthur beheld the ground so sore bebled he was dismayed, and then he deemed treason that his sword

was changed; for his sword bit not steel as it was wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead, for

ever him seemed that the sword in Accolon's hand was Excalibur, for at every stroke that Accolon struck he

drew blood on Arthur. Now, knight, said Accolon unto Arthur, keep thee well from me; but Arthur answered

not again, and gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth.

Then Sir Accolon withdrew him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote Sir Arthur such a

buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were they wroth both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but

always Sir Arthur lost so much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so full of knighthood

that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon lost not a deal of blood, therefore he waxed passing light,

and Sir Arthur was passing feeble, and weened verily to have died; but for all that he made countenance as

though he might endure, and held Accolon as short as he might. But Accolon was so bold because of

Excalibur that he waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld him said they saw never knight fight so well

as Arthur did considering the blood that he bled. So was all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren

would not accord. Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir Arthur withdrew him a little for

to rest him, and Sir Accolon called him to battle and said, It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest. And

therewith he came fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth for the blood that he had lost, and smote

Accolon on high upon the helm, so mightily, that he made him nigh to fall to the earth; and therewith Arthur's

sword brast at the cross, and fell in the grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he held

in his hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great fear to die, but always he held up his shield and lost

CHAPTER X. How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his

THEN Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou art overcome, and mayst not endure,

and also thou art weaponless, and thou hast lost much of thy blood, and I am full loath to slay thee, therefore

yield thee to me as recreant. Nay, said Sir Arthur, I may not so, for I have promised to do the battle to the

uttermost by the faith of my body, while me lasteth the life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than

to live with shame; and if it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die so oft than yield

me to thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy

shame. Well, said Accolon, as for the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou art but a dead

man. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke that he fell nigh to the earth, and would have had Arthur

to have cried him mercy. But Sir Arthur pressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with the pommel

When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess his body was, and the false treason that

was wrought for him to have had him slain, she had great pity that so good a knight and such a man of

worship should so be destroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon struck him such a stroke that by the

damosel's enchantment the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon's hand to the earth. And therewithal Sir

Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat it in his hand, and forthwithal he knew that it was his sword Excalibur, and

said, Thou hast been from me all too long, and much damage hast thou done me; and therewith he espied the

scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to him and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it

from him as far as he might throw it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done me great damage with

this sword; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall not warrant you but ye shall as well be rewarded

with this sword, or ever we depart, as thou hast rewarded me; for much pain have ye made me to endure, and

much blood have I lost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his might and pulled him to the

earth, and then rushed off his helm, and gave him such a buffet on the head that the blood came out at his

ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now will I slay thee, said Arthur. Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it

please you, for ye are the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is with you. But for I promised

to do this battle, said Accolon, to the uttermost, and never to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall I never

yield me with my mouth, but God do with my body what he will. Then Sir Arthur remembered him, and

thought he should have seen this knight. Now tell me, said Arthur, or I will slay thee, of what country art

thou, and of what court? Sir Knight, said Sir Accolon, I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is

Accolon of Gaul. Then was Arthur more dismayed than he was beforehand; for then he remembered him of

his sister Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sir knight, said he, I pray you tell me who

CHAPTER XI. How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's sister, and how she

THEN Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by it have I got my death. It may well

be, said the king. Now, sir, said Accolon, I will tell you; this sword hath been in my keeping the most part of

this twelvemonth; and Morgan le Fay, King Uriens' wife, sent it me yesterday by a dwarf, to this intent, that I

should slay King Arthur, her brother. For ye shall understand King Arthur is the man in the world that she

most hateth, because he is most of worship and of prowess of any of her blood; also she loveth me out of

measure as paramour, and I her again; and if she might bring about to slay Arthur by her crafts, she would

slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then had she me devised to be king in this land, and so to reign,

and she to be my queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I am sure of my death. Well, said Sir Arthur,

I feel by you ye would have been king in this land. It had been great damage to have destroyed your lord, said

Arthur. It is truth, said Accolon, but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell me of whence ye are,

and of what court? O Accolon, said King Arthur, now I let thee wit that I am King Arthur, to whom thou hast

done great damage. When Accolon heard that he cried aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew

not you. O Sir Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy words at this time

thou knewest not my person; but I understand well by thy words that thou hast agreed to the death of my

person, and therefore thou art a traitor; but I wite thee the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her false crafts

made thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall be sore avenged upon her an I live, that all

Christendom shall speak of it; God knoweth I have honoured her and worshipped her more than all my kin,

Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs, come hither, for here are we two knights that

have fought unto a great damage unto us both, and like each one of us to have slain other, if it had happed so;

and had any of us known other, here had been no battle, nor stroke stricken. Then all aloud cried Accolon

unto all the knights and men that were then there gathered together, and said to them in this manner, O lords,

this noble knight that I have fought withal, the which me sore repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of

manhood, and of worship in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther liege lord, and with mishap

and with misadventure have I done this battle with the king and lord that I am holden withal.

CHAPTER XII. How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the twenty knights, and how Sir

THEN all the people fell down on their knees and cried King Arthur mercy. Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur:

here may ye see what adventures befall ofttime of errant knights, how that I have fought with a knight of

mine own unto my great damage and his both. But, sirs, because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had great

need of a little rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you two brethren: As to thee, Sir Damas, for

whom I have been champion and won the field of this knight, yet will I judge because ye, Sir Damas, are

called an orgulous knight, and full of villainy, and not worth of prowess your deeds, therefore I will that ye

give unto your brother all the whole manor with the appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold the

manor of you, and yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for that will become you better to ride on than

upon a courser. Also I charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death, that thou never distress no knights errant

that ride on their adventure. And also that thou restore these twenty knights that thou hast long kept prisoners,

of all their harness, that they be content for; and if any of them come to my court and complain of thee, by my

head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir Ontzlake, as to you, because ye are named a good knight, and full of

prowess, and true and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your charge I will give you, that in all goodly

haste ye come unto me and my court, and ye shall be a knight of mine, and if your deeds be thereafter I shall

so prefer you, by the grace of God, that ye shall in short time be in ease for to live as worshipfully as your

brother Sir Damas. God thank your largeness of your goodness and of your bounty, I shall be from

henceforward at all times at your commandment; for, sir, said Sir Ontzlake, as God would, as I was hurt but

late with an adventurous knight through both my thighs, that grieved me sore, and else had I done this battle

with you. God would, said Arthur, it had been so, for then had not I been hurt as I am. I shall tell you the

cause why: for I had not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own sword, that was stolen from me by

treason; and this battle was ordained aforehand to have slain me, and so it was brought to the purpose by false

treason, and by false enchantment. Alas, said Sir Ontzlake, that is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are

of your deeds and prowess, that any man or woman might find in their hearts to work any treason against

you. I shall reward them, said Arthur, in short time, by the grace of God. Now, tell me, said Arthur, how far

am I from Camelot? Sir, ye are two days' journey therefrom. I would fain be at some place of worship, said

Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said Sir Ontzlake, hereby is a rich abbey of your elders' foundation, of

nuns, but three miles hence. So the king took his leave of all the people, and mounted upon horseback, and

Sir Accolon with him. And when they were come to the abbey, he let fetch leeches and search his wounds

and Accolon's both; but Sir Accolon died within four days, for he had bled so much blood that he might not

live, but King Arthur was well recovered. So when Accolon was dead he let send him on an horsebier with

six knights unto Camelot, and said: Bear him to my sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send her him to a

present, and tell her I have my sword Excalibur and the scabbard; so they departed with the body.

CHAPTER XIII. How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and how Sir Uwaine her son

THE meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead. So on a day she espied King Uriens

lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called unto her a maiden of her counsel, and said, Go fetch me my lord's

sword, for I saw never better time to slay him than now. O madam, said the damosel, an ye slay my lord ye

can never escape. Care not you, said Morgan le Fay, for now I see my time in the which it is best to do it, and

therefore hie thee fast and fetch me the sword. Then the damosel departed, and found Sir Uwaine sleeping

upon a bed in another chamber, so she went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him, Arise, and wait

on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your father sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword.

Well, said Sir Uwaine, go on your way, and let me deal. Anon the damosel brought Morgan the sword with

quaking hands, and she lightly took the sword, and pulled it out, and went boldly unto the bed's side, and

awaited how and where she might slay him best. And as she lifted up the sword to smite, Sir Uwaine leapt

unto his mother, and caught her by the hand, and said, Ah, fiend, what wilt thou do? An thou wert not my

mother, with this sword I should smite off thy head. Ah, said Sir Uwaine, men saith that Merlin was begotten

of a devil, but I may say an earthly devil bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted

with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do so; and save my worship and discover me not.

On this covenant, said Sir Uwaine, I will forgive it you, so ye will never be about to do such deeds. Nay, son,

CHAPTER XIV. How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she

THEN came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his body brought unto the church, and

how King Arthur had his sword again. But when Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was dead, she was so

sorrowful that near her heart tobrast. But because she would not it were known, outward she kept her

countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But well she wist an she abode till her brother Arthur came

Then she went unto Queen Guenever, and asked her leave to ride into the country. Ye may abide, said Queen

Guenever, till your brother the king come home. I may not, said Morgan le Fay, for I have such hasty tidings,

that I may not tarry. Well, said Guenever, ye may depart when ye will. So early on the morn, or it was day,

she took her horse and rode all that day and most part of the night, and on the morn by noon she came to the

same abbey of nuns whereas lay King Arthur; and she knowing he was there, she asked where he was. And

they answered how he had laid him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these three nights. Well,

said she, I charge you that none of you awake him till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought

for to steal away Excalibur his sword, and so she went straight unto his chamber, and no man durst disobey

her commandment, and there she found Arthur asleep in his bed, and Excalibur in his right hand naked. When

she saw that she was passing heavy that she might not come by the sword without she had awaked him, and

then she wist well she had been dead. Then she took the scabbard and went her way on horseback. When the

king awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he asked who had been there, and they said his sister,

Queen Morgan had been there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone. Alas, said Arthur,

falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobey your sister's commandment. Ah, said the

king, let fetch the best horse may be found, and bid Sir Ontzlake arm him in all haste, and take another good

horse and ride with me. So anon the king and Ontzlake were well armed, and rode after this lady, and so they

came by a cross and found a cowherd, and they asked the poor man if there came any lady riding that way.

Sir, said this poor man, right late came a lady riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forest she rode. Then

they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and within a while Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay; then he

chased as fast as he might. When she espied him following her, she rode a greater pace through the forest till

she came to a plain, and when she saw she might not escape, she rode unto a lake thereby, and said,

Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not have this scabbard. And then she let throw the scabbard in the

Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and when she saw she must be overtaken, she

shaped herself, horse and man, by enchantment unto a great marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and

Sir Ontzlake whereas the king might know his sister and her men, and one knight from another. Ah, said the

king, here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I sorry that this misadventure is befallen. And then

he looked for the scabbard, but it would not be found, so he returned to the abbey where he came from. So

when Arthur was gone she turned all into the likeliness as she and they were before, and said, Sirs, now may

CHAPTER XV. How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and how King Arthur

THEN said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her knights, right well, and that ye should have

found an we might have stirred from one stead, for by his armyvestal countenance he would have caused us

to have fled. I believe you, said Morgan. Anon after as she rode she met a knight leading another knight on

his horse before him, bound hand and foot, blindfold, to have drowned him in a fountain. When she saw this

knight so bound, she asked him, What will ye do with that knight? Lady, said he, I will drown him. For what

cause? she asked. For I found him with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon. That were pity, said

Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is it truth that he saith of you? she said to the knight that should be

drowned. Nay truly, madam, he saith not right on me. Of whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay, and of what

country? I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Manassen, cousin unto Accolon of Gaul. Ye say

well, said she, and for the love of him ye shall be delivered, and ye shall have your adversary in the same case

ye be in. So Manassen was loosed and the other knight bound. And anon Manassen unarmed him, and armed

himself in his harness, and so mounted on horseback, and the knight afore him, and so threw him into the

fountain and drowned him. And then he rode unto Morgan again, and asked if she would anything unto King

Arthur. Tell him that I rescued thee, not for the love of him but for the love of Accolon, and tell him I fear

him not while I can make me and them that be with me in likeness of stones; and let him wit I can do much

more when I see my time. And so she departed into the country of Gore, and there was she richly received,

and made her castles and towns passing strong, for always she dreaded much King Arthur.

When the king had well rested him at the abbey, he rode unto Camelot, and found his queen and his barons

right glad of his coming. And when they heard of his strange adventures as is afore rehearsed, then all had

marvel of the falsehood of Morgan le Fay; many knights wished her burnt. Then came Manassen to court and

told the king of his adventure. Well, said the king, she is a kind sister; I shall so be avenged on her an I live,

that all Christendom shall speak of it. So on the morn there came a damosel from Morgan to the king, and she

brought with her the richest mantle that ever was seen in that court, for it was set as full of precious stones as

one might stand by another, and there were the richest stones that ever the king saw. And the damosel said,

Your sister sendeth you this mantle, and desireth that ye should take this gift of her; and in what thing she

hath offended you, she will amend it at your own pleasure. When the king beheld this mantle it pleased him

CHAPTER XVI. How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from mantle that should have burnt

WITH that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I must speak with you in privity. Say

on, said the king, what ye will. Sir, said the damosel, put not on you this mantle till ye have seen more, and in

no wise let it not come on you, nor on no knight of yours, till ye command the bringer thereof to put it upon

her. Well, said King Arthur, it shall be done as ye counsel me. And then he said unto the damosel that came

from his sister, Damosel, this mantle that ye have brought me, I will see it upon you. Sir, she said, It will not

beseem me to wear a king's garment. By my head, said Arthur, ye shall wear it or it come on my back, or any

man's that here is. And so the king made it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down dead, and never

more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the king wonderly wroth, more than he was toforehand,

and said unto King Uriens, My sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I wot either ye, or my

nephew, your son, is of counsel with her to have me destroyed; but as for you, said the king to King Uriens, I

deem not greatly that ye be of her counsel, for Accolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she would

have destroyed you as well as me, therefore I hold you excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him

suspect, therefore I charge you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwaine was discharged. And when Sir

Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to go with him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousingermain shall

banish me. So they two departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they came to an abbey of monks, and

there were well lodged. But when the king wist that Sir Gawaine was departed from the court, there was

made great sorrow among all the estates. Now, said Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, we have lost two good

knights for the love of one. So on the morn they heard their masses in the abbey, and so they rode forth till

that they came to a great forest. Then was Sir Gawaine ware in a valley by a turret [of] twelve fair damosels,

and two knights armed on great horses, and the damosels went to and fro by a tree. And then was Sir

Gawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as the damosels came by it they spit upon

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair damosels, and how they

THEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why they did that despite to the shield.

Sir, said the damosels, we shall tell you. There is a knight in this country that owneth this white shield, and he

is a passing good man of his hands, but he hateth all ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore we do all this

despite to the shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine, it beseemeth evil a good knight to despise all ladies

and gentlewomen, and peradventure though he hate you he hath some certain cause, and peradventure he

loveth in some other places ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an he be such a man of prowess

as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir, said they, his name is Marhaus, the king's son of Ireland. I know

him well, said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is alive, for I saw him once proved at a jousts

where many knights were gathered, and that time there might no man withstand him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine,

damosels, methinketh ye are to blame, for it is to suppose, he that hung that shield there, he will not be long

therefrom, and then may those knights match him on horseback, and that is more your worship than thus; for

I will abide no longer to see a knight's shield dishonoured. And therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a

little from them, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great horse straight toward

them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir Marhaus they fled into the turret as they were wild, so that

some of them fell by the way. Then the one of the knights of the tower dressed his shield, and said on high,

Sir Marhaus, defend thee. And so they ran together that the knight brake his spear on Marhaus, and Marhaus

smote him so hard that he brake his neck and the horse's back. That saw the other knight of the turret, and

dressed him toward Marhaus, and they met so eagerly together that the knight of the turret was soon smitten

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both.

AND then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled, and said, Of this despite I am a

part avenged, but for her love that gave me this white shield I shall wear thee, and hang mine where thou

wast; and so he hanged it about his neck. Then he rode straight unto Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine, and

asked them what they did there? They answered him that they came from King Arthur's court to see

adventures. Well, said Sir Marhaus, here am I ready, an adventurous knight that will fulfil any adventure that

ye will desire; and so departed from them, to fetch his range. Let him go, said Sir Uwaine unto Sir Gawaine,

for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I would not by my will that any of us were matched with him.

Nay, said Sir Gawaine, not so, it were shame to us were he not assayed, were he never so good a knight.

Well, said Sir Uwaine, I will assay him afore you, for I am more weaker than ye, and if he smite me down

then may ye revenge me. So these two knights came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine smote Sir

Marhaus that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir Marhaus smote him so sore that horse and man he

Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with his spear, and when Sir Gawaine saw that

he dressed his shield, and they aventred their spears, and they came together with all the might of their

horses, that either knight smote other so hard in midst of their shields, but Sir Gawaine's spear brake, but Sir

Marhaus' spear held; and therewith Sir Gawaine and his horse rushed down to the earth. And lightly Sir

Gawaine rose on his feet, and pulled out his sword, and dressed him toward Sir Marhaus on foot, and Sir

Marhaus saw that, and pulled out his sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on horseback. Sir knight, said

Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay thy horse. Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye

teach me courtesy, for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the other on horseback. And therewith Sir

Marhaus set his spear against a tree and alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and dressed his shield, and either

came unto other eagerly, and smote together with their swords that their shields flew in cantels, and they

bruised their helms and their hauberks, and wounded either other. But Sir Gawaine from it passed nine of the

clock waxed ever stronger and stronger, for then it came to the hour of noon, and thrice his might was

increased. All this espied Sir Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so they wounded

other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and when it drew toward evensong, Sir Gawaine's

strength feebled, and waxed passing faint that unnethes he might dure any longer, and Sir Marhaus was then

bigger and bigger. Sir knight, said Sir Marhaus, I have well felt that ye are a passing good knight and a

marvellous man of might as ever I felt any, while it lasteth, and our quarrels are not great, and therefore it

were pity to do you hurt, for I feel ye are passing feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine, gentle knight, ye say the word

that I should say. And therewith they took off their helms, and either kissed other, and there they swore

together either to love other as brethren. And Sir Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night.

And so they took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus' house. And as they rode by the way, Sir knight,

said Sir Gawaine, I have marvel that so valiant a man as ye be love no ladies nor damosels. Sir, said Sir

Marhaus, they name me wrongfully those that give me that name, but well I wot it be the damosels of the

turret that so name me, and other such as they be. Now shall I tell you for what cause I hate them: for they be

sorceresses and enchanters many of them, and be a knight never so good of his body and full of prowess as

man may be, they will make him a stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the principal cause that I

hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I owe my service as a knight ought to do.

As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that overmatched Sir Gawaine, for all the thrice

might that he had: Sir Launcelot de Lake, Sir Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Percivale, Sir Pelleas, and Sir

Marhaus, these six knights had the better of Sir Gawaine. Then within a little while they came to Sir Marhaus'

place, which was in a little priory, and there they alighted, and ladies and damosels unarmed them, and

hastily looked to their hurts, for they were all three hurt. And so they had all three good lodging with Sir

Marhaus, and good cheer; for when he wist that they were King Arthur's sister's sons he made them all the

cheer that lay in his power, and so they sojourned there a sennight, and were well eased of their wounds, and

at the last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so lightly, for I will bring you through the

forest; and rode day by day well a seven days or they found any adventure. At the last they came into a great

forest, that was named the country and forest of Arroy, and the country of strange adventures. In this country,

said Sir Marhaus, came never knight since it was christened but he found strange adventures; and so they

rode, and came into a deep valley full of stones, and thereby they saw a fair stream of water; above thereby

was the head of the stream a fair fountain, and three damosels sitting thereby. And then they rode to them,

and either saluted other, and the eldest had a garland of gold about her head, and she was three score winter

of age or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The second damosel was of thirty winter of age,

with a circlet of gold about her head. The third damosel was but fifteen year of age, and a garland of flowers

about her head. When these knights had so beheld them, they asked them the cause why they sat at that

fountain? We be here, said the damosels, for this cause: if we may see any errant knights, to teach them unto

strange adventures; and ye be three knights that seek adventures, and we be three damosels, and therefore

each one of you must choose one of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you unto three highways, and

there each of you shall choose a way and his damosel with him. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here

again, and God send you your lives, and thereto ye must plight your troth. This is well said, said Sir Marhaus.

CHAPTER XIX[*1]. How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three damosels, and each of

NOW shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir Uwaine, I am the youngest and most

weakest of you both, therefore I will have the eldest damosel, for she hath seen much, and can best help me

when I have need, for I have most need of help of you both. Now, said Sir Marhaus, I will have the damosel

of thirty winter age, for she falleth best to me. Well, said Sir Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have left me the

youngest and the fairest, and she is most liefest to me. Then every damosel took her knight by the reins of his

bridle, and brought him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to meet at the fountain that day

twelvemonth an they were living, and so they kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind him.

And Sir Uwaine took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus took the way that lay south, and Sir Gawaine

took the way that lay north. Now will we begin at Sir Gawaine, that held that way till that he came unto a fair

manor, where dwelled an old knight and a good householder, and there Sir Gawaine asked the knight if he

knew any adventures in that country. I shall show you some tomorn, said the old knight, and that

marvellous. So, on the morn they rode into the forest of adventures to a laund, and thereby they found a cross,

and as they stood and hoved there came by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever they saw,

making the greatest dole that ever man made. And then he was ware of Sir Gawaine, and saluted him, and

prayed God to send him much worship. As to that, said Sir Gawaine, gramercy; also I pray to God that he

send you honour and worship. Ah, said the knight, I may lay that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to me

AND therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the other side saw Sir Gawaine ten knights

that hoved still and made them ready with their shields and spears against that one knight that came by Sir

Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one of the ten knights encountered with him, but this woful

knight smote him so hard that he fell over his horse's tail. So this same dolorous knight served them all, that

at the leastway he smote down horse and man, and all he did with one spear; and so when they were all ten on

foot, they went to that one knight, and he stood stone still, and suffered them to pull him down off his horse,

and bound him hand and foot, and tied him under the horse's belly, and so led him with them. O Jesu! said Sir

Gawaine, this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder knight so to be entreated, and it seemeth by the knight that

he suffereth them to bind him so, for he maketh no resistance. No, said his host, that is truth, for an he would

they all were too weak so to do him. Sir, said the damosel unto Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were your worship

to help that dolorous knight, for methinketh he is one of the best knights that ever I saw. I would do for him,

said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no help. Then, said the damosel, methinketh ye have no lust to

Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the laund all armed save the head. And on the other

side there came a dwarf on horseback all armed save the head, with a great mouth and a short nose; and when

the dwarf came nigh he said, Where is the lady should meet us here? and therewithal she came forth out of

the wood. And then they began to strive for the lady; for the knight said he would have her, and the dwarf

said he would have her. Will we do well? said the dwarf; yonder is a knight at the cross, let us put it both

upon him, and as he deemeth so shall it be. I will well, said the knight, and so they went all three unto Sir

Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove. Well, sirs, said he, will ye put the matter in my hand? Yea, they

said both. Now damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both, and whether ye list better to go

to, he shall have you. And when she was set between them both, she left the knight and went to the dwarf,

and the dwarf took her and went his way singing, and the knight went his way with great mourning.

Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir Gawaine! knight of King Arthur's, make thee

ready in all haste and joust with me. So they ran together, that either fell down, and then on foot they drew

their swords, and did full actually. The meanwhile the other knight went to the damosel, and asked her why

she abode with that knight, and if ye would abide with me, I will be your faithful knight. And with you will I

be, said the damosel, for with Sir Gawaine I may not find in mine heart to be with him; for now here was one

knight discomfited ten knights, and at the last he was cowardly led away; and therefore let us two go whilst

they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with that other knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then

the knight prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as Sir Gawaine went with this knight he asked

him, What knight is he in this country that smote down the ten knights? For when he had done so manfully he

suffered them to bind him hand and foot, and so led him away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I

trow in the world, and the most man of prowess, and he hath been served so as he was even more than ten

times, and his name hight Sir Pelleas, and he loveth a great lady in this country and her name is Ettard. And

so when he loved her there was cried in this country a great jousts three days, and all the knights of this

country were there and gentlewomen, and who that proved him the best knight should have a passing good

sword and a circlet of gold, and the circlet the knight should give it to the fairest lady that was at the jousts.

And this knight Sir Pelleas was the best knight that was there, and there were five hundred knights, but there

was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but he struck him down, or else from his horse; and every day

of three days he struck down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the prize, and forthwithal he went

thereas the Lady Ettard was, and gave her the circlet, and said openly she was the fairest lady that there was,

CHAPTER XXI. How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner because he would have a sight of

AND so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love other but her, but she was so proud that she

had scorn of him, and said that she would never love him though he would die for her. Wherefore all ladies

and gentlewomen had scorn of her that she was so proud, for there were fairer than she, and there was none

that was there but an Sir Pelleas would have proffered them love, they would have loved him for his noble

prowess. And so this knight promised the Lady Ettard to follow her into this country, and never to leave her

till she loved him. And thus he is here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory, and every week she

sendeth knights to fight with him. And when he hath put them to the worse, then will he suffer them wilfully

to take him prisoner, because he would have a sight of this lady. And always she doth him great despite, for

sometime she maketh her knights to tie him to his horse's tail, and some to bind him under the horse's belly;

thus in the most shamefullest ways that she can think he is brought to her. And all she doth it for to cause him

to leave this country, and to leave his loving; but all this cannot make him to leave, for an he would have

fought on foot he might have had the better of the ten knights as well on foot as on horseback. Alas, said Sir

Gawaine, it is great pity of him; and after this night I will seek him tomorrow, in this forest, to do him all

the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took his leave of his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest;

and at the last he met with Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of measure, so each of them saluted other, and

asked him why he made such sorrow. And as it is above rehearsed, Sir Pelleas told Sir Gawaine: But always I

suffer her knights to fare so with me as ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to win her love, for she knoweth

well all her knights should not lightly win me, an me list to fight with them to the uttermost. Wherefore an I

loved her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred times, an I might die so oft, rather than I would suffer that

despite; but I trust she will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a good knight to suffer to

have his entent, but alas I am unfortunate. And therewith he made so great dole and sorrow that unnethe he

Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise you by the faith of my body to do all that

lieth in my power to get you the love of your lady, and thereto I will plight you my troth. Ah, said Sir Pelleas,

of what court are ye? tell me, I pray you, my good friend. And then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the court of

King Arthur, and his sister's son, and King Lot of Orkney was my father, and my name is Sir Gawaine. And

then he said, My name is Sir Pelleas, born in the Isles, and of many isles I am lord, and never have I loved

lady nor damosel till now in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh cousin unto King Arthur,

and a king's son, therefore betray me not but help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight,

for she is in a strong castle here, fast by within this four mile, and over all this country she is lady of. And so I

may never come to her presence, but as I suffer her knights to take me, and but if I did so that I might have a

sight of her, I had been dead long or this time; and yet fair word had I never of her, but when I am brought

tofore her she rebuketh me in the foulest manner. And then they take my horse and harness and put me out

of the gates, and she will not suffer me to eat nor drink; and always I offer me to be her prisoner, but that she

will not suffer me, for I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so that I might have a sight of her

daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all this shall I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your horse and

your armour, and so will I ride unto her castle and tell her that I have slain you, and so shall I come within her

to cause her to cherish me, and then shall I do my true part that ye shall not fail to have the love of her.

CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.

AND therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true and faithful unto him; so each one

plight their troth to other, and so they changed horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine departed, and came to the

castle whereas stood the pavilions of this lady without the gate. And as soon as Ettard had espied Sir Gawaine

she fled in toward the castle. Sir Gawaine spake on high, and bade her abide, for he was not Sir Pelleas; I am

another knight that have slain Sir Pelleas. Do off your helm, said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your visage.

And so when she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight and led him unto her castle, and asked

him faithfully whether he had slain Sir Pelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name was Sir Gawaine

of the court of King Arthur, and his sister's son. Truly, said she, that is great pity, for he was a passing good

knight of his body, but of all men alive I hated him most, for I could never be quit of him; and for ye have

slain him I shall be your woman, and to do anything that might please you. So she made Sir Gawaine good

cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said that he loved a lady and by no means she would love him. She is to blame, said

Ettard, an she will not love you, for ye that be so well born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no

lady in the world too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise me to do all that ye may, by the faith

of your body, to get me the love of my lady? Yea, sir, said she, and that I promise you by the faith of my

body. Now, said Sir Gawaine, it is yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray you hold your promise. I may

not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I should be forsworn; and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.

So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went out of the castle and supped in a pavilion,

and there was made a bed, and there Sir Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed together, and in another

pavilion she laid her damosels, and in the third pavilion she laid part of her knights, for then she had no dread

of Sir Pelleas. And there Sir Gawaine lay with her in that pavilion two days and two nights. And on the third

day, in the morning early, Sir Pelleas armed him, for he had never slept since Sir Gawaine departed from

him; for Sir Gawaine had promised him by the faith of his body, to come to him unto his pavilion by that

Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the pavilions that stood without the castle, and found

in the first pavilion three knights in three beds, and three squires lying at their feet. Then went he to the

second pavilion and found four gentlewomen lying in four beds. And then he yede to the third pavilion and

found Sir Gawaine lying in bed with his Lady Ettard, and either clipping other in arms, and when he saw that

his heart wellnigh brast for sorrow, and said: Alas! that ever a knight should be found so false; and then he

took his horse and might not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And when he had ridden nigh half a mile he

turned again and thought to slay them both; and when he saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might

hold him on horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though this knight be never so false, I will never

slay him sleeping, for I will never destroy the high order of knighthood; and therewith he departed again. And

or he had ridden half a mile he returned again, and thought then to slay them both, making the greatest sorrow

that ever man made. And when he came to the pavilions, he tied his horse unto a tree, and pulled out his

sword naked in his hand, and went to them thereas they lay, and yet he thought it were shame to slay them

sleeping, and laid the naked sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse and rode his way.

And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights and his squires how he had sped, and said thus

to them, For your true and good service ye have done me I shall give you all my goods, for I will go unto my

bed and never arise until I am dead. And when that I am dead I charge you that ye take the heart out of my

body and bear it her betwixt two silver dishes, and tell her how I saw her lie with the false knight Sir

Gawaine. Right so Sir Pelleas unarmed himself, and went unto his bed making marvellous dole and sorrow.

When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the naked sword overthwart their throats, then

she knew well it was Sir Pelleas' sword. Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have betrayed me and Sir Pelleas

both, for ye told me ye had slain him, and now I know well it is not so, he is alive. And if Sir Pelleas had

been as uncourteous to you as ye have been to him ye had been a dead knight; but ye have deceived me and

betrayed me falsely, that all ladies and damosels may beware by you and me. And therewith Sir Gawaine

made him ready, and went into the forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of the Lake, Nimue, met with a

knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And

so the woful knight told her how his master and lord was betrayed through a knight and lady, and how he will

never arise out of his bed till he be dead. Bring me to him, said she anon, and I will warrant his life he shall

not die for love, and she that hath caused him so to love, she shall be in as evil plight as he is or it be long to,

for it is no joy of such a proud lady that will have no mercy of such a valiant knight. Anon that knight

brought her unto him, and when she saw him lie in his bed, she thought she saw never so likely a knight; and

therewith she threw an enchantment upon him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile she rode unto the Lady

Ettard, and charged no man to awake him till she came again. So within two hours she brought the Lady

Ettard thither, and both ladies found him asleep: Lo, said the Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to be ashamed

for to murder such a knight. And therewith she threw such an enchantment upon her that she loved him sore,

that wellnigh she was out of her mind. O Lord Jesu, said the Lady Ettard, how is it befallen unto me that I

love now him that I have most hated of any man alive? That is the righteous judgment of God, said the

damosel. And then anon Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he saw her he knew her, and

then he hated her more than any woman alive, and said: Away, traitress, come never in my sight. And when

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the Damosel of the Lake, whom he

SIR KNIGHT PELLEAS, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse and come forth with me out of this

country, and ye shall love a lady that shall love you. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for this Lady Ettard hath

done me great despite and shame, and there he told her the beginning and ending, and how he had purposed

never to have arisen till that he had been dead. And now such grace God hath sent me, that I hate her as much

as ever I loved her, thanked be our Lord Jesus! Thank me, said the Damosel of the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas

armed him, and took his horse, and commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and his stuff where the

Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard died for sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced

CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came to the Duke of the South

NOW turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of thirty winter of age, southward. And so they

came into a deep forest, and by fortune they were nighted, and rode long in a deep way, and at the last they

came unto a courtelage, and there they asked harbour. But the man of the courtelage would not lodge them

for no treatise that they could treat, but thus much the good man said, An ye will take the adventure of your

lodging, I shall bring you where ye shall be lodged. What adventure is that that I shall have for my lodging?

said Sir Marhaus. Ye shall wit when ye come there, said the good man. Sir, what adventure so it be, bring me

thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus; for I am weary, my damosel, and my horse. So the good man went and

opened the gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle, and then the poor man called the porter,

and anon he was let into the castle, and so he told the lord how he brought him a knight errant and a damosel

that would be lodged with him. Let him in, said the lord, it may happen he shall repent that they took their

So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly sight of young men that welcomed him.

And then his horse was led into the stable, and he and the damosel were brought into the hall, and there stood

a mighty duke and many goodly men about him. Then this lord asked him what he hight, and from whence he

came, and with whom he dwelt. Sir, he said, I am a knight of King Arthur's and knight of the Table Round,

and my name is Sir Marhaus, and born I am in Ireland. And then said the duke to him, That me sore

repenteth: the cause is this, for I love not thy lord nor none of thy fellows of the Table Round; and therefore

ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as tomorn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there

no remedy but that I must have ado with you and your six sons at once? said Sir Marhaus. No, said the duke,

for this cause I made mine avow, for Sir Gawaine slew my seven sons in a recounter, therefore I made mine

avow, there should never knight of King Arthur's court lodge with me, or come thereas I might have ado with

him, but that I would have a revenging of my sons' death. What is your name? said Sir Marhaus; I require you

tell me, an it please you. Wit thou well I am the Duke of South Marches. Ah, said Sir Marhaus, I have heard

say that ye have been long time a great foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shall ye feel

tomorn, said the duke. Shall I have ado with you? said Sir Marhaus. Yea, said the duke, thereof shalt thou

not choose, and therefore take you to your chamber, and ye shall have all that to you longeth. So Sir Marhaus

departed and was led to a chamber, and his damosel was led unto her chamber. And on the morn the duke

sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make him ready. And so Sir Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there

was a mass sung afore him, and brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in the court of the castle where

they should do the battle. So there was the duke all ready on horseback, clean armed, and his six sons by him,

and everych had a spear in his hand, and so they encountered, whereas the duke and his two sons brake their

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

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

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 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

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 twentyfour

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

CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of age, and how he gat the prize at

NOW turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel of three score winter of age, and she

brought 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

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 tomorn in the defence of the

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 long or he might be whole of his great hurts.

And so when it drew nigh the termday that Sir Gawaine, Sir Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the

crossway, 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 wellnigh 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

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 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

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 tofore 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 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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

CHAPTER III. How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained the realm should be

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 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

CHAPTER IV. How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a marvellous dream and of the

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 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

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 totattered 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.

CHAPTER V. How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant, and how he fought and

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 tofore 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 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

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 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

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

And after that King Arthur said and commanded his 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

CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were assailed and

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

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

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 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

CHAPTER VII. How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have taken his knights being

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

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

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 nearhand

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

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 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 tofore, 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

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

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, 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 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

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 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

CHAPTER IX. How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the Romans, entered into Almaine,

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

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, 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

CHAPTER X. Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which after was yielden and became

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 torushed 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 bebleedest 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 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 the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of Lombardy, with the garrison of

Godard, and Saracens of Southland, ynumbered 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

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

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 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

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

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

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, 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

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

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners, and how the King won a

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 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 tofore, 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

tofore the town, where anon issued out much people and skirmished with the foreriders. 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 into the city, he passed to the castle, and comforted them that were in sorrow, and ordained

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

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 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

Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur had against Lucius the Emperor of Rome, and

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court, and how Sir Lionel left him

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,

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 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 appletree 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.

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

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

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 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 appletree, 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

CHAPTER III. How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by enchantment he was taken and

NOW leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the appletree

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 appletree; anon as these

queens looked on his face, they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive for that knight,

everych one said they would have him to her love. We shall not strive, said Morgan le Fay, that was King

Arthur's sister, I shall put an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, and then I will lead

him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within my hold, I shall take the enchantment from him, and

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 tomorn 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

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 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

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 queensorceresses 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 Northgalisfor

the last Tuesday past my father lost the field through three knights of Arthur's courtan ye will be there on

Tuesday next coming, and help my father, tomorn 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, 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

CHAPTER V. How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought

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 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

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

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.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus' daughter, and how he made his

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

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 forfared my knights, for against

them three I nor my knights might bear no strength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the tournament

shall be here within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knights of yours, such as ye

trust, and look that the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture on the shields, and we

four will come out of a little wood in midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and

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,

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine

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 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

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 tobrast 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

So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth with King Bagdemagus unto his

castle, and there he had passing good cheer both with the king and with his daughter, and they proffered him

great gifts. And on the morn he took his leave, and told the king that he would go and seek his brother Sir

Lionel, that went from him when that he slept, so he took his horse, and betaught them all to God. And there

he said unto the king's daughter, If ye have need any time of my service I pray you let me have knowledge,

and I shall not fail you as I am true knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he came into the

same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in the midst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white

palfrey, and there either saluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this country any

adventures? 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

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 halfanhour. 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; 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

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

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 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

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

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the

THEN at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and bare his shield low for weariness.

That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon him fiercely and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked

him down on his knees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote his neck in sunder. And when Sir

Launcelot had done this, he 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

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 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

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that distressed all ladies and also

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 that he trouble you or distress you I shall be your

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;

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 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

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.

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

toshivered 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

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

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

By my faith, said Sir Uwaine, yonder is a strong knight, and I am sure he hath slain Sir Kay; and I see by his

great strength it will be hard to match him. And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and rode

toward Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the plain, and gave him such a

buffet that he was astonied, that long he wist not where he was. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I must

encounter with that knight. Then he dressed his shield and gat a good spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot

knew him well; and then they let run their horses with all their mights, and either knight smote other in midst

of the shield. But Sir Gawaine's spear to brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse

reversed upsodown. 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

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a dead knight, and

NOW leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while in a deep forest, where he saw a black

brachet, seeking in manner as it had been in the feute of an hurt deer. And therewith he rode after the brachet,

and he saw lie on the ground a large feute of blood. And then Sir Launcelot rode after. And ever the brachet

looked behind her, and so she went through a great marsh, and ever Sir Launcelot followed. And then was he

ware of an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that

bridge that was old and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there he saw lie a dead knight that

was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his wounds. And therewithal came out a lady weeping and

wringing her hands; and then she said, O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why say ye so? said

Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight no harm, for hither by feute of blood this brachet brought me; and

therefore, fair lady, be not displeased with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance. Truly, sir, she

said, I trow it be not ye that hath slain my husband, for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never

likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What was your husband's name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she,

his name was called Sir Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and he that hath slain him I

know not his name. Now God send you better comfort, said Sir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into

the forest again, and there he met with a damosel, the which knew him well, and she said aloud, Well be ye

found, my lord; and now I require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother that is sore wounded, and never

stinteth bleeding; for this day he fought with Sir Gilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain battle, and there

was my brother sore wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this

day she told me my brother's wounds should never be whole till I could find a knight that would go into the

Chapel Perilous, and there he should find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in,

and a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother's wounds, so that his wounds were searched with

the sword and the cloth. This is a marvellous thing, said Sir Launcelot, but what is your brother's name? Sir,

she said, his name was Sir Meliot de Logres. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, for he is a fellow of the

Table Round, and to his help I will do my power. Then, sir, said she, follow even this highway, and it will

bring you unto the Chapel Perilous; and here I shall abide till God send you here again, and, but you speed, I

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece

RIGHT so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous he alighted down, and tied his

horse unto a little gate. And as soon as he was within the churchyard he saw on the front of the chapel many

fair rich shields turned upsodown, and many of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear

beforehand. With that he saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more by a yard than any man that ever

he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at Sir Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he

dreaded him sore, and so put his shield afore him, and took his sword ready in his hand ready unto battle, and

they were all armed in black harness ready with their shields and their swords drawn. And when Sir

Launcelot would have gone throughout them, they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the way, and

therewith he waxed all bold, and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no light but a dim lamp burning,

and then was he ware of a corpse hilled with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launcelot stooped down, and cut a

piece away of that cloth, and then it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared.

And then he saw a fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied him out of the

Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to him with a grimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir

Launcelot, lay that sword from thee or else thou shalt die. Whether that I live or die, said Sir Launcelot, with

no great word get ye it again, therefore fight for it an ye list. Then right so he passed throughout them, and

beyond the chapel yard there met him a fair damosel, and said, Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee, or

thou wilt die for it. I leave it not, said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she, an thou didst leave that

sword, Queen Guenever should thou never see. Then were I a fool an I would leave this sword, said

Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said the damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot,

that God me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed me thy life days had been done, but now, alas,

she said, I have lost all my labour, for I ordained this chapel for thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine. And once I

had Sir Gawaine within me, and at that time he fought with that knight that lieth there dead in yonder chapel,

Sir Gilbert the Bastard; and at that time he smote the left hand off of Sir Gilbert the Bastard. And, Sir

Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved thee this seven year, but there may no woman have thy love but

Queen Guenever. But sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had kept no more joy in this

world but to have thy body dead. Then would I have balmed it and served it, and so have kept it my life days,

and daily I should have clipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite of Queen Guenever. Ye say well, said Sir

Launcelot, Jesu preserve me from your subtle crafts. And therewithal he took his horse and so departed from

her. And as the book saith, when Sir Launcelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within a

fourteen night, and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.

Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot's sister. And when she saw him she clapped her hands,

and wept for joy. And then they rode unto a castle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot

saw him he knew him, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw Sir Launcelot

he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high: O lord Sir Launcelot, help me! Anon Sir Launcelot leapt unto

him and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert's sword. And then he wiped his wounds with a part of the

bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in his life was he never. And then

there was great joy between them, and they made Sir Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the

morn Sir Launcelot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of my lord Arthur, for it draweth

nigh to the Feast of Pentecost, and there by the grace of God ye shall find me. And therewith they departed.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.

AND so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes and valleys, till by fortune he came

to a fair castle, and as he passed beyond the castle him thought he heard two bells ring. And then was he ware

of a falcon came flying over his head toward an high elm, and long lunes about her feet, and as she flew unto

the elm to take her perch the lunes overcast about a bough. And when she would have taken her flight she

hung by the legs fast; and Sir Launcelot saw how she hung, and beheld the fair falcon perigot, and he was

The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high: O Launcelot, Launcelot, as thou art flower of

all knights, help me to get my hawk, for an my hawk be lost my lord will destroy me; for I kept the hawk and

she slipped from me, and if my lord my husband wit it he is so hasty that he will slay me. What is your lord's

name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, she said, his name is Sir Phelot, a knight that longeth unto the King of

Northgalis. Well, fair lady, since that ye know my name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will do

what I may to get your hawk, and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and the tree is passing high, and few

boughs to help me withal. And therewith Sir Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and

prayed the lady to unarm him. And so when he was unarmed, he put off all his clothes unto his shirt and

breech, and with might and force he clomb up to the falcon, and tied the lines to a great rotten boyshe, and

Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out Sir Phelot out of the groves suddenly, that

was her husband, all armed and with his naked sword in his hand, and said: O knight Launcelot, now have I

found thee as I would, and stood at the bole of the tree to slay him. Ah, lady, said Sir Launcelot, why have ye

betrayed me? She hath done, said Sir Phelot, but as I commanded her, and therefore there nis none other boot

but thine hour is come that thou must die. That were shame unto thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou an armed

knight to slay a naked man by treason. Thou gettest none other grace, said Sir Phelot, and therefore help

thyself an thou canst. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other,

take mine harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it, and then do thy best to slay

me an thou canst. Nay, nay, said Sir Phelot, for I know thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou gettest

no weapon, an I may keep you therefrom. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever a knight should die weaponless.

And therewith he waited above him and under him, and over his head he saw a rownsepyk, a big bough

leafless, and therewith he brake it off by the body. And then he came lower and awaited how his own horse

stood, and suddenly he leapt on the further side of the horse, froward the knight. And then Sir Phelot lashed

at him eagerly, weening to have slain him. But Sir Launcelot put away the stroke with the rownsepyk, and

therewith he smote him on the one side of the head, that he fell down in a swoon to the ground. So then Sir

Launcelot took his sword out of his hand, and struck his neck from the body. Then cried the lady, Alas ! why

hast thou slain my husband? I am not causer, said Sir Launcelot, for with falsehood ye would have had slain

me with treason, and now it is fallen on you both. And then she swooned as though she would die. And

therewithal Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and put it upon him for dread of more resort,

for he dreaded that the knight's castle was so nigh. And so, as soon as he might, he took his horse and

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife to have slain her, and how

SO Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild ways. And as he rode in a valley

he saw a knight chasing a lady, with a naked sword, to have slain her. And by fortune as this knight should

have slain this lady, she cried on Sir Launcelot and prayed him to rescue her. When Sir Launcelot saw that

mischief, he took his horse and rode between them, saying, Knight, fie for shame, why wilt thou slay this

lady? thou dost shame unto thee and all knights. What hast thou to do betwixt me and my wife? said the

knight. I will slay her maugre thy head. That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two will have ado

together. Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not thy part, for this lady hath betrayed me. It is not so, said

the lady, truly he saith wrong on me. And for because I love and cherish my cousin germain, he is jealous

betwixt him and me; and as I shall answer to God there was never sin betwixt us. But, sir, said the lady, as

thou art called the worshipfullest knight of the world, I require thee of true knighthood, keep me and save me.

For whatsomever ye say he will slay me, for he is without mercy. Have ye no doubt, said Launcelot, it shall

not lie in his power. Sir, said the knight, in your sight I will be ruled as ye will have me. And so Sir Launcelot

rode on the one side and she on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight bade Sir Launcelot

turn him and look behind him, and said, Sir, yonder come men of arms after us riding. And so Sir Launcelot

turned him and thought no treason, and therewith was the knight and the lady on one side, and suddenly he

And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said, and called him, Traitor, thou hast shamed

me for ever. And suddenly Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse, and pulled out his sword to slay him, and

therewithal he fell flat to the earth, and gripped Sir Launcelot by the thighs, and cried mercy. Fie on thee, said

Sir Launcelot, thou shameful knight, thou mayest have no mercy, and therefore arise and fight with me. Nay,

said the knight, I will never arise till ye grant me mercy. Now will I proffer thee fair, said Launcelot, I will

unarm me unto my shirt, and I will have nothing upon me but my shirt, and my sword and my hand. And if

thou canst slay me, quit be thou for ever. Nay, sir, said Pedivere, that will I never. Well, said Sir Launcelot,

take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here shalt thou swear upon my sword, to bear it always

upon thy back, and never to rest till thou come to Queen Guenever. Sir, said he, that will I do, by the faith of

my body. Now, said Launcelot, tell me what is your name? Sir, my name is Pedivere. In a shameful hour wert

So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found the queen with King Arthur at Winchester,

and there he told all the truth. Sir knight, said the queen, this is an horrible deed and a shameful, and a great

rebuke unto Sir Launcelot; but notwithstanding his worship is not known in many divers countries; but this

shall I give you in penance, make ye as good shift as ye can, ye shall bear this lady with you on horseback

unto the Pope of Rome, and of him receive your penance for your foul deeds; and ye shall never rest one

night whereas ye do another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie with you. This oath there he made,

and so departed. And as it telleth in the French book, when he came to Rome, the Pope bade him go again

unto Queen Guenever, and in Rome was his lady buried by the Pope's commandment. And after this Sir

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how there were recounted all his

NOW turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore the Feast of Pentecost; and the

king and all the court were passing fain of his coming. And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore,

Sir Ector de Maris, saw Sir Launcelot in Kay's armour, then they wist well it was he that smote them down all

with one spear. Then there was laughing and smiling among them. And ever now and now came all the

knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, and they all honoured and worshipped Sir Launcelot.

When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle from the beginning to the ending, and there

he told King Arthur all how it was, and how Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw except Sir

Launcelot: there were many knights bare him record, nigh three score. Then Sir Kay told the king how Sir

Launcelot had rescued him when he should have been slain, and how he made the knights yield them to me,

and not to him. And there they were all three, and bare record. And by Jesu, said Sir Kay, because Sir

Launcelot took my harness and left me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have ado with me.

Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with Sir Launcelot at the long bridge. And there

they yielded them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsook them and said he fought never with them. But I shall

ease your heart, said Sir Kay, yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame you. When they wist that they were glad.

And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told the king how Sir Launcelot had saved him from the

death. And all his deeds were known, how four queens, sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was

delivered by King Bagdemagus' daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms that Sir Launcelot

did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the King of Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir

Gahalantine did tell, and Sir Mador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they were at that same tournament. Then

came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus at the pavilion. And there, at

request of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made knight of the Round Table. And so at that time Sir Launcelot

had the greatest name of any knight of the world, and most he was honoured of high and low.

Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake, which is the vi. book. Here followeth the tale of Sir Gareth

CHAPTER I. How Beaumains came to King Arthur's Court and demanded three petitions of King Arthur.

WHEN Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that he commanded that the high feast of

Pentecost should be holden at a city and a castle, the which in those days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon

the sands that marched nigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost in especial,

afore other feasts in the year, he would not go that day to meat until he had heard or seen of a great marvel.

And for that custom all manner of strange adventures came before Arthur as at that feast before all other

feasts. And so Sir Gawaine, a little tofore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at a window three men upon

horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three men alighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the

three men was higher than the other twain by a foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine went unto the king and

said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand come strange adventures. So Arthur went unto his meat with

many other kings. And there were all the knights of the Round Table, [save] only those that were prisoners or

slain at a recounter. Then at the high feast evermore they should be fulfilled the whole number of an hundred

Right so came into the hall two men well beseen and richly, and upon their shoulders there leaned the

goodliest young man and the fairest that ever they all saw, and he was large and long, and broad in the

shoulders, and well visaged, and the fairest and the largest handed that ever man saw, but he fared as though

he might not go nor bear himself but if he leaned upon their shoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him there was

made peace and room, and right so they yede with him unto the high dais, without saying of any words. Then

this much young man pulled him aback, and easily stretched up straight, saying, King Arthur, God you bless

and all your fair fellowship, and in especial the fellowship of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come

hither, to pray you and require you to give me three gifts, and they shall not be unreasonably asked, but that

ye may worshipfully and honourably grant them me, and to you no great hurt nor loss. And the first don and

gift I will ask now, and the other two gifts I will ask this day twelvemonth, wheresomever ye hold your high

Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye will give me meat and drink sufficiently for this

My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but a simple asking; for my heart giveth me to

thee greatly, that thou art come of men of worship, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a

man of right great worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as it be may, I have asked that I will ask. Well, said the

king, ye shall have meat and drink enough; I never defended that none, neither my friend nor my foe. But

what is thy name I would wit? I cannot tell you, said he. That is marvel, said the king, that thou knowest not

thy name, and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the king betook him to Sir Kay the

steward, and charged him that he should give him of all manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that

he had all manner of finding as though he were a lord's son. That shall little need, said Sir Kay, to do such

cost upon him; for I dare undertake he is a villain born, and never will make man, for an he had come of

gentlemen he would have asked of you horse and armour, but such as he is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath

no name, I shall give him a name that shall be Beaumains, that is Fairhands, and into the kitchen I shall

bring him, and there he shall have fat brose every day, that he shall be as fat by the twelvemonths' end as a

pork hog. Right so the two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mocked him.

CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and

THEREAT was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade Sir Kay leave his mocking, for I dare

lay my head he shall prove a man of great worship. Let be said Sir Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as he

is, so he hath asked. Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the good knight Brewnor, Sir Dinadan's brother,

a name, and ye called him La Cote Male Taile, and that turned you to anger afterward. As for that, said Sir

Kay, this shall never prove none such. For Sir Brewnor desired ever worship, and this desireth bread and

drink and broth; upon pain of my life he was fostered up in some abbey, and, howsomever it was, they failed

And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so Beaumains went to the hall door, and set him

down among boys and lads, and there he ate sadly. And then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his

chamber, and there he should have meat and drink enough. And so did Sir Gawaine: but he refused them all;

he would do none other but as Sir Kay commanded him, for no proffer. But as touching Sir Gawaine, he had

reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink, for that proffer came of his blood, for he was nearer kin to

him than he wist. But that as Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.

So thus he was put into the kitchen, and lay nightly as the boys of the kitchen did. And so he endured all that

twelvemonth, and never displeased man nor child, but always he was meek and mild. But ever when that he

saw any jousting of knights, that would he see an he might. And ever Sir Launcelot would give him gold to

spend, and clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there were any masteries done, thereat would he be,

and there might none cast bar nor stone to him by two yards. Then would Sir Kay say, How liketh you my

boy of the kitchen? So it passed on till the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that time the king held it at Carlion in

the most royallest wise that might be, like as he did yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the

Whitsunday, until he heard some adventures. Then came there a squire to the king and said, Sir, ye may go to

your meat, for here cometh a damosel with some strange adventures. Then was the king glad and sat him

Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king, and prayed him of succour. For whom? said

Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she is besieged with a tyrant, so that she may not

out of her castle; and because here are called the noblest knights of the world, I come to you to pray you of

succour. What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she, and who is she, and what is his name that hath

besieged her? Sir king, she said, as for my lady's name that shall not ye know for me as at this time, but I let

you wit she is a lady of great worship and of great lands; and as for the tyrant that besiegeth her and

destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Launds. I know him not, said the king. Sir, said

Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is one of the perilloust knights of the world; men say that he hath seven

men's strength, and from him I escaped once full hard with my life. Fair damosel, said the king, there be

knights here would do their power for to rescue your lady, but because you will not tell her name, nor where

she dwelleth, therefore none of my knights that here be now shall go with you by my will. Then must I speak

CHAPTER III. How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted to him, and how he desired to

WITH these words came before the king Beaumains, while the damosel was there, and thus he said, Sir king,

God thank you, I have been this twelvemonth in your kitchen, and have had my full sustenance, and now I

will ask my two gifts that be behind. Ask, upon my peril, said the king. Sir, this shall be my two gifts, first

that ye will grant me to have this adventure of the damosel, for it belongeth unto me. Thou shalt have it, said

the king, I grant it thee. Then, sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make me

knight, for of him I will be made knight and else of none. And when I am passed I pray you let him ride after

me, and make me knight when I require him. All this shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the

damosel, shall I have none but one that is your kitchen page? Then was she wroth and took her horse and

departed. And with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horse and armour was come for him;

and there was the dwarf come with all thing that him needed, in the richest manner; thereat all the court had

much marvel from whence came all that gear. So when he was armed there was none but few so goodly a

man as he was; and right so as he came into the hall and took his leave of King Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and

Sir Launcelot, and prayed that he would hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.

CHAPTER IV. How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he

BUT there went many after to behold how well he was horsed and trapped in cloth of gold, but he had neither

shield nor spear. Then Sir Kay said all open in the hall, I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to wit whether

he will know me for his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So Sir Kay made him

ready and took his horse and his spear, and rode after him. And right as Beaumains overtook the damosel,

right so came Sir Kay and said, Beaumains, what, sir, know ye not me? Then he turned his horse, and knew it

was Sir Kay, that had done him all the despite as ye have heard afore. Yea, said Beaumains, I know you for

an ungentle knight of the court, and therefore beware of me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest, and

ran straight upon him; and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his sword in his hand, and so he put away

his spear with his sword, and with a foin thrust him through the side, that Sir Kay fell down as he had been

dead; and he alighted down and took Sir Kay's shield and his spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode his

All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And then he bade his dwarf stert upon Sir Kay's horse,

and so he did. By that Sir Launcelot was come, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to joust; and either made

them ready, and they came together so fiercely that either bare down other to the earth, and sore were they

bruised. Then Sir Launcelot arose and helped him from his horse. And then Beaumains threw his shield from

him, and proffered to fight with Sir Launcelot on foot; and so they rushed together like boars, tracing, rasing,

and foining to the mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him so big that he marvelled of his

strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a knight, and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous.

For Sir Launcelot had so much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be shamed, and said, Beaumains,

fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off. Truly that is truth, said

Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your might, and yet, my lord, I showed not the utterance.

CHAPTER V. How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir

IN God's name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the faith of my body, I had as much to do as I might

to save myself from you unshamed, and therefore have ye no doubt of none earthly knight. Hope ye so that I

may any while stand a proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea, said Launcelot, do as ye have done, and I shall

be your warrant. Then, I pray you, said Beaumains, give me the order of knighthood. Then must ye tell me

your name, said Launcelot, and of what kin ye be born. Sir, so that ye will not discover me I shall, said

Beaumains. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, and that I promise you by the faith of my body, until it be openly

known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, and brother unto Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir,

said Sir Launcelot, I am more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye should be of great blood, and

that ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for drink. And then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of

So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made him to be borne home upon his shield,

and so he was healed hard with the life; and all men scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir

Launcelot said it was not his part to rebuke no young man, for full little knew he of what birth he is come,

and for what cause he came to this court; and so we leave Sir Kay and turn we unto Beaumains.

When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou here? thou stinkest all of the kitchen, thy

clothes be bawdy of the grease and tallow that thou gainest in King Arthur's kitchen; weenest thou, said she,

that I allow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay truly, for thou slewest him unhappily and cowardly;

therefore turn again, bawdy kitchen page, I know thee well, for Sir Kay named thee Beaumains. What art

thou but a lusk and a turner of broaches and a ladlewasher? Damosel, said Beaumains, say to me what ye

will, I will not go from you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken to King Arthur for to achieve your

adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end, either I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt thou

finish mine adventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that thou wouldest not for all the broth that ever thou

So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever he might. Whither wilt thou? said

Beaumains. O lord, he said, help me, for here by in a slade are six thieves that have taken my lord and bound

him, so I am afeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither, said Beaumains. And so they rode together until

they came thereas was the knight bounden; and then he rode unto them, and struck one unto the death, and

then another, and at the third stroke he slew the third thief, and then the other three fled. And he rode after

them, and he overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again and assailed Beaumains hard, but at

the last he slew them, and returned and unbound the knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him to

ride with him to his castle there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward him for his good deeds. Sir,

said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I was this day made knight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I

And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou smellest all of the kitchen: weenest thou

that I have joy of thee, for all this deed that thou hast done is but mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a sight

shall make thee turn again, and that lightly. Then the same knight which was rescued of the thieves rode after

that damosel, and prayed her to lodge with him all that night. And because it was near night the damosel rode

with him to his castle, and there they had great cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir Beaumains afore the

damosel. Fie, fie, said she, Sir knight, ye are uncourteous to set a kitchen page afore me; him beseemeth

better to stick a swine than to sit afore a damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her words,

and took him up, and set him at a sideboard, and set himself afore him, and so all that night they had good

AND on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked the knight, and so departed, and rode on

their way until they came to a great forest. And there was a great river and but one passage, and there were

ready two knights on the farther side to let them the passage. What sayest thou, said the damosel, wilt thou

match yonder knights or turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will not turn again an they were six more.

And therewithal he rushed into the water, and in midst of the water either brake their spears upon other to

their hands, and then they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the last Sir Beaumains smote

the other upon the helm that his head stonied, and therewithal he fell down in the water, and there was he

drowned. And then he spurred his horse upon the land, where the other knight fell upon him, and brake his

spear, and so they drew their swords and fought long together. At the last Sir Beaumains clave his helm and

his head down to the shoulders; and so he rode unto the damosel and bade her ride forth on her way.

Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune to destroy such two doughty knights: thou

weenest thou hast done doughtily, that is not so; for the first knight his horse stumbled, and there he was

drowned in the water, and never it was by thy force, nor by thy might. And the last knight by mishap thou

Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with whomsomever I have ado withal, I trust to God

to serve him or he depart. And therefore I reck not what ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie, fie, foul

kitchen knave, thou shalt see knights that shall abate thy boast. Fair damosel, give me goodly language, and

then my care is past, for what knights somever they be, I care not, nor I doubt them not. Also, said she, I say

it for thine avail, yet mayest thou turn again with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art but slain, for I

see all that ever thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess of thy hands. Well, damosel, ye may

say what ye will, but wheresomever ye go I will follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till

evensong time, and ever she chid him, and would not rest. And they came to a black laund; and there was a

black hawthorn, and thereon hung a black banner, and on the other side there hung a black shield, and by it

stood a black spear great and long, and a great black horse covered with silk, and a black stone fast by.

CHAPTER VII. How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds, and fought with him till he

THERE sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the Knight of the Black Laund. Then the

damosel, when she saw that knight, she bade him flee down that valley, for his horse was not saddled.

Gramercy, said Beaumains, for always ye would have me a coward. With that the Black Knight, when she

came nigh him, spake and said, Damosel, have ye brought this knight of King Arthur to be your champion?

Nay, fair knight, said she, this is but a kitchen knave that was fed in King Arthur's kitchen for alms. Why

cometh he, said the knight, in such array? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannot be delivered

of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head: God would that ye should put him from me, other

to slay him an ye may, for he is an unhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through mishap I

saw him slay two knights at the passage of the water; and other deeds he did before right marvellous and

through unhappiness. That marvelleth me, said the Black Knight, that any man that is of worship will have

ado with him. They know him not, said the damosel, and for because he rideth with me, they ween that he be

some man of worship born. That may be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye say that he be no man of

worship, he is a full likely person, and full like to be a strong man: but thus much shall I grant you, said the

Black Knight; I shall put him down upon one foot, and his horse and his harness he shall leave with me, for it

When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou art full large of my horse and my harness; I

let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether it liketh thee or not, this laund will I pass maugre thine head. And

horse nor harness gettest thou none of mine, but if thou win them with thy hands; and therefore let see what

thou canst do. Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight, now yield thy lady from thee, for it beseemeth never a

kitchen page to ride with such a lady. Thou liest, said Beaumains, I am a gentleman born, and of more high

Then in great wrath they departed with their horses, and came together as it had been the thunder, and the

Black Knight's spear brake, and Beaumains thrust him through both his sides, and therewith his spear brake,

and the truncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the Black Knight drew his sword, and smote many

eager strokes, and of great might, and hurt Beaumains full sore. But at the last the Black Knight, within an

hour and an half, he fell down off his horse in swoon, and there he died. And when Beaumains saw him so

well horsed and armed, then he alighted down and armed him in his armour, and so took his horse and rode

When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the wind, for the smell of thy bawdy

clothes grieveth me. Alas, she said, that ever such a knave should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou

hast done, but all this is thine unhappiness. But here by is one shall pay thee all thy payment, and therefore

yet I counsel thee, flee. It may happen me, said Beaumains, to be beaten or slain, but I warn you, fair

damosel, I will not flee away, a nor leave your company, for all that ye can say; for ever ye say that they will

kill me or beat me, but howsomever it happeneth I escape, and they lie on the ground. And therefore it were

as good for you to hold you still thus all day rebuking me, for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this

journey, or else I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on your way, for follow you I will

CHAPTER VIII. How the brother of the knight that was slain met with Beaumains, and fought with

THUS as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by them all in green, both his horse and his

harness; and when he came nigh the damosel, he asked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have

brought with you? Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath slain your brother through

unhappiness. Alas, said the Green Knight, that is great pity, that so noble a knight as he was should so

unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave's hand, as ye say that he is. Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight, thou

shalt die for slaying of my brother; he was a full noble knight, and his name was Sir Perard. I defy thee, said

Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green, and it hung upon a thorn, and there he blew

three deadly motes, and there came two damosels and armed him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and

a green shield and a green spear. And then they ran together with all their mights, and brake their spears unto

their hands. And then they drew their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and either of them wounded other

full ill. And at the last, at an overthwart, Beaumains with his horse struck the Green Knight's horse upon the

side, that he fell to the earth. And then the Green Knight avoided his horse lightly, and dressed him upon foot.

That saw Beaumains, and therewithal he alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a long

while, and sore they bled both. With that came the damosel, and said, My lord the Green Knight, why for

shame stand ye so long fighting with the kitchen knave? Alas, it is shame that ever ye were made knight, to

see such a lad to match such a knight, as the weed overgrew the corn. Therewith the Green Knight was

ashamed, and therewithal he gave a great stroke of might, and clave his shield through. When Beaumains saw

his shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that stroke and of her language; and then he gave him

such a buffet upon the helm that he fell on his knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the

ground grovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and yielded him unto Sir Beaumains, and

prayed him to slay him not. All is in vain, said Beaumains, for thou shalt die but if this damosel that came

with me pray me to save thy life. And therewithal he unlaced his helm like as he would slay him. Fie upon

thee, false kitchen page, I will never pray thee to save his life, for I will never be so much in thy danger. Then

shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy, thou bawdy knave, said the damosel, that thou slay him. Alas,

said the Green Knight, suffer me not to die for a fair word may save me. Fair knight, said the Green Knight,

save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother, and for ever to become thy man, and thirty

knights that hold of me for ever shall do you service. In the devil's name, said the damosel, that such a bawdy

Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my damosel speak with me for thy life. And

therewithal he made a semblant to slay him. Let be, said the damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not, for an

thou do thou shalt repent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your charge is to me a pleasure, and at your

commandment his life shall be saved, and else not. Then he said, Sir knight with the green arms, I release

thee quit at this damosel's request, for I will not make her wroth, I will fulfil all that she chargeth me. And

then the Green Knight kneeled down, and did him homage with his sword. Then said the damosel, Me

repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of your brother's death, the Black Knight, for of your help I

had great mister, for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you not, said the Green Knight, for ye

shall lodge with me this night, and tomorn I shall help you through this forest. So they took their horses and

CHAPTER IX. How the damosel again rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table,

AND ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table, but as the Green Knight took

him and sat him at a side table. Marvel methinketh, said the Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke this

noble knight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble knight, and I know no knight is able to

match him; therefore ye do great wrong to rebuke him, for he shall do you right good service, for

whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shall prove at the end that he is come of a noble blood and of king's

lineage. Fie, fie, said the damosel, it is shame for you to say of him such worship. Truly, said the Green

Knight, it were shame for me to say of him any disworship, for he hath proved himself a better knight than I

am, yet have I met with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no knight his match.

And so that night they yede unto rest, and all that night the Green Knight commanded thirty knights privily to

And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake their fast; and then they took their horses

and rode on their way, and the Green Knight conveyed them through the forest; and there the Green Knight

said, My lord Beaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always at your summons, both early and late, at

your calling and whither that ever ye will send us. It is well said, said Beaumains; when that I call upon you

ye must yield you unto King Arthur, and all your knights. If that ye so command us, we shall be ready at all

times, said the Green Knight. Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil's name, said the damosel, that any good knights

should be obedient unto a kitchen knave. So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she

said unto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen boy? Cast away thy shield and thy spear, and flee

away; yet I counsel thee betimes or thou shalt say right soon, alas; for wert thou as wight as ever was Wade

or Launcelot, Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not pass a pass here that is called the Pass

Perilous. Damosel, said Beaumains, who is afeard let him flee, for it were shame to turn again sithen I have

ridden so long with you. Well, said the damosel, ye shall soon, whether ye will or not.

CHAPTER X. How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and fought against Beaumains,and

SO within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well matchecold all about, and double dyked. And

over the tower gate there hung a fifty shields of divers colours, and under that tower there was a fair meadow.

And therein were many knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon the morn

should be a great tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castle and looked out at a window, and saw

a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed at all points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight will I

joust, for I see that he is a knighterrant. And so he armed him and horsed him hastily. And when he was on

horseback with his shield and his spear, it was all red, both his horse and his harness, and all that to him

longeth. And when that he came nigh him he weened it had been his brother the Black Knight; and then he

cried aloud, Brother, what do ye in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it is not he; this is but a

kitchen knave that was brought up for alms in King Arthur's court. Nevertheless, said the Red Knight, I will

speak with him or he depart. Ah, said the damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and Sir Kay named him

Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thy brother's, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the

Green Knight overcome of his hands. Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quit of him.

With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together with all their might, and either of their

horses fell to the earth, and they avoided their horses, and put their shields afore them and drew their swords,

and either gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, rasing, tracing, foining, and hurling like two boars,

the space of two hours. And then she cried on high to the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble Red Knight, think

what worship hath followed thee, let never a kitchen knave endure thee so long as he doth. Then the Red

Knight waxed wroth and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderly sore, that the blood ran down to

the ground, that it was wonder to see that strong battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth,

and as he would have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble knight, slay me not, and I shall

yield me to thee with fifty knights with me that be at my commandment. And I forgive thee all the despite

that thou hast done to me, and the death of my brother the Black Knight. All this availeth not, said

Beaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy life. And therewith he made semblant to strike off his

head. Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for he is a noble knight, and not so hardy, upon thine head, but

Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now of thy life. Then the Red Knight

prayed him to see his castle, and to be there all night. So the damosel then granted him, and there they had

merry cheer. But always the damosel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof the Red Knight had

great marvel; and all that night the Red Knight made three score knights to watch Beaumains, that he should

have no shame nor villainy. And upon the morn they heard mass and dined, and the Red Knight came before

Beaumains with his three score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at all times, he and

his knights to do him service. I thank you, said Beaumains, but this ye shall grant me: when I call upon you,

to come afore my lord King Arthur, and yield you unto him to be his knights. Sir, said the Red Knight, I will

be ready, and my fellowship, at your summons. So Sir Beaumains departed and the damosel, and ever she

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.

DAMOSEL, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do, for meseemeth I have done you

good service, and ever ye threaten me I shall be beaten with knights that we meet, but ever for all your boast

they lie in the dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me no more; and when ye see me beaten or

yielden as recreant, then may ye bid me go from you shamefully; but first I let you wit I will not depart from

you, for I were worse than a fool an I would depart from you all the while that I win worship. Well, said she,

right soon there shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thy wages, for he is the most man of worship of the

world, except King Arthur. I will well, said Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be my

Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and fair. And betwixt them and the city a mile

and an half there was a fair meadow that seemed new mown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold.

Lo, said the damosel, yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his custom is, when the weather is fair, to

lie in this meadow to joust and tourney. And ever there be about him five hundred knights and gentlemen of

arms, and there be all manner of games that any gentleman can devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains,

would I fain see. Thou shalt see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rode near she espied the

pavilion where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonder pavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all

manner of thing that there is about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and spears were all of the

colour of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest knight that ever thou lookedst on. It

may well be, said Beaumains, but be he never so stout a knight, in this field I shall abide till that I see him

under his shield. Ah, fool, said she, thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains, an he be such a

knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all his men, or with his five hundred knights. For an

there come no more but one at once, I shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the damosel, that

ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast. Damosel, he said, ye are to blame so to rebuke me, for I

had liefer do five battles than so to be rebuked, let him come and then let him do his worst.

Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art come; boldly thou speakest, and boldly thou hast

done, that have I seen; therefore I pray thee save thyself an thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had

great travail, and I dread we dwell over long from the siege, for it is but hence seven mile, and all perilous

passages we are passed save all only this passage; and here I dread me sore lest ye shall catch some hurt,

therefore I would ye were hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this strong knight. But I let you wit

that Sir Persant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto the knight that laid the siege about my lady. As

for that, said Sir Beaumains, be it as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove his

might or I depart from him, and else I shall be shamed an I now withdraw me from him. And therefore,

damosel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I shall so deal with this knight that within two hours after

noon I shall deliver him. And then shall we come to the siege by daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, said the

damosel, what manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that ye be come of a noble blood, for so

foul nor shamefully did never woman rule a knight as I have done you, and ever courteously ye have suffered

Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not suffer a damosel, for whatsomever ye said unto

me I took none heed to your words, for the more ye said the more ye angered me, and my wrath I wreaked

upon them that I had ado withal. And therefore all the missaying that ye missaid me furthered me in my

battle, and caused me to think to show and prove myself at the end what I was; for peradventure though I had

meat in King Arthur's kitchen, yet I might have had meat enough in other places, but all that I did it for to

prove and assay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and whether that I be a gentleman born or

none, I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done you gentleman's service, and peradventure better service yet

will I do or I depart from you. Alas, she said, fair Beaumains, forgive me all that I have missaid or done

against thee. With all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, for ye did nothing but as ye should do, for all your

evil words pleased me; and damosel, said Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit ye well

it gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight living but I am able enough for him.

CHAPTER XII. How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made him to be yielden.

WITH this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in the field, and knightly he sent to them

whether he came in war or in peace. Say to thy lord, said Beaumains, I take no force, but whether as him list

himself. So the messenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him all his answer. Well then will I have ado

with him to the utterance, and so he purveyed him and rode against him. And Beaumains saw him and made

him ready, and there they met with all that ever their horses might run, and brast their spears either in three

pieces, and their horses rushed so together that both their horses fell dead to the earth; and lightly they

avoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that

sometime they hurtled together that they fell grovelling on the ground. Thus they fought two hours and more,

that their shields and their hauberks were all forhewen, and in many steads they were wounded. So at the last

Sir Beaumains smote him through the cost of the body, and then he retrayed him here and there, and knightly

maintained his battle long time. And at the last, though him loath were, Beaumains smote Sir Persant above

upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to the earth; and then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his

Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With that came the damosel and prayed to save his life. I

will well, for it were pity this noble knight should die. Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and damosel.

For certainly now I wot well it was ye that slew my brother the Black Knight at the black thorn; he was a full

noble knight, his name was Sir Percard. Also I am sure that ye are he that won mine other brother the Green

Knight, his name was Sir Pertolepe. Also ye won my brother the Red Knight, Sir Perimones. And now since

ye have won these, this shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage and fealty of me, and an hundred

knights to be always at your commandment, to go and ride where ye will command us. And so they went

unto Sir Persant's pavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant made him to rest

upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed again. When Beaumains was abed, Sir Persant had a

lady, a fair daughter of eighteen year of age, and there he called her unto him, and charged her and

commanded her upon his blessing to go unto the knight's bed, and lie down by his side, and make him no

strange cheer, but good cheer, and take him in thine arms and kiss him, and look that this be done, I charge

you, as ye will have my love and my good will. So Sir Persant's daughter did as her father bade her, and so

she went unto Sir Beaumains' bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laid her down by him, and then he

awoke and saw her, and asked her what she was. Sir, she said, I am Sir Persant's daughter, that by the

commandment of my father am come hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said, I am a clean

maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil you to do Sir Persant such a shame; therefore, fair damosel,

arise out of this bed or else I will. Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will, but as I was commanded.

Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful knight an I would do your father any disworship; and so he

kissed her, and so she departed and came unto Sir Persant her father, and told him all how she had sped.

Truly, said Sir Persant, whatsomever he be, he is come of a noble blood. And so we leave them there till on

CHAPTER XIII. Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him

AND so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and brake their fast, and so took their leave.

Fair damosel, said Persant, whitherward are ye wayleading this knight? Sir, she said, this knight is going to

the siege that besiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous. Ah, ah, said Persant, that is the Knight of the Red

Laund, the which is the most perilous knight that I know now living, and a man that is without mercy, and

men say that he hath seven men's strength. God save you, said he to Beaumains, from that knight, for he doth

great wrong to that lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of the fairest ladies of the world, and meseemeth

that your damosel is her sister: is not your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my sister's

name is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said Sir Persant, this Red Knight of the Red Laund hath lain

long at the siege, wellnigh this two years, and many times he might have had her an he had would, but he

prolongeth the time to this intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to do battle with him, or Sir Tristram, or

Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir Gawaine, and this is his tarrying so long at the siege.

Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I require you that ye will make this gentleman

knight or ever he fight with the Red Knight. I will with all my heart, said Sir Persant, an it please him to take

the order of knighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said Beaumains, I thank you for your good will, for I

am better sped, for certainly the noble knight Sir Launcelot made me knight. Ah, said Sir Persant, of a more

renowned knight might ye not be made knight; for of all knights he may be called chief of knighthood; and so

all the world saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearly knighthood, that is Launcelot du Lake, Sir

Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorak de Galis: these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as

Sir Palamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis his brother;

also Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Percivale de Galis; these and many more be noble

knights, but there be none that pass the three above said; therefore God speed you well, said Sir Persant, for

Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of knighthood. And I let you wit I came of good men,

for I dare say my father was a noble man, and so that ye will keep it in close, and this damosel, I will tell you

of what kin I am. We will not discover you, said they both, till ye command us, by the faith we owe unto

God. Truly then, said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lot was my father, and my mother is King

Arthur's sister, her name is Dame Morgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine and Sir

Gaheris, and I am the youngest of them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what I am.

CHAPTER XIV. How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister how she had brought a knight

SO the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her sister's coming by the dwarf, and a knight

with her, and how he had passed all the perilous passages. What manner a man is he? said the lady. He is a

noble knight, truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a young man, but he is as likely a man as ever ye saw

any. What is he? said the damosel, and of what kin is he come, and of whom was he made knight? Madam,

said the dwarf, he is the king's son of Orkney, but his name I will not tell you as at this time; but wit ye well,

of Sir Launcelot was he made knight, for of none other would he be made knight, and Sir Kay named him

Beaumains. How escaped he, said the lady, from the brethren of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight

should. First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she, they were good knights, but they

were murderers, the one hight Gherard le Breuse, and the other knight hight Sir Arnold le Breuse. Then,

madam, he recountered with the Black Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and so he took his horse and his

armour and fought with the Green Knight and won him in plain battle, and in like wise he served the Red

Knight, and after in the same wise he served the Blue Knight and won him in plain battle. Then, said the lady,

he hath overcome Sir Persant of Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarf said, He hath

won all the four brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet he did more tofore: he overthrew Sir Kay and

left him nigh dead upon the ground; also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot, and there they departed on

Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go thou in an hermitage of mine hereby, and there

shalt thou bear with thee of my wine in two flagons of silver, they are of two gallons, and also two cast of

bread with fat venison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of gold here I deliver thee, that is rich and precious;

and bear all this to mine hermitage, and put it in the hermit's hands. And sithen go thou unto my sister and

greet her well, and commend me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to eat and to drink and make him

strong, and say ye him I thank him of his courtesy and goodness, that he would take upon him such labour for

me that never did him bounty nor courtesy. Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall

meet with a full noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor gentleness; for he attendeth unto

So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found the damosel Linet and Sir Beaumains, and

there he told them all as ye have heard; and then they took their leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling

hackney and conveyed them on their ways, and then beleft them to God; and so within a little while they

came to that hermitage, and there they drank the wine, and ate the venison and the fowls baken. And so when

they had repasted them well, the dwarf returned again with his vessel unto the castle again; and there met

with him the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and asked him from whence that he came, and where he had

been. Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady's sister of this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur's

court, and brought a knight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for though she had brought with her

Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawaine, I would think myself good enough for them all.

It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all the perilous passages, and slain the Black

Knight and other two more, and won the Green Knight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he one

of these four that I have afore rehearsed. He is none of those, said the dwarf, but he is a king's son. What is

his name? said the Red Knight of the Red Launds. That will I not tell you, said the dwarf, but Sir Kay upon

scorn named him Beaumains. I care not, said the knight, what knight so ever he be, for I shall soon deliver

him. And if I ever match him he shall have a shameful death as many other have had. That were pity, said the

CHAPTER XV. How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and

there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.

NOW leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains, that all night lay in the hermitage; and

upon the morn he and the damosel Linet heard their mass and brake their fast. And then they took their horses

and rode throughout a fair forest; and then they came to a plain, and saw where were many pavilions and

tents, and a fair castle, and there was much smoke and great noise; and when they came near the siege Sir

Beaumains espied upon great trees, as he rode, how there hung full goodly armed knights by the neck, and

their shields about their necks with their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels, and so there hung nigh a

Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth this? Fair sir, said the damosel, abate

not your cheer for all this sight, for ye must courage yourself, or else ye be all shent, for all these knights

came hither to this siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the Red Knight of the Red Launds had

overcome them, he put them to this shameful death without mercy and pity. And in the same wise he will

Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death and shenship of arms. For rather than I

should so be faren withal, I would rather be slain manly in plain battle. So were ye better, said the damosel;

for trust not, in him is no courtesy, but all goeth to the death or shameful murder, and that is pity, for he is a

full likely man, well made of body, and a full noble knight of prowess, and a lord of great lands and

possessions. Truly, said Beaumains, he may well be a good knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is

marvel that he endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lord Arthur's have not dealt with him.

And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with full warlike walls; and there were lodged

many great lords nigh the walls; and there was great noise of minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one side of

the walls, where were many ships and mariners' noise with ``hale and how.'' And also there was fast by a

sycamore tree, and there hung an horn, the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant's bone; and this Knight

of the Red Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any errant knight, he must blow that horn, and

then will he make him ready and come to him to do battle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel Linet, blow

ye not the horn till it be high noon, for now it is about prime, and now increaseth his might, that as men say

he hath seven men's strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel, say ye never so more to me; for, an he were as

good a knight as ever was, I shall never fail him in his most might, for either I will win worship worshipfully,

or die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his horse straight to the sycamore tree, and blew so the

horn eagerly that all the siege and the castle rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of their tents

and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the walls and out at windows.

Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two barons set on his spurs upon his heels,

and all was blood red, his armour, spear and shield. And an earl buckled his helm upon his head, and then

they brought him a red spear and a red steed, and so he rode into a little vale under the castle, that all that

CHAPTER XVI. How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and how they began their battle.

SIR, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad and light, for yonder is your deadly enemy,

and at yonder window is my lady, my sister, Dame Lionesse. Where? said Beaumains. Yonder, said the

damosel, and pointed with her finger. That is truth, said Beaumains. She beseemeth afar the fairest lady that

ever I looked upon; and truly, he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for to do battle, for truly she shall be

my lady, and for her I will fight. And ever he looked up to the window with glad countenance, and the Lady

Lionesse made curtsey to him down to the earth, with holding up both their hands.

With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir Beaumains, Leave, sir knight, thy looking, and

behold me, I counsel thee; for I warn thee well she is my lady, and for her I have done many strong battles. If

thou have so done, said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour, for she loveth none of thy

fellowship, and thou to love that loveth not thee is but great folly. For an I understood that she were not glad

of my coming, I would be advised or I did battle for her. But I understand by the besieging of this castle she

may forbear thy fellowship. And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the Red Launds, I love her, and

will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou that? said the Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be

ware by yonder knights that thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie for shame, said Beaumains, that ever

thou shouldest say or do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself and knighthood, and thou mayst be sure there

will no lady love thee that knoweth thy wicked customs. And now thou weenest that the sight of these hanged

knights should fear me. Nay truly, not so; that shameful sight causeth me to have courage and hardiness

against thee, more than I would have had against thee an thou wert a wellruled knight. Make thee ready,

Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they put their spears in their rests, and came

together with all their might that they had both, and either smote other in midst of their shields that the

paitrelles, surcingles, and cruppers brast, and fell to the earth both, and the reins of their bridles in their

hands; and so they lay a great while sore astonied, that all that were in the castle and in the siege weened their

necks had been broken; and then many a stranger and other said the strange knight was a big man, and a

noble jouster, for or now we saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the Red Launds: thus they said,

both within the castle and without. Then lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields afore them,

and drew their swords and ran together like two fierce lions, and either gave other such buffets upon their

helms that they reeled backward both two strides; and then they recovered both, and hewed great pieces off

CHAPTER XVII. How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and would have slain him, but

at the request of the lords he saved his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.

AND then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint, till at the last they lacked wind both;

and then they stood wagging and scattering, panting, blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them for the

most part wept for pity. So when they had rested them a while they yede to battle again, tracing, racing,

foining as two boars. And at some time they took their run as it had been two rams, and hurtled together that

sometime they fell grovelling to the earth: and at some time they were so amazed that either took other's

Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that beheld them might know whether was like to

win the battle; and their armour was so forhewn that men might see their naked sides; and in other places they

were naked, but ever the naked places they did defend. And the Red Knight was a wily knight of war, and his

wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he abought it full sore or he did espy his fighting.

And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and so they set them down upon two

molehills there beside the fighting place, and either of them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind; for

either of their pages was fast by them, to come when they called to unlace their harness and to set them on

again at their commandment. And then when Sir Beaumains' helm was off, he looked up to the window, and

there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, and she made him such countenance that his heart waxed light and

jolly; and therewith he bade the Red Knight of the Red Launds make him ready, and let us do the battle to the

utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then they laced up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they

stepped together and fought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds awaited him, and at an overthwart

smote him within the hand, that his sword fell out of his hand; and yet he gave him another buffet upon the

helm that he fell grovelling to the earth, and the Red Knight fell over him, for to hold him down.

Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains, where is thy courage become? Alas, my lady my

sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth, that maketh mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains

heard her say so, he abraid up with a great might and gat him upon his feet, and lightly he leapt to his sword

and gripped it in his hand, and doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and there they fought a new battle

together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his strokes, and smote so thick that he smote the sword out of his

hand, and then he smote him upon the helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him, and

unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him and asked mercy, and said with a loud voice: O

Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had made to be hanged shamefully, and then he

said: I may not with my worship save thy life, for the shameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good

knights to die. Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your hand and ye shall know the causes why

I put them to so shameful a death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I loved once a lady, a fair damosel, and

she had her brother slain; and she said it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me

as that I loved her heartily, that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knighthood, for to labour daily

in arms unto I met with one of them; and all that I might overcome I should put them unto a villainous death;

and this is the cause that I have put all these knights to death, and so I ensured her to do all the villainy unto

King Arthur's knights, and that I should take vengeance upon all these knights. And, sir, now I will thee tell

that every day my strength increaseth till noon, and all this time have I seven men's strength.

CHAPTER XVIII. How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur's

THEN came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and prayed that knight to save his life, and take

him to your prisoner. And all they fell upon their knees, and prayed him of mercy, and that he would save his

life; and, Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take homage and fealty, and let him hold his lands of you

than for to slay him; by his death ye shall have none advantage, and his misdeeds that be done may not be

undone; and therefore he shall make amends to all parties, and we all will become your men and do you

homage and fealty. Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath to slay this knight, nevertheless

he hath done passing ill and shamefully; but insomuch all that he did was at a lady's request I blame him the

less; and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have his life upon this covenant, that he go within

the castle, and yield him there to the lady, and if she will forgive and quit him, I will well; with this he make

her amends of all the trespass he hath done against her and her lands. And also, when that is done, that ye go

unto the court of King Arthur, and there that ye ask Sir Launcelot mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will ye

have had against them. Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command, and

siker assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the assurance was made, he made his homage

And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him and searched his wounds, and stinted

his blood, and in likewise she did to the Red Knight of the Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in

their tents; and the Red Knight made his lords and servants to do all the pleasure that they might unto Sir

Beaumains. And so within a while the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede unto the castle, and put him in her

grace. And so she received him upon sufficient surety, so all her hurts were well restored of all that she could

complain. And then he departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knight of the Red

Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, and there he told openly how he was

overcome and by whom, and also he told all the battles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu mercy, said

King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a noble knight. Have ye

no marvel, said Sir Launcelot, for ye shall right well wit that he is come of a full noble blood; and as for his

might and hardiness, there be but few now living that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It

seemeth by you, said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come, and of what blood he

is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I would not have given him the order of knighthood; but he gave

me such charge at that time that I should never discover him until he required me, or else it be known openly

CHAPTER XIX. How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the castle the gates were closed

NOW turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see her sister, his lady. Sir, she said, I

would fain ye saw her. Then Sir Beaumains all armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode straight

unto the castle. And when he came to the gate he found there many men armed, and pulled up the drawbridge

Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he looked up to the window; and there

he saw the fair Lionesse that said on high: Go thy way, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have wholly

my love, unto the time that thou be called one of the number of the worthy knights. And therefore go labour

in worship this twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear new tidings. Alas, fair lady, said Beaumains, I have not

deserved that ye should show me this strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good cheer with

you, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have bought your love with part of the

best blood within my body. Fair courteous knight, said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor overhasty; for

wit you well your great travail nor good love shall not be lost, for I consider your great travail and labour,

your bounty and your goodness as me ought to do. And therefore go on your way, and look that ye be of good

comfort, for all shall be for your worship and for the best, and perdy a twelvemonth will soon be done, and

trust me, fair knight, I shall be true to you, and never to betray you, but to my death I shall love you and none

other. And therewithal she turned her from the window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle,

making great dole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he rode, till it was dark night. And then

it happened him to come to a poor man's house, and there he was harboured all that night.

But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of the lady of the castle. And so upon

the morrow he took his horse and rode until underne, and then he came to a broad water, and thereby was a

great lodge, and there he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon the shield, and betook his horse to the

Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much upon Beaumains, and then she called unto her

Sir Gringamore her brother, and prayed him in all manner, as he loved her heartily, that he would ride after

Sir Beaumains: And ever have ye wait upon him till ye may find him sleeping, for I am sure in his heaviness

he will alight down in some place, and lie him down to sleep; and therefore have ye your wait upon him, and

in the priviest manner ye can, take his dwarf, and go ye your way with him as fast as ever ye may or Sir

Beaumains awake. For my sister Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he is come, and what is his

right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will ride unto your castle to await when ye bring with you the

dwarf. And then when ye have brought him unto your castle, I will have him in examination myself. Unto the

time that I know what is his right name, and of what kindred he is come, shall I never be merry at my heart.

And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found Sir Beaumains lying by a water, and his head

upon his shield, for to sleep. And then when he saw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he came stilly stalking behind

the dwarf, and plucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode away with him as fast as ever he might unto his

own castle. And this Sir Gringamore's arms were all black, and that to him longeth. But ever as he rode with

the dwarf toward his castle, he cried unto his lord and prayed him of help. And therewith awoke Sir

Beaumains, and up he leapt lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his way with the dwarf, and so Sir

CHAPTER XX. How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.

THEN Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and took his horse, and rode after him all

that ever he might ride through marshes, and fields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he plunged

over the head in deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took the gainest way in that woodness, that many

times he was like to perish. And at the last him happened to come to a fair green way, and there he met with a

poor man of the country, whom he saluted and asked him whether he met not with a knight upon a black

horse and all black harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavy cheer. Sir, said the poor man, here by

me came Sir Gringamore the knight, with such a dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not

follow him, for he is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is here nigh hand but two mile;

therefore we advise you ride not after Sir Gringamore, but if ye owe him good will.

So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of Sir Gringamore and the dwarf. Anon as

the dwarf was come to the castle, Dame Lionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his

master born, and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me, said Dame Lionesse, thou shalt never

escape this castle, but ever here to be prisoner. As for that, said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell his name

and of what kin he is come. Wit you well he is a king's son, and his mother is sister to King Arthur, and he is

brother to the good knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth of Orkney. And now I have told you his

right name, I pray you, fair lady, let me go to my lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he

have me again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and work you wrack in this

country. As for that threatening, said Sir Gringamore, be it as it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they

washed and went to meat, and made them merry and well at ease, and because the Lady Lionesse of the castle

was there, they made great joy. Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, well may he be a king's son, for he

hath many good tatches on him, for he is courteous and mild, and the most suffering man that ever I met

withal. For I dare say there was never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I have rebuked him;

And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with an angry countenance, and his sword

drawn in his hand, and cried aloud that all the castle might hear it, saying: Thou traitor, Sir Gringamore,

deliver me my dwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to the order of knighthood, I shall do thee all the harm

that I can. Then Sir Gringamore looked out at a window and said, Sir Gareth of Orkney, leave thy boasting

words, for thou gettest not thy dwarf again. Thou coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and

come and do battle with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said Sir Gringamore, an me list, but for

all thy great words thou gettest him not. Ah! fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf

again, for I would he were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my desire I keep no more of the dwarf. And

also, brother, he hath done much for me, and delivered me from the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and

therefore, brother, I owe him my service afore all knights living. And wit ye well that I love him before all

other, and full fain I would speak with him. But in nowise I would that he wist what I were, but that I were

Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will obey now unto him. And right therewithal he

went down unto Sir Gareth, and said: Sir, I cry you mercy, and all that I have misdone I will amend it at your

will. And therefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such cheer as I can make you in this castle. Shall

I have my dwarf? said Sir Gareth. Yea, sir, and all the pleasaunce that I can make you, for as soon as your

dwarf told me what ye were and of what blood ye are come, and what noble deeds ye have done in these

marches, then I repented of my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alighted, and there came his dwarf and took his

horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have had many adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took

CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the presence of his lady, and how

AND then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there she made him passing good cheer,

and he her again; and they had goodly language and lovely countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought

many times, Jesu, would that the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as she was. There were all manner of

games and plays, of dancing and singing. And ever the more Sir Gareth beheld that lady, the more he loved

her; and so he burned in love that he was past himself in his reason; and forth toward night they yede unto

supper, and Sir Gareth might not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where he was.

All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then atafter supper he called his sister Dame Lionesse into a

chamber, and said: Fair sister, I have well espied your countenance betwixt you and this knight, and I will,

sister, that ye wit he is a full noble knight, and if ye can make him to abide here I will do him all the pleasure

that I can, for an ye were better than ye are, ye were well bywaryd upon him. Fair brother, said Dame

Lionesse, I understand well that the knight is good, and come he is of a noble house. Notwithstanding, I will

assay him better, howbeit I am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hath had great labour for my

Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make ye good cheer, for ye shall have none

other cause, for this lady, my sister, is yours at all times, her worship saved, for wit ye well she loveth you as

well as ye do her, and better if better may be. An I wist that, said Sir Gareth, there lived not a gladder man

than I would be. Upon my worship, said Sir Gringamore, trust unto my promise; and as long as it liketh you

ye shall sojourn with me, and this lady shall be with us daily and nightly to make you all the cheer that she

can. I will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh this country this twelvemonth. And well I am

sure King Arthur and other noble knights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I shall be

sought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble knight Sir Gareth went unto the Dame Lionesse,

which he then much loved, and kissed her many times, and either made great joy of other. And there she

promised him her love certainly, to love him and none other the days of her life. Then this lady, Dame

Lionesse, by the assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all the truth what she was, and how she was the same

lady that he did battle for, and how she was lady of the Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she

caused her brother to take away his dwarf, [*2]for this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and

CHAPTER XXII. How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in

AND then she let fetch tofore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden with him many wildsome ways. Then

was Sir Gareth more gladder than he was tofore. And then they trothplight each other to love, and never to

fail whiles their life lasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that they were accorded to abate their lusts

secretly. And there Dame Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in none other place but in the hall. And

This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for they were but young both, and tender of age,

and had not used none such crafts tofore. Wherefore the damosel Linet was a little displeased, and she

thought her sister Dame Lionesse was a little overhasty, that she might not abide the time of her marriage;

and for saving their worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts. And so she let ordain by her subtle crafts

that they had not their intents neither with other, as in their delights, until they were married. And so it passed

on. At after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and lady should go unto his rest. But Sir

Gareth said plainly he would go no farther than the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient for an

errantknight to take his rest in; and so there were ordained great couches, and thereon feather beds, and

there laid him down to sleep; and within a while came Dame Lionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with

ermine, and laid her down beside Sir Gareth. And therewithal he began to kiss her. And then he looked afore

him, and there he apperceived and saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him; and this knight

had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance to smite him. When Sir Gareth saw him come in

that wise, he leapt out of his bed, and gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And

when the knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote him with a foin through the thick of the

thigh that the wound was a shaftmon broad and had cut atwo many veins and sinews. And therewithal Sir

Gareth smote him upon the helm such a buffet that he fell grovelling; and then he leapt over him and unlaced

his helm, and smote off his head from the body. And then he bled so fast that he might not stand, but so he

Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore heard, and came down. And when he saw

Sir Gareth so shamefully wounded he was sore displeased, and said: I am shamed that this noble knight is

thus honoured. Sir, said Sir Gringamore, how may this be, that ye be here, and this noble knight wounded?

Brother, she said, I can not tell you, for it was not done by me, nor by mine assent. For he is my lord and I am

his, and he must be mine husband; therefore, my brother, I will that ye wit I shame me not to be with him, nor

to do him all the pleasure that I can. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye wit it, and Sir Gareth both,

that it was never done by me, nor by my assent that this unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched

his bleeding as well as they might, and great sorrow made Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse.

And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the sight of them all, and anointed it with an

ointment thereas it was smitten off; and in the same wise she did to the other part thereas the head stuck, and

then she set it together, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And the knight arose lightly up, and the damosel

Linet put him in her chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse, and so did Sir Gareth; and

well he espied that it was the damosel Linet, that rode with him through the perilous passages. Ah well,

damosel, said Sir Gareth, I weened ye would not have done as ye have done. My lord Gareth, said Linet, all

that I have done I will avow, and all that I have done shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all. And

so within a while Sir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and jocund, and sang, danced, and gamed; and

he and Dame Lionesse were so hot in burning love that they made their covenant at the tenth night after, that

she should come to his bed. And because he was wounded afore, he laid his armour and his sword nigh his

CHAPTER XXIII. How the said knight came again the next night and was beheaded again, and how at

the feast of Pentecost all the knights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.

RIGHT as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his bed but she espied an armed knight coming

toward the bed: therewithal she warned Sir Gareth, and lightly through the good help of Dame Lionesse he

was armed; and they hurtled together with great ire and malice all about the hall; and there was great light as

it had been the number of twenty torches both before and behind, so that Sir Gareth strained him, so that his

old wound brast again ableeding; but he was hot and courageous and took no keep, but with his great force

he struck down that knight, and voided his helm, and struck off his head. Then he hewed the head in an

hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took up all those pieces, and threw them out at a window into

the ditches of the castle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he might stand for bleeding. And by

when he was almost unarmed he fell in a deadly swoon on the floor; and then Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir

Gringamore heard; and when he came and found Sir Gareth in that plight he made great sorrow; and there he

awaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a drink that relieved him wonderly well; but the sorrow that Dame Lionesse

made there may no tongue tell, for she so fared with herself as she would have died.

Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had fetched all the gobbets of the head that Sir

Gareth had thrown out at a window, and there she anointed them as she had done to fore, and set them

together again. Well, damosel Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not deserved all this despite that ye do unto me.

Sir knight, she said, I have nothing done but I will avow, and all that I have done shall be to your worship,

and to us all. And then was Sir Gareth staunched of his bleeding. But the leeches said that there was no man

that bare the life should heal him throughout of his wound but if they healed him that caused that stroke by

So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters, and turn we unto King Arthur, that at the

next feast of Pentecost held his feast; and there came the Green Knight with fifty knights, and yielded them

all unto King Arthur. And so there came the Red Knight his brother, and yielded him to King Arthur, and

three score knights with him. Also there came the Blue Knight, brother to them, with an hundred knights, and

yielded them unto King Arthur; and the Green Knight's name was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight's name was

Perimones, and the Blue Knight's name was Sir Persant of Inde. These three brethren told King Arthur how

they were overcome by a knight that a damosel had with her, and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I

marvel what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me a twelvemonth, and poorly and

shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn named him Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talking

with these three brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that there was come a goodly

Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and there came to him this lord, and saluted the

king in a goodly manner. What will ye, said King Arthur, and what is your errand? Sir, he said, my name is

the Red Knight of the Red Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside; and sir, wit ye well, here I am sent to you of

a knight that is called Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle hand for hand, and so did never no knight but

he, that ever had the better of me this thirty winter; the which commanded to yield me to you at your will. Ye

are welcome, said the king, for ye have been long a great foe to me and my court, and now I trust to God I

shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend. Sir, both I and these five hundred knights shall always be at

your summons to do you service as may lie in our powers. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur, I am much beholden

unto that knight that hath put so his body in devoir to worship me and my court. And as to thee, Ironside, that

art called the Red Knight of the Red Launds, thou art called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold of me I

shall worship thee and make thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be no more a murderer. Sir,

as to that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains never more to use such customs, for all the shameful customs

that I used I did at the request of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot, and unto Sir

Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil will I had unto them; for all that I put to death was all only for

the love of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Gawaine. They be here now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say to

them what ye will. And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to Sir Gawaine, and prayed them of

CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where Sir Gareth was.

THEN goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do, and pray you that ye will tell us where we

may find Sir Beaumains. Fair lords, said Sir Ironside, I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him; for such

young knights as he is one, when they be in their adventures be never abiding in no place. But to say the

worship that the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother said of Beaumains, it was

marvel to hear. Well, my fair lords, said King Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of Sir

Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon one day knights of the Table

Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde, thou hast been ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever

been thy three brethren called. But I marvel, said the king, that I hear not of the Black Knight your brother, he

was a full noble knight. Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, Sir Beaumains slew him in a recounter with his

spear, his name was Sir Percard. That was great pity, said the king, and so said many knights. For these four

brethren were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights, for long time they had holden

war against the knights of the Round Table. Then said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king: At a passage

of the water of Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that ever for the most part kept

that passage, and they were two deadly knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in the water, and smote

him upon the head such a buffet that he fell down in the water, and there he was drowned, and his name was

Sir Gherard le Breusse; and after he slew the other brother upon the land, his name was Sir Arnold le

CHAPTER XXV[*3].How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his

[*3] In Caxton's edition this chapter is misnumbered XXVI., setting the numeration wrong to the end of the

So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best manner. And as they sat at the meat, there

came in the Queen of Orkney, with ladies and knights a great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine,

and Gaheris arose, and went to her and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing; for in fifteen

year they had not seen her. Then she spake on high to her brother King Arthur: Where have ye done my

young son Sir Gareth? He was here amongst you a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen knave of him, the

which is shame to you all. Alas, where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dear mother,

said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that now me repenteth, but thanked be God he is

proved a worshipful knight as any is now living of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may find him.

Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Gawaine, and to all her sons, ye did yourself great

shame when ye amongst you kept my son in the kitchen and fed him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said King

Arthur, ye shall right well wit I knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren; but sithen it is

so, said the king, that he is thus gone from us all, we must shape a remedy to find him. Also, sister,

meseemeth ye might have done me to wit of his coming, and then an I had not done well to him ye might

have blamed me. For when he came to this court he came leaning upon two men's shoulders, as though he

might not have gone. And then he asked me three gifts; and one he asked the same day, that was that I would

give him meat enough that twelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth, and that

was that he might have the adventure of the damosel Linet, and the third was that Sir Launcelot should make

him knight when he desired him. And so I granted him all his desire, and many in this court marvelled that he

desired his sustenance for a twelvemonth. And thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he was not come of a

Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit ye well that I sent him unto you right well

armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of his body, and gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be, said

the King, but thereof saw we none, save that same day as he departed from us, knights told me that there

came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought him armour and a good horse full well and richly beseen; and

thereat we all had marvel from whence that riches came, that we deemed all that he was come of men of

worship. Brother, said the queen, all that ye say I believe, for ever sithen he was grown he was marvellously

witted, and ever he was faithful and true of his promise. But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him

and scorn him, and gave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen, named him more righteously

than he weened; for I dare say an he be alive, he is as fair an handed man and well disposed as any is living.

Sir, said Arthur, let this language be still, and by the grace of God he shall be found an he be within this

seven realms, and let all this pass and be merry, for he is proved to be a man of worship, and that is my joy.

CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her

THEN said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye will give us leave, we will go and seek our

brother. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that shall ye not need; and so said Sir Baudwin of Britain: for as by our

advice the king shall send unto Dame Lionesse a messenger, and pray her that she will come to the court in

all the haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will come; and then she may give you best counsel where ye

shall find him. This is well said of you, said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the messenger

sent forth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle Perilous. And then the lady Dame Lionesse

was sent for, thereas she was with Sir Gringamore her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood this

message, she bade him ride on his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after in all goodly haste. Then

when she came to Sir Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all how King Arthur had sent for her. That

is because of me, said Sir Gareth. Now advise me, said Dame Lionesse, what shall I say, and in what manner

I shall rule me. My lady and my love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be ye aknowen where I am; but

well I wot my mother is there and all my brethren, and they will take upon them to seek me, I wot well that

they do. But this, madam, I would ye said and advised the king when he questioned with you of me. Then

may ye say, this is your advice that, an it like his good grace, ye will do make a cry against the feast of the

Assumption of our Lady, that what knight there proveth him best he shall wield you and all your land. And if

so be that he be a wedded man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of gold beset with stones of

So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was nobly received, and there she was sore

questioned of the king and of the Queen of Orkney. And she answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not

tell. But thus much she said unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a tournament that shall be done before my castle at

the Assumption of our Lady, and the cry shall be this: that you, my lord Arthur, shall be there, and your

knights, and I will purvey that my knights shall be against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of Sir

Gareth. This is well advised, said King Arthur; and so she departed. And the king and she made great

When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same isle thereas her brother Sir

Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all how she had done, and what promise she had made to King Arthur.

Alas, said Sir Gareth, I have been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came into this castle that I shall not

be able to do at that tournament like a knight; for I was never thoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of

good cheer, said the damosel Linet, for I undertake within these fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty

as ever ye were. And then she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased to her, that he was never so

fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Send you unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and

his knights to be here with you as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside, that is the Red

Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be ready with you with his whole sum of knights, and then

shall ye be able to match with King Arthur and his knights. So this was done, and all knights were sent for

unto the Castle Perilous; and then the Red Knight answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and to Sir Gareth,

Madam, and my lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have been at the court of King Arthur, and Sir

Persant of Inde and his brethren, and there we have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside

said, I have taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold part against my lord Sir

Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this have I done for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you

my lord Sir Gareth. Ye have well done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall be full sore matched with

the most noble knights of the world; therefore we must purvey us of good knights, where we may get them.

And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, and in all the Out Isles, and in

Brittany and in many countries; that at the feast of our Lady the Assumption next coming, men should come

to the Castle Perilous beside the Isle of Avilion; and there all the knights that there came should have the

choice whether them list to be on the one party with the knights of the castle, or on the other party with King

Arthur. And two months was to the day that the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights

that were at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur and his knights of the Round

Table and came in the side of them of the castle. For Sir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king's son of

Northumberland, and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir Safere his brother, and Sir Segwarides

his brother, but they were christened, and Sir Malegrine another, and Sir Brian de les Isles, a noble knight,

and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a good knight of Scotland, and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble

knight, and Sir Turquine his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, good knights of Cornwall.

There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir

Tristram was not at that time knight of the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of the world. And

so all these noble knights accompanied them with the lady of the castle, and with the Red Knight of the Red

Launds; but as for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon him more but as other mean knights.

CHAPTER XXVII. How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the lady received

AND then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, his brethren. And then his

nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de

Galis. Then came Sir Launcelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and cousins, as Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de

Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and many more of Sir Launcelot's blood, and Sir

Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile, his brother, a good knight, and Sir Sagramore, a good knight; and all the

most part of the Round Table. Also there came with King Arthur these knights, the King of Ireland, King

Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados and King Uriens of the land of Gore, and King

Bagdemagus and his son Sir Meliaganus, and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, and

earls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere,

Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur, and more

Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great array that was made within the castle

and about the castle for both parties. The Lady Dame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for her

noble knights, for all manner of lodging and victual that came by land and by water, that there lacked nothing

for her party, nor for the other, but there was plenty to be had for gold and silver for King Arthur and his

knights. And then there came the harbingers from King Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls,

barons, and knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and

Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore, that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name,

and make no more of him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I will not be known of neither

more nor less, neither at the beginning neither at the ending. Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I

will lend you a ring, but I would pray you as you love me heartily let me have it again when the tournament is

done, for that ring increaseth my beauty much more than it is of himself. And the virtue of my ring is that,

that is green it will turn to red, and that is red it will turn in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn to

likeness of white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and so it will do of all manner of colours.

Also who that beareth my ring shall lose no blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy, said

Sir Gareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me, for it will turn all manner of likeness that I

am in, and that shall cause me that I shall not be known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bay courser

that was a passing good horse; also he gave him good armour and sure, and a noble sword that sometime Sir

Gringamore's father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thus every knight made him ready to that

tournament. And King Arthur was come two days tofore the Assumption of our Lady. And there was all

manner of royalty of all minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and the Queen of

And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were heralds with trumpets

commanded to blow to the field. And so there came out Sir Epinogrus, the king's son of Northumberland,

from the castle, and there encountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of them brake their

spears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides out of the castle, and there encountered with him

Gawaine, and either of them smote other so hard that both the good knights and their horses fell to the earth.

And then knights of either party rescued their knights. And then came in Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides,

brethren to Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine with Sir Safere and Sir Gaheris encountered

with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smote down Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother; and Sir Segwarides, Sir

Safere's brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encountered with Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains,

and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine a fall, that he had almost broke his neck.

THEN Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the castle, encountered with Sir

Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir Grummore Grummursum to the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the

dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine, knights of the castle; and there encountered with them Sir Percivale de

Galis and Sir Lamorak de Galis, that were two brethren. And there encountered Sir Percivale with Sir

Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, and then Sir Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of

them smote down other's horse and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed them again.

And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle, encountered with Sir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these

four knights encountered mightily, and brake their spears to their hands. Then came in Sir Tristram, Sir

Sadok, and Sir Dinas, knights of the castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with Sir Bedivere, and there

Sir Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man. And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir Petipase, and

there Sir Sadok was overthrown. And there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal. Then

came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encountered with him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and

there he smote Sir Persant, horse and man, to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the castle, and there

encountered with him Sir Lionel, and there Sir Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down Sir Lionel, brother

to Sir Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, who bare him best, and their names.

And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir Persant's brother, that was a knight of the

castle, and he encountered with Sir Ector de Maris, and either smote other so hard that both their horses and

they fell to the earth. And then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth, from the castle,

and there encountered with them Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Bleoberis, and there the Red Knight and Sir Bors

[either] smote other so hard that their spears brast, and their horses fell grovelling to the earth. Then Sir

Bleoberis brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberis fell to the earth. When Sir

Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, and Sir Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat

a spear to avenge his brother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinadan and his brother,

La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas le Savage. All these he bare down with

When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled what he might be that one time

seemed green, and another time, at his again coming, he seemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode

to and fro he changed his colour, so that there might neither king nor knight have ready cognisance of him.

Then Sir Agwisance, the King of Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, and there Sir Gareth smote him from

his horse, saddle and all. And then came King Carados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse

and man. And in the same wise he served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in Sir

Bagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth. And Bagdemagus' son,

Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily and knightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince,

cried on high: Knight with the many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee ready that I may joust

with thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so they encountered together, and there the

prince brake his spear; but Sir Gareth smote him upon the left side of the helm that he reeled here and there,

So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many colours is a good knight. Wherefore the

king called unto him Sir Launcelot, and prayed him to encounter with that knight. Sir, said Launcelot, I may

well find in my heart for to forbear him as at this time, for he hath had travail enough this day; and when a

good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight's part to let him of his worship, and namely,

when he seeth a knight hath done so great labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here this

day, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be here; for I see well he paineth him and

enforceth him to do great deeds, and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall have the

THEN when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there began a sore tournament. And there

did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of arms; and betwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red

Knight of the Red Launds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and Bleoberis there was a

strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram met, and there Sir Gawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir

Gawaine from his horse, and there he was long upon foot, and defouled. Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he

smote Sir Turquine, and he him; and then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at once they assailed him,

and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfully fought with them both, that all men wondered of

the noblesse of Sir Launcelot. And then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that fought

with the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good horse and hurtled them insunder, and

no stroke would he smite to Sir Launcelot. That espied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good

knight Sir Gareth: and then Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote on the right hand and on the left hand,

and all the folk might well espy where that he rode. And by fortune he met with his brother Sir Gawaine, and

there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse, for he put off his helm, and so he served five or six knights of the

Round Table, that all men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did his devoir. For when Sir Tristram

beheld him how he first jousted and after fought so well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to

Sir Persant of Inde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder knight that seemeth in so

many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said Tristram, that he putteth himself in great pain, for he never

ceaseth. Wot ye not what he is? said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then shall ye know that this is he

that loveth the lady of the castle, and she him again; and this is he that won me when I besieged the lady of

this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persant of Inde, and his three brethren. What is his name, said Sir

Tristram, and of what blood is he come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains, but his right

name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head, said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight,

and a big man of arms, and if he be young he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they all said,

and of Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is mickle the better, said Tristram. And then Sir

Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir Persant, and his brother, rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and then there were

And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and then said his dwarf: Take me your ring,

that ye lose it not while that ye drink. And so when he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took his

horse and rode into the field, and left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf was glad the ring was from him,

for then he wist well he should be known. And then when Sir Gareth was in the field all folks saw him well

and plainly that he was in yellow colours; and there he rased off helms and pulled down knights, that King

Arthur had marvel what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it was the same knight.

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he escaped out of the field.

BUT before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour; that is yellow. Now go, said King

Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride about him, and espy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many

knights this day that be upon his party, and all say they know him not. And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as

he could; and there he saw written about his helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney. Then the herald

cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:This is Sir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms;

wherby[*4] all kings and knights of Arthur's beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all to behold

him, and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of Orkney, King Lot's son. And when Sir Gareth espied

that he was discovered, then he doubled his strokes, and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir

So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great pain he gat out of the press, and

there he met with his dwarf. O boy, said Sir Gareth, thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my

ring; give it me anon again, that I may hide my body withal; and so he took it him. And then they all wist not

where he was become; and Sir Gawaine had in manner espied where Sir Gareth rode, and then he rode after

with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth, and rode lightly into the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he

was become. And when Sir Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked the dwarf of best counsel. Sir,

said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that ye are escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame

Lionesse her ring. It is well advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and say that I

recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come when I may, and I pray her to be true and

faithful to me as I will be to her. Sir, said the dwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he rode his way,

and did his errand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam, said the dwarf, he

bade me say that he would not be long from you. And so lightly the dwarf came again unto Sir Gareth, that

would full fain have had a lodging, for he had need to be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and a rain, as

heaven and earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a little weary, for of all that day he had but little

rest, neither his horse nor he. So this Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever it

lightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune he came to a castle, and there he heard

CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and he jousted with a

THEN Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the porter fair to let him into the castle. The

porter answered ungoodly again, and said, Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight

of King Arthur's, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbour for the love of King Arthur.

Then the porter went unto the duchess, and told her how there was a knight of King Arthur's would have

harbour. Let him in, said the duchess, for I will see that knight, and for King Arthur's sake he shall not be

harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate, with great torchlight.

When Sir Gareth saw that torchlight he cried on high: Whether thou be lord or lady, giant or champion, I

take no force so that I may have harbour this night; and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me not

tomorn when I have rested me, for both I and mine horse be weary. Sir knight, said the lady, thou speakest

knightly and boldly; but wit thou well the lord of this castle loveth not King Arthur, nor none of his court, for

my lord hath ever been against him; and therefore thou were better not to come within this castle; for an thou

come in this night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meet my lord, by stigh or by

street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner. Madam, said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his

name? Sir, my lord's name is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir Gareth, I shall promise you in

what place I meet your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace; with that I understand he will do

me no harm: and if I understand that he will, I will release myself an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye

say well, said the duchess; and then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into the hall, and there he

alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in the hall he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out

of this hall this night; and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall find me ready. Then

was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes. Then Sir Gareth list well to eat, and knightly he ate his

meat, and eagerly; there was many a fair lady by him, and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so

well of eating. Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly when he had supped his bed was made

And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at the duchess, and at them all; and

thanked her goodly of her lodging, and of his good cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said,

truly my name is Gareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then knew she well it was the same

knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So Sir Gareth departed and rode up into a mountain, and there met him

a knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, and said to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt not pass this way, for either thou

shalt joust with me, or else be my prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And so they let their horses run,

and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body; and Sir Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside,

and there died. So Sir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine's castle. Then his

knights and servants espied that it was he that had slain their lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and

came out and assailed Sir Gareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his shield afore him; and

there they brake their spears upon him, and they assailed him passingly sore. But ever Sir Gareth defended

CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how

SO when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him, and took their counsel to slay his

horse; and so they came in upon Sir Gareth, and with spears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him

hard. But when he was on foot, there was none that he fought but he gave him such a buffet that he did never

recover. So he slew them by one and one till they were but four, and there they fled; and Sir Gareth took a

Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he heard much mourning of ladies and

gentlewomen. So there came by him a page. What noise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this castle?

Sir knight, said the page, here be within this castle thirty ladies, and all they be widows; for here is a knight

that waiteth daily upon this castle, and his name is the Brown Knight without Pity, and he is the periloust

knight that now liveth; and therefore sir, said the page, I rede you flee. Nay, said Sir Gareth, I will not flee

though thou be afeard of him. And then the page saw where came the Brown Knight: Lo, said the page,

yonder he cometh. Let me deal with him, said Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let their

horses run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body, that he

overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So Sir Gareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he

might repose him. Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him good cheer, said the page, for

this knight hath slain your enemy. Then they all made him good cheer as lay in their power. But wit ye well

they made him good cheer, for they might none otherwise do, for they were but poor.

And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies kneel, and lay grovelling upon divers

tombs, making great dole and sorrow. Then Sir Gareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords. Fair ladies,

said Sir Gareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be at the court of King Arthur, and say that I, Sir

Gareth, sent you thither. We shall do this, said the ladies. So he departed, and by fortune he came to a

mountain, and there he found a goodly knight that bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. What are

ye? said Sir Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, ye are the same knight that I lodged

once in your castle; and there I made promise unto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the

duke, art thou that proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights; therefore make thee ready, for I will

have ado with you. So they let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote the duke down from his horse. But

the duke lightly avoided his horse, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alight and

fight with him. So he did alight, and they did great battle together more than an hour, and either hurt other

full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat the duke to the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to

him. Then must ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast, and say that I, Sir Gareth of

Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be done, said the duke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an

hundred knights with me; and all the days of my life to do you service where ye will command me.

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against other, and how they knew each

SO the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he saw an armed knight coming toward

him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke's shield, and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran

together as it had been the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir Gareth under the side with his spear. And

then they alighted and drew their swords, and gave great strokes that the blood trailed to the ground. And so

At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the damosel Savage, and she came riding

upon an ambling mule; and there she cried all on high, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with thy

brother Sir Gareth. And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword, and ran to Sir

Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled down and asked him mercy. What are ye, said Sir

Gareth, that right now were so strong and so mighty, and now so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am

your brother Sir Gawaine, that for your sake have had great sorrow and labour. Then Sir Gareth unlaced his

helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked him mercy. Then they rose both, and embraced either other in

their arms, and wept a great while or they might speak, and either of them gave other the prize of the battle.

And there were many kind words between them. Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right

to worship you an ye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King Arthur and all his court, for ye have

sent him[*5] more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the best of the Round Table have done,

Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with Sir Gareth so long, and there she did

staunch Sir Gareth's wounds and Sir Gawaine's. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth

that it were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses are so bruised that they may not

bear. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you ride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and tell

him what adventure is to me betid here, and I suppose he will not tarry long. Then she took her mule, and

lightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile thence. And when she had told him tidings the king

bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his back he bade the lords and ladies come after, who that

would; and there was saddling and bridling of queens' horses and princes' horses, and well was him that

So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth sit upon a little hillside, and

then the king avoided his horse. And when he came nigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he might not;

and therewith he sank down in a swoon for gladness. And so they stert unto their uncle, and required him of

his good grace to be of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made great joy, and many a piteous complaint he

made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as he had been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of

Orkney, Dame Morgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might not weep, but

suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great while like as she had been dead. And then Sir Gareth

recomforted his mother in such wise that she recovered and made good cheer. Then the king commanded that

all manner of knights that were under his obeissance should make their lodging right there for the love of his

nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyance purveyed, that there lacked nothing that might be

gotten of tame nor wild for gold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine and Sir

Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your sister, Dame Lionesse, cometh not here

to me, and in especial that she cometh not to visit her knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so much

travail for her love. My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good grace hold her excused, for she

knoweth not that my lord, Sir Gareth, is here. Go then for her, said King Arthur, that we may be appointed

what is best to be done, according to the pleasure of my nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and

so she rode unto her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and she came on the morn with

her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty knights. And so when she was come she had all the cheer that

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to King Arthur, and of the

AND among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless. Then when Sir Gawaine saw her there

was many a goodly look and goodly words, that all men of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King

Arthur and many other kings, and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of Orkney. And there the king asked his

nephew, Sir Gareth, whether he would have that lady as paramour, or to have her to his wife. My lord, wit

you well that I love her above all ladies living. Now, fair lady, said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble

King, said Dame Lionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to have and wield as

my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if I may not have him I promise you I will never

have none. For, my lord Arthur, said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he shall be the last;

and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free choice I dare say he will have me. That is truth, said Sir

Gareth; an I have not you and wield not you as my wife, there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice me.

What, nephew, said the king, is the wind in that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stint of my crown to

be causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannot love so well but I shall rather increase it than

distress it. And also ye shall have my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.

Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by the king's advice it was provided that it

should be at Michaelmas following, at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful country. And so it

was cried in all the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent his summons to all these knights and

ladies that he had won in battle tofore, that they should be at his day of marriage at Kink Kenadon by the

sands. And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode to their castle; and a

goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth, and he gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair

of beads[*6] of gold; and so she departed; and King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon,

and Sir Gareth brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and rode with him. Lord! the great

cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him, for there was never no knight that Sir Gareth

loved so well as he did Sir Launcelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot's company; for

after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine's conditions, he withdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine's,

fellowship, for he was vengeable, and where he hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hated Sir

CHAPTER XXXV. Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of

SO it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady of the Castle Perilous, and her

sister, Dame Linet, with Sir Gringamore, her brother, with them for he had the conduct of these ladies. And

there they were lodged at the device of King Arthur. And upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterbury

made the wedding betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity. And King Arthur made

Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet; and King Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed

And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight, Sir Pertolepe, with thirty knights,

and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir

Pertolepe said: I pray you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain. With a good will, said Sir Gareth sith

it liketh you to take so simple an office. Then came in the Red Knight, with three score knights with him, and

did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and all those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this Sir

Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that high feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth,

that ye have this office, and it were better. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights with

him, and there he did homage and fealty, and all his knights should do him service, and hold their lands of

him for ever; and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make him his sewerchief at the feast. I will well, said Sir

Gareth, that ye have it and it were better. Then came the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with

him, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands of him for ever. And he

required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and

it were better. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir Ironside, and he brought with

him three hundred knights, and there he did homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of

him for ever. And then he asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well, said Sir Gareth, an it please you.

Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and those thirty ladies brought with them

many fair gentlewomen. And all they kneeled down at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and there

all those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from the dolorous tower, and slew the Brown

Knight without Pity: And therefore we, and our heirs for evermore, will do homage unto Sir Gareth of

Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princes and earls, barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and

well may ye wit there were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, with all manner of

minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was great jousts three days. But the king would not suffer

Sir Gareth to joust, because of his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that Dame Lionesse desired of the

So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew thirty knights, and did passing

marvellously deeds of arms; and then King Arthur made Sir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the

Round Table to their lives' end, and gave them great lands. Also the second day there jousted Tristram best,

and he overthrew forty knights, and did there marvellous deeds of arms. And there King Arthur made

Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the Red Launds, a Knight of the Table Round to his life's end, and gave

him great lands. The third day there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he overthrew fifty knights, and did

many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men wondered on him. And there King Arthur made the Duke de la

Rowse a Knight of the Round Table to his life's end, and gave him great lands to spend. But when these

jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly, and would not be known, for the which

King Arthur and all the court were sore displeased. And so they held the court forty days with great

solemnity. And this Sir Gareth was a noble knight, and a wellruled, and fair languaged.

Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse of the Castle Perilous. And also Sir

Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame Linet, that was called the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded

Dame Laurel, a fair lady and great, and mighty lands with great riches gave with them King Arthur, that

Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir Tristram de Liones, and who was his father

How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him

IT was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the country of Liones, and this Meliodas was

a likely knight as any was that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark's sister of Cornwall, and

she was called Elizabeth, that was called both good and fair. And at that time King Arthur reigned, and he

was whole king of England, Wales, and Scotland, and of many other realms: howbeit there were many kings

that were lords of many countries, but all they held their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings,

and in the north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings; also in Ireland were two

or three kings, and all were under the obeissance of King Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of

So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she waxed great with child, and she was a

full meek lady, and well she loved her lord, and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them. Then there

was a lady in that country that had loved King Meliodas long, and by no mean she never could get his love;

therefore she let ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rode ahunting, for he was a great chaser, and there by

an enchantment she made him chase an hart by himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and there anon

he was taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, King Meliodas' wife, missed her lord, and

she was nigh out of her wit, and also as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her, and ran

into the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the forest she might no farther, for she began to

travail fast of her child. And she had many grimly throes; her gentlewoman helped her all that she might, and

so by miracle of Our Lady of Heaven she was delivered with great pains. But she had taken such cold for the

default of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must die and depart out of this world;

And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then she made great dole, and said unto

her gentlewoman: When ye see my lord, King Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I

endure here for his love, and how I must die here for his sake for default of good help; and let him wit that I

am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be friend to my soul. Now let me see

my little child, for whom I have had all this sorrow. And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son,

thou hast murdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer so young, thou art full likely

to be a manly man in thine age. And because I shall die of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman, that

thou pray my lord, King Meliodas, that when he is christened let call him Tristram, that is as much to say as a

sorrowful birth. And therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died. Then the gentlewoman laid her under

an umbre of a great tree, and then she lapped the child as well as she might for cold. Right so there came the

barons, following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, and understood none other but the

king was destroyed, [*7]then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would have been lords

CHAPTER II. How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.

BUT then through the fair speech of the gentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most part of the

barons would not assent thereto. And then they let carry home the dead queen, and much dole was made for

Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the morn after his queen was dead.

And so when the king was come home the most part of the barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the

king made for his queen that might no tongue tell. So then the king let inter her richly, and after he let

christen his child as his wife had commanded afore her death. And then he let call him Tristram, the

sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas endured seven years without a wife, and all this time Tristram

was nourished well. Then it befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany, and anon

she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and wroth that her children should not rejoice the

country of Liones, wherefore this queen ordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let poison be put in a

piece of silver in the chamber whereas Tristram and her children were together, unto that intent that when

Tristram were thirsty he should drink that drink. And so it fell upon a day, the queen's son, as he was in that

chamber, espied the piece with poison, and he weened it had been good drink, and because the child was

thirsty he took the piece with poison and drank freely; and therewithal suddenly the child brast and was dead.

When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well that she was heavy. But yet the king

understood nothing of her treason. Notwithstanding the queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain

more poison, and put it in a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her husband, found the piece with wine

where was the poison, and he that was much thirsty took the piece for to drink thereout. And as he would

have drunken thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him, and pulled the piece from him

suddenly. The king marvelled why she did so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with

poison. And then he took her by the hand, and said: Thou false traitress, thou shalt tell me what manner of

drink this is, or else I shall slay thee. And therewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great oath that he

should slay her but if she told him truth. Ah! mercy, my lord, said she, and I shall tell you all. And then she

told him why she would have slain Tristram, because her children should rejoice his land. Well, said King

Meliodas, and therefore shall ye have the law. And so she was condemned by the assent of the barons to be

burnt; and then was there made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire to take her execution, young

Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besought him to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again.

Then said young Tristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is unrightfully asked, said

King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate her, for she would have slain thee with that poison an she

Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that you will forgive it her, and as for my part,

God forgive it her, and I do; and so much it liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God's love I require

you hold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will that ye have her life. Then, said the king, I give her

to you, and go ye to the fire and take her, and do with her what ye will. So Sir Tristram went to the fire, and

by the commandment of the king delivered her from the death. But after that King Meliodas would never

have ado with her, as at bed and board. But by the good means of young Tristram he made the king and her

accorded. But then the king would not suffer young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail,

AND then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught, his name was Gouvernail; and then he

sent young Tristram with Gouvernail into France to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of arms. And

there was Tristram more than seven years. And then when he well could speak the language, and had learned

all that he might learn in that country, then he came home to his father, King Meliodas, again. And so

Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other, that there was none such called in no country, and so on

And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in hunting and in hawking, so that never

gentleman more, that ever we heard read of. And as the book saith, he began good measures of blowing of

beasts of venery, and beasts of chase, and all manner of vermin, and all these terms we have yet of hawking

and hunting. And therefore the book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, is called the book of Sir Tristram.

Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen that bear old arms ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the

goodly terms that gentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a manner all men of

worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and from a yeoman a villain. For he that gentle is will

Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of the age of eighteen years. And then the

King Meliodas had great joy of Sir Tristram, and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her life, because

Sir Tristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate him more after, but loved him ever after, and gave

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight

THEN it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall for his truage, that Cornwall

had paid many winters. And all that time King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years. And King

Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland these words and answer, that they would none pay;

and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him we will pay him no truage, but tell your lord,

an he will always have truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a trusty knight of his land, that will fight for

his right, and we shall find another for to defend our right. With this answer the messengers departed into

Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of the messengers he was wonderly wroth. And then

he called unto him Sir Marhaus, the good knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the Table Round.

And this Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland. Then the king said thus: Fair brother, Sir Marhaus, I

pray you go into Cornwall for my sake, and do battle for our truage that of right we ought to have; and

whatsomever ye spend ye shall have sufficiently, more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit ye well that

I shall not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your land with the best knight of the Table Round; for I

know them, for the most part, what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my worship I

So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had all things that to him needed; and so

he departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in Cornwall even fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when King

Mark understood that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great sorrow when he

understood that the good and noble knight Sir Marhaus was come. For they knew no knight that durst have

ado with him. For at that time Sir Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the

world. And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage

that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight to fight with him for the truage. This manner of

Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight would fight for to save the truage of

Cornwall, he should be rewarded so that he should fare the better, term of his life. Then some of the barons

said to King Mark, and counselled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir Launcelot du Lake,

that was that time named for the marvelloust knight of all the world. Then there were some other barons that

counselled the king not to do so, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of the

Round Table, therefore any of them will be loath to have ado with other, but if it were any knight at his own

request would fight disguised and unknown. So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to

seek any knight of the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the noise unto King Meliodas,

how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by Tintagil, and how King Mark could find no manner knight to fight

for him. When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth, and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in

CHAPTER V. How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was

THEREWITHAL Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him counsel what was best to do

for to recover Cornwall from truage. For, as meseemeth, said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus,

the queen's brother of Ireland, should go away unless that he were foughten withal. As for that, said King

Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and

Knight of the Table Round; and therefore I know no knight in this country that is able to match with him.

Alas, said Sir Tristram, that I am not made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland, God let

me never have worship: an I were made knight I should match him. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give

me leave to ride to King Mark; and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight. I will well,

said King Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you. Then Sir Tristram thanked his father

In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King Faramon of France's daughter unto

Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were written many complaints of love; but Sir

Tristram had no joy of her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet that was passing fair.

But when the king's daughter understood that Sir Tristram would not love her, as the book saith, she died for

sorrow. And then the same squire that brought the letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, as after

So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall. And when he came there he heard say

that there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus. Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme and said: Sir, if ye

will give me the order of knighthood, I will do battle with Sir Marhaus. What are ye, said the king, and from

whence be ye come? Sir, said Tristram, I come from King Meliodas that wedded your sister, and a gentleman

wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld Sir Tristram and saw that he was but a young man of age, but he was

passingly well made and big. Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were ye born? Sir, said he

again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones was I born. Ye say well, said the king; and if ye will

do this battle I shall make you knight. Therefore I come to you, said Sir Tristram, and for none other cause.

But then King Mark made him knight. And therewithal, anon as he had made him knight, he sent a messenger

unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the

uttermost. It may well be, said Sir Marhaus; but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knight but he be of

blood royal, that is to say, other king's son, other queen's son, born of a prince or princess.

When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and told him what was the answer of Sir

Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram: Sithen that he saith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and mother

side of as noble blood as he is: for, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas' son, born of your own

sister, Dame Elizabeth, that died in the forest in the birth of me. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye are welcome fair

nephew to me. Then in all the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best manner that

might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit that

a better born man than he was himself should fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten

of King Meliodas, and born of King Mark's sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and blithe that he should fight

with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of King Mark and of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they

should fight within an island nigh Sir Marhaus' ships; and so was Sir Tristram put into a vessel both his horse

and he, and all that to him longed both for his body and for his horse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when

King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage to fight

for the right of Cornwall, there was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept to see and understand

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.

SO to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island he looked to the farther side, and

there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to the land; and under the shadow of the ships upon the land, there

hoved the noble knight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir Tristram commanded his servant Gouvernail to

bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner of rights. And then when he had so done he

mounted upon his horse; and when he was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his

shoulder, Tristram asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal? Sir, said Gouvernail,

see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder he hoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with

his spear in his hand and his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the noble knight, Sir Tristram, now I

Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And commend me unto mine eme King

Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in this battle, for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me, let

him wit that I will never yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain and flee not, then they have lost no truage

for me; and if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid mine eme never bury me in Christian burials. And

upon thy life, said Sir Tristram to Gouvernail, come thou not nigh this island till that thou see me overcome

or slain, or else that I win yonder knight. So either departed from other sore weeping.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved his battle, and how Sir

AND then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight, Sir Tristram, what dost thou here?

me sore repenteth of thy courage, for wit thou well I have been assayed, and the best knights of this land have

been assayed of my hand; and also I have matched with the best knights of the world, and therefore by my

counsel return again unto thy vessel. And fair knight, and wellproved knight, said Sir Tristram, thou shalt

well wit I may not forsake thee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight. And thou shalt well wit that

I am a king's son born, and gotten upon a queen; and such promise I have made at my uncle's request and

mine own seeking, that I shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the old truage.

And also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest cause that thou couragest me to have ado with

thee, for thou art called one of the most renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame

that thou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never yet was I proved with good knight; and

sithen I took the order of knighthood this day, I am well pleased that I may have ado with so good a knight as

thou art. And now wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast me to get worship on thy body; and if that I be not

proved, I trust to God that I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body, and to deliver the country of

When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus again: Fair knight, sithen it is so that

thou castest to win worship of me, I let thee wit worship may thou none lose by me if thou mayest stand me

three strokes; for I let thee wit for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Arthur made me Knight of the

Then they began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely together that they smote either other down,

both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they

avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields afore them. And then they lashed

together as men that were wild and courageous. And when they had stricken so together long, then they left

their strokes, and foined at their breaths and visors; and when they saw that that might not prevail them, then

they hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they fought still more than half a day, and

either were wounded passing sore, that the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir

Tristram waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger; and with a mighty stroke he

smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet that it went through his helm, and through the coif of steel,

and through the brainpan, and the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brainpan that Sir Tristram

pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head; and there Marhaus fell down on his

knees, the edge of Tristram's sword left in his brainpan. And suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and

threw his sword and his shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir Tristram had ever

And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said: Ah! Sir Knight of the Round Table, why

withdrawest thou thee? thou dost thyself and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was

never proved, and rather than I should withdraw me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. Sir

Marhaus answered no word but yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, said Sir Tristram, I promise

thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thy shield shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram

ANON Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon as he came to the king, his brother,

he let search his wounds. And when his head was searched a piece of Sir Tristram's sword was found therein,

and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so he died of Sir Tristram's sword; and that piece

of the sword the queen, his sister, kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged an she might.

Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full sore bled that he might not within a

little while, when he had taken cold, unnethe stir him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly upon a

little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail, his man, with his vessel; and the king and his barons

came with procession against him. And when he was come unto the land, King Mark took him in his arms,

and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, led Sir Tristram into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he

searched in the best manner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he wept heartily, and

so did all his lords. So God me help, said King Mark, I would not for all my lands that my nephew died. So

Sir Tristram lay there a month and more, and ever he was like to die of that stroke that Sir Marhaus smote

him first with the spear. For, as the French book saith, the spear's head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram

might not be whole. Then was King Mark and all his barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but

that Sir Tristram should not recover. Then the king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons, both

unto men and women, and there was none that would behote him the life. Then came there a lady that was a

right wise lady, and she said plainly unto King Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should

never be whole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom came from, and in that country

When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel, well victualled, and therein was

put Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he was put into

the sea to sail into Ireland; and so by good fortune he arrived up in Ireland, even fast by a castle where the

king and the queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay, such one heard they never

And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was such an harper, anon the king sent for

him, and let search his wounds, and then asked him his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of

Liones, and my name is Tramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady's right. So God me

help, said King Anguish, ye shall have all the help in this land that ye may have here; but I let you wit, in

Cornwall I had a great loss as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world; his name was

Marhaus, a full noble knight, and Knight of the Table Round; and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir

Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as he had been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his

THEN the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his daughter's ward and keeping, because she was

a noble surgeon. And when she had searched him she found in the bottom of his wound that therein was

poison, and so she healed him within a while; and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to La Beale Isoud, for

she was at that time the fairest maid and lady of the world. And there Tramtrist learned her to harp, and she

began to have a great fantasy unto him. And at that time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and

well cherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew unto La Beale Isoud and

proffered her many gifts, for he loved her passingly well. All that espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir

Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man. And wit you well Sir Tramtrist had great despite at Sir

Palamides, for La Beale Isoud told Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to be christened for her sake. Thus

Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great tournament for a lady that was called the

Lady of the Launds, and she was nigh cousin unto the king. And what man won her, three days after he

should wed her and have all her lands. This cry was made in England, Wales, Scotland, and also in France

and in Brittany. It befell upon a day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist, and told him of this tournament.

He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but a feeble knight, and but late I had been dead had not your good

ladyship been. Now, fair lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady, that I may not

joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye not have ado at that tournament? well I wot Sir

Palamides shall be there, and to do what he may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for to be there, for else

Sir Palamides is like to win the degree. Madam, said Tramtrist, as for that, it may be so, for he is a proved

knight, and I am but a young knight and late made; and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore

wounded as ye see. But an I wist ye would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so that ye will keep

my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust but yourself, and such as ye will to keep

your counsel, my poor person shall I jeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides shall know

when that I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your best, and as I can, said La Beale Isoud, I shall

purvey horse and armour for you at my device. As ye will so be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your

So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield, and he overthrew many knights, that all

the people had marvel of him. For he put to the worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay,

Dodinas le Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day

Sir Palamides struck down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir Palamides, and

many called him the Knight with the Black Shield. So that day Sir Palamides had great worship.

Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would not joust. Sir, he said, I was but late

hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure me. Then came there the same squire that was sent from the king's

daughter of France unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir Tristram he fell flat to his feet. All that

espied La Beale Isoud, what courtesy the squire made unto Sir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly Sir

Tristram ran unto his squire, whose name was Hebes le Renoumes, and prayed him heartily in no wise to tell

CHAPTER X. How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to

THEN Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he said, I came hither with Sir Gawaine for

to be made knight, and if it please you, of your hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as tomorn

Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was some man of worship proved, and

therewith she comforted herself, and cast more love unto him than she had done tofore. And so on the morn

Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the field as he did the first day. And there he smote down the

King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoud ordained and well arrayed

Sir Tristram in white horse and harness. And right so she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came

into the field as it had been a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he feutred a

spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the

earth. And then there was a great noise of people: some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some said the Knight

with the Black Shield had a fall. And wit you well La Beale Isoud was passing glad. And then Sir Gawaine

and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it might be that had smitten down Sir Palamides. Then would

there none joust with Tramtrist, but all that there were forsook him, most and least. Then Sir Tristram made

Hebes a knight, and caused him to put himself forth, and did right well that day. So after Sir Hebes held him

And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was sore ashamed, and as privily as he

might he withdrew him out of the field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir Palamides

and overtook him, and bade him turn, for better he would assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir Palamides

turned him, and either lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir Tristram smote down

Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield

him, and do his commandment, or else he would slay him. When Sir Palamides beheld his countenance, he

dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings. Well said, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge.

First, upon pain of your life that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no manner wise that ye draw not

to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day that ye bear none armour nor none harness of war. Now promise me

this, or here shalt thou die. Alas, said Palamides, for ever am I ashamed. Then he sware as Sir Tristram had

commanded him. Then for despite and anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threw them away.

And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale Isoud; and by the way he met with a

damosel that asked after Sir Launcelot, that won the Dolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel asked

Sir Tristram what he was. For it was told her that it was he that smote down Sir Palamides, by whom the ten

knights of King Arthur's were smitten down. Then the damosel prayed Sir Tristram to tell her what he was,

and whether that he were Sir Launcelot du Lake, for she deemed that there was no knight in the world might

do such deeds of arms but if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am not Sir

Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is all that he may make me as good a knight as the

good knight Sir Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she beheld his visage she

thought she saw never a better man's visage, nor a better faring knight. And then when the damosel knew

certainly that he was not Sir Launcelot, then she took her leave, and departed from him. And then Sir

Tristram rode privily unto the postern, where kept him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him good cheer,

and thanked God of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king and the queen understood that it was

Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; then was he much made of, more than he was before.

CHAPTER XI. How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword,

THUS was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the queen, and namely with La Beale

Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La Beale Isoud made a bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his

bain the queen and Isoud, her daughter, roamed up and down in the chamber; and therewhiles Gouvernail and

Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword thereas it lay upon his bed. And then by

unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a long while, and both they thought it a passing fair sword;

but within a foot and an half of the point there was a great piece thereof outbroken of the edge. And when

the queen espied that gap in the sword, she remembered her of a piece of a sword that was found in the

brainpan of Sir Marhaus, the good knight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La

Beale Isoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother, thine eme. When Isoud heard her say so she

was passing sore abashed, for passing well she loved Tramtrist, and full well she knew the cruelness of her

Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her coffer, and there she took out the

piece or the sword that was pulled out of Sir Marhaus' head after that he was dead. And then she ran with that

piece of iron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put that piece of steel and iron unto the sword,

it was as meet as it might be when it was new broken. And then the queen gripped that sword in her hand

fiercely, and with all her might she ran straight upon Tramtrist where he sat in his bain, and there she had

rived him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled the sword from her, and else she had

Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, her husband, and said on her knees: O my

lord, here have ye in your house that traitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight,

Sir Marhaus. Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he? Sir, she said, it is Sir Tramtrist, the same

knight that my daughter healed. Alas, said the king, therefore am I right heavy, for he is a full noble knight as

ever I saw in field. But I charge you, said the king to the queen, that ye have not ado with that knight, but let

Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he gone unto his chamber, and the king

found him all ready armed to mount upon his horse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto

horseback, the king said: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare thee against me; but thus much I shall

do for my worship and for thy love; in so much as thou art within my court it were no worship for me to slay

thee: therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave for to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilt

tell me who was thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus, my brother.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come

SIR, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father's name is Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and

my mother hight Elizabeth, that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall; and my mother died of me in the

forest, and because thereof she commanded, or she died, that when I were christened they should christen me

Tristram; and because I would not be known in this country I turned my name and let me call Tramtrist; and

for the truage of Cornwall I fought for my eme's sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded

many years. And wit ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for the love of mine uncle, King

Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and for to increase mine honour; for that same day that I

fought with Sir Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I battle with no knight, and from me he

So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight should, and it was your part to do for your

quarrel, and to increase your worship as a knight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this country with

my worship, unless that I should displease my barons, and my wife and her kin. Sir, said Tristram, I thank

you of your good lordship that I have had with you here, and the great goodness my lady, your daughter, hath

shewed me, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my

death, for in the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some season, that ye shall be glad

that ever ye shewed me your good lordship. With more I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I

shall be my lady your daughter's servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall never fail her, to do as

much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your good grace that I may take my leave at my lady, your

Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of her. And then he told her all, what he was,

and how he had changed his name because he would not be known, and how a lady told him that he should

never be whole till he came into this country where the poison was made, wherethrough I was near my death

had not your ladyship been. O gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, full woe am I of thy departing, for I saw

never man that I owed so good will to. And therewithal she wept heartily. Madam, said Sir Tristram, ye shall

understand that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born of his queen. And I

promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I

promise you thereagainst that I shall not be married this seven years but by your assent; and to whom that ye

will I shall be married to him will I have, and he will have me if ye will consent.

And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another; and therewith he departed from her, leaving

her making great dole and lamentation; and he straight went unto the court among all the barons, and there he

took his leave at most and least, and openly he said among them all: Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart:

if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or that any man be with me grieved, let complain him here

afore me or that ever I depart, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that will proffer me

wrong, or say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or never, and here is my body to make it

good, body against body. And all they stood still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there

some knights that were of the queen's blood, and of Sir Marhaus' blood, but they would not meddle with him.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Tristram and King Mark hurted each other for the love of a knight's wife.

SO Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall; and

when King Mark was whole in his prosperity there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole of

his wounds: thereof was King Mark passing glad, and so were all the barons; and when he saw his time he

rode unto his father, King Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the king and the queen could make

him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen departed of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.

Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned again unto the court of King Mark, and there he

lived in great joy long time, until at the last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt King Mark and

Sir Tristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was an earl's wife that hight Sir Segwarides. And this

lady loved Sir Tristram passingly well. And he loved her again, for she was a passing fair lady, and that

espied Sir Tristram well. Then King Mark understood that and was jealous, for King Mark loved her

So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and bade him, as he loved her, that he would be

with her the night next following. Also she charged you that ye come not to her but if ye be well armed, for

her lover was called a good knight. Sir Tristram answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto my lady, and

tell her I will not fail but I will be with her the term that she hath set me. And with this answer the dwarf

departed. And King Mark espied that the dwarf was with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides' wife;

then King Mark sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by force to tell him all, why

and wherefore that he came on message from Sir Tristram. Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and

upon pain of death that thou say no word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf departed from the king.

And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides' wife and Sir Tristram, King Mark armed

him, and made him ready, and took two knights of his counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by

the way for to wait upon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding upon his way with his spear in his

hand, King Mark came hurtling upon him with his two knights suddenly. And all three smote him with their

spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram on the breast right sore. And then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and

smote his uncle, King Mark, so sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised him that he lay still in a

swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself. And then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other,

and smote them to the cold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode forth sore wounded to

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how her husband fought with Sir Tristram.

AND there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and so she let put up his horse in the best

wise, and then she unarmed him. And so they supped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and pleasaunce;

and so in his raging he took no keep of his green wound that King Mark had given him. And so Sir Tristram

bebled both the over sheet and the nether, and pillows, and head sheet. And within a while there came one

afore, that warned her that her lord was nearhand within a bowdraught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise,

and so he armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come Segwarides, her lord, and when

he found her bed troubled and broken, and went near and beheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had

lain a wounded knight. Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou betrayed me? And therewithal he

swang out a sword, and said: But if thou tell me who hath been here, here thou shalt die. Ah, my lord, mercy,

said the lady, and held up her hands, saying: Slay me not, and I shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell

anon, said Segwarides, to me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was Sir Tristram with me, and by

the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded. Ah, false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he

become? Sir, she said, he is armed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say well, said

Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir Tristram that rode straightway unto Tintagil.

And within a while he overtook Sir Tristram, and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor knight. And Sir

Tristram anon turned him against him. And therewithal Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spear that it all

tobrast; and then he swang out his sword and smote fast at Sir Tristram. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I

counsel you that ye smite no more, howbeit for the wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as I

Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him fiercely, and through the waist of the

body he smote Sir Segwarides that he fell to the earth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and left him

there. And so he rode unto Tintagil and took his lodging secretly, for he would not be known that he was hurt.

Also Sir Segwarides' men rode after their master, whom they found lying in the field sore wounded, and

brought him home on his shield, and there he lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered.

Also King Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that night. And as for Sir Tristram,

he knew not that King Mark had met with him. And so the king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him

as he lay sick in his bed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir Tristram after that; though there

was fair speech, love was there none. And thus it passed many weeks and days, and all was forgiven and

forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durst not have ado with Sir Tristram, because of his noble prowess, and also

because he was nephew unto King Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath a privy hurt is loath to

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's court, whom he took away,

THEN it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis, brother to Blamore de Ganis, and nigh

cousin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot du Lake, this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and

there he asked of King Mark a boon, to give him what gift that he would ask in his court. When the king

heard him ask so, he marvelled of his asking, but because he was a knight of the Round Table, and of a great

renown, King Mark granted him his whole asking. Then, said Sir Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in

your court that me list to choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at your adventure. And so

Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides' wife, and took her by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so

When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of King Arthur's court, then he armed

him and rode after that knight for to rescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King Mark

and all the court was wroth that she was away. Then were there certain ladies that knew that there were great

love between Sir Tristram and her, and also that lady loved Sir Tristram above all other knights. Then there

was one lady that rebuked Sir Tristram in the horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, that he would for

shame of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken away from his uncle's court. But she meant that

either of them had loved other with entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not my

part to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is present here; and if it had been that her lord

had not been here in this court, then for the worship of this court peradventure I would have been her

champion, and if so be Sir Segwarides speed not well, it may happen that I will speak with that good knight

Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides' squires, and told in the court that Sir Segwarides was beaten

sore and wounded to the point of death; as he would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him and

sore hath wounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all the court. When Sir Tristram heard of

this he was ashamed and sore grieved; and then was he soon armed and on horseback, and Gouvernail, his

servant, bare his shield and spear. And so as Sir Tristram rode fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by

the commandment of King Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power, two knights of Arthur's

court, that rode by the country to seek their adventures. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what

tidings. So God me help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by the commandment of

King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King Arthur's court, and that one beat me and wounded me, and

set nought by my message. Fair cousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I may meet them it may

happen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram rode after the two knights,

the which one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage.

THEN within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely knights. Sir, said Gouvernail unto his

master, Sir, I would counsel you not to have ado with them, for they be two proved knights of Arthur's court.

As for that, said Sir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have ado with them to increase my worship, for it is

many day sithen I did any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, said Gouvernail. And therewithal anon Sir Tristram

asked them from whence they came, and whither they would, and what they did in those marches. Sir

Sagramore looked upon Sir Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fair knight, be ye a

knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. For it is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye

Cornish knights be valiant men of arms; for within these two hours there met us one of your Cornish knights,

and great words he spake, and anon with little might he was laid to the earth. And, as I trow, said Sir

Sagramore, ye shall have the same handsel that he had. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen that I

may better withstand than he did, and whether ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because he was my

cousin that ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye well but if ye quit you the better here upon

When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand, and said, Sir knight, keep well

thyself: And then they departed and came together as it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas' spear brast

insunder, but Sir Tristram smote him with a more might, that he smote him clean over the horsecroup, that

nigh he had broken his neck. When Sir Sagramore saw his fellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight

he might be. And he dressed his spear with all his might, and Sir Tristram against him, and they came

together as the thunder, and there Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strong buffet, that he bare his horse and

When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any more? Be there no bigger knights in

the court of King Arthur? it is to you shame to say of us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen a

Cornish knight may match you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that have we well proved; but I require

thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your right name, by the faith and troth that ye owe to the high order of

knighthood. Ye charge me with a great thing, said Sir Tristram, and sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know and

understand that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas' son, and nephew unto King Mark. Then

were they two knights fain that they had met with Tristram, and so they prayed him to abide in their

fellowship. Nay, said Sir Tristram, for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is Sir Bleoberis de

Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. Sir Tristram departed and rode onward on his

way. And then was he ware before him in a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides' lady, that

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to

THEN Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken him. Then spake Sir Tristram: Abide,

he said, Knight of Arthur's court, bring again that lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said Bleoberis,

for I dread no Cornish knight so sore that me list to deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram, may not a Cornish

knight do as well as another knight? this same day two knights of your court within this three mile met with

me, and or ever we departed they found a Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were their

names? said Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of them hight Sir Sagramore le Desirous,

and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah, said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they

were two good knights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them both ye must needs be a good

knight; but if it so be ye have beat them both, yet shall ye not fear me, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have

this lady. Then defend you, said Sir Tristram. So they departed and came together like thunder, and either

Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with swords, and mightily, now tracing and

traversing on the right hand and on the left hand more than two hours. And sometime they rushed together

with such a might that they lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir Bleoberis de Ganis stert aback, and

said thus: Now, gentle good knight, a while hold your hands, and let us speak together. Say what ye will, said

Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir, said Bleoberis, I would wit of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come,

and what is your name? So God me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you my name. Wit ye well I am

King Meliodas' son, and my mother is King Mark's sister, and my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King

Mark is mine uncle. Truly, said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he that slew Marhaus the knight,

hand for hand in an island, for the truage of Cornwall; also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a

tournament in an island, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help, said Sir Tristram,

wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have told you my name, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye

well that my name is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de Ganis, that is called a good

knight, and we be sister's children unto my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake, that we call one of the best knights of

the world. That is truth, said Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot is called peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; and

for his sake, said Sir Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no more with you, for the great love I have

to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith, said Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen

ye follow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness, courtesy, and gentleness right here upon this

ground. This lady shall be betwixt us both, and to whom that she will go, let him have her in peace. I will

well, said Tristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you and come to me. Ye shall prove it anon, said Bleoberis.

CHAPTER XVIII. How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired

So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir Tristram: Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de

Liones, that but late thou wast the man in the world that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou hadst

loved me again above all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight lead me away thou madest no cheer to

rescue me, but suffered my lord Segwarides ride after me; but until that time I weened thou haddest loved me,

and therefore now I will leave thee, and never love thee more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.

When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady, and ashamed to come to the court.

Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye are in the default, for I hear by this lady's words she before this day

trusted you above all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have deceived her, therefore wit ye well, there may

no man hold that will away; and rather than ye should be heartily displeased with me I would ye had her, an

she would abide with you. Nay, said the lady, so God me help I will never go with him; for he that I loved

most I weened he had loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said, ride as thou came, for though thou

haddest overcome this knight, as ye was likely, with thee never would I have gone. And I shall pray this

knight so fair of his knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me to the abbey where my

lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said Bleoberis, I let you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because

King Mark gave me the choice of a gift in this court, and so this lady liked me bestnotwithstanding, she is

wedded and hath a lord, and I have fulfilled my quest, she shall be sent unto her husband again, and in

especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; and if she would go with you I would ye had her. I thank you, said

Sir Tristram, but for her love I shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; for had her lord, Sir

Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been the first that should have followed you; but sithen

that ye have refused me, as I am true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall love or trust. And so

And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the abbey where Sir Segwarides lay sore

wounded, and there he delivered his lady, and departed as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his

lady, he was greatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram had done great battle with Sir

Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her again. These words pleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir

Tristram would do so much; and so that lady told all the battle unto King Mark betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir

CHAPTER XIX. How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by

THEN when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir Tristram. And then

he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland for La Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so praised

her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said that he would wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram

to take his way into Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram.

Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the

pleasure of his uncle, but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised. For Sir

Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that he might find in the court; and they were arrayed, after

the guise that was then used, in the goodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his

fellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad sea a tempest took him and his fellowship, and drove them back

into the coast of England; and there they arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land.

And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of Camelot, and there he let hang

his shield upon the pavilion. And that same day came two knights of King Arthur's, that one was Sir Ector de

Maris, and Sir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade him come out of the pavilion for to joust, an

he would joust. Ye shall be answered, said Sir Tristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he made him ready,

and first he smote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after he smote down Sir Morganor, all with one spear, and

sore bruised them. And when they lay upon the earth they asked Sir Tristram what he was, and of what

country he was knight. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector,

now am I ashamed that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despite Sir Ector put off

CHAPTER XX. How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King Arthur's court for treason.

THEN it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were brethren, they had summoned the King

Anguish of Ireland for to come to Arthur's court upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur's good grace. And if

the King of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the king should lose his lands. So it happened

that at the day assigned, King Arthur neither Sir Launcelot might not be there for to give the judgment, for

King Arthur was with Sir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous Garde. And so King Arthur assigned King Carados

and the King of Scots to be there that day as judges. So when the kings were at Camelot King Anguish of

Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then was there Sir Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of

Ireland of treason, that he had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king was sore

abashed of his accusation, forwhy he was come at the summons of King Arthur, and or he came at Camelot

he wist not wherefore he was sent after. And when the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he understood

well there was none other remedy but for to answer him knightly; for the custom was such in those days, that

an any man were appealed of any treason or murder he should fight body for body, or else to find another

So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for he knew Sir Blamore de Ganis that

he was a noble knight, and of noble knights come. Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his

answer; therefore the judges gave him respite by the third day to give his answer. So the king departed unto

his lodging. The meanwhile there came a lady by Sir Tristram's pavilion making great dole. What aileth you,

said Sir Tristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said the lady, I am ashamed unless that some good

knight help me; for a great lady of worship sent by me a fair child and a rich, unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and

hereby there met with me a knight, and threw me down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me.

Well, my lady, said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot's sake I shall get you that child again, or else I

shall be beaten for it. And so Sir Tristram took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and

then she told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook that knight. And then Sir Tristram

CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King

THE knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir Tristram smote him with a sword

such a buffet that he tumbled to the earth. And then he yielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way,

said Sir Tristram, and bring the child to the lady again. So he took his horse meekly and rode with Sir

Tristram; and then by the way Sir Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, My name is Breuse Saunce

Pite. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, he said: Sir, as in this the child is well remedied. Then

Sir Tristram let him go again that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many good knights of

Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came and told him how that King Anguish

of Ireland was come thither, and he was put in great distress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how

King Anguish was summoned and appealed of murder. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, these be the best

tidings that ever came to me this seven years, for now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help; for I

daresay there is no knight in this country that is not of Arthur's court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de

Ganis; and for to win the love of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me; and therefore Gouvernail

Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him fair. The king welcomed him and asked

him what he would. Sir, said Gouvernail, here is a knight near hand that desireth to speak with you: he bade

me say he would do you service. What knight is he? said the king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristram de Liones,

that for your good grace that ye showed him in your lands will reward you in this country. Come on, fellow,

said the king, with me anon and show me unto Sir Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but few

fellowship with him, until he came unto Sir Tristram's pavilion. And when Sir Tristram saw the king he ran

unto him and would have holden his stirrup. But the king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other

in their arms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great goodnesses showed unto me in

your marches and lands: and at that time I promised you to do you service an ever it lay in my power. And,

gentle knight, said the king unto Sir Tristram, now have I great need of you, never had I so great need of no

knight's help. How so, my good lord? said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you, said the king: I am summoned and

appealed from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot;

wherefore Sir Blamore de Ganis, brother to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outher to find a

knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these that are come of King Ban's blood, as Sir Launcelot

and these other, are passing good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now living.

Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and for my lady your daughter's sake,

La Beale Isoud, I will take the battle for you upon this condition that ye shall grant me two things: that one is

that ye shall swear to me that ye are in the right, that ye were never consenting to the knight's death; Sir, then

said Sir Tristram, when that I have done this battle, if God give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a

reward, what thing reasonable that I will ask of you. So God me help, said the king, ye shall have

CHAPTER XXII. How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary, and how his

NOW make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in your quarrel rather than to be recreant.

I have no doubt of you, said the king, that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake Sir, said Sir

Tristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest knight of the world, and wit ye well that the knights of

his blood are noble men, and dread shame; and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir Blamore, I have done battle

with him, therefore upon my head it is no shame to call him a good knight. It is noised, said the king, that

Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be, he shall never be refused, an as he were the best

So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that time as judges, and told them that

he had found his champion ready. Then by the commandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir

Tristram were sent for to hear the charge. And when they were come before the judges there were many kings

and knights beheld Sir Tristram, and much speech they had of him because that he slew Sir Marhaus, the

good knight, and because he forjousted Sir Palamides the good knight. So when they had taken their charge

Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear brother, remember of what kin we be come

of, and what a man is Sir Launcelot du Lake, neither farther nor nearer but brother's children, and there was

never none of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and rather suffer death, brother, than to be shamed.

Brother, said Blamore, have ye no doubt of me, for I shall never shame none of my blood; howbeit I am sure

that yonder knight is called a passing good knight as of his time one of the world, yet shall I never yield me,

nor say the loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with his great might of chivalry, but rather

shall he slay me than I shall yield me as recreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find

him the mightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I have had ado with him. God me

speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and therewith he took his horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir Tristram

at the other end of the lists, and so they feutred their spears and came together as it had been thunder; and

there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamore and his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir

Blamore avoided his horse and pulled out his sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram

alight: For though an horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me. And then Sir Tristram

alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and there they lashed together strongly as racing and tracing, foining

and dashing, many sad strokes, that the kings and knights had great wonder that they might stand; for ever

they fought like wood men, so that there was never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did; for Sir

Blamore was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men wondered that they had breath to stand on their

feet; and all the place was bloody that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamore such a

buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon his side, and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and

THEN when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de Liones, I require thee, as thou art a noble

knight, and the best knight that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to be made lord

of all the earth, for I have liefer die with worship than live with shame; and needs, Sir Tristram, thou must

slay me, or else thou shalt never win the field, for I will never say the loath word. And therefore if thou dare

slay me, slay me, I require thee. When Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to do with

him; he remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, and for Sir Launcelot's sake he would

be loath to slay him; and in the other party in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say

Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges, and there he kneeled down tofore

them, and besought them for their worships, and for King Arthur's and Sir Launcelot's sake, that they would

take this matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it were shame and pity that this noble

knight that yonder lieth should be slain; for ye hear well, shamed will he not be, and I pray to God that he

never be slain nor shamed for me. And as for the king for whom I fight for, I shall require him, as I am his

true champion and true knight in this field, that he will have mercy upon this good knight. So God me help,

said King Anguish, I will for your sake; Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my true

knight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges to take it in their hands. And the

kings that were judges called Sir Bleoberis to them, and asked him his advice. My lords, said Bleoberis,

though my brother be beaten, and hath the worse through might of arms, I dare say, though Sir Tristram hath

beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God he is not shamed this day; and rather than he

should be shamed I require you, said Bleoberis, let Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings,

for his part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of Sir Blamore's knighthood. My lords, said

Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and treatable. And then, by all their advices,

Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir Blamore, and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguish,

and kissed and made friends for ever. And then Sir Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together, and there they

made their oaths that they would never none of them two brethren fight with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram

made the same oath. And for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever.

Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into Ireland with great noblesse and joy. So

when they were in Ireland the king let make it known throughout all the land how and in what manner Sir

Tristram had done for him. Then the queen and all that there were made the most of him that they might. But

the joy that La Beale Isoud made of Sir Tristram there might no tongue tell, for of all men earthly she loved

CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and

THEN upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon, for whatsomever he had

promised him he should have it without fail. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now is it time; this is all that I will desire,

that ye will give me La Beale Isoud, your daughter, not for myself, but for mine uncle, King Mark, that shall

have her to wife, for so have I promised him. Alas, said the king, I had liefer than all the land that I have ye

would wed her yourself. Sir, an I did then I were shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise.

Therefore, said Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promised me; for this is my desire, that ye

will give me La Beale Isoud to go with me into Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for

that, said King Anguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what it please you; that is for to say if that

ye list to wed her yourself, that is me liefest, and if ye will give her unto King Mark, your uncle, that is in

your choice. So, to make short conclusion, La Beale Isoud was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and Dame

Then the queen, Isoud's mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, her daughter's gentlewoman, and unto

Gouvernail, a drink, and charged them that what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give

him that drink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, and then, said the queen, I undertake either

shall love other the days of their life. So this drink was given unto Dame Bragwaine, and unto Gouvernail.

And then anon Sir Tristram took the sea, and La Beale Isoud; and when they were in their cabin, it happed so

that they were thirsty, and they saw a little flasket of gold stand by them, and it seemed by the colour and the

taste that it was noble wine. Then Sir Tristram took the flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud, here is

the best drink that ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden, and Gouvernail, my servant, have kept

for themselves. Then they laughed and made good cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought

never drink that ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that their drink was in their bodies,

they loved either other so well that never their love departed for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed the

love first betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love never departed the days of their life.

So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight Pluere, and thereby arrived for to repose

them, weening to them to have had good harbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle they

were taken prisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who that rode by that castle and brought any

lady, he must needs fight with the lord, that hight Breunor. And if it were so that Breunor won the field, then

should the knight stranger and his lady be put to death, what that ever they were; and if it were so that the

strange knight won the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and his lady both. This custom was used many

winters, for it was called the Castle Pluere, that is to say the Weeping Castle.

CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he fought for her beauty, and

THUS as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a knight and a lady came unto them

where they were, to cheer them. I have marvel, said Tristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause

the lord of this castle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom of no place of worship that ever I came in,

when a knight and a lady asked harbour, and they to receive them, and after to destroy them that be his

guests. Sir, said the knight, this is the old custom of this castle, that when a knight cometh here he must needs

fight with our lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head. And when that is done, if his lady that he

bringeth be fouler than our lord's wife, she must lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than is our lady,

then shall the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, this is a foul custom and a

shameful. But one advantage have I, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never in all

my lifedays, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not lose her head; and rather than I should lose my

head I will fight for it on a fair field. Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord that I will be ready as

tomorn with my lady, and myself to do battle, if it be so I may have my horse and mine armour. Sir, said

that knight, I undertake that your desire shall be sped right well. And then he said: Take your rest, and look

that ye be up betimes and make you ready and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that you behoveth. And

therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knight came to Sir Tristram, and fetched him out

and his lady, and brought him horse and armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field,

for all the estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to behold that battle and judgment.

Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his hand, muffled, and asked Sir Tristram

where was his lady: For an thy lady be fairer than mine, with thy sword smite off my lady's head; and if my

lady be fairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her head. And if I may win thee, yet shall thy lady

be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head. Sir, said Tristram, this is a foul custom and horrible; and rather than

my lady should lose her head, yet had I liefer lose my head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, the ladies shall be

first showed together, and the one shall have her judgment. Nay, I will not so, said Sir Tristram, for here is

none that will give righteous judgment. But I doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer than thine, and

that will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he be that will say the contrary I will prove

it on his head. And therewith Sir Tristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his naked

sword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same wise turn his lady. But when Sir Breunor

beheld La Beale Isoud, him thought he saw never a fairer lady, and then he dread his lady's head should be

off. And so all the people that were there present gave judgment that La Beale Isoud was the fairer lady and

the better made. How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it were pity that my lady should lose her head, but

because thou and she of long time have used this wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights

and ladies been destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God me help, said Sir

Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer than mine, and that me sore repenteth. And so I hear the

people privily say, for of all women I saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt slay my lady, I doubt not

but I shall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, as dear as ever knight won lady.

And because of thine own judgment, as thou wouldst have done to my lady if that she had been fouler, and

because of the evil custom, give me thy lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristram strode unto him

and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote off her head clean. Well, knight, said Sir

Breunor, now hast thou done me a despite; [*8]now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady

CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off his head.

THEN they took their horses and came together as it had been the thunder; and Sir Tristram smote Sir

Breunor clean from his horse, and lightly he rose up; and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his

horse throughout both the shoulders, that his horse hurled here and there and fell dead to the ground. And

ever Sir Breunor ran after to have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram was light and nimble, and voided his

horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram might dress his shield and his sword the other gave him three or four

sad strokes. Then they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily and wisely as two noble

knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved knight, and had been or then the death of many good knights, that

Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either were wounded sore. Then at the last Sir

Breunor rashed upon Sir Tristram and took him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength. Then was Sir

Tristram called the strongest and the highest knight of the world; for he was called bigger than Sir Launcelot,

but Sir Launcelot was better breathed. So anon Sir Tristram thrust Sir Breunor down grovelling, and then he

unlaced his helm and struck off his head. And then all they that longed to the castle came to him, and did him

homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still a little while to fordo that foul custom. Sir

Tristram granted thereto. The meanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the haut

prince, the which was Sir Breunor's son, which was a noble knight, and told him what misadventure his father

CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and

THEN came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him; and this Sir Galahad proffered to

fight with Sir Tristram hand for hand. And so they made them ready to go unto battle on horseback with great

courage. Then Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard that either bare other down, horse and all, to

the earth. And then they avoided their horses as noble knights, and dressed their shields, and drew their

swords with ire and rancour, and they lashed together many sad strokes, and one while striking, another while

foining, tracing and traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long, near half a day, and either were sore

wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxed light and big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback

With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that fellowship went fiercely upon Sir Tristram.

When Sir Tristram saw them coming upon him, then he wist well he might not endure. Then as a wise knight

of war, he said to Sir Galahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to me no knighthood, for to suffer all your men to

have ado with me all at once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knight of your hands it is great shame to you.

So God me help, said Sir Galahad, there is none other way but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die,

said Sir Galahad to Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that is more for the might of your

men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir Tristram took his own sword by the point, and put the pommel

Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to assail Sir Tristram. Let be, said Sir

Galahad, be ye not so hardy to touch him, for I have given this knight his life. That is your shame, said the

King with the Hundred Knights; hath he not slain your father and your mother? As for that, said Sir Galahad,

I may not wite him greatly, for my father had him in prison, and enforced him to do battle with him; and my

father had such a custom that was a shameful custom, that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady

must needs die but if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame that knight he must needs

die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a knight for his harbourasking to have such harbourage. And

for this custom I would never draw about him. So God me help, said the King, this was a shameful custom.

Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and meseemed it had been great pity that this knight should have been

slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man that beareth life, but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair

knight, said Sir Galahad, I require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whither thou wilt. Sir,

he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King Mark of Cornwall I was sent on message unto

King Anguish of Ireland, for to fetch his daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go with me into

Cornwall, and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the haut prince, well be ye

found in these marches, and so ye will promise me to go unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and accompany with

him, ye shall go where ye will, and your fair lady with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shall

such customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now I let you wit, so God me

help, I weened ye had been Sir Launcelot du Lake when I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the more;

and sir, I promise you, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I will see Sir Launcelot and infellowship me with

CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the

AND then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the sea. And in the meanwhile word

came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir Tristram that Sir Carados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant,

fought with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such strokes that he swooned in his saddle, and after that he took him

by the collar and pulled him out of his saddle, and fast bound him to the saddlebow, and so rode his way

with him toward his castle. And as he rode, by fortune Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew

Sir Gawaine that lay bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands it with you?

Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for so God me help, without ye rescue me I know no

knight that may, but outher you or Sir Tristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir Gawaine's words.

And then Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that knight and fight with me. Thou art but a fool, said

Sir Carados, for I will serve you in the same wise. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare me not, for I warn

thee I will not spare thee. And then he bound Sir Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to the ground.

And then he gat his spear of his squire, and departed from Sir Launcelot to fetch his course. And so either met

with other, and brake their spears to their hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together on

horseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir Carados such a buffet upon the helm

that it pierced his brainpan. So then Sir Launcelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under his

horse's feet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and struck off his head. And then Sir Launcelot

unbound Sir Gawaine. So this same tale was told to Sir Galahad and to Sir Tristram:here may ye hear the

nobleness that followeth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, an I had not this message in hand with this

fair lady, truly I would never stint or I had found Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went to

CHAPTER XXIX. Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of

AND anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the French book saith, Sir Tristram and

La Beale Isoud loved ever together. Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and

ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all other. Thus dured the feast long, and after

the feast was done, within a little while after, by the assent of two ladies that were with Queen Isoud, they

ordained for hate and envy for to destroy Dame Bragwaine, that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud;

and she was sent into the forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, and bound feet and hand to a tree,

and so she was bounden three days. And by fortune, Sir Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he

delivered her from the death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered. When Isoud the

queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy as ever was any queen, for of all earthly women

she loved her best: the cause was for she came with her out of her country. And so upon a day Queen Isoud

walked into the forest to put away her thoughts, and there she went herself unto a well and made great moan.

And suddenly there came Palamides to her, and had heard all her complaint, and said: Madam Isoud, an ye

will grant me my boon, I shall bring to you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of

his proffer that suddenly unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, said Palamides, I trust to your

promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour I shall bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud.

And Sir Palamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again with Dame Bragwaine; but

by her good will she would not have come again, because for love of the queen she stood in adventure of her

life. Notwithstanding, half against her will, she went with Sir Palamides unto the queen. And when the queen

saw her she was passing glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember upon your promise, for I have

fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, I wot not what is your desire, but I will that ye wit,

howbeit I promised you largely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do. Madam, said Sir

Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my desire, but before my lord your husband there shall ye know

that I will have my desire that ye have promised me. And therewith the queen departed, and rode home to the

king, and Sir Palamides rode after her. And when Sir Palamides came before the king, he said: Sir King, I

require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge me the right. Tell me your cause, said the king, and

CHAPTER XXX. How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode after to rescue her,

SIR, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame Bragwaine that she had lost, upon

this covenant, that she should grant me a boon that I would ask, and without grudging, outher advisement, she

granted me. What say ye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith, so God me help, said the queen; to say thee

sooth I promised him his asking for love and joy that I had to see her. Well, Madam, said the king, and if ye

were hasty to grant him what boon he would ask, I will well that ye perform your promise. Then, said

Palamides, I will that ye wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereas me list. Therewith

the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir Tristram, and deemed that he would rescue her. And then

hastily the king answered: Take her with the adventures that shall fall of it, for as I suppose thou wilt not

enjoy her no while. As for that, said Palamides, I dare right well abide the adventure. And so, to make short

tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand and said: Madam, grudge not to go with me, for I desire nothing but

your own promise. As for that, said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee, howbeit thou hast me at

advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall be worshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir

Palamides, be it as it be may. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his way.

Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be found, for he was in the forest ahunting;

for that was always his custom, but if he used arms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas, said the king,

now I am shamed for ever, that by mine own assent my lady and my queen shall be devoured. Then came

forth a knight, his name was Lambegus, and he was a knight of Sir Tristram. My lord, said this knight, sith ye

have trust in my lord, Sir Tristram, wit ye well for his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her, or else

I shall be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, I shall deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus

armed him, and rode after as fast as he might. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then

Sir Palamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou Tristram? Nay, he said, I am his servant,

and my name is Sir Lambegus. That me repenteth, said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir Tristram. I

believe you well, said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with Sir Tristram thou shalt have thy hands full.

And then they hurtled together and all to brast their spears, and then they pulled out their swords, and hewed

on helms and hauberks. At the last Sir Palamides gave Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a

Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist where. Wit ye well Sir Palamides was

never so heavy. So the queen ran into the forest, and there she found a well, and therein she had thought to

have drowned herself. And as good fortune would, there came a knight to her that had a castle thereby, his

name was Sir Adtherp. And when he found the queen in that mischief he rescued her, and brought her to his

castle. And when he wist what she was he armed him, and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon

Palamides; and so he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore, and by force

he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle with him, and how he had led the queen unto his castle.

Now bring me there, said Palamides, or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir Adtherp, I am so wounded I

may not follow, but ride you this way and it shall bring you into my castle, and there within is the queen.

Then Sir Palamides rode still till he came to the castle. And at a window La Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides;

then she made the gates to be shut strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put off

his bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set himself down at the gate like a man that was

CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought with him,

NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La Beale Isoud was gone with Sir

Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out of measure. Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he

cried to Gouvernail his man: Haste thee that I were armed and on horseback, for well I wot Lambegus hath no

might nor strength to withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have not been in his stead! So anon as he was armed

and horsed Sir Tristram and Gouvernail rode after into the forest, and within a while he found his knight

Lambegus almost wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester, and charged him to keep him

well. And then he rode forth, and there he found Sir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen

would have drowned herself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he had taken upon him to do

battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady? said Sir Tristram. Sir, said the knight, she is sure enough within

my castle, an she can hold her within it. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of thy great goodness. And so he rode

till he came nigh to that castle; and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at the gate sleeping, and his

horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail, said Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him

ready. So Gouvernail rode unto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine harness. But he was

in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said. So Gouvernail came again and told Sir Tristram he slept,

or else he was mad. Go thou again, said Sir Tristram, and bid him arise, and tell him that I am here, his mortal

foe. So Gouvernail rode again and put upon him the butt of his spear, and said: Sir Palamides, make thee

ready, for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, and sendeth thee word he is thy mortal foe. And

therewithal Sir Palamides arose stilly, without words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, and

lightly he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred their spears and hurtled fast together;

and there Tristram smote down Sir Palamides over his horse's tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his shield

afore him and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on both parts, for both they fought for the love

of one lady, and ever she lay on the walls and beheld them how they fought out of measure, and either were

wounded passing sore, but Palamides was much sorer wounded. Thus they fought tracing and traversing more

than two hours, that wellnigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned. Alas, she said, that one I loved

and yet do, and the other I love not, yet it were great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I

know by that time the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because he is not christened I would be

loath that he should die a Saracen. And therewithal she came down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no

more. Ah, madam, said he, what mean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know I will be ruled by you. I

will not your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud, but I would that ye would for my sake spare this unhappy

Saracen Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leave fighting at this time for your sake. Then she said to

Sir Palamides: This shall be your charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. I will obey

your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore against my will. Then take thy way, said La Beale

Isoud, unto the court of King Arthur, and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell her that I send

her word that there be within this land but four lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lake and Queen Guenever,

CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir

AND so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram took the queen and brought her again

to King Mark, and then was there made great joy of her homecoming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram!

Then Sir Tristram let fetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the forester's house, and it was long or he was

whole, but at the last he was well recovered. Thus they lived with joy and play a long while. But ever Sir

Andred, that was nigh cousin to Sir Tristram, lay in a watch to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud,

for to take them and slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with La Beale Isoud in a window, and

that espied Sir Andred, and told it to the King. Then King Mark took a sword in his hand and came to Sir

Tristram, and called him false traitor, and would have stricken him. But Sir Tristram was nigh him, and ran

under his sword, and took it out of his hand. And then the King cried: Where are my knights and my men? I

charge you slay this traitor. But at that time there was not one would move for his words. When Sir Tristram

saw that there was not one would be against him, he shook the sword to the king, and made countenance as

though he would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled, and Sir Tristram followed him, and smote

upon him five or six strokes flatling on the neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir

Tristram yede his way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he rode into that forest.

And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were knights with King Mark, and there he

struck off the head of the one, and wounded the other to the death; and he made him to bear his brother's head

in his helm unto the king, and thirty more there he wounded. And when that knight came before the king to

say his message, he there died afore the king and the queen. Then King Mark called his council unto him, and

asked advice of his barons what was best to do with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas,

the Seneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram, for we will that ye wit many men

will hold with Sir Tristram an he were hard bestead. And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir

Tristram is called peerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and of his might and hardiness we knew

none so good a knight, but if it be Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if he depart from your court and go to King

Arthur's court, wit ye well he will get him such friends there that he will not set by your malice. And

therefore, sir, I counsel you to take him to your grace. I will well, said the king, that he be sent for, that we

may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came

to the king he was welcome, and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the king and

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King

THE king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that forest beside a river, and there was daily

hunting and jousting, for there were ever thirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came in at that time.

And there by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir Driant; and there Sir Driant jousted right well, but at

the last he had a fall. Then Sir Lamorak proffered to joust. And when he began he fared so with the thirty

knights that there was not one of them but that he gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. I marvel,

said King Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know him well for a

noble knight as few now be living, and his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king,

that he should go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him better. Sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth

it were no worship for a noble man to have ado with him: and for because at this time he hath done over

much for any mean knight living, therefore, as meseemeth, it were great shame and villainy to tempt him any

more at this time, insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for the deeds of arms that he hath done this

day, an they be well considered, it were enough for Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I

require you, as ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and joust with Sir

Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a thing that is against knighthood, and well I can deem

that I shall give him a fall, for it is no mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and so is not his horse and

he; and wit ye well that he will take it for great unkindness, for ever one good knight is loath to take another

at disadvantage; but because I will not displease you, as ye require me so will I do, and obey your

And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth, and there Sir Lamorak met him

mightily, and what with the might of his own spear, and of Sir Tristram's spear, Sir Lamorak's horse fell to

the earth, and he sitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might he avoided the saddle and his horse,

and put his shield afore him and drew his sword. And then he bade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an thou

durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will no more have ado with thee, for I have done to thee over much unto my

dishonour and to thy worship. As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee no thank; since thou hast forjousted

me on horseback I require thee and I beseech thee, an thou be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not

so, said Sir Tristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I know ye be Sir Lamorak

de Galis, and this that I have done to you was against my will, but I was required thereto; but to say that I will

do at your request as at this time, I will have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that I have done. As

for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part or on mine, bear thou it an thou wilt, for though a mare's son

hath failed me, now a queen's son shall not fail thee; and therefore, an thou be such a knight as men call thee,

I require thee, alight, and fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, I understand your heart is great, and

cause why ye have, to say thee sooth; for it would grieve me an any knight should keep him fresh and then to

strike down a weary knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed that alway might stand or endure.

And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not have ado with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir

So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a knight that was sent from Morgan

le Fay unto King Arthur; and this knight had a fair horn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a virtue

that there might no lady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but if she were true to her husband, and if she

were false she should spill all the drink, and if she were true to her lord she might drink peaceable. And

because of the Queen Guenever, and in the despite of Sir Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and

by force Sir Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn. Now shalt thou bear this

horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else choose thou to die for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and

reproof of Sir Tristram thou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his uncle, and say thou to him that I sent it

him for to assay his lady, and if she be true to him he shall prove her. So the knight went his way unto King

Mark, and brought him that rich horn, and said that Sir Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the

virtue of that horn. Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundred ladies, and there were

but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas, said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great

Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not have those ladies burnt for an horn

made by sorcery, that came from as false a sorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never

good, but caused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been an enemy to all true lovers. So there

were many knights made their avow, an ever they met with Morgan le Fay, that they would show her short

courtesy. Also Sir Tristram was passing wroth that Sir Lamorak sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he

knew that it was done in the despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite Sir Lamorak.

Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he might, and ever Sir Andred his cousin

watched him night and day for to take him with La Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the

hour and the time when Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred gat unto him twelve knights, and at

midnight he set upon Sir Tristram secretly and suddenly and there Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with La

Beale Isoud, and then was he bound hand and foot, and so was he kept until day. And then by the assent of

King Mark, and of Sir Andred, and of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was led unto a chapel that stood upon

the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment: and so he was led bounden with forty knights. And when Sir

Tristram saw that there was none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords, remember

what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what jeopardy I have been in for the weal of you all; for

when I fought for the truage of Cornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was promised for to be better

rewarded, when ye all refused to take the battle; therefore, as ye be good gentle knights, see me not thus

shamefully to die, for it is shame to all knighthood thus to see me die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I

never met with no knight but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said Sir Andred, false traitor that

thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boast thou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram,

thou shouldst be my kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an there were no more but thou and

I, thou wouldst not put me to death. No! said Sir Andred, and therewith he drew his sword, and would have

When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his hands that were fast bounden

unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled them both to him, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his

cousin, Sir Andred, and wrested his sword out of his hands; then he smote Sir Andred that he fell to the earth,

and so Sir Tristram fought till that he had killed ten knights. So then Sir Tristram gat the chapel and kept it

mightily. Then the cry was great, and the people drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir

Tristram saw the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast the chapel door, and

brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out and fell upon the crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir

CHAPTER XXXV. How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen Isoud which was put in a

SO when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir Sentraille de Lushon, that were Sir

Tristram's men, sought their master. When they heard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and on the

rocks they found him, and with towels they pulled him up. And then Sir Tristram asked them where was La

Beale Isoud, for he weened she had been had away of Andred's people. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is put in a

lazarcote. Alas, said Sir Tristram, this is a full ungoodly place for such a fair lady, and if I may she shall not

be long there. And so he took his men and went thereas was La Beale Isoud, and fetched her away, and

brought her into a forest to a fair manor, and Sir Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his

men go from him: For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save Gouvernail. And so upon a

day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to disport him, and then it happened that there he fell sleep; and there

came a man that Sir Tristram aforehand had slain his brother, and when this man had found him he shot him

through the shoulder with an arrow, and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed that man. And in the meantime it

was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in that same manor, and as soon as ever he

might thither he came with many knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found him gone;

and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait that by no means never she might wit nor

send unto Tristram, nor he unto her. And then when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found the

track of many horses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And then Sir Tristram took great sorrow, and

endured with great pain long time, for the arrow that he was hurt withal was envenomed.

Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto Dame Bragwaine, and she came to

Sir Tristram, and told him that he might not be whole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not

help thee, therefore she biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel, and there ye shall find his daughter,

Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she shall help thee. Then Sir Tristram and Gouvernail gat them shipping, and so

sailed into Brittany. And when King Howel wist that it was Sir Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said,

I am come into this country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me that there is none other may heal

CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the

THERE was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon the king, and put the king to the worse,

and besieged him. And on a time Sir Kehydius, that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was sore

wounded, nigh to the death. Then Gouvernail went to the king and said: Sir, I counsel you to desire my lord,

Sir Tristram, as in your need to help you. I will do by your counsel, said the king. And so he yede unto Sir

Tristram, and prayed him in his wars to help him: For my son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir,

said Sir Tristram, I will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issued out of the town with such

fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds that all Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great

might and force, he slew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an hundred knights he slew that

day. And then Sir Tristram was received worshipfully with procession. Then King Howel embraced him in

his arms, and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom I will resign to thee. God defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am

Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great proffers, there grew great love

betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for that lady was both good and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame.

And for because Sir Tristram had such cheer and riches, and all other pleasaunce that he had, almost he had

forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so upon a time Sir Tristram agreed to wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at the

last they were wedded, and solemnly held their marriage. And so when they were abed both Sir Tristram

remembered him of his old lady La Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenly that he was all

dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping and kissing; as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram

never thought nor had ado with her: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that the

lady weened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping. And in the meantime there was a knight in

Brittany, his name was Suppinabiles, and he came over the sea into England, and then he came into the court

of King Arthur, and there he met with Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram.

Then said Sir Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noble a knight as Sir Tristram is

should be found to his first lady false, La Beale Isoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir

Launcelot, that of all knights in the world I loved him most, and had most joy of him, and all was for his

noble deeds; and let him wit the love between him and me is done for ever, and that I give him warning from

CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court of King

THEN departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found Sir Tristram, and told him that he

had been in King Arthur's court. Then said Sir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said Sir

Suppinabiles, there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame, and that ye be a false knight to your lady

and he bade me do you to wit that he will be your mortal enemy in every place where he may meet you. That

me repenteth, said Tristram, for of all knights I loved to be in his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made great

moan and was ashamed that noble knights should defame him for the sake of his lady. And in this meanwhile

La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever, complaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how

he had wedded the king's daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, and bade her be of

good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for Sir Tristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts

of sorcery ladies would make such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever said, it shall be

So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de Galis, that as he sailed his ship fell on a

rock and perished all, save Sir Lamorak and his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of the Isle of

Servage took him up, and his squire was drowned, and the shipmen had great labour to save Sir Lamorak's

And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty giant. And this Sir Nabon hated all the

knights of King Arthur's, and in no wise he would do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak all the

guise of Sir Nabon; how there came never knight of King Arthur's but he destroyed him. And at the last battle

that he did was slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the which he put to a shameful death in despite of King Arthur,

for he was drawn limbmeal. That forthinketh me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight's death, for he was my

cousin; and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was, I would revenge his death. Peace, said the fishers, and

make here no words, for or ever ye depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, or else

we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of my disease that I have taken in the sea, I

will that ye tell him that I am a knight of King Arthur's, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.

CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how he met there with Sir

NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget, and his wife Isoud la Blanche Mains,

with Sir Kehydius her brother, to play them in the coasts. And when they were from the land, there was a

wind drove them in to the coast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage, whereas was Sir Lamorak, and there the

barget all torove; and there Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as they might they gat into the forest, and

there by a well he saw Segwarides and a damosel. And then either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know

you for Sir Tristram de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate, because ye departed the

love between me and my wife; but as for that, said Sir Segwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light

lady; and therefore, I pray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power; for wit ye well ye are hard

bestead in this valley, and we shall have enough to do either of us to succour other. And then Sir Segwarides

brought Sir Tristram to a lady thereby that was born in Cornwall, and she told him all the perils of that valley,

and how there came never knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit you well, fair lady, said Sir

Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and delivered Cornwall from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that

delivered the King of Ireland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides; and wit ye well

I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God shall deliver this woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram

Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur's that was wrecked on the rocks. What is his name? said

Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the fishers, but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King

Arthur's, and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray you, said Sir Tristram, an ye may, bring

him hither that I may see him, and if he be any of the knights of Arthur's I shall know him. Then the lady

prayed the fishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow they brought him thither in a fisher's raiment;

and as soon as Sir Tristram saw him he smiled upon him and knew him well, but he knew not Sir Tristram.

Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye have been diseased but late, and also methinketh I

should know you heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that ye have seen me and met with me. Fair sir,

said Sir Tristram, tell me your name. Upon a covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will

tell me whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le Noire. Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am

not he, nor I hold not of him; I am his foe as well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out of this isle.

Well, said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely unto me, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis, son unto

King Pellinore. Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram, for an ye said other I know the contrary. What are ye,

said Sir Lamorak, that knoweth me? I am Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fall ye did

give me once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not for fear I had of you, said Sir Tristram,

but me shamed at that time to have more ado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for

my kindness many ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from Morgan le Fay to King Mark,

whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well, said he, an it were to do again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife

and debate fell in King Mark's court rather than Arthur's court, for the honour of both courts be not alike. As

to that, said Sir Tristram, I know well; but that that was done it was for despite of me, but all your malice, I

thank God, hurt not greatly. Therefore, said Sir Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and so will I, and let

us assay how we may win worship between you and me upon this giant Sir Nabon le Noire that is lord of this

island, to destroy him. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that all

men say, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights ye are peerless, and for your courtesy and

CHAPTER XXXIX. How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir

IN the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all the people of that isle should be at

his castle the fifth day after. And the same day the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the knights of

that valley and thereabout should be there to joust, and all those of the realm of Logris should be there to

joust with them of North Wales: and thither came five hundred knights, and they of the country brought

thither Sir Lamorak, and Sir Tristram, and Sir Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwise

do; and then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak's desire, and Sir Lamorak jousted

and did such deeds of arms that Nabon and all the people said there was never knight that ever they saw do

such deeds of arms; for, as the French book saith, he forjousted all that were there, for the most part of five

Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no knight do so much upon a day. I will

well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I may, but I am weary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but

Nabon would not encounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the forehead, and so slew him; and then

Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and turned his shield and drew his sword, and there began strong battle on foot.

But Sir Lamorak was so sore bruised and short breathed, that he traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fair

fellow, said Sir Nabon, hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy than ever I showed knight, because

I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, and therefore stand thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy

fellows will have ado with me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said: Nabon, lend me

horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee. Well, fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder

pavilion, and arm thee of the best thou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with thee. Then said

Sir Tristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I shall learn you a new play. That is well said, fellow,

said Sir Nabon. So when Sir Tristram was armed as him liked best, and well shielded and sworded, he

dressed to him on foot; for well he knew that Sir Nabon would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore he

would slay all knights' horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play. So then they fought long on foot,

tracing and traversing, smiting and foining long without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him

his name. Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a knight of Cornwall under King Mark.

Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon, for of all knights I have most desired to fight with thee or with Sir

So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon, and so forthwith he leapt to his son, and

struck off his head; and then all the country said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I

will not so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, that for me he shall be lord of this country, for

he hath done here great deeds of arms. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I will not be lord of this country, for I have not

deserved it as well as ye, therefore give ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well, said Sir Tristram,

since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him that hath not so well deserved it. Do as ye list, said

Segwarides, for the gift is yours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given to Segwarides,

whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and worshipfully he did govern it. And then Sir Segwarides

delivered all prisoners, and set good governance in that valley; and so he returned into Cornwall, and told

King Mark and La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram had advanced him to the Isle of Servage, and there he

proclaimed in all Cornwall of all the adventures of these two knights, so was it openly known. But full woe

was La Beale Isoud when she heard tell that Sir Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.

CHAPTER XL. How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met with Sir Frol, and after

SO turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur's court, and Sir Tristram's wife and Kehydius took a

vessel and sailed into Brittany, unto King Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these

adventures they marvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that when he was departed

from Sir Tristram he rode out of the forest, till he came to an hermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked

him from whence he came. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I come from this valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I

marvel. For this twenty winter I saw never no knight pass this country but he was either slain or villainously

wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those ill customs, said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew

your lord, Sir Nabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for he said there was never

such a tyrant among Christian men. And therefore, said the hermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of

So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four knights fight against one, and that one

knight defended him well, but at the last the four knights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went betwixt

them, and asked them why they would slay that one knight, and said it was shame, four against one. Thou

shalt well wit, said the four knights, that he is false. That is your tale, said Sir Lamorak, and when I hear him

also speak, I will say as ye say. Then said Lamorak: Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a false

knight. Sir, said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands, that I will make good upon

one of the best of them, my body to his body. Then spake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as

for thee. But wit thou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself, it should not lie in his power to save

his life. That is too much said, said Sir Lamorak, but many speak behind a man more than they will say to his

face; and because of your words ye shall understand that I am one of the simplest of King Arthur's court; in

the worship of my lord now do your best, and in despite of you I shall rescue him. And then they lashed all at

once to Sir Lamorak, but anon at two strokes Sir Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled.

So then Sir Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Frol of

And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against them, and all in white. Ah, said Frol,

yonder knight jousted late with me and smote me down, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do so,

said Sir Lamorak, by my counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel, whether ye jousted at his request, or he at

yours. Nay, said Sir Frol, I jousted with him at my request. Sir, said Lamorak, then will I counsel you deal no

more with him, for meseemeth by his countenance he should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh

he should be of the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then he cried and said: Sir

knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not, said the White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with

thee; but yet they feutred their spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and then he rode his way a

soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and prayed him to tell him his name: For meseemeth ye should

be of the fellowship of the Round Table. Upon a covenant, said he, I will tell you my name, so that ye will

not discover my name, and also that ye will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis.

And my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up their swords, and kissed heartily together, and

either made great joy of other. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, said

Launcelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service. Then he said: More, I am in a quest

that I must do myself alone. Now God speed you, said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak

came to Sir Frol and horsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir Frol. Sir, he said, it is not for you to

know, nor it is no point of my charge. Ye are the more uncourteous, said Sir Frol, and therefore I will depart

from you. Ye may do as ye list, said Sir Lamorak, and yet by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of

CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his

THEN within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well sleeping, and his lady sat with him and

waked. Right so came Sir Gawaine and took the knight's lady, and set her up behind his squire. So Sir

Lamorak rode after Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn again. And then said Sir Gawaine: What will ye

do with me? for I am nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, said he, for that cause I will spare you, else that lady

should abide with me, or else ye should joust with me. Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him that

ought the lady, with his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down Sir Gawaine, and took his lady

with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said to himself: But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour

in King Arthur's court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight to joust. Sir, said he, I am ready.

And there they came together with all their might, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides

Then that lady rode to that knight's brother that hight Belliance le Orgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then

she told him how his brother was slain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and armed

him, and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him: Turn and leave that lady, for thou and I

must play a new play; for thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol, that was a better knight than ever wert thou. It

might well be, said Sir Lamorak, but this day in the field I was found the better. So they rode together, and

unhorsed other, and turned their shields, and drew their swords, and fought mightily as noble knights proved,

by the space of two hours. So then Sir Belliance prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is Sir

Lamorak de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that I most hate, for I slew my sons

for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and now thou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be

accorded with thee; therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none other remedy. Alas, said Sir

Lamorak, full well me ought to know you, for ye are the man that most have done for me. And therewithal

Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him of grace. Arise, said Sir Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest

I shall slay thee. That shall not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, not for fear of you, nor

for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loath to have ado with you; wherefore I require you for

God's sake, and for the honour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you. Alas, said

Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all the ground was bloody thereas they

fought. And at the last Belliance withdrew him aback and set him down softly upon a little hill, for he was so

faint for bleeding that he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak threw his shield upon his back, and asked him

what cheer. Well, said Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show you favour in your malease. Ah, Knight Sir

Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art a fool, for an I had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I

should slay thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needs forgive thee mine evil will. And

then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and unlaced first his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed

other with weeping tears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an abbey fast by, and there Sir Lamorak

would not depart from Belliance till he was whole. And then they sware together that none of them should

never fight against other. So Sir Lamorak departed and went to the court of King Arthur.

CHAPTER I. How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn

AT the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and he was richly beseen: and he

desired to be made knight of the king, but his overgarment sat overthwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of

gold. What is your name? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor le Noire, and within short space

ye shall know that I am of good kin. It may well be, said Sir Kay, the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be

called La Cote Male Taile, that is as much to say, the evilshapen coat It is a great thing that thou askest, said

the king; and for what cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I can well think for some cause it is. Sir,

he answered, I had a father, a noble knight, and as he rode ahunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him

down to sleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when he saw he was fast asleep he

all tohew him; and this same coat had my father on the same time; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil

upon me, for the strokes be on it as I found it, and never shall be amended for me. Thus to have my father's

death in remembrance I wear this coat till I be revenged; and because ye are called the most noblest king of

the world I come to you that ye should make me knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well

done to make him knight; for him beseemeth well of person and of countenance, that he shall prove a good

man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye be remembered, even such one was Sir Launcelot du

Lake when he came first into this court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he proved

the man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all your Round Table is by Sir Launcelot

worshipped and amended more than by any knight now living. That is truth, said the king, and tomorrow at

So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur with a company of his knights to

slay the hart. And this young man that Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen

Guenever; and by sudden adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a strong tower of stone, and it

happened that he at that time brake loose, and came hurling afore the queen and her knights. And when the

queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue her. And there was none of them all

but twelve that abode, and all the other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that all coward

knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and dressed him afore the lion. And that lion gaped

wide and came upon him ramping to have slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the head such a

mighty stroke that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed to the earth. Then was it told the queen how the

young man that Sir Kay named by scorn La Cote Male Taile had slain the lion. With that the king came

home. And when the queen told him of that adventure, he was well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine

head he shall prove a noble man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the king forthwithal made

him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require you and all the knights of your court, that ye call me by

none other name but La Cote Male Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so will I be called. I assent

CHAPTER II. How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to take on him an enquest, which

THEN that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought with her a great black shield, with

a white hand in the midst holding a sword. Other picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur

saw her he asked her from whence she came and what she would. Sir, she said, I have ridden long and many a

day with this shield many ways, and for this cause I am come to your court: there was a good knight that

ought this shield, and this knight had undertaken a great deed of arms to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned

him another strong knight met with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and either wounded

other passing sore; and they were so weary that they left that battle even hand. So this knight that ought this

shield saw none other way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to the court of

King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to take this shield, and that he would fulfil the quest

that he was in. Now what say ye to this quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you here that will take upon

him to wield this shield? Then was there not one that would speak one word. Then Sir Kay took the shield in

his hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what is your name? Wit ye well, said he, my name is Sir Kay, the

Seneschal, that widewhere is known. Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit ye well it falleth

not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall wield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye

well I took this shield in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent; but go wheresomever thou

Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those knights. Then spake the knight, La Cote

Male Taile: Fair damosel, I will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should know

whitherward my journey might be; for because I was this day made knight I would take this adventure upon

me. What is your name, fair young man? said the damosel. My name is, said he, La Cote Male Taile. Well

mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, the knight with the evilshapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to

take upon thee to bear that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn as thy coat.

As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so hewn I will ask you no salve to heal me withal. And

forthwithal there came into the court two squires and brought him great horses, and his armour, and his

spears, and anon he was armed and took his leave. I would not by my will, said the king, that ye took upon

you that hard adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, and the first that ever I took upon me, and that

will I follow whatsomever come of me. Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed

after. And within a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in the foulest manner.

CHAPTER III. How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's fool, and of the rebuke that he

THEN Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, to follow after La Cote Male Taile; and there Sir

Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was horsed and armed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer

him to joust, and so he did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he cried and bade him make him ready to

joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile smote Sir Dagonet over his horse's croup. Then the damosel mocked La

Cote Male Taile, and said: Fie for shame! now art thou shamed in Arthur's court, when they send a fool to

have ado with thee, and specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long, and chid. And within a while there

came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, and there he jousted with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis

smote him so sore, that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose up lightly, and dressed

his shield, and drew his sword, and would have done battle to the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so,

said Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then the damosel Maledisant rebuked

him in the foulest manner, and bade him: Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, he said, I pray you of mercy to

missay me no more, my grief is enough though ye give me no more; I call myself never the worse knight

when a mare's son faileth me, and also I count me never the worse knight for a fall of Sir Bleoberis.

So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir Palomides and encountered with him, and

he in the same wise served him as did Bleoberis toforehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship? said the

damosel Maledisant, thou canst not sit no knight, nor withstand him one buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet.

Ah, fair damosel, I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides, and yet great disworship have I none, for

neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomides would not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou

well they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with such a lewd knight as thou art. So in the

meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, Sir Gawaine's brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with the damosel

Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous, and there was such a custom that there might no

knight come by that castle but either he must joust or be prisoner, or at the least to lose his horse and his

harness. And there came out two knights against them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost, and that

knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then La Cote Male Taile jousted with that

other, and either of them smote other down, horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses,

then either of them took other's horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode unto that knight that smote down

Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And there Sir La Cote Male Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore,

and put him from his horse as he had been dead. So he turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the

flight towards the castle, and Sir La Cote Male Taile rode after him into the Castle Orgulous, and there La

CHAPTER IV. How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how he escaped by the

AND anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and when he saw his horse should be

slain he alighted and voided his horse, and put the bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And

when he had so done he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto a lady's chamberwall, thinking

himself that he had liefer die there with worship than to abide the rebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And in

the meantime as he stood and fought, that lady whose was the chamber went out slily at her postern, and

without the gates she found La Cote Male Taile's horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle, and tied him to

the postern. And then she went unto her chamber slily again for to behold how that one knight fought against

an hundred knights. And when she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back, and said:

Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at the last thou must needs die, but, an thou canst

through thy mighty prowess, win unto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee: but

wit thou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die, for thou mayst not win unto that postern

without thou do nobly and mightily. When La Cote Male Taile heard her say so he gripped his sword in his

hands, and put his shield fair afore him, and through the thickest press he thrulled through them. And when

he came to the postern he found there ready four knights, and at two the first strokes he slew two of the

knights, and the other fled; and so he won his horse and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in

King Arthur's court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous; and so he rode on his way.

And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish knight be either slain or taken

prisoner: then were they ware where he came riding. And when he was come unto them he told all how he

had sped and escaped in despite of them all: And some of the best of them will tell no tales. Thou liest

falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make good, but as a fool and a dastard to all knighthood they have let

thee pass. That may ye prove, said La Cote Male Taile. With that she sent a courier of hers, that rode alway

with her, for to know the truth of this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what manner

that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of the castle. Then all the knights cursed him, and said that he was a

fiend and no man: For he hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto this day that it had

been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram de Liones. And in despite of us all he is departed

With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady, and told her all how Sir La Cote Male

Taile had sped at the Castle Orgulous. Then she smote down her head, and said little. By my head, said Sir

Mordred to the damosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly he is a good knight,

and I doubt not but he shall prove a noble knight; but as yet he may not yet sit sure on horseback, for he that

shall be a good horseman it must come of usage and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword

he is then noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for wit ye well they are wily men

of arms, and anon they know when they see a young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall

from his horse or a great buffet. But for the most part they will not light on foot with young knights, for they

are wight and strongly armed. For in likewise Sir Launcelot du Lake, when he was first made knight, he was

often put to the worse upon horseback, but ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled

many knights of the Round Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot did unto many knights

causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for often I have seen the old proved knights rebuked and

slain by them that were but young beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he

HERE leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake,[*9] that when he was come

to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell of the young knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion,

and how he took upon him the adventure of the black shield, the which was named at that time the hardiest

adventure of the world. So God me save, said Sir Launcelot unto many of his fellows, it was shame to all the

noble knights to suffer such a young knight to take such adventure upon him for his destruction; for I will that

ye wit, said Sir Launcelot, that that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shield many a day for to seek the

most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse Saunce Pite took that shield from her, and after Tristram de

Liones rescued that shield from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that time that Sir Tristram

fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a quarrel that was betwixt the King of Ireland and him.

Then many knights were sorry that Sir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that adventure. Truly, said Sir

Launcelot, I cast me to ride after him. And within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook La Cote Male Taile, and

then he saluted him and the damosel Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, then he left their

fellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode with them all a day, and ever that damosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile;

and then Sir Launcelot answered for him, then she left off, and rebuked Sir Launcelot.

So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir Launcelot, excusing him of the wedding of

Isoud la Blanche Mains; and said in the letter, as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly with Isoud la

Blanche Mains; and passing courteously and gentily Sir Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, ever beseeching

him to be his good friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, and that Sir Launcelot would excuse him if

that ever he saw her. And within short time by the grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with

La Beale Isoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damosel and from Sir La

Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter, and to write another letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.

And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until they came to a castle that hight

Pendragon; and there were six knights stood afore him, and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male

Taile. And there La Cote Male Taile smote him over his horse's croup. And then the five knights set upon

him all at once with their spears, and there they smote La Cote Male Taile down, horse and man. And then

they alighted suddenly, and set their hands upon him all at once, and took him prisoner, and so led him unto

And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with letters unto Sir Tristram, and then he

took his way after La Cote Male Taile; and by the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir

Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they fought upon foot a noble battle

together, and a mighty; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling upon his hands and his

knees. And then that knight yielded him, and Sir Launcelot received him fair. Sir, said the knight, I require

thee tell me your name, for much my heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at this time I will not

tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name. Certainly, said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens,

that was made knight of my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I am right

glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir

Nerovens de Lile, what have I done! And therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would have kissed them,

but Sir Launcelot would not let him; and then either made great joy of other. And then Sir Nerovens told Sir

Launcelot that he should not go by the Castle of Pendragon: For there is a lord, a mighty knight, and many

knights with him, and this night I heard say that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rode with a

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered

AH, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I rescue or else I shall lose my life therefore.

And therewithal he rode fast till he came before the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal there came six

knights, and all made them ready to set upon Sir Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelot feutred his spear, and

smote the foremost that he brake his back in sunder, and three of them hit and three failed. And then Sir

Launcelot passed through them, and lightly he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast

and throughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake. So then all the remnant of the four

knights drew their swords and lashed at Sir Launcelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so his

strokes that at four strokes sundry they avoided their saddles, passing sore wounded; and forthwithal he rode

And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de les Isles, the which was a noble man

and a great enemy unto King Arthur, within a while he was armed and upon horseback. And then they feutred

their spears and hurled together so strongly that both their horses rashed to the earth. And then they avoided

their saddles, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords, and flang together as wood men, and there

were many strokes given in a while. At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he kneeled

upon his knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with great force he pulled off his helm; and

when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain he yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then

Sir Launcelot made him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his castle, and therein Sir Launcelot

found of Arthur's knights thirty, and forty ladies, and so he delivered them; and then he rode his way. And

anon as La Cote Male Taile was delivered he gat his horse, and his harness, and his damosel Maledisant.

The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal afore at the bridge, he sent a damosel

after Sir Launcelot to wit how he sped at the Castle of Pendragon. And then they within the castle marvelled

what knight he was, when Sir Brian and his knights delivered all those prisoners. Have ye no marvel, said the

damosel, for the best knight in this world was here, and did this journey, and wit ye well, she said, it was Sir

Launcelot. Then was Sir Brian full glad, and so was his lady, and all his knights, that such a man should win

them. And when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that it was Sir Launcelot du Lake that had

ridden with them in fellowship, and that she remembered her how she had rebuked him and called him

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Male disant, and named her the Damosel

SO then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir Launcelot. And within two mile they overtook

him, and saluted him, and thanked him, and the damosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed and

saying: For now I know the flower of all knighthood is departed even between Sir Tristram and you. For God

knoweth, said the damosel, that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram long, and now I

thank God I have met with you; and once at Camelot I met with Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black

shield with the white hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pite had taken from me. Now, fair

damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir, said she, there came a damosel from a knight that

ye fought withal at the bridge, and she told me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame have she then,

said Sir Launcelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath told her. But, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, upon this

covenant I will ride with you, so that ye will not rebuke this knight Sir La Cote Male Taile no more; for he is

a good knight, and I doubt not he shall prove a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that he should not be

destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah, Jesu thank you, said the damosel, for now I

will say unto you and to him both, I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great love that I

had to him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young and too tender to take upon him these adventures.

And therefore by my will I would have driven him away for jealousy that I had of his life, for it may be no

young knight's deed that shall enchieve this adventure to the end. Pardieu, said Sir Launcelot, it is well said,

and where ye are called the Damosel Maledisant I will call you the Damosel Bienpensant.

And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of the country of Surluse, and there they

found a fair village with a strong bridge like a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at the bridge

there stert forth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many, that said: Fair lords, ye may not pass this bridge

and this fortress because of that black shield that I see one of you bear, and therefore there shall not pass but

one of you at once; therefore choose you which of you shall enter within this bridge first. Then Sir Launcelot

proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter

within this fortress, and if I may speed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain, there it

goeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye rescue me. I am loath, said Sir Launcelot, to let

you pass this passage. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, I pray you let me put my body in this adventure. Now go

So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight Sir Plaine de Force, and the other

hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon they met with Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile

smote down Plaine de Force, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours; and then they dressed them to their

shields and swords, and bade La Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did; and there was dashing and foining

with swords, and so they began to assail full hard La Cote Male Taile, and many great wounds they gave him

upon his head, and upon his breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sad strokes

again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be of both hands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but

he by fine force and knightly prowess gat them afore him. And then when he felt himself so wounded, then

he doubled his strokes, and gave them so many wounds that he felled them to the earth, and would have slain

them had they not yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote Male Taile took the best horse that there was of

them three, and so rode forth his way to the other fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brother

whose name was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they jousted together, and either smote other

down, horse and man, to the earth. And then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew

their swords, and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight was afore on the bridge, and another

while the other. And thus they fought two hours and more, and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and the

damosel beheld them. Alas, said the damosel, my knight fighteth passing sore and over long. Now may ye

see, said Sir Launcelot, that he is a noble knight, for to consider his first battle, and his grievous wounds; and

even forthwithal so wounded as he is, it is marvel that he may endure this long battle with that good knight.

CHAPTER VIII. How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and

THIS meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth, what forwounded and what

forbled he might not stand. Then the other knight had pity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you

not, for had ye been fresh when ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I should not have endured so long as

ye have done; and therefore for your noble deeds of arms I shall show to you kindness and gentleness in all

that I may. And forthwithal this noble knight, Sir Plenorius, took him up in his arms, and led him into his

tower. And then he commanded him the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleeding wounds. Sir,

said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you to yonder bridge again, for there will meet with

you another manner knight than ever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind of

your fellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much better knight than I am. What is his name?

said Plenorius. Ye shall not know for me, said La Cote Male Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall be

Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where art thou? either thou must deliver me the

prisoner that thou hast led unto thy tower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat his horse,

and came with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir Launcelot; and then they began to feutre their spears,

and came together as thunder, and smote either other so mightily that their horses fell down under them. And

then they avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashed together with great

strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered ground upon him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone

about him. But Sir Launcelot would not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came nigh his

tower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for a good knight, but wit thou well thy life and

death is in my hand, and therefore yield thee to me, and thy prisoner. The other answered no word, but struck

mightily upon Sir Launcelot's helm, that the fire sprang out of his eyes. Then Sir Launcelot doubled his

strokes so thick, and smote at him so mightily, that he made him kneel upon his knees. And therewith Sir

Launcelot leapt upon him, and pulled him grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower,

Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to the other bridge, and there Sir

Launcelot jousted with other three of his brethren, the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris, and

the third Sir Pellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot smote them down, and afterward he beat

them on foot, and made them to yield them unto him; and then he returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there he

found in his prison King Carados of Scotland, and many other knights, and all they were delivered. And then

Sir La Cote Male Taile came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would have given him all these

fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile, I will not have Sir Plenorius' livelihood; with that

he will grant you, my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur's court, and to be his knight, and all his

brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have his livelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that

he will come to the court of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren five. And as for you, Sir

Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir Launcelot, at the next feast, so there be a place voided, that ye shall be

Knight of the Round Table. Sir, said Plenorius, at the next feast of Pentecost I will be at Arthur's court, and at

that time I will be guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me. Then Sir Launcelot and Sir La Cote

Male Taile reposed them there, unto the time that Sir La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there

they had merry cheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair ladies.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after

AND in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles, and anon they fellowshipped with

them. And then within ten days, then departed those knights of Arthur's court from these fortresses. And as

Sir Launcelot came by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de les Isles from his lands, for cause he

would never be withhold with King Arthur; and all that Castle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof he gave

to Sir La Cote Male Taile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for Nerovens that he made once knight, and he made

him to have all the rule of that castle and of that country, under La Cote Male Taile; and so they rode to

Arthur's court all wholly together. And at Pentecost next following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote

Male Taile, called otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of the Table Round; and great

lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le Noire wedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was

called Beauvivante, but ever after for the more part he was called La Cote Male Taile; and he proved a

passing noble knight, and mighty; and many worshipful deeds he did after in his life; and Sir Plenorius

proved a noble knight and full of prowess, and all the days of their life for the most part they awaited upon

Sir Launcelot; and Sir Plenorius' brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as the French book

CHAPTER X. How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers

NOW leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones that was in Brittany.

When La Beale Isoud understood that he was wedded she sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous

letters as could be thought and made, and her conclusion was that, an it pleased Sir Tristram, that he would

come to her court, and bring with him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and they should be kept as well as she herself.

Then Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Kehydius, and asked him whether he would go with him into Cornwall

secretly. He answered him that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily a little vessel, and

therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine, and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram's squire. So when

they were in the sea a contrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the Castle Perilous.

Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these ten days, and Gouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so

be I come not again by that day take the next way into Cornwall; for in this forest are many strange

adventures, as I have heard say, and some of them I cast me to prove or I depart. And when I may I shall hie

Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from their fellowship. And so they rode

within that forest a mile and more; and at the last Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed, sitting by

a well, and a strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to an oak, and a man hoving and riding by him

leading an horse laden with spears. And this knight that sat at the well seemed by his countenance to be

passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rode near him and said: Fair knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be

a knighterrant by your arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust with one of us, or with both.

Therewithal that knight made no words, but took his shield and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took

his horse and leapt upon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed his way a furlong. Sir

Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust first. Do your best, said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and

there Sir Kehydius had a fall, and was sore wounded on high above the paps. Then Sir Tristram said: Knight,

that is well jousted, now make you ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. And then that knight took a

greater spear in his hand, and encountered with Sir Tristram, and there by great force that knight smote down

Sir Tristram from his horse and had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly he avoided

his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his sword. And then Sir Tristram required that

knight of his knighthood to alight upon foot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and so he alighted

upon foot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield upon his shoulder, and drew his sword, and there they

fought a long battle together full nigh two hours. Then Sir Tristram said: Fair knight, hold thine hand, and tell

me of whence thou art, and what is thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised; but an thou wilt

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded

NOW fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said the other knight, and my name is Sir

Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite

thou didst me of the sending of the horn unto King Mark's court, to the intent to have slain or dishonoured my

lady the queen, La Beale Isoud; and therefore wit thou well, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die or we

depart. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, remember that we were together in the Isle of Servage, and at that time ye

promised me great friendship. Then Sir Tristram would make no longer delays, but lashed at Sir Lamorak;

and thus they fought long till either were weary of other. Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life

met I never with such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore, said Sir Tristram, it were

pity that any of us both should here be mischieved. Sir said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will

that ye have the worship of this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto you. And therewith he took the point

of his sword to yield him. Nay, said Sir Tristram, ye shall not do so, for well I know your proffers, and more

of your gentleness than for any fear or dread ye have of me. And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him his

sword and said: Sir Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to a man of the most noble

prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, I will do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn

together that never none of us shall after this day have ado with other. And therewithal Sir Tristram and Sir

Lamorak sware that never none of them should fight against other, nor for weal nor for woe.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir

AND this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following the Questing Beast that had in

shape a head like a serpent's head, and a body like a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart; and

in his body there was such a noise as it had been the noise of thirty couple of hounds questing, and such a

noise that beast made wheresomever he went; and this beast ever more Sir Palomides followed, for it was

called his quest. And right so as he followed this beast it came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came

Palomides. And to brief this matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both with one spear; and so

he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called the Questing Beast; wherefore these two knights were

passing wroth that Sir Palomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand that be of

worship, that he was never formed that all times might stand, but sometime he was put to the worse by

Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield betwixt them both, and led him to a

forester's lodge, and there they gave him in charge to keep him well, and with him they abode three days.

Then the two knights took their horses and at the cross they departed. And then said Sir Tristram to Sir

Lamorak: I require you if ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides, say him that he shall find me at the same well

where I met him, and there I, Sir Tristram, shall prove whether he be better knight than I. And so either

departed from other a sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was Sir Kehydius; and Sir Lamorak

rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put his horse unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce,

that was King Bagdemagus' son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not ware of Sir Lamorak; and

then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan of the love that he had to Queen Guenever, and there he

made a woful complaint. All this heard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took his horse and rode

unto the forest, and there he met with two knights hoving under the woodshaw. Fair knights, said Sir

Lamorak, what do ye hoving here and watching? and if ye be knightserrant that will joust, lo I am ready.

Nay, sir knight, they said, not so, we abide not here to joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knight that

slew our brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you would fain meet withal? Sir, they said, it

is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother, and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall

slay him. Ye take upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir Launcelot is a noble proved knight. As

for that we doubt not, for there nis none of us but we are good enough for him. I will not believe that, said Sir

Lamorak, for I heard never yet of no knight the days of my life but Sir Launcelot was too big for him.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought together for the beauty of Dame

RIGHT so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir Launcelot came riding straight toward

them; then Sir Lamorak saluted him, and he him again. And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if there

were anything that he might do for him in these marches. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thank

you. Then either departed from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas he left the two knights, and then he

found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie on you, said Sir Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any

of you should take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them, and within a while he

met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak asked him why he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I

was not far from you when ye made your complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir Meliagaunce, then will

I abide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will ye with it? I will prove and make good that she is the fairest

lady and most of beauty in the world. As to that, said Sir Lamorak, I say nay thereto, for Queen Morgawse of

Orkney, mother to Sir Gawaine, and his mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth the life. That is not

so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my hands upon thy body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak,

and in a better quarrel keep I not to fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then they

came riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote other so sore that their horses fell backward to

the earth. And then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords. And then they

hurtled together as wild boars, and thus they fought a great while. For Meliagaunce was a good man and of

great might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and put him always aback, but either had wounded other

And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and Sir Bleoberis riding. And then Sir

Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked them for what cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Meliagaunce told for what cause they fought, and how Sir Lamorak jousted with

SIR, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this battle. I praised my lady, Queen Guenever,

and said she was the fairest lady of the world, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen Morgawse

of Orkney was fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir Lamorak, why sayest thou so? it is not thy part to

dispraise thy princess that thou art under her obeissance, and we all. And therewith he alighted on foot, and

said: For this quarrel, make thee ready, for I will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest lady and

most of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have ado with you in this quarrel, for every

man thinketh his own lady fairest; and though I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth; for

though my lady Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well Queen Morgawse of Orkney is fairest in

mine eye, and so every knight thinketh his own lady fairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in the world

except Sir Tristram that I am most loathest to have ado withal, but, an ye will needs fight with me I shall

endure you as long as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, I wist you never so

misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamorak sayeth you but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady,

and methinketh that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reason that ye should be wroth with

me for such language? And well ye wot, that Sir Lamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought

you and us ever good will, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir

Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil will, and if I was misadvised I will amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak,

the amends is soon made betwixt you and me. And so Sir Launcelot and Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir

And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and jousted with him; and there he smote

down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him sore with a spear, and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak

was wroth that he would not fight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir Lamorak knew not King Arthur.

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken of the knights of

NOW leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he rode he met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal;

and there Sir Kay asked Sir Tristram of what country he was. He answered that he was of the country of

Cornwall. It may well be, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that ever good knight came out of Cornwall.

That is evil spoken, said Sir Tristram, but an it please you to tell me your name I require you. Sir, wit ye well,

said Sir Kay, that my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal. Is that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well

that ye are named the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeit ye are called a good

knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passing overthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till

they came to a bridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of them jousted with him; and

so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and there that knight gave Sir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir

Lamorak's halfbrother. And then they two rode to their lodging, and there they found Sir Brandiles, and Sir

Tor came thither anon after. And as they sat at supper these four knights, three of them spake all shame by

Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all that they said and he said but little, but he thought the more, but at that

Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their way. And there Sir Brandiles proffered

to joust with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram smote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor le Fise

de Vayshoure encountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir Tristram smote him down, and then he rode his

way, and Sir Kay followed him, but he would not of his fellowship. Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir Kay and

said: I would wit fain what is that knight's name. Come on with me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him to

tell us his name. So they rode together till they came nigh him, and then they were ware where he sat by a

well, and had put off his helm to drink at the well. And when he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly,

and took his horse, and proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted late enough with you, we

come not in that intent. But for this we come to require you of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair

knights, sithen that is your desire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,

nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good time, said Sir Brandiles, and well be ye found, and wit ye well

that we be right glad that we have found you, and we be of a fellowship that would be right glad of your

company. For ye are the knight in the world that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desireth to

have the company of. God thank them said Sir Tristram, of their great goodness, but as yet I feel well that I

am unable to be of their fellowship, for I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of

such a fellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones, ye are the man called now most of

prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake; for he beareth not the life, Christian nor heathen, that can find such

another knight, to speak of his prowess, and of his hands, and his truth withal. For yet could there never

creature say of him dishonour and make it good. Thus they talked a great while, and then they departed either

CHAPTER XVI. How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his

NOW shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the Forest Perilous, that was in North

Wales, by the means of a lady. Her name was Annowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and

she by fair promise and fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into that Forest Perilous; and she was

a great sorceress; and many days she had loved King Arthur, and because she would have him to lie by her

she came into that country. So when the king was gone with her many of his knights followed after King

Arthur when they missed him, as Sir Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she had brought him to

her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the king remembered him of his lady, and would not lie by

her for no craft that she could do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his own

knights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this Lady Annowre saw that she might not

have him at her will, then she laboured by false means to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.

Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, she understood by her subtle crafts that

King Arthur was like to be destroyed. And therefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came into that

forest to seek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram for to help King Arthur; foras that same day this

Lady of the Lake knew well that King Arthur should be slain, unless that he had help of one of these two

knights. And thus she rode up and down till she met with Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew

him. O my lord Sir Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that I have met with you; for

this same day, and within these two hours, shall be done the foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O

fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that in all the haste ye may,

for ye shall see the most worshipfullest knight of the world hard bestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready

to help such a noble man. He is neither better nor worse, said the Lady of the Lake, but the noble King Arthur

himself. God defend, said Sir Tristram, that ever he should be in such distress. Then they rode together a

great pace, until they came to a little turret or castle; and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing

upon foot fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at the last the two knights smote

down the one knight, and that one of them unlaced his helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat

King Arthur's sword in her hand to have stricken off his head. And therewithal came Sir Tristram with all his

might, crying: Traitress, traitress, leave that. And anon there Sir Tristram smote the one of the knights

through the body that he fell dead; and then he rashed to the other and smote his back asunder; and in the

meanwhile the Lady of the Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false lady escape. Then King Arthur

overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off her head, and the Lady of the Lake took up her head and

hung it up by the hair of her saddlebow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth with him,

When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired to wit his name; but he would not tell

him, but that he was a poor knight adventurous; and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met with some

of his knights. And within a while he met with Sir Ector de Maris, and he knew not King Arthur nor Sir

Tristram, and he desired to joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rode unto Sir Ector, and smote him

from his horse. And when he had done so he came again to the king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your

knights, he may bare you fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust to God ye

shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King Arthur, let me wit what ye are? Not at this time,

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud,

AND then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and then they took Kehydius at the

forester's house, and so they rode with him to the ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and

so they sailed into Cornwall all wholly together. And by assent and information of Dame Bragwaine when

they were landed they rode unto Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friend of Sir Tristram's. And so Dame

Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the court of King Mark, and told the queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir

Tristram was nigh her in that country. Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and when she might

speak she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak with him, outher my heart will brast. Then

Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought Sir Tristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber

whereas La Beale Isoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were betwixt La Beale Isoud and Sir

Tristram, there is no tongue can tell it, nor heart think it, nor pen write it. And as the French book maketh

mention, at the first time that ever Sir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he was so enamoured upon her that for

very pure love he might never withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the book be ended, Sir

Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily he wrote unto her letters and ballads of the

most goodliest that were used in those days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had pity of

And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of La Beale Isoud, and when she might

she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a day King Mark played at the chess under a chamber window; and at that

time Sir Tristram and Sir Kehydius were within the chamber over King Mark, and as it mishapped Sir

Tristram found the letter that Kehydius sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he had found the letter that she wrote

unto Kehydius, and at that same time La Beale Isoud was in the same chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto

La Beale Isoud and said: Madam, here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letter that ye sent unto

him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good love that I have loved you; and many lands and riches

have I forsaken for your love, and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great pain. But as for thee,

Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany into this country, and thy father, King Howel, I won his lands,

howbeit I wedded thy sister Isoud la Blanche Mains for the goodness she did unto me. And yet, as I am true

knight, she is a clean maiden for me; but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for this falsehood and treason thou hast

done me, I will revenge it upon thee. And therewithal Sir Tristram drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius,

keep thee, and then La Beale Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw Sir Tristram come

upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a baywindow even over the head where sat King Mark

playing at the chess. And when the king saw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou,

and what is the cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the king, said Kehydius, it fortuned me that I

was asleep in the window above your head, and as I slept I slumbered, and so I fell down. And thus Sir

How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out of

THEN Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that he was there; wherefore he drew

him to the strength of the Tower, and armed him in such armour as he had for to fight with them that would

withstand him. And so when Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance against him he sent Gouvernail for his

horse and his spear, and knightly he rode forth out of the castle openly, that was called the Castle of Tintagil.

And even at gate he met with Gingalin, Sir Gawaine's son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in his rest,

and ran upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at that time had but a sword, and gave him

such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder

his horse's neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and all this doing saw King Mark. And then

he sent a squire unto the hurt knight, and commanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King

Mark wist that it was Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an horse, and asked him what knight it

was that had encountered with him. Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not what knight he was, but well I wot that he

Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that hight Sir Fergus. And when he had met

with him he made great sorrow, insomuch that he fell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow he

was in three days and three nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram sent unto the court by Sir Fergus, for to spere

what tidings. And so as he rode by the way he met with a damosel that came from Sir Palomides, to know

and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then Sir Fergus told her how he was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the

damosel, where shall I find him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus found Queen Isoud sick in

her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthly woman made. And when the damosel found Sir

Tristram she made great dole because she might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more was

his pain. And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away from her. And then was it three days or

that she could find him, and then she brought him meat and drink, but he would none; and then another time

Sir Tristram escaped away from the damosel, and it happed him to ride by the same castle where Sir

Palomides and Sir Tristram did battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there by fortune the damosel

met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole that ever earthly creature made; and she yede to the

lady of that castle and told her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that castle, where is

my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said the damosel. In good time, said the lady, is he so nigh

me; he shall have meat and drink of the best; and an harp I have of his whereupon he taught me, for of goodly

harping he beareth the prize in the world. So this lady and damosel brought him meat and drink, but he ate

little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and then he unlaced his armour, and then Sir

Tristram would go into the wilderness, and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he found

the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon and weep together. And sometime

when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the lady wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play

upon that harp: then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken thereto, and sometime he would harp

himself. Thus he there endured a quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she wist not where he

was become. And then was he naked and waxed lean and poor of flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of

herdmen and shepherds, and daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And when he did any

shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him with shears and made him like a fool.

CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek

AND upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, came into Cornwall with two squires with him; and as they

rode through that forest they came by a fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot,

and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram

came unto them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and thereat laughed the

shepherds; and forthwithal he ran after their horses and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as

they were, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured there an half year naked, and

would never come in town nor village. The meanwhile the damosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir

Tristram, she yede unto Sir Palomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram endured. Alas, said Sir

Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble a knight should be so mischieved for the love of a lady; but

nevertheless, I will go and seek him, and comfort him an I may. Then a little before that time La Beale Isoud

had commanded Sir Kehydius out of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departed with a dolorous

heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and they enfellowshipped together; and either complained

to other of their hot love that they loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides, seek Sir Tristram,

that loved her as well as we, and let us prove whether we may recover him. So they rode into that forest, and

three days and three nights they would never take their lodging, but ever sought Sir Tristram.

And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden from his men all alone. When they

saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but Sir Kehydius knew him not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is

pity thou hast thy life, for thou art a destroyer of all worshipful knights, and by thy mischief and thy

vengeance thou hast destroyed that most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones. And therefore defend thee,

said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day. That were shame, said King Mark, for ye two are armed and I

am unarmed. As for that, said Sir Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knight with me, and

thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not have ado with you, for cause have ye none to me;

for all the misease that Sir Tristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to him no

displeasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and malady. So when the king had thus excused

him they were friends, and King Mark would have had them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would not, but

turned unto the realm of Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he would go into Brittany.

Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were upon horseback he deemed that the

shepherds had sent that fool to array them so, because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the

keepers of beasts and all tobeat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that were wont to give him meat and

drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir Dagonet by the head, and gave him such a fall to the earth that he

bruised him sore so that he lay still. And then he wrast his sword out of his hand, and therewith he ran to one

of his squires and smote off his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram took his way with that sword in

his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then Sir Dagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had

sped in that forest. And therefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not about that well in

the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool and I fool met together, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said

King Mark, that is Sir Matto le Breune, that fell out of his wit because he lost his lady; for when Sir Gaheris

smote down Sir Matto and won his lady of him, never since was he in his mind, and that was pity, for he was

CHAPTER XX. How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain

THEN Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that was his paramour to say and to noise

it that she was with Sir Tristram or ever he died. And this tale she brought unto King Mark's court, that she

buried him by a well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to make his cousin, Sir Andred, king of the

country of Liones, of the which Sir Tristram was lord of. All this did Sir Andred because he would have had

Sir Tristram's lands. And when King Mark heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made great dole.

But when Queen Isoud heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she was nigh out of her mind; and so

upon a day she thought to slay herself and never to live after Sir Tristram's death. And so upon a day La

Beale Isoud gat a sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight the sword through a plum tree

up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stood breast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to

have slain herself all this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet Lord Jesu, have mercy

upon me, for I may not live after the death of Sir Tristram de Liones, for he was my first love and he shall be

the last. And with these words came King Mark and took her in his arms, and then he took up the sword, and

bare her away with him into a tower; and there he made her to be kept, and watched her surely, and after that

This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in his hand, and so he came to an

hermitage, and there he laid him down and slept; and in the meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and

laid meat down by him. Thus was he kept there ten days; and at the last he departed and came to the herdmen

again. And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than seven

year he durst never much go at large, but for the most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this

Tauleas heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark. Then this Tauleas went

daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he came to the herdmen wandering and langering, and there he

set him down to rest among them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him,

and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant saw him he went from the herdmen and hid him under a

tree, and so the knight came to that well, and there he alighted to repose him. And as soon as he was from his

horse this giant Tauleas came betwixt this knight and his horse, and took the horse and leapt upon him. So

forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by the collar, and pulled him afore him upon his horse, and

there would have stricken off his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight. Help ye

him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight

thereas it lay; and so thither he ran and took up the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas' head, and so he yede his

CHAPTER XXI. How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be borne home to Tintagil,

THEN the knight took up the giant's head and bare it with him unto King Mark, and told him what adventure

betid him in the forest, and how a naked man rescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this

adventure? said King Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair fountain in your forest where many

adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man. Well, said King Mark, I will see that wild man. So

within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters that they should be ready on the morn

for to hunt, and so upon the morn he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that well he found

there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then King Mark blew and straked, and

therewith his knights came to him; and then the king commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with

fairness, and bring him to my castle. So they did softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so

led him unto Tintagil; and there they bathed him, and washed him, and gave him hot suppings till they had

brought him well to his remembrance; but all this while there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor

So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a man, that ran naked in the forest, and

how the king had brought him home to the court. Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine and

said: Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord brought from the forest the last day. So they

passed forth, and spered where was the sick man. And then a squire told the queen that he was in the garden

taking his rest, and reposing him against the sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not

remembered of him. But ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen him heretofore

in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well enough. And then he turned away his

Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram gave her the first time that ever she came

into Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas was La

Beale Isoud; and this brachet was sent from the king's daughter of France unto Sir Tristram for great love.

And anon as this little brachet felt a savour of Sir Tristram, she leapt upon him and licked his lears and his

ears, and then she whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all parts of his

body that she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine unto La Beale Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I

see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram. And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while And

when she might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye have your life, and now I am sure ye

shall be discovered by this little brachet, for she will never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my lord,

King Mark, do know you he will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroy you; for

God's sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for

there are ye beloved, and ever when I may I shall send unto you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at

all times early and late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life as ever did queen or lady. O

Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickle anger and danger have I escaped for your love.

CHAPTER XXII. How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the

THEN the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and therewithal came King Mark, and the

brachet set upon him, and bayed at them all. There withal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir Tristram,

I see by the brachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose that. Then the king asked him upon his faith what

he was, and what was his name. So God me help, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones; now do by me

what ye list. Ah, said King Mark, me repenteth of your recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge Sir

Tristram to the death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and in especial Sir Dinas, the

Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice of them all Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for

ten year, and thereupon he took his oath upon a book before the king and his barons. And so he was made to

depart out of the country of Cornwall; and there were many barons brought him unto his ship, of the which

some were his friends and some his foes. And in the meanwhile there came a knight of King Arthur's, his

name was Dinadan, and his coming was for to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where he was

armed at all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, or ye pass this court that ye will joust

with me I require thee. With a good will, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the barons

granted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir Tristram gave Sir Dinadan a fall. And then he prayed

Sir Tristram to give him leave to go in his fellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said then Sir Tristram.

And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together, and when Sir Tristram was in the sea he said:

Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, and say them I will come again when I may; and well am I

rewarded for the fighting with Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this country from servage; and well am I

rewarded for the fetching and costs of Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and the danger that I was in first and last,

and by the way coming home what danger I had to bring again Queen Isoud from the Castle Pluere; and well

am I rewarded when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides' wife; and well am I rewarded when I

fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto La Beale Isoud; and well am I rewarded

when I smote down the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, at King Mark's request; and well am I rewarded

when I fought with the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Northgalis, and both these would

have put his land in servage, and by me they were put to a rebuke; and well am I rewarded for the slaying of

Tauleas, the mighty giant, and many other deeds have I done for him, and now have I my warison. And tell

King Mark that many noble knights of the Table Round have spared the barons of this country for my sake.

Also am I not well rewarded when I fought with the good knight Sir Palomides and rescued Queen Isoud

from him; and at that time King Mark said afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded. And

CHAPTER XXIII. How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir

AND at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, Sir Ector de

Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis; and there Sir Ector jousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his horse

down. And then Sir Tristram would have jousted with Sir Bors, and Sir Bors said that he would not joust with

no Cornish knights, for they are not called men of worship; and all this was done upon a bridge. And with

this came Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant, and Sir Bleoberis proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and there Sir

Tristram smote down Sir Bleoberis. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis: I wist never Cornish knight of so great

valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth the trappings embroidered with crowns. And then Sir

Tristram and Sir Dinadan departed from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel that came for the

love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble knights of King Arthur's court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And

so Sir Launcelot was ordained, forby the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to have slain Sir Launcelot, and

for that cause she ordained thirty knights to lie in await for Sir Launcelot, and this damosel knew this treason.

And for this cause the damosel came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot. For that night, or the day

after, Sir Launcelot should come where these thirty knights were. And so this damosel met with Sir Bors and

Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, and there she told them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then they

promised her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with the thirty knights. And if so be

So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir Tristram and with Sir Dinadan, and

there the damosel told them all the treason that was ordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir

Tristram, bring me to that same place where they should meet with Sir Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan:

What will ye do? it is not for us to fight with thirty knights, and wit you well I will not thereof; as to match

one knight two or three is enough an they be men, but for to match fifteen knights that will I never undertake.

Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not thereof but if ye will lend

me your shield, for ye bear a shield of Cornwall; and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of

Cornwall, by your shields ye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not depart from my shield for her

sake that gave it me. But one thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee, Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt promise

me to abide with me, here I shall slay thee, for I desire no more of thee but answer one knight. And if thy

heart will not serve thee, stand by and look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I promise you to look

So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and they were ware of them, and either of

other. And so these thirty knights let them pass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them, if case be that

they had ado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights let them pass to this intent, that they would see and

behold what they would do with Sir Launcelot. And so the thirty knights passed on and came by Sir Tristram

and by Sir Dinadan, and then Sir Tristram cried on high: Lo, here is a knight against you for the love of Sir

Launcelot. And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword. And then came in Sir Dinadan and

he did passing well, and so of the thirty knights there went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw Sir

Bors de Ganis and his three fellows, and then they saw well it was the same knight that jousted with them at

the bridge; then they took their horses and rode unto Sir Tristram, and praised him and thanked him of his

good deeds, and they all desired Sir Tristram to go with them to their lodging; and he said: Nay, he would not

go to no lodging. Then they all four knights prayed him to tell them his name. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, as

CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they must joust with two

THEN Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came to the shepherds and to the herdmen,

and there they asked them if they knew any lodging or harbour there nigh hand. Forsooth, sirs, said the

herdmen, hereby is good lodging in a castle; but there is such a custom that there shall no knight be harboured

but if he joust with two knights, and if he be but one knight he must joust with two. And as ye be therein soon

shall ye be matched. There is shrewd harbour, said Sir Dinadan; lodge where ye will, for I will not lodge

there. Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the Table Round? wherefore ye may not with

your worship refuse your lodging. Not so, said the herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall

not be lodged there, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. Ah, said Sir Dinadan, they are two sure

knights. Then Sir Dinadan would not lodge there in no manner but as Sir Tristram required him of his

knighthood; and so they rode thither. And to make short tale, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down

both, and so they entered into the castle and had good cheer as they could think or devise.

And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good rest, there came in at the gates Sir

Palomides and Sir Gaheris, requiring to have the custom of the castle. What array is this? said Sir Dinadan, I

would have my rest. That may not be, said Sir Tristram; now must we needs defend the custom of this castle,

insomuch as we have the better of the lords of this castle, and therefore, said Sir Tristram, needs must ye

make you ready. In the devil's name, said Sir Dinadan, came I into your company. And so they made them

ready; and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaheris had a fall; and Sir Palomides

encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan had a fall: then was it fall for fall. So then must they fight on

foot. That would not Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of the fall that Sir Palomides gave him. Then Sir

Tristram unlaced Sir Dinadan's helm, and prayed him to help him. I will not, said Sir Dinadan, for I am sore

wounded of the thirty knights that we had but late ago to do withal. But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan unto Sir

Tristram, as a madman and as a man that is out of his mind that would cast himself away, and I may curse the

time that ever I saw you, for in all the world are not two such knights that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and

ye Sir Tristram; for once I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done now with you, and he set me

a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed. Jesu defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and

specially from your fellowship. Then, said Sir Tristram, I will fight with them both. Then Sir Tristram bade

them come forth both, for I will fight with you. Then Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris dressed them, and smote

at them both. Then Dinadan smote at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and turned from him. Nay, said Sir

Palomides, it is too much shame for us two knights to fight with one. And then he did bid Sir Gaheris stand

aside with that knight that hath no list to fight. Then they rode together and fought long, and at the last Sir

Tristram doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides. And then by one assent

Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and departed them insunder. And then by assent of Sir

Tristram they would have lodged together. But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in that castle. And then he

cursed the time that ever he came in their fellowship, and so he took his horse, and his harness, and departed.

Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a man to bring him to a lodging, and so they did,

and overtook Sir Dinadan, and rode to their lodging two mile thence with a good man in a priory, and there

they were well at ease. And that same night Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and Sir Driant, abode

still in the same place thereas Sir Tristram fought with the thirty knights; and there they met with Sir

Launcelot the same night, and had made promise to lodge with Sir Colgrevance the same night.

CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir

BUT anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of Cornwall, then wist he well that it was Sir

Tristram that fought with his enemies. And then Sir Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called him the man

of most worship in the world. So there was a knight in that priory that hight Pellinore, and he desired to wit

the name of Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could not; and so Sir Tristram departed and left Sir Dinadan in the

priory, for he was so weary and so sore bruised that he might not ride. Then this knight, Sir Pellinore, said to

Sir Dinadan: Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight's name I will ride after him and make him to tell me

his name, or he shall die therefore. Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye follow him ye shall repent

it. So that knight, Sir Pellinore, rode after Sir Tristram and required him of jousts. Then Sir Tristram smote

him down and wounded him through the shoulder, and so he passed on his way. And on the next day

following Sir Tristram met with pursuivants, and they told him that there was made a great cry of tournament

between King Carados of Scotland and the King of North Wales, and either should joust against other at the

Castle of Maidens; and these pursuivants sought all the country after the good knights, and in especial King

Carados let make seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of Northgalis let seek after Sir Tristram de

Liones. And at that time Sir Tristram thought to be at that jousts; and so by adventure they met with Sir Kay,

the Seneschal, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir Tristram to joust, and Sir Tristram in

a manner refused him, because he would not be hurt nor bruised against the great jousts that should be before

the Castle of Maidens, and therefore thought to repose him and to rest him. And alway Sir Kay cried: Sir

knight of Cornwall, joust with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant. When Sir Tristram heard him say so

he turned to him, and then Sir Kay refused him and turned his back. Then Sir Tristram said: As I find thee I

shall take thee. Then Sir Kay turned with evil will, and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay down, and so he rode

Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made him to joust with him, and there Sir

Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous from his horse, and rode his way; and the same day he met

with a damosel that told him that he should win great worship of a knight adventurous that did much harm in

all that country. When Sir Tristram heard her say so, he was glad to go with her to win worship. So Sir

Tristram rode with that damosel a six mile, and then met him Sir Gawaine, and therewithal Sir Gawaine knew

the damosel, that she was a damosel of Queen Morgan le Fay. Then Sir Gawaine understood that she led that

knight to some mischief. Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine, whither ride you now with that damosel? Sir, said Sir

Tristram, I wot not whither I shall ride but as the damosel will lead me. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall not

ride with her, for she and her lady did never good, but ill. And then Sir Gawaine pulled out his sword and

said: Damosel, but if thou tell me anon for what cause thou leadest this knight with thee thou shalt die for it

right anon: I know all your lady's treason, and yours. Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye will save my

life I will tell you. Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt have thy life. Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay,

my lady, hath ordained a thirty ladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and by the trains of

these ladies, who that may first meet any of these two knights they should turn them unto Morgan le Fay's

castle, saying that they should do deeds of worship; and if any of the two knights came there, there be thirty

knights lying and watching in a tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon Sir Tristram. Fie for shame, said Sir

Gawaine, that ever such false treason should be wrought or used in a queen, and a king's sister, and a king

CHAPTER XXVI. How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten with the thirty knights, but

SIR, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the malice of these thirty knights. Sir, said Sir

Tristram, go ye to them, an it please you, and ye shall see I will not fail you, for it is not long ago since I and

a fellow met with thirty knights of that queen's fellowship; and God speed us so that we may win worship. So

then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode toward the castle where Morgan le Fay was, and ever Sir Gawaine

deemed well that he was Sir Tristram de Liones, because he heard that two knights had slain and beaten thirty

knights. And when they came afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake on high and said: Queen Morgan le Fay,

send out your knights that ye have laid in a watch for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Now, said Sir

Gawaine, I know your false treason, and through all places where that I ride men shall know of your false

treason; and now let see, said Sir Gawaine, whether ye dare come out of your castle, ye thirty knights. Then

the queen spake and all the thirty knights at once, and said: Sir Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou dost

and sayest; for by God we know thee passing well, but all that thou speakest and dost, thou sayest it upon

pride of that good knight that is there with thee. For there be some of us that know full well the hands of that

knight over all well. And wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than for thine that we will not

come out of this castle. For wit ye well, Sir Gawaine, the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we know

Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways a day or two together; and there by

adventure, they met with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous. And then they were glad of Sir Gawaine,

and he of them, but they wist not what he was with the shield of Cornwall, but by deeming. And thus they

rode together a day or two. And then they were ware of Sir Breuse Saunce Pite chasing a lady for to have

slain her, for he had slain her paramour afore. Hold you all still, said Sir Gawaine, and show none of you

forth, and ye shall see me reward yonder false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that he will

escape away. And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse and the lady, and said: False knight, leave her,

and have ado with me. When Sir Breuse saw no more but Sir Gawaine he feutred his spear, and Sir Gawaine

against him; and there Sir Breuse overthrew Sir Gawaine, and then he rode over him, and overthwart him

twenty times to have destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram saw him do so villainous a deed, he hurled out

against him. And when Sir Breuse saw him with the shield of Cornwall he knew him well that it was Sir

Tristram, and then he fled, and Sir Tristram followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pite was so horsed

that he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him long, for he would fain have been avenged upon

him. And so when he had long chased him, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose him, and tied his

CHAPTER XXVII. How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she delivered

AND then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands, and so he fell asleep. In the

meanwhile came a damosel that had sought Sir Tristram many ways and days within this land. And when she

came to the well she looked upon him, and had forgotten him as in remembrance of Sir Tristram, but by his

horse she knew him, that hight PasseBrewel that had been Sir Tristram's horse many years. For when he was

mad in the forest Sir Fergus kept him. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, abode still till he was awake. So when

she saw him wake she saluted him, and he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance; then she told

him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she told him how she had letters from Queen La Beale

Isoud. Then anon Sir Tristram read them, and wit ye well he was glad, for therein was many a piteous

complaint. Then Sir Tristram said: Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with me till that tournament be done at the

Castle of Maidens, and then shall bear letters and tidings with you. And then Sir Tristram took his horse and

sought lodging, and there he met with a good ancient knight and prayed him to lodge with him. Right so

came Gouvernail unto Sir Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So this old knight's name was Sir Pellounes,

and he told of the great tournament that should be at the Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and

thirtytwo knights of his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. And right so there came one unto Sir

Pellounes, and told him that Sir Persides de Bloise was come home; then that knight held up his hands and

thanked God of his coming home. And there Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he had not seen

his son, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your son well enough for a good knight.

So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging both at once, and so they unarmed them, and

put upon them their clothing. And then these two knights each welcomed other. And when Sir Persides

understood that Sir Tristram was of Cornwall, he said he was once in Cornwall: And there I jousted afore

King Mark; and so it happed me at that time to overthrow ten knights, and then came to me Sir Tristram de

Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady away from me, and that shall I never forget, but I shall remember

me an ever I see my time. Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. What deem ye,

ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice? Yes, said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir

Tristram is a noble knight and a much better knight than I, yet shall I not owe him my good will. Right as

they stood thus talking at a baywindow of that castle, they saw many knights riding to and fro toward the

tournament. And then was Sir Tristram ware of a likely knight riding upon a great black horse, and a

blackcovered shield. What knight is that, said Sir Tristram, with the black horse and the black shield? he

seemeth a good knight. I know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of the best knights of the world. Then is

it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, said Sir Persides, it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.

CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two

THEN they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And within a while after there came a

squire of the castle, that told Sir Pellounes that was lord of that castle, that a knight with a black shield had

smitten down thirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides, let us cast upon us cloaks, and

let us go see the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, we will not go like knaves thither, but we will ride like men

and good knights to withstand our enemies. So they armed them, and took their horses and great spears, and

thither they went thereas many knights assayed themself before the tournament. And anon Sir Palomides saw

Sir Persides, and then he sent a squire unto him and said: Go thou to the yonder knight with the green shield

and therein a lion of gold, and say him I require him to joust with me, and tell him that my name is Sir

Palomides. When Sir Persides understood that request of Sir Palomides, he made him ready, and there anon

they met together, but Sir Persides had a fall. Then Sir Tristram dressed him to be revenged upon Sir

Palomides, and that saw Sir Palomides that was ready and so was not Sir Tristram, and took him at an

advantage and smote him over his horse's tail when he had no spear in his rest. Then stert up Sir Tristram and

took his horse lightly, and was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall. Then Sir Tristram sent

unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed him to joust with him at his request. Nay, said Sir Palomides,

as at this time I will not joust with that knight, for I know him better than he weeneth. And if he be wroth he

may right it to morn at the Castle of Maidens, where he may see me and many other knights.

With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he list not to jape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan,

here may a man prove, be a man never so good yet may he have a fall, and he was never so wise but he might

be overseen, and he rideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was passing wroth, and said to Sir Persides

and to Sir Dinadan: I will revenge me. Right so as they stood talking there, there came by Sir Tristram a

likely knight riding passing soberly and heavily with a black shield. What knight is that? said Sir Tristram

unto Sir Persides. I know him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant of North Wales; so he passed

on among other knights of North Wales. And there came in Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms

of Cornwall, and he sent a squire unto Sir Briant, and required him to joust with him. Well, said Sir Briant,

sithen I am required to joust I will do what I may; and there Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Briant from his

horse a great fall. And then Sir Tristram marvelled what knight he was that bare the shield of Cornwall.

Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I warrant you he is of King Ban's blood, the which be knights of the

most noble prowess in the world, for to account so many for so many. Then there came two knights of

Northgalis, that one hight Hew de la Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine, and they challenged

Sir Launcelot foothot. Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made him ready, with one spear he smote them

down both over their horses' croups; and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram,

he is a good knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and meseemeth he rideth in the best manner that ever

Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed him heartily for his sake to joust with that

knight that hath done us of Northgalis despite. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am full loath to have ado with that

knight, and cause why is, for as tomorn the great tournament shall be; and therefore I will keep myself fresh

by my will. Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I pray you require him of jousts. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will

joust at your request, and require that knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man have a fall at his

CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and after he was

THEN Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him of jousts. Fair fellow, said Sir

Launcelot, tell me thy lord's name. Sir, said the squire, my lord's name is Sir Palomides, the good knight. In

good hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw this seven years that I had liefer ado withal

than with him. And so either knights made them ready with two great spears. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, ye shall

see that Sir Palomides will quit him right well. It may be so, said Sir Tristram, but I undertake that knight

with the shield of Cornwall shall give him a fall. I believe it not, said Sir Dinadan. Right so they spurred their

horses and feutred their spears, and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spear upon Sir Launcelot, and

he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot smote him so lightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle, and

the stroke brake his shield and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been slain. How now, said Sir

Tristram, I wist well by the manner of their riding both that Sir Palomides should have a fall.

Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink and to repose him, and they of Northgalis

espied him whither he rode; and then there followed him twelve knights for to have mischieved him, for this

cause that upon the morn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that he should not win the victory. So

they came upon Sir Launcelot suddenly, and unnethe he might put upon him his helm and take his horse, but

they were in hands with him; and then Sir Launcelot gat his spear, and rode through them, and there he slew a

knight and brake a spear in his body. Then he drew his sword and smote upon the right hand and upon the left

hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain other three knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded

them sore all that did abide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his enemies of North Wales, and then Sir

Launcelot rode his way till a friend, and lodged him till on the morn; for he would not the first day have ado

in the tournament because of his great labour. And on the first day he was with King Arthur thereas he was

set on high upon a scaffold to discern who was best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was with King

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and there he had the

NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, his servant, to ordain him a black

shield with none other remembrance therein. And so Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host

Sir Pellounes, and they rode early toward the tournament, and then they drew them to King Carados' side, of

Scotland; and anon knights began the field what of King Northgalis' part, and what of King Carados' part, and

there began great party. Then there was hurling and rashing. Right so came in Sir Persides and Sir Tristram

and so they did fare that they put the King of Northgalis aback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and Sir

Gaheris with them of Northgalis, and then was Sir Persides smitten down and almost slain, for more than

forty horse men went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms, and Sir Gaheris failed him not.

When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them do such deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir

Tristram thought shame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great spear in his hand, and then

he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down from his horse. And then was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear

and rode against Sir Tristram in great ire; and there Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir Bleoberis from

his horse So then the King with the Hundred Knights was wroth, and he horsed Sir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris

again, and there began a great medley; and ever Sir Tristram held them passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis

was passing busy upon Sir Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram gave

him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then anon Sir Dinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: Sir, I

know thee better than thou weenest; but here I promise thee my troth I will never come against thee more, for

With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet that down he laid his head; and then he

caught him so sore by the helm that he pulled him under his horse's feet. And then King Arthur blew to

lodging. Then Sir Tristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan rode with him; and Sir Persides and

King Arthur then, and the kings upon both parties, marvelled what knight that was with the black shield.

Many said their advice, and some knew him for Sir Tristram, and held their peace and would nought say. So

that first day King Arthur, and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave Sir Tristram the prize; howbeit

CHAPTER XXXI. How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he saw Sir Palomides

THEN upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis, and rode to King Arthur's side,

where was King Carados, and the King of Ireland, and Sir Launcelot's kin, and Sir Gawaine's kin. So Sir

Palomides sent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him when he was out of his mind in the

forest, and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was and what was his name? As for that, said Sir

Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as at this time unto the time I have broken two spears upon him.

But let him wit thus much, said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he smote down in over

evening[*10] at the tournament; and tell him plainly on what party that Sir Palomides be I will be of the

contrary party. Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur's side,

where the most noble knights of the world be. In the name of God, said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the

King of Northgalis, because Sir Palomides will be on King Arthur's side, and else I would not but for his

sake. So when King Arthur was come they blew unto the field; and then there began a great party, and so

King Carados jousted with the King of the Hundred Knights, and there King Carados had a fall: then was

there hurling and rushing, and right so came in knights of King Arthur's, and they bare aback the King of

Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there was none might withstand him, and

thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at the last Sir Tristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there

fell upon him Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and many other knights.

And then Sir Tristram smote on the right hand and on the left hand, that all lords and ladies spake of his noble

deeds. But at the last Sir Tristram should have had the worse had not the King with the Hundred Knights

been. And then he came with his fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, and brought him away from those

knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And then Sir Tristram saw another fellowship by themself, and

there were a forty knights together, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their governor. Then Sir Tristram rode in

amongst them, and there he smote down Sir Kay from his horse; and there he fared among those knights like

Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the head. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, who

wounded you so sore? Sir, he said, a knight that beareth a black shield, and I may curse the time that ever I

met with him, for he is a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed from him and thought to meet with Sir

Tristram, and so he rode with his sword drawn in his hand to seek Sir Tristram; and then he espied him how

he hurled here and there, and at every stroke Sir Tristram wellnigh smote down a knight. O mercy Jesu! said

the king, sith the times I bare arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds of arms. And if I should set

upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, I did shame to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up

his sword. And then the King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of North Wales set upon the

twenty of Sir Launcelot's kin: and they twenty knights held them ever together as wild swine, and none would

fail other. And so when Sir Tristram beheld the noblesse or these twenty knights he marvelled of their good

deeds, for he saw by their fare and by their rule that they had liefer die than avoid the field. Now Jesu, said

Sir Tristram, well may he be valiant and full of prowess that hath such a sort of noble knights unto his kin,

and full like is he to be a noble man that is their leader and governor. He meant it by Sir Launcelot du Lake.

So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shame to see two hundred knights battering upon

twenty knights. Then Sir Tristram rode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and said: Sir, leave your

fighting with those twenty knights, for ye win no worship of them, ye be so many and they so few; and wit ye

well they will not out of the field I see by their cheer and countenance; and worship get ye none an ye slay

them. Therefore leave your fighting with them, for I to increase my worship I will ride to the twenty knights

and help them with all my might and power. Nay, said the King with the Hundred Knights, ye shall not do so;

now I see your courage and courtesy I will withdraw my knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good

CHAPTER XXXII. How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with him to his lodging.

THEN the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all this while, and long tofore, Sir

Launcelot had watched upon Sir Tristram with a very purpose to have fellowshipped with him. And then

suddenly Sir Tristram, Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their way into the forest, that no man

perceived where they went. So then King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gave the King of Northgalis the

prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side. Then Sir Launcelot rode here and there, so wood as lion that

fauted his fill, because he had lost Sir Tristram, and so he returned unto King Arthur. And then in all the field

was a noise that with the wind it might be heard two mile thence, how the lords and ladies cried: The Knight

with the Black Shield hath won the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight become? It is shame to

all those in the field so to let him escape away from you; but with gentleness and courtesy ye might have

brought him unto me to the Castle of Maidens. Then the noble King Arthur went unto his knights and

comforted them in the best wise that he could, and said: My fair fellows, be not dismayed, howbeit ye have

lost the field this day. And many were hurt and sore wounded, and many were whole. My fellows, said King

Arthur, look that ye be of good cheer, for tomorn I will be in the field with you and revenge you of your

The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all the while the tournament was adoing she

was with Queen Guenever, and ever the queen asked her for what cause she came into that country. Madam,

she answered, I come for none other cause but from my lady La Beale Isoud to wit of your welfare. For in no

wise she would not tell the queen that she came for Sir Tristram's sake. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, took

her leave of Queen Guenever, and she rode after Sir Tristram. And as she rode through the forest she heard a

great cry; then she commanded her squire to go into the forest to wit what was that noise. And so he came to

a well, and there he found a knight bounden till a tree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his

harness standing by him. And when he espied that squire, therewith he abraid and brake himself loose, and

took his sword in his hand, and ran to have slain the squire. Then he took his horse and fled all that ever he

might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her of his adventure. Then she rode unto Sir Tristram's pavilion, and

told Sir Tristram what adventure she had found in the forest. Alas, said Sir Tristram, upon my head there is

Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither, and there he heard how the knight

complained unto himself and said: I, woful knight Sir Palomides, what misadventure befalleth me, that thus

am defoiled with falsehood and treason, through Sir Bors and Sir Ector. Alas, he said, why live I so long!

And then he gat his sword in his hands, and made many strange signs and tokens; and so through his raging

he threw his sword into that fountain. Then Sir Palomides wailed and wrang his hands. And at the last for

pure sorrow he ran into that fountain, over his belly, and sought after his sword. Then Sir Tristram saw that,

and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast. What art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so?

I am a man of this forest that would thee none harm. Alas, said Sir Palomides, I may never win worship

where Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is an I be there, then get I no worship; and if he be away for the most

part I have the gree, unless that Sir Launcelot be there or Sir Lamorak. Then Sir Palomides said: Once in

Ireland Sir Tristram put me to the worse, and another time in Cornwall, and in other places in this land. What

would ye do, said Sir Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram? I would fight with him, said Sir Palomides, and ease

my heart upon him; and yet, to say thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world living. What

will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me to your lodging? Nay, said he, I will go to the King with the

Hundred Knights, for he rescued me from Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector and else had I been slain traitorly.

Sir Tristram said him such kind words that Sir Palomides went with him to his lodging. Then Gouvernail

went tofore, and charged Dame Bragwaine to go out of the way to her lodging And bid ye Sir Persides that

he make him no quarrels. And so they rode together till they came to Sir Tristram's pavilion, and there Sir

Palomides had all the cheer that might be had all that night. But in no wise Sir Palomides might not know

what was Sir Tristram; and so after supper they yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail slept till it was

day. And Sir Palomides might not sleep for anguish; and in the dawning of the day he took his horse privily,

and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris and unto Sir Sagramore le Desirous, where they were in their pavilions; for

they three were fellows at the beginning of the tournament. And then upon the morn the king blew unto the

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur,

SO the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they two encountered with King Carados

and with the King of Ireland; and there the King with the Hundred Knights smote down King Carados, and

the King of Northgalis smote down the King of Ireland. With that came in Sir Palomides, and when he came

he made great work, for by his indented shield he was well known. So came in King Arthur, and did great

deeds of arms together, and put the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights to the worse.

With this came in Sir Tristram with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides, and there by

fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his horse's croup. Then King Arthur cried: Knight with the

Black Shield, make thee ready to me, and in the same wise Sir Tristram smote King Arthur. And then by

force of King Arthur's knights the King and Sir Palomides were horsed again. Then King Arthur with a great

eager heart he gat a spear in his hand, and there upon the one side he smote Sir Tristram over his horse. Then

foothot Sir Palomides came upon Sir Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him. Then Sir

Tristram was ware of him, and there he stooped aside, and with great ire he gat him by the arm, and pulled

him down from his horse. Then Sir Palomides lightly arose, and then they dashed together mightily with their

swords; and many kings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them. And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir

Palomides upon the helm three mighty strokes, and at every stroke that he gave him he said: This for Sir

Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir Tristram an horse, and so was he horsed

again. By then was Sir Palomides horsed, and with great ire he jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it

was in the rest, and gave him a great dash with his sword. Then Sir Tristram avoided his spear, and gat him

by the neck with his both hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle, and so he bare him afore him the

length of ten spears, and then in the presence of them all he let him fall at his adventure. Then Sir Tristram

was ware of King Arthur with a naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram ran upon King

Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with his sword he smote atwo his spear, and therewithal

Sir Tristram stonied; and so King Arthur gave him three or four strokes or he might get out his sword, and at

the last Sir Tristram drew his sword and [either] assailed other passing hard. With that the great press

departed [them]. Then Sir Tristram rode here and there and did his great pain, that eleven of the good knights

of the blood of King Ban, that was of Sir Launcelot's kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down; that all the

estates marvelled of his great deeds and all cried upon the Knight with the Black Shield.

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir

THEN this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat a great spear in his hand and came

towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot cried: The Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with

me. When Sir Tristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand, and either abashed down their heads,

and came together as thunder; and Sir Tristram's spear brake in pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune

struck Sir Tristram on the side a deep wound nigh to the death; but yet Sir Tristram avoided not his saddle,

and so the spear brake. Therewithal Sir Tristram that was wounded gat out his sword, and he rushed to Sir

Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes upon the helm that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot

abashed his head lowly toward his saddlebow. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from the field, for he

felt him so wounded that he weened he should have died; and Sir Dinadan espied him and followed him into

So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest's side he alighted, and unlaced his harness and freshed his

wound; then weened Sir Dinadan that he should have died. Nay, nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread

thee, for I am heartwhole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by the mercy of God. By that Sir

Dinadan was ware where came Palomides riding straight upon them. And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir

Palomides came to have destroyed him. And so Sir Dinadan gave him warning, and said: Sir Tristram, my

lord, ye are so sore wounded that ye may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride against him and do to

him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul; and in the meanwhile ye may withdraw you and

go into the castle, or in the forest, that he shall not meet with you. Sir Tristram smiled and said: I thank you,

Sir Dinadan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am able to handle him. And then anon hastily he armed

him, and took his horse, and a great spear in his hand, and said to Sir Dinadan: Adieu; and rode toward Sir

Palomides a soft pace. Then when Sir Palomides saw that, he made countenance to amend his horse, but he

did it for this cause, for he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him. And when he was come he rode toward Sir

Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote

down Sir Palomides he would do no more to him; and if it so happened that Sir Palomides smote down Sir

Tristram, he bade him do his utterance. So they were accorded. Then they met together, and Sir Tristram

smote down Sir Palomides that he had a grievous fall, so that he lay still as he had been dead. And then Sir

Tristram ran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would not have jousted; but whether he would or not Sir Tristram

smote him over his horse's croup, that he lay still as though he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram rode his

way and left Sir Persides' squire within the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to an old knight's

place to lodge them. And that old knight had five sons at the tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily

for their coming home. And so, as the French book saith, they came home all five well beaten.

And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir Launcelot held alway the stour like hard, as a man araged

that took no heed to himself, and wit ye well there was many a noble knight against him. And when King

Arthur saw Sir Launcelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then armed him, and took his horse and his

armour, and rode into the field to help Sir Launcelot; and so many knights came in with King Arthur. And to

make short tale in conclusion, the King of Northgalis and the King of the Hundred Knights were put to the

worse; and because Sir Launcelot abode and was the last in the field the prize was given him. But Sir

Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, have the prize, but where the cry was cried through the

field: Sir Launcelot, Sir Launcelot hath won the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another cry contrary:

Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath endured, and so hath he done the first day,

CHAPTER XXXV. How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to

THEN all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot great worship, for the honour that he did

unto Sir Tristram; and for that honour doing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and renowned

than an he had overthrown five hundred knights; and all the people wholly for this gentleness, first the estates

both high and low, and after the commonalty cried at once: Sir Launcelot hath won the field whosoever say

nay. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth and ashamed, and so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas, said the

king, we are all dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us. By God, said King Arthur, he is one of

the noblest knights that ever I saw hold spear or sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his

fighting; for full hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon the helm thrice, that

he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he said: Here is a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he

said. Then King Arthur, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses to seek Sir Tristram, and

by the means of Sir Persides he had told King Arthur where Sir Tristram was in his pavilion. But when they

Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to the Castle of Maidens making great

dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram, and his sudden departing. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more

heavy that I cannot meet with him than for all the hurts that all my knights have had at the tournament. Right

so came Sir Gaheris and told King Arthur how Sir Tristram had smitten down Sir Palomides, and it was at Sir

Palomides' own request. Alas, said King Arthur, that was great dishonour to Sir Palomides, inasmuch as Sir

Tristram was sore wounded, and now may we all, kings, and knights, and men of worship, say that Sir

Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of the best knights that ever I saw the days of my life. For I

will that ye all, kings and knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw knight do so marvellously as he

hath done these three days; for he was the first that began and that longest held on, save this last day. And

though he was hurt, it was a manly adventure of two noble knights, and when two noble men encounter needs

must the one have the worse, like as God will suffer at that time. As for me, said Sir Launcelot, for all the

lands that ever my father left me I would not have hurt Sir Tristram an I had known him at that time; that I

hurt him was for I saw not his shield. For an I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled with him

for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did knight, and that is well known that he had ado

with thirty knights, and no help save Sir Dinadan. And one thing shall I promise, said Sir Launcelot, Sir

Palomides shall repent it as in his unkindly dealing for to follow that noble knight that I by mishap hurted

thus. Sir Launcelot said all the worship that might be said by Sir Tristram. Then King Arthur made a great

feast to all that would come. And thus we let pass King Arthur, and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides,

that after he had a fall of Sir Tristram, he was nighhand araged out of his wit for despite of Sir Tristram.

And so he followed him by adventure. And as he came by a river, in his woodness he would have made his

horse to have leapt over; and the horse failed footing and fell in the river, wherefore Sir Palomides was

adread lest he should have been drowned; and then he avoided his horse, and swam to the land, and let his

CHAPTER XXXVI. How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir

AND when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring and crying as a man out of his mind.

Right so came a damosel even by Sir Palomides, that was sent from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir

Mordred, that lay sick in the same place with that old knight where Sir Tristram was. For, as the French book

saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir Mordred a ten days afore; and had it hot been for the love of Sir Gawaine and

his brother, Sir Persides had slain Sir Mordred. And so this damosel came by Sir Palomides, and she and he

had language together, the which pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rode her ways till she came to

the old knight's place, and there she told that old knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure

that ever she met withal. What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. It was indented with white and black,

said the damosel. Ah, said Sir Tristram, that was Sir Palomides, the good knight. For well I know him, said

Sir Tristram, for one of the best knights living in this realm. Then that old knight took a little hackney, and

rode for Sir Palomides, and brought him unto his own manor; and full well knew Sir Tristram Sir Palomides,

but he said but little, for at that time Sir Tristram was walking upon his feet, and well amended of his hurts;

and always when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him full marvellously, and ever him

seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say unto Sir Dinadan: An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he

shall not escape mine hands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast behind Sir Tristram, for it is but late

that he was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why would ye not hold him when ye had him? for I saw

myself twice or thrice that ye gat but little worship of Sir Tristram. Then was Sir Palomides ashamed. So

Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: Had not ye been we had not lost Sir Tristram,

for he was here daily unto the time ye met with him, and in an evil time, said Arthur, ye encountered with

him. My lord Arthur, said Launcelot, ye put upon me that I should be cause of his departition; God knoweth

it was against my will. But when men be hot in deeds of arms oft they hurt their friends as well as their foes.

And my lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram is a man that I am loath to offend, for

he hath done for me more than ever I did for him as yet. But then Sir Launcelot made bring forth a book: and

then Sir Launcelot said: Here we are ten knights that will swear upon a book never to rest one night where we

rest another this twelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. And as for me, said Sir Launcelot, I promise

you upon this book that an I may meet with him, either with fairness or foulness I shall bring him to this

court, or else I shall die therefore. And the names of these ten knights that had undertaken this quest were

these following: First was Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Bleoberis, and Sir

Blamore de Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, Sir Galihud Lionel, and Galiodin. So these ten noble

knights departed from the court of King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until they came to

a cross where departed four ways, and there departed the fellowship in four to seek Sir Tristram.

And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine that was sent into that country to seek

Sir Tristram, and she fled as fast as her palfrey might go. So Sir Launcelot met with her and asked her why

she fled. Ah, fair knight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of my life, for here followeth me Sir Breuse

Saunce Pite to slay me. Hold you nigh me, said Sir Launcelot. Then when Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse

Saunce Pite, Sir Launcelot cried unto him, and said: False knight destroyer of ladies and damosels, now thy

last days be come. When Sir Breuse Saunce Pite saw Sir Launcelot's shield he knew it well, for at that time

he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare his own shield. And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot

followed after him. But Sir Breuse was so well horsed that when him list to flee he might well flee, and also

abide when him list. And then Sir Launcelot returned unto Dame Bragwaine, and she thanked him of his

CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison.

NOW will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came riding to the same place thereas was Sir

Tristram, and in he came in none other intent but to ask harbour. Then the porter asked what was his name.

Tell your lord that my name is Sir Lucan, the butler, a Knight of the Round Table. So the porter went unto Sir

Darras, lord of the place, and told him who was there to ask harbour. Nay, nay, said Sir Daname, that was

nephew to Sir Darras, say him that he shall not be lodged here, but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meet

with him anon, and bid him make him ready. So Sir Daname came forth on horseback, and there they met

together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote down Sir Daname over his horse's croup, and then he fled into that

Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram: It is shame to see the lord's cousin of this place defoiled. Abide, said

Sir Tristram, and I shall redress it. And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on horseback, and he jousted with

Lucan the butler, and there Sir Lucan smote Dinadan through the thick of the thigh, and so he rode his way;

and Sir Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan was hurt, and followed after, and thought to avenge him; and

within a while he overtook Sir Lucan, and bade him turn; and so they met together so that Sir Tristram hurt

Sir Lucan passing sore and gave him a fall. With that came Sir Uwaine, a gentle knight, and when he saw Sir

Lucan so hurt he called Sir Tristram to joust with him. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name I

require you. Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine. Ah, said Sir Tristram, by

my will I would not have ado with you at no time. Ye shall not so, said Sir Uwaine, but ye shall have ado

with me. And then Sir Tristram saw none other bote, but rode against him, and overthrew Sir Uwaine and

hurt him in the side, and so he departed unto his lodging again. And when Sir Dinadan understood that Sir

Tristram had hurt Sir Lucan he would have ridden after Sir Lucan for to have slain him, but Sir Tristram

would not suffer him. Then Sir Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to the abbey of

Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis, of the which Sir Bleoberis was lord. And at that castle

So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel that told Sir Darras that three of his sons

were slain at that tournament, and two grievously wounded that they were never like to help themself. And all

this was done by a noble knight that bare the black shield, and that was he that bare the prize. Then came

there one and told Sir Darras that the same knight was within, him that bare the black shield. Then Sir Darras

yede unto Sir Tristram's chamber, and there he found his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir, said the

damosel, that same is he that slew your three sons. Then without any tarrying Sir Darras put Sir Tristram, and

Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan, within a strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have died of great

sickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram of old hate betwixt them. And ever Sir

Tristram spake fair and said little. But when Sir Palomides saw the falling of sickness of Sir Tristram, then

was he heavy for him, and comforted him in all the best wise he could. And as the French book saith, there

came forty knights to Sir Darras that were of his own kin, and they would have slain Sir Tristram and his two

fellows, but Sir Darras would not suffer that, but kept them in prison, and meat and drink they had. So Sir

Tristram endured there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that is the greatest pain a prisoner

may have. For all the while a prisoner may have his health of body he may endure under the mercy of God

and in hope of good deliverance; but when sickness toucheth a prisoner's body, then may a prisoner say all

wealth is him bereft, and then he hath cause to wail and to weep. Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had

CHAPTER XXXVIII. How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King

NOW will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan in prison, and speak we of other

knights that sought after Sir Tristram many divers parts of this land. And some yede into Cornwall; and by

adventure Sir Gaheris, nephew unto King Arthur, came unto King Mark, and there he was well received and

sat at King Mark's own table and ate of his own mess. Then King Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings there

were in the realm of Logris. Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king reigneth as a noble knight; and now but late there

was a great jousts and tournament as ever I saw any in the realm of Logris, and the most noble knights were

at that jousts. But there was one knight that did marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of all

knights that ever I saw he proved the best knight. Then, said King Mark, that was Sir Launcelot, or Sir

Palomides the paynim. Not so, said Sir Gheris, for both Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides were on the contrary

party against the Knight with the Black Shield. Then was it Sir Tristram, said the king. Yea, said Sir Gaheris.

And therewithal the king smote down his head, and in his heart he feared sore that Sir Tristram should get

him such worship in the realm of Logris wherethrough that he himself should not be able to withstand him.

Thus Sir Gaheris had great cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale Isoud, the which was glad of Sir

Gaheris' words; for well she wist by his deeds and manners that it was Sir Tristram. And then the king made a

feast royal, and to that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine, and some called him Uwaine le

Blanchemains. And this Sir Uwaine challenged all the knights of Cornwall. Then was the king wood wroth

that he had no knights to answer him. Then Sir Andred, nephew unto King Mark, leapt up and said: I will

encounter with Sir Uwaine. Then he yede and armed him and horsed him in the best manner. And there Sir

Uwaine met with Sir Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on the earth. Then was King Mark sorry

and wroth out of measure that he had no knight to revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.

So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed him for his sake to take upon him to joust

with Sir Uwaine. Sir, said Sir Dinas, I am full loath to have ado with any knight of the Round Table. Yet, said

the king, for my love take upon thee to joust. So Sir Dinas made him ready, and anon they encountered

together with great spears, but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse and man, a great fall. Who was wroth but

King Mark! Alas, he said, have I no knight that will encounter with yonder knight? Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for

your sake I will joust. So Sir Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he rode into the field. And

when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris' shield he rode to him and said: Sir, ye do not your part. For, sir, the first

time ye were made Knight of the Round Table ye sware that ye should not have ado with your fellowship

wittingly. And pardie, Sir Gaheris, ye knew me well enough by my shield, and so do I know you by your

shield, and though ye would break your oath I would not break mine; for there is not one here, nor ye, that

shall think I am afeard of you, but I durst right well have ado with you, and yet we be sisters' sons. Then was

Sir Gaheris ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went their way, and Sir Uwaine rode into the country.

Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with a squire with him. And then he rode afore

Sir Uwaine, and suddenly at a gap he ran upon him as he that was not ware of him, and there he smote him

almost through the body, and there left him. So within a while there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine, and

asked him how he was hurt. I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why nor wherefore, but by treason I am sure I gat this

hurt; for here came a knight suddenly upon me or that I was ware, and suddenly hurt me. Then there was

come Sir Andred to seek King Mark. Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou that thus

traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst never pass my hands. Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt

him, and that I will report me to himself. Fie on you false knight, said Sir Kay, for ye of Cornwall are nought

worth. So Sir Kay made carry Sir Uwaine to the Abbey of the Black Cross, and there he was healed. And

then Sir Gaheris took his leave of King Mark, but or he departed he said: Sir king, ye did a foul shame unto

you and your court, when ye banished Sir Tristram out of this country, for ye needed not to have doubted no

CHAPTER XXXIX. Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote him down and Andred his

THEN there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he had good cheer showing outward.

Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove any adventure in the forest of Morris, in the which I know well is as

hard an adventure as I know any. Sir, said Sir Kay, I will prove it. And Sir Gaheris said he would be avised

for King Mark was ever full of treason: and therewithal Sir Gaheris departed and rode his way. And by the

same way that Sir Kay should ride he laid him down to rest, charging his squire to wait upon Sir Kay; And

warn me when he cometh. So within a while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheris took his

horse and met him, and said: Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride at the request of King Mark, for he dealeth all

with treason. Then said Sir Kay: I require you let us prove this adventure. I shall not fail you, said Sir

Gaheris. And so they rode that time till a lake that was that time called the Perilous Lake, and there they

The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all his barons, and all other save such as

were privy with him were avoided out of his chamber. And then he let call his nephew Sir Andred, and bade

arm him and horse him lightly; and by that time it was midnight. And so King Mark was armed in black,

horse and all; and so at a privy postern they two issued out with their varlets with them, and rode till they

came to that lake. Then Sir Kay espied them first, and gat his spear, and proffered to joust. And King Mark

rode against him, and smote each other full hard, for the moon shone as the bright day. And there at that

jousts Sir Kay's horse fell down, for his horse was not so big as the king's horse, and Sir Kay's horse bruised

him full sore. Then Sir Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall. Then he cried: Knight, sit thou fast in thy

saddle, for I will revenge my fellow. Then King Mark was afeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with evil will King

Mark rode against him, and Sir Gaheris gave him such a stroke that he fell down. So then forthwithal Sir

Gaheris ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his horse quite, that his helm smote in the earth, and nigh

had broken his neck. And therewithal Sir Gaheris alighted, and gat up Sir Kay. And then they yode both on

foot to them, and bade them yield them, and tell their names outher they should die. Then with great pain Sir

Andred spake first, and said: It is King Mark of Cornwall, therefore be ye ware what ye do, and I am Sir

Andred, his cousin. Fie on you both, said Sir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false treason hast thou wrought

and he both, under the feigned cheer that ye made us! it were pity, said Sir Gaheris, that thou shouldst live

any longer. Save my life, said King Mark, and I will make amends; and consider that I am a king anointed. It

were the more shame, said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life; thou art a king anointed with cream, and therefore

thou shouldst hold with all men of worship; and therefore thou art worthy to die. With that he lashed at King

Mark without saying any more, and covered him with his shield and defended him as he might. And then Sir

Kay lashed at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark yielded him unto Sir Gaheris. And then he kneeled

adown, and made his oath upon the cross of the sword, that never while he lived he would be against

errantknights. And also he sware to be good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came into Cornwall.

By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain him. Let be, said Sir Gaheris, slay him

not I pray you. It were pity, said Sir Kay, that he should live any longer, for this is nigh cousin unto Sir

Tristram, and ever he hath been a traitor unto him, and by him he was exiled out of Cornwall, and therefore I

will slay him, said Sir Kay. Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris; sithen I have given the king his life, I pray you

give him his life. And therewithal Sir Kay let him go. And so Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris rode their way unto

Dinas, the Seneschal, for because they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram. So they reposed them there,

and soon after they rode unto the realm of Logris. And so within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot

that always had Dame Bragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to have met the sooner with Sir

Tristram; and Sir Launcelot asked what tidings in Cornwall, and whether they heard of Sir Tristram or not.

Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris answered and said, that they heard not of him. Then they told Sir Launcelot word by

word of their adventure. Then Sir Launcelot smiled and said: Hard it is to take out of the flesh that is bred in

CHAPTER XL. How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they

NOW leave we off this tale, and speak we of sir Dinas that had within the castle a paramour, and she loved

another knight better than him. And so when sir Dinas went out ahunting she slipped down by a towel, and

took with her two brachets, and so she yede to the knight that she loved, and he her again. And when sir

Dinas came home and missed his paramour and his brachets, then was he the more wrother for his brachets

than for the lady. So then he rode after the knight that had his paramour, and bade him turn and joust. So sir

Dinas smote him down, that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm. And then his lady and paramour cried

sir Dinas mercy, and said she would love him better than ever she did. Nay, said sir Dinas, I shall never trust

them that once betrayed me, and therefore, as ye have begun, so end, for I will never meddle with you. And

so sir Dinas departed, and took his brachets with him, and so rode to his castle.

Now will we turn unto sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he could never hear no tidings of sir Tristram,

for all this while he was in prison with sir Darras, Palomides, and Dinadan. Then Dame Bragwaine took her

leave to go into Cornwall, and sir Launcelot, sir Kay, and sir Gaheris rode to seek sir Tristram in the country

Now speaketh this tale of sir Tristram and of his two fellows, for every day sir Palomides brawled and said

language against sir Tristram. I marvel, said sir Dinadan, of thee, sir Palomides, an thou haddest sir Tristram

here thou wouldst do him no harm; for an a wolf and a sheep were together in a prison the wolf would suffer

the sheep to be in peace. And wit thou well, said sir Dinadan, this same is sir Tristram at a word, and now

must thou do thy best with him, and let see now if ye can skift it with your hands. Then was sir Palomides

abashed and said little. Sir Palomides, then said sir Tristram, I have heard much of your maugre against me,

but I will not meddle with you as at this time by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us in

governance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon it should be skift: so they peaced themself.

Right so came in a damosel and said: Knights, be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your lives, and that I heard

say my lord, Sir Darras. Then were they glad all three, for daily they weened they should have died.

Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to have died; then Sir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir

Palomides under them both making great sorrow. So a damosel came in to them and found them mourning.

Then she went unto Sir Darras, and told him how that mighty knight that bare the black shield was likely to

die. That shall not be, said Sir Darras, for God defend when knights come to me for succour that I should

suffer them to die within my prison. Therefore, said Sir Darras to the damosel, fetch that knight and his

fellows afore me. And then anon Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him. He said: Sir knight, me

repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full noble knight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it

shall never be said that Sir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou art in prison, howbeit that thou

hast slain three of my sons whereby I was greatly aggrieved. But now shalt thou go and thy fellows, and your

harness and horses have been fair and clean kept, and ye shall go where it liketh you, upon this covenant, that

thou, knight, wilt promise me to be good friend to my sons two that be now alive, and also that thou tell me

thy name. Sir, said he, as for me my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and in Cornwall was I born, and nephew

I am unto King Mark. And as for the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had been the next

kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. And if I had slain them by treason or treachery I had been

worthy to have died. All this I consider, said Sir Darras, that all that ye did was by force of knighthood, and

that was the cause I would not put you to death. But sith ye be Sir Tristram, the good knight, I pray you

heartily to be my good friend and to my sons. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I promise you by the faith of my body,

ever while I live I will do you service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight ought to do. Then Sir

Tristram reposed him there till that he was amended of his sickness; and when he was big and strong they

took their leave, and every knight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till they came to a

cross way. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we depart in sundry ways. And because Sir Dinadan had

CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and how Sir Tristram

SO as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole. What aileth you? said Sir Dinadan. Sir

knight, said the lady, I am the wofullest lady of the world, for within these five days here came a knight

called Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and he slew mine own brother, and ever since he hath kept me at his own will,

and of all men in the world I hate him most; and therefore I require you of knighthood to avenge me, for he

will not tarry, but be here anon. Let him come, said Sir Dinadan, and because of honour of all women I will

do my part. With this came Sir Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his lady he was wood wroth. And then

he said: Sir knight, keep thee from me. So they hurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing

sore, but Sir Dinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound, and or ever Sir Dinadan might turn

him Sir Breuse was gone and fled. Then the lady prayed him to bring her to a castle there beside but four mile

thence; and so Sir Dinadan brought her there, and she was welcome, for the lord of that castle was her uncle;

Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he came to a castle to ask lodging, wherein was

Queen Morgan le Fay; and so when Sir Tristram was let into that castle he had good cheer all that night. And

upon the morn when he would have departed the queen said: Wit ye well ye shall not depart lightly, for ye are

here as a prisoner. Jesu defend! said Sir Tristram, for I was but late a prisoner. Fair knight, said the queen, ye

shall abide with me till that I wit what ye are and from whence ye come. And ever the queen would set Sir

Tristram on her own side, and her paramour on the other side. And ever Queen Morgan would behold Sir

Tristram, and thereat the knight was jealous, and was in will suddenly to have run upon Sir Tristram with a

sword, but he left it for shame. Then the queen said to Sir Tristram: Tell me thy name, and I shall suffer you

to depart when ye will. Upon that covenant I tell you my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Morgan le

Fay, an I had wist that, thou shouldst not have departed so soon as thou shalt. But sithen I have made a

promise I will hold it, with that thou wilt promise me to bear upon thee a shield that I shall deliver thee, unto

the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur had cried a great tournament, and there I pray you that ye will

be, and to do for me as much deeds of arms as ye may do. For at the Castle of Maidens, Sir Tristram, ye did

marvellous deeds of arms as ever I heard knight do. Madam, said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield that I

shall bear. Then the shield was brought forth, and the field was goldish, with a king and a queen therein

painted, and a knight standing above them, [one foot] upon the king's head, and the other upon the queen's.

Madam, said Sir Tristram, this is a fair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth this king and this queen, and

the knight standing upon both their heads? I shall tell you, said Morgan le Fay, it signifieth King Arthur and

Queen Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them both in bondage and in servage. Who is that knight? said Sir

Tristram. That shall ye not wit as at this time, said the queen. But as the French book saith, Queen Morgan

loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she desired him, and he would never love her nor do nothing at her

request, and therefore she held many knights together for to have taken him by strength. And because she

deemed that Sir Launcelot loved Queen Guenever paramour, and she him again, therefore Queen Morgan le

Fay ordained that shield to put Sir Launcelot to a rebuke, to that intent that King Arthur might understand the

love between them. Then Sir Tristram took that shield and promised her to bear it at the tournament at the

Castle of the Hard Rock. But Sir Tristram knew not that that shield was ordained against Sir Launcelot, but

CHAPTER XLII. How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the paramour of

SO then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield with him. Then came the knight that

held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name was Sir Hemison, and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram. Fair

friend, said Morgan, ride not after that knight, for ye shall not win no worship of him. Fie on him, coward,

said Sir Hemison, for I wist never good knight come out of Cornwall but if it were Sir Tristram de Liones.

What an that be he? said she. Nay, nay, said he, he is with La Beale Isoud, and this is but a daffish knight.

Alas, my fair friend, ye shall find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I know him better than ye

do. For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay him. Ah, fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will

follow that knight, for I fear me sore of your again coming. With this this knight rode his way wood wroth,

and he rode after Sir Tristram as fast as he had been chased with knights. When Sir Tristram heard a knight

come after him so fast he returned about, and saw a knight coming against him. And when he came nigh to

Sir Tristram he cried on high: Sir knight, keep thee from me. Then they rushed together as it had been

thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon Sir Tristram, but his harness was so good that he might not

hurt him. And Sir Tristram smote him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over his horse's

croup. Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more with his sword, but he saw so much blood go from him

that him seemed he was likely to die, and so he departed from him and came to a fair manor to an old knight,

CHAPTER XLIII. How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot

NOW leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was wounded to the death. Then his

varlet alighted, and took off his helm, and then he asked his lord whether there were any life in him. There is

in me life said the knight, but it is but little; and therefore leap thou up behind me when thou hast holpen me

up, and hold me fast that I fall not, and bring me to Queen Morgan le Fay; for deep draughts of death draw to

my heart that I may not live, for I would fain speak with her or I died: for else my soul will be in great peril

an I die. For[thwith] with great pain his varlet brought him to the castle, and there Sir Hemison fell down

dead. When Morgan le Fay saw him dead she made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him

unto his shirt, and so she let him put into a tomb. And about the tomb she let write: Here lieth Sir Hemison,

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw late any knights adventurous. Sir, he

said, the last night here lodged with me Ector de Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me

that he was one of the best knights of the world. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I know four better

knights of his own blood, and the first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, call him the best knight, and Sir Bors de

Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay, said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight

than he. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and I felt Sir Gaheris for the better

knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good as any of them except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir

Tristram? said his host, for I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir Tristram, said Tristram.

Thus they talked and bourded as long as them list, and then went to rest. And on the morn Sir Tristram

departed, and took his leave of his host, and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none adventure had Sir

Tristram but that; and so he rested not till he came to the castle, where he saw five hundred tents.

CHAPTER XLIV. How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him.

THEN the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King Arthur's knights, and there began a great

medley. So came in Sir Tristram and did marvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many knights.

And ever he was afore King Arthur with that shield. And when King Arthur saw that shield he marvelled

greatly in what intent it was made; but Queen Guenever deemed as it was, wherefore she was heavy. Then

was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in a chamber by King Arthur, and when she heard King Arthur speak

of that shield, then she spake openly unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield was ordained for you,

to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth to you and your queen. And then anon that

damosel picked her away privily, that no man wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and

wroth, and asked from whence came that damosel. There was not one that knew her nor wist where she was

become. Then Queen Guenever called to her Sir Ector de Maris, and there she made her complaint to him,

and said: I wot well this shield was made by Morgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore

I dread me sore lest I should be destroyed. And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did so marvellous

deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be, and well he wist it was not Sir Launcelot. And

it was told him that Sir Tristram was in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains, for he deemed, an he had

been in the realm of Logris, Sir Launcelot or some of his fellows that were in the quest of Sir Tristram that

they should have found him or that time. So King Arthur had marvel what knight he might be. And ever Sir

Arthur's eye was on that shield. All that espied the queen, and that made her sore afeard.

Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold, what upon the right hand and upon the left

hand, that unnethe no knight might withstand him. And the King of Scots and the King of Ireland began to

withdraw them. When Arthur espied that, he thought that that knight with the strange shield should not

escape him. Then he called unto him Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains, and bade him arm him and make him

ready. So anon King Arthur and Sir Uwaine dressed them before Sir Tristram, and required him to tell them

where he had that shield. Sir, he said, I had it of Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.

So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first book of Sir Tristram de Liones and the second book