Le Morte d'Arthur Vol. 2 ...................................................................................................................................1

Thomas Malory ........................................................................................................................................1

How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur, because he told him not the cause why he bare

How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides' life, and how they promised to fight together within a fortnight . .

How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten him down, and many other knights of the Round

How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and Sir Dodinas le Savage . . . . Chap. iv.

How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and how they fought together unknown . . . . Chap.

How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the joy that the king and other made for the

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

How the king came to a fountain where he found Sir Lamorak complaining for the love of King Lot's wife

How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to a castle, and how King Mark was known there . .

How Sir Berluse met with King Mark, and how Sir Dinadan took his part . . . . . . Chap. x.

How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with six knights of the Round Table . . . Chap. xi.

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

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

How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making great sorrow and mourning for La Beale

How the king had slain Amant wrongfully tofore King Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to

How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram . . . Chap. xvi.

How Sir Lamorak jousted with divers knights of the castle wherein was Morgan le Fay . . . . Chap. xvii.

How Sir Palomides would have jousted for Sir Lamorak with the knights of the castle . . . . Chap. xviii.

How Sir Lamorak jousted with Sir Palomides, and hurt him grievously . . . . . . Chap xix.

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

How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorak came in, and overthrew Sir Gawaine and many

How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir Tristram, and how they departed toward

How Sir Percivale was made knight of King Arthur, and how a dumb maid spake, and brought him to the

How Sir Lamorak lay with King Lot's wife, and how Sir Gaheris slew her which was his own mother . . .

How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight fleeing, and how they both were overthrown, and of

How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received letters out of Cornwall, and of the answer again . .

How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made

How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to King Mark; and of Sir Tristram how he promised to

How Sir Tristram overcame the battle, and how Elias desired a man to fight body for body . . . . Chap. xxix.

How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the truage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field .

How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper came and sang the lay that Dinadan had made . . .

How King Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, for good service that he had done to him . . . Chap.

How Anglides, Boudwin's wife, escaped with her young son, Alisander le Orphelin, and came to the Castle

How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander, her son, the same day that he was made knight, and

How it was told to King Mark of Sir Alisander, and how he would have slain Sir Sadok for saving of his

How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and of Morgan le Fay: and how he fought with Sir

How Queen Morgan le Fay had Alisander in her castle, and how she healed his wounds . . . . Chap xxxvii.

How Alisander was delivered from the queen Morgan le Fay by the mean of a damosel . . . . Chap. xxxviii.

How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how he jousted with two knights; and after of him and

How Sir Galahalt did do cry a jousts in Surluse, and Queen Guenever's knights should joust against all that

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

How Sir Galahalt and Sir Palomides fought together, and of Sir Dinadan and Sir Galahalt . . . Chap. xlii.

How Sir Archade appealed Sir Palomides of treason, and how Sir Palomides slew him . . . . Chap. xliii.

Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Lamorak and other things . . . . . Chap. xliv.

How Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and how Palomides slew Corsabrin . . . . Chap. xlvii.

Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being disguised like a maid, smote down Sir Dinadan . . .

How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament for to have been slain, and how he was put in

How King Mark let do counterfeit letters from the Pope, and how Sir Percivale delivered Sir Tristram out

How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came into England, and how Sir Launcelot brought them to Joyous

How by the counsel of Beale Isoud Tristram rode armed, and how he met with Sir Palomides . . . Chap. liii.

Of Sir Palomides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis and with Sir Ector, and of Sir Percivale . . . Chap. liv.

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

How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La

How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with jousting with Sir Palomides, Sir Dinadan knew him . .

How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other devices of the death of Sir Lamorak . . . . Chap.

How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a ship there, wherein lay the body of King Hermance

How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with an host which after fought with Sir Tristram;

How Palomides went for to fight with two brethren for the death of King Hermance . . . . . Chap. lxi.

The copy of the letter written for to revenge the king's death, and how Sir Palomides fought for to have the

Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two brethren that should fight with him . . . . . Chap. lxiii.

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

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce Pite', and how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud

How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and after with Sir Gawaine, and smote them down . . .

How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came unto the tournament of Lonazep; and of divers jousts and

How Sir Tristram and his fellowship jousted, and of the noble feats that they did in that tourneying . . .

How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir Launcelot, and after that Sir Tristram smote

How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he demeaned him, and how Sir

How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prize of that day was given to Sir Palomides . . .

How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King

How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the contrary party against him . . . Chap.

How Sir Tristram departed out of the field, and awaked Sir Dinadan, and changed his array into black . . .

How Sir Palomides changed his shield and armour for to hurt Sir Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to

How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides followed and excused him . . . Chap.

How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their pavilions as they sat at supper, and of Palomides . .

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the next day, and how King Arthur was unhorsed . . . . Chap. lxxix.

How Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur's side, and how Sir Palomides would not . . . . Chap. lxxx.

How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector reported to Queen Guenever of the beauty of La Beale Isoud . . . . Chap.

How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir Palomides came and found him, and of their both

How Sir Palomides brought to Sir Epinogris his lady; and how Sir Palomides and Sir Safere were assailed .

How Sir Palomides and Sir Safere conducted Sir Epinogris to his castle, and of other adventures . . . Chap.

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

How Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot, with Palomides, came to Joyous Gard; and of Palomides and Sir

How there was a day set between Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides for to fight, and how Sir Tristram was

How Sir Palomides kept his day for to have foughten, but Sir Tristram might not come; and other things .

How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he

How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and how he begat Galahad on Elaine, King Pelles'

How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had lain by Elaine, and how she was delivered of

How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how he was fed with the Sangreal . . . Chap. iv.

How Sir Bors made Sir Pedivere to yield him, and of marvellous adventures that he had, and how he

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

How Dame Elaine, Galahad's mother, came in great estate unto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved

How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to Dame Elaine's bed, and how Queen Guenever

How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to void the court, and how Sir Launcelot became

What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how he was sought by knights of his kin . . .

How a servant of Sir Aglovale's was slain, and what vengeance Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale did

How Sir Percivale departed secretly from his brother, and how he loosed a knight bound with a chain, and

How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they fought long, and each had almost slain other . . . Chap.

How by miracle they were both made whole by the coming of the holy vessel of Sangreal . . . . Chap. xiv.

How Sir Launcelot in his madness took a sword and fought with a knight, and after leapt into a bed . . .

How Sir Launcelot was carried in an horse litter, and how Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host . .

How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and how he was hurt, and brought to an hermitage .

How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne into a chamber and after healed by the

How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was ashamed, and how that Elaine

How Sir Launcelot came into the Joyous Isle, and there he named himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet . . . Chap.

Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir

How each of them knew other, and of their courtesy, and how his brother Ector came to him, and of their

How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and

How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came to the court, and of the great joy of him . . . Chap.

How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the court, to the great feast of Pentecost . . . Chap.

How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir Palomides, and how they smote each other, and how

How Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which was hurt, and how he overthrew Sir Palomides . . .

How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together, and after accorded, and Sir Tristram made him

How at the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost entered into the hall before King Arthur a damosel, and desired

How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous, and of the marvellous adventure of the sword in a

How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an old man brought in Galahad . . . . Chap. iii.

How the old man brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous and set him therein, and how all the knights

How King Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water to Galahad, and how he drew out the sword . . .

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

How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, all the knights were replenished with the Holy

How great sorrow was made of the king and the queen and ladies for the departing of the knights, and how

How Galahad gat him a shield, and how they sped that presumed to take down the said shield . . . Chap. ix.

How Galahad departed with the shield, and how King Evelake had received the shield of Joseph of

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

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

Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad revenged him, and how Melias was carried into an

How Galahad departed, and how he was commanded to go to the Castle of Maidens to destroy the wicked

How Sir Galahad fought with the knights of the castle, and destroyed the wicked custom . . . . Chap. xv.

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

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

How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a sick man borne in a litter, and how he was healed

How a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how he found his horse and his helm borne away, and after went

How Sir Launcelot was shriven, and what sorrow he made, and of good ensamples which were shewed him

How Sir Percivale came to a recluse and asked her counsel, and how she told him that she was his aunt . .

How Merlin likened the Round Table to the world, and how the knights that should achieve the Sangreal

How Sir Percivale came into a monastery, where he found King Evelake, which was an old man . . . Chap.

How Sir Percivale saw many men of arms bearing a dead knight, and how he fought against them . . .

How a yeoman desired him to get again an horse, and how Sir Percivale's hackney was slain, and how he

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

Of the advision that Sir Percivale saw, and how his advision was expounded, and of his lion . . . Chap. vii.

How Sir Percivale saw a ship coming to himward, and how the lady of the ship told him of her

How Sir Percivale promised her help, and how he required her of love, and how he was saved from the

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

How Sir Launcelot came into a chapel, where he found dead, in a white shirt, a man of religion, of an

Of a dead man, how men would have hewn him, and it would not be, and how Sir Launcelot took the hair

Of an advision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told it to an hermit, and desired counsel of him . . .

How the hermit expounded to Sir Launcelot his advision, and told him that Sir Galahad was his son. . .

How Sir Launcelot told his advision to a woman, and how she expounded it to him . . . . Chap. vi.

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

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

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector came to an hermitage to be confessed, and how they told to the hermit

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

How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took upon him for to get against a champion for her land

Of a vision which Sir Bors had that night, and how he fought and overcame his adversary . . . . Chap. viii.

How the lady was restored to her lands by the battle of Sir Bors, and of his departing, and how he met Sir

Lionel taken and beaten with thorns, and also of a maid which should have been devoured Chap. ix.

How Sir Bors left to rescue his brother, and rescued the damosel and how it was told him that Lionel was

How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest, which he had dreamed, and of the counsel that the priest gave to

How the devil in a woman's likeness would have had Sir Bors to have lain by her, and how by God's grace

Of the holy communication of an abbot to Sir Bors, and how the abbot counselled him . . . . Chap. xiii.

How Sir Bors met with his brother Sir Lionel, and how Sir Lionel would have slain Sir Bors . . . . Chap.

How Sir Colgrevance fought against Sir Lionel for to save Sir Bors and how the hermit was slain . . . Chap.

How Sir Lionel slew Sir Colgrevance, and how after he would have slain Sir Bors . . . . . Chap. xvi.

How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch him not, and a cloud that came between them . .

How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was known of Sir Gawaine and of Sir Ector de Maris

How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the ship whereas ir Bors and Sir Percivale were in . .

How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bed therein, with other marvellous things, and of a

How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he drew the sword, and other marvellous

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

How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and how they were fought withal, and how they slew their

How the three knights, with Percivale's sister, came into the waste forest, and of an hart and four lions, and

How they were desired of a strange custom, the which they would not obey; wherefore they fought and

How Sir Percivale's sister bled a dish full of blood for to heal a lady, wherefore she died; and how that the

How Galahad and Percivale found in a castle many tombs of maidens that had bled to death . . . . Chap. xii.

How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir Percivale's sister lay dead, and how he met with Sir

How a knight brought to Sir Galahad an horse, and bade him come from his father, Sir Launcelot . . . Chap.

How Sir Launcelot was tofore the door of the chamber wherein the Holy Sangreal was . . . . Chap. xv.

How Sir Launcelot had lain fourandtwenty days and as many nights as a dead man, and other divers

How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other adventures which he saw in the way . . . . Chap.

How Galahad came to King Mordrains, and of other matters and adventures . . . . . Chap. xviii.

How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, and how they came to the castle of Carbonek, and

How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the Holy Sangreal, and how Our Lord appeared to them, and

How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the Maimed King, and of other adventures . . . Chap. xxi.

How they were fed with the Sangreal while they were in prison, and how Galahad was made king . . . Chap

Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad was dead: and of Percivale how he died, and

Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to

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

How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knight enpoisoned, which Sir Mador laid on the queen . .

How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there was no knight would fight for her at the first

How the queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how he granted upon condition; and how he warned

How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for the queen; and when he would fight how another

How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the queen, and how he overcame Sir Mador, and

How the truth was known by the Maiden of the Lake, and of divers other matters . . . . . Chap. viii.

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

How the tourney began at Winchester, and what knights were at the Jousts; and other things . . . . Chap. x.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the field against them of King Arthur's court, and how

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the field, and in what jeopardy Launcelot was . . .

How Launcelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed of his wound, and of other matters . . . Chap. xiii.

How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and there had knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot

Of the sorrow that Sir Bors had for the hurt of Launcelot; and of the anger that the queen had because

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

How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might bear arms, and how his wounds brast out again . . .

How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot; and of the tourney, and to whom the prize was

Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when Launcelot should depart, and how she died for

How the corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived tofore King Arthur, and of the burying, and how Sir

Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great jousts and tourney ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir

How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman came to an hermit, and of other matters . . . Chap.

How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the field, and how he rode and found Sir Launcelot . .

How Queen Guenever rode aMaying with certain knights of the Round Table and clad all in green . .

How Sir Meliagrance took the queen and all her knights, which were sore hurt in fighting . . . . Chap. ii.

How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and how Sir Meliagrance laid a bushment for

How Sir Launcelot's horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot rode in a cart for to rescue the queen . . .

How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, and how she appeased Sir Launcelot; and other

How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and lay with her, and how Sir Meliagrance appeached

How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged battle against Sir Meliagrance; and how Sir

How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady, and took a white courser and came for to keep

How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagrance abode him in the field and dressed him to

How Sir Urre came into Arthur's court for to be healed of his wounds, and how King Arthur would begin

How King Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many other knights of the Round Table . . . . Chap. xi.

How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his wounds, and anon he was all whole, and how

How there was a party made of an hundred knights against an hundred knights, and of other matters . . .

here followeth the book of the Piteous History which is of the Morte or Death of King Aurthur, and the

How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine for to disclose the love between Sir

How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur, and how King Arthur gave them licence to take

How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen's chamber, and how Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with

How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in his harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and

How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors, and told him how he had sped, and in what adventure he had been,

Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot and his friends for to save the queen . . . Chap.

How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him of the affray and death of Sir Agravaine and the other

How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire, and how he slew many knights . . .

Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death of his nephews and other good knights, and

How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to make war against Sir Launcelot, and laid

Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and how King Arthur reproved him . . .

How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him to go out to battle, and how they made them

How Sir Gawaine jousted and smote down Sir Lionel, and how Sir Launcelot horsed King Arthur . . .

How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how Sir Launcelot brought the queen to King Arthur

Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir

Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot, with much other language . . . . Chap. xvi.

How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from Joyous Gard over seaward, and what knights went

How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made great lords of the knights that went with him . .

How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready to go over sea to make war on Sir Launcelot . .

What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot; and how King Arthur laid siege to Benwick, and other

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, and how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt . .

Of the sorrow that King Arthur made for the war, and of another battle where also Sir Gawaine had the

How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of England, and would have married the queen,

How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let

How after, Sir Gawaine's ghost appeared to King Arthur, and warned him that he should not fight that day .

How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death .

How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the water, and how he was delivered to

How Sir Bedivere found him on the morn dead in an hermitage, and how he abode there with the hermit . .

Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur; and how Queen Guenever made her a nun in

How when Sir Launcelot heard of the death of King Arthur, and of Sir Gawaine, and other matters, he

How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, and how he found her at Almesbury . . . Chap. ix.

How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the Archbishop of Canterbury was, and how he took the

How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to Almesbury, and found there Queen Guenever dead,

How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose body was borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried .

How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and how Constantine reigned next after Arthur; and of

CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur, because he told him not the cause

AND if so be ye can descrive what ye bear, ye are worthy to bear the arms. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I

will answer you; this shield was given me, not desired, of Queen Morgan le Fay; and as for me, I can not

descrive these arms, for it is no point of my charge, and yet I trust to God to bear them with worship. Truly,

said King Arthur, ye ought not to bear none arms but if ye wist what ye bear: but I pray you tell me your

name. To what intent? said Sir Tristram. For I would wit, said Arthur. Sir, ye shall not wit as at this time.

Then shall ye and I do battle together, said King Arthur. Why, said Sir Tristram, will ye do battle with me but

if I tell you my name? and that little needeth you an ye were a man of worship, for ye have seen me this day

have had great travail, and therefore ye are a villainous knight to ask battle of me, considering my great

travail; howbeit I will not fail you, and have ye no doubt that I fear not you; though you think you have me at

a great advantage yet shall I right well endure you. And there withal King Arthur dressed his shield and his

spear, and Sir Tristram against him, and they came so eagerly together. And there King Arthur brake his

spear all to pieces upon Sir Tristram's shield. But Sir Tristram hit Arthur again, that horse and man fell to the

earth. And there was King Arthur wounded on the left side, a great wound and a perilous.

Then when Sir Uwaine saw his lord Arthur lie on the ground sore wounded, he was passing heavy. And then

he dressed his shield and his spear, and cried aloud unto Sir Tristram and said: Knight, defend thee. So they

came together as thunder, and Sir Uwaine brised his spear all to pieces upon Sir Tristram's shield, and Sir

Tristram smote him harder and sorer, with such a might that he bare him clean out of his saddle to the earth.

With that Sir Tristram turned about and said: Fair knights, I had no need to joust with you, for I have had

enough to do this day. Then arose Arthur and went to Sir Uwaine, and said to Sir Tristram: We have as we

have deserved, for through our orgulyte' we demanded battle of you, and yet we knew not your name.

Nevertheless, by Saint Cross, said Sir Uwaine, he is a strong knight at mine advice as any is now living.

Then Sir Tristram departed, and in every place he asked and demanded after Sir Launcelot, but in no place he

could not hear of him whether he were dead or alive; wherefore Sir Tristram made great dole and sorrow. So

Sir Tristram rode by a forest, and then was he ware of a fair tower by a marsh on that one side, and on that

other side a fair meadow. And there he saw ten knights fighting together. And ever the nearer he came he saw

how there was but one knight did battle against nine knights, and that one did so marvellously that Sir

Tristram had great wonder that ever one knight might do so great deeds of arms. And then within a little

while he had slain half their horses and unhorsed them, and their horses ran in the fields and forest. Then Sir

Tristram had so great pity of that one knight that endured so great pain, and ever he thought it should be Sir

Palomides, by his shield. And so he rode unto the knights and cried unto them, and bade them cease of their

battle, for they did themselves great shame so many knights to fight with one. Then answered the master of

those knights, his name was called Breuse Saunce Pite', that was at that time the most mischievoust knight

living, and said thus: Sir knight, what have ye ado with us to meddle? and therefore, an ye be wise, depart on

your way as ye came, for this knight shall not escape us. That were pity, said Sir Tristram, that so good a

knight as he is should be slain so cowardly; and therefore I warn you I will succour him with all my

CHAPTER II. How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides' life, and how they promised to fight together within

So Sir Tristram alighted off his horse because they were on foot, that they should not slay his horse, and then

dressed his shield, with his sword in his hand, and he smote on the right hand and on the left hand passing

sore, that wellnigh at every stroke he struck down a knight. And when they espied his strokes they fled all

with Breuse Saunce Pite' unto the tower, and Sir Tristram followed fast after with his sword in his hand, but

they escaped into the tower, and shut Sir Tristram without the gate. And when Sir Tristram saw this he

returned aback unto Sir Palomides, and found him sitting under a tree sore wounded. Ah, fair knight, said Sir

Tristram, well be ye found. Gramercy, said Sir Palomides, of your great goodness, for ye have rescued me of

my life, and saved me from my death. What is your name? said Sir Tristram. He said: My name is Sir

Palomides. O Jesu, said Sir Tristram, thou hast a fair grace of me this day that I should rescue thee, and thou

art the man in the world that I most hate; but now make thee ready, for I will do battle with thee. What is your

name? said Sir Palomides. My name is Sir Tristram, your mortal enemy. It may be so, said Sir Palomides; but

ye have done over much for me this day that I should fight with you; for inasmuch as ye have saved my life it

will be no worship for you to have ado with me, for ye are fresh and I am wounded sore, and therefore, an ye

will needs have ado with me, assign me a day and then I shall meet with you without fail. Ye say well, said

Sir Tristram, now I assign you to meet me in the meadow by the river of Camelot, where Merlin set the

Then Sir Tristram asked Sir Palomides why the ten knights did battle with him. For this cause, said Sir

Palomides; as I rode upon mine adventures in a forest here beside I espied where lay a dead knight, and a

lady weeping beside him. And when I saw her making such dole, I asked her who slew her lord. Sir, she said,

the falsest knight of the world now living, and he is the most villain that ever man heard speak of and his

name is Sir Breuse Saunce Pite'. Then for pity I made the damosel to leap on her palfrey, and I promised her

to be her warrant, and to help her to inter her lord. And so, suddenly, as I came riding by this tower, there

came out Sir Breuse Saunce Pite', and suddenly he struck me from my horse. And then or I might recover my

horse this Sir Breuse slew the damosel. And so I took my horse again, and I was sore ashamed, and so began

the medley betwixt us: and this is the cause wherefore we did this battle. Well, said Sir Tristram, now I

understand the manner of your battle, but in any wise have remembrance of your promise that ye have made

with me to do battle with me this day fortnight. I shall not fail you, said Sir Palomides. Well, said Sir

Tristram, as at this time I will not fail you till that ye be out of the danger of your enemies.

So they mounted upon their horses, and rode together unto that forest, and there they found a fair well, with

clear water bubbling. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, to drink of that water have I courage; and then they alighted

off their horses. And then were they ware by them where stood a great horse tied to a tree, and ever he

neighed. And then were they ware of a fair knight armed, under a tree, lacking no piece of harness, save his

helm lay under his head. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, yonder lieth a wellfaring knight; what is best

to do? Awake him, said Sir Palomides. So Sir Tristram awaked him with the butt of his spear. And so the

knight rose up hastily and put his helm upon his head, and gat a great spear in his hand; and without any more

words he hurled unto Sir Tristram, and smote him clean from his saddle to the earth, and hurt him on the left

side, that Sir Tristram lay in great peril. Then he walloped farther, and fetched his course, and came hurling

upon Sir Palomides, and there he struck him a part through the body, that he fell from his horse to the earth.

And then this strange knight left them there, and took his way through the forest. With this Sir Palomides and

Sir Tristram were on foot, and gat their horses again, and either asked counsel of other, what was best to do.

By my head, said Sir Tristram, I will follow this strong knight that thus hath shamed us. Well, said Sir

Palomides, and I will repose me hereby with a friend of mine. Beware, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, that

ye fail not that day that ye have set with me to do battle, for, as I deem, ye will not hold your day, for I am

much bigger than ye. As for that, said Sir Palomides, be it as it be may, for I fear you not, for an I be not sick

nor prisoner, I will not fail you; but I have cause to have more doubt of you that ye will not meet with me, for

ye ride after yonder strong knight. And if ye meet with him it is an hard adventure an ever ye escape his

hands. Right so Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides departed, and either took their ways diverse.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten him down, and many other

AND so Sir Tristram rode long after this strong knight. And at the last he saw where lay a lady overthwart a

dead knight. Fair lady, said Sir Tristram, who hath slain your lord? Sir, she said, here came a knight riding, as

my lord and I rested us here, and asked him of whence he was, and my lord said of Arthur's court. Therefore,

said the strong knight, I will joust with thee, for I hate all these that be of Arthur's court. And my lord that

lieth here dead amounted upon his horse, and the strong knight and my lord encountered together, and there

he smote my lord throughout with his spear, and thus he hath brought me in great woe and damage. That me

repenteth, said Sir Tristram, of your great anger; an it please you tell me your husband's name. Sir, said she,

his name was Galardoun, that would have proved a good knight. So departed Sir Tristram from that dolorous

lady, and had much evil lodging. Then on the third day Sir Tristram met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir

Bleoberis in a forest at a lodge, and either were sore wounded. Then Sir Tristram asked Sir Gawaine and Sir

Bleoberis if they met with such a knight, with such a cognisance, with a covered shield. Fair sir, said these

knights, such a knight met with us to our great damage. And first he smote down my fellow, Sir Bleoberis,

and sore wounded him because he bade me I should not have ado with him, for why he was overstrong for

me. That strong knight took his words at scorn, and said he said it for mockery. And then they rode together,

and so he hurt my fellow. And when he had done so I might not for shame but I must joust with him. And at

the first course he smote me down and my horse to the earth. And there he had almost slain me, and from us

he took his horse and departed, and in an evil time we met with him. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, so he met

with me, and with another knight that hight Palomides, and he smote us both down with one spear, and hurt

us right sore. By my faith, said Sir Gawaine, by my counsel ye shall let him pass and seek him no further; for

at the next feast of the Round Table, upon pain of my head ye shall find him there. By my faith, said Sir

Tristram, I shall never rest till that I find him. And then Sir Gawaine asked him his name. Then he said: My

name is Sir Tristram. And so either told other their names, and then departed Sir Tristram and rode his way.

And by fortune in a meadow Sir Tristram met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Dinadan. What tidings

with you, said Sir Tristram, with you knights? Not good, said these knights. Why so? said Sir Tristram; I pray

you tell me, for I ride to seek a knight. What cognisance beareth he? said Sir Kay. He beareth, said Sir

Tristram, a covered shield close with cloth. By my head, said Sir Kay, that is the same knight that met with

us, for this night we were lodged within a widow's house, and there was that knight lodged; and when he wist

we were of Arthur's court he spoke great villainy by the king, and specially by the Queen Guenever, and then

on the morn was waged battle with him for that cause. And at the first recounter, said Sir Kay, he smote me

down from my horse and hurt me passing sore; and when my fellow, Sir Dinadan, saw me smitten down and

hurt he would not revenge me, but fled from me; and thus he departed. And then Sir Tristram asked them

their names, and so either told other their names. And so Sir Tristram departed from Sir Kay, and from Sir

Dinadan, and so he passed through a great forest into a plain, till he was ware of a priory, and there he

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

AND then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded him to go to a city thereby to fetch him

new harness; for it was long time afore that that Sir Tristram had been refreshed, his harness was brised and

broken. And when Gouvernail, his servant, was come with his apparel, he took his leave at the widow, and

mounted upon his horse, and rode his way early on the morn. And by sudden adventure Sir Tristram met with

Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these two knights met with Sir Tristram and

questioned with him, and asked him if he would joust with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, with a good

will I would joust with you, but I have promised at a day set, near hand, to do battle with a strong knight; and

therefore I am loath to have ado with you, for an it misfortuned me here to be hurt I should not be able to do

my battle which I promised. As for that, said Sagramore, maugre your head, ye shall joust with us or ye pass

from us. Well, said Sir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto I must do what I may. And then they dressed their

shields, and came running together with great ire. But through Sir Tristram's great force he struck Sir

Sagramore from his horse. Then he hurled his horse farther, and said to Sir Dodinas: Knight, make thee

ready; and so through fine force Sir Tristram struck Dodinas from his horse. And when he saw them lie on

the earth he took his bridle, and rode forth on his way, and his man Gouvernail with him.

Anon as Sir Tristram was passed, Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas gat again their horses, and mounted up

lightly and followed after Sir Tristram. And when Sir Tristram saw them come so fast after him he returned

with his horse to them, and asked them what they would. It is not long ago sithen I smote you to the earth at

your own request and desire: I would have ridden by you, but ye would not suffer me, and now meseemeth ye

would do more battle with me. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, for we will be revenged of

the despite ye have done to us. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, that shall little need you, for all that I did to

you ye caused it; wherefore I require you of your knighthood leave me as at this time, for I am sure an I do

battle with you I shall not escape without great hurts, and as I suppose ye shall not escape all lotless. And this

is the cause why I am so loath to have ado with you; for I must fight within these three days with a good

knight, and as valiant as any is now living, and if I be hurt I shall not be able to do battle with him. What

knight is that, said Sir Sagramore, that ye shall fight withal? Sirs, said he, it is a good knight called Sir

Palomides. By my head, said Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, ye have cause to dread him, for ye shall find

him a passing good knight, and a valiant. And because ye shall have ado with him we will forbear you as at

this time, and else ye should not escape us lightly. But, fair knight, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your name. Sir,

said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, well be ye found, for much

worship have we heard of you. And then either took leave of other, and departed on their way.

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

THEN departed Sir Tristram and rode straight unto Camelot, to the peron that Merlin had made tofore,

where Sir Lanceor, that was the king's son of Ireland, was slain by the hands of Balin. And in that same place

was the fair lady Colombe slain, that was love unto Sir Lanceor; for after he was dead she took his sword and

thrust it through her body. And by the craft of Merlin he made to inter this knight, Lanceor, and his lady,

Colombe, under one stone. And at that time Merlin prophesied that in that same place should fight two the

best knights that ever were in Arthur's days, and the best lovers. So when Sir Tristram came to the tomb

where Lanceor and his lady were buried he looked about him after Sir Palomides. Then was he ware of a

seemly knight came riding against him all in white, with a covered shield. When he came nigh Sir Tristram

he said on high: Ye be welcome, sir knight, and well and truly have ye holden your promise. And then they

dressed their shields and spears, and came together with all their might of their horses; and they met so

fiercely that both their horses and knights fell to the earth, and as fast as they might avoided their horses, and

put their shields afore them; and they struck together with bright swords, as men that were of might, and

either wounded other wonderly sore, that the blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the space of

four hours, that never one would speak to other one word, and of their harness they had hewn off many

pieces. O Lord Jesu, said Gouvernail, I marvel greatly of the strokes my master hath given to your master. By

my head, said Sir Launcelot's servant, your master hath not given so many but your master has received as

many or more. O Jesu, said Gouvernail, it is too much for Sir Palomides to suffer or Sir Launcelot, and yet

pity it were that either of these good knights should destroy other's blood. So they stood and wept both, and

made great dole when they saw the bright swords overcovered with blood of their bodies.

Then at the last spake Sir Launcelot and said: Knight, thou fightest wonderly well as ever I saw knight,

therefore, an it please you, tell me your name. Sir, said Sir Tristram, that is me loath to tell any man my

name. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, an I were required I was never loath to tell my name. It is well said, said Sir

Tristram, then I require you to tell me your name? Fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake.

Alas, said Sir Tristram, what have I done! for ye are the man in the world that I love best. Fair knight, said Sir

Launcelot, tell me your name? Truly, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. O Jesu, said Sir Launcelot,

what adventure is befallen me! And therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded him up his sword.

And therewith Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up his sword. And so either gave other the

degree. And then they both forthwithal went to the stone, and set them down upon it, and took off their helms

to cool them, and either kissed other an hundred times. And then anon after they took off their helms and rode

to Camelot. And there they met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris that had made promise to Arthur

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the great joy that the king and

RETURN again, said Sir Launcelot, for your quest is done, for I have met with Sir Tristram: lo, here is his

own person! Then was Sir Gawaine glad, and said to Sir Tristram: Ye are welcome, for now have ye eased

me greatly of my labour. For what cause, said Sir Gawaine, came ye into this court? Fair sir, said Sir

Tristram, I came into this country because of Sir Palomides; for he and I had assigned at this day to have

done battle together at the peron, and I marvel I hear not of him. And thus by adventure my lord, Sir

Launcelot, and I met together. With this came King Arthur, and when he wist that there was Sir Tristram,

then he ran unto him and took him by the hand and said: Sir Tristram, ye are as welcome as any knight that

ever came to this court. And when the king had heard how Sir Launcelot and he had foughten, and either had

wounded other wonderly sore, then the king made great dole. Then Sir Tristram told the king how he came

thither for to have had ado with Sir Palomides. And then he told the king how he had rescued him from the

nine knights and Breuse Saunce Pite'; and how he found a knight lying by a well, and that knight smote down

Sir Palomides and me, but his shield was covered with a cloth. So Sir Palomides left me, and I followed after

that knight; and in many places I found where he had slain knights, and forjousted many. By my head, said

Sir Gawaine, that same knight smote me down and Sir Bleoberis, and hurt us sore both, he with the covered

shield. Ah, said Sir Kay, that knight smote me adown and hurt me passing sore, and fain would I have known

him, but I might not. Jesu, mercy, said Arthur, what knight was that with the covered shield? I know not, said

Sir Tristram; and so said they all. Now, said King Arthur, then wot I, for it is Sir Launcelot. Then they all

looked upon Sir Launcelot and said: Ye have beguiled us with your covered shield. It is not the first time,

said Arthur, he hath done so. My lord, said Sir Launcelot, truly wit ye well I was the same knight that bare

the covered shield; and because I would not be known that I was of your court I said no worship of your

Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand and went to the Table Round. Then came Queen Guenever

and many ladies with her, and all the ladies said at one voice: Welcome, Sir Tristram! Welcome, said the

damosels. Welcome, said knights. Welcome, said Arthur, for one of the best knights, and the gentlest of the

world, and the man of most worship; for of all manner of hunting thou bearest the prize, and of all measures

of blowing thou art the beginning, and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the beginner, of all

instruments of music ye are the best; therefore, gentle knight, said Arthur, ye are welcome to this court. And

also, I pray you, said Arthur, grant me a boon. It shall be at your commandment, said Tristram. Well, said

Arthur, I will desire of you that ye will abide in my court. Sir, said Sir Tristram, thereto is me loath, for I have

ado in many countries. Not so, said Arthur, ye have promised it me, ye may not say nay. Sir, said Sir

Tristram, I will as ye will. Then went Arthur unto the sieges about the Round Table, and looked in every

siege the which were void that lacked knights. And then the king saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that said:

This is the siege of the noble knight, Sir Tristram. And then Arthur made Sir Tristram Knight of the Table

Round, with great nobley and great feast as might be thought. For Sir Marhaus was slain afore by the hands

of Sir Tristram in an island; and that was well known at that time in the court of Arthur, for this Marhaus was

a worthy knight. And for evil deeds that he did unto the country of Cornwall Sir Tristram and he fought. And

they fought so long, tracing and traversing, till they fell bleeding to the earth; for they were so sore wounded

that they might not stand for bleeding. And Sir Tristram by fortune recovered, and Sir Marhaus died through

CHAPTER VII. How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with two knights into England, and

THEN King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram, and then he chased him out of Cornwall:

yet was he nephew unto King Mark, but he had great suspicion unto Sir Tristram because of his queen, La

Beale Isoud; for him seemed that there was too much love between them both. So when Sir Tristram departed

out of Cornwall into England King Mark heard of the great prowess that Sir Tristram did there, the which

grieved him sore. So he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did. And the queen sent privily on her part

spies to know what deeds he had done, for great love was between them twain. So when the messengers were

come home they told the truth as they had heard, that he passed all other knights but if it were Sir Launcelot.

Then King Mark was right heavy of these tidings, and as glad was La Beale Isoud. Then in great despite he

took with him two good knights and two squires, and disguised himself, and took his way into England, to the

intent for to slay Sir Tristram. And one of these two knights hight Bersules, and the other knight was called

Amant. So as they rode King Mark asked a knight that he met, where he should find King Arthur. He said: At

Camelot. Also he asked that knight after Sir Tristram, whether he heard of him in the court of King Arthur.

Wit you well, said that knight, ye shall find Sir Tristram there for a man of as great worship as is now living;

for through his prowess he won the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that standeth by the Hard Rock. And

sithen he hath won with his own hands thirty knights that were men of great honour. And the last battle that

ever he did he fought with Sir Launcelot; and that was a marvellous battle. And not by force Sir Launcelot

brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of him King Arthur made passing great joy, and so made him Knight of

the Table Round; and his seat was where the good knight's, Sir Marhaus, seat was. Then was King Mark

passing sorry when he heard of the honour of Sir Tristram; and so they departed.

Then said King Mark unto his two knights: Now will I tell you my counsel: ye are the men that I trust most to

alive, and I will that ye wit my coming hither is to this intent, for to destroy Sir Tristram by wiles or by

treason; and it shall be hard if ever he escape our hands. Alas, said Sir Bersules, what mean you? for ye be set

in such a way ye are disposed shamefully; for Sir Tristram is the knight of most worship that we know living,

and therefore I warn you plainly I will never consent to do him to the death; and therefore I will yield my

service, and forsake you. When King Mark heard him say so, suddenly he drew his sword and said: Ah,

traitor; and smote Sir Bersules on the head, that the sword went to his teeth. When Amant, the knight, saw

him do that villainous deed, and his squires, they said it was foul done, and mischievously: Wherefore we

will do thee no more service, and wit ye well, we will appeach thee of treason afore Arthur. Then was King

Mark wonderly wroth and would have slain Amant; but he and the two squires held them together, and set

nought by his malice. When King Mark saw he might not be revenged on them, he said thus unto the knight,

Amant: Wit thou well, an thou appeach me of treason I shall thereof defend me afore King Arthur; but I

require thee that thou tell not my name, that I am King Mark, whatsomever come of me. As for that, said Sir

Amant, I will not discover your name; and so they departed, and Amant and his fellows took the body of

CHAPTER VIII. How King Mark came to a fountain where he found Sir Lamorak complaining for the

THEN King Mark rode till he came to a fountain, and there he rested him, and stood in a doubt whether he

would ride to Arthur's court or none, or return again to his country. And as he thus rested him by that fountain

there came by him a knight well armed on horseback; and he alighted, and tied his horse until a tree, and set

him down by the brink of the fountain; and there he made great languor and dole, and made the dolefullest

complaint of love that ever man heard; and all this while was he not ware of King Mark. And this was a great

part of his complaint: he cried and wept, saying: O fair Queen of Orkney, King Lot's wife, and mother of Sir

Gawaine, and to Sir Gaheris, and mother to many other, for thy love I am in great pains. Then King Mark

arose and went near him and said: Fair knight, ye have made a piteous complaint. Truly, said the knight, it is

an hundred part more ruefuller than my heart can utter. I require you, said King Mark, tell me your name. Sir,

said he, as for my name I will not hide it from no knight that beareth a shield, and my name is Sir Lamorak de

Galis. But when Sir Lamorak heard King Mark speak, then wist he well by his speech that he was a Cornish

knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I understand by your tongue ye be of Cornwall, wherein there dwelleth the

shamefullest king that is now living, for he is a great enemy to all good knights; and that proveth well, for he

hath chased out of that country Sir Tristram, that is the worshipfullest knight that now is living, and all

knights speak of him worship; and for jealousness of his queen he hath chased him out of his country. It is

pity, said Sir Lamorak, that ever any such false knightcoward as King Mark is, should be matched with such

a fair lady and good as La Beale Isoud is, for all the world of him speaketh shame, and of her worship that

any queen may have. I have not ado in this matter, said King Mark, neither nought will I speak thereof. Well

said, said Sir Lamorak. Sir, can ye tell me any tidings? I can tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that there shall be a

great tournament in haste beside Camelot, at the Castle of Jagent; and the King with the Hundred Knights and

Then there came a knight that was called Sir Dinadan, and saluted them both. And when he wist that King

Mark was a knight of Cornwall he reproved him for the love of King Mark a thousand fold more than did Sir

Lamorak. Then he proffered to joust with King Mark. And he was full loath thereto, but Sir Dinadan edged

him so, that he jousted with Sir Lamorak. And Sir Lamorak smote King Mark so sore that he bare him on his

spear end over his horse's tail. And then King Mark arose again, and followed after Sir Lamorak. But Sir

Dinadan would not joust with Sir Lamorak, but he told King Mark that Sir Lamorak was Sir Kay, the

Seneschal. That is not so, said King Mark, for he is much bigger than Sir Kay; and so he followed and

overtook him, and bade him abide. What will you do? said Sir Lamorak. Sir, he said, I will fight with a

sword, for ye have shamed me with a spear; and therewith they dashed together with swords, and Sir

Lamorak suffered him and forbare him. And King Mark was passing hasty, and smote thick strokes. Sir

Lamorak saw he would not stint, and waxed somewhat wroth, and doubled his strokes, for he was one of the

noblest knights of the world; and he beat him so on the helm that his head hung nigh on the saddle bow.

When Sir Lamorak saw him fare so, he said: Sir knight, what cheer? meseemeth you have nigh your fill of

fighting, it were pity to do you any more harm, for ye are but a mean knight, therefore I give you leave to go

Then Sir Dinadan mocked King Mark and said: Ye are not able to match a good knight. As for that, said King

Mark, at the first time I jousted with this knight ye refused him. Think ye that it is a shame to me? said Sir

Dinadan: nay, sir, it is ever worship to a knight to refuse that thing that he may not attain, there fore your

worship had been much more to have refused him as I did; for I warn you plainly he is able to beat such five

as ye and I be; for ye knights of Cornwall are no men of worship as other knights are. And because ye are no

men of worship ye hate all men of worship, for never was bred in your country such a knight as is Sir

CHAPTER IX. How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to a castle, and how King Mark was

THEN they rode forth all together, King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan, till that they came to a bridge,

and at the end thereof stood a fair tower. Then saw they a knight on horseback well armed, brandishing a

spear, crying and proffering himself to joust. Now, said Sir Dinadan unto King Mark, yonder are two

brethren, that one hight Alein, and the other hight Trian, that will joust with any that passeth this passage.

Now proffer yourself, said Dinadan to King Mark, for ever ye be laid to the earth. Then King Mark was

ashamed, and therewith he feutred his spear, and hurtled to Sir Trian, and either brake their spears all to

pieces, and passed through anon. Then Sir Trian sent King Mark another spear to joust more; but in no wise

he would not joust no more. Then they came to the castle all three knights, and prayed the lord of the castle of

harbour. Ye are right welcome, said the knights of the castle, for the love of the lord of this castle, the which

hight Sir Tor le Fise Aries. And then they came into a fair court well repaired, and they had passing good

cheer, till the lieutenant of this castle, that hight Berluse, espied King Mark of Cornwall. Then said Berluse:

Sir knight, I know you better than you ween, for ye are King Mark that slew my father afore mine own eyen;

and me had ye slain had I not escaped into a wood; but wit ye well, for the love of my lord of this castle I will

neither hurt you nor harm you, nor none of your fellowship. But wit ye well, when ye are past this lodging I

shall hurt you an I may, for ye slew my father traitorly. But first for the love of my lord, Sir Tor, and for the

love of Sir Lamorak, the honourable knight that here is lodged, ye shall have none ill lodging; for it is pity

that ever ye should be in the company of good knights; for ye are the most villainous knight or king that is

now known alive, for ye are a destroyer of good knights, and all that ye do is but treason.

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

THEN was King Mark sore ashamed, and said but little again. But when Sir Lamorak and Sir Dinadan wist

that he was King Mark they were sorry of his fellowship. So after supper they went to lodging. So on the

morn they arose early, and King Mark and Sir Dinadan rode together; and three mile from their lodging there

met with them three knights, and Sir Berluse was one, and that other his two cousins. Sir Berluse saw King

Mark, and then he cried on high: Traitor, keep thee from me for wit thou well that I am Berluse. Sir knight,

said Sir Dinadan, I counsel you to leave off at this time, for he is riding to King Arthur; and because I have

promised to conduct him to my lord King Arthur needs must I take a part with him; howbeit I love not his

condition, and fain I would be from him. Well, Dinadan, said Sir Berluse, me repenteth that ye will take part

with him, but now do your best. And then he hurtled to King Mark, and smote him sore upon the shield, that

he bare him clean out of his saddle to the earth. That saw Sir Dinadan, and he feutred his spear, and ran to

one of Berluse's fellows, and smote him down off his saddle. Then Dinadan turned his horse, and smote the

third knight in the same wise to the earth, for Sir Dinadan was a good knight on horseback; and there began a

great battle, for Berluse and his fellows held them together strongly on foot. And so through the great force of

Sir Dinadan King Mark had Berluse to the earth, and his two fellows fled; and had not been Sir Dinadan King

Mark would have slain him. And so Sir Dinadan rescued him of his life, for King Mark was but a murderer.

And then they took their horses and departed and left Sir Berluse there sore wounded.

Then King Mark and Sir Dinadan rode forth a four leagues English, till that they came to a bridge where

hoved a knight on horseback, armed and ready to joust. Lo, said Sir Dinadan unto King Mark, yonder hoveth

a knight that will joust, for there shall none pass this bridge but he must joust with that knight. It is well, said

King Mark, for this jousts falleth with thee. Sir Dinadan knew the knight well that he was a noble knight, and

fain he would have jousted, but he had had liefer King Mark had jousted with him, but by no mean King

Mark would not joust. Then Sir Dinadan might not refuse him in no manner. And then either dressed their

spears and their shields, and smote together, so that through fine force Sir Dinadan was smitten to the earth;

and lightly he rose up and gat his horse, and required that knight to do battle with swords. And he answered

and said: Fair knight, as at this time I may not have ado with you no more, for the custom of this passage is

such. Then was Sir Dinadan passing wroth that he might not be revenged of that knight; and so he departed,

and in no wise would that knight tell his name. But ever Sir Dinadan thought he should know him by his

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

So as they rode by the way King Mark then began to mock Sir Dinadan, and said: I weened you knights of

the Table Round might not in no wise find their matches. Ye say well, said Sir Dinadan; as for you, on my

life I call you none of the best knights; but sith ye have such a despite at me I require you to joust with me to

prove my strength. Not so, said King Mark, for I will not have ado with you in no manner; but I require you

of one thing, that when ye come to Arthur's court discover not my name, for I am there so hated. It is shame

to you, said Sir Dinadan, that ye govern you so shamefully; for I see by you ye are full of cowardice, and ye

are a murderer, and that is the greatest shame that a knight may have; for never a knight being a murderer

hath worship, nor never shall have; for I saw but late through my force ye would have slain Sir Berluse, a

better knight than ye, or ever ye shall be, and more of prowess. Thus they rode forth talking till they came to

a fair place, where stood a knight, and prayed them to take their lodging with him. So at the request of that

knight they reposed them there, and made them well at ease, and had great cheer. For all errantknights were

welcome to him, and specially all those of Arthur's court. Then Sir Dinadan demanded his host what was the

knight's name that kept the bridge. For what cause ask you it? said the host. For it is not long ago, said Sir

Dinadan, sithen he gave me a fall. Ah, fair knight, said his host, thereof have ye no marvel, for he is a passing

good knight, and his name is Sir Tor, the son of Aries le Vaysher. Ah, said Sir Dinadan, was that Sir Tor? for

Right as they stood thus talking together they saw come riding to them over a plain six knights of the court of

King Arthur, well armed at all points. And there by their shields Sir Dinadan knew them well. The first was

the good knight Sir Uwaine, the son of King Uriens, the second was the noble knight Sir Brandiles, the third

was Ozana le Cure Hardy, the fourth was Uwaine les Aventurous, the fifth was Sir Agravaine, the sixth Sir

Mordred, brother to Sir Gawaine. When Sir Dinadan had seen these six knights he thought in himself he

would bring King Mark by some wile to joust with one of them. And anon they took their horses and ran after

these knights well a three mile English. Then was King Mark ware where they sat all six about a well, and ate

and drank such meats as they had, and their horses walking and some tied, and their shields hung in divers

places about them. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, yonder are knightserrant that will joust with us. God forbid, said

King Mark, for they be six and we but two. As for that, said Sir Dinadan, let us not spare, for I will assay the

foremost; and therewith he made him ready. When King Mark saw him do so, as fast as Sir Dinadan rode

toward them, King Mark rode froward them with all his menial meiny. So when Sir Dinadan saw King Mark

was gone, he set the spear out of the rest, and threw his shield upon his back, and came, riding to the

fellowship of the Table Round. And anon Sir Uwaine knew Sir Dinadan, and welcomed him, and so did all

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

AND then they asked him of his adventures, and whether he had seen Sir Tristram or Sir Launcelot. So God

me help, said Sir Dinadan, I saw none of them sithen I departed from Camelot. What knight is that, said Sir

Brandiles, that so suddenly departed from you, and rode over yonder field? Sir, said he, it was a knight of

Cornwall, and the most horrible coward that ever bestrode horse. What is his name? said all these knights. I

wot not, said Sir Dinadan. So when they had reposed them, and spoken together, they took their horses and

rode to a castle where dwelt an old knight that made all knightserrant good cheer. Then in the meanwhile

that they were talking came into the castle Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, and there was he welcome; and they all

asked him whether he had seen Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram. Sirs, he answered, I saw him not sithen he

departed from Camelot. So as Sir Dinadan walked and beheld the castle, thereby in a chamber he espied King

Mark, and then he rebuked him, and asked him why he departed so. Sir, said he, for I durst not abide because

they were so many. But how escaped ye? said King Mark. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, they were better friends than

I weened they had been. Who is captain of that fellowship? said the king. Then for to fear him Sir Dinadan

said that it was Sir Launcelot. O Jesu, said the king, might I know Sir Launcelot by his shield? Yea, said

Dinadan, for he beareth a shield of silver and black bends. All this he said to fear the king, for Sir Launcelot

was not in his fellowship. Now I pray you, said King Mark, that ye will ride in my fellowship. That is me

Right so Sir Dinadan went from King Mark, and went to his own fellowship; and so they mounted upon their

horses, and rode on their ways, and talked of the Cornish knight, for Dinadan told them that he was in the

castle where they were lodged. It is well said, said Sir Griflet, for here have I brought Sir Dagonet, King

Arthur's fool, that is the best fellow and the merriest in the world. Will ye do well? said Sir Dinadan: I have

told the Cornish knight that here is Sir Launcelot, and the Cornish knight asked me what shield he bare.

Truly, I told him that he bare the same shield that Sir Mordred beareth. Will ye do well? said Sir Mordred; I

am hurt and may not well bear my shield nor harness, and therefore put my shield and my harness upon Sir

Dagonet, and let him set upon the Cornish knight. That shall be done, said Sir Dagonet, by my faith. Then

anon was Dagonet armed him in Mordred's harness and his shield, and he was set on a great horse, and a

spear in his hand. Now, said Dagonet, shew me the knight, and I trow I shall bear him down. So all these

knights rode to a woodside, and abode till King Mark came by the way. Then they put forth Sir Dagonet, and

he came on all the while his horse might run, straight upon King Mark. And when he came nigh King Mark,

he cried as he were wood, and said: Keep thee, knight of Cornwall, for I will slay thee. Anon, as King Mark

beheld his shield, he said to himself: Yonder is Sir Launcelot; alas, now am I destroyed; and therewithal he

made his horse to run as fast as it might through thick and thin. And ever Sir Dagonet followed after King

Mark, crying and rating him as a wood man, through a great forest. When Sir Uwaine and Sir Brandiles saw

Dagonet so chase King Mark, they laughed all as they were wood. And then they took their horses, and rode

after to see how Sir Dagonet sped, for they would not for no good that Sir Dagonet were shent, for King

Arthur loved him passing well, and made him knight with his own hands. And at every tournament he began

to make King Arthur to laugh. Then the knights rode here and there, crying and chasing after King Mark, that

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

SO King Mark rode by fortune by a well, in the way where stood a knighterrant on horseback, armed at all

points, with a great spear in his hand. And when he saw King Mark coming flying he said: Knight, return

again for shame and stand with me, and I shall be thy warrant. Ah, fair knight, said King Mark, let me pass,

for yonder cometh after me the best knight of the world, with the black bended shield. Fie, for shame, said the

knight, he is none of the worthy knights, and if he were Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram I should not doubt to

meet the better of them both. When King Mark heard him say that word, he turned his horse and abode by

him. And then that strong knight bare a spear to Dagonet, and smote him so sore that he bare him over his

horse's tail, and nigh he had broken his neck. And anon after him came Sir Brandiles, and when he saw

Dagonet have that fall he was passing wroth, and cried: Keep thee, knight, and so they hurtled together

wonder sore. But the knight smote Sir Brandiles so sore that he went to the earth, horse and man. Sir Uwaine

came after and saw all this. Jesu, said he, yonder is a strong knight. And then they feutred their spears, and

this knight came so eagerly that he smote down Sir Uwaine. Then came Ozana with the hardy heart, and he

was smitten down. Now, said Sir Griflet, by my counsel let us send to yonder errantknight, and wit whether

he be of Arthur's court, for as I deem it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. So they sent unto him, and prayed the

strange knight to tell his name, and whether he were of Arthur's court or not. As for my name they shall not

wit, but tell them I am a knighterrant as they are, and let them wit that I am no knight of King Arthur's

court; and so the squire rode again unto them and told them his answer of him. By my head, said Sir

Agravaine, he is one of the strongest knights that ever I saw, for he hath overthrown three noble knights, and

needs we must encounter with him for shame. So Sir Agravaine feutred his spear, and that other was ready,

and smote him down over his horse to the earth. And in the same wise he smote Sir Uwaine les Avoutres and

also Sir Griflet. Then had he served them all but Sir Dinadan, for he was behind, and Sir Mordred was

So when this was done, this strong knight rode on his way a soft pace, and King Mark rode after him,

praising him mickle; but he would answer no words, but sighed wonderly sore, hanging down his head,

taking no heed to his words. Thus they rode well a three mile English, and then this knight called to him a

varlet, and bade him ride until yonder fair manor, and recommend me to the lady of that castle and place, and

pray her to send me refreshing of good meats and drinks. And if she ask thee what I am, tell her that I am the

knight that followeth the glatisant beast: that is in English to say the questing beast; for that beast

wheresomever he yede he quested in the belly with such a noise as it had been a thirty couple of hounds.

Then the varlet went his way and came to the manor, and saluted the lady, and told her from whence he came.

And when she understood that he came from the knight that followed the questing beast: O sweet Lord Jesu,

she said, when shall I see that noble knight, my dear son Palomides? Alas, will he not abide with me? and

therewith she swooned and wept, and made passing great dole. And then also soon as she might she gave the

varlet all that he asked. And the varlet returned unto Sir Palomides, for he was a varlet of King Mark. And as

soon as he came, he told the knight's name was Sir Palomides. I am well pleased, said King Mark, but hold

thee still and say nothing. Then they alighted and set them down and reposed them a while. Anon withal King

Mark fell asleep. When Sir Palomides saw him sound asleep he took his horse and rode his way, and said to

them: I will not be in the company of a sleeping knight. And so he rode forth a great pace.

CHAPTER XIV. How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making great sorrow and

NOW turn we unto Sir Dinadan, that found these seven knights passing heavy. And when he wist how that

they sped, as heavy was he. My lord Uwaine, said Dinadan, I dare lay my head it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. I

promise you all I shall find him an he may be found in this country. And so Sir Dinadan rode after this

knight; and so did King Mark, that sought him through the forest. So as King Mark rode after Sir Palomides

he heard the noise of a man that made great dole. Then King Mark rode as nigh that noise as he might and as

he durst. Then was he ware of a knight that was descended off his horse, and had put off his helm, and there

Now leave we that, and talk we of Sir Dinadan, that rode to seek Sir Palomides. And as he came within a

forest he met with a knight, a chaser of a deer. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, met ye with a knight with a shield of

silver and lions' heads? Yea, fair knight, said the other, with such a knight met I with but a while agone, and

straight yonder way he yede. Gramercy, said Sir Dinadan, for might I find the track of his horse I should not

fail to find that knight. Right so as Sir Dinadan rode in the even late he heard a doleful noise as it were of a

man. Then Sir Dinadan rode toward that noise; and when he came nigh that noise he alighted off his horse,

and went near him on foot. Then was he ware of a knight that stood under a tree, and his horse tied by him,

and the helm off his head; and ever that knight made a doleful complaint as ever made knight. And always he

made his complaint of La Beale Isoud, the Queen of Cornwall, and said: Ah, fair lady, why love I thee! for

thou art fairest of all other, and yet showest thou never love to me, nor bounty. Alas, yet must I love thee.

And I may not blame thee, fair lady, for mine eyes be cause of this sorrow. And yet to love thee I am but a

fool, for the best knight of the world loveth thee, and ye him again, that is Sir Tristram de Liones. And the

falsest king and knight is your husband, and the most coward and full of treason, is your lord, King Mark.

Alas, that ever so fair a lady and peerless of all other should be matched with the most villainous knight of

the world. All this language heard King Mark, what Sir Palomides said by him; wherefore he was adread

when he saw Sir Dinadan, lest he espied him, that he would tell Sir Palomides that he was King Mark; and

therefore he withdrew him, and took his horse and rode to his men, where he commanded them to abide. And

so he rode as fast as he might unto Camelot; and the same day he found there Amant, the knight, ready that

afore Arthur had appealed him of treason; and so, lightly the king commanded them to do battle. And by

misadventure King Mark smote Amant through the body. And yet was Amant in the righteous quarrel. And

right so he took his horse and departed from the court for dread of Sir Dinadan, that he would tell Sir

Tristram and Sir Palomides what he was. Then were there maidens that La Beale Isoud had sent to Sir

CHAPTER XV. How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully tofore King Arthur, and Sir Launcelot

THEN by the license of King Arthur they went to him and spake with him; for while the truncheon of the

spear stuck in his body he spake: Ah, fair damosels, said Amant, recommend me unto La Beale Isoud, and

tell her that I am slain for the love of her and of Sir Tristram. And there he told the damosels how cowardly

King Mark had slain him, and Sir Bersules, his fellow. And for that deed I appealed him of treason, and here

am I slain in a righteous quarrel; and all was because Sir Bersules and I would not consent by treason to slay

the noble knight, Sir Tristram. Then the two maidens cried aloud that all the court might hear it, and said: O

sweet Lord Jesu, that knowest all hid things, why sufferest Thou so false a traitor to vanquish and slay a true

knight that fought in a righteous quarrel? Then anon it was sprung to the king, and the queen, and to all the

lords, that it was King Mark that had slain Sir Amant, and Sir Bersules afore hand; wherefore they did their

battle. Then was King Arthur wroth out of measure, and so were all the other knights. But when Sir Tristram

knew all the matter he made great dole and sorrow out of measure, and wept for sorrow for the loss of the

When Sir Launcelot espied Sir Tristram weep he went hastily to King Arthur, and said: Sir, I pray you give

me leave to return again to yonder false king and knight. I pray you, said King Arthur, fetch him again, but I

would not that ye slew him, for my worship. Then Sir Launcelot armed him in all haste, and mounted upon a

great horse, and took a spear in his hand and rode after King Mark. And from thence a three mile English Sir

Launcelot over took him, and bade him: Turn recreant king and knight, for whether thou wilt or not thou shalt

go with me to King Arthur's court. King Mark returned and looked upon Sir Launcelot, and said: Fair sir,

what is your name? Wit thou well, said he, my name is Sir Launcelot, and therefore defend thee. And when

King Mark wist that it was Sir Launcelot, and came so fast upon him with a spear, he cried then aloud: I yield

me to thee, Sir Launcelot, honourable knight. But Sir Launcelot would not hear him, but came fast upon him.

King Mark saw that, and made no defence, but tumbled adown out of his saddle to the earth as a sack, and

there he lay still, and cried Sir Launcelot mercy. Arise, recreant knight and king. I will not fight, said King

Mark, but whither that ye will I will go with you. Alas, alas, said Sir Launcelot, that I may not give thee one

buffet for the love of Sir Tristram and of La Beale Isoud, and for the two knights that thou hast slain traitorly.

And so he mounted upon his horse and brought him to King Arthur; and there King Mark alighted in that

same place, and threw his helm from him upon the earth, and his sword, and fell flat to the earth of King

Arthur's feet, and put him in his grace and mercy. So God me help, said Arthur, ye are welcome in a manner,

and in a manner ye are not welcome. In this manner ye are welcome, that ye come hither maugre thy head, as

I suppose. That is truth, said King Mark, and else I had not been here, for my lord, Sir Launcelot, brought me

hither through his fine force, and to him am I yolden to as recreant. Well, said Arthur, ye understand ye ought

to do me service, homage, and fealty. And never would ye do me none, but ever ye have been against me, and

a destroyer of my knights; now, how will ye acquit you? Sir, said King Mark, right as your lordship will

require me, unto my power, I will make a large amends. For he was a fair speaker, and false thereunder. Then

for great pleasure of Sir Tristram, to make them twain accorded, the king withheld King Mark as at that time,

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

NOW turn we again unto Sir Palomides, how Sir Dinadan comforted him in all that he might, from his great

sorrow. What knight are ye? said Sir Palomides. Sir, I am a knighterrant as ye be, that hath sought you long

by your shield. Here is my shield, said Sir Palomides, wit ye well, an ye will ought, therewith I will defend it.

Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will not have ado with you but in good manner. And if ye will, ye shall find me soon

ready. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, whitherward ride you this way? By my head, said Sir Palomides, I wot not, but

as fortune leadeth me. Heard ye or saw ye ought of Sir Tristram? So God me help, of Sir Tristram I both

heard and saw, and not for then we loved not inwardly well together, yet at my mischief Sir Tristram rescued

me from my death; and yet, or he and I departed, by both our assents we assigned a day that we should have

met at the stony grave that Merlin set beside Camelot, and there to have done battle together; howbeit I was

letted, said Sir Palomides, that I might not hold my day, the which grieveth me sore; but I have a large

excuse. For I was prisoner with a lord, and many other more, and that shall Sir Tristram right well

understand, that I brake it not of fear of cowardice. And then Sir Palomides told Sir Dinadan the same day

that they should have met. So God me help, said Sir Dinadan, that same day met Sir Launcelot and Sir

Tristram at the same grave of stone. And there was the most mightiest battle that ever was seen in this land

betwixt two knights, for they fought more than two hours. And there they both bled so much blood that all

men marvelled that ever they might endure it. And so at the last, by both their assents, they were made friends

and swornbrethren for ever, and no man can judge the better knight. And now is Sir Tristram made a knight

of the Round Table, and he sitteth in the siege of the noble knight, Sir Marhaus. By my head, said Sir

Palomides, Sir Tristram is far bigger than Sir Launcelot, and the hardier knight. Have ye assayed them both?

said Sir Dinadan. I have seen Sir Tristram fight, said Sir Palomides, but never Sir Launcelot to my witting.

But at the fountain where Sir Launcelot lay asleep, there with one spear he smote down Sir Tristram and me,

said Palomides, but at that time they knew not either other. Fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, as for Sir Launcelot

and Sir Tristram let them be, for the worst of them will not be lightly matched of no knights that I know

living. No, said Sir Palomides, God defend, but an I had a quarrel to the better of them both I would with as

good a will fight with him as with you. Sir, I require you tell me your name, and in good faith I shall hold you

company till that we come to Camelot; and there shall ye have great worship now at this great tournament;

for there shall be the Queen Guenever, and La Beale Isoud of Cornwall. Wit you well, sir knight, for the love

of La Beale Isoud I will be there, and else not, but I will not have ado in King Arthur's court. Sir, said

Dinadan, I shall ride with you and do you service, so you will tell me your name. Sir, ye shall understand my

name is Sir Palomides, brother to Safere, the good and noble knight. And Sir Segwarides and I, we be

Saracens born, of father and mother. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, I thank you much for the telling of your name. For

I am glad of that I know your name, and I promise you by the faith of my body, ye shall not be hurt by me by

my will, but rather be advanced. And thereto will I help you with all my power, I promise you, doubt ye not.

And certainly on my life ye shall win great worship in the court of King Arthur, and be right welcome. So

then they dressed on their helms and put on their shields, and mounted upon their horses, and took the broad

way towards Camelot. And then were they ware of a castle that was fair and rich, and also passing strong as

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

SIR PALOMIDES, said Dinadan, here is a castle that I know well, and therein dwelleth Queen Morgan le

Fay, King Arthur's sister; and King Arthur gave her this castle, the which he hath repented him sithen a

thousand times, for sithen King Arthur and she have been at debate and strife; but this castle could he never

get nor win of her by no manner of engine; and ever as she might she made war on King Arthur. And all

dangerous knights she withholdeth with her, for to destroy all these knights that King Arthur loveth. And

there shall no knight pass this way but he must joust with one knight, or with two, or with three. And if it hap

that King Arthur's knight be beaten, he shall lose his horse and his harness and all that he hath, and hard, if

that he escape, but that he shall be prisoner. So God me help, said Palomides, this is a shameful custom, and a

villainous usance for a queen to use, and namely to make such war upon her own lord, that is called the

Flower of Chivalry that is christian or heathen; and with all my heart I would destroy that shameful custom.

And I will that all the world wit she shall have no service of me. And if she send out any knights, as I suppose

she will, for to joust, they shall have both their hands full. And I shall not fail you, said Sir Dinadan, unto my

So as they stood on horseback afore the castle, there came a knight with a red shield, and two squires after

him; and he came straight unto Sir Palomides, the good knight, and said to him: Fair and gentle

knighterrant, I require thee for the love thou owest unto knighthood, that ye will not have ado here with

these men of this castle; for this was Sir Lamorak that thus said. For I came hither to seek this deed, and it is

my request; and therefore I beseech you, knight, let me deal, and if I be beaten revenge me. In the name of

God, said Palomides, let see how ye will speed, and we shall behold you. Then anon came forth a knight of

the castle, and proffered to joust with the Knight with the Red Shield. Anon they encountered together, and

he with the red shield smote him so hard that he bare him over to the earth. Therewith anon came another

knight of the castle, and he was smitten so sore that he avoided his saddle. And forthwithal came the third

knight, and the Knight with the Red Shield smote him to the earth. Then came Sir Palomides, and besought

him that he might help him to joust. Fair knight, said he unto him, suffer me as at this time to have my will,

for an they were twenty knights I shall not doubt them. And ever there were upon the walls of the castle many

lords and ladies that cried and said: Well have ye jousted, Knight with the Red Shield. But as soon as the

knight had smitten them down, his squire took their horses, and avoided their saddles and bridles of the

horses, and turned them into the forest, and made the knights to be kept to the end of the jousts. Right so

came out of the castle the fourth knight, and freshly proffered to joust with the Knight with the Red Shield:

and he was ready, and he smote him so hard that horse and man fell to the earth, and the knight's back brake

with the fall, and his neck also. O Jesu, said Sir Palomides, that yonder is a passing good knight, and the best

jouster that ever I saw. By my head, said Sir Dinadan, he is as good as ever was Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram,

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

THEN forthwithal came a knight out of the castle, with a shield bended with black and with white. And anon

the Knight with the Red Shield and he encountered so hard that he smote the knight of the castle through the

bended shield and through the body, and brake the horse's back. Fair knight, said Sir Palomides, ye have

overmuch on hand, therefore I pray you let me joust, for ye had need to be reposed. Why sir, said the knight,

seem ye that I am weak and feeble? and sir, methinketh ye proffer me wrong, and to me shame, when I do

well enough. I tell you now as I told you erst; for an they were twenty knights I shall beat them, and if I be

beaten or slain then may ye revenge me. And if ye think that I be weary, and ye have an appetite to joust with

me, I shall find you jousting enough. Sir, said Palomides, I said it not because I would joust with you, but

meseemeth that ye have overmuch on hand. And therefore, an ye were gentle, said the Knight with the Red

Shield, ye should not proffer me shame; therefore I require you to joust with me, and ye shall find that I am

not weary. Sith ye require me, said Sir Palomides, take keep to yourself. Then they two knights came together

as fast as their horses might run, and the knight smote Sir Palomides sore on the shield that the spear went

into his side a great wound, and a perilous. And therewithal Sir Palomides avoided his saddle. And that

knight turned unto Sir Dinadan; and when he saw him coming he cried aloud, and said: Sir, I will not have

ado with you; but for that he let it not, but came straight upon him. So Sir Dinadan for shame put forth his

spear and all toshivered it upon the knight. But he smote Sir Dinadan again so hard that he smote him clean

from his saddle; but their horses he would not suffer his squires to meddle with, and because they were

Then he dressed him again to the castle, and jousted with seven knights more, and there was none of them

might withstand him, but he bare him to the earth. And of these twelve knights he slew in plain jousts four.

And the eight knights he made them to swear on the cross of a sword that they should never use the evil

customs of the castle. And when he had made them to swear that oath he let them pass. And ever stood the

lords and the ladies on the castle walls crying and saying: Knight with the Red Shield, ye have marvellously

well done as ever we saw knight do. And therewith came a knight out of the castle unarmed, and said: Knight

with the Red Shield, overmuch damage hast thou done to us this day, therefore return whither thou wilt, for

here are no more will have ado with thee; for we repent sore that ever thou camest here, for by thee is fordone

the old custom of this castle. And with that word he turned again into the castle, and shut the gates. Then the

Knight with the Red Shield turned and called his squires, and so passed forth on his way, and rode a great

And when he was past Sir Palomides went to Sir Dinadan, and said: I had never such a shame of one knight

that ever I met; and therefore I cast me to ride after him, and to be revenged with my sword, for ahorseback

I deem I shall get no worship of him. Sir Palomides, said Dinadan, ye shall not meddle with him by my

counsel, for ye shall get no worship of him; and for this cause, ye have seen him this day have had overmuch

to do, and overmuch travailed. By almighty Jesu, said Palomides, I shall never be at ease till that I have had

ado with him. Sir, said Dinadan, I shall give you my beholding. Well, said Palomides, then shall ye see how

we shall redress our mights. So they took their horses of their varlets, and rode after the Knight with the Red

Shield; and down in a valley beside a fountain they were ware where he was alighted to repose him, and had

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

THEN Palomides rode fast till he came nigh him. And then he said: Knight, remember ye of the shame ye did

to me right now at the castle, therefore dress thee, for I will have ado with thee. Fair knight, said he to

Palomides, of me ye win no worship, for ye have seen this day that I have been travailed sore. As for that,

said Palomides, I will not let, for wit ye well I will be revenged. Well, said the knight, I may happen to

endure you. And therewithal he mounted upon his horse, and took a great spear in his hand ready for to joust.

Nay, said Palomides, I will not joust, for I am sure at jousting I get no prize. Fair knight, said that knight, it

would beseem a knight to joust and to fight on horseback. Ye shall see what I will do, said Palomides. And

therewith he alighted down upon foot, and dressed his shield afore him and pulled out his sword. Then the

Knight with the Red Shield descended down from his horse, and dressed his shield afore him, and so he drew

out his sword. And then they came together a soft pace, and wonderly they lashed together passing thick the

mountenance of an hour or ever they breathed. Then they traced and traversed, and waxed wonderly wroth,

and either behight other death; they hewed so fast with their swords that they cut in down half their swords

and mails, that the bare flesh in some place stood above their harness. And when Sir Palomides beheld his

fellow's sword overhylled with his blood it grieved him sore: some while they foined, some while they

struck as wild men. But at the last Sir Palomides waxed faint, because of his first wound that he had at the

castle with a spear, for that wound grieved him wonderly sore. Fair knight, said Palomides, meseemeth we

have assayed either other passing sore, and if it may please thee, I require thee of thy knighthood tell me thy

name. Sir, said the knight to Palomides, that is me loath to do, for thou hast done me wrong and no

knighthood to proffer me battle, considering my great travail, but an thou wilt tell me thy name I will tell thee

mine. Sir, said he, wit thou well my name is Palomides. Ah, sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir Lamorak

de Galis, son and heir unto the good knight and king, King Pellinore, and Sir Tor, the good knight, is my half

brother. When Sir Palomides heard him say so he kneeled down and asked mercy, For outrageously have I

done to you this day; considering the great deeds of arms I have seen you do, shamefully and unknightly I

have required you to do battle. Ah, Sir Palomides, said Sir Lamorak, overmuch have ye done and said to me.

And therewith he embraced him with his both hands, and said: Palomides, the worthy knight, in all this land

is no better than ye, nor more of prowess, and me repenteth sore that we should fight together. So it doth not

me, said Sir Palomides, and yet am I sorer wounded than ye be; but as for that I shall soon thereof be whole.

But certainly I would not for the fairest castle in this land, but if thou and I had met, for I shall love you the

days of my life afore all other knights except my brother, Sir Safere. I say the same, said Sir Lamorak, except

my brother, Sir Tor. Then came Sir Dinadan, and he made great joy of Sir Lamorak. Then their squires

dressed both their shields and their harness, and stopped their wounds. And thereby at a priory they rested

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

Now turn we again. When Sir Ganis and Sir Brandiles with his fellows came to the court of King Arthur they

told the king, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram, how Sir Dagonet, the fool, chased King Mark through the

forest, and how the strong knight smote them down all seven with one spear. There was great laughing and

japing at King Mark and at Sir Dagonet. But all these knights could not tell what knight it was that rescued

King Mark. Then they asked King Mark if that he knew him, and he answered and said: He named himself

the Knight that followed the Questing Beast, and on that name he sent one of my varlets to a place where was

his mother; and when she heard from whence he came she made passing great dole, and discovered to my

varlet his name, and said: Oh, my dear son, Sir Palomides, why wilt thou not see me? And therefore, sir, said

King Mark, it is to understand his name is Sir Palomides, a noble knight. Then were all these seven knights

Now turn we again, for on the morn they took their horses, both Sir Lamorak, Palomides, and Dinadan, with

their squires and varlets, till they saw a fair castle that stood on a mountain well closed, and thither they rode,

and there they found a knight that hight Galahalt, that was lord of that castle, and there they had great cheer

and were well eased. Sir Dinadan, said Sir Lamorak, what will ye do? Oh sir, said Dinadan, I will tomorrow

to the court of King Arthur. By my head, said Sir Palomides, I will not ride these three days, for I am sore

hurt, and much have I bled, and therefore I will repose me here. Truly, said Sir Lamorak, and I will abide

here with you; and when ye ride, then will I ride, unless that ye tarry over long; then will I take my horse.

Therefore I pray you, Sir Dinadan, abide and ride with us. Faithfully, said Dinadan, I will not abide, for I

have such a talent to see Sir Tristram that I may not abide long from him. Ah, Dinadan, said Sir Palomides,

now do I understand that ye love my mortal enemy, and therefore how should I trust you. Well, said Dinadan,

I love my lord Sir Tristram, above all other, and him will I serve and do honour. So shall I, said Sir Lamorak,

So on the morn Sir Dinadan rode unto the court of King Arthur; and by the way as he rode he saw where

stood an errant knight, and made him ready for to joust. Not so, said Dinadan, for I have no will to joust.

With me shall ye joust, said the knight, or that ye pass this way. Whether ask ye jousts, by love or by hate?

The knight answered: Wit ye well I ask it for love, and not for hate. It may well be so, said Sir Dinadan, but

ye proffer me hard love when ye will joust with me with a sharp spear. But, fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, sith

ye will joust with me, meet with me in the court of King Arthur, and there shall I joust with you. Well, said

the knight, sith ye will not joust with me, I pray you tell me your name. Sir knight, said he, my name is Sir

Dinadan. Ah, said the knight, full well know I you for a good knight and a gentle, and wit you well I love you

heartily. Then shall there be no jousts, said Dinadan, betwixt us. So they departed. And the same day he came

to Camelot, where lay King Arthur. And there he saluted the king and the queen, Sir Launcelot, and Sir

Tristram; and all the court was glad of Sir Dinadan, for he was gentle, wise, and courteous, and a good

knight. And in especial, the valiant knight Sir Tristram loved Sir Dinadan passing well above all other

Then the king asked Sir Dinadan what adventures he had seen. Sir, said Dinadan, I have seen many

adventures, and of some King Mark knoweth, but not all. Then the king hearkened Sir Dinadan, how he told

that Sir Palomides and he were afore the castle of Morgan le Fay, and how Sir Lamorak took the jousts afore

them, and how he forjousted twelve knights, and of them four he slew, and how after he smote down Sir

Palomides and me both. t I may not believe that, said the king, for Sir Palomides is a passing good knight.

That is very truth, said Sir Dinadan, but yet I saw him better proved, hand for hand. And then he told the king

all that battle, and how Sir Palomides was more weaker, and more hurt, and more lost of his blood. And

without doubt, said Sir Dinadan, had the battle longer lasted, Palomides had been slain. O Jesu, said King

Arthur, this is to me a great marvel. Sir, said Tristram, marvel ye nothing thereof, for at mine advice there is

not a valianter knight in the world living, for I know his might. And now I will say you, I was never so weary

of knight but if it were Sir Launcelot. And there is no knight in the world except Sir Launcelot that did so

well as Sir Lamorak. So God me help, said the king, I would that knight, Sir Lamorak, came to this Court.

Sir, said Dinadan, he will be here in short space, and Sir Palomides both, but I fear that Palomides may not

CHAPTER XXI. How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorak came in, and overthrew Sir

THEN within three days after the king let make a jousting at a priory. And there made them ready many

knights of the Round Table, for Sir Gawaine and his brethren made them ready to joust; but Tristram,

Launcelot, nor Dinadan, would not joust, but suffered Sir Gawaine, for the love of King Arthur, with his

brethren, to win the gree if they might. Then on the morn they apparelled them to joust, Sir Gawaine and his

four brethren, and did there great deeds of arms. And Sir Ector de Maris did marvellously well, but Sir

Gawaine passed all that fellowship; wherefore King Arthur and all the knights gave Sir Gawaine the honour

Right so King Arthur was ware of a knight and two squires, the which came out of a forest side, with a shield

covered with leather, and then he came slyly and hurtled here and there, and anon with one spear he had

smitten down two knights of the Round Table. Then with his hurtling he lost the covering of his shield, then

was the king and all other ware that he bare a red shield. O Jesu, said King Arthur, see where rideth a stout

knight, he with the red shield. And there was noise and crying Beware the Knight with the Red Shield. So

within a little while he had overthrown three brethren of Sir Gawaine's. So God me help, said King Arthur,

meseemeth yonder is the best jouster that ever I saw. With that he saw him encounter with Sir Gawaine, and

he smote him down with so great force that he made his horse to avoid his saddle. How now, said the king,

Sir Gawaine hath a fall; well were me an I knew what knight he were with the red shield. I know him well,

said Dinadan, but as at this time ye shall not know his name. By my head, said Sir Tristram, he jousted better

than Sir Palomides, and if ye list to know his name, wit ye well his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis.

As they stood thus talking, Sir Gawaine and he encountered together again, and there he smote Sir Gawaine

from his horse, and bruised him sore. And in the sight of King Arthur he smote down twenty knights, beside

Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And so clearly was the prize given him as a knight peerless. Then slyly and

marvellously Sir Lamorak withdrew him from all the fellowship into the forest side. All this espied King

Arthur, for his eye went never from him. Then the king, Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Dinadan, took

their hackneys, and rode straight after the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and there found him. And thus

said the king: Ah, fair knight, well be ye found. When he saw the king he put off his helm and saluted him,

and when he saw Sir Tristram he alighted down off his horse and ran to him to take him by the thighs, but Sir

Tristram would not suffer him, but he alighted or that he came, and either took other in arms, and made great

joy of other. The king was glad, and also was all the fellowship of the Round Table, except Sir Gawaine and

his brethren. And when they wist that he was Sir Lamorak, they had great despite at him, and were wonderly

Then Gawaine called privily in council all his brethren, and to them said thus: Fair brethren, here may ye see,

whom that we hate King Arthur loveth, and whom that we love he hateth. And wit ye well, my fair brethren,

that this Sir Lamorak will never love us, because we slew his father, King Pellinore, for we deemed that he

slew our father, King of Orkney. And for the despite of Pellinore, Sir Lamorak did us a shame to our mother,

therefore I will be revenged. Sir, said Sir Gawaine's brethren, let see how ye will or may be revenged, and ye

shall find us ready. Well, said Gawaine, hold you still and we shall espy our time.

CHAPTER XXII. How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir Tristram, and how they

NOW pass we our matter, and leave we Sir Gawaine, and speak of King Arthur, that on a day said unto King

Mark: Sir, I pray you give me a gift that I shall ask you. Sir, said King Mark, I will give you whatsomever ye

desire an it be in my power. Sir, gramercy, said Arthur. This I will ask you, that ye will be good lord unto Sir

Tristram, for he is a man of great honour; and that ye will take him with you into Cornwall, and let him see

his friends, and there cherish him for my sake. Sir, said King Mark, I promise you by the faith of my body,

and by the faith that I owe to God and to you, I shall worship him for your sake in all that I can or may. Sir,

said Arthur, and I will forgive you all the evil will that ever I ought you, an so be that you swear that upon a

book before me. With a good will, said King Mark; and so he there sware upon a book afore him and all his

knights, and therewith King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by the hands hard knit together. But for

all this King Mark thought falsely, as it proved after, for he put Sir Tristram in prison, and cowardly would

Then soon after King Mark took his leave to ride into Cornwall, and Sir Tristram made him ready to ride with

him, whereof the most part of the Round Table were wroth and heavy, and in especial Sir Launcelot, and Sir

Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan, were wroth out of measure For well they wist King Mark would slay or destroy

Sir Tristram. Alas, said Dinadan, that my lord, Sir Tristram, shall depart. And Sir Tristram took such sorrow

that he was amazed like a fool. Alas, said Sir Launcelot unto King Arthur, what have ye done, for ye shall

lose the most man of worship that ever came into your court. It was his own desire, said Arthur, and therefore

I might not do withal, for I have done all that I can and made them at accord. Accord, said Sir Launcelot, fie

upon that accord, for ye shall hear that he shall slay Sir Tristram, or put him in a prison, for he is the most

And therewith Sir Launcelot departed, and came to King Mark, and said to him thus: Sir king, wit thou well

the good knight Sir Tristram shall go with thee. Beware, I rede thee, of treason, for an thou mischief that

knight by any manner of falsehood or treason, by the faith I owe to God and to the order of knighthood, I

shall slay thee with mine own hands. Sir Launcelot, said the king, overmuch have ye said to me, and I have

sworn and said over largely afore King Arthur in hearing of all his knights, that I shall not slay nor betray

him. It were to me overmuch shame to break my promise. Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot, but ye are called

so false and full of treason that no man may believe you. Forsooth it is known well wherefore ye came into

this country, and for none other cause but for to slay Sir Tristram. So with great dole King Mark and Sir

Tristram rode together, for it was by Sir Tristram's will and his means to go with King Mark, and all was for

the intent to see La Beale Isoud, for without the sight of her Sir Tristram might not endure.

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Percivale was made knight of King Arthur, and how a dumb maid spake, and

NOW turn we again unto Sir Lamorak, and speak we of his brethren, Sir Tor, which was King Pellinore's first

son and begotten of Aryes, wife of the cowherd, for he was a bastard; and Sir Aglovale was his first son

begotten in wedlock; Sir Lamorak, Dornar, Percivale, these were his sons too in wedlock. So when King

Mark and Sir Tristram were departed from the court there was made great dole and sorrow for the departing

of Sir Tristram. Then the king and his knights made no manner of joys eight days after. And at the eight days'

end there came to the court a knight with a young squire with him. And when this knight was unarmed, he

went to the king and required him to make the young squire a knight. Of what lineage is he come? said King

Arthur. Sir, said the knight, he is the son of King Pellinore, that did you some time good service, and he is a

brother unto Sir Lamorak de Galis, the good knight. Well, said the king, for what cause desire ye that of me

that I should make him knight? Wit you well, my lord the king, that this young squire is brother to me as well

as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is Aglavale. Sir Aglavale, said Arthur, for the love of Sir Lamorak, and for

his father's love, he shall be made knight tomorrow. Now tell me, said Arthur, what is his name? Sir, said

the knight, his name is Percivale de Galis. So on the morn the king made him knight in Camelot. But the king

Then at the dinner, when the king was set at the table, and every knight after he was of prowess, the king

commanded him to be set among mean knights; and so was Sir Percivale set as the king commanded. Then

was there a maiden in the queen's court that was come of high blood, and she was dumb and never spake

word. Right so she came straight into the hall, and went unto Sir Percivale, and took him by the hand and said

aloud, that the king and all the knights might hear it: Arise, Sir Percivale, the noble knight and God's knight,

and go with me; and so he did. And there she brought him to the right side of the Siege Perilous, and said,

Fair knight, take here thy siege, for that siege appertaineth to thee and to none other. Right so she departed

and asked a priest. And as she was confessed and houselled then she died. Then the king and all the court

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

NOW turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that much was there praised. Then, by the mean of Sir Gawaine and his

brethren, they sent for their mother there besides, fast by a castle beside Camelot; and all was to that intent to

slay Sir Lamorak. The Queen of Orkney was there but a while, but Sir Lamorak wist of their being, and was

full fain; and for to make an end of this matter, he sent unto her, and there betwixt them was a night assigned

that Sir Lamorak should come to her. Thereof was ware Sir Gaheris, and there he rode afore the same night,

and waited upon Sir Lamorak, and then he saw where he came all armed. And where Sir Lamorak alighted he

tied his horse to a privy postern, and so he went into a parlour and unarmed him; and then he went unto the

queen's bed, and she made of him passing great joy, and he of her again, for either loved other passing sore.

So when the knight, Sir Gaheris, saw his time, he came to their bedside all armed, with his sword naked, and

When Sir Lamorak saw the blood dash upon him all hot, the which he loved passing well, wit you well he

was sore abashed and dismayed of that dolorous knight. And therewithal, Sir Lamorak leapt out of the bed in

his shirt as a knight dismayed, saying thus: Ah, Sir Gaheris, knight of the Table Round, foul and evil have ye

done, and to you great shame. Alas, why have ye slain your mother that bare you? with more right ye should

have slain me. The offence hast thou done, said Gaheris, notwithstanding a man is born to offer his service;

but yet shouldst thou beware with whom thou meddlest, for thou hast put me and my brethren to a shame, and

thy father slew our father; and thou to lie by our mother is too much shame for us to suffer. And as for thy

father, King Pellinore my brother Sir Gawaine and I slew him. Ye did him the more wrong, said Sir Lamorak,

for my father slew not your father, it was Balin le Savage: and as yet my father's death is not revenged. Leave

those words, said Sir Gaheris, for an thou speak feloniously I will slay thee. But because thou art naked I am

ashamed to slay thee. But wit thou well, in what place I may get thee I shall slay thee; and now my mother is

quit of thee; and withdraw thee and take thine armour, that thou were gone. Sir Lamorak saw there was none

other bote, but fast armed him, and took his horse and rode his way making great sorrow. But for the shame

But when it was known that Gaheris had slain his mother the king was passing wroth, and commanded him to

go out of his court. Wit ye well Sir Gawaine was wroth that Gaheris had slain his mother and let Sir Lamorak

escape. And for this matter was the king passing wroth, and so was Sir Launcelot, and many other knights.

Sir, said Sir Launcelot, here is a great mischief befallen by felony, and by forecast treason, that your sister is

thus shamefully slain. And I dare say that it was wrought by treason, and I dare say ye shall lose that good

knight, Sir Lamorak the which is great pity. I wot well and am sure, an Sir Tristram wist it, he would never

more come within your court, the which should grieve you much more and all your knights. God defend, said

the noble King Arthur, that I should lose Sir Lamorak or Sir Tristram, for then twain of my chief knights of

the Table Round were gone. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, I am sure ye shall lose Sir Lamorak, for Sir Gawaine and

his brethren will slay him by one mean or other; for they among them have concluded and sworn to slay him

CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight fleeing, and how they both were

NOW leave we of Sir Lamorak, and speak of Sir Gawaine's brethren, and specially of Sir Agravaine and Sir

Mordred. As they rode on their adventures they met with a knight fleeing, sore wounded; and they asked him

what tidings. Fair knights, said he, here cometh a knight after me that will slay me. With that came Sir

Dinadan riding to them by adventure, but he would promise them no help. But Sir Agravaine and Sir

Mordred promised him to rescue him. Therewithal came that knight straight unto them, and anon he proffered

to joust. That saw Sir Mordred and rode to him, but he struck Mordred over his horse's tail. That saw Sir

Agravaine, and straight he rode toward that knight, and right so as he served Mordred so he served

Agravaine, and said to them: Sirs, wit ye well both that I am Breuse Saunce Pite', that hath done this to you.

And yet he rode over Agravaine five or six times. When Dinadan saw this, he must needs joust with him for

shame. And so Dinadan and he encountered together, that with pure strength Sir Dinadan smote him over his

horse's tail Then he took his horse and fled, for he was on foot one of the valiantest knights in Arthur's days,

Then rode Sir Dinadan unto Sir Mordred and unto Sir Agravaine. Sir knight, said they all, well have ye done,

and well have ye revenged us, wherefore we pray you tell us your name. Fair sirs, ye ought to know my

name, the which is called Sir Dinadan. When they understood that it was Dinadan they were more wroth than

they were before, for they hated him out of measure because of Sir Lamorak. For Dinadan had such a custom

that he loved all good knights that were valiant, and he hated all those that were destroyers of good knights.

And there were none that hated Dinadan but those that ever were called murderers. Then spake the hurt

knight that Breuse Saunce Pite' had chased, his name was Dalan, and said: If thou be Dinadan thou slewest

my father. It may well be so, said Dinadan, but then it was in my defence and at his request. By my head, said

Dalan, thou shalt die therefore, and therewith he dressed his spear and his shield. And to make the shorter

tale, Sir Dinadan smote him down off his horse, that his neck was nigh broken. And in the same wise he

smote Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine. And after, in the quest of the Sangreal, cowardly and feloniously they

slew Dinadan, the which was great damage, for he was a great bourder and a passing good knight.

And so Sir Dinadan rode to a castle that hight Beale Valet. And there he found Sir Palomides that was not

yet whole of the wound that Sir Lamorak gave him. And there Dinadan told Palomides all the tidings that he

heard and saw of Sir Tristram, and how he was gone with King Mark, and with him he hath all his will and

desire. Therewith Sir Palomides waxed wroth, for he loved La Beale Isoud. And then he wist well that Sir

CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received letters out of Cornwall, and of

NOW leave we Sir Palomides and Sir Dinadan in the Castle of BealeValet, and turn we again unto King

Arthur. There came a knight out of Cornwall, his name was Fergus, a fellow of the Round Table. And there

he told the king and Sir Launcelot good tidings of Sir Tristram, and there were brought goodly letters, and

how he left him in the castle of Tintagil. Then came the damosel that brought goodly letters unto King Arthur

and unto Sir Launcelot, and there she had passing good cheer of the king, and of the Queen Guenever, and of

Sir Launcelot. Then they wrote goodly letters again. But Sir Launcelot bade ever Sir Tristram beware of King

Mark, for ever he called him in his letters King Fox, as who saith, he fareth all with wiles and treason.

Whereof Sir Tristram in his heart thanked Sir Launcelot. Then the damosel went unto La Beale Isoud, and

bare her letters from the king and from Sir Launcelot, whereof she was in passing great joy. Fair damosel,

said La Beale Isoud, how fareth my Lord Arthur, and the Queen Guenever, and the noble knight, Sir

Launcelot? She answered, and to make short tale: Much the better that ye and Sir Tristram be in joy. God

reward them, said La Beale Isoud, for Sir Tristram suffereth great pain for me, and I for him.

So the damosel departed, and brought letters to King Mark. And when he had read them, and understood

them, he was wroth with Sir Tristram, for he deemed that he had sent the damosel unto King Arthur. For

Arthur and Launcelot in a manner threated King Mark. And as King Mark read these letters he deemed

treason by Sir Tristram. Damosel, said King Mark, will ye ride again and bear letters from me unto King

Arthur? Sir, she said, I will be at your commandment to ride when ye will. Ye say well, said the king; come

again, said the king, tomorn, and fetch your letters. Then she departed and told them how she should ride

again with letters unto Arthur. Then we pray you, said La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram, that when ye have

received your letters, that ye would come by us that we may see the privity of your letters. All that I may do,

madam, ye wot well I must do for Sir Tristram, for I have been long his own maiden.

So on the morn the damosel went to King Mark to have had his letters and to depart. I am not avised, said

King Mark, as at this time to send my letters. Then privily and secretly he sent letters unto King Arthur, and

unto Queen Guenever, and unto Sir Launcelot. So the varlet departed, and found the king and the queen in

Wales, at Carlion. And as the king and the queen were at mass the varlet came with the letters. And when

mass was done the king and the queen opened the letters privily by themself. And the beginning of the king's

letters spake wonderly short unto King Arthur, and bade him entermete with himself and with his wife, and of

CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received from King Mark, and of

WHEN King Arthur understood the letter, he mused of many things, and thought on his sister's words, Queen

Morgan le Fay, that she had said betwixt Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot. And in this thought he studied a

great while. Then he bethought him again how his sister was his own enemy, and that she hated the queen

and Sir Launcelot, and so he put all that out of his thought. Then King Arthur read the letter again, and the

latter clause said that King Mark took Sir Tristram for his mortal enemy; wherefore he put Arthur out of

doubt he would be revenged of Sir Tristram. Then was King Arthur wroth with King Mark. And when Queen

Guenever read her letter and understood it, she was wroth out of measure, for the letter spake shame by her

and by Sir Launcelot. And so privily she sent the letter unto Sir Launcelot. And when he wist the intent of the

letter he was so wroth that he laid him down on his bed to sleep, whereof Sir Dinadan was ware, for it was his

manner to be privy with all good knights. And as Sir Launcelot slept he stole the letter out of his hand, and

read it word by word. And then he made great sorrow for anger. And so Sir Launcelot awaked, and went to a

Sir, said Dinadan, wherefore be ye angry? discover your heart to me: forsooth ye wot well I owe you good

will, howbeit I am a poor knight and a servitor unto you and to all good knights. For though I be not of

worship myself I love all those that be of worship. It is truth, said Sir Launcelot, ye are a trusty knight, and

for great trust I will shew you my counsel. And when Dinadan understood all, he said: This is my counsel: set

you right nought by these threats, for King Mark is so villainous, that by fair speech shall never man get of

him. But ye shall see what I shall do; I will make a lay for him, and when it is made I shall make an harper to

sing it afore him. So anon he went and made it, and taught it an harper that hight Eliot. And when he could it,

he taught it to many harpers. And so by the will of Sir Launcelot, and of Arthur, the harpers went straight into

Wales, and into Cornwall, to sing the lay that Sir Dinadan made by King Mark, the which was the worst lay

CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to King Mark; and of Sir Tristram

NOW turn we again unto Sir Tristram and to King Mark. As Sir Tristram was at jousts and at tournament it

fortuned he was sore hurt both with a spear and with a sword, but yet he won always the degree. And for to

repose him he went to a good knight that dwelled in Cornwall, in a castle, whose name was Sir Dinas le

Seneschal. Then by misfortune there came out of Sessoin a great number of men of arms, and an hideous

host, and they entered nigh the Castle of Tintagil; and their captain's name was Elias, a good man of arms.

When King Mark understood his enemies were entered into his land he made great dole and sorrow, for in no

wise by his will King Mark would not send for Sir Tristram, for he hated him deadly.

So when his council was come they devised and cast many perils of the strength of their enemies. And then

they concluded all at once, and said thus unto King Mark: Sir, wit ye well ye must send for Sir Tristram, the

good knight, or else they will never be overcome. For by Sir Tristram they must be foughten withal, or else

we row against the stream. Well, said King Mark, I will do by your counsel; but yet he was full loath thereto,

but need constrained him to send for him. Then was he sent for in all haste that might be, that he should come

to King Mark. And when he understood that King Mark had sent for him, he mounted upon a soft ambler and

rode to King Mark. And when he was come the king said thus: Fair nephew Sir Tristram, this is all. Here be

come our enemies of Sessoin, that are here nigh hand, and without tarrying they must be met with shortly, or

else they will destroy this country. Sir, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well all my power is at your commandment.

And wit ye well, sir, these eight days I may bear none arms, for my wounds be not yet whole. And by that

day I shall do what I may. Ye say well, said King Mark; then go ye again and repose you and make you fresh,

So the king departed unto Tintagil, and Sir Tristram went to repose him. And the king made a great host and

departed them in three; the first part led Sir Dinas the Seneschal, and Sir Andred led the second part, and Sir

Argius led the third part; and he was of the blood of King Mark. And the Sessoins had three great battles, and

many good men of arms. And so King Mark by the advice of his knights issued out of the Castle of Tintagil

upon his enemies. And Dinas, the good knight, rode out afore, and slew two knights with his own hands, and

then began the battles. And there was marvellous breaking of spears and smiting of swords, and slew down

many good knights. And ever was Sir Dinas the Seneschal the best of King Mark's party. And thus the battle

endured long with great mortality. But at the last King Mark and Sir Dinas, were they never so loath, they

withdrew them to the Castle of Tintagil with great slaughter of people; and the Sessoins followed on fast, that

Then King Mark sent for Sir Tristram by a varlet, that told him all the mortality. Then he sent the varlet

again, and bade him: Tell King Mark that I will come as soon as I am whole, for erst I may do him no good.

Then King Mark had his answer. Therewith came Elias and bade the king yield up the castle: For ye may not

hold it no while. Sir Elias, said the king, so will I yield up the castle if I be not soon rescued. Anon King

Mark sent again for rescue to Sir Tristram. By then Sir Tristram was whole, and he had gotten him ten good

knights of Arthur's; and with them he rode unto Tintagil. And when he saw the great host of Sessoins he

marvelled wonder greatly. And then Sir Tristram rode by the woods and by the ditches as secretly as he

might, till he came nigh the gates. And there dressed a knight to him when he saw that Sir Tristram would

enter; and Sir Tristram smote him down dead, and so he served three more. And everych of these ten knights

slew a man of arms. So Sir Tristram entered into the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark wist that Sir

Tristram was come he was glad of his coming, and so was all the fellowship, and of him they made great joy.

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

SO on the morn Elias the captain came, and bade King Mark: Come out and do battle; for now the good

knight Sir Tristram is entered it will be shame to thee, said Elias, for to keep thy walls. When King Mark

understood this he was wroth and said no word, but went unto Sir Tristram and asked him his counsel. Sir,

said Sir Tristram, will ye that I give him his answer? I will well, said King Mark. Then Sir Tristram said thus

to the messenger: Bear thy lord word from the king and me, that we will do battle with him tomorn in the

plain field. What is your name? said the messenger. Wit thou well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones.

Therewithal the messenger departed and told his lord Elias all that he had heard. Sir, said Sir Tristram unto

King Mark, I pray you give me leave to have the rule of the battle. I pray you take the rule, said King Mark.

Then Sir Tristram let devise the battle in what manner that it should be. He let depart his host in six parties,

and ordained Sir Dinas the Seneschal to have the foreward, and other knights to rule the remnant. And the

same night Sir Tristram burnt all the Sessoins' ships unto the cold water. Anon, as Elias wist that, he said it

was of Sir Tristram's doing: For he casteth that we shall never escape, mother son of us. Therefore, fair

fellows, fight freely tomorrow, and miscomfort you nought; for any knight, though he be the best knight in

Then they ordained their battle in four parties, wonderly well apparelled and garnished with men of arms.

Thus they within issued, and they without set freely upon them; and there Sir Dinas did great deeds of arms.

Not for then Sir Dinas and his fellowship were put to the worse. With that came Sir Tristram and slew two

knights with one spear; then he slew on the right hand and on the left hand, that men marvelled that ever he

might do such deeds of arms. And then he might see sometime the battle was driven a bowdraught from the

castle, and sometime it was at the gates of the castle. Then came Elias the captain rushing here and there, and

hit King Mark so sore upon the helm that he made him to avoid the saddle. And then Sir Dinas gat King

Mark again to horseback. Therewithal came in Sir Tristram like a lion, and there he met with Elias, and he

smote him so sore upon the helm that he avoided his saddle. And thus they fought till it was night, and for

And when King Mark was come within the Castle of Tintagil he lacked of his knights an hundred, and they

without lacked two hundred; and they searched the wounded men on both parties. And then they went to

council; and wit you well either party were loath to fight more, so that either might escape with their worship.

When Elias the captain understood the death of his men he made great dole; and when he wist that they were

loath to go to battle again he was wroth out of measure. Then Elias sent word unto King Mark, in great

despite, whether he would find a knight that would fight for him body for body. And if that he might slay

King Mark's knight, he to have the truage of Cornwall yearly. And if that his knight slay mine, I fully release

my claim forever. Then the messenger departed unto King Mark, and told him how that his lord Elias had

sent him word to find a knight to do battle with him body for body. When King Mark understood the

messenger, he bade him abide and he should have his answer. Then called he all the baronage together to wit

what was the best counsel. They said all at once: To fight in a field we have no lust, for had not been Sir

Tristram's prowess it had been likely that we never should have escaped; and therefore, sir, as we deem, it

were well done to find a knight that would do battle with him, for he knightly proffereth.

CHAPTER XXX. How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the truage, and how Sir Tristram

NOT for then when all this was said, they could find no knight that would do battle with him. Sir king, said

they all, here is no knight that dare fight with Elias. Alas, said King Mark, then am I utterly ashamed and

utterly destroyed, unless that my nephew Sir Tristram will take the battle upon him. Wit you well, they said

all, he had yesterday overmuch on hand, and he is weary for travail, and sore wounded. Where is he? said

King Mark. Sir, said they, he is in his bed to repose him. Alas, said King Mark, but I have the succour of my

Therewith one went to Sir Tristram where he lay, and told him what King Mark had said. And therewith Sir

Tristram arose lightly, and put on him a long gown, and came afore the king and all the lords. And when he

saw them all so dismayed he asked the king and the lords what tidings were with them. Never worse, said the

king. And therewith he told him all, how he had word of Elias to find a knight to fight for the truage of

Cornwall, and none can I find. And as for you, said the king and all the lords, we may ask no more of you for

shame; for through your hardiness yesterday ye saved all our lives. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now I understand ye

would have my succour, reason would that I should do all that lieth in my power to do, saving my worship

and my life, howbeit I am sore bruised and hurt. And sithen Sir Elias proffereth so largely, I shall fight with

him, or else I will be slain in the field, or else I will deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And therefore

lightly call his messenger and he shall be answered, for as yet my wounds be green, and they will be sorer a

seven night after than they be now; and therefore he shall have his answer that I will do battle tomorn with

Then was the messenger departed brought before King Mark. Hark, my fellow, said Sir Tristram, go fast unto

thy lord, and bid him make true assurance on his part for the truage, as the king here shall make on his part;

and then tell thy lord, Sir Elias, that I, Sir Tristram, King Arthur's knight, and knight of the Table Round, will

as tomorn meet with thy lord on horseback, to do battle as long as my horse may endure, and after that to do

battle with him on foot to the utterance. The messenger beheld Sir Tristram from the top to the toe; and

therewithal he departed and came to his lord, and told him how he was answered of Sir Tristram. And

therewithal was made hostage on both parties, and made it as sure as it might be, that whether party had the

victory, so to end. And then were both hosts assembled on both parts of the field, without the Castle of

So when the appointment was made, they departed insunder, and they came together with all the might that

their horses might run. And either knight smote other so hard that both horses and knights went to the earth.

Not for then they both lightly arose and dressed their shields on their shoulders, with naked swords in their

hands, and they dashed together that it seemed a flaming fire about them. Thus they traced, and traversed, and

hewed on helms and hauberks, and cut away many cantels of their shields, and either wounded other passing

sore, so that the hot blood fell freshly upon the earth. And by then they had foughten the mountenance of an

hour Sir Tristram waxed faint and forbled, and gave sore aback. That saw Sir Elias, and followed fiercely

upon him, and wounded him in many places. And ever Sir Tristram traced and traversed, and went froward

him here and there, and covered him with his shield as he might all weakly, that all men said he was

Then was there laughing of the Sessoins' party, and great dole on King Mark's party. Alas, said the king, we

are ashamed and destroyed all for ever: for as the book saith, Sir Tristram was never so matched, but if it

were Sir Launcelot. Thus as they stood and beheld both parties, that one party laughing and the other party

weeping, Sir Tristram remembered him of his lady, La Beale Isoud, that looked upon him, and how he was

likely never to come in her presence. Then he pulled up his shield that erst hung full low. And then he dressed

up his shield unto Elias, and gave him many sad strokes, twenty against one, and all tobrake his shield and

his hauberk, that the hot blood ran down to the earth. Then began King Mark to laugh, and all Cornish men,

and that other party to weep. And ever Sir Tristram said to Sir Elias: Yield thee.

Then when Sir Tristram saw him so staggering on the ground, he said: Sir Elias, I am right sorry for thee, for

thou art a passing good knight as ever I met withal, except Sir Launcelot. Therewithal Sir Elias fell to the

earth, and there died. What shall I do, said Sir Tristram unto King Mark, for this battle is at an end? Then

they of Elias' party departed, and King Mark took of them many prisoners, to redress the harms and the

scathes that he had of them; and the remnant he sent into their country to borrow out their fellows. Then was

Sir Tristram searched and well healed. Yet for all this King Mark would fain have slain Sir Tristram. But for

all that ever Sir Tristram saw or heard by King Mark, yet would he never beware of his treason, but ever he

CHAPTER XXXI. How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper came and sang the lay that

NOW will we pass of this matter, and speak we of the harpers that Sir Launcelot and Sir Dinadan had sent

into Cornwall. And at the great feast that King Mark made for joy that the Sessoins were put out of his

country, then came Eliot the harper with the lay that Dinadan had made and secretly brought it unto Sir

Tristram, and told him the lay that Dinadan had made by King Mark. And when Sir Tristram heard it, he said:

O Lord Jesu, that Dinadan can make wonderly well and ill, thereas it shall be. Sir, said Eliot, dare I sing this

song afore King Mark? Yea, on my peril, said Sir Tristram, for I shall be thy warrant. Then at the meat came

in Eliot the harper, and because he was a curious harper men heard him sing the same lay that Dinadan had

made, the which spake the most villainy by King Mark of his treason that ever man heard.

When the harper had sung his song to the end King Mark was wonderly wroth, and said: Thou harper, how

durst thou be so bold on thy head to sing this song afore me. Sir, said Eliot, wit you well I am a minstrel, and

I must do as I am commanded of these lords that I bear the arms of. And sir, wit ye well that Sir Dinadan, a

knight of the Table Round, made this song, and made me to sing it afore you. Thou sayest well, said King

Mark, and because thou art a minstrel thou shalt go quit, but I charge thee hie thee fast out of my sight. So the

harper departed and went to Sir Tristram, and told him how he had sped. Then Sir Tristram let make letters as

goodly as he could to Launcelot and to Sir Dinadan. And so he let conduct the harper out of the country. But

to say that King Mark was wonderly wroth, he was, for he deemed that the lay that was sung afore him was

made by Sir Tristram's counsel, wherefore he thought to slay him and all his wellwillers in that country.

CHAPTER XXXII. How King Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, for good service that he had

NOW turn we to another matter that fell between King Mark and his brother, that was called the good Prince

Boudwin, that all the people of the country loved passing well. So it befell on a time that the miscreant

Saracens landed in the country of Cornwall soon after these Sessoins were gone. And then the good Prince

Boudwin, at the landing, he raised the country privily and hastily. And or it were day he let put wildfire in

three of his own ships, and suddenly he pulled up the sail, and with the wind he made those ships to be driven

among the navy of the Saracens. And to make short tale, those three ships set on fire all the ships, that none

were saved. And at point of the day the good Prince Boudwin with all his fellowship set on the miscreants

with shouts and cries, and slew to the number of forty thousand, and left none alive.

When King Mark wist this he was wonderly wroth that his brother should win such worship. And because

this prince was better beloved than he in all that country, and that also Boudwin loved well Sir Tristram,

therefore he thought to slay him. And thus, hastily, as a man out of his wit, he sent for Prince Boudwin and

Anglides his wife, and bade them bring their young son with them, that he might see him. All this he did to

the intent to slay the child as well as his father, for he was the falsest traitor that ever was born. Alas, for his

goodness and for his good deeds this gentle Prince Boudwin was slain. So when he came with his wife

Anglides, the king made them fair semblant till they had dined. And when they had dined King Mark sent for

his brother and said thus: Brother, how sped you when the miscreants arrived by you? meseemeth it had been

your part to have sent me word, that I might have been at that journey, for it had been reason that I had had

the honour and not you. Sir, said the Prince Boudwin, it was so that an I had tarried till that I had sent for you

those miscreants had destroyed my country. Thou liest, false traitor, said King Mark, for thou art ever about

for to win worship from me, and put me to dishonour, and thou cherishest that I hate. And therewith he struck

him to the heart with a dagger, that he never after spake word. Then the Lady Anglides made great dole, and

swooned, for she saw her lord slain afore her face. Then was there no more to do but Prince Boudwin was

despoiled and brought to burial. But Anglides privily gat her husband's doublet and his shirt, and that she kept

Then was there much sorrow and crying, and great dole made Sir Tristram, Sir Dinas, Sir Fergus, and so did

all knights that were there; for that prince was passingly well beloved. So La Beale Isoud sent unto Anglides,

the Prince Boudwin's wife, and bade her avoid lightly or else her young son, Alisander le Orphelin, should be

slain When she heard this, she took her horse and her child; and rode with such poor men as durst ride with

CHAPTER XXXIII. How Anglides, Boudwin's wife, escaped with her young son, Alisander le Orphelin,

NOTWITHSTANDING, when King Mark had done this deed, yet he thought to do more vengeance; and

with his sword in his hand, he sought from chamber to chamber, to seek Anglides and her young son. And

when she was missed he called a good knight that hight Sadok, and charged him by pain of death to fetch

Anglides again and her young son. So Sir Sadok departed and rode after Anglides. And within ten mile he

overtook her, and bade her turn again and ride with him to King Mark. Alas, fair knight, she said, what shall

ye win by my son's death or by mine? I have had overmuch harm and too great a loss. Madam, said Sadok, of

your loss is dole and pity; but madam, said Sadok, would ye depart out of this country with your son, and

keep him till he be of age, that he may revenge his father's death, then would I suffer you to depart from me,

so you promise me to revenge the death of Prince Boudwin. Ah, gentle knight, Jesu thank thee, and if ever

my son, Alisander le Orphelin, live to be a knight, he shall have his father's doublet and his shirt with the

bloody marks, and I shall give him such a charge that he shall remember it while he liveth. And therewithal

Sadok departed from her, and either betook other to God. And when Sadok came to King Mark he told him

faithfully that he had drowned young Alisander her son; and thereof King Mark was full glad.

Now turn we unto Anglides, that rode both night and day by adventure out of Cornwall, and little and in few

places she rested; but ever she drew southward to the seaside, till by fortune she came to a castle that is called

Magouns, and now it is called Arundel, in Sussex. And the Constable of the castle welcomed her, and said

she was welcome to her own castle; and there was Anglides worshipfully received, for the Constable's wife

was nigh her cousin, and the Constable's name was Bellangere; and that same Constable told Anglides that

the same castle was hers by right inheritance. Thus Anglides endured years and winters, till Alisander was big

and strong; there was none so wight in all that country, neither there was none that might do no manner of

CHAPTER XXXIV. How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander, her son, the same day that he was

THEN upon a day Bellangere the Constable came to Anglides and said: Madam, it were time my lord

Alisander were made knight, for he is a passing strong young man. Sir, said she, I would he were made

knight; but then must I give him the most charge that ever sinful mother gave to her child. Do as ye list, said

Bellangere, and I shall give him warning that he shall be made knight. Now it will be well done that he may

be made knight at our Lady Day in Lent. Be it so, said Anglides, and I pray you make ready therefore. So

came the Constable to Alisander, and told him that he should at our Lady Day in Lent be made knight. I

thank God, said Alisander; these are the best tidings that ever came to me. Then the Constable ordained

twenty of the greatest gentlemen's sons, and the best born men of the country, that should be made knights

that same day that Alisander was made knight. So on the same day that Alisander and his twenty fellows

were made knights, at the offering of the mass there came Anglides unto her son and said thus: O fair sweet

son, I charge thee upon my blessing, and of the high order of chivalry that thou takest here this day, that thou

understand what I shall say and charge thee withal. Therewithal she pulled out a bloody doublet and a bloody

shirt, that were bebled with old blood. When Alisander saw this he stert aback and waxed pale, and said:

Fair mother, what may this mean? I shall tell thee, fair son: this was thine own father's doublet and shirt, that

he wore upon him that same day that he was slain. And there she told him why and wherefore, and how for

his goodness King Mark slew him with his dagger afore mine own eyen. And therefore this shall be your

CHAPTER XXXV. How it was told to King Mark of Sir Alisander, and how he would have slain Sir Sadok

NOW I require thee, and charge thee upon my blessing, and upon the high order of knighthood, that thou be

revenged upon King Mark for the death of thy father. And therewithal she swooned. Then Alisander leapt to

his mother, and took her up in his arms, and said: Fair mother, ye have given me a great charge, and here I

promise you I shall be avenged upon King Mark when that I may; and that I promise to God and to you. So

this feast was ended, and the Constable, by the advice of Anglides, let purvey that Alisander was well horsed

and harnessed. Then he jousted with his twenty fellows that were made knights with him, but for to make a

short tale, he overthrew all those twenty, that none might withstand him a buffet.

Then one of those knights departed unto King Mark, and told him all, how Alisander was made knight, and

all the charge that his mother gave him, as ye have heard afore time. Alas, false treason, said King Mark, I

weened that young traitor had been dead. Alas, whom may I trust? And therewithal King Mark took a sword

in his hand; and sought Sir Sadok from chamber to chamber to slay him. When Sir Sadok saw King Mark

come with his sword in his hand he said thus: Beware, King Mark, and come not nigh me; for wit thou well

that I saved Alisander his life, of which I never repent me, for thou falsely and cowardly slew his father

Boudwin, traitorly for his good deeds; wherefore I pray Almighty Jesu send Alisander might and strength to

be revenged upon thee. And now beware King Mark of young Alisander, for he is made a knight. Alas, said

King Mark, that ever I should hear a traitor say so afore me. And therewith four knights of King Mark's drew

their swords to slay Sir Sadok, but anon Sir Sadok slew them all in King Mark's presence. And then Sir

Sadok passed forth into his chamber, and took his horse and his harness, and rode on his way a good pace.

For there was neither Sir Tristram, neither Sir Dinas, nor Sir Fergus, that would Sir Sadok any evil will. Then

was King Mark wroth, and thought to destroy Sir Alisander and Sir Sadok that had saved him; for King Mark

When Sir Tristram understood that Alisander was made knight, anon forthwithal he sent him a letter, praying

him and charging him that he would draw him to the court of King Arthur, and that he put him in the rule and

in the hands of Sir Launcelot. So this letter was sent to Alisander from his cousin, Sir Tristram. And at that

time he thought to do after his commandment. Then King Mark called a knight that brought him the tidings

from Alisander, and bade him abide still in that country. Sir, said that knight, so must I do, for in my own

country I dare not come. No force, said King Mark, I shall give thee here double as much lands as ever thou

hadst of thine own. But within short space Sir Sadok met with that false knight, and slew him. Then was King

Mark wood wroth out of measure. Then he sent unto Queen Morgan le Fay, and to the Queen of Northgalis,

praying them in his letters that they two sorceresses would set all the country in fire with ladies that were

enchantresses, and by such that were dangerous knights, as Malgrin, Breuse Saunce Pite', that by no mean

Alisander le Orphelin should escape, but either he should be taken or slain. This ordinance made King Mark

CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and of Morgan le Fay: and how he

NOW turn we again unto Sir Alisander, that at his departing his mother took with him his father's bloody

shirt. So that he bare with him always till his death day, in tokening to think of his father's death. So was

Alisander purposed to ride to London, by the counsel of Sir Tristram, to Sir Launcelot. And by fortune he

went by the seaside, and rode wrong. And there he won at a tournament the gree that King Carados made.

And there he smote down King Carados and twenty of his knights, and also Sir Safere, a good knight that was

Sir Palomides' brother, the good knight. All this saw a damosel, and saw the best knight joust that ever she

saw. And ever as he smote down knights he made them to swear to wear none harness in a twelvemonth and

a day. This is well said, said Morgan le Fay, this is the knight that I would fain see. And so she took her

palfrey, and rode a great while, and then she rested her in her pavilion. So there came four knights, two were

armed, and two were unarmed, and they told Morgan le Fay their names: the first was Elias de Gomeret, the

second was Cari de Gomeret, those were armed; that other twain were of Camiliard, cousins unto Queen

Guenever, and that one hight Guy, and that other hight Garaunt, those were unarmed. There these four

knights told Morgan le Fay how a young knight had smitten them down before a castle For the maiden of that

castle said that he was but late made knight, and young. But as we suppose, but if it were Sir Tristram, or Sir

Launcelot, or Sir Lamorak, the good knight, there is none that might sit him a buffet with a spear. Well, said

Morgan le Fay, I shall meet that knight or it be long time, an he dwell in that country.

So turn we to the damosel of the castle, that when Alisander le Orphelin had forjousted the four knights, she

called him to her, and said thus: Sir knight, wilt thou for my sake joust and fight with a knight, for my sake,

of this country, that is and hath been long time an evil neighbour to me? His name is Malgrin, and he will not

suffer me to be married in no manner wise for all that I can do, or any knight for my sake. Damosel, said

Alisander, an he come whiles I am here I will fight with him, and my poor body for your sake I will jeopard.

And therewithal she sent for him, for he was at her commandment. And when either had a sight of other, they

made them ready for to joust, and they came together eagerly, and Malgrin brised his spear upon Alisander,

and Alisander smote him again so hard that he bare him quite from his saddle to the earth. But this Malgrin

arose lightly, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade him alight, saying: Though thou have the

better of me on horseback, thou shalt find that I shall endure like a knight on foot. It is well said, said

Alisander; and so lightly he avoided his horse and betook him to his varlet. And then they rushed together

like two boars, and laid on their helms and shields long time, by the space of three hours, that never man

And in the meanwhile came Morgan le Fay to the damosel of the castle, and they beheld the battle. But this

Malgrin was an old roted knight, and he was called one of the dangerous knights of the world to do battle on

foot, but on horseback there were many better. And ever this Malgrin awaited to slay Alisander, and so

wounded him wonderly sore, that it was marvel that ever he might stand, for he had bled so much blood; for

Alisander fought wildly, and not wittily. And that other was a felonious knight, and awaited him, and smote

him sore. And sometime they rushed together with their shields, like two boars or rams, and fell grovelling

both to the earth. Now knight, said Malgrin, hold thy hand a while, and tell me what thou art. I will not, said

Alisander, but if me list: but tell me thy name, and why thou keepest this country, or else thou shalt die of my

hands. Wit thou well, said Malgrin, that for this maiden's love, of this castle, I have slain ten good knights by

mishap; and by outrage and orgulite' of myself I have slain ten other knights. So God me help, said Alisander,

this is the foulest confession that ever I heard knight make, nor never heard I speak of other men of such a

shameful confession; wherefore it were great pity and great shame unto me that I should let thee live any

longer; therefore keep thee as well as ever thou mayest, for as I am true knight, either thou shalt slay me or

Then they lashed together fiercely, and at the last Alisander smote Malgrin to the earth. And then he raced off

his helm, and smote off his head lightly. And when he had done and ended this battle, anon he called to him

his varlet, the which brought him his horse. And then he, weening to be strong enough, would have mounted.

And so she laid Sir Alisander in an horse litter, and led him into the castle, for he had no foot nor might to

stand upon the earth; for he had sixteen great wounds, and in especial one of them was like to be his death.

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

THEN Queen Morgan le Fay searched his wounds, and gave such an ointment unto him that he should have

died. And on the morn when she came to him he complained him sore; and then she put other ointments upon

him, and then he was out of his pain. Then came the damosel of the castle, and said unto Morgan le Fay: I

pray you help me that this knight might wed me, for he hath won me with his hands. Ye shall see, said

Morgan le Fay, what I shall say. Then Morgan le Fay went unto Alisander, and bade in anywise that he

should refuse this lady, an she desire to wed you, for she is not for you. So the damosel came and desired of

him marriage. Damosel, said Orphelin, I thank you, but as yet I cast me not to marry in this country. Sir, she

said, sithen ye will not marry me, I pray you insomuch as ye have won me, that ye will give me to a knight of

this country that hath been my friend, and loved me many years. With all my heart, said Alisander, I will

assent thereto. Then was the knight sent for, his name was Gerine le Grose. And anon he made them handfast,

Then came Queen Morgan le Fay to Alisander, and bade him arise, and put him in an horse litter, and gave

him such a drink that in three days and three nights he waked never, but slept; and so she brought him to her

own castle that at that time was called La Beale Regard. Then Morgan le Fay came to Alisander, and asked

him if he would fain be whole. Who would be sick, said Alisander, an he might be whole? Well, said Morgan

le Fay, then shall ye promise me by your knighthood that this day twelvemonth and a day ye shall not pass

the compass of this castle, and without doubt ye shall lightly be whole. I assent, said Sir Alisander. And there

he made her a promise: then was he soon whole. And when Alisander was whole, then he repented him of his

oath, for he might not be revenged upon King Mark. Right so there came a damosel that was cousin to the

Earl of Pase, and she was cousin to Morgan le Fay. And by right that castle of La Beale Regard should have

been hers by true inheritance. So this damosel entered into this castle where lay Alisander, and there she

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

SIR knight, said the damosel, an ye would be merry I could tell you good tidings. Well were me, said

Alisander, an I might hear of good tidings, for now I stand as a prisoner by my promise. Sir, she said, wit you

well that ye be a prisoner, and worse than ye ween; for my lady, my cousin Queen Morgan le Fay, keepeth

you here for none other intent but for to do her pleasure with you when it liketh her. O Jesu defend me, said

Alisander, from such pleasure; for I had liefer cut away my hangers than I would do her such pleasure. As

Jesu help me, said the damosel, an ye would love me and be ruled by me, I shall make your deliverance with

your worship. Tell me, said Alisander, by what means, and ye shall have my love. Fair knight, said she, this

castle of right ought to be mine, and I have an uncle the which is a mighty earl, he is Earl of Pase, and of all

folks he hateth most Morgan le Fay; and I shall send unto him and pray him for my sake to destroy this castle

for the evil customs that be used therein; and then will he come and set wildfire on every part of the castle,

and I shall get you out at a privy postern, and there shall ye have your horse and your harness. Ye say well,

damosel, said Alisander. And then she said: Ye may keep the room of this castle this twelvemonth and a day,

then break ye not your oath. Truly, fair damosel, said Alisander, ye say sooth. And then he kissed her, and did

So anon she sent unto her uncle and bade him come and destroy that castle, for as the book saith, he would

have destroyed that castle afore time had not that damosel been. When the earl understood her letters he sent

her word again that on such a day he would come and destroy that castle. So when that day came she showed

Alisander a postern wherethrough he should flee into a garden, and there he should find his armour and his

horse. When the day came that was set, thither came the Earl of Pase with four hundred knights, and set on

fire all the parts of the castle, that or they ceased they left not a stone standing. And all this while that the fire

was in the castle he abode in the garden. And when the fire was done he let make a cry that he would keep

that piece of earth thereas the castle of La Beale Regard was a twelvemonth and a day, from all manner

So it happed there was a duke that hight Ansirus, and he was of the kin of Sir Launcelot. And this knight was

a great pilgrim, for every third year he would be at Jerusalem. And because he used all his life to go in

pilgrimage men called him Duke Ansirus the Pilgrim. And this duke had a daughter that hight Alice, that was

a passing fair woman, and because of her father she was called Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And anon as she heard

of this cry she went unto Arthur's court, and said openly in hearing of many knights, that what knight may

overcome that knight that keepeth that piece of earth shall have me and all my lands.

When the knights of the Round Table heard her say thus many were glad, for she was passing fair and of

great rents. Right so she let cry in castles and towns as fast on her side as Alisander did on his side. Then she

dressed her pavilion straight by the piece of the earth that Alisander kept. So she was not so soon there but

there came a knight of Arthur's court that hight Sagramore le Desirous, and he proffered to joust with

Alisander; and they encountered, and Sagramore le Desirous brised his spear upon Sir Alisander, but Sir

Alisander smote him so hard that he avoided his saddle. And when La Beale Alice saw him joust so well, she

thought him a passing goodly knight on horseback. And then she leapt out of her pavilion, and took Sir

Alisander by the bridle, and thus she said: Fair knight, I require thee of thy knighthood show me thy visage. I

dare well, said Alisander, show my visage. And then he put off his helm; and she saw his visage, she said: O

sweet Jesu, thee I must love, and never other. Then show me your visage, said he.

CHAPTER XXXIX. How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how he jousted with two knights;

Then she unwimpled her visage. And when he saw her he said: Here have I found my love and my lady.

Truly, fair lady, said he, I promise you to be your knight, and none other that beareth the life. Now, gentle

knight, said she, tell me your name. My name is, said he, Alisander le Orphelin. Now, damosel, tell me your

name, said he. My name is, said she, Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And when we be more at our heart's ease, both

ye and I shall tell other of what blood we be come. So there was great love betwixt them. And as they thus

talked there came a knight that hight Harsouse le Berbuse, and asked part of Sir Alisander's spears. Then Sir

Alisander encountered with him, and at the first Sir Alisander smote him over his horse's croup. And then

there came another knight that hight Sir Hewgon, and Sir Alisander smote him down as he did that other.

Then Sir Hewgon proffered to do battle on foot. Sir Alisander overcame him with three strokes, and there

would have slain him had he not yielded him. So then Alisander made both those knights to swear to wear

Then Sir Alisander alighted down, and went to rest him and repose him. Then the damosel that helped Sir

Alisander out of the castle, in her play told Alice all together how he was prisoner in the castle of La Beale

Regard, and there she told her how she got him out of prison. Sir, said Alice la Beale Pilgrim, meseemeth ye

are much beholding to this maiden. That is truth, said Sir Alisander. And there Alice told him of what blood

she was come. Sir, wit ye well, she said, that I am of the blood of King Ban, that was father unto Sir

Launcelot. Ywis, fair lady, said Alisander, my mother told me that my father was brother unto a king, and I

Then this while came there three knights, that one hight Vains, and the other hight Harvis de les Marches, and

the third hight Perin de la Montaine. And with one spear Sir Alisander smote them down all three, and gave

them such falls that they had no list to fight upon foot. So he made them to swear to wear none arms in a

twelvemonth. So when they were departed Sir Alisander beheld his lady Alice on horseback as he stood in

her pavilion. And then was he so enamoured upon her that he wist not whether he were on horseback or on

Right so came the false knight Sir Mordred, and saw Sir Alisander was assotted upon his lady; and

therewithal he took his horse by the bridle, and led him here and there, and had cast to have led him out of

that place to have shamed him. When the damosel that helped him out of that castle saw how shamefully he

was led, anon she let arm her, and set a shield upon her shoulder; and therewith she mounted upon his horse,

and gat a naked sword in her hand, and she thrust unto Alisander with all her might, and she gave him such a

buffet that he thought the fire flew out of his eyen. And when Alisander felt that stroke he looked about him,

and drew his sword And when she saw that, she fled, and so did Mordred into the forest, and the damosel fled

into the pavilion. So when Alisander understood himself how the false knight would have shamed him had

not the damosel been then was he wroth with himself that Sir Mordred was so escaped his hands. But then Sir

Alisander and Alice had good game at the damosel, how sadly she hit him upon the helm.

Then Sir Alisander jousted thus day by day, and on foot he did many battles with many knights of King

Arthur's court, and with many knights strangers. Therefore to tell all the battles that he did it were overmuch

to rehearse, for every day within that twelvemonth he had ado with one knight or with other, and some day he

had ado with three or with four; and there was never knight that put him to the worse. And at the

twelvemonth's end he departed with his lady, Alice la Beale Pilgrim. And the damosel would never go from

him, and so they went into their country of Benoye, and lived there in great joy.

CHAPTER XL. How Sir Galahalt did do cry a jousts in Surluse, and Queen Guenever's knights should

BUT as the book saith, King Mark would never stint till he had slain him by treason. And by Alice he gat a

child that hight Bellengerus le Beuse. And by good fortune he came to the court of King Arthur, and proved a

passing good knight; and he revenged his father's death, for the false King Mark slew both Sir Tristram and

Alisander falsely and feloniously. And it happed so that Alisander had never grace nor fortune to come to

King Arthur's court. For an he had come to Sir Launcelot, all knights said that knew him, he was one of the

strongest knights that was in Arthur's days, and great dole was made for him. So let we of him pass, and turn

So it befell that Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, was lord of the country of Surluse, whereof came many good

knights. And this noble prince was a passing good man of arms, and ever he held a noble fellowship together.

And then he came to Arthur's court and told him his intent, how this was his will, how he would let cry a

jousts in the country of Surluse, the which country was within the lands of King Arthur, and there he asked

leave to let cry a jousts. I will give you leave, said King Arthur; but wit thou well, said King Arthur, I may

not be there. Sir, said Queen Guenever, please it you to give me leave to be at that jousts. With right good

will, said Arthur; for Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, shall have you in governance. Sir, said Galahalt, I will as

ye will. Sir, then the queen, I will take with me [Sir Launcelot] and such knights as please me best. Do as ye

list, said King Arthur. So anon she commanded Sir Launcelot to make him ready with such knights as he

So in every good town and castle of this land was made a cry, that in the country of Surluse Sir Galahalt

should make a joust that should last eight days, and how the haut prince, with the help of Queen Guenever's

knights, should joust against all manner of men that would come. When this cry was known, kings and

princes, dukes and earls, barons and noble knights, made them ready to be at that jousts. And at the day of

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

THEN at the request of Queen Guenever and of King Bagdemagus Sir Launcelot came into the range, but he

was disguised, and that was the cause that few folk knew him; and there met with him Sir Ector de Maris, his

own brother, and either brake their spears upon other to their hands. And then either gat another spear. And

then Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Ector de Maris, his own brother. That saw Sir Bleoberis, and he smote Sir

Launcelot such a buffet upon the helm that he wist not well where he was. Then Sir Launcelot was wrothy

and smote Sir Bleoberis so sore upon the helm that his head bowed down backward. And he smote eft

another buffet, that he avoided his saddle; and so he rode by, and thrust forth to the thickest. When the King

of Northgalis saw Sir Ector and Bleoberis lie on the ground then was he wroth, for they came on his party

against them of Surluse. So the King of Northgalis ran to Sir Launcelot, and brake a spear upon him all to

pieces. Therewith Sir Launcelot overtook the King of Northgalis, and smote him such a buffet on the helm

with his sword that he made him to avoid his horse; and anon the king was horsed again. So both the King

Bagdemagus' and the King of Northgalis' party hurled to other; and then began a strong medley, but they of

When Sir Launcelot saw his party go to the worst he thrang into the thickest press with a sword in his hand;

and there he smote down on the right hand and on the left hand, and pulled down knights and raced off their

helms, that all men had wonder that ever one knight might do such deeds of arms. When Sir Meliagaunce,

that was son unto King Bagdemagus, saw how Sir Launcelot fared he marvelled greatly. And when he

understood that it was he, he wist well that he was disguised for his sake. Then Sir Meliagaunce prayed a

knight to slay Sir Launcelot's horse, either with sword or with spear. At that time King Bagdemagus met with

a knight that hight Sauseise, a good knight, to whom he said: Now fair Sauseise, encounter with my son

Meliagaunce and give him large payment, for I would he were well beaten of thy hands, that he might depart

out of this field. And then Sir Sauseise encountered with Sir Meliagaunce, and either smote other down. And

then they fought on foot, and there Sauseise had won Sir Meliagaunce, had there not come rescues. So then

the haut prince blew to lodging, and every knight unarmed him and went to the great feast.

Then in the meanwhile there came a damosel to the haut prince, and complained that there was a knight that

hight Goneries that withheld her all her lands. Then the knight was there present, and cast his glove to her or

to any that would fight in her name. So the damosel took up the glove all heavily for default of a champion.

Then there came a varlet to her and said: Damosel, will ye do after me? Full fain, said the damosel. Then go

you unto such a knight that lieth here beside in an hermitage, and that followeth the Questing Beast, and pray

So anon she took her palfrey, and within a while she found that knight, that was Sir Palomides. And when she

required him he armed him and rode with her, and made her to go to the haut prince, and to ask leave for her

knight to do battle. I will well, said the haut prince. Then the knights were ready in the field to joust on

horseback; and either gat a spear in their hands, and met so fiercely together that their spears all toshivered.

Then they flang out swords, and Sir Palomides smote Sir Goneries down to the earth. And then he raced off

his helm and smote off his head. Then they went to supper, and the damosel loved Palomides as paramour,

but the book saith she was of his kin. So then Palomides disguised himself in this manner, in his shield he

bare the Questing Beast, and in all his trappings. And when he was thus ready, he sent to the haut prince to

give him leave to joust with other knights, but he was adoubted of Sir Launcelot. The haut prince sent him

word again that he should be welcome, and that Sir Launcelot should not joust with him. Then Sir Galahalt,

the haut prince, let cry what knight somever he were that smote down Sir Palomides should have his damosel

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

HERE beginneth the second day. Anon as Sir Palomides came into the field, Sir Galahalt, the haut prince,

was at the range end, and met with Sir Palomides, and he with him, with great spears. And then they came so

hard together that their spears all toshivered, but Sir Galahalt smote him so hard that he bare him backward

over his horse, but yet he lost not his stirrups. Then they drew their swords and lashed together many sad

strokes, that many worshipful knights left their business to behold them. But at the last Sir Galahalt, the haut

prince, smote a stroke of might unto Palomides, sore upon the helm; but the helm was so hard that the sword

might not bite, but slipped and smote off the head of the horse of Sir Palomides. When the haut prince wist

and saw the good knight fall unto the earth he was ashamed of that stroke. And therewith he alighted down

off his own horse, and prayed the good knight, Palomides, to take that horse of his gift, and to forgive him

that deed. Sir, said Palomides, I thank you of your great goodness, for ever of a man of worship a knight shall

never have disworship; and so he mounted upon that horse, and the haut prince had another anon. Now, said

the haut prince, I release to you that maiden, for ye have won her. Ah, said Palomides, the damosel and I be at

So they departed, and Sir Galahalt did great deeds of arms. And right so came Dinadan and encountered with

Sir Galahalt, and either came to other so fast with their spears that their spears brake to their hands. But

Dinadan had weened the haut prince had been more weary than he was. And then he smote many sad strokes

at the haut prince; but when Dinadan saw he might not get him to the earth he said: My lord, I pray you leave

me, and take another. The haut prince knew not Dinadan, and left goodly for his fair words. And so they

departed; but soon there came another and told the haut prince that it was Dinadan. Forsooth, said the prince,

therefore am I heavy that he is so escaped from me, for with his mocks and japes now shall I never have done

with him. And then Galahalt rode fast after him, and bade him: Abide, Dinadan, for King Arthur's sake. Nay,

said Dinadan, so God me help, we meet no more together this day. Then in that wrath the haut prince met

with Meliagaunce, and he smote him in the throat that an he had fallen his neck had broken; and with the

same spear he smote down another knight. Then came in they of Northgalis and many strangers, and were

like to have put them of Surluse to the worse, for Sir Galahalt, the haut prince, had ever much in hand. So

there came the good knight, Semound the Valiant, with forty knights, and he beat them all aback. Then the

Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot let blow to lodging, and every knight unarmed him, and dressed him to

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

WHEN Palomides was unarmed he asked lodging for himself and the damosel. Anon the haut prince

commanded them to lodging. And he was not so soon in his lodging but there came a knight that hight

Archade, he was brother unto Goneries that Palomides slew afore in the damosel's quarrel. And this knight,

Archade, called Sir Palomides traitor, and appealed him for the death of his brother. By the leave of the haut

prince, said Palomides, I shall answer thee. When Sir Galahalt understood their quarrel he bade them go to

dinner: And as soon as ye have dined look that either knight be ready in the field. So when they had dined

they were armed both, and took their horses, and the queen, and the prince, and Sir Launcelot, were set to

behold them; and so they let run their horses, and there Sir Palomides bare Archade on his spear over his

horse's tail. And then Palomides alighted and drew his sword, but Sir Archade might not arise; and there Sir

Palomides raced off his helm, and smote off his head. Then the haut prince and Queen Guenever went unto

supper. Then King Bagdemagus sent away his son Meliagaunce because Sir Launcelot should not meet with

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

NOW beginneth the third day of jousting; and at that day King Bagdemagus made him ready; and there came

against him King Marsil, that had in gift an island of Sir Galahalt the haut prince; and this island had the

name Pomitain. Then it befell that King Bagdemagus and King Marsil of Pomitain met together with spears,

and King Marsil had such a buffet that he fell over his horse's croup. Then came there in a knight of King

Marsil to revenge his lord, and King Bagdemagus smote him down, horse and man, to the earth. So there

came an earl that hight Arrouse, and Sir Breuse, and an hundred knights with them of Pomitain, and the King

of Northgalis was with them; and all these were against them of Surluse. And then there began great battle,

and many knights were cast under horses' feet. And ever King Bagdemagus did best, for he first began, and

ever he held on. Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, smote ever at the face of King Bagdemagus; and at the last King

Then by adventure Sir Palomides, the good knight, met with Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis' brother.

And either smote other with great spears, that both their horses and knights fell to the earth. But Sir Blamore

had such a fall that he had almost broken his neck, for the blood brast out at nose, mouth, and his ears, but at

the last he recovered well by good surgeons. Then there came in the Duke Chaleins of Clarance; and in his

governance there came a knight that hight Elis la Noire; and there encountered with him King Bagdemagus,

and he smote Elis that he made him to avoid his saddle. So the Duke Chaleins of Clarance did there great

deeds of arms, and of so late as he came in the third day there was no man did so well except King

Bagdemagus and Sir Palomides, that the prize was given that day to King Bagdemagus. And then they blew

unto lodging, and unarmed them, and went to the feast. Right so came Dinadan, and mocked and japed with

King Bagdemagus that all knights laughed at him, for he was a fine japer, and well loving all good knights.

So anon as they had dined there came a varlet bearing four spears on his back; and he came to Palomides, and

said thus: Here is a knight by hath sent you the choice of four spears, and requireth you for your lady's sake to

take that one half of these spears, and joust with him in the field. Tell him, said Palomides, I will not fail him.

When Sir Galahalt wist of this, he bade Palomides make him ready. So the Queen Guenever, the haut prince,

and Sir Launcelot, they were set upon scaffolds to give the judgment of these two knights. Then Sir

Palomides and the strange knight ran so eagerly together that their spears brake to their hands. Anon withal

either of them took a great spear in his hand and all toshivered them in pieces. And then either took a greater

spear, and then the knight smote down Sir Palomides, horse and man, to the earth. And as he would have

passed over him the strange knight's horse stumbled and fell down upon Palomides. Then they drew their

Then the haut prince and Sir Launcelot said they saw never two knights fight better than they did; but ever

the strange knight doubled his strokes, and put Palomides aback; therewithal the haut prince cried: Ho: and

then they went to lodging. And when they were unarmed they knew it was the noble knight Sir Lamorak.

When Sir Launcelot knew that it was Sir Lamorak he made much of him, for above all earthly men he loved

him best except Sir Tristram. Then Queen Guenever commended him, and so did all other good knights make

much of him, except Sir Gawaine's brethren. Then Queen Guenever said unto Sir Launcelot: Sir, I require

you that an ye joust any more, that ye joust with none of the blood of my lord Arthur. So he promised he

HERE beginneth the fourth day. Then came into the field the King with the Hundred Knights, and all they of

Northgalis, and the Duke Chaleins of Clarance, and King Marsil of Pomitain, and there came Safere,

Palomides' brother, and there he told him tidings of his mother. And his name was called the Earl, and so he

appealed him afore King Arthur: For he made war upon our father and mother, and there I slew him in plain

battle. So they went into the field, and the damosel with them; and there came to encounter again them Sir

Bleoberis de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris. Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Bleoberis, and either smote

other down. And in the same wise did Sir Safere and Sir Ector, and the two couples did battle on foot. Then

came in Sir Lamorak, and he encountered with the King with the Hundred Knights, and smote him quite over

his horse's tail. And in the same wise he served the King of Northgalis, and also he smote down King Marsil.

And so or ever he stint he smote down with his spear and with his sword thirty knights. When Duke Chaleins

saw Lamorak do so great prowess he would not meddle with him for shame; and then he charged all his

knights in pain of death that none of you touch him; for it were shame to all good knights an that knight were

Then the two kings gathered them together, and all they set upon Sir Lamorak; and he failed them not, but

rushed here and there, smiting on the right hand and on the left, and raced off many helms, so that the haut

prince and Queen Guenever said they saw never knight do such deeds of arms on horseback. Alas, said

Launcelot to King Bagdemagus, I will arm me and help Sir Lamorak. And I will ride with you, said King

Bagdemagus. And when they two were horsed they came to Sir Lamorak that stood among thirty knights; and

well was him that might reach him a buffet, and ever he smote again mightily. Then came there into the press

Sir Launcelot, and he threw down Sir Mador de la Porte. And with the truncheon of that spear he threw down

many knights. And King Bagdemagus smote on the left hand and on the right hand marvellously well. And

then the three kings fled aback. Therewithal then Sir Galahalt let blow to lodging, and all the heralds gave Sir

Lamorak the prize. And all this while fought Palomides, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Safere, Sir Ector on foot; never

were there four knights evener matched. And then they were departed, and had unto their lodging, and

But when Sir Lamorak was come into the court Queen Guenever took him in her arms and said: Sir, well

have ye done this day. Then came the haut prince, and he made of him great joy, and so did Dinadan, for he

wept for joy; but the joy that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Lamorak there might no man tell. Then they went

HERE beginneth the fifth day. So it befell that Sir Palomides came in the morntide, and proffered to joust

thereas King Arthur was in a castle there besides Surluse; and there encountered with him a worshipful duke,

and there Sir Palomides smote him over his horse's croup. And this duke was uncle unto King Arthur. Then

Sir Elise's son rode unto Palomides, and Palomides served Elise in the same wise. When Sir Uwaine saw this

he was wroth. Then he took his horse and encountered with Sir Palomides, and Palomides smote him so hard

that he went to the earth, horse and man. And for to make a short tale, he smote down three brethren of Sir

Gawaine, that is for to say Mordred, Gaheris, and Agravaine. O Jesu, said Arthur, this is a great despite of a

Saracen that he shall smite down my blood. And therewithal King Arthur was wood wroth, and thought to

That espied Sir Lamorak, that Arthur and his blood were discomfit; and anon he was ready, and asked

Palomides if he would any more joust. Why should I not? said Palomides. Then they hurtled together, and

brake their spears, and all toshivered them, that all the castle rang of their dints. Then either gat a greater

spear in his hand, and they came so fiercely together; but Sir Palomides' spear all tobrast and Sir Lamorak's

did hold. Therewithal Sir Palomides lost his stirrups and lay upright on his horse's back. And then Sir

So, when he was departed, King Arthur came to Sir Lamorak and thanked him of his goodness, and prayed

him to tell him his name. Sir, said Lamorak, wit thou well, I owe you my service, but as at this time I will not

abide here, for I see of mine enemies many about me. Alas, said Arthur, now wot I well it is Sir Lamorak de

Galis. O Lamorak, abide with me, and by my crown I shall never fail thee: and not so hardy in Gawaine's

head, nor none of his brethren, to do thee any wrong. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, wrong have they done me, and to

you both. That is truth, said the king, for they slew their own mother and my sister, the which me sore

grieveth: it had been much fairer and better that ye had wedded her, for ye are a king's son as well as they. O

Jesu, said the noble knight Sir Lamorak unto Arthur, her death shall I never forget. I promise you, and make

mine avow unto God, I shall revenge her death as soon as I see time convenable. And if it were not at the

reverence of your highness I should now have been revenged upon Sir Gawaine and his brethren. Truly, said

Arthur, I will make you at accord. Sir, said Lamorak, as at this time I may not abide with you, for I must to

Then there was a damosel that was daughter to King Bandes. And there was a Saracen knight that hight

Corsabrin, and he loved the damosel, and in no wise he would suffer her to be married; for ever this

Corsabrin noised her, and named her that she was out of her mind; and thus he let her that she might not be

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

SO by fortune this damosel heard tell that Palomides did much for damosels' sake; so she sent to him a

pensel, and prayed him to fight with Sir Corsabrin for her love, and he should have her and her lands of her

father's that should fall to her. Then the damosel sent unto Corsabrin, and bade him go unto Sir Palomides

that was a paynim as well as he, and she gave him warning that she had sent him her pensel, and if he might

overcome Palomides she would wed him. When Corsabrin wist of her deeds then was he wood wroth and

angry, and rode unto Surluse where the haut prince was, and there he found Sir Palomides ready, the which

had the pensel. So there they waged battle either with other afore Galahalt. Well, said the haut prince, this day

Then they blew to jousts; and in came Dinadan, and met with Sir Gerin, a good knight, and he threw him

down over his horse's croup; and Sir Dinadan overthrew four knights more; and there he did great deeds of

arms, for he was a good knight, but he was a scoffer and a japer, and the merriest knight among fellowship

that was that time living. And he had such a custom that he loved every good knight, and every good knight

loved him again. So then when the haut prince saw Dinadan do so well, he sent unto Sir Launcelot and bade

him strike down Sir Dinadan: And when that ye have done so bring him afore me and the noble Queen

Guenever. Then Sir Launcelot did as he was required. Then Sir Lamorak and he smote down many knights,

and raced off helms, and drove all the knights afore them. And so Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Dinadan, and

made his men to unarm him, and so brought him to the queen and the haut prince, and they laughed at

Dinadan so sore that they might not stand. Well, said Sir Dinadan, yet have I no shame, for the old shrew, Sir

Launcelot, smote me down. So they went to dinner, [and] all the court had good sport at Dinadan.

Then when the dinner was done they blew to the field to behold Sir Palomides and Corsabrin. Sir Palomides

pight his pensel in midst of the field; and then they hurtled together with their spears as it were thunder, and

either smote other to the earth. And then they pulled out their swords, and dressed their shields, and lashed

together mightily as mighty knights, that wellnigh there was no piece of harness would hold them, for this

Corsabrin was a passing felonious knight. Corsabrin, said Palomides, wilt thou release me yonder damosel

and the pensel? Then was Corsabrin wroth out of measure, and gave Palomides such a buffet that he kneeled

on his knee. Then Palomides arose lightly, and smote him upon the helm that he fell down right to the earth.

And therewith he raced off his helm and said: Corsabrin, yield thee or else thou shalt die of my hands. Fie on

thee, said Corsabrin, do thy worst. Then he smote off his head. And therewithal came a stink of his body

when the soul departed, that there might nobody abide the savour. So was the corpse had away and buried in

a wood, because he was a paynim. Then they blew unto lodging, and Palomides was unarmed.

Then he went unto Queen Guenever, to the haut prince, and to Sir Launcelot. Sir, said the haut prince, here

have ye seen this day a great miracle by Corsabrin, what savour there was when the soul departed from the

body. Therefore, sir, we will require you to take the baptism upon you, and I promise you all knights will set

the more by you, and say more worship by you. Sir, said Palomides, I will that ye all know that into this land

I came to be christened, and in my heart I am christened and christened will I be. But I have made such an

avow that I may not be christened till I have done seven true battles for Jesu's sake, and then will I be

christened; and I trust God will take mine intent, for I mean truly Then Sir Palomides prayed Queen

Guenever and the haut prince to sup with him. And so they did, both Sir Launcelot and Sir Lamorak, and

many other good knights. So on the morn they heard their mass, and blew the field, and then knights made

HERE beginneth the sixth day. Then came therein Sir Gaheris, and there encountered with him Sir Ossaise of

Surluse, and Sir Gaheris smote him over his horse's croup. And then either party encountered with other, and

there were many spears broken, and many knights cast under feet. So there came in Sir Dornard and Sir

Aglovale, that were brethren unto Sir Lamorak, and they met with other two knights, and either smote other

so hard that all four knights and horses fell to the earth. When Sir Lamorak saw his two brethren down he

was wroth out of measure, and then he gat a great spear in his hand, and therewithal he smote down four good

knights, and then his spear brake. Then he pulled out his sword, and smote about him on the right hand and

on the left hand, and raced off helms and pulled down knights, that all men marvelled of such deeds of arms

as he did, for he fared so that many knights fled. Then he horsed his brethren again, and said: Brethren, ye

ought to be ashamed to fall so off your horses! what is a knight but when he is on horseback? I set not by a

knight when he is on foot, for all battles on foot are but pillers' battles. For there should no knight fight on

foot but if it were for treason, or else he were driven thereto by force; therefore, brethren, sit fast on your

With that came in the Duke Chaleins of Clarance, and there encountered with him the Earl Ulbawes of

Surluse, and either of them smote other down. Then the knights of both parties horsed their lords again, for

Sir Ector and Bleoberis were on foot, waiting on the Duke Chaleins. And the King with the Hundred Knights

was with the Earl of Ulbawes. With that came Gaheris and lashed to the King with the Hundred Knights, and

Then they blew to lodging, and the knights unarmed them and drew them to their dinner; and at the midst of

their dinner in came Dinadan and began to rail. Then he beheld the haut prince, that seemed wroth with some

fault that he saw; for he had a custom he loved no fish, and because he was served with fish, the which he

hated, therefore he was not merry. When Sir Dinadan had espied the haut prince, he espied where was a fish

with a great head, and that he gat betwixt two dishes, and served the haut prince with that fish. And then he

said thus: Sir Galahalt, well may I liken you to a wolf, for he will never eat fish, but flesh; then the haut

prince laughed at his words. Well, well, said Dinadan to Launcelot, what devil do ye in this country, for here

may no mean knights win no worship for thee. Sir Dinadan, said Launcelot, I ensure thee I shall no more

meet with thee nor with thy great spear, for I may not sit in my saddle when that spear hitteth me. And if I be

happy I shall beware of that boistous body that thou bearest. Well, said Launcelot, make good watch ever:

God forbid that ever we meet but if it be at a dish of meat. Then laughed the queen and the haut prince, that

they might not sit at their table; thus they made great joy till on the morn, and then they heard mass, and blew

to field. And Queen Guenever and all the estates were set, and judges armed clean with their shields to keep

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

NOW beginneth the seventh battle. There came in the Duke Cambines, and there encountered with him Sir

Aristance, that was counted a good knight, and they met so hard that either bare other down, horse and man.

Then came there the Earl of Lambaile and helped the duke again to horse. Then came there Sir Ossaise of

Surluse, and he smote the Earl Lambaile down from his horse. Then began they to do great deeds of arms,

and many spears were broken, and many knights were cast to the earth. Then the King of Northgalis and the

Earl Ulbawes smote together that all the judges thought it was like mortal death. This meanwhile Queen

Guenever, and the haut prince, and Sir Launcelot, made there Sir Dinadan make him ready to joust. I would,

said Dinadan, ride into the field, but then one of you twain will meet with me. Per dieu, said the haut prince,

ye may see how we sit here as judges with our shields, and always mayest thou behold whether we sit here or

So Sir Dinadan departed and took his horse, and met with many knights, and did passing well. And as he was

departed, Sir Launcelot disguised himself, and put upon his armour a maiden's garment freshly attired. Then

Sir Launcelot made Sir Galihodin to lead him through the range, and all men had wonder what damosel it

was. And so as Sir Dinadan came into the range, Sir Launcelot, that was in the damosel's array, gat

Galihodin's spear, and ran unto Sir Dinadan. And always Sir Dinadan looked up thereas Sir Launcelot was,

and then he saw one sit in the stead of Sir Launcelot, armed. But when Dinadan saw a manner of a damosel

he dread perils that it was Sir Launcelot disguised, but Sir Launcelot came on him so fast that he smote him

over his horse's croup; and then with great scorns they gat Sir Dinadan into the forest there beside, and there

they dispoiled him unto his shirt, and put upon him a woman's garment, and so brought him into the field: and

so they blew unto lodging. And every knight went and unarmed them. Then was Sir Dinadan brought in

among them all. And when Queen Guenever saw Sir Dinadan brought so among them all, then she laughed

that she fell down, and so did all that there were. Well, said Dinadan to Launcelot, thou art so false that I can

never beware of thee. Then by all the assent they gave Sir Launcelot the prize, the next was Sir Lamorak de

Galis, the third was Sir Palomides, the fourth was King Bagdemagus; so these four knights had the prize, and

And on the morn Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot departed unto King Arthur, but in no wise Sir Lamorak

would not go with them. I shall undertake, said Sir Launcelot, that an ye will go with us King Arthur shall

charge Sir Gawaine and his brethren never to do you hurt. As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I will not trust Sir

Gawaine nor none of his brethren; and wit ye well, Sir Launcelot, an it were not for my lord King Arthur's

sake, I should match Sir Gawaine and his brethren well enough. But to say that I should trust them, that shall

I never, and therefore I pray you recommend me unto my lord Arthur, and unto all my lords of the Round

Table. And in what place that ever I come I shall do you service to my power: and sir, it is but late that I

revenged that, when my lord Arthur's kin were put to the worse by Sir Palomides. Then Sir Lamorak departed

CHAPTER L. How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament for to have been slain, and how

NOW turn we from this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram, of whom this book is principally of, and leave

we the king and the queen, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Lamorak, and here beginneth the treason of King Mark,

that he ordained against Sir Tristram. There was cried by the coasts of Cornwall a great tournament and

jousts, and all was done by Sir Galahalt the haut prince and King Bagdemagus, to the intent to slay

Launcelot, or else utterly destroy him and shame him, because Sir Launcelot had always the higher degree,

therefore this prince and this king made this jousts against Sir Launcelot. And thus their counsel was

Then King Mark bethought him that he would have Sir Tristram unto that tournament disguised that no man

should know him, to that intent that the haut prince should ween that Sir Tristram were Sir Launcelot. So at

these jousts came in Sir Tristram. And at that time Sir Launcelot was not there, but when they saw a knight

disguised do such deeds of arms, they weened it had been Sir Launcelot. And in especial King Mark said it

was Sir Launcelot plainly. Then they set upon him, both King Bagdemagus, and the haut prince, and their

knights, that it was wonder that ever Sir Tristram might endure that pain. Notwithstanding for all the pain that

he had, Sir Tristram won the degree at that tournament, and there he hurt many knights and bruised them, and

they hurt him and bruised him wonderly sore. So when the jousts were all done they knew well that it was Sir

Tristram de Liones; and all that were on King Mark's party were glad that Sir Tristram was hurt, and the

remnant were sorry of his hurt; for Sir Tristram was not so behated as was Sir Launcelot within the realm of

Then came King Mark unto Sir Tristram and said: Fair nephew, I am sorry of your hurts. Gramercy my lord,

said Sir Tristram. Then King Mark made Sir Tristram to be put in an horse bier in great sign of love, and said:

Fair cousin, I shall be your leech myself. And so he rode forth with Sir Tristram, and brought him to a castle

by daylight. And then King Mark made Sir Tristram to eat. And then after he gave him a drink, the which as

soon as he had drunk he fell asleep. And when it was night he made him to be carried to another castle, and

there he put him in a strong prison, and there he ordained a man and a woman to give him his meat and drink.

Then was Sir Tristram missed, and no creature wist where he was become. When La Beale Isoud heard how

he was missed, privily she went unto Sir Sadok, and prayed him to espy where was Sir Tristram. Then when

Sadok wist how Sir Tristram was missed, and anon espied that he was put in prison by King Mark and the

traitors of Magouns, then Sadok and two of his cousins laid them in an ambushment, fast by the Castle of

Tintagil, in arms. And as by fortune, there came riding King Mark and four of his nephews, and a certain of

the traitors of Magouns. When Sir Sadok espied them he brake out of the bushment, and set there upon them.

And when King Mark espied Sir Sadok he fled as fast as he might, and there Sir Sadok slew all the four

nephews unto King Mark. But these traitors of Magouns slew one of Sadok's cousins with a great wound in

the neck, but Sadok smote the other to the death. Then Sir Sadok rode upon his way unto a castle that was

called Liones, and there he espied of the treason and felony of King Mark. So they of that castle rode with Sir

Sadok till that they came to a castle that hight Arbray, and there in the town they found Sir Dinas the

Seneschal, that was a good knight. But when Sir Sadok had told Sir Dinas of all the treason of King Mark he

defied such a king, and said he would give up his lands that he held of him. And when he said these words all

manner knights said as Sir Dinas said. Then by his advice and of Sir Sadok's, he let stuff all the towns and

castles within the country of Liones, and assembled all the people that they might make.

CHAPTER LI. How King Mark let do counterfeit letters from the Pope, and how Sir Percivale delivered

NOW turn we unto King Mark, that when he was escaped from Sir Sadok he rode unto the Castle of Tintagil,

and there he made great cry and noise, and cried unto harness all that might bear arms. Then they sought and

found where were dead four cousins of King Mark's, and the traitor of Magouns. Then the king let inter them

in a chapel. Then the king let cry in all the country that held of him, to go unto arms, for he understood to the

war he must needs. When King Mark heard and understood how Sir Sadok and Sir Dinas were arisen in the

country of Liones he remembered of wiles and treason. Lo thus he did: he let make and counterfeit letters

from the Pope, and did make a strange clerk to bear them unto King Mark; the which letters specified that

King Mark should make him ready, upon pain of cursing, with his host to come to the Pope, to help to go to

When this clerk was come by the mean of the king, anon withal King Mark sent these letters unto Sir

Tristram and bade him say thus: that an he would go war upon the miscreants, he should be had out of prison,

and to have all his power. When Sir Tristram understood this letter, then he said thus to the clerk: Ah, King

Mark, ever hast thou been a traitor, and ever will be; but, Clerk, said Sir Tristram, say thou thus unto King

Mark: Since the Apostle Pope hath sent for him, bid him go thither himself; for tell him, traitor king as he is,

I will not go at his commandment, get I out of prison as I may, for I see I am well rewarded for my true

service. Then the clerk returned unto King Mark, and told him of the answer of Sir Tristram. Well, said King

Mark, yet shall he be beguiled. So he went into his chamber, and counterfeit letters; and the letters specified

that the Pope desired Sir Tristram to come himself, to make war upon the miscreants. When the clerk was

come again to Sir Tristram and took him these letters, then Sir Tristram beheld these letters, and anon espied

they were of King Mark's counterfeiting. Ah, said Sir Tristram, false hast thou been ever, King Mark, and so

wilt thou end. Then the clerk departed from Sir Tristram and came to King Mark again.

By then there were come four wounded knights within the Castle of Tintagil, and one of them his neck was

nigh broken in twain. Another had his arm stricken away, the third was borne through with a spear, the fourth

had his teeth stricken in twain. And when they came afore King Mark they cried and said: King, why fleest

thou not, for all this country is arisen clearly against thee? Then was King Mark wroth out of measure.

And in the meanwhile there came into the country Sir Percivale de Galis to seek Sir Tristram. And when he

heard that Sir Tristram was in prison, Sir Percivale made clearly the deliverance of Sir Tristram by his

knightly means. And when he was so delivered he made great joy of Sir Percivale, and so each one of other.

Sir Tristram said unto Sir Percivale: An ye will abide in these marches I will ride with you. Nay, said

Percivale, in this country I may not tarry, for I must needs into Wales. So Sir Percivale departed from Sir

Tristram, and rode straight unto King Mark, and told him how he had delivered Sir Tristram; and also he told

the king that he had done himself great shame for to put Sir Tristram in prison, for he is now the knight of

most renown in this world living. And wit thou well the noblest knights of the world love Sir Tristram, and if

he will make war upon you ye may not abide it. That is truth, said King Mark, but I may not love Sir Tristram

because he loveth my queen and my wife, La Beale Isoud. Ah, fie for shame, said Sir Percivale, say ye never

so more. Are ye not uncle unto Sir Tristram, and he your nephew? Ye should never think that so noble a

knight as Sir Tristram is, that he would do himself so great a villainy to hold his uncle's wife; howbeit, said

Sir Percivale, he may love your queen sinless, because she is called one of the fairest ladies of the world.

Then Sir Percivale departed from King Mark. So when he was departed King Mark bethought him of more

treason: notwithstanding King Mark granted Sir Percivale never by no manner of means to hurt Sir Tristram.

So anon King Mark sent unto Sir Dinas the Seneschal that he should put down all the people that he had

raised, for he sent him an oath that he would go himself unto the Pope of Rome to war upon the miscreants;

and this is a fairer war than thus to arise the people against your king. When Sir Dinas understood that King

Mark would go upon the miscreants, then Sir Dinas in all the haste put down all the people; and when the

people were departed every man to his home, then King Mark espied where was Sir Tristram with La Beale

Isoud; and there by treason King Mark let take him and put him in prison, contrary to his promise that he

When Queen Isoud understood that Sir Tristram was in prison she made as great sorrow as ever made lady or

gentlewoman. Then Sir Tristram sent a letter unto La Beale Isoud, and prayed her to be his good lady; and if

it pleased her to make a vessel ready for her and him, he would go with her unto the realm of Logris, that is

this land. When La Beale Isoud understood Sir Tristram's letters and his intent, she sent him another, and

bade him be of good comfort, for she would do make the vessel ready, and all thing to purpose.

Then La Beale Isoud sent unto Sir Dinas, and to Sadok, and prayed them in anywise to take King Mark, and

put him in prison, unto the time that she and Sir Tristram were departed unto the realm of Logris. When Sir

Dinas the Seneschal understood the treason of King Mark he promised her again, and sent her word that King

Mark should be put in prison. And as they devised it so it was done. And then Sir Tristram was delivered out

of prison; and anon in all the haste Queen Isoud and Sir Tristram went and took their counsel with that they

CHAPTER LII. How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came unto England, and how Sir Launcelot

THEN La Beale Isoud and Sir Tristram took their vessel, and came by water into this land. And so they were

not in this land four days but there came a cry of a jousts and tournament that King Arthur let make. When

Sir Tristram heard tell of that tournament he disguised himself, and La Beale Isoud, and rode unto that

tournament. And when he came there he saw many knights joust and tourney; and so Sir Tristram dressed

him to the range, and to make short conclusion, he overthrew fourteen knights of the Round Table. When Sir

Launcelot saw these knights thus overthrown, Sir Launcelot dressed him to Sir Tristram. That saw La Beale

Isoud how Sir Launcelot was come into the field. Then La Beale Isoud sent unto Sir Launcelot a ring, and

bade him wit that it was Sir Tristram de Liones. When Sir Launcelot under stood that there was Sir Tristram

he was full glad, and would not joust. Then Sir Launcelot espied whither Sir Tristram yede, and after him he

rode; and then either made of other great joy. And so Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud

unto Joyous Gard, that was his own castle, that he had won with his own hands. And there Sir Launcelot put

them in to wield for their own. And wit ye well that castle was garnished and furnished for a king and a queen

royal there to have sojourned. And Sir Launcelot charged all his people to honour them and love them as they

So Sir Launcelot departed unto King Arthur; and then he told Queen Guenever how he that jousted so well at

the last tournament was Sir Tristram. And there he told her how he had with him La Beale Isoud maugre

King Mark, and so Queen Guenever told all this unto King Arthur. When King Arthur wist that Sir Tristram

was escaped and come from King Mark, and had brought La Beale Isoud with him, then was he passing glad.

So because of Sir Tristram King Arthur let make a cry, that on May Day should be a jousts before the castle

of Lonazep; and that castle was fast by Joyous Gard. And thus Arthur devised, that all the knights of this

land, and of Cornwall, and of North Wales, should joust against all these countries, Ireland, Scotland, and the

remnant of Wales, and the country of Gore, and Surluse, and of Listinoise, and they of Northumberland, and

all they that held lands of Arthur on this half the sea. When this cry was made many knights were glad and

many were unglad. Sir, said Launcelot unto Arthur, by this cry that ye have made ye will put us that be about

you in great jeopardy, for there be many knights that have great envy to us; therefore when we shall meet at

the day of jousts there will be hard shift among us. As for that, said Arthur, I care not; there shall we prove

who shall be best of his hands. So when Sir Launcelot understood wherefore King Arthur made this jousting,

then he made such purveyance that La Beale Isoud should behold the jousts in a secret place that was honest

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram and to La Beale Isoud, how they made great joy daily together with all

manner of mirths that they could devise; and every day Sir Tristram would go ride ahunting, for Sir

Tristram was that time called the best chaser of the world, and the noblest blower of an horn of all manner of

measures; for as books report, of Sir Tristram came all the good terms of venery and hunting, and all the sizes

and measures of blowing of an horn; and of him we had first all the terms of hawking, and which were beasts

of chase and beasts of venery, and which were vermins, and all the blasts that long to all manner of games.

First to the uncoupling, to the seeking, to the rechate, to the flight, to the death, and to strake, and many other

blasts and terms, that all manner of gentlemen have cause to the world's end to praise Sir Tristram, and to

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

SO on a day La Beale Isoud said unto Sir Tristram: I marvel me much, said she, that ye remember not

yourself, how ye be here in a strange country, and here be many perilous knights; and well ye wot that King

Mark is full of treason; and that ye will ride thus to chase and to hunt unarmed ye might be destroyed. My fair

lady and my love, I cry you mercy, I will no more do so. So then Sir Tristram rode daily ahunting armed,

and his men bearing his shield and his spear. So on a day a little afore the month of May, Sir Tristram chased

an hart passing eagerly, and so the hart passed by a fair well. And then Sir Tristram alighted and put off his

helm to drink of that bubbly water. Right so he heard and saw the Questing Beast come to the well. When Sir

Tristram saw that beast he put on his helm, for he deemed he should hear of Sir Palomides, for that beast was

his quest. Right so Sir Tristram saw where came a knight armed, upon a noble courser, and he saluted him,

and they spake of many things; and this knight's name was Breuse Saunce Pite'. And right so withal there

came unto them the noble knight Sir Palomides, and either saluted other, and spake fair to other.

Fair knights, said Sir Palomides, I can tell you tidings. What is that? said those knights. Sirs, wit ye well that

King Mark is put in prison by his own knights, and all was for love of Sir Tristram; for King Mark had put

Sir Tristram twice in prison, and once Sir Percivale delivered the noble knight Sir Tristram out of prison. And

at the last time Queen La Beale Isoud delivered him, and went clearly away with him into this realm; and all

this while King Mark, the false traitor, is in prison. Is this truth? said Palomides; then shall we hastily hear of

Sir Tristram. And as for to say that I love La Beale Isoud paramours, I dare make good that I do, and that she

And right so as they stood talking they saw afore them where came a knight all armed, on a great horse, and

one of his men bare his shield, and the other his spear. And anon as that knight espied them he gat his shield

and his spear and dressed him to joust. Fair fellows, said Sir Tristram, yonder is a knight will joust with us,

let see which of us shall encounter with him, for I see well he is of the court of King Arthur. It shall not be

long or he be met withal, said Sir Palomides, for I found never no knight in my quest of this glasting beast,

but an he would joust I never refused him. As well may I, said Breuse Saunce Pite', follow that beast as ye.

So Sir Palomides dressed him unto that other knight, Sir Bleoberis, that was a full noble knight, nigh kin unto

Sir Launcelot. And so they met so hard that Sir Palomides fell to the earth, horse and all. Then Sir Bleoberis

cried aloud and said thus: Make thee ready thou false traitor knight, Breuse Saunce Pite', for wit thou

certainly I will have ado with thee to the utterance for the noble knights and ladies that thou hast falsely

betrayed. When this false knight and traitor, Breuse Saunce Pite', heard him say so, he took his horse by the

bridle and fled his way as fast as ever his horse might run, for sore he was of him afeard. When Sir Bleoberis

saw him flee he followed fast after, through thick and through thin. And by fortune as Sir Breuse fled, he saw

even afore him three knights of the Table Round, of the which the one hight Sir Ector de Maris, the other

hight Sir Percivale de Galis, the third hight Sir Harry le Fise Lake, a good knight and an hardy. And as for Sir

Percivale, he was called that time of his time one of the best knights of the world, and the best assured. When

Breuse saw these knights he rode straight unto them, and cried unto them and prayed them of rescues. What

need have ye? said Sir Ector. Ah, fair knights, said Sir Breuse, here followeth me the most traitor knight, and

most coward, and most of villainy; his name is Breuse Saunce Pite', and if he may get me he will slay me

without mercy and pity. Abide with us, said Sir Percivale, and we shall warrant you.

Then were they ware of Sir Bleoberis that came riding all that he might. Then Sir Ector put himself forth to

joust afore them all. When Sir Bleoberis saw that they were four knights and he but himself, he stood in a

doubt whether he would turn or hold his way. Then he said to himself: I am a knight of the Table Round, and

rather than I should shame mine oath and my blood I will hold my way whatsoever fall thereof. And then Sir

Ector dressed his spear, and smote either other passing sore, but Sir Ector fell to the earth. That saw Sir

Percivale, and he dressed his horse toward him all that he might drive, but Sir Percivale had such a stroke that

horse and man fell to the earth. When Sir Harry saw that they were both to the earth then he said to himself:

Never was Breuse of such prowess. So Sir Harry dressed his horse, and they met together so strongly that

both the horses and knights fell to the earth, but Sir Bleoberis' horse began to recover again. That saw Breuse

and he came hurtling, and smote him over and over, and would have slain him as he lay on the ground. Then

Sir Harry le Fise Lake arose lightly, and took the bridle of Sir Breuse's horse, and said: Fie for shame! strike

never a knight when he is at the earth, for this knight may be called no shameful knight of his deeds, for yet

as men may see thereas he lieth on the ground he hath done worshipfully, and put to the worse passing good

knights. Therefore will I not let, said Sir Breuse. Thou shalt not choose, said Sir Harry, as at this time. Then

when Sir Breuse saw that he might not choose nor have his will he spake fair. Then Sir Harry let him go. And

then anon he made his horse to run over Sir Bleoberis, and rashed him to the earth like if he would have slain

him. When Sir Harry saw him do so villainously he cried: Traitor knight, leave off for shame. And as Sir

Harry would have taken his horse to fight with Sir Breuse, then Sir Breuse ran upon him as he was half upon

his horse, and smote him down, horse and man, to the earth, and had near slain Sir Harry, the good knight.

That saw Sir Percivale, and then he cried: Traitor knight what dost thou? And when Sir Percivale was upon

his horse Sir Breuse took his horse and fled all that ever he might, and Sir Percivale and Sir Harry followed

Then they turned again and came to Sir Ector de Maris and to Sir Bleoberis. Ah, fair knights, said Bleoberis,

why have ye succoured that false knight and traitor? Why said Sir Harry, what knight is he? for well I wot it

is a false knight, said Sir Harry, and a coward and a felonious knight. Sir, said Bleoberis, he is the most

coward knight, and a devourer of ladies and a destroyer of good knights and especially of Arthur's. What is

your name? said Sir Ector. My name is Sir Bleoberis de Ganis. Alas, fair cousin, said Ector, forgive it me, for

I am Sir Ector de Maris. Then Sir Percivale and Sir Harry made great joy that they met with Bleoberis, but all

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

RIGHT so as they stood thus there came Sir Palomides, and when he saw the shield of Bleoberis lie on the

earth, then said Palomides: He that oweth that shield let him dress him to me, for he smote me down here fast

by at a fountain, and therefore I will fight for him on foot. I am ready, said Bleoberis, here to answer thee, for

wit thou well, sir knight, it was I, and my name is Bleoberis de Ganis. Well art thou met, said Palomides, and

wit thou well my name is Palomides the Saracen; and either of them hated other to the death. Sir Palomides,

said Ector, wit thou well there is neither thou nor none knight that beareth the life that slayeth any of our

blood but he shall die for it; therefore an thou list to fight go seek Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and there

shall ye find your match. With them have I met, said Palomides, but I had never no worship of them. Was

there never no manner of knight, said Sir Ector, but they that ever matched with you? Yes, said Palomides,

there was the third, a good knight as any of them, and of his age he was the best that ever I found; for an he

might have lived till he had been an hardier man there liveth no knight now such, and his name was Sir

Lamorak de Galis. And as he had jousted at a tournament there he overthrew me and thirty knights more, and

there he won the degree. And at his departing there met him Sir Gawaine and his brethren, and with great

pain they slew him feloniously, unto all good knights' great damage. Anon as Sir Percivale heard that his

brother was dead, Sir Lamorak, he fell over his horse's mane swooning, and there he made the greatest dole

that ever made knight. And when Sir Percivale arose he said: Alas, my good and noble brother Sir Lamorak,

now shall we never meet, and I trow in all the wide world a man may not find such a knight as he was of his

age; and it is too much to suffer the death of our father King Pellinore, and now the death of our good brother

Then in the meanwhile there came a varlet from the court of King Arthur, and told them of the great

tournament that should be at Lonazep, and how these lands, Cornwall and Northgalis, should be against all

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

NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that as he rode ahunting he met with Sir Dinadan, that was come into that

country to seek Sir Tristram. Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram would not tell

him his name, wherefore Sir Dinadan was wroth. For such a foolish knight as ye are, said Sir Dinadan, I saw

but late this day lying by a well, and he fared as he slept; and there he lay like a fool grinning, and would not

speak, and his shield lay by him, and his horse stood by him; and well I wot he was a lover. Ah, fair sir, said

Sir Tristram are ye not a lover? Mary, fie on that craft! said Sir Dinadan. That is evil said, said Sir Tristram,

for a knight may never be of prowess but if he be a lover. It is well said, said Sir Dinadan; now tell me your

name, sith ye be a lover, or else I shall do battle with you. As for that, said Sir Tristram, it is no reason to

fight with me but I tell you my name; and as for that my name shall ye not wit as at this time. Fie for shame,

said Dinadan, art thou a knight and durst not tell thy name to me? therefore I will fight with thee. As for that,

said Sir Tristram, I will be advised, for I will not do battle but if me list. And if I do battle, said Sir Tristram,

And thus as they hoved still, they saw a knight come riding against them. Lo, said Sir Tristram, see where

cometh a knight riding, will joust with you. Anon, as Sir Dinadan beheld him he said: That is the same doted

knight that I saw lie by the well, neither sleeping nor waking. Well, said Sir Tristram, I know that knight well

with the covered shield of azure, he is the king's son of Northumberland, his name is Epinegris; and he is as

great a lover as I know, and he loveth the king's daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And now I suppose, said

Sir Tristram, an ye require him he will joust with you, and then shall ye prove whether a lover be a better

knight, or ye that will not love no lady. Well, said Dinadan, now shalt thou see what I shall do. Therewithal

Sir Dinadan spake on high and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust with me, for it is the custom of

errant knights one to joust with other. Sir, said Epinegris, is that the rule of you errant knights for to make a

knight to joust, will he or nill? As for that, said Dinadan, make thee ready, for here is for me. And therewithal

they spurred their horses and met together so hard that Epinegris smote down Sir Dinadan. Then Sir Tristram

rode to Sir Dinadan and said: How now, meseemeth the lover hath well sped. Fie on thee, coward, said Sir

Dinadan, and if thou be a good knight revenge me. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not joust as at this time, but

take your horse and let us go hence. God defend me, said Sir Dinadan, from thy fellowship, for I never sped

well since I met with thee: and so they departed. Well, said Sir Tristram, peradventure I could tell you tidings

of Sir Tristram. God defend me, said Dinadan, from thy fellowship, for Sir Tristram were mickle the worse

an he were in thy company; and then they departed. Sir, said Sir Tristram, yet it may happen I shall meet with

So rode Sir Tristram unto Joyous Gard, and there he heard in that town great noise and cry. What is this

noise? said Sir Tristram. Sir, said they, here is a knight of this castle that hath been long among us, and right

now he is slain with two knights, and for none other cause but that our knight said that Sir Launcelot were a

better knight than Sir Gawaine. That was a simple cause, said Sir Tristram, for to slay a good knight for to

say well by his master. That is little remedy to us, said the men of the town. For an Sir Launcelot had been

When Sir Tristram heard them say so he sent for his shield and for his spear, and lightly within a while he had

overtaken them, and bade them turn and amend that they had misdone. What amends wouldst thou have? said

the one knight. And therewith they took their course, and either met other so hard that Sir Tristram smote

down that knight over his horse's tail. Then the other knight dressed him to Sir Tristram, and in the same wise

he served the other knight. And then they gat off their horses as well as they might, and dressed their shields

and swords to do their battle to the utterance. Knights, said Sir Tristram, ye shall tell me of whence ye are,

and what be your names, for such men ye might be ye should hard escape my hands; and ye might be such

men of such a country that for all your evil deeds ye should pass quit. Wit thou well, sir knight, said they, we

fear not to tell thee our names, for my name is Sir Agravaine, and my name is Gaheris, brethren unto the

good knight Sir Gawaine, and we be nephews unto King Arthur. Well, said Sir Tristram, for King Arthur's

sake I shall let you pass as at this time. But it is shame, said Sir Tristram, that Sir Gawaine and ye be come of

so great a blood that ye four brethren are so named as ye be, for ye be called the greatest destroyers and

murderers of good knights that be now in this realm; for it is but as I heard say that Sir Gawaine and ye slew

among you a better knight than ever ye were, that was the noble knight Sir Lamorak de Galis. An it had

pleased God, said Sir Tristram, I would I had been by Sir Lamorak at his death. Then shouldst thou have gone

the same way, said Sir Gaheris. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, there must have been many more knights than

ye are. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from them toward Joyous Gard. And when he was departed

they took their horses, and the one said to the other: We will overtake him and be revenged upon him in the

CHAPTER LVI. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was

SO when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agravaine bade him: Turn, traitor knight. That is evil said, said

Sir Tristram; and therewith he pulled out his sword, and smote Sir Agravaine such a buffet upon the helm that

he tumbled down off his horse in a swoon, and he had a grievous wound. And then he turned to Gaheris, and

Sir Tristram smote his sword and his helm together with such a might that Gaheris fell out of his saddle: and

so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there he alighted and unarmed him. So Sir Tristram told La Beale

Isoud of all his adventure, as ye have heard tofore. And when she heard him tell of Sir Dinadan: Sir, said

she, is not that he that made the song by King Mark? That same is he, said Sir Tristram, for he is the best

bourder and japer, and a noble knight of his hands, and the best fellow that I know, and all good knights love

his fellowship. Alas, sir, said she, why brought ye not him with you? Have ye no care, said Sir Tristram, for

he rideth to seek me in this country; and therefore he will not away till he have met with me. And there Sir

Tristram told La Beale Isoud how Sir Dinadan held against all lovers. Right so there came in a varlet and told

Sir Tristram how there was come an errant knight into the town, with such colours upon his shield. That is Sir

Dinadan, said Sir Tristram; wit ye what ye shall do, said Sir Tristram: send ye for him, my Lady Isoud, and I

will not be seen, and ye shall hear the merriest knight that ever ye spake withal, and the maddest talker; and I

Then anon La Beale Isoud sent into the town, and prayed Sir Dinadan that he would come into the castle and

repose him there with a lady. With a good will, said Sir Dinadan; and so he mounted upon his horse and rode

into the castle; and there he alighted, and was unarmed, and brought into the castle. Anon La Beale Isoud

came unto him, and either saluted other; then she asked him of whence that he was. Madam, said Dinadan, I

am of the court of King Arthur, and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir Dinadan. What do ye in

this country? said La Beale Isoud. Madam, said he, I seek Sir Tristram the good knight, for it was told me

that he was in this country. It may well be, said La Beale Isoud, but I am not ware of him. Madam, said

Dinadan, I marvel of Sir Tristram and mo other lovers, what aileth them to be so mad and so sotted upon

women. Why, said La Beale Isoud, are ye a knight and be no lover? it is shame to you: wherefore ye may not

be called a good knight [but] if ye make a quarrel for a lady. God defend me, said Dinadan, for the joy of love

is too short, and the sorrow thereof, and what cometh thereof, dureth over long. Ah, said La Beale Isoud, say

ye not so, for here fast by was the good knight Sir Bleoberis, that fought with three knights at once for a

damosel's sake, and he won her afore the King of Northumberland. It was so, said Sir Dinadan, for I know

him well for a good knight and a noble, and come of noble blood; for all be noble knights of whom he is

Now I pray you, said La Beale Isoud, tell me will you fight for my love with three knights that do me great

wrong? and insomuch as ye be a knight of King Arthur's I require you to do battle for me. Then Sir Dinadan

said: I shall say you ye be as fair a lady as ever I saw any, and much fairer than is my lady Queen Guenever,

but wit ye well at one word, I will not fight for you with three knights, Jesu defend me. Then Isoud laughed,

and had good game at him. So he had all the cheer that she might make him, and there he lay all that night.

And on the morn early Sir Tristram armed him, and La Beale Isoud gave him a good helm; and then he

promised her that he would meet with Sir Dinadan, and they two would ride together into Lonazep, where the

tournament should be: And there shall I make ready for you where ye shall see the tournament. Then departed

Sir Tristram with two squires that bare his shield and his spears that were great and long.

CHAPTER LVII. How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with jousting with Sir Palomides, Sir

THEN after that Sir Dinadan departed, and rode his way a great pace until he had overtaken Sir Tristram.

And when Sir Dinadan had overtaken him he knew him anon, and he hated the fellowship of him above all

other knights. Ah, said Sir Dinadan, art thou that coward knight that I met with yesterday? keep thee, for thou

shalt joust with me maugre thy head. Well, said Sir Tristram, and I am loath to joust. And so they let their

horses run, and Sir Tristram missed of him apurpose, and Sir Dinadan brake a spear upon Sir Tristram, and

therewith Sir Dinadan dressed him to draw out his sword. Not so, said Sir Tristram, why are ye so wroth? I

will not fight. Fie on thee, coward, said Dinadan, thou shamest all knights. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I

care not, for I will wait upon you and be under your protection; for because ye are so good a knight ye may

save me. The devil deliver me of thee, said Sir Dinadan, for thou art as goodly a man of arms and of thy

person as ever I saw, and the most coward that ever I saw. What wilt thou do with those great spears that thou

carriest with thee? I shall give them, said Sir Tristram, to some good knight when I come to the tournament;

So thus as they rode talking they saw where came an errant knight afore them, that dressed him to joust. Lo,

said Sir Tristram, yonder is one will joust; now dress thee to him. Ah, shame betide thee, said Sir Dinadan.

Nay, not so, said Tristram, for that knight beseemeth a shrew. Then shall I, said Sir Dinadan. And so they

dressed their shields and their spears, and they met together so hard that the other knight smote down Sir

Dinadan from his horse. Lo, said Sir Tristram, it had been better ye had left. Fie on thee, coward, said Sir

Dinadan. Then Sir Dinadan started up and gat his sword in his hand, and proffered to do battle on foot.

Whether in love or in wrath? said the other knight. Let us do battle in love, said Sir Dinadan. What is your

name, said that knight, I pray you tell me. Wit ye well my name is Sir Dinadan. Ah, Dinadan, said that

knight, and my name is Gareth, the youngest brother unto Sir Gawaine. Then either made of other great

cheer, for this Gareth was the best knight of all the brethren, and he proved a good knight. Then they took

their horses, and there they spake of Sir Tristram, how such a coward he was; and every word Sir Tristram

Then were they ware where came a knight afore them well horsed and well armed, and he made him ready to

joust. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, look betwixt you who shall joust with yonder knight, for I warn you I

will not have ado with him. Then shall I, said Sir Gareth. And so they encountered together, and there that

knight smote down Sir Gareth over his horse's croup. How now, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Dinadan, dress

thee now and revenge the good knight Gareth. That shall I not, said Sir Dinadan, for he hath stricken down a

much bigger knight than I am. Ah, said Sir Tristram, now Sir Dinadan, I see and feel well your heart faileth

you, therefore now shall ye see what I shall do. And then Sir Tristram hurtled unto that knight, and smote him

quite from his horse. And when Sir Dinadan saw that, he marvelled greatly; and then he deemed that it was

Then this knight that was on foot pulled out his sword to do battle. What is your name? said Sir Tristram. Wit

ye well, said that knight, my name is Sir Palomides. What knight hate ye most? said Sir Tristram. Sir knight,

said he, I hate Sir Tristram to the death, for an I may meet with him the one of us shall die. Ye say well, said

Sir Tristram, and wit ye well that I am Sir Tristram de Liones, and now do your worst. When Sir Palomides

heard him say so he was astonied. And then he said thus: I pray you, Sir Tristram, forgive me all mine evil

will, and if I live I shall do you service above all other knights that be living; and whereas I have owed you

evil will me sore repenteth. I wot not what aileth me, for meseemeth that ye are a good knight, and none other

knight that named himself a good knight should not hate you; therefore I require you, Sir Tristram, take no

displeasure at mine unkind words. Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, ye say well, and well I wot ye are a good

knight, for I have seen ye proved; and many great enterprises have ye taken upon you, and well achieved

them; therefore, said Sir Tristram, an ye have any evil will to me, now may ye right it, for I am ready at your

hand. Not so, my lord Sir Tristram, I will do you knightly service in all thing as ye will command. And right

so I will take you, said Sir Tristram. And so they rode forth on their ways talking of many things. O my lord

Sir Tristram, said Dinadan, foul have ye mocked me, for God knoweth I came into this country for your sake,

and by the advice of my lord Sir Launcelot; and yet would not Sir Launcelot tell me the certainty of you,

where I should find you. Truly, said Sir Tristram, Sir Launcelot wist well where I was, for I abode within his

CHAPTER LVIII. How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other devices of the death of Sir

THUS they rode until they were ware of the Castle Lonazep. And then were they ware of four hundred tents

and pavilions, and marvellous great ordinance. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, yonder I see the greatest

ordinance that ever I saw. Sir, said Palomides, meseemeth that there was as great an ordinance at the Castle

of Maidens upon the rock, where ye won the prize, for I saw myself where ye forjousted thirty knights. Sir,

said Dinadan, and in Surluse, at that tournament that Galahalt of the Long Isles made, the which there dured

seven days, was as great a gathering as is here, for there were many nations. Who was the best? said Sir

Tristram. Sir, it was Sir Launcelot du Lake and the noble knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and Sir Launcelot

won the degree. I doubt not, said Sir Tristram, but he won the degree, so he had not been overmatched with

many knights; and of the death of Sir Lamorak, said Sir Tristram, it was over great pity, for I dare say he was

the cleanest mighted man and the best winded of his age that was alive; for I knew him that he was the

biggest knight that ever I met withal, but if it were Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, full woe is me for

his death. And if they were not the cousins of my lord Arthur that slew him, they should die for it, and all

those that were consenting to his death. And for such things, said Sir Tristram, I fear to draw unto the court of

Sir, I blame you not, said Gareth, for well I understand the vengeance of my brethren Sir Gawaine,

Agravaine, Gaheris, and Mordred. But as for me, said Sir Gareth, I meddle not of their matters, therefore

there is none of them that loveth me. And for I understand they be murderers of good knights I left their

company; and God would I had been by, said Gareth, when the noble knight, Sir Lamorak, was slain. Now as

Jesu be my help, said Sir Tristram, it is well said of you, for I had liefer than all the gold betwixt this and

Rome I had been there. Ywis,[1] said Palomides, and so would I had been there, and yet had I never the

degree at no jousts nor tournament thereas he was, but he put me to the worse, or on foot or on horseback;

and that day that he was slain he did the most deeds of arms that ever I saw knight do in all my life days. And

when him was given the degree by my lord Arthur, Sir Gawaine and his three brethren, Agravaine, Gaheris,

and Sir Mordred, set upon Sir Lamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his horse. And so they fought

with him on foot more than three hours, both before him and behind him; and Sir Mordred gave him his death

wound behind him at his back, and all tohew him: for one of his squires told me that saw it. Fie upon

treason, said Sir Tristram, for it killeth my heart to hear this tale. So it doth mine, said Gareth; brethren as

they be mine I shall never love them, nor draw in their fellowship for that deed.

Now speak we of other deeds, said Palomides, and let him be, for his life ye may not get again. That is the

more pity, said Dinadan, for Sir Gawaine and his brethren, except you Sir Gareth, hate all the good knights of

the Round Table for the most part; for well I wot an they might privily, they hate my lord Sir Launcelot and

all his kin, and great privy despite they have at him; and that is my lord Sir Launcelot well ware of, and that

CHAPTER LIX. How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a ship there, wherein lay the body

SIR, said Palomides, let us leave of this matter, and let us see how we shall do at this tournament. By mine

advice, said Palomides, let us four hold together against all that will come. Not by my counsel, said Sir

Tristram, for I see by their pavilions there will be four hundred knights, and doubt ye not, said Sir Tristram,

but there will be many good knights; and be a man never so valiant nor so big, yet he may be overmatched.

And so have I seen knights done many times; and when they weened best to have won worship they lost it,

for manhood is not worth but if it be medled with wisdom. And as for me, said Sir Tristram, it may happen I

So thus they rode until that they came to Humber bank, where they heard a cry and a doleful noise. Then

were they ware in the wind where came a rich vessel hilled over with red silk, and the vessel landed fast by

them. Therewith Sir Tristram alighted and his knights. And so Sir Tristram went afore and entered into that

vessel. And when he came within he saw a fair bed richly covered, and thereupon lay a dead seemly knight,

all armed save the head, was all bebled with deadly wounds upon him, the which seemed to be a passing

good knight. How may this be, said Sir Tristram, that this knight is thus slain? Then Sir Tristram was ware of

a letter in the dead knight's hand. Master mariners, said Sir Tristram, what meaneth that letter? Sir, said they,

in that letter ye shall hear and know how he was slain, and for what cause, and what was his name. But sir,

said the mariners, wit ye well that no man shall take that letter and read it but if he be a good knight, and that

he will faithfully promise to revenge his death, else shall there be no knight see that letter open. Wit ye well,

said Sir Tristram, that some of us may revenge his death as well as other, and if it be so as ye mariners say his

death shall be revenged. And therewith Sir Tristram took the letter out of the knight's hand, and it said thus:

Hermance, king and lord of the Red City, I send unto all knights errant, recommending unto you noble

knights of Arthur's court. I beseech them all among them to find one knight that will fight for my sake with

two brethren that I brought up of nought, and feloniously and traitorly they have slain me; wherefore I

beseech one good knight to revenge my death. And he that revengeth my death I will that he have my Red

Sir, said the mariners, wit ye well this king and knight that here lieth was a full worshipful man and of full

great prowess, and full well he loved all manner knights errants. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, here is a

piteous case, and full fain would I take this enterprise upon me; but I have made such a promise that needs I

must be at this great tournament, or else I am shamed. For well I wot for my sake in especial my lord Arthur

let make this jousts and tournament in this country; and well I wot that many worshipful people will be there

at that tournament for to see me; therefore I fear me to take this enterprise upon me that I shall not come

again by time to this jousts. Sir, said Palomides, I pray you give me this enterprise, and ye shall see me

achieve it worshipfully, other else I shall die in this quarrel. Well, said Sir Tristram, and this enterprise I give

you, with this, that ye be with me at this tournament that shall be as this day seven night. Sir, said Palomides,

CHAPTER LX. How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with an host which after fought with

THEN departed Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, and left Sir Palomides in the vessel; and so Sir

Tristram beheld the mariners how they sailed overlong Humber. And when Sir Palomides was out of their

sight they took their horses and beheld about them. And then were they ware of a knight that came riding

against them unarmed, and nothing about him but a sword. And when this knight came nigh them he saluted

them, and they him again. Fair knights, said that knight, I pray you insomuch as ye be knights errant, that ye

will come and see my castle, and take such as ye find there; I pray you heartily. And so they rode with him

until his castle, and there they were brought into the hall, that was well apparelled; and so they were there

unarmed, and set at a board; and when this knight saw Sir Tristram, anon he knew him. And then this knight

waxed pale and wroth at Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw his host make such cheer he marvelled and

said: Sir, mine host, what cheer make you? Wit thou well, said he, I fare the worse for thee, for I know thee,

Sir Tristram de Liones, thou slewest my brother; and therefore I give thee summons I will slay thee an ever I

may get thee at large. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I am never advised that ever I slew any brother of yours;

and if ye say that I did I will make amends unto my power. I will none amends, said the knight, but keep thee

So when he had dined Sir Tristram asked his arms, and departed. And so they rode on their ways, and within

a while Sir Dinadan saw where came a knight well armed and well horsed, without shield. Sir Tristram, said

Sir Dinadan, take keep to yourself, for I dare undertake yonder cometh your host that will have ado with you.

Let him come, said Sir Tristram, I shall abide him as well as I may. Anon the knight, when he came nigh Sir

Tristram, he cried and bade him abide and keep him. So they hurtled together, but Sir Tristram smote the

other knight so sore that he bare him over his horse's croup. That knight arose lightly and took his horse

again, and so rode fiercely to Sir Tristram, and smote him twice hard upon the helm. Sir knight, said Sir

Tristram, I pray you leave off and smite me no more, for I would be loath to deal with you an I might choose,

for I have your meat and your drink within my body. For all that he would not leave; and then Sir Tristram

gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell upsodown from his horse, that the blood brast out at the

ventails of his helm, and so he lay still likely to be dead. Then Sir Tristram said: Me repenteth of this buffet

that I smote so sore, for as I suppose he is dead. And so they left him and rode on their ways.

So they had not ridden but a while, but they saw riding against them two full likely knights, well armed and

well horsed, and goodly servants about them. The one was Berrant le Apres, and he was called the King with

the Hundred Knights; and the other was Sir Segwarides, which were renowned two noble knights. So as they

came either by other the king looked upon Sir Dinadan, that at that time he had Sir Tristram's helm upon his

shoulder, the which helm the king had seen tofore with the Queen of Northgalis, and that queen the king

loved as paramour; and that helm the Queen of Northgalis had given to La Beale Isoud, and the queen La

Beale Isoud gave it to Sir Tristram. Sir knight, said Berrant, where had ye that helm? What would ye? said Sir

Dinadan. For I will have ado with thee, said the king, for the love of her that owed that helm, and therefore

keep you. So they departed and came together with all their mights of their horses, and there the King with

the Hundred Knights smote Sir Dinadan, horse and all, to the earth; and then he commanded his servant: Go

and take thou his helm off, and keep it. So the varlet went to unbuckle his helm. What helm, what wilt thou

do? said Sir Tristram, leave that helm. To what intent, said the king, will ye, sir knight, meddle with that

helm? Wit you well, said Sir Tristram, that helm shall not depart from me or it be dearer bought. Then make

you ready, said Sir Berrant unto Sir Tristram. So they hurtled together, and there Sir Tristram smote him

down over his horse's tail; and then the king arose lightly, and gat his horse lightly again. And then he struck

fiercely at Sir Tristram many great strokes. And then Sir Tristram gave Sir Berrant such a buffet upon the

helm that he fell down over his horse sore stonied. Lo, said Dinadan, that helm is unhappy to us twain, for I

Then Segwarides asked: Who shall joust with me? I pray thee, said Sir Gareth unto Dinadan, let me have this

jousts. Sir, said Dinadan, I pray you take it as for me. That is no reason, said Tristram, for this jousts should

be yours. At a word, said Dinadan, I will not thereof. Then Gareth dressed him to Sir Segwarides, and there

Sir Segwarides smote Gareth and his horse to the earth. Now, said Sir Tristram to Dinadan, joust with yonder

knight. I will not thereof, said Dinadan. Then will I, said Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram ran to him, and

gave him a fall; and so they left them on foot, and Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there Sir Gareth

would not of his courtesy have gone into this castle, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him to depart. And so

they alighted and unarmed them, and had great cheer. But when Dinadan came afore La Beale Isoud he

cursed the time that ever he bare Sir Tristram's helm, and there he told her how Sir Tristram had mocked him.

Then was there laughing and japing at Sir Dinadan, that they wist not what to do with him.

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

NOW will we leave them merry within Joyous Gard, and speak we of Sir Palomides. Then Sir Palomides

sailed evenlong Humber to the coasts of the sea, where was a fair castle. And at that time it was early in the

morning, afore day. Then the mariners went unto Sir Palomides that slept fast. Sir knight, said the mariners,

ye must arise, for here is a castle there ye must go into. I assent me, said Sir Palomides; and therewithal he

arrived. And then he blew his horn that the mariners had given him. And when they within the castle heard

that horn they put forth many knights; and there they stood upon the walls, and said with one voice: Welcome

be ye to this castle. And then it waxed clear day, and Sir Palomides entered into the castle. And within a

while he was served with many divers meats. Then Sir Palomides heard about him much weeping and great

dole. What may this mean? said Sir Palomides; I love not to hear such a sorrow, and fain I would know what

it meaneth. Then there came afore him one whose name was Sir Ebel, that said thus: Wit ye well, sir knight,

this dole and sorrow is here made every day, and for this cause: we had a king that hight Hermance, and he

was King of the Red City, and this king that was lord was a noble knight, large and liberal of his expense; and

in the world he loved nothing so much as he did errant knights of King Arthur's court, and all jousting,

hunting, and all manner of knightly games; for so kind a king and knight had never the rule of poor people as

he was; and because of his goodness and gentle ness we bemoan him, and ever shall. And all kings and

estates may beware by our lord, for he was destroyed in his own default; for had he cherished them of his

blood he had yet lived with great riches and rest: but all estates may beware by our king. But alas, said Ebel,

Tell me, said Palomides, and in what manner was your lord slain, and by whom. Sir, said Sir Ebel, our king

brought up of children two men that now are perilous knights; and these two knights our king had so in

charity, that he loved no man nor trusted no man of his blood, nor none other that was about him. And by

these two knights our king was governed, and so they ruled him peaceably and his lands, and never would

they suffer none of his blood to have no rule with our king. And also he was so free and so gentle, and they so

false and deceivable, that they ruled him peaceably; and that espied the lords of our king's blood, and

departed from him unto their own livelihood. Then when these two traitors understood that they had driven

all the lords of his blood from him, they were not pleased with that rule, but then they thought to have more,

as ever it is an old saw: Give a churl rule and thereby he will not be sufficed; for whatsomever he be that is

ruled by a villain born, and the lord of the soil to be a gentleman born, the same villain shall destroy all the

gentlemen about him: therefore all estates and lords, beware whom ye take about you. And if ye be a knight

of King Arthur's court remember this tale, for this is the end and conclusion. My lord and king rode unto the

forest hereby by the advice of these traitors, and there he chased at the red deer, armed at all pieces full like a

good knight; and so for labour he waxed dry, and then he alighted, and drank at a well. And when he was

alighted, by the assent of these two traitors, that one that hight Helius he suddenly smote our king through the

body with a spear, and so they left him there. And when they were departed, then by fortune I came to the

well, and found my lord and king wounded to the death. And when I heard his complaint, I let bring him to

the water side, and in that same ship I put him alive; and when my lord King Hermance was in that vessel, he

required me for the true faith I owed unto him for to write a letter in this manner.

CHAPTER LXII. The copy of the letter written for to revenge the king's death, and how Sir Palomides

RECOMMENDING unto King Arthur and to all his knights errant, beseeching them all that insomuch as I,

King Hermance, King of the Red City, thus am slain by felony and treason, through two knights of mine

own, and of mine own bringing up and of mine own making, that some worshipful knight will revenge my

death, insomuch I have been ever to my power well willing unto Arthur's court. And who that will adventure

his life with these two traitors for my sake in one battle, I, King Hermance, King of the Red City, freely give

him all my lands and rents that ever I wielded in my life. This letter, said Ebel, I wrote by my lord's

commandment, and then he received his Creator; and when he was dead, he commanded me or ever he were

cold to put that letter fast in his hand. And then he commanded me to put forth that same vessel down

Humber, and I should give these mariners in commandment never to stint until that they came unto Logris,

where all the noble knights shall assemble at this time. And there shall some good knight have pity on me to

revenge my death, for there was never king nor lord falslier nor traitorlier slain than I am here to my death.

Thus was the complaint of our King Hermance. Now, said Sir Ebel, ye know all how our lord was betrayed,

we require you for God's sake have pity upon his death, and worshipfully revenge his death, and then may ye

wield all these lands. For we all wit well that an ye may slay these two traitors, the Red City and all those that

Truly, said Sir Palomides, it grieveth my heart for to hear you tell this doleful tale; and to say the truth I saw

the same letter that ye speak of, and one of the best knights on the earth read that letter to me, and by his

commandment I came hither to revenge your king's death; and therefore have done, and let me wit where I

shall find those traitors, for I shall never be at ease in my heart till I be in hands with them. Sir, said Sir Ebel,

then take your ship again, and that ship must bring you unto the Delectable Isle, fast by the Red City, and we

in this castle shall pray for you, and abide your againcoming. For this same castle, an ye speed well, must

needs be yours; for our King Hermance let make this castle for the love of the two traitors, and so we kept it

with strong hand, and therefore full sore are we threated. Wot ye what ye shall do, said Sir Palomides;

whatsomever come of me, look ye keep well this castle. For an it misfortune me so to be slain in this quest I

am sure there will come one of the best knights of the world for to revenge my death, and that is Sir Tristram

Then Sir Palomides departed from that castle. And as he came nigh the city, there came out of a ship a goodly

knight armed against him, with his shield on his shoulder, and his hand upon his sword. And anon as he came

nigh Sir Palomides he said: Sir knight, what seek ye here? leave this quest for it is mine, and mine it was or

ever it was yours, and therefore I will have it. Sir knight, said Palomides, it may well be that this quest was

yours or it was mine, but when the letter was taken out of the dead king's hand, at that time by likelihood

there was no knight had undertaken to revenge the death of the king. And so at that time I promised to

revenge his death, and so I shall or else I am ashamed. Ye say well, said the knight, but wit ye well then will I

fight with you, and who be the better knight of us both, let him take the battle upon hand. I assent me, said Sir

Palomides. And then they dressed their shields, and pulled out their swords, and lashed together many sad

strokes as men of might; and this fighting was more than an hour, but at the last Sir Palomides waxed big and

better winded, so that then he smote that knight such a stroke that he made him to kneel upon his knees. Then

that knight spake on high and said: Gentle knight, hold thy hand. Sir Palomides was goodly and withdrew his

hand. Then this knight said: Wit ye well, knight, that thou art better worthy to have this battle than I, and

require thee of knighthood tell me thy name. Sir, my name is Palomides, a knight of King Arthur's, and of the

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

WELL be ye found, said the knight to Palomides, for of all knights that be alive, except three, I had liefest

have you. The first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, and Sir Tristram de Liones, the third is my nigh cousin, Sir

Lamorak de Galis. And I am brother unto King Hermance that is dead, and my name is Sir Hermind. Ye say

well, said Sir Palomides, and ye shall see how I shall speed; and if I be there slain go ye to my lord Sir

Launcelot, or else to my lord Sir Tristram, and pray them to revenge my death, for as for Sir Lamorak him

shall ye never see in this world. Alas, said Sir Hermind, how may that be? He is slain, said Sir Palomides, by

Sir Gawaine and his brethren. So God me help, said Hermind, there was not one for one that slew him. That

is truth, said Sir Palomides, for they were four dangerous knights that slew him, as Sir Gawaine, Sir

Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, but Sir Gareth, the fifth brother was away, the best knight of them

all. And so Sir Palomides told Hermind all the manner, and how they slew Sir Lamorak all only by treason.

So Sir Palomides took his ship, and arrived up at the Delectable Isle. And in the meanwhile Sir Hermind that

was the king's brother, he arrived up at the Red City, and there he told them how there was come a knight of

King Arthur's to avenge King Hermance's death: And his name is Sir Palomides, the good knight, that for the

most part he followeth the beast Glatisant. Then all the city made great joy, for mickle had they heard of Sir

Palomides, and of his noble prowess. So let they ordain a messenger, and sent unto the two brethren, and

bade them to make them ready, for there was a knight come that would fight with them both. So the

messenger went unto them where they were at a castle there beside; and there he told them how there was a

knight come of King Arthur's court to fight with them both at once. He is welcome, said they; but tell us, we

pray you, if it be Sir Launcelot or any of his blood? He is none of that blood, said the messenger. Then we

care the less, said the two brethren, for with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we keep not to have ado

withal. Wit ye well, said the messenger, that his name is Sir Palomides, that yet is unchristened, a noble

knight. Well, said they, an he be now unchristened he shall never be christened. So they appointed to be at the

And when Sir Palomides was come to the city they made passing great joy of him, and then they beheld him,

and saw that he was well made, cleanly and bigly, and unmaimed of his limbs, and neither too young nor too

old. And so all the people praised him; and though he was not christened yet he believed in the best manner,

and was full faithful and true of his promise, and well conditioned; and because he made his avow that he

would never be christened unto the time that he had achieved the beast Glatisant, the which was a full

wonderful beast, and a great signification; for Merlin prophesied much of that beast. And also Sir Palomides

avowed never to take full christendom unto the time that he had done seven battles within the lists.

So within the third day there came to the city these two brethren, the one hight Helius, the other hight Helake,

the which were men of great prowess; howbeit that they were false and full of treason, and but poor men

born, yet were they noble knights of their hands. And with them they brought forty knights, to that intent that

they should be big enough for the Red City. Thus came the two brethren with great bobaunce and pride, for

they had put the Red City in fear and damage. Then they were brought to the lists, and Sir Palomides came

into the place and said thus: Be ye the two brethren, Helius and Helake, that slew your king and lord, Sir

Hermance, by felony and treason, for whom that I am come hither to revenge his death? Wit thou well, said

Sir Helius and Sir Helake, that we are the same knights that slew King Hermance; and wit thou well, Sir

Palomides Saracen, that we shall handle thee so or thou depart that thou shalt wish that thou wert christened.

It may well be, said Sir Palomides, for yet I would not die or I were christened; and yet so am I not afeard of

you both, but I trust to God that I shall die a better christian man than any of you both; and doubt ye not, said

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

THEN they departed, and the two brethren came against Sir Palomides, and he against them, as fast as their

horses might run. And by fortune Sir Palomides smote Helake through his shield and through the breast more

than a fathom. All this while Sir Helius held up his spear, and for pride and orgulite' he would not smite Sir

Palomides with his spear; but when he saw his brother lie on the earth, and saw he might not help himself,

then he said unto Sir Palomides: Help thyself. And therewith he came hurtling unto Sir Palomides with his

spear, and smote him quite from his saddle. Then Sir Helius rode over Sir Palomides twice or thrice. And

therewith Sir Palomides was ashamed, and gat the horse of Sir Helius by the bridle, and therewithal the horse

areared, and Sir Palomides halp after, and so they fell both to the earth; but anon Sir Helius stert up lightly,

and there he smote Sir Palomides a great stroke upon the helm, that he kneeled upon his own knee. Then they

lashed together many sad strokes, and traced and traversed now backward, now sideling, hurtling together

Thus they fought still without any reposing two hours, and never breathed; and then Sir Palomides waxed

faint and weary, and Sir Helius waxed passing strong, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Palomides

overthwart and endlong all the field, that they of the city when they saw Sir Palomides in this case they wept

and cried, and made great dole, and the other party made as great joy. Alas, said the men of the city, that this

noble knight should thus be slain for our king's sake. And as they were thus weeping and crying, Sir

Palomides that had suffered an hundred strokes, that it was wonder that he stood on his feet, at the last Sir

Palomides beheld as he might the common people, how they wept for him; and then he said to himself: Ah,

fie for shame, Sir Palomides, why hangest thou thy head so low; and therewith he bare up his shield, and

looked Sir Helius in the visage, and he smote him a great stroke upon the helm, and after that another and

another. And then he smote Sir Helius with such a might that he fell to the earth grovelling; and then he raced

off his helm from his head, and there he smote him such a buffet that he departed his head from the body.

And then were the people of the city the joyfullest people that might be. So they brought him to his lodging

with great solemnity, and there all the people became his men. And then Sir Palomides prayed them all to

take keep unto all the lordship of King Hermance: For, fair sirs, wit ye well I may not as at this time abide

with you, for I must in all haste be with my lord King Arthur at the Castle of Lonazep, the which I have

promised. Then was the people full heavy at his departing, for all that city proffered Sir Palomides the third

part of their goods so that he would abide with them; but in no wise as at that time he would not abide.

And so Sir Palomides departed, and so he came unto the castle thereas Sir Ebel was lieutenant. And when

they in the castle wist how Sir Palomides had sped, there was a joyful meiny; and so Sir Palomides departed,

and came to the castle of Lonazep. And when he wist that Sir Tristram was not there he took his way over

Humber, and came unto Joyous Gard, whereas Sir Tristram was and La Beale Isoud. Sir Tristram had

commanded that what knight errant came within the Joyous Gard, as in the town, that they should warn Sir

Tristram. So there came a man of the town, and told Sir Tristram how there was a knight in the town, a

passing goodly man. What manner of man is he, said Sir Tristram, and what sign beareth he? So the man told

Sir Tristram all the tokens of him. That is Palomides, said Dinadan. It may well be, said Sir Tristram. Go ye

to him, said Sir Tristram unto Dinadan. So Dinadan went unto Sir Palomides, and there either made other

great joy, and so they lay together that night. And on the morn early came Sir Tristram and Sir Gareth, and

CHAPTER LXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce Pite', and how Sir Tristram and

AND then Sir Tristram desired Sir Palomides to ride into the fields and woods. So they were accorded to

repose them in the forest. And when they had played them a great while they rode unto a fair well; and anon

they were ware of an armed knight that came riding against them, and there either saluted other. Then this

armed knight spake to Sir Tristram, and asked what were these knights that were lodged in Joyous Gard. I

wot not what they are, said Sir Tristram. What knights be ye? said that knight, for meseemeth ye be no

knights errant, because ye ride unarmed. Whether we be knights or not we list not to tell thee our name. Wilt

thou not tell me thy name? said that knight; then keep thee, for thou shalt die of my hands. And therewith he

got his spear in his hands, and would have run Sir Tristram through. That saw Sir Palomides, and smote his

horse traverse in midst of the side, that man and horse fell to the earth. And therewith Sir Palomides alighted

and pulled out his sword to have slain him. Let be, said Sir Tristram, slay him not, the knight is but a fool, it

were shame to slay him. But take away his spear, said Sir Tristram, and let him take his horse and go where

So when this knight arose he groaned sore of the fall, and so he took his horse, and when he was up he turned

then his horse, and required Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides to tell him what knights they were. Now wit ye

well, said Sir Tristram, that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and this knight's name is Sir Palomides.

When he wist what they were he took his horse with the spurs, because they should not ask him his name, and

so rode fast away through thick and thin. Then came there by them a knight with a bended shield of azure,

whose name was Epinogris, and he came toward them a great wallop. Whither are ye riding? said Sir

Tristram. My fair lords, said Epinogris, I follow the falsest knight that beareth the life; wherefore I require

you tell me whether ye saw him, for he beareth a shield with a case of red over it. So God me help, said

Tristram, such a knight departed from us not a quarter of an hour agone; we pray you tell us his name. Alas,

said Epinogris, why let ye him escape from you? and he is so great a foe unto all errant knights: his name is

Breuse Saunce Pite'. Ah, fie for shame, said Sir Palomides, alas that ever he escaped mine hands, for he is the

man in the world that I hate most. Then every knight made great sorrow to other; and so Epinogris departed

Then Sir Tristram and his three fellows rode unto Joyous Gard; and there Sir Tristram talked unto Sir

Palomides of his battle, how he sped at the Red City, and as ye have heard afore so was it ended. Truly, said

Sir Tristram, I am glad ye have well sped, for ye have done worshipfully. Well, said Sir Tristram, we must

forward tomorn. And then he devised how it should be; and Sir Tristram devised to send his two pavilions

to set them fast by the well of Lonazep, and therein shall be the queen La Beale Isoud. It is well said, said Sir

Dinadan, but when Sir Palomides heard of that his heart was ravished out of measure: notwithstanding he

said but little. So when they came to Joyous Gard Sir Palomides would not have gone into the castle, but as

Sir Tristram took him by the finger, and led him into the castle. And when Sir Palomides saw La Beale Isoud

he was ravished so that he might unnethe speak. So they went unto meat, but Palomides might not eat, and

there was all the cheer that might be had. And on the morn they were apparelled to ride toward Lonazep.

So Sir Tristram had three squires, and La Beale Isoud had three gentlewomen, and both the queen and they

were richly apparelled; and other people had they none with them, but varlets to bear their shields and their

spears. And thus they rode forth. So as they rode they saw afore them a rout of knights; it was the knight

Galihodin with twenty knights with him. Fair fellows, said Galihodin, yonder come four knights, and a rich

and a well fair lady: I am in will to take that lady from them. That is not of the best counsel, said one of

Galihodin's men, but send ye to them and wit what they will say; and so it was done. There came a squire

unto Sir Tristram, and asked them whether they would joust or else to lose their lady. Not so, said Sir

Tristram, tell your lord I bid him come as many as we be, and win her and take her. Sir, said Palomides, an it

please you let me have this deed, and I shall undertake them all four. I will that ye have it, said Sir Tristram,

at your pleasure. Now go and tell your lord Galihodin, that this same knight will encounter with him and his

CHAPTER LXVI. How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and after with Sir Gawaine, and smote

THEN this squire departed and told Galihodin; and then he dressed his shield, and put forth a spear, and Sir

Palomides another; and there Sir Palomides smote Galihodin so hard that he smote both horse and man to the

earth. And there he had an horrible fall. And then came there another knight, and in the same wise he served

him; and so he served the third and the fourth, that he smote them over their horses' croups, and always Sir

Palomides' spear was whole. Then came six knights more of Galihodin's men, and would have been avenged

upon Sir Palomides. Let be, said Sir Galihodin, not so hardy, none of you all meddle with this knight, for he

is a man of great bounte' and honour, and if he would ye were not able to meddle with him. And right so they

held them still. And ever Sir Palomides was ready to joust; and when he saw they would no more he rode

unto Sir Tristram. Right well have ye done, said Sir Tristram, and worshipfully have ye done as a good knight

should. This Galihodin was nigh cousin unto Galahalt, the haut prince; and this Galihodin was a king within

So as Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and La Beale Isoud rode together they saw afore them four knights, and

every man had his spear in his hand: the first was Sir Gawaine, the second Sir Uwaine, the third Sir

Sagramore le Desirous, and the fourth was Dodinas le Savage. When Sir Palomides beheld them, that the four

knights were ready to joust, he prayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to have ado with them all so long as he

might hold him on horseback. And if that I be smitten down I pray you revenge me. Well, said Sir Tristram, I

will as ye will, and ye are not so fain to have worship but I would as fain increase your worship. And

therewithal Sir Gawaine put forth his spear, and Sir Palomides another; and so they came so eagerly together

that Sir Palomides smote Sir Gawaine to the earth, horse and all; and in the same wise he served Uwaine, Sir

Dodinas, and Sagramore. All these four knights Sir Palomides smote down with divers spears And then Sir

And when they were departed then came thither Galihodin with his ten knights unto Sir Gawaine, and there

he told him all how he had sped. I marvel, said Sir Gawaine, what knights they be, that are so arrayed in

green. And that knight upon the white horse smote me down, said Galihodin, and my three fellows. And so

he did to me, said Gawaine; and well I wot, said Sir Gawaine, that either he upon the white horse is Sir

Tristram or else Sir Palomides, and that gay beseen lady is Queen Isoud. Thus they talked of one thing and of

And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram passed on till that he came to the well where his two pavilions were set;

and there they alighted, and there they saw many pavilions and great array. Then Sir Tristram left there Sir

Palomides and Sir Gareth with La Beale Isoud, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode to Lonazep to hearken

tidings; and Sir Tristram rode upon Sir Palomides' white horse. And when he came into the castle Sir

Dinadan heard a great horn blow, and to the horn drew many knights. Then Sir Tristram asked a knight: What

meaneth the blast of that horn? Sir, said that knight, it is all those that shall hold against King Arthur at this

tournament. The first is the King of Ireland, and the King of Surluse, the King of Listinoise, the King of

Northumberland, and the King of the best part of Wales, with many other countries. And these draw them to

a council, to understand what governance they shall be of; but the King of Ireland, whose name was Marhalt,

and father to the good knight Sir Marhaus that Sir Tristram slew, had all the speech that Sir Tristram might

hear it. He said: Lords and fellows, let us look to ourself, for wit ye well King Arthur is sure of many good

knights, or else he would not with so few knights have ado with us; therefore by my counsel let every king

have a standard and a cognisance by himself, that every knight draw to their natural lord, and then may every

king and captain help his knights if they have need. When Sir Tristram had heard all their counsel he rode

CHAPTER LXVII. How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came into the tournament of Lonazep; and of

BUT Sir Tristram was not so soon come into the place, but Sir Gawaine and Sir Galihodin went to King

Arthur, and told him: That same green knight in the green harness with the white horse smote us two down,

and six of our fellows this same day. Well, said Arthur. And then he called Sir Tristram and asked him what

was his name. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye shall hold me excused as at this time, for ye shall not wit my name.

And there Sir Tristram returned and rode his way. I have marvel, said Arthur, that yonder knight will not tell

me his name, but go thou, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, and pray him to speak with me betwixt us. Then Sir Griflet

rode after him and overtook him, and said him that King Arthur prayed him for to speak with him secretly

apart. Upon this covenant, said Sir Tristram, I will speak with him; that I will turn again so that ye will ensure

me not to desire to hear my name. I shall undertake, said Sir Griflet, that he will not greatly desire it of you.

So they rode together until they came to King Arthur. Fair sir, said King Arthur, what is the cause ye will not

tell me your name? Sir, said Sir Tristram, without a cause I will not hide my name. Upon what party will ye

hold? said King Arthur. Truly, my lord, said Sir Tristram, I wot not yet on what party I will be on, until I

come to the field, and there as my heart giveth me, there will I hold; but tomorrow ye shall see and prove on

And upon the morn they armed them all in green, and came into the field; and there young knights began to

joust, and did many worshipful deeds. Then spake Gareth unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him to give him

leave to break his spear, for him thought shame to bear his spear whole again. When Sir Tristram heard him

say so he laughed, and said: I pray you do your best. Then Sir Gareth gat a spear and proffered to joust. That

saw a knight that was nephew unto the King of the Hundred Knights; his name was Selises, and a good man

of arms. So this knight Selises then dressed him unto Sir Gareth, and they two met together so hard that either

smote other down, his horse and all, to the earth, so they were both bruised and hurt; and there they lay till the

King with the Hundred Knights halp Selises up, and Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides halp up Gareth again.

And so they rode with Sir Gareth unto their pavilions, and then they pulled off his helm.

And when La Beale Isoud saw Sir Gareth bruised in the face she asked him what ailed him. Madam, said Sir

Gareth, I had a great buffet, and as I suppose I gave another, but none of my fellows, God thank them, would

not rescue me. Forsooth, said Palomides, it longed not to none of us as this day to joust, for there have not

this day jousted no proved knights, and needly ye would joust. And when the other party saw ye proffered

yourself to joust they sent one to you, a passing good knight of his age, for I know him well, his name is

Selises; and worshipfully ye met with him, and neither of you are dishonoured, and therefore refresh yourself

that ye may be ready and whole to joust tomorrow. As for that, said Gareth, I shall not fail you an I may

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

NOW upon what party, said Tristram, is it best we be withal as tomorn? Sir, said Palomides, ye shall have

mine advice to be against King Arthur as tomorn, for on his party will be Sir Launcelot and many good

knights of his blood with him. And the more men of worship that they be, the more worship we shall win.

That is full knightly spoken, said Sir Tristram; and right so as ye counsel me, so will we do. In the name of

God, said they all. So that night they were lodged with the best. And on the morn when it was day they were

arrayed all in green trappings, shields and spears, and La Beale Isoud in the same colour, and her three

damosels. And right so these four knights came into the field endlong and through. And so they led La Beale

Isoud thither as she should stand and behold all the jousts in a bay window; but always she was wimpled that

no man might see her visage. And then these three knights rode straight unto the party of the King of Scots.

When King Arthur had seen them do all this he asked Sir Launcelot what were these knights and that queen.

Sir, said Launcelot, I cannot say you in certain, but if Sir Tristram be in this country, or Sir Palomides, wit ye

well it be they m certain, and La Beale Isoud. Then Arthur called to him Sir Kay and said: Go lightly and wit

how many knights there be here lacking of the Table Round, for by the sieges thou mayst know. So went Sir

Kay and saw by the writings in the sieges that there lacked ten knights. And these be their names that be not

here. Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, Sir Percivale, Sir Gaheris, Sir Epinogris, Sir Mordred, Sir Dinadan, Sir La

Cote Male Taile, and Sir Pelleas the noble knight. Well, said Arthur, some of these I dare undertake are here

Then came therein two brethren, cousins unto Sir Gawaine, the one hight Sir Edward, that other hight Sir

Sadok, the which were two good knights; and they asked of King Arthur that they might have the first jousts,

for they were of Orkney. I am pleased, said King Arthur. Then Sir Edward encountered with the King of

Scots, in whose party was Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides; and Sir Edward smote the King of Scots quite

from his horse, and Sir Sadok smote down the King of North Wales, and gave him a wonder great fall, that

there was a great cry on King Arthur's party, and that made Sir Palomides passing wroth. And so Sir

Palomides dressed his shield and his spear, and with all his might he met with Sir Edward of Orkney, that he

smote him so hard that his horse might not stand on his feet, and so they hurtled to the earth; and then with

the same spear Sir Palomides smote down Sir Sadok over his horse's croup. O Jesu, said Arthur, what knight

is that arrayed all in green? he jousteth mightily. Wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, he is a good knight, and yet

shall ye see him joust better or he depart. And yet shall ye see, said Sir Gawaine, another bigger knight, in the

same colour, than he is; for that same knight, said Sir Gawaine, that smote down right now my four cousins,

This meanwhile as they stood thus talking there came into the place Sir Tristram upon a black horse, and or

ever he stint he smote down with one spear four good knights of Orkney that were of the kin of Sir Gawaine;

and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan everych of them smote down a good knight. Jesu, said Arthur, yonder knight

upon the black horse doth mightily and marvellously well. Abide you, said Sir Gawaine; that knight with the

black horse began not yet. Then Sir Tristram made to horse again the two kings that Edward and Sadok had

unhorsed at the beginning. And then Sir Tristram drew his sword and rode into the thickest of the press

against them of Orkney; and there he smote down knights, and rashed off helms, and pulled away their

shields, and hurtled down many knights: he fared so that Sir Arthur and all knights had great marvel when

they saw one knight do so great deeds of arms. And Sir Palomides failed not upon the other side, but did so

marvellously well that all men had wonder. For there King Arthur likened Sir Tristram that was on the black

horse like to a wood lion, and likened Sir Palomides upon the white horse unto a wood leopard, and Sir

Gareth and Sir Dinadan unto eager wolves. But the custom was such among them that none of the kings

would help other, but all the fellowship of every standard to help other as they might; but ever Sir Tristram

did so much deeds of arms that they of Orkney waxed weary of him, and so withdrew them unto Lonazep

CHAPTER LXIX. How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir Launcelot, and after that Sir

THEN was the cry of heralds and all manner of common people: The Green Knight hath done marvellously,

and beaten all them of Orkney. And there the heralds numbered that Sir Tristram that sat upon the black horse

had smitten down with spears and swords thirty knights; and Sir Palomides had smitten down twenty knights,

and the most part of these fifty knights were of the house of King Arthur, and proved knights. So God me

help, said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, this is a great shame to us to see four knights beat so many knights of

mine; and therefore make you ready, for we will have ado with them. Sir, said Launcelot, wit ye well that

there are two passing good knights, and great worship were it not to us now to have ado with them, for they

have this day sore travailed. As for that, said Arthur, I will be avenged; and therefore take with you Sir

Bleoberis and Sir Ector, and I will be the fourth, said Arthur. Sir, said Launcelot, ye shall find me ready, and

my brother Sir Ector, and my cousin Sir Bleoberis. And so when they were ready and on horseback: Now

choose, said Sir Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, with whom that ye will encounter withal. Sir, said Launcelot, I

will meet with the green knight upon the black horse, that was Sir Tristram; and my cousin Sir Bleoberis shall

match the green knight upon the white horse, that was Sir Palomides; and my brother Sir Ector shall match

with the green knight upon the white horse, that was Sir Gareth. Then must I, said Sir Arthur, have ado with

the green knight upon the grisled horse, and that was Sir Dinadan. Now every man take heed to his fellow,

said Sir Launcelot. And so they trotted on together, and there encountered Sir Launcelot against Sir Tristram.

So Sir Launcelot smote Sir Tristram so sore upon the shield that he bare horse and man to the earth; but Sir

Launcelot weened that it had been Sir Palomides, and so he passed forth. And then Sir Bleoberis encountered

with Sir Palomides, and he smote him so hard upon the shield that Sir Palomides and his white horse rustled

to the earth. Then Sir Ector de Maris smote Sir Gareth so hard that down he fell off his horse. And the noble

King Arthur encountered with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him quite from his saddle. And then the noise

When the King of Northgalis saw that Sir Tristram had a fall, then he remembered him how great deeds of

arms Sir Tristram had done. Then he made ready many knights, for the custom and cry was such, that what

knight were smitten down, and might not be horsed again by his fellows, outher by his own strength, that as

that day he should be prisoner unto the party that had smitten him down. So came in the King of Northgalis,

and he rode straight unto Sir Tristram; and when he came nigh him he alighted down suddenly and betook Sir

Tristram his horse, and said thus: Noble knight, I know thee not of what country that thou art, but for the

noble deeds that thou hast done this day take there my horse, and let me do as well I may; for, as Jesu me

help, thou art better worthy to have mine horse than I myself. Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, and if I may I

shall quite you: look that ye go not far from us, and as I suppose, I shall win you another horse. And

therewith Sir Tristram mounted upon his horse, and there he met with King Arthur, and he gave him such a

buffet upon the helm with his sword that King Arthur had no power to keep his saddle. And then Sir Tristram

gave the King of Northgalis King Arthur's horse: then was there great press about King Arthur for to horse

him again; but Sir Palomides would not suffer King Arthur to be horsed again, but ever Sir Palomides smote

on the right hand and on the left hand mightily as a noble knight. And this meanwhile Sir Tristram rode

through the thickest of the press, and smote down knights on the right hand and on the left hand, and raced

off helms, and so passed forth unto his pavilions, and left Sir Palomides on foot; and Sir Tristram changed his

CHAPTER LXX. How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he demeaned him,

AND when the queen La Beale Isoud saw that Sir Tristram was unhorsed, and she wist not where he was,

then she wept greatly. But Sir Tristram, when he was ready, came dashing lightly into the field, and then La

Beale Isoud espied him. And so he did great deeds of arms; with one spear, that was great, Sir Tristram smote

down five knights or ever he stint. Then Sir Launcelot espied him readily, that it was Sir Tristram, and then

he repented him that he had smitten him down; and so Sir Launcelot went out of the press to repose him and

lightly he came again. And now when Sir Tristram came into the press, through his great force he put Sir

Palomides upon his horse, and Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, and then they began to do marvellously; but Sir

Palomides nor none of his two fellows knew not who had holpen them on horseback again. But ever Sir

Tristram was nigh them and succoured them, and they [knew] not him, because he was changed into red

So when La Beale Isoud knew Sir Tristram again upon his horseback she was passing glad, and then she

laughed and made good cheer. And as it happened, Sir Palomides looked up toward her where she lay in the

window, and he espied how she laughed; and therewith he took such a rejoicing that he smote down, what

with his spear and with his sword, all that ever he met; for through the sight of her he was so enamoured in

her love that he seemed at that time, that an both Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot had been both against him

they should have won no worship of him; and in his heart, as the book saith, Sir Palomides wished that with

his worship he might have ado with Sir Tristram before all men, because of La Beale Isoud. Then Sir

Palomides began to double his strength, and he did so marvellously that all men had wonder of him, and ever

he cast up his eye unto La Beale Isoud. And when he saw her make such cheer he fared like a lion, that there

might no man withstand him; and then Sir Tristram beheld him, how that Sir Palomides bestirred him; and

then he said unto Sir Dinadan: So God me help, Sir Palomides is a passing good knight and a well enduring,

but such deeds saw I him never do, nor never heard I tell that ever he did so much in one day. It is his day,

said Dinadan; and he would say no more unto Sir Tristram; but to himself he said: An if ye knew for whose

love he doth all those deeds of arms, soon would Sir Tristram abate his courage. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that

Sir Palomides is not christened. So said King Arthur, and so said all those that beheld him. Then all people

gave him the prize, as for the best knight that day, that he passed Sir Launcelot outher Sir Tristram. Well, said

Dinadan to himself, all this worship that Sir Palomides hath here this day he may thank the Queen Isoud, for

Right so came into the field Sir Launcelot du Lake, and saw and heard the noise and cry and the great

worship that Sir Palomides had. He dressed him against Sir Palomides, with a great mighty spear and a long,

and thought to smite him down. And when Sir Palomides saw Sir Launcelot come upon him so fast, he ran

upon Sir Launcelot as fast with his sword as he might; and as Sir Launcelot should have stricken him he

smote his spear aside, and smote it atwo with his sword. And Sir Palomides rushed unto Sir Launcelot, and

thought to have put him to a shame; and with his sword he smote his horse's neck that Sir Launcelot rode

upon, and then Sir Launcelot fell to the earth. Then was the cry huge and great: See how Sir Palomides the

Saracen hath smitten down Sir Launcelot's horse. Right then were there many knights wroth with Sir

Palomides because he had done that deed; therefore many knights held there against that it was unknightly

done in a tournament to kill an horse wilfully, but that it had been done in plain battle, life for life.

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

WHEN Sir Ector de Maris saw Sir Launcelot his brother have such a despite, and so set on foot, then he gat a

spear eagerly, and ran against Sir Palomides, and he smote him so hard that he bare him quite from his horse.

That saw Sir Tristram, that was in red harness, and he smote down Sir Ector de Maris quite from his horse.

Then Sir Launcelot dressed his shield upon his shoulder, and with his sword naked in his hand, and so came

straight upon Sir Palomides fiercely and said: Wit thou well thou hast done me this day the greatest despite

that ever any worshipful knight did to me in tournament or in jousts, and therefore I will be avenged upon

thee, therefore take keep to yourself. Ah, mercy, noble knight, said Palomides, and forgive me mine unkindly

deeds, for I have no power nor might to withstand you, and I have done so much this day that well I wot I did

never so much, nor never shall in my lifedays; and therefore, most noble knight, I require thee spare me as

at this day, and I promise you I shall ever be your knight while I live: an ye put me from my worship now, ye

put me from the greatest worship that ever I had or ever shall have in my lifedays. Well, said Sir Launcelot,

I see, for to say thee sooth, ye have done marvellously well this day; and I understand a part for whose love

ye do it, and well I wot that love is a great mistress. And if my lady were here as she nis not, wit you well,

said Sir Launcelot, ye should not bear away the worship. But beware your love be not discovered, for an Sir

Tristram may know it ye will repent it; and sithen my quarrel is not here, ye shall have this day the worship

as for me; considering the great travail and pain that ye have had this day, it were no worship for me to put

Then Sir Launcelot by great force and might gat his own horse maugre twenty knights. So when Sir

Launcelot was horsed he did many marvels, and so did Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides in like wise. Then Sir

Launcelot smote down with a spear Sir Dinadan, and the King of Scotland, and the King of Wales, and the

King of Northumberland, and the King of Listinoise. So then Sir Launcelot and his fellows smote down well

a forty knights. Then came the King of Ireland and the King of the Straight Marches to rescue Sir Tristram

and Sir Palomides. There began a great medley, and many knights were smitten down on both parties; and

always Sir Launcelot spared Sir Tristram, and he spared him. And Sir Palomides would not meddle with Sir

Launcelot, and so there was hurtling here and there. And then King Arthur sent out many knights of the Table

Round; and Sir Palomides was ever in the foremost front, and Sir Tristram did so strongly well that the king

and all other had marvel. And then the king let blow to lodging; and because Sir Palomides began first, and

never he went nor rode out of the field to repose, but ever he was doing marvellously well either on foot or on

horseback, and longest during, King Arthur and all the kings gave Sir Palomides the honour and the gree as

Then Sir Tristram commanded Sir Dinadan to fetch the queen La Beale Isoud, and bring her to his two

pavilions that stood by the well. And so Dinadan did as he was commanded. But when Sir Palomides

understood and wist that Sir Tristram was in the red armour, and on a red horse, wit ye well that he was glad,

and so was Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan, for they all weened that Sir Tristram had been taken prisoner. And

then every knight drew to his inn. And then King Arthur and every knight spake of those knights; but above

all men they gave Sir Palomides the prize, and all knights that knew Sir Palomides had wonder of his deeds.

Sir, said Sir Launcelot unto Arthur, as for Sir Palomides an he be the green knight I dare say as for this day he

is best worthy to have the degree, for he reposed him never, nor never changed his weeds, and he began first

and longest held on. And yet, well I wot, said Sir Launcelot, that there was a better knight than he, and that

shall be proved or we depart, upon pain of my life. Thus they talked on either party; and so Sir Dinadan railed

with Sir Tristram and said: What the devil is upon thee this day? for Sir Palomides' strength feebled never

AND thou, Sir Tristram, farest all this day as though thou hadst been asleep, and therefore I call thee coward.

Well, Dinadan, said Sir Tristram, I was never called coward or now of no earthly knight in my life; and wit

thou well, sir, I call myself never the more coward though Sir Launcelot gave me a fall, for I outcept him of

all knights. And doubt ye not Sir Dinadan, an Sir Launcelot have a quarrel good, he is too over good for any

knight that now is living; and yet of his sufferance, largess, bounty, and courtesy, I call him knight peerless:

and so Sir Tristram was in manner wroth with Sir Dinadan. But all this language Sir Dinadan said because he

would anger Sir Tristram, for to cause him to awake his spirits and to be wroth; for well knew Sir Dinadan

that an Sir Tristram were thoroughly wroth Sir Palomides should not get the prize upon the morn. And for

this intent Sir Dinadan said all this railing and language against Sir Tristram. Truly, said Sir Palomides, as for

Sir Launcelot, of his noble knighthood, courtesy, and prowess, and gentleness, I know not his peer; for this

day, said Sir Palomides, I did full uncourteously unto Sir Launcelot, and full unknightly, and full knightly

and courteously he did to me again; for an he had been as ungentle to me as I was to him, this day I had won

no worship. And therefore, said Palomides, I shall be Sir Launcelot's knight while my life lasteth. This

talking was in the houses of kings. But all kings, lords, and knights, said, of clear knighthood, and of pure

strength, of bounty, of courtesy, Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram bare the prize above all knights that ever were

in Arthur's days. And there were never knights in Arthur's days did half so many deeds as they did; as the

book saith, no ten knights did not half the deeds that they did, and there was never knight in their days that

required Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram of any quest, so it were not to their shame, but they performed their

CHAPTER LXXIII. How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides

SO on the morn Sir Launcelot departed, and Sir Tristram was ready, and La Beale Isoud with Sir Palomides

and Sir Gareth. And so they rode all in green full freshly beseen unto the forest. And Sir Tristram left Sir

Dinadan sleeping in his bed. And so as they rode it happed the king and Launcelot stood in a window, and

saw Sir Tristram ride and Isoud. Sir, said Launcelot, yonder rideth the fairest lady of the world except your

queen, Dame Guenever. Who is that? said Sir Arthur. Sir, said he, it is Queen Isoud that, outtaken my lady

your queen, she is makeless. Take your horse, said Arthur, and array you at all rights as I will do, and I

promise you, said the king, I will see her. Then anon they were armed and horsed, and either took a spear and

rode unto the forest. Sir, said Launcelot, it is not good that ye go too nigh them, for wit ye well there are two

as good knights as now are living, and therefore, sir, I pray you be not too hasty. For peradventure there will

be some knights be displeased an we come suddenly upon them. As for that, said Arthur, I will see her, for I

take no force whom I grieve. Sir, said Launcelot, ye put yourself in great jeopardy. As for that, said the king,

we will take the adventure. Right so anon the king rode even to her, and saluted her, and said: God you save.

Sir, said she, ye are welcome. Then the king beheld her, and liked her wonderly well.

With that came Sir Palomides unto Arthur, and said: Uncourteous knight, what seekest thou here? thou art

uncourteous to come upon a lady thus suddenly, therefore withdraw thee. Sir Arthur took none heed of Sir

Palomides' words, but ever he looked still upon Queen Isoud Then was Sir Palomides wroth, and therewith he

took a spear, and came hurtling upon King Arthur, and smote him down with a spear. When Sir Launcelot

saw that despite of Sir Palomides, he said to himself: I am loath to have ado with yonder knight, and not for

his own sake but for Sir Tristram. And one thing I am sure of, if I smite down Sir Palomides I must have ado

with Sir Tristram, and that were overmuch for me to match them both, for they are two noble knights;

notwithstanding, whether I live or I die, needs must I revenge my lord, and so will I, whatsomever befall of

me. And therewith Sir Launcelot cried to Sir Palomides: Keep thee from me. And then Sir Launcelot and Sir

Palomides rushed together with two spears strongly, but Sir Launcelot smote Sir Palomides so hard that he

went quite out of his saddle, and had a great fall. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomides have that fall, he said

to Sir Launcelot: Sir knight, keep thee, for I must joust with thee. As for to joust with me, said Sir Launcelot,

I will not fail you, for no dread I have of you; but I am loath to have ado with you an I might choose, for I

will that ye wit that I must revenge my special lord that was unhorsed unwarly and unknightly. And therefore,

though I revenged that fall, take ye no displeasure therein, for he is to me such a friend that I may not see him

Anon Sir Tristram understood by his person and by his knightly words that it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, and

verily Sir Tristram deemed that it was King Arthur, he that Sir Palomides had smitten down. And then Sir

Tristram put his spear from him, and put Sir Palomides again on horseback, and Sir Launcelot put King

Arthur on horseback and so departed. So God me help, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, ye did not

worshipfully when ye smote down that knight so suddenly as ye did. And wit ye well ye did yourself great

shame, for the knights came hither of their gentleness to see a fair lady; and that is every good knight's part,

to behold a fair lady; and ye had not ado to play such masteries afore my lady. Wit thou well it will turn to

anger, for he that ye smote down was King Arthur, and that other was the good knight Sir Launcelot. But I

shall not forget the words of Sir Launcelot when that he called him a man of great worship, thereby I wist that

it was King Arthur. And as for Sir Launcelot, an there had been five hundred knights in the meadow, he

would not have refused them, and yet he said he would refuse me. By that again I wist that it was Sir

Launcelot, for ever he forbeareth me in every place, and showeth me great kindness; and of all knights, I

outtake none, say what men will say, he beareth the flower of all chivalry, say it him whosomever will. An

he be well angered, and that him list to do his utterance without any favour, I know him not alive but Sir

Launcelot is over hard for him, be it on horseback or on foot. I may never believe, said Palomides, that King

Arthur will ride so privily as a poor errant knight. Ah, said Sir Tristram, ye know not my lord Arthur, for all

knights may learn to be a knight of him. And therefore ye may be sorry, said Sir Tristram, of your unkindly

deeds to so noble a king. And a thing that is done may not be undone, said Palomides. Then Sir Tristram sent

CHAPTER LXXIV. How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the contrary part

THEN there was a cry unto all knights, that when they heard an horn blow they should make jousts as they

did the first day. And like as the brethren Sir Edward and Sir Sadok began the jousts the first day, Sir Uwaine

the king's son Urien and Sir Lucanere de Buttelere began the jousts the second day. And at the first encounter

Sir Uwaine smote down the King's son of Scots; and Sir Lucanere ran against the King of Wales, and they

brake their spears all to pieces; and they were so fierce both, that they hurtled together that both fell to the

earth. Then they of Orkney horsed again Sir Lucanere. And then came in Sir Tristram de Liones; and then Sir

Tristram smote down Sir Uwaine and Sir Lucanere; and Sir Palomides smote down other two knights and Sir

Gareth smote down other two knights. Then said Sir Arthur unto Sir Launcelot: See yonder three knights do

passingly well, and namely the first that jousted. Sir, said Launcelot, that knight began not yet but ye shall see

him this day do marvellously. And then came into the place the duke's son of Orkney, and then they began to

When Sir Tristram saw them so begin, he said to Palomides: How feel ye yourself? may ye do this day as ye

did yesterday? Nay, said Palomides, I feel myself so weary, and so sore bruised of the deeds of yesterday,

that I may not endure as I did yesterday. That me repenteth, said Sir Tristram, for I shall lack you this day. Sir

Palomides said: Trust not to me, for I may not do as I did. All these words said Palomides for to beguile Sir

Tristram. Sir, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Gareth, then must I trust upon you; wherefore I pray you be not far

from me to rescue me. An need be, said Sir Gareth, I shall not fail you in all that I may do. Then Sir

Palomides rode by himself; and then in despite of Sir Tristram he put himself in the thickest press among

them of Orkney, and there he did so marvellously deeds of arms that all men had wonder of him, for there

When Sir Tristram saw Sir Palomides do such deeds, he marvelled and said to himself: He is weary of my

company. So Sir Tristram beheld him a great while and did but little else, for the noise and cry was so huge

and great that Sir Tristram marvelled from whence came the strength that Sir Palomides had there in the field

Sir, said Sir Gareth unto Sir Tristram, remember ye not of the words that Sir Dinadan said to you yesterday,

when he called you a coward; forsooth, sir, he said it for none ill, for ye are the man in the world that he most

loveth, and all that he said was for your worship. And therefore, said Sir Gareth to Sir Tristram, let me know

this day what ye be; and wonder ye not so upon Sir Palomides, for he enforceth himself to win all the worship

and honour from you. I may well believe it, said Sir Tristram. And sithen I understand his evil will and his

envy, ye shall see, if that I enforce myself, that the noise shall be left that now is upon him.

Then Sir Tristram rode into the thickest of the press, and then he did so marvellously well, and did so great

deeds of arms, that all men said that Sir Tristram did double so much deeds of arms as Sir Palomides had

done aforehand. And then the noise went plain from Sir Palomides, and all the people cried upon Sir

Tristram. O Jesu, said the people, see how Sir Tristram smiteth down with his spear so many knights. And

see, said they all, how many knights he smiteth down with his sword, and of how many knights he rashed off

their helms and their shields; and so he beat them all of Orkney afore him. How now, said Sir Launcelot unto

King Arthur, I told you that this day there would a knight play his pageant. Yonder rideth a knight ye may see

he doth knightly, for he hath strength and wind. So God me help, said Arthur to Launcelot, ye say sooth, for I

saw never a better knight, for he passeth far Sir Palomides. Sir, wit ye well, said Launcelot, it must be so of

right, for it is himself, that noble knight Sir Tristram. I may right well believe it, said Arthur.

But when Sir Palomides heard the noise and the cry was turned from him, he rode out on a part and beheld

Sir Tristram. And when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram do so marvellously well he wept passingly sore for

despite, for he wist well he should no worship win that day; for well knew Sir Palomides, when Sir Tristram

would put forth his strength and his manhood, be should get but little worship that day,

CHAPTER LXXV. How Sir Tristram departed of the field, and awaked Sir Dinadan, and changed his

THEN came King Arthur, and the King of Northgalis, and Sir Launcelot du Lake; and Sir Bleoberis, Sir Bors

de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, these three knights came into the field with Sir Launcelot. And then Sir

Launcelot with the three knights of his kin did so great deeds of arms that all the noise began upon Sir

Launcelot. And so they beat the King of Wales and the King of Scots far aback, and made them to avoid the

field; but Sir Tristram and Sir Gareth abode still in the field and endured all that ever there came, that all men

had wonder that any knight might endure so many strokes. But ever Sir Launcelot, and his three kinsmen by

the commandment of Sir Launcelot, forbare Sir Tristram. Then said Sir Arthur: Is that Sir Palomides that

endureth so well? Nay, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well it is the good knight Sir Tristram, for yonder ye may

see Sir Palomides beholdeth and hoveth, and doth little or nought. And sir, ye shall understand that Sir

Tristram weeneth this day to beat us all out of the field. And as for me, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not beat

him, beat him whoso will. Sir, said Launcelot unto Arthur, ye may see how Sir Palomides hoveth yonder, as

though he were in a dream; wit ye well he is full heavy that Tristram doth such deeds of arms Then is he but a

fool, said Arthur, for never was Sir Palomides, nor never shall be, of such prowess as Sir Tristram. And if he

have any envy at Sir Tristram, and cometh in with him upon his side he is a false knight.

As the king and Sir Launcelot thus spake, Sir Tristram rode privily out of the press, that none espied him but

La Beale Isoud and Sir Palomides, for they two would not let off their eyes upon Sir Tristram. And when Sir

Tristram came to his pavilions he found Sir Dinadan in his bed asleep. Awake, said Tristram, ye ought to be

ashamed so to sleep when knights have ado in the field. Then Sir Dinadan arose lightly and said: What will

ye that I shall do? Make you ready, said Sir Tristram, to ride with me into the field. So when Sir Dinadan was

armed he looked upon Sir Tristram's helm and on his shield, and when he saw so many strokes upon his helm

and upon his shield he said: In good time was I thus asleep, for had I been with you I must needs for shame

there have followed you; more for shame than any prowess that is in me; that I see well now by those strokes

that I should have been truly beaten as I was yesterday. Leave your japes, said Sir Tristram, and come off,

that [we] were in the field again. What, said Sir Dinadan, is your heart up? yesterday ye fared as though ye

had dreamed. So then Sir Tristram was arrayed in black harness. O Jesu, said Dinadan, what aileth you this

day? meseemeth ye be wilder than ye were yesterday. Then smiled Sir Tristram and said to Dinadan: Await

well upon me; if ye see me overmatched look that ye be ever behind me, and I shall make you ready way by

God's grace. So Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan took their horses. All this espied Sir Palomides, both their

going and their coming, and so did La Beale Isoud, for she knew Sir Tristram above all other.

CHAPTER LXXVI. How Sir Palomides changed his shield and his armour for to hurt Sir Tristram, and

THEN when Sir Palomides saw that Sir Tristram was disguised, then he thought to do him a shame. So Sir

Palomides rode to a knight that was sore wounded, that sat under a fair well from the field. Sir knight, said

Sir Palomides, I pray you to lend me your armour and your shield, for mine is overwell known in this field,

and that hath done me great damage; and ye shall have mine armour and my shield that is as sure as yours. I

will well, said the knight, that ye have mine armour and my shield, if they may do you any avail. So Sir

Palomides armed him hastily in that knight's armour and his shield that shone as any crystal or silver, and so

he came riding into the field. And then there was neither Sir Tristram nor none of King Arthur's party that

knew Sir Palomides. And right so as Sir Palomides was come into the field Sir Tristram smote down three

knights, even in the sight of Sir Palomides. And then Sir Palomides rode against Sir Tristram, and either met

other with great spears, that they brast to their hands. And then they dashed together with swords eagerly.

Then Sir Tristram had marvel what knight he was that did battle so knightly with him. Then was Sir Tristram

wroth, for he felt him passing strong, so that he deemed he might not have ado with the remnant of the

knights, because of the strength of Sir Palomides. So they lashed together and gave many sad strokes

together, and many knights marvelled what knight he might be that so encountered with the black knight, Sir

Tristram. Full well knew La Beale Isoud that there was Sir Palomides that fought with Sir Tristram, for she

espied all in her window where that she stood, as Sir Palomides changed his harness with the wounded

knight. And then she began to weep so heartily for the despite of Sir Palomides that there she swooned.

Then came in Sir Launcelot with the knights of Orkney. And when the other party had espied Sir Launcelot,

they cried: Return, return, here cometh Sir Launcelot du Lake. So there came knights and said: Sir Launcelot,

ye must needs fight with yonder knight in the black harness, that was Sir Tristram, for he hath almost

overcome that good knight that fighteth with him with the silver shield, that was Sir Palomides. Then Sir

Launcelot rode betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides, and Sir Launcelot said to Palomides: Sir knight, let

me have the battle, for ye have need to be reposed. Sir Palomides knew Sir Launcelot well, and so did Sir

Tristram, but because Sir Launcelot was far hardier knight than himself therefore he was glad, and suffered

Sir Launcelot to fight with Sir Tristram. For well wist he that Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram, and there

he hoped that Sir Launcelot should beat or shame Sir Tristram, whereof Sir Palomides was full fain. And so

Sir Launcelot gave Sir Tristram many sad strokes, but Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram

knew well Sir Launcelot. And thus they fought long together, that La Beale Isoud was wellnigh out of her

Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Gareth how that knight in the black harness was Sir Tristram: And this is

Launcelot that fighteth with him, that must needs have the better of him, for Sir Tristram hath had too much

travail this day. Then let us smite him down, said Sir Gareth. So it is better that we do, said Sir Dinadan, than

Sir Tristram be shamed, for yonder hoveth the strong knight with the silver shield to fall upon Sir Tristram if

need be. Then forthwithal Gareth rushed upon Sir Launcelot, and gave him a great stroke upon his helm so

hard that he was astonied. And then came Sir Dinadan with a spear, and he smote Sir Launcelot such a buffet

that horse and all fell to the earth. O Jesu, said Sir Tristram to Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan, fie for shame, why

did ye smite down so good a knight as he is, and namely when I had ado with him? now ye do yourself great

shame, and him no disworship; for I held him reasonable hot, though ye had not holpen me.

Then came Sir Palomides that was disguised, and smote down Sir Dinadan from his horse. Then Sir

Launcelot, because Sir Dinadan had smitten him aforehand, then Sir Launcelot assailed Sir Dinadan passing

sore, and Sir Dinadan defended him mightily. But well understood Sir Tristram that Sir Dinadan might not

endure Sir Launcelot, wherefore Sir Tristram was sorry. Then came Sir Palomides fresh upon Sir Tristram.

And when Sir Tristram saw him come, he thought to deliver him at once, because that he would help Sir

Dinadan, because he stood in great peril with Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Tristram hurtled unto Sir Palomides

and gave him a great buffet, and then Sir Tristram gat Sir Palomides and pulled him down underneath him.

And so fell Sir Tristram with him; and Sir Tristram leapt up lightly and left Sir Palomides, and went betwixt

Right so Sir Dinadan gat Sir Tristram's horse, and said on high that Sir Launcelot might hear it: My lord Sir

Tristram, take your horse. And when Sir Launcelot heard him name Sir Tristram: O Jesu, said Launcelot,

what have I done? I am dishonoured. Ah, my lord Sir Tristram, said Launcelot, why were ye disguised? ye

have put yourself in great peril this day; but I pray you noble knight to pardon me, for an I had known you we

had not done this battle. Sir, said Sir Tristram, this is not the first kindness ye showed me. So they were both

Then all the people on the one side gave Sir Launcelot the honour and the degree, and on the other side all the

people gave to the noble knight Sir Tristram the honour and the degree; but Launcelot said nay thereto: For I

am not worthy to have this honour, for I will report me unto all knights that Sir Tristram hath been longer in

the field than I, and he hath smitten down many more knights this day than I have done. And therefore I will

give Sir Tristram my voice and my name, and so I pray all my lords and fellows so to do. Then there was the

whole voice of dukes and earls, barons and knights, that Sir Tristram this day is proved the best knight.

CHAPTER LXXVII. How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides followed and

THEN they blew unto lodging, and Queen Isoud was led unto her pavilions. But wit you well she was wroth

out of measure with Sir Palomides, for she saw all his treason from the beginning to the ending. And all this

while neither Sir Tristram, neither Sir Gareth nor Dinadan, knew not of the treason of Sir Palomides; but

afterward ye shall hear that there befell the greatest debate betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides that might

So when the tournament was done, Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Dinadan, rode with La Beale Isoud to these

pavilions. And ever Sir Palomides rode with them in their company disguised as he was. But when Sir

Tristram had espied him that he was the same knight with the shield of silver that held him so hot that day:

Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well here is none that hath need of your fellowship, and therefore I pray

you depart from us. Sir Palomides answered again as though he had not known Sir Tristram: Wit you well, sir

knight, from this fellowship will I never depart, for one of the best knights of the world commanded me to be

in this company, and till he discharge me of my service I will not be discharged. By that Sir Tristram knew

that it was Sir Palomides. Ah, Sir Palomides, said the noble knight Sir Tristram, are ye such a knight? Ye

have been named wrong, for ye have long been called a gentle knight, and as this day ye have showed me

great ungentleness, for ye had almost brought me unto my death. But, as for you, I suppose I should have

done well enough, but Sir Launcelot with you was overmuch; for I know no knight living but Sir Launcelot is

over good for him, an he will do his uttermost. Alas, said Sir Palomides, are ye my lord Sir Tristram? Yea,

sir, and that ye know well enough. By my knighthood, said Palomides, until now I knew you not; I weened

that ye had been the King of Ireland, for well I wot ye bare his arms. His arms I bare, said Sir Tristram, and

that will I stand by, for I won them once in a field of a full noble knight, his name was Sir Marhaus; and with

great pain I won that knight, for there was none other recover, but Sir Marhaus died through false leeches;

and yet was he never yolden to me. Sir, said Palomides, I weened ye had been turned upon Sir Launcelot's

party, and that caused me to turn. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, and so I take you, and I forgive you.

So then they rode into their pavilions; and when they were alighted they unarmed them and washed their

faces and hands, and so yode unto meat, and were set at their table. But when Isoud saw Sir Palomides she

changed then her colours, and for wrath she might not speak. Anon Sir Tristram espied her countenance and

said: Madam, for what cause make ye us such cheer? we have been sore travailed this day. Mine own lord,

said La Beale Isoud, for God's sake be ye not displeased with me, for I may none otherwise do; for I saw this

day how ye were betrayed and nigh brought to your death. Truly, sir, I saw every deal, how and in what wise,

and therefore, sir, how should I suffer in your presence such a felon and traitor as Sir Palomides; for I saw

him with mine eyes, how he beheld you when ye went out of the field. For ever he hoved still upon his horse

till he saw you come in againward. And then forthwithal I saw him ride to the hurt knight, and changed

harness with him, and then straight I saw him how he rode into the field. And anon as he had found you he

encountered with you, and thus wilfully Sir Palomides did battle with you; and as for him, sir, I was not

greatly afraid, but I dread sore Launcelot, that knew you not. Madam, said Palomides, ye may say whatso ye

will, I may not contrary you, but by my knighthood I knew not Sir Tristram. Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram,

I will take your excuse, but well I wot ye spared me but little, but all is pardoned on my part. Then La Beale

CHAPTER LXXVIII. How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their pavilions as they sat at supper,

AND therewithal two knights armed came unto the pavilion, and there they alighted both, and came in armed

at all pieces. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, ye are to blame to come thus armed at all pieces upon me while

we are at our meat; if ye would anything when we were in the field there might ye have eased your hearts.

Not so, said the one of those knights, we come not for that intent, but wit ye well Sir Tristram, we be come

hither as your friends. And I am come here, said the one, for to see you, and this knight is come for to see La

Beale Isoud. Then said Sir Tristram: I require you do off your helms that I may see you. That will we do at

your desire, said the knights. And when their helms were off, Sir Tristram thought that he should know them.

Then said Sir Dinadan privily unto Sir Tristram: Sir, that is Sir Launcelot du Lake that spake unto you first,

and the other is my lord King Arthur. Then, said Sir Tristram unto La Beale Isoud, Madam arise, for here is

my lord, King Arthur. Then the king and the queen kissed, and Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram braced either

other in arms, and then there was joy without measure; and at the request of La Beale Isoud, King Arthur and

Launcelot were unarmed, and then there was merry talking. Madam, said Sir Arthur, it is many a day sithen

that I have desired to see you, for ye have been praised so far; and now I dare say ye are the fairest that ever I

saw, and Sir Tristram is as fair and as good a knight as any that I know; therefore me beseemeth ye are well

beset together. Sir, God thank you, said the noble knight, Sir Tristram, and Isoud; of your great goodness and

largess ye are peerless. Thus they talked of many things and of all the whole jousts. But for what cause, said

King Arthur, were ye, Sir Tristram, against us? Ye are a knight of the Table Round; of right ye should have

been with us. Sir, said Sir Tristram, here is Dinadan, and Sir Gareth your own nephew, caused me to be

against you. My lord Arthur, said Gareth, I may well bear the blame, but it were Sir Tristram's own deeds.

That may I repent, said Dinadan, for this unhappy Sir Tristram brought us to this tournament, and many great

buffets he caused us to have. Then the king and Launcelot laughed that they might not sit.

What knight was that, said Arthur, that held you so short, this with the shield of silver? Sir, said Sir Tristram,

here he sitteth at this board. What, said Arthur, was it Sir Palomides? Wit ye well it was he, said La Beale

Isoud. So God me help, said Arthur, that was unknightly done of you of so good a knight, for I have heard

many people call you a courteous knight. Sir, said Palomides, I knew not Sir Tristram, for he was so

disguised. So God me help, said Launcelot, it may well be, for I knew not Sir Tristram; but I marvel why ye

turned on our party. That was done for the same cause, said Launcelot. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I have

pardoned him, and I would be right loath to leave his fellowship, for I love right well his company: so they

And in the evening King Arthur and Sir Launcelot departed unto their lodging; but wit ye well Sir Palomides

had envy heartily, for all that night he had never rest in his bed, but wailed and wept out of measure. So on

the morn Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Dinadan arose early, and then they went unto Sir Palomides' chamber, and

there they found him fast asleep, for he had all night watched, and it was seen upon his cheeks that he had

wept full sore. Say nothing, said Sir Tristram, for I am sure he hath taken anger and sorrow for the rebuke

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

THEN Sir Tristram let call Sir Palomides, and bade him make him ready, for it was time to go to the field.

When they were ready they were armed, and clothed all in red, both Isoud and all they; and so they led her

passing freshly through the field, into the priory where was her lodging. And then they heard three blasts

blow, and every king and knight dressed him unto the field. And the first that was ready to joust was Sir

Palomides and Sir Kainus le Strange, a knight of the Table Round. And so they two encountered together, but

Sir Palomides smote Sir Kainus so hard that he smote him quite over his horse's croup. And forthwithal Sir

Palomides smote down another knight, and brake then his spear, and pulled out his sword and did wonderly

well. And then the noise began greatly upon Sir Palomides. Lo, said King Arthur, yonder Palomides

beginneth to play his pageant. So God me help, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight. And right as they

stood talking thus, in came Sir Tristram as thunder, and he encountered with Sir Kay the Seneschal, and there

he smote him down quite from his horse; and with that same spear Sir Tristram smote down three knights

more, and then he pulled out his sword and did marvellously. Then the noise and cry changed from Sir

Palomides and turned to Sir Tristram, and all the people cried: O Tristram, O Tristram. And then was Sir

How now, said Launcelot unto Arthur, yonder rideth a knight that playeth his pageants. So God me help, said

Arthur to Launcelot, ye shall see this day that yonder two knights shall here do this day wonders. Sir, said

Launcelot, the one knight waiteth upon the other, and enforceth himself through envy to pass the noble knight

Sir Tristram, and he knoweth not of the privy envy the which Sir Palomides hath to him; for all that the noble

Sir Tristram doth is through clean knighthood. And then Sir Gareth and Dinadan did wonderly great deeds of

arms, as two noble knights, so that King Arthur spake of them great honour and worship; and the kings and

knights of Sir Tristram's side did passingly well, and held them truly together. Then Sir Arthur and Sir

Launcelot took their horses and dressed them, and gat into the thickest of the press. And there Sir Tristram

unknowing smote down King Arthur, and then Sir Launcelot would have rescued him, but there were so

many upon Sir Launcelot that they pulled him down from his horse. And then the King of Ireland and the

King of Scots with their knights did their pain to take King Arthur and Sir Launcelot prisoner. When Sir

Launcelot heard them say so, he fared as it had been an hungry lion, for he fared so that no knight durst nigh

Then came Sir Ector de Maris, and he bare a spear against Sir Palomides, and brast it upon him all to shivers.

And then Sir Ector came again and gave Sir Palomides such a dash with a sword that he stooped down upon

his saddle bow. And forthwithal Sir Ector pulled down Sir Palomides under his feet; and then Sir Ector de

Maris gat Sir Launcelot du Lake an horse, and brought it to him, and bade him mount upon him; but Sir

Palomides leapt afore and gat the horse by the bridle, and leapt into the saddle. So God me help, said

Launcelot, ye are better worthy to have that horse than I. Then Sir Ector brought Sir Launcelot another horse.

Gramercy, said Launcelot unto his brother. And so when he was horsed again, with one spear he smote down

four knights. And then Sir Launcelot brought to King Arthur one of the best of the four horses. Then Sir

Launcelot with King Arthur and a few of his knights of Sir Launcelot's kin did marvellous deeds; for that

time, as the book recordeth, Sir Launcelot smote down and pulled down thirty knights. Notwithstanding the

other party held them so fast together that King Arthur and his knights were overmatched. And when Sir

Tristram saw that, what labour King Arthur and his knights, and in especial the noble deeds that Sir

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

THEN Sir Tristram called unto him Sir Palomides, Sir Gareth, and Sir Dinadan, and said thus to them: My

fair fellows, wit ye well that I will turn unto King Arthur's party, for I saw never so few men do so well, and

it will be shame unto us knights that be of the Round Table to see our lord King Arthur, and that noble knight

Sir Launcelot, to be dishonoured. It will be well done, said Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan. Do your best, said

Palomides, for I will not change my party that I came in withal. That is for my sake, said Sir Tristram; God

speed you in your journey. And so departed Sir Palomides from them. Then Sir Tristram, Gareth, and

Dinadan, turned with Sir Launcelot. And then Sir Launcelot smote down the King of Ireland quite from his

horse; and so Sir Launcelot smote down the King of Scots, and the King of Wales; and then Sir Arthur ran

unto Sir Palomides and smote him quite from his horse; and then Sir Tristram bare down all that he met. Sir

Gareth and Sir Dinadan did there as noble knights; then all the parties began to flee. Alas, said Palomides,

that ever I should see this day, for now have I lost all the worship that I won; and then Sir Palomides went his

way wailing, and so withdrew him till he came to a well, and there he put his horse from him, and did off his

armour, and wailed and wept like as he had been a wood man. Then many knights gave the prize to Sir

Tristram, and there were many that gave the prize unto Sir Launcelot. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, I thank

you of the honour ye would give me, but I pray you heartily that ye would give your voice to Sir Launcelot,

for by my faith said Sir Tristram, I will give Sir Launcelot my voice. But Sir Launcelot would not have it, and

Then every man rode to his lodging, and Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector rode with Sir Tristram and La Beale

Isoud unto their pavilions. Then as Sir Palomides was at the well wailing and weeping, there came by him

flying the kings of Wales and of Scotland, and they saw Sir Palomides in that arage. Alas, said they, that so

noble a man as ye be should be in this array. And then those kings gat Sir Palomides' horse again, and made

him to arm him and mount upon his horse, and so he rode with them, making great dole. So when Sir

Palomides came nigh the pavilions thereas Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud was in, then Sir Palomides prayed

the two kings to abide him there the while that he spake with Sir Tristram. And when he came to the port of

the pavilions, Sir Palomides said on high: Where art thou, Sir Tristram de Liones? Sir, said Dinadan, that is

Palomides. What, Sir Palomides, will ye not come in here among us? Fie on thee traitor, said Palomides, for

wit you well an it were daylight as it is night I should slay thee, mine own hands. And if ever I may get thee,

said Palomides, thou shalt die for this day's deed. Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, ye wite me with wrong,

for had ye done as I did ye had won worship. But sithen ye give me so large warning I shall be well ware of

Then on the morn Sir Tristram, Bleoberis, and Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Gareth, Sir Dinadan, what by water and

what by land, they brought La Beale Isoud unto Joyous Gard, and there reposed them a seven night, and

made all the mirths and disports that they could devise. And King Arthur and his knights drew unto Camelot,

and Sir Palomides rode with the two kings; and ever he made the greatest dole that any man could think, for

he was not all only so dolorous for the departing from La Beale Isoud, but he was a part as sorrowful to

depart from the fellowship of Sir Tristram; for Sir Tristram was so kind and so gentle that when Sir

CHAPTER LXXXI. How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector reported to Queen Guenever of the beauty of La

SO at the seven nights' end Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector departed from Sir Tristram and from the queen; and

these two good knights had great gifts; and Sir Gareth and Sir Dinadan abode with Sir Tristram. And when

Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector were come there as the Queen Guenever was lodged, in a castle by the seaside,

and through the grace of God the queen was recovered of her malady, then she asked the two knights from

whence they came. They said that they came from Sir Tristram and from La Beale Isoud. How doth Sir

Tristram, said the queen, and La Beale Isoud? Truly, said those two knights, he doth as a noble knight should

do; and as for the Queen Isoud, she is peerless of all ladies; for to speak of her beauty, bounte', and mirth, and

of her goodness, we saw never her match as far as we have ridden and gone. O mercy Jesu, said Queen

Guenever, so saith all the people that have seen her and spoken with her. God would that I had part of her

conditions; and it is misfortuned me of my sickness while that tournament endured. And as I suppose I shall

never see in all my life such an assembly of knights and ladies as ye have done.

Then the knights told her how Palomides won the degree at the first day with great noblesse; and the second

day Sir Tristram won the degree; and the third day Sir Launcelot won the degree. Well, said Queen Guenever,

who did best all these three days? So God me help, said these knights, Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram had

least dishonour. And wit ye well Sir Palomides did passing well and mightily; but he turned against the party

that he came in withal, and that caused him to lose a great part of his worship, for it seemed that Sir

Palomides is passing envious. Then shall he never win worship, said Queen Guenever, for an it happeth an

envious man once to win worship he shall be dishonoured twice therefore; and for this cause all men of

worship hate an envious man, and will shew him no favour, and he that is courteous, and kind, and gentle,

CHAPTER LXXXII. How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir Palomides came and found him,

NOW leave we of this matter and speak we of Sir Palomides, that rode and lodged him with the two kings,

whereof the kings were heavy. Then the King of Ireland sent a man of his to Sir Palomides, and gave him a

great courser, and the King of Scotland gave him great gifts; and fain they would have had Sir Palomides to

have abiden with them, but in no wise he would abide; and so he departed, and rode as adventures would

guide him, till it was nigh noon. And then in a forest by a well Sir Palomides saw where lay a fair wounded

knight and his horse bounden by him; and that knight made the greatest dole that ever he heard man make, for

ever he wept, and therewith he sighed as though he would die. Then Sir Palomides rode near him and saluted

him mildly and said: Fair knight, why wail ye so? let me lie down and wail with you, for doubt not I am

much more heavier than ye are; for I dare say, said Palomides, that my sorrow is an hundred fold more than

yours is, and therefore let us complain either to other. First, said the wounded knight, I require you tell me

your name, for an thou be none of the noble knights of the Round Table thou shalt never know my name,

whatsomever come of me. Fair knight, said Palomides, such as I am, be it better or be it worse, wit thou well

that my name is Sir Palomides, son and heir unto King Astlabor, and Sir Safere and Sir Segwarides are my

two brethren; and wit thou well as for myself I was never christened, but my two brethren are truly

christened. O noble knight, said that knight, well is me that I have met with you; and wit ye well my name is

Epinogris, the king's son of Northumberland. Now sit down, said Epinogris, and let us either complain to

Then Sir Palomides began his complaint. Now shall I tell you, said Palomides, what woe I endure. I love the

fairest queen and lady that ever bare life, and wit ye well her name is La Beale Isoud, King Mark's wife of

Cornwall. That is great folly, said Epinogris, for to love Queen Isoud, for one of the best knights of the world

loveth her, that is Sir Tristram de Liones. That is truth, said Palomides, for no man knoweth that matter better

than I do, for I have been in Sir Tristram's fellowship this month, and with La Beale Isoud together; and alas,

said Palomides, unhappy man that I am, now have I lost the fellowship of Sir Tristram for ever, and the love

of La Beale Isoud for ever, and I am never like to see her more, and Sir Tristram and I be either to other

mortal enemies. Well, said Epinogris, sith that ye loved La Beale Isoud, loved she you ever again by anything

that ye could think or wit, or else did ye rejoice her ever in any pleasure? Nay, by my knighthood, said

Palomides, I never espied that ever she loved me more than all the world, nor never had I pleasure with her,

but the last day she gave me the greatest rebuke that ever I had, the which shall never go from my heart. And

yet I well deserved that rebuke, for I did not knightly, and therefore I have lost the love of her and of Sir

Tristram for ever; and I have many times enforced myself to do many deeds for La Beale Isoud's sake, and

she was the causer of my worshipwinning. Alas, said Sir Palomides, now have I lost all the worship that

ever I won, for never shall me befall such prowess as I had in the fellowship of Sir Tristram.

CHAPTER LXXXIII. How Sir Palomides brought Sir Epinogris his lady; and how Sir Palomides and Sir

NAY, nay, said Epinogris, your sorrow is but japes to my sorrow; for I rejoiced my lady and won her with

my hands, and lost her again: alas that day! Thus first I won her, said Epinogris; my lady was an earl's

daughter, and as the earl and two knights came from the tournament of Lonazep, for her sake I set upon this

earl and on his two knights, my lady there being present; and so by fortune there I slew the earl and one of the

knights, and the other knight fled, and so that night I had my lady. And on the morn as she and I reposed us at

this wellside there came there to me an errant knight, his name was Sir Helior le Preuse, an hardy knight,

and this Sir Helior challenged me to fight for my lady. And then we went to battle first upon horse and after

on foot, but at the last Sir Helior wounded me so that he left me for dead, and so he took my lady with him;

and thus my sorrow is more than yours, for I have rejoiced and ye rejoiced never. That is truth, said

Palomides, but sith I can never recover myself I shall promise you if I can meet with Sir Helior I shall get you

Then Sir Palomides made Sir Epinogris to take his horse, and so they rode to an hermitage, and there Sir

Epinogris rested him. And in the meanwhile Sir Palomides walked privily out to rest him under the leaves,

and there beside he saw a knight come riding with a shield that he had seen Sir Ector de Maris bear

beforehand; and there came after him a ten knights, and so these ten knights hoved under the leaves for heat.

And anon after there came a knight with a green shield and therein a white lion, leading a lady upon a palfrey.

Then this knight with the green shield that seemed to be master of the ten knights, he rode fiercely after Sir

Helior, for it was he that hurt Sir Epinogris. And when he came nigh Sir Helior he bade him defend his lady. I

will defend her, said Helior, unto my power. And so they ran together so mightily that either of these knights

smote other down, horse and all, to the earth; and then they won up lightly and drew their swords and their

shields, and lashed together mightily more than an hour. All this Sir Palomides saw and beheld, but ever at

the last the knight with Sir Ector's shield was bigger, and at the last this knight smote Sir Helior down, and

then that knight unlaced his helm to have stricken off his head. And then he cried mercy, and prayed him to

save his life, and bade him take his lady. Then Sir Palomides dressed him up, because he wist well that that

Then Sir Palomides went straight to that lady, and took her by the hand, and asked her whether she knew a

knight that hight Epinogris. Alas, she said, that ever he knew me or I him, for I have for his sake lost my

worship, and also his life grieveth me most of all. Not so, lady, said Palomides, come on with me, for here is

Epinogris in this hermitage. Ah! well is me, said the lady, an he be alive. Whither wilt thou with that lady?

said the knight with Sir Ector's shield. I will do with her what me list, said Palomides. Wit you well, said that

knight, thou speakest over large, though thou seemest me to have at advantage, because thou sawest me do

battle but late. Thou weenest, sir knight, to have that lady away from me so lightly? nay, think it never not; an

thou were as good a knight as is Sir Launcelot, or as is Sir Tristram, or Sir Palomides, but thou shalt win her

dearer than ever did I. And so they went unto battle upon foot, and there they gave many sad strokes, and

either wounded other passing sore, and thus they fought still more than an hour.

Then Sir Palomides had marvel what knight he might be that was so strong and so well breathed during, and

thus said Palomides: Knight, I require thee tell me thy name. Wit thou well, said that knight, I dare tell thee

my name, so that thou wilt tell me thy name. I will, said Palomides. Truly, said that knight, my name is

Safere, son of King Astlabor, and Sir Palomides and Sir Segwarides are my brethren. Now, and wit thou well,

my name is Sir Palomides. Then Sir Safere kneeled down upon his knees, and prayed him of mercy; and then

they unlaced their helms and either kissed other weeping. And in the meanwhile Sir Epinogris arose out of his

bed, and heard them by the strokes, and so he armed him to help Sir Palomides if need were.

CHAPTER LXXXIV. How Sir Palomides and Sir Safere conducted Sir Epinogris to his castle, and of

THEN Sir Palomides took the lady by the hand and brought her to Sir Epinogris, and there was great joy

betwixt them, for either swooned for joy. When they were met: Fair knight and lady, said Sir Safere, it were

pity to depart you; Jesu send you joy either of other. Gramercy, gentle knight, said Epinogris; and much more

thanks be to my lord Sir Palomides, that thus hath through his prowess made me to get my lady. Then Sir

Epinogris required Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, his brother, to ride with them unto his castle, for the

safeguard of his person. Sir, said Palomides, we will be ready to conduct you because that ye are sore

wounded; and so was Epinogris and his lady horsed, and his lady behind him upon a soft ambler. And then

they rode unto his castle, where they had great cheer and joy, as great as ever Sir Palomides and Sir Safere

So on the morn Sir Safere and Sir Palomides departed, day until after noon. And at the last they heard a great

weeping and a great noise down in a manor. Sir, said then Sir Safere, let us wit what noise this is. I will well,

said Sir Palomides. And so they rode forth till that they came to a fair gate of a manor, and there sat an old

man saying his prayers and beads. Then Sir Palomides and Sir Safere alighted and left their horses, and went

within the gates, and there they saw full many goodly men weeping. Fair sirs, said Palomides, wherefore

weep ye and make this sorrow? Anon one of the knights of the castle beheld Sir Palomides and knew him,

and then went to his fellows and said: Fair fellows, wit ye well all, we have in this castle the same knight that

slew our lord at Lonazep, for I know him well; it is Sir Palomides. Then they went unto harness, all that

might bear harness, some on horseback and some on foot, to the number of three score. And when they were

ready they came freshly upon Sir Palomides and upon Sir Safere with a great noise, and said thus: Keep thee,

Sir Palomides, for thou art known, and by right thou must be dead, for thou hast slain our lord; and therefore

Then Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, the one set his back to the other, and gave many great strokes, and took

many great strokes; and thus they fought with a twenty knights and forty gentlemen and yeomen nigh two

hours. But at the last though they were loath, Sir Palomides and Sir Safere were taken and yolden, and put in

a strong prison; and within three days twelve knights passed upon them, and they found Sir Palomides guilty,

and Sir Safere not guilty, of their lord's death. And when Sir Safere should be delivered there was great dole

betwixt Sir Palomides and him, and many piteous complaints that Sir Safere made at his departing, there is no

maker can rehearse the tenth part. Fair brother, said Palomides, let be thy dolour and thy sorrow. And if I be

ordained to die a shameful death, welcome be it; but an I had wist of this death that I am deemed unto, I

should never have been yolden. So Sir Safere departed from his brother with the greatest dolour and sorrow

And on the morn they of the castle ordained twelve knights to ride with Sir Palomides unto the father of the

same knight that Sir Palomides slew; and so they bound his legs under an old steed's belly. And then they

rode with Sir Palomides unto a castle by the seaside, that hight Pelownes, and there Sir Palomides should

have justice. Thus was their ordinance; and so they rode with Sir Palomides fast by the castle of Joyous Gard.

And as they passed by that castle there came riding out of that castle by them one that knew Sir Palomides.

And when that knight saw Sir Palomides bounden upon a crooked courser, the knight asked Sir Palomides for

what cause he was led so. Ah, my fair fellow and knight, said Palomides, I ride toward my death for the

slaying of a knight at a tournament of Lonazep; and if I had not departed from my lord Sir Tristram, as I

ought not to have done, now might I have been sure to have had my life saved; but I pray you, sir knight,

recommend me unto my lord, Sir Tristram, and unto my lady, Queen Isoud, and say to them if ever I

trespassed to them I ask them forgiveness. And also I beseech you recommend me unto my lord, King Arthur,

and to all the fellowship of the Round Table, unto my power. Then that knight wept for pity of Sir Palomides;

and therewithal he rode unto Joyous Gard as fast as his horse might run, and lightly that knight descended

down off his horse and went unto Sir Tristram, and there he told him all as ye have heard, and ever the knight

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

WHEN Sir Tristram heard how Sir Palomides went to his death, he was heavy to hear that, and said: Howbeit

that I am wroth with Sir Palomides, yet will not I suffer him to die so shameful a death, for he is a full noble

knight. And then anon Sir Tristram was armed and took his horse and two squires with him, and rode a great

pace toward the castle of Pelownes where Sir Palomides was judged to death. And these twelve knights that

led Sir Palomides passed by a well whereas Sir Launcelot was, which was alighted there, and had tied his

horse to a tree, and taken off his helm to drink of that well; and when he saw these knights, Sir Launcelot put

on his helm and suffered them to pass by him. And then was he ware of Sir Palomides bounden, and led

shamefully to his death. O Jesu, said Launcelot, what misadventure is befallen him that he is thus led toward

his death? Forsooth, said Launcelot, it were shame to me to suffer this noble knight so to die an I might help

him, therefore I will help him whatsomever come of it, or else I shall die for Sir Palomides' sake. And then

Sir Launcelot mounted upon his horse, and gat his spear in his hand, and rode after the twelve knights that led

Sir Palomides. Fair knights, said Sir Launcelot, whither lead ye that knight? it beseemeth him full ill to ride

bounden. Then these twelve knights suddenly turned their horses and said to Sir Launcelot: Sir knight, we

counsel thee not to meddle with this knight, for he hath deserved death, and unto death he is judged. That me

repenteth, said Launcelot, that I may not borrow him with fairness, for he is over good a knight to die such a

shameful death. And therefore, fair knights, said Sir Launcelot, keep you as well as ye can, for I will rescue

Then they began to dress their spears, and Sir Launcelot smote the foremost down, horse and man, and so he

served three more with one spear; and then that spear brast, and therewithal Sir Launcelot drew his sword,

and then he smote on the right hand and on the left hand. Then within a while he left none of those twelve

knights, but he had laid them to the earth, and the most part of them were sore wounded. And then Sir

Launcelot took the best horse that he found, and loosed Sir Palomides and set him upon that horse; and so

they returned again unto Joyous Gard, and then was Sir Palomides ware of Sir Tristram how he came riding.

And when Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him well, but Sir Tristram knew him not because Sir Launcelot

had on his shoulder a golden shield. So Sir Launcelot made him ready to joust with Sir Tristram, that Sir

Tristram should not ween that he were Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Palomides cried aloud to Sir Tristram: O my

lord, I require you joust not with this knight, for this good knight hath saved me from my death. When Sir

Tristram heard him say so he came a soft trotting pace toward them. And then Sir Palomides said: My lord,

Sir Tristram, much am I beholding unto you of your great goodness, that would proffer your noble body to

rescue me undeserved, for I have greatly offended you. Notwithstanding, said Sir Palomides, here met we

with this noble knight that worshipfully and manly rescued me from twelve knights, and smote them down all

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

FAIR knight, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Launcelot, of whence be ye? I am a knight errant, said Sir Launcelot,

that rideth to seek many adventures. What is your name? said Sir Tristram. Sir, at this time I will not tell you.

Then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Tristram and to Palomides: Now either of you are met together I will depart

from you. Not so, said Sir Tristram; I pray you of knighthood to ride with me unto my castle. Wit you well,

said Sir Launcelot, I may not ride with you, for I have many deeds to do in other places, that at this time I

may not abide with you. Ah, mercy Jesu, said Sir Tristram, I require you as ye be a true knight to the order of

knighthood, play you with me this night. Then Sir Tristram had a grant of Sir Launcelot: howbeit though he

had not desired him he would have ridden with them, outher soon have come after them; for Sir Launcelot

came for none other cause into that country but for to see Sir Tristram. And when they were come within

Joyous Gard they alighted, and their horses were led into a stable; and then they unarmed them. And when Sir

Launcelot was unhelmed, Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides knew him. Then Sir Tristram took Sir Launcelot in

arms, and so did La Beale Isoud; and Palomides kneeled down upon his knees and thanked Sir Launcelot.

When Sir Launcelot saw Sir Palomides kneel he lightly took him up and said thus: Wit thou well, Sir

Palomides, I and any knight in this land, of worship ought of very right succour and rescue so noble a knight

as ye are proved and renowned, throughout all this realm endlong and overthwart. And then was there joy

among them, and the oftener that Sir Palomides saw La Beale Isoud the heavier he waxed day by day.

Then Sir Launcelot within three or four days departed, and with him rode Sir Ector de Maris; and Dinadan

and Sir Palomides were there left with Sir Tristram a two months and more. But ever Sir Palomides faded and

mourned, that all men had marvel wherefore he faded so away. So upon a day, in the dawning, Sir Palomides

went into the forest by himself alone; and there he found a well, and then he looked into the well, and in the

water he saw his own visage, how he was disturbed and defaded, nothing like that he was. What may this

mean? said Sir Palomides, and thus he said to himself: Ah, Palomides, Palomides, why art thou defaded, thou

that was wont to be called one of the fairest knights of the world? I will no more lead this life, for I love that I

may never get nor recover. And therewithal he laid him down by the well. And then he began to make a

And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram was that same day ridden into the forest to chase the hart of greese; but Sir

Tristram would not ride ahunting never more unarmed, because of Sir Breuse Saunce Pite'. And so as Sir

Tristram rode into that forest up and down, he heard one sing marvellously loud, and that was Sir Palomides

that lay by the well. And then Sir Tristram rode softly thither, for he deemed there was some knight errant

that was at the well. And when Sir Tristram came nigh him he descended down from his horse and tied his

horse fast till a tree, and then he came near him on foot; and anon he was ware where lay Sir Palomides by

the well and sang loud and merrily; and ever the complaints were of that noble queen, La Beale Isoud, the

which was marvellously and wonderfully well said, and full dolefully and piteously made. And all the whole

song the noble knight, Sir Tristram, heard from the beginning to the ending, the which grieved and troubled

But then at the last, when Sir Tristram had heard all Sir Palomides' complaints, he was wroth out of measure,

and thought for to slay him thereas he lay. Then Sir Tristram remembered himself that Sir Palomides was

unarmed, and of the noble name that Sir Palomides had, and the noble name that himself had, and then he

made a restraint of his anger; and so he went unto Sir Palomides a soft pace and said: Sir Palomides, I have

heard your complaint, and of thy treason that thou hast owed me so long, and wit thou well therefore thou

shalt die; and if it were not for shame of knighthood thou shouldest not escape my hands, for now I know

well thou hast awaited me with treason. Tell me, said Sir Tristram, how thou wilt acquit thee? Sir, said

Palomides, thus I will acquit me: as for Queen La Beale Isoud, ye shall wit well that I love her above all other

ladies in this world; and well I wot it shall befall me as for her love as befell to the noble knight Sir Kehydius,

that died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And now, Sir Tristram, I will that ye wit that I have loved La Beale

Isoud many a day, and she hath been the causer of my worship, and else I had been the most simplest knight

in the world. For by her, and because of her, I have won the worship that I have; for when I remembered me

of La Beale Isoud I won the worship wheresomever I came for the most part; and yet had I never reward nor

bounte' of her the days of my life, and yet have I been her knight guerdonless. And therefore, Sir Tristram, as

for any death I dread not, for I had as lief die as to live. And if I were armed as thou art, I should lightly do

battle with thee. Well have ye uttered your treason, said Tristram. I have done to you no treason, said

Palomides, for love is free for all men, and though I have loved your lady, she is my lady as well as yours;

howbeit I have wrong if any wrong be, for ye rejoice her, and have your desire of her, and so had I never nor

never am like to have, and yet shall I love her to the uttermost days of my life as well as ye.

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

THEN said Sir Tristram: I will fight with you to the uttermost. I grant, said Palomides, for in a better quarrel

keep I never to fight, for an I die of your hands, of a better knight's hands may I not be slain. And sithen I

understand that I shall never rejoice La Beale Isoud, I have as good will to die as to live. Then set ye a day,

said Sir Tristram, that we shall do battle. This day fifteen days, said Palomides, will I meet with you hereby,

in the meadow under Joyous Gard. Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, will ye set so long day? let us fight

tomorn. Not so, said Palomides, for I am meagre, and have been long sick for the love of La Beale Isoud,

and therefore I will repose me till I have my strength again. So then Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides promised

faith fully to meet at the well that day fifteen days. I am remembered, said Sir Tristram to Palomides, that ye

brake me once a promise when that I rescued you from Breuse Saunce Pite' and nine knights; and then ye

promised me to meet me at the peron and the grave beside Camelot, whereas at that time ye failed of your

promise. Wit you well, said Palomides unto Sir Tristram, I was at that day in prison, so that I might not hold

my promise. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, an ye had holden your promise this work had not been here

Right so departed Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides. And so Sir Palomides took his horse and his harness, and

he rode unto King Arthur's court; and there Sir Palomides gat him four knights and four sergeantsofarms,

and so he returned againward unto Joyous Gard. And in the meanwhile Sir Tristram chased and hunted at all

manner of venery; and about three days afore the battle should be, as Sir Tristram chased an hart, there was

an archer shot at the hart, and by misfortune he smote Sir Tristram in the thick of the thigh, and the arrow

slew Sir Tristram's horse and hurt him. When Sir Tristram was so hurt he was passing heavy, and wit ye well

he bled sore; and then he took another horse, and rode unto Joyous Gard with great heaviness, more for the

promise that he had made with Sir Palomides, as to do battle with him within three days after, than for any

hurt of his thigh. Wherefore there was neither man nor woman that could cheer him with anything that they

could make to him, neither Queen La Beale Isoud; for ever he deemed that Sir Palomides had smitten him so

CHAPTER LXXXVIII. How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but Sir Tristram might not

BUT in no wise there was no knight about Sir Tristram that would believe that ever Sir Palomides would hurt

Sir Tristram, neither by his own hands nor by none other consenting. Then when the fifteenth day was come,

Sir Palomides came to the well with four knights with him of Arthur's court, and three sergeantsofarms.

And for this intent Sir Palomides brought the knights with him and the sergeantsofarms, for they should

bear record of the battle betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides. And the one sergeant brought in his helm,

the other his spear, the third his sword. So thus Palomides came into the field, and there he abode nigh two

hours; and then he sent a squire unto Sir Tristram, and desired him to come into the field to hold his promise.

When the squire was come to Joyous Gard, anon as Sir Tristram heard of his coming he let command that the

squire should come to his presence thereas he lay in his bed. My lord Sir Tristram, said Palomides' squire, wit

you well my lord, Palomides, abideth you in the field, and he would wit whether ye would do battle or not.

Ah, my fair brother, said Sir Tristram, wit thou well that I am right heavy for these tidings; therefore tell Sir

Palomides an I were well at ease I would not lie here, nor he should have no need to send for me an I might

either ride or go; and for thou shalt say that I am no liarSir Tristram showed him his thigh that the wound

was six inches deep. And now thou hast seen my hurt, tell thy lord that this is no feigned matter, and tell him

that I had liefer than all the gold of King Arthur that I were whole; and tell Palomides as soon as I am whole I

shall seek him endlong and overthwart, and that I promise you as I am true knight; and if ever I may meet

with him, he shall have battle of me his fill. And with this the squire departed; and when Palomides wist that

Tristram was hurt he was glad and said: Now I am sure I shall have no shame, for I wot well I should have

had hard handling of him, and by likely I must needs have had the worse, for he is the hardest knight in battle

And then departed Sir Palomides whereas fortune led him, and within a month Sir Tristram was whole of his

hurt. And then he took his horse, and rode from country to country, and all strange adventures he achieved

wheresomever he rode; and always he enquired for Sir Palomides, but of all that quarter of summer Sir

Tristram could never meet with Sir Palomides. But thus as Sir Tristram sought and enquired after Sir

Palomides Sir Tristram achieved many great battles, wherethrough all the noise fell to Sir Tristram, and it

ceased of Sir Launcelot; and therefore Sir Launcelot's brethren and his kinsmen would have slain Sir Tristram

because of his fame. But when Sir Launcelot wist how his kinsmen were set, he said to them openly: Wit you

well, that an the envy of you all be so hardy to wait upon my lord, Sir Tristram, with any hurt, shame, or

villainy, as I am true knight I shall slay the best of you with mine own hands Alas, fie for shame, should ye

for his noble deeds await upon him to slay him. Jesu defend, said Launcelot, that ever any noble knight as Sir

Tristram is should be destroyed with treason. Of this noise and fame sprang into Cornwall, and among them

of Liones, whereof they were passing glad, and made great joy. And then they of Liones sent letters unto Sir

Tristram of recommendation, and many great gifts to maintain Sir Tristram's estate; and ever, between, Sir

Tristram resorted unto Joyous Gard whereas La Beale Isoud was, that loved him as her life.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous lady from her pain,

NOW leave we Sir Tristram de Liones, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake, and of Sir Galahad, Sir

Launcelot's son, how he was gotten, and in what manner, as the book of French rehearseth. Afore the time

that Sir Galahad was gotten or born, there came in an hermit unto King Arthur upon Whitsunday, as the

knights sat at the Table Round. And when the hermit saw the Siege Perilous, he asked the king and all the

knights why that siege was void. Sir Arthur and all the knights answered: There shall never none sit in that

siege but one, but if he be destroyed. Then said the hermit: Wot ye what is he? Nay, said Arthur and all the

knights, we wot not who is he that shall sit therein. Then wot I, said the hermit, for he that shall sit there is

unborn and ungotten, and this same year he shall be gotten that shall sit there in that Siege Perilous, and he

shall win the Sangreal. When this hermit had made this mention he departed from the court of King Arthur.

And then after this feast Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, till on a time by adventure he passed over the

pont of Corbin; and there he saw the fairest tower that ever he saw, and thereunder was a fair town full of

people; and all the people, men and women, cried at once: Welcome, Sir Launcelot du Lake, the flower of all

knighthood, for by thee all we shall be holpen out of danger. What mean ye, said Sir Launcelot, that ye cry so

upon me? Ah, fair knight, said they all, here is within this tower a dolorous lady that hath been there in pains

many winters and days, for ever she boileth in scalding water; and but late, said all the people, Sir Gawaine

was here and he might not help her, and so he left her in pain. So may I, said Sir Launcelot, leave her in pain

as well as Sir Gawaine did. Nay, said the people, we know well that it is Sir Launcelot that shall deliver her.

Then they brought Sir Launcelot into the tower; and when he came to the chamber thereas this lady was, the

doors of iron unlocked and unbolted. And so Sir Launcelot went into the chamber that was as hot as any stew.

And there Sir Launcelot took the fairest lady by the hand that ever he saw, and she was naked as a needle;

and by enchantment Queen Morgan le Fay and the Queen of Northgalis had put her there in that pains,

because she was called the fairest lady of that country; and there she had been five years, and never might she

be delivered out of her great pains unto the time the best knight of the world had taken her by the hand. Then

the people brought her clothes. And when she was arrayed, Sir Launcelot thought she was the fairest lady of

Then this lady said to Sir Launcelot: Sir, if it please you will ye go with me hereby into a chapel that we may

give loving and thanking unto God? Madam, said Sir Launcelot, come on with me, I will go with you. So

when they came there and gave thankings to God all the people, both learned and lewd, gave thankings unto

God and him, and said: Sir knight, since ye have delivered this lady, ye shall deliver us from a serpent there is

here in a tomb. Then Sir Launcelot took his shield and said: Bring me thither, and what I may do unto the

pleasure of God and you I will do. So when Sir Launcelot came thither he saw written upon the tomb letters

of gold that said thus: Here shall come a leopard of king's blood, and he shall slay this serpent, and this

leopard shall engender a lion in this foreign country, the which lion shall pass all other knights. So then Sir

Launcelot lift up the tomb, and there came out an horrible and a fiendly dragon, spitting fire out of his mouth.

Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and fought with the dragon long, and at the last with great pain Sir

Launcelot slew that dragon. Therewithal came King Pelles, the good and noble knight, and saluted Sir

Launcelot, and he him again. Fair knight, said the king, what is your name? I require you of your knighthood

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

SIR, said Launcelot, wit you well my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. And my name is, said the king, Pelles,

king of the foreign country, and cousin nigh unto Joseph of Armathie. And then either of them made much of

other, and so they went into the castle to take their repast. And anon there came in a dove at a window, and in

her mouth there seemed a little censer of gold. And herewithal there was such a savour as all the spicery of

the world had been there. And forthwithal there was upon the table all manner of meats and drinks that they

could think upon. So came in a damosel passing fair and young, and she bare a vessel of gold betwixt her

hands; and thereto the king kneeled devoutly, and said his prayers, and so did all that were there. O Jesu, said

Sir Launcelot, what may this mean? This is, said the king, the richest thing that any man hath living. And

when this thing goeth about, the Round Table shall be broken; and wit thou well, said the king, this is the

holy Sangreal that ye have here seen. So the king and Sir Launcelot led their life the most part of that day.

And fain would King Pelles have found the mean to have had Sir Launcelot to have lain by his daughter, fair

Elaine. And for this intent: the king knew well that Sir Launcelot should get a child upon his daughter, the

which should be named Sir Galahad the good knight, by whom all the foreign country should be brought out

Then came forth a lady that hight Dame Brisen, and she said unto the king: Sir, wit ye well Sir Launcelot

loveth no lady in the world but all only Queen Guenever; and therefore work ye by counsel, and I shall make

him to lie with your daughter, and he shall not wit but that he lieth with Queen Guenever. O fair lady, Dame

Brisen, said the king, hope ye to bring this about? Sir, said she, upon pain of my life let me deal; for this

Brisen was one of the greatest enchantresses that was at that time in the world living. Then anon by Dame

Brisen's wit she made one to come to Sir Launcelot that he knew well. And this man brought him a ring from

Queen Guenever like as it had come from her, and such one as she was wont for the most part to wear; and

when Sir Launcelot saw that token wit ye well he was never so fain. Where is my lady? said Sir Launcelot. In

the Castle of Case, said the messenger, but five mile hence. Then Sir Launcelot thought to be there the same

might. And then this Brisen by the commandment of King Pelles let send Elaine to this castle with

twentyfive knights unto the Castle of Case. Then Sir Launcelot against night rode unto that castle, and there

anon he was received worshipfully with such people, to his seeming, as were about Queen Guenever secret.

So when Sir Launcelot was alighted, he asked where the queen was. So Dame Brisen said she was in her bed;

and then the people were avoided, and Sir Launcelot was led unto his chamber. And then Dame Brisen

brought Sir Launcelot a cup full of wine; and anon as he had drunken that wine he was so assotted and mad

that he might make no delay, but withouten any let he went to bed; and he weened that maiden Elaine had

been Queen Guenever. Wit you well that Sir Launcelot was glad, and so was that lady Elaine that she had

gotten Sir Launcelot in her arms. For well she knew that same night should be gotten upon her Galahad that

should prove the best knight of the world; and so they lay together until underne of the' morn; and all the

windows and holes of that chamber were stopped that no manner of day might be seen. And then Sir

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had lain by Dame Elaine, and

AND anon as he had unshut the window the enchantment was gone; then he knew himself that he had done

amiss. Alas, he said, that I have lived so long; now I am shamed. So then he gat his sword in his hand and

said: Thou traitress, what art thou that I have lain by all this night? thou shalt die right here of my hands.

Then this fair lady Elaine skipped out of her bed all naked, and kneeled down afore Sir Launcelot, and said:

Fair courteous knight, come of king's blood, I require you have mercy upon me, and as thou art renowned the

most noble knight of the world, slay me not, for I have in my womb him by thee that shall be the most

noblest knight of the world. Ah, false traitress, said Sir Launcelot, why hast thou betrayed me? anon tell me

what thou art. Sir, she said, I am Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles. Well, said Sir Launcelot, I will forgive

you this deed; and therewith he took her up in his arms, and kissed her, for she was as fair a lady, and thereto

lusty and young, and as wise, as any was that time living. So God me help, said Sir Launcelot, I may not wite

this to you; but her that made this enchantment upon me as between you and me, an I may find her, that same

Lady Brisen, she shall lose her head for witchcrafts, for there was never knight deceived so as I am this night.

And so Sir Launcelot arrayed him, and armed him, and took his leave mildly at that lady young Elaine, and

so he departed. Then she said: My lord Sir Launcelot, I beseech you see me as soon as ye may, for I have

obeyed me unto the prophecy that my father told me. And by his commandment to fulfil this prophecy I have

given the greatest riches and the fairest flower that ever I had, and that is my maidenhood that I shall never

And so Sir Launcelot arrayed him and was armed, and took his leave mildly at that young lady Elaine; and so

he departed, and rode till he came to the Castle of Corbin, where her father was. And as fast as her time came

she was delivered of a fair child, and they christened him Galahad; and wit ye well that child was well kept

and well nourished, and he was named Galahad because Sir Launcelot was so named at the fountain stone;

Then after this lady was delivered and churched, there came a knight unto her, his name was Sir Bromel la

Pleche, the which was a great lord; and he had loved that lady long, and he evermore desired her to wed her;

and so by no mean she could put him off, till on a day she said to Sir Bromel: Wit thou well, sir knight, I will

not love you, for my love is set upon the best knight of the world. Who is he? said Sir Bromel. Sir, she said, it

is Sir Launcelot du Lake that I love and none other, and therefore woo me no longer. Ye say well, said Sir

Bromel, and sithen ye have told me so much, ye shall have but little joy of Sir Launcelot, for I shall slay him

wheresomever I meet him. Sir, said the Lady Elaine, do to him no treason. Wit ye well, my lady, said

Bromel, and I promise you this twelvemonth I shall keep the pont of Corbin for Sir Launcelot's sake, that he

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

THEN as it fell by fortune and adventure, Sir Bors de Ganis, that was nephew unto Sir Launcelot, came over

that bridge; and there Sir Bromel and Sir Bors jousted, and Sir Bors smote Sir Bromel such a buffet that he

bare him over his horse's croup. And then Sir Bromel, as an hardy knight, pulled out his sword, and dressed

his shield to do battle with Sir Bors. And then Sir Bors alighted and avoided his horse, and there they dashed

together many sad strokes; and long thus they fought, till at the last Sir Bromel was laid to the earth, and

there Sir Bors began to unlace his helm to slay him. Then Sir Bromel cried Sir Bors mercy, and yielded him.

Upon this covenant thou shalt have thy life, said Sir Bors, so thou go unto Sir Launcelot upon Whitsunday

that next cometh, and yield thee unto him as knight recreant. I will do it, said Sir Bromel, and that he sware

upon the cross of the sword. And so he let him depart, and Sir Bors rode unto King Pelles, that was within

And when the king and Elaine his daughter wist that Sir Bors was nephew unto Sir Launcelot, they made him

great cheer. Then said Dame Elaine: We marvel where Sir Launcelot is, for he came never here but once.

Marvel not, said Sir Bors, for this half year he hath been in prison with Queen Morgan le Fay, King Arthur's

sister. Alas, said Dame Elaine, that me repenteth. And ever Sir Bors beheld that child in her arms, and ever

him seemed it was passing like Sir Launcelot. Truly, said Elaine, wit ye well this child he gat upon me. Then

Sir Bors wept for joy, and he prayed to God it might prove as good a knight as his father was. And so came in

a white dove, and she bare a little censer of gold in her mouth, and there was all manner of meats and drinks;

and a maiden bare that Sangreal, and she said openly: Wit you well, Sir Bors, that this child is Galahad, that

shall sit in the Siege Perilous, and achieve the Sangreal, and he shall be much better than ever was Sir

Launcelot du Lake, that is his own father. And then they kneeled down and made their devotions, and there

was such a savour as all the spicery in the world had been there. And when the dove took her flight, the

Sir, said Sir Bors unto King Pelles, this castle may be named the Castle Adventurous, for here be many

strange adventures. That is sooth, said the king, for well may this place be called the adventures place, for

there come but few knights here that go away with any worship; be he never so strong, here he may be

proved; and but late Sir Gawaine, the good knight, gat but little worship here. For I let you wit, said King

Pelles, here shall no knight win no worship but if he be of worship himself and of good living, and that loveth

God and dreadeth God, and else he getteth no worship here, be he never so hardy. That is wonderful thing,

said Sir Bors. What ye mean in this country I wot not, for ye have many strange adventures, and therefore I

will lie in this castle this night. Ye shall not do so, said King Pelles, by my counsel, for it is hard an ye escape

without a shame. I shall take the adventure that will befall me, said Sir Bors. Then I counsel you, said the

king, to be confessed clean. As for that, said Sir Bors, I will be shriven with a good will. So Sir Bors was

confessed, and for all women Sir Bors was a virgin, save for one, that was the daughter of King Brangoris,

and on her he gat a child that hight Elaine, and save for her Sir Bors was a clean maiden.

And so Sir Bors was led unto bed in a fair large chamber, and many doors were shut about the chamber.

When Sir Bors espied all those doors, he avoided all the people, for he might have nobody with him; but in

no wise Sir Bors would unarm him, but so he laid him down upon the bed. And right so he saw come in a

light, that he might well see a spear great and long that came straight upon him pointling, and to Sir Bors

seemed that the head of the spear brent like a taper. And anon, or Sir Bors wist, the spear head smote him into

the shoulder an handbreadth in deepness, and that wound grieved Sir Bors passing sore. And then he laid

him down again for pain; and anon therewithal there came a knight armed with his shield on his shoulder and

his sword in his hand, and he bade Sir Bors: Arise, sir knight, and fight with me. I am sore hurt, he said, but

yet I shall not fail thee. And then Sir Bors started up and dressed his shield; and then they lashed together

mightily a great while; and at the last Sir Bors bare him backward until that he came unto a chamber door,

and there that knight yede into that chamber and rested him a great while. And when he had reposed him he

came out freshly again, and began new battle with Sir Bors mightily and strongly.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Bors made Sir Pedivere to yield him, and of marvellous adventures that he had,

THEN Sir Bors thought he should no more go into that chamber to rest him, and so Sir Bors dressed him

betwixt the knight and that chamber door, and there Sir Bors smote him down, and then that knight yielded

him What is your name? said Sir Bors. Sir, said he, my name is Pedivere of the Straight Marches. So Sir Bors

made him to swear at Whitsunday next coming to be at the court of King Arthur, and yield him there as a

prisoner as an overcome knight by the hands of Sir Bors. So thus departed Sir Pedivere of the Straight

Marches. And then Sir Bors laid him down to rest, and then he heard and felt much noise in that chamber;

and then Sir Bors espied that there came in, he wist not whether at the doors nor windows, shot of arrows and

of quarrels so thick that he marvelled, and many fell upon him and hurt him in the bare places.

And then Sir Bors was ware where came in an hideous lion; so Sir Bors dressed him unto the lion, and anon

the lion bereft him his shield, and with his sword Sir Bors smote off the lion's head. Right so Sir Bors

forthwithal saw a dragon in the court passing horrible, and there seemed letters of gold written in his

forehead; and Sir Bors thought that the letters made a signification of King Arthur. Right so there came an

horrible leopard and an old, and there they fought long, and did great battle together. And at the last the

dragon spit out of his mouth as it had been an hundred dragons; and lightly all the small dragons slew the old

Anon withal there came an old man into the hall, and he sat him down in a fair chair, and there seemed to be

two adders about his neck; and then the old man had an harp, and there he sang an old song how Joseph of

Armathie came into this land. Then when he had sung, the old man bade Sir Bors go from thence. For here

shall ye have no more adventures; and full worshipfully have ye done, and better shall ye do hereafter. And

then Sir Bors seemed that there came the whitest dove with a little golden censer in her mouth. And anon

therewithal the tempest ceased and passed, that afore was marvellous to hear. So was all that court full of

good savours. Then Sir Bors saw four children bearing four fair tapers, and an old man in the midst of the

children with a censer in his own hand, and a spear in his other hand, and that spear was called the Spear of

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

NOW, said that old man to Sir Bors, go ye to your cousin, Sir Launcelot, and tell him of this adventure the

which had been most convenient for him of all earthly knights; but sin is so foul in him he may not achieve

such holy deeds, for had not been his sin he had passed all the knights that ever were in his days; and tell thou

Sir Launcelot, of all worldly adventures he passeth in manhood and prowess all other, but in this spiritual

matters he shall have many his better. And then Sir Bors saw four gentlewomen come by him, purely beseen:

and he saw where that they entered into a chamber where was great light as it were a summer light; and the

women kneeled down afore an altar of silver with four pillars, and as it had been a bishop kneeled down afore

that table of silver. And as Sir Bors looked over his head he saw a sword like silver, naked, hoving over his

head, and the clearness thereof smote so in his eyes that as at that time Sir Bors was blind; and there he heard

a voice that said: Go hence, thou Sir Bors, for as yet thou art not worthy for to be in this place. And then he

yede backward to his bed till on the morn. And on the morn King Pelles made great joy of Sir Bors; and then

he departed and rode to Camelot, and there he found Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the adventures

So the noise sprang in Arthur's court that Launcelot had gotten a child upon Elaine, the daughter of King

Pelles, wherefore Queen Guenever was wroth, and gave many rebukes to Sir Launcelot, and called him false

knight. And then Sir Launcelot told the queen all, and how he was made to lie by her by enchantment in

likeness of the queen. So the queen held Sir Launcelot excused. And as the book saith, King Arthur had been

in France, and had made war upon the mighty King Claudas, and had won much of his lands. And when the

king was come again he let cry a great feast, that all lords and ladies of all England should be there, but if it

CHAPTER VII. How Dame Elaine, Galahad's mother, came in great estate unto Camelot, and how Sir

AND when Dame Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, heard of this feast she went to her father and required

him that he would give her leave to ride to that feast. The king answered: I will well ye go thither, but in any

wise as ye love me and will have my blessing, that ye be well beseen in the richest wise; and look that ye

spare not for no cost; ask and ye shall have all that you needeth. Then by the advice of Dame Brisen, her

maiden, all thing was apparelled unto the purpose, that there was never no lady more richlier beseen. So she

rode with twenty knights, and ten ladies, and gentlewomen, to the number of an hundred horses. And when

she came to Camelot, King Arthur and Queen Guenever said, and all the knights, that Dame Elaine was the

fairest and the best beseen lady that ever was seen in that court. And anon as King Arthur wist that she was

come he met her and saluted her, and so did the most part of all the knights of the Round Table, both Sir

Tristram, Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Gawaine, and many more that I will not rehearse. But when Sir Launcelot

saw her he was so ashamed, and that because he drew his sword on the morn when he had lain by her, that he

would not salute her nor speak to her; and yet Sir Launcelot thought she was the fairest woman that ever he

But when Dame Elaine saw Sir Launcelot that would not speak unto her she was so heavy that she weened

her heart would have tobrast; for wit you well, out of measure she loved him. And then Elaine said unto her

woman, Dame Brisen: the unkindness of Sir Launcelot slayeth me near. Ah, peace, madam, said Dame

Brisen, I will undertake that this night he shall lie with you, an ye would hold you still. That were me liefer,

said Dame Elaine, than all the gold that is above the earth. Let me deal, said Dame Brisen. So when Elaine

was brought unto Queen Guenever either made other good cheer by countenance, but nothing with hearts.

But all men and women spake of the beauty of Dame Elaine, and of her great riches.

Then, at night, the queen commanded that Dame Elaine should sleep in a chamber nigh her chamber, and all

under one roof; and so it was done as the queen commanded. Then the queen sent for Sir Launcelot and bade

him come to her chamber that night: Or else I am sure, said the queen, that ye will go to your lady's bed,

Dame Elaine, by whom ye gat Galahad. Ah, madam, said Sir Launcelot, never say ye so, for that I did was

against my will. Then, said the queen, look that ye come to me when I send for you. Madam, said Launcelot,

I shall not fail you, but I shall be ready at your commandment. This bargain was soon done and made

between them, but Dame Brisen knew it by her crafts, and told it to her lady, Dame Elaine. Alas, said she,

how shall I do? Let me deal, said Dame Brisen, for I shall bring him by the hand even to your bed, and he

shall ween that I am Queen Guenever's messenger. Now well is me, said Dame Elaine, for all the world I love

CHAPTER VIII. How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to Dame Elaine's bed, and

SO when time came that all folks were abed, Dame Brisen came to Sir Launcelot's bed's side and said: Sir

Launcelot du Lake, sleep you? My lady, Queen Guenever, lieth and awaiteth upon you. O my fair lady, said

Sir Launcelot, I am ready to go with you where ye will have me. So Sir Launcelot threw upon him a long

gown, and his sword in his hand; and then Dame Brisen took him by the finger and led him to her lady's bed,

Dame Elaine; and then she departed and left them in bed together. Wit you well the lady was glad, and so was

Now leave we them kissing and clipping, as was kindly thing; and now speak we of Queen Guenever that

sent one of her women unto Sir Launcelot's bed; and when she came there she found the bed cold, and he was

away; so she came to the queen and told her all. Alas, said the queen, where is that false knight become?

Then the queen was nigh out of her wit, and then she writhed and weltered as a mad woman, and might not

sleep a four or five hours. Then Sir Launcelot had a condition that he used of custom, he would clatter in his

sleep, and speak oft of his lady, Queen Guenever. So as Sir Launcelot had waked as long as it had pleased

him, then by course of kind he slept, and Dame Elaine both. And in his sleep he talked and clattered as a jay,

of the love that had been betwixt Queen Guenever and him. And so as he talked so loud the queen heard him

thereas she lay in her chamber; and when she heard him so clatter she was nigh wood and out of her mind,

and for anger and pain wist not what to do. And then she coughed so loud that Sir Launcelot awaked, and he

knew her hemming. And then he knew well that he lay not by the queen; and therewith he leapt out of his bed

as he had been a wood man, in his shirt, and the queen met him in the floor; and thus she said: False traitor

knight that thou art, look thou never abide in my court, and avoid my chamber, and not so hardy, thou false

traitor knight that thou art, that ever thou come in my sight. Alas, said Sir Launcelot; and therewith he took

such an heartly sorrow at her words that he fell down to the floor in a swoon. And therewithal Queen

Guenever departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of his swoon, he leapt out at a bay window into a garden,

and there with thorns he was all toscratched in his visage and his body; and so he ran forth he wist not

whither, and was wild wood as ever was man; and so he ran two year, and never man might have grace to

CHAPTER IX. How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid the court, and how Sir

NOW turn we unto Queen Guenever and to the fair Lady Elaine, that when Dame Elaine heard the queen so

to rebuke Sir Launcelot, and also she saw how he swooned, and how he leaped out at a bay window, then she

said unto Queen Guenever: Madam, ye are greatly to blame for Sir Launcelot, for now have ye lost him, for I

saw and heard by his countenance that he is mad for ever. Alas, madam, ye do great sin, and to yourself great

dishonour, for ye have a lord of your own, and therefore it is your part to love him; for there is no queen in

this world hath such another king as ye have. And, if ye were not, I might have the love of my lord Sir

Launcelot; and cause I have to love him for he had my maidenhood, and by him I have borne a fair son, and

his name is Galahad, and he shall be in his time the best knight of the world. Dame Elaine, said the queen,

when it is daylight I charge you and command you to avoid my court; and for the love ye owe unto Sir

Launcelot discover not his counsel, for an ye do, it will be his death. As for that, said Dame Elaine, I dare

undertake he is marred for ever, and that have ye made; for ye, nor I, are like to rejoice him; for he made the

most piteous groans when he leapt out at yonder bay window that ever I heard man make. Alas, said fair

Elaine, and alas, said the Queen Guenever, for now I wot well we have lost him for ever.

So on the morn Dame Elaine took her leave to depart, and she would no longer abide. Then King Arthur

brought her on her way with mo than an hundred knights through a forest. And by the way she told Sir Bors

de Ganis all how it betid that same night, and how Sir Launcelot leapt out at a window, araged out of his wit.

Alas, said Sir Bors, where is my lord, Sir Launcelot, become? Sir, said Elaine, I wot ne'er. Alas, said Sir

Bors, betwixt you both ye have destroyed that good knight. As for me, said Dame Elaine, I said never nor did

never thing that should in any wise displease him, but with the rebuke that Queen Guenever gave him I saw

him swoon to the earth; and when he awoke he took his sword in his hand, naked save his shirt, and leapt out

at a window with the grisliest groan that ever I heard man make. Now farewell, Dame Elaine, said Sir Bors,

and hold my lord Arthur with a tale as long as ye can, for I will turn again to Queen Guenever and give her a

hete; and I require you, as ever ye will have my service, make good watch and espy if ever ye may see my

lord Sir Launcelot. Truly, said fair Elaine, I shall do all that I may do, for as fain would I know and wit where

he is become, as you, or any of his kin, or Queen Guenever; and cause great enough have I thereto as well as

any other. And wit ye well, said fair Elaine to Sir Bors, I would lose my life for him rather than he should be

hurt; but alas, I cast me never for to see him, and the chief causer of this is Dame Guenever. Madam, said

Dame Brisen, the which had made the enchantment before betwixt Sir Launcelot and her, I pray you heartily,

let Sir Bors depart, and hie him with all his might as fast as he may to seek Sir Launcelot, for I warn you he is

Then wept Dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis; and so they departed, and Sir Bors rode straight unto

Queen Guenever. And when she saw Sir Bors she wept as she were wood. Fie on your weeping, said Sir Bors

de Ganis, for ye weep never but when there is no bote. Alas, said Sir Bors, that ever Sir Launcelot's kin saw

you, for now have ye lost the best knight of our blood, and he that was all our leader and our succour; and I

dare say and make it good that all kings, christian nor heathen, may not find such a knight, for to speak of his

nobleness and courtesy, with his beauty and his gentleness. Alas, said Sir Bors, what shall we do that be of

CHAPTER X. What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how he was sought by knights

AND when the queen heard them say so she fell to the earth in a dead swoon. And then Sir Bors took her up,

and dawed her; and when she was awaked she kneeled afore the three knights, and held up both her hands,

and besought them to seek him. And spare not for no goods but that he be found, for I wot he is out of his

mind. And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel departed from the queen, for they might not abide no longer for

sorrow. And then the queen sent them treasure enough for their expenses, and so they took their horses and

their armour, and departed. And then they rode from country to country, in forests, and in wilderness, and in

wastes; and ever they laid watch both at forests and at all manner of men as they rode, to hearken and spere

after him, as he that was a naked man, in his shirt, with a sword in his hand. And thus they rode nigh a quarter

of a year, endlong and overthwart, in many places, forests and wilderness, and ofttimes were evil lodged for

his sake; and yet for all their labour and seeking could they never hear word of him. And wit you well these

Then at the last Sir Bors and his fellows met with a knight that hight Sir Melion de Tartare. Now fair knight,

said Sir Bors, whither be ye away? for they knew either other afore time. Sir, said Melion, I am in the way

toward the court of King Arthur. Then we pray you, said Sir Bors, that ye will tell my lord Arthur, and my

lady, Queen Guenever, and all the fellowship of the Round Table, that we cannot in no wise hear tell where

Sir Launcelot is become. Then Sir Melion departed from them, and said that he would tell the king, and the

queen, and all the fellowshipof the Round Table, as they had desired him. So when Sir Melion came to the

court of King Arthur he told the king, and the queen, and all the fellowship of the Round Table, what Sir Bors

had said of Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Aglovale, and Sir

Percivale de Galis took upon them by the great desire of King Arthur, and in especial by the queen, to seek

throughout all England, Wales, and Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot, and with them rode eighteen knights mo

to bear them fellowship; and wit ye well, they lacked no manner of spending; and so were they three and

Now turn we to Sir Launcelot, and speak we of his care and woe, and what pain he there endured; for cold,

hunger, and thirst, he had plenty. And thus as these noble knights rode together, they by one assent departed,

and then they rode by two, by three, and by four, and by five, and ever they assigned where they should meet.

And so Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale rode together unto their mother that was a queen in those days. And

when she saw her two sons, for joy she wept tenderly. And then she said: Ah, my dear sons, when your father

was slain he left me four sons, of the which now be twain slain. And for the death of my noble son, Sir

Lamorak, shall my heart never be glad. And then she kneeled down upon her knees tofore Aglovale and Sir

Percivale, and besought them to abide at home with her. Ah, sweet mother, said Sir Percivale, we may not,

for we be come of king's blood of both parties, and therefore, mother, it is our kind to haunt arms and noble

deeds. Alas, my sweet sons, then she said, for your sakes I shall lose my liking and lust, and then wind and

weather I may not endure, what for the death of your father, King Pellinore, that was shamefully slain by the

hands of Sir Gawaine, and his brother, Sir Gaheris: and they slew him not manly but by treason. Ah, my dear

sons, this is a piteous complaint for me of your father's death, considering also the death of Sir Lamorak, that

of knighthood had but few fellows. Now, my dear sons, have this in your mind. Then there was but weeping

and sobbing in the court when they should depart, and she fell aswooning in midst of the court.

CHAPTER XI. How a servant of Sir Aglovale's was slain, and what vengeance Sir Aglovale and Sir

AND when she was awaked she sent a squire after them with spending enough. And so when the squire had

overtaken them, they would not suffer him to ride with them, but sent him home again to comfort their

mother, praying her meekly of her blessing. And so this squire was benighted, and by misfortune he

happened to come to a castle where dwelled a baron. And so when the squire was come into the castle, the

lord asked him from whence he came, and whom he served. My lord, said the squire, I serve a good knight

that is called Sir Aglovale: the squire said it to good intent, weening unto him to have been more forborne for

Sir Aglovale's sake, than he had said he had served the queen, Aglovale's mother. Well, my fellow, said the

lord of that castle, for Sir Aglovale's sake thou shalt have evil lodging, for Sir Aglovale slew my brother, and

therefore thou shalt die on part of payment. And then that lord commanded his men to have him away and

slay him; and so they did, and so pulled him out of the castle, and there they slew him without mercy.

Right so on the morn came Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale riding by a churchyard, where men and women

were busy, and beheld the dead squire, and they thought to bury him. What is there, said Sir Aglovale, that ye

behold so fast? A good man stert forth and said: Fair knight, here lieth a squire slain shamefully this night.

How was he slain, fair fellow? said Sir Aglovale. My fair sir, said the man, the lord of this castle lodged this

squire this night; and because he said he was servant unto a good knight that is with King Arthur, his name is

Sir Aglovale, therefore the lord commanded to slay him, and for this cause is he slain. Gramercy, said Sir

Aglovale, and ye shall see his death revenged lightly; for I am that same knight for whom this squire was

Then Sir Aglovale called unto him Sir Percivale, and bade him alight lightly; and so they alighted both, and

betook their horses to their men, and so they yede on foot into the castle. And all so soon as they were within

the castle gate Sir Aglovale bade the porter: Go thou unto thy lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglovale for

whom this squire was slain this night. Anon the porter told this to his lord, whose name was Goodewin. Anon

he armed him, and then he came into the court and said: Which of you is Sir Aglovale? Here I am, said

Aglovale: for what cause slewest thou this night my mother's squire? I slew him, said Sir Goodewin, because

of thee, for thou slewest my brother, Sir Gawdelin. As for thy brother, said Sir Aglovale, I avow it I slew him,

for he was a false knight and a betrayer of ladies and of good knights; and for the death of my squire thou

shalt die. I defy thee, said Sir Goodewin. Then they lashed together as eagerly as it had been two lions, and

Sir Percivale he fought with all the remnant that would fight. And within a while Sir Percivale had slain all

that would withstand him; for Sir Percivale dealt so his strokes that were so rude that there durst no man

abide him. And within a while Sir Aglovale had Sir Goodewin at the earth, and there he unlaced his helm,

and struck off his head. And then they departed and took their horses; and then they let carry the dead squire

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Pervivale departed secretly from his brother, and how he loosed a knight bound

AND when this was done they rode into many countries, ever inquiring after Sir Launcelot, but never they

could hear of him; and at the last they came to a castle that hight Cardican, and there Sir Percivale and Sir

Aglovale were lodged together. And privily about midnight Sir Percivale came to Aglovale's squire and said:

Arise and make thee ready, for ye and I will ride away secretly. Sir, said the squire, I would full fain ride with

you where ye would have me, but an my lord, your brother, take me he will slay me. As for that care thou

And so Sir Percivale rode till it was after noon, and then he came upon a bridge of stone, and there he found a

knight that was bound with a chain fast about the waist unto a pillar of stone. O fair knight, said that bound

knight, I require thee loose me of my bonds. What knight are ye, said Sir Percivale, and for what cause are ye

so bound? Sir, I shall tell you, said that knight: I am a knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir

Persides; and thus by adventure I came this way, and here I lodged in this castle at the bridge foot, and therein

dwelleth an uncourteous lady; and because she proffered me to be her paramour, and I refused her, she set her

men upon me suddenly or ever I might come to my weapon; and thus they bound me, and here I wot well I

shall die but if some man of worship break my bands. Be ye of good cheer, said Sir Percivale, and because ye

are a knight of the Round Table as well as I, I trust to God to break your bands. And therewith Sir Percivale

pulled out his sword and struck at the chain with such a might that he cut atwo the chain, and through Sir

Persides' hauberk and hurt him a little. O Jesu, said Sir Persides, that was a mighty stroke as ever I felt one,

And therewithal Sir Persides saw a knight coming out of a castle all that ever he might fling. Beware, sir, said

Sir Persides, yonder cometh a man that will have ado with you. Let him come, said Sir Percivale. And so he

met with that knight in midst of the bridge; and Sir Percivale gave him such a buffet that he smote him quite

from his horse and over a part of the bridge, that, had not been a little vessel under the bridge, that knight had

been drowned. And then Sir Percivale took the knight's horse and made Sir Persides to mount up him; and so

they rode unto the castle, and bade the lady deliver Sir Persides' servants, or else he would slay all that ever

he found; and so for fear she delivered them all. Then was Sir Percivale ware of a lady that stood in that

tower. Ah, madam, said Sir Percivale, what use and custom is that in a lady to destroy good knights but if

they will be your paramour? Forsooth this is a shameful custom of a lady, and if I had not a great matter in

And so Sir Persides brought Sir Percivale unto his own castle, and there he made him great cheer all that

night. And on the morn, when Sir Percivale had heard mass and broken his fast, he bade Sir Persides ride

unto King Arthur: And tell the king how that ye met with me; and tell my brother, Sir Aglovale, how I

rescued you; and bid him seek not after me, for I am in the quest to seek Sir Launcelot du Lake, and though

he seek me he shall not find me; and tell him I will never see him, nor the court, till I have found Sir

Launcelot. Also tell Sir Kay the Seneschal, and to Sir Mordred, that I trust to Jesu to be of as great worthiness

as either of them, for tell them I shall never forget their mocks and scorns that they did to me that day that I

was made knight; and tell them I will never see that court till men speak more worship of me than ever men

did of any of them both. And so Sir Persides departed from Sir Percivale, and then he rode unto King Arthur,

and told there of Sir Percivale. And when Sir Aglovale heard him speak of his brother Sir Percivale, he said:

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they fought long, and each had almost

SIR, said Sir Persides, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any now is living. And when he saw Sir

Kay and Sir Mordred, Sir Persides said thus: My fair lords both, Sir Percivale greeteth you well both, and he

sent you word by me that he trusteth to God or ever he come to the court again to be of as great noblesse as

ever were ye both, and mo men to speak of his noblesse than ever they did of you. It may well be, said Sir

Kay and Sir Mordred, but at that time when he was made knight he was full unlike to prove a good knight. As

for that, said King Arthur, he must needs prove a good knight, for his father and his brethren were noble

And now will we turn unto Sir Percivale that rode long; and in a forest he met a knight with a broken shield

and a broken helm; and as soon as either saw other readily they made them ready to joust, and so hurtled

together with all the might of their horses, and met together so hard, that Sir Percivale was smitten to the

earth. And then Sir Percivale arose lightly, and cast his shield on his shoulder and drew his sword, and bade

the other knight Alight, and do we battle unto the uttermost. Will ye more? said that knight. And therewith he

alighted, and put his horse from him; and then they came together an easy pace, and there they lashed

together with noble swords, and sometime they struck and sometime they foined, and either gave other many

great wounds. Thus they fought near half a day, and never rested but right little, and there was none of them

both that had less wounds than fifteen, and they bled so much that it was marvel they stood on their feet. But

this knight that fought with Sir Percivale was a proved knight and a wisefighting knight, and Sir Percivale

Then Sir Percivale spoke first, and said: Sir knight, hold thy hand a while still, for we have fought for a

simple matter and quarrel overlong, and therefore I require thee tell me thy name, for I was never or this time

matched. So God me help, said that knight, and never or this time was there never knight that wounded me so

sore as thou hast done, and yet have I fought in many battles; and now shalt thou wit that I am a knight of the

Table Round, and my name is Sir Ector de Maris, brother unto the good knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas,

said Sir Percivale, and my name is Sir Percivale de Galis that hath made my quest to seek Sir Launcelot, and

now I am siker that I shall never finish my quest, for ye have slain me with your hands. It is not so, said Sir

Ector, for I am slain by your hands, and may not live. Therefore I require you, said Sir Ector unto Sir

Percivale, ride ye hereby to a priory, and bring me a priest that I may receive my Saviour, for I may not live.

And when ye come to the court of King Arthur tell not my brother, Sir Launcelot, how that ye slew me, for

then he would be your mortal enemy, but ye may say that I was slain in my quest as I sought him. Alas, said

Sir Percivale, ye say that never will be, for I am so faint for bleeding that I may unnethe stand, how should I

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

THEN they made both great dole out of measure. This will not avail, said Sir Percivale. And then he kneeled

down and made his prayer devoutly unto Almighty Jesu, for he was one of the best knights of the world that

at that time was, in whom the very faith stood most in. Right so there came by the holy vessel of the Sangreal

with all manner of sweetness and savour; but they could not readily see who that bare that vessel, but Sir

Percivale had a glimmering of the vessel and of the maiden that bare it, for he was a perfect clean maiden;

and forthwithal they both were as whole of hide and limb as ever they were in their lifedays: then they gave

thankings to God with great mildness. O Jesu, said Sir Percivale, what may this mean, that we be thus healed,

and right now we were at the point of dying? I wot full well, said Sir Ector, what it is; it is an holy vessel that

is borne by a maiden, and therein is part of the holy blood of our Lord Jesu Christ, blessed mote he be. But it

may not be seen, said Sir Ector, but if it be by a perfect man. So God me help, said Sir Percivale, I saw a

damosel, as me thought, all in white, with a vessel in both her hands, and forthwithal I was whole.

So then they took their horses and their harness, and amended their harness as well as they might that was

broken; and so they mounted upon their horses, and rode talking together. And there Sir Ector de Maris told

Sir Percivale how he had sought his brother, Sir Launcelot, long, and never could hear witting of him: In

many strange adventures have I been in this quest. And so either told other of their adventures.

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

AND now leave we of a while of Sir Ector and of Sir Percivale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot that suffered

and endured many sharp showers, that ever ran wild wood from place to place, and lived by fruit and such as

he might get, and drank water two year; and other clothing had he but little but his shirt and his breech. Thus

as Sir Launcelot wandered here and there he came in a fair meadow where he found a pavilion; and there by,

upon a tree, there hung a white shield, and two swords hung thereby, and two spears leaned there by a tree.

And when Sir Launcelot saw the swords, anon he leapt to the one sword, and took it in his hand, and drew it

out. And then he lashed at the shield, that all the meadow rang of the dints, that he gave such a noise as ten

Then came forth a dwarf, and leapt unto Sir Launcelot, and would have had the sword out of his hand. And

then Sir Launcelot took him by the both shoulders and threw him to the ground upon his neck, that he had

almost broken his neck; and therewithal the dwarf cried help. Then came forth a likely knight, and well

apparelled in scarlet furred with minever. And anon as he saw Sir Launcelot he deemed that he should be out

of his wit. And then he said with fair speech: Good man, lay down that sword, for as meseemeth thou hadst

more need of sleep and of warm clothes than to wield that sword. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, come not

And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he stert backward within the pavilion. And then the dwarf

armed him lightly; and so the knight thought by force and might to take the sword from Sir Launcelot, and so

he came stepping out; and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so all armed with his sword in his hand, then

Sir Launcelot flew to him with such a might, and hit him upon the helm such a buffet, that the stroke troubled

his brains, and therewith the sword brake in three. And the knight fell to the earth as he had been dead, the

blood brasting out of his mouth, the nose, and the ears. And then Sir Launcelot ran into the pavilion, and

rushed even into the warm bed; and there was a lady in that bed, and she gat her smock, and ran out of the

pavilion. And when she saw her lord lie at the ground like to be dead, then she cried and wept as she had been

mad. Then with her noise the knight awaked out of his swoon, and looked up weakly with his eyes; and then

he asked her, where was that mad man that had given him such a buffet: For such a buffet had I never of

man's hand. Sir, said the dwarf, it is not worship to hurt him, for he is a man out of his wit; and doubt ye not

he hath been a man of great worship, and for some heartly sorrow that he hath taken, he is fallen mad; and me

beseemeth, said the dwarf, he resembleth much unto Sir Launcelot, for him I saw at the great tournament

beside Lonazep. Jesu defend, said that knight, that ever that noble knight, Sir Launcelot, should be in such a

plight; but whatsomever he be, said that knight, harm will I none do him: and this knight's name was Bliant.

Then he said unto the dwarf: Go thou fast on horseback, unto my brother Sir Selivant, that is at the Castle

Blank, and tell him of mine adventure, and bid him bring with him an horse litter, and then will we bear this

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

SO the dwarf rode fast, and he came again and brought Sir Selivant with him, and six men with an horse

litter; and so they took up the feather bed with Sir Launcelot, and so carried all away with them unto the

Castle Blank, and he never awaked till he was within the castle. And then they bound his hands and his feet,

and gave him good meats and good drinks, and brought him again to his strength and his fairness; but in his

wit they could not bring him again, nor to know himself. Thus was Sir Launcelot there more than a year and a

Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, took his arms, on horseback, with a spear, to seek

adventures. And as he rode in a forest there met with him two knights adventurous, the one was Breuse

Saunce Pite', and his brother, Sir Bertelot; and these two ran both at once upon Sir Bliant, and brake their

spears upon his body. And then they drew out swords and made great battle, and fought long together. But at

the last Sir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself faint; and then he fled on horseback toward his castle.

And as they came hurling under the castle whereas Sir Launcelot lay in a window, [he] saw how two knights

laid upon Sir Bliant with their swords. And when Sir Launcelot saw that, yet as wood as he was he was sorry

for his lord, Sir Bliant. And then Sir Launcelot brake the chains from his legs and off his arms, and in the

breaking he hurt his hands sore; and so Sir Launcelot ran out at a postern, and there he met with the two

knights that chased Sir Bliant; and there he pulled down Sir Bertelot with his bare hands from his horse, and

therewithal he wrothe his sword out of his hand; and so he leapt unto Sir Breuse, and gave him such a buffet

upon the head that he tumbled backward over his horse's croup. And when Sir Bertelot saw there his brother

have such a fall, he gat a spear in his hand, and would have run Sir Launcelot through: that saw Sir Bliant,

and struck off the hand of Sir Bertelot. And then Sir Breuse and Sir Bertelot gat their horses and fled away.

When Sir Selivant came and saw what Sir Launcelot had done for his brother, then he thanked God, and so

did his brother, that ever they did him any good. But when Sir Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt with the

breaking of his irons, then was he heavy that ever he bound him. Bind him no more, said Sir Selivant, for he

is happy and gracious. Then they made great joy of Sir Launcelot, and they bound him no more; and so he

abode there an half year and more. And on the morn early Sir Launcelot was ware where came a great boar

with many hounds nigh him. But the boar was so big there might no hounds tear him; and the hunters came

after, blowing their horns, both upon horseback and some upon foot; and then Sir Launcelot was ware where

one alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and leaned his spear against the tree.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and how he was hurt, and brought

SO came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bounden till a tree, and a spear leaning against a tree, and a sword

tied to the saddle bow; and then Sir Launcelot leapt into the saddle and gat that spear in his hand, and then he

rode after the boar; and then Sir Launcelot was ware where the boar set his arse to a tree fast by an hermitage.

Then Sir Launcelot ran at the boar with his spear, and therewith the boar turned him nimbly, and rove out the

lungs and the heart of the horse, so that Launcelot fell to the earth; and, or ever Sir Launcelot might get from

the horse, the boar rove him on the brawn of the thigh up to the hough bone. And then Sir Launcelot was

wroth, and up he gat upon his feet, and drew his sword, and he smote off the boar's head at one stroke. And

therewithal came out the hermit, and saw him have such a wound. Then the hermit came to Sir Launcelot and

bemoaned him, and would have had him home unto his hermitage; but when Sir Launcelot heard him speak,

he was so wroth with his wound that he ran upon the hermit to have slain him, and the hermit ran away. And

when Sir Launcelot might not overget him, he threw his sword after him, for Sir Launcelot might go no

further for bleeding; then the hermit turned again, and asked Sir Launcelot how he was hurt. Fellow, said Sir

Launcelot, this boar hath bitten me sore. Then come with me, said the hermit, and I shall heal you. Go thy

Then the hermit ran his way, and there he met with a good knight with many men. Sir, said the hermit, here is

fast by my place the goodliest man that ever I saw, and he is sore wounded with a boar, and yet he hath slain

the boar. But well I wot, said the hermit, and he be not holpen, that goodly man shall die of that wound, and

that were great pity. Then that knight at the desire of the hermit gat a cart, and in that cart that knight put the

boar and Sir Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot was so feeble that they might right easily deal with him; and so Sir

Launcelot was brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit healed him of his wound. But the hermit

might not find Sir Launcelot's sustenance, and so he impaired and waxed feeble, both of his body and of his

wit: for the default of his sustenance he waxed more wooder than he was aforehand.

And then upon a day Sir Launcelot ran his way into the forest; and by adventure he came to the city of

Corbin, where Dame Elaine was, that bare Galahad, Sir Launcelot's son. And so when he was entered into the

town he ran through the town to the castle; and then all the young men of that city ran after Sir Launcelot, and

there they threw turves at him, and gave him many sad strokes. And ever as Sir Launcelot might overreach

any of them, he threw them so that they would never come in his hands no more; for of some he brake the

legs and the arms, and so fled into the castle; and then came out knights and squires and rescued Sir

Launcelot. And when they beheld him and looked upon his person, they thought they saw never so goodly a

man. And when they saw so many wounds upon him, all they deemed that he had been a man of worship.

And then they ordained him clothes to his body, and straw underneath him, and a little house. And then every

day they would throw him meat, and set him drink, but there was but few would bring him meat to his hands.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne into a chamber and after

SO it befell that King Pelles had a nephew, his name was Castor; and so he desired of the king to be made

knight, and so at the request of this Castor the king made him knight at the feast of Candlemas. And when Sir

Castor was made knight, that same day he gave many gowns. And then Sir Castor sent for the foolthat was

Sir Launcelot. And when he was come afore Sir Castor, he gave Sir Launcelot a robe of scarlet and all that

longed unto him. And when Sir Launcelot was so arrayed like a knight, he was the seemliest man in all the

court, and none so well made. So when he saw his time he went into the garden, and there Sir Launcelot laid

him down by a well and slept. And so atafter noon Dame Elaine and her maidens came into the garden to

play them; and as they roamed up and down one of Dame Elaine's maidens espied where lay a goodly man by

the well sleeping, and anon showed him to Dame Elaine. Peace, said Dame Elaine, and say no word: and then

she brought Dame Elaine where he lay. And when that she beheld him, anon she fell in remembrance of him,

and knew him verily for Sir Launcelot; and therewithal she fell aweeping so heartily that she sank even to

the earth; and when she had thus wept a great while, then she arose and called her maidens and said she was

And so she yede out of the garden, and she went straight to her father, and there she took him apart by

herself; and then she said: O father, now have I need of your help, and but if that ye help me farewell my

good days for ever. What is that, daughter? said King Pelles. Sir, she said, thus is it: in your garden I went for

to sport, and there, by the well, I found Sir Launcelot du Lake sleeping. I may not believe that, said King

Pelles. Sir, she said, truly he is there, and meseemeth he should be distract out of his wit. Then hold you still,

said the king, and let me deal. Then the king called to him such as he most trusted, a four persons, and Dame

Elaine, his daughter. And when they came to the well and beheld Sir Launcelot, anon Dame Brisen knew

him. Sir, said Dame Brisen, we must be wise how we deal with him, for this knight is out of his mind, and if

we awake him rudely what he will do we all know not; but ye shall abide, and I shall throw such an

enchantment upon him that he shall not awake within the space of an hour; and so she did.

Then within a little while after, the king commanded that all people should avoid, that none should be in that

way thereas the king would come. And so when this was done, these four men and these ladies laid hand on

Sir Launcelot, and so they bare him into a tower, and so into a chamber where was the holy vessel of the

Sangreal, and by force Sir Launcelot was laid by that holy vessel; and there came an holy man and unhilled

that vessel, and so by miracle and by virtue of that holy vessel Sir Launcelot was healed and recovered. And

when that he was awaked he groaned and sighed, and complained greatly that he was passing sore.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was ashamed, and how

AND when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and Elaine, he waxed ashamed and said thus: O Lord Jesu, how

came I here? for God's sake, my lord, let me wit how I came here. Sir, said Dame Elaine, into this country ye

came like a madman, clean out of your wit, and here have ye been kept as a fool; and no creature here knew

what ye were, until by fortune a maiden of mine brought me unto you whereas ye lay sleeping by a well, and

anon as I verily beheld you I knew you. And then I told my father, and so were ye brought afore this holy

vessel, and by the virtue of it thus were ye healed. O Jesu, mercy, said Sir Launcelot; if this be sooth, how

many there be that know of my woodness! So God me help, said Elaine, no more but my father, and I, and

Dame Brisen. Now for Christ's love, said Sir Launcelot, keep it in counsel, and let no man know it in the

world, for I am sore ashamed that I have been thus miscarried; for I am banished out of the country of Logris

And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight or ever that he might stir for soreness. And then upon a day he

said unto Dame Elaine these words: Lady Elaine, for your sake I have had much travail, care, and anguish, it

needeth not to rehearse it, ye know how. Notwithstanding I know well I have done foul to you when that I

drew my sword to you, to have slain you, upon the morn when I had lain with you. And all was the cause,

that ye and Dame Brisen made me for to lie by you maugre mine head; and as ye say, that night Galahad your

son was begotten. That is truth, said Dame Elaine. Now will ye for my love, said Sir Launcelot, go unto your

father and get me a place of him wherein I may dwell? for in the court of King Arthur may I never come. Sir,

said Dame Elaine, I will live and die with you, and only for your sake; and if my life might not avail you and

my death might avail you, wit you well I would die for your sake. And I will go to my father and I am sure

there is nothing that I can desire of him but I shall have it. And where ye be, my lord Sir Launcelot, doubt ye

not but I will be with you with all the service that I may do. So forthwithal she went to her father and said,

Sir, my lord, Sir Launcelot, desireth to be here by you in some castle of yours. Well daughter, said the king,

sith it is his desire to abide in these marches he shall be in the Castle of Bliant, and there shall ye be with him,

and twenty of the fairest ladies that be in the country, and they shall all be of the great blood, and ye shall

have ten knights with you; for, daughter, I will that ye wit we all be honoured by the blood of Sir Launcelot.

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

THEN went Dame Elaine unto Sir Launcelot, and told him all how her father had devised for him and her.

Then came the knight Sir Castor, that was nephew unto Kong Pelles, unto Sir Launcelot, and asked him what

was his name. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that is to say the knight that hath

trespassed. Sir, said Sir Castor, it may well be so, but ever meseemeth your name should be Sir Launcelot du

Lake, for or now I have seen you. Sir, said Launcelot, ye are not as a gentle knight: I put case my name were

Sir Launcelot, and that it list me not to discover my name, what should it grieve you here to keep my counsel,

and ye be not hurt thereby? but wit thou well an ever it lie in my power I shall grieve you, and that I promise

you truly. Then Sir Castor kneeled down and besought Sir Launcelot of mercy: For I shall never utter what ye

And then, after this, King Pelles with ten knights, and Dame Elaine, and twenty ladies, rode unto the Castle

of Bliant that stood in an island beclosed in iron, with a fair water deep and large. And when they were there

Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle; and there was he called none otherwise but Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the

knight that hath trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all of sable, and a queen crowned in the

midst, all of silver, and a knight clean armed kneeling afore her. And every day once, for any mirths that all

the ladies might make him, he would once every day look toward the realm of Logris, where King Arthur and

Queen Guenever was. And then would he fall upon a weeping as his heart should tobrast.

So it fell that time Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting fast by his castle, within three leagues. Then he called

unto him a dwarf, and he bade him go unto that jousting . And or ever the knights depart, look thou make

there a cry, in hearing of all the knights, that there is one knight in the Joyous Isle, that is the Castle of Bliant,

and say his name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that will joust against knights that will come. And who that putteth

CHAPTER VII. Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Pervivale and Sir Ector came

SO when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to the number of five hundred; and wit ye well

there was never seen in Arthur's days one knight that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did three

days together; for as the book maketh truly mention, he had the better of all the five hundred knights, and

there was not one slain of them. And after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast.

And in the meanwhile came Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris under that castle that was called the

Joyous Isle. And as they beheld that gay castle they would have gone to that castle, but they might not for the

broad water, and bridge could they find none. Then they saw on the other side a lady with a sperhawk on her

hand, and Sir Percivale called unto her, and asked that lady who was in that castle. Fair knights, she said, here

within this castle is the fairest lady in this land, and her name is Elaine. Also we have in this castle the fairest

knight and the mightiest man that is I dare say living, and he called himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet. How came

he into these marches? said Sir Percivale. Truly, said the damosel, he came into this country like a mad man,

with dogs and boys chasing him through the city of Corbin, and by the holy vessel of the Sangreal he was

brought into his wit again; but he will not do battle with no knight, but by underne or by noon. And if ye list

to come into the castle, said the lady, ye must ride unto the further side of the castle and there shall ye find a

vessel that will bear you and your horse. Then they departed, and came unto the vessel. And then Sir

Percivale alighted, and said to Sir Ector de Maris: Ye shall abide me here until that I wit what manner a

knight he is; for it were shame unto us, inasmuch as he is but one knight, an we should both do battle with

him. Do ye as ye list, said Sir Ector, and here I shall abide you until that I hear of you

Then passed Sir Percivale the water, and when he came to the castle gate he bade the porter: Go thou to the

good knight within the castle, and tell him here is come an errant knight to joust with him. Sir, said the porter,

ride ye within the castle, and there is a common place for jousting, that lords and ladies may behold you. So

anon as Sir Launcelot had warning he was soon ready; and there Sir Percivale and Sir Launcelot encountered

with such a might, and their spears were so rude, that both the horses and the knights fell to the earth. Then

they avoided their horses, and flang out noble swords, and hewed away cantels of their shields, and hurtled

together with their shields like two boars, and either wounded other passing sore. At the last Sir Percivale

spake first when they had foughten there more than two hours. Fair knight, said Sir Percivale, I require thee

tell me thy name, for I met never with such a knight. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le Chevaler Mal

Fet. Now tell me your name, said Sir Launcelot, I require you, gentle knight. Truly, said Sir Percivale, my

name is Sir Percivale de Galis, that was brother unto the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and King

Pellinore was our father, and Sir Aglovale is my brother. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, what have I done to fight

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

AND therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his knees, and threw away his shield and his sword from

him. When Sir Percivale saw him do so he marvelled what he meant. And then thus he said: Sir knight,

whatsomever thou be, I require thee upon the high order of knighthood, tell me thy true name. Then he said:

So God me help, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son of Benoy. Alas, said Sir Percivale, what

have I done? I was sent by the queen for to seek you, and so I have sought you nigh this two year, and yonder

is Sir Ector de Maris, your brother abideth me on the other side of the yonder water. Now for God's sake, said

Sir Percivale, forgive me mine offences that I have here done. It is soon forgiven, said Sir Launcelot.

Then Sir Percivale sent for Sir Ector de Maris, and when Sir Launcelot had a sight of him, he ran unto him

and took him in his arms; and then Sir Ector kneeled down, and either wept upon other, that all had pity to

behold them. Then came Dame Elaine and she there made them great cheer as might lie in her power; and

there she told Sir Ector and Sir Percivale how and in what manner Sir Launcelot came into that country, and

how he was healed; and there it was known how long Sir Launcelot was with Sir Bliant and with Sir Selivant,

and how he first met with them, and how he departed from them because of a boar; and how the hermit

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and how Sir Bors took his son

NOW leave we Sir Launcelot in the Joyous Isle with the Lady Dame Elaine, and Sir Percivale and Sir Ector

playing with them, and turn we to Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Lionel, that had sought Sir Launcelot nigh by the

space of two year, and never could they hear of him. And as they thus rode, by adventure they came to the

house of Brandegore, and there Sir Bors was well known, for he had gotten a child upon the king's daughter

fifteen year tofore, and his name was Helin le Blank. And when Sir Bors saw that child it liked him passing

well. And so those knights had good cheer of the King Brandegore. And on the morn Sir Bors came afore

King Brandegore and said: Here is my son Helin le Blank, that as it is said he is my son; and sith it is so, I

will that ye wit that I will have him with me unto the court of King Arthur. Sir, said the king, ye may well

take him with you, but he is over tender of age. As for that, said Sir Bors, I will have him with me, and bring

him to the house of most worship of the world. So when Sir Bors should depart there was made great sorrow

for the departing of Helin le Blank, and great weeping was there made. But Sir Bors and Sir Lionel departed,

and within a while they came to Camelot, where was King Arthur. And when King Arthur understood that

Helin le Blank was Sir Bors' son, and nephew unto King Brandegore, then King Arthur let him make knight

Now will we turn to our matter of Sir Launcelot. It befell upon a day Sir Ector and Sir Percivale came to Sir

Launcelot and asked him what he would do, and whether he would go with them unto King Arthur or not.

Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that may not be by no mean, for I was so entreated at the court that I cast me never to

come there more. Sir, said Sir Ector, I am your brother, and ye are the man in the world that I love most; and

if I understood that it were your disworship, ye may understand I would never counsel you thereto; but King

Arthur and all his knights, and in especial Queen Guenever, made such dole and sorrow that it was marvel to

hear and see. And ye must remember the great worship and renown that ye be of, how that ye have been more

spoken of than any other knight that is now living; for there is none that beareth the name now but ye and Sir

Tristram. Therefore brother, said Sir Ector, make you ready to ride to the court with us, and I dare say there

was never knight better welcome to the court than ye; and I wot well and can make it good, said Sir Ector, it

hath cost my lady, the queen, twenty thousand pound the seeking of you. Well brother, said Sir Launcelot, I

So then they took their horses and made them ready, and took their leave at King Pelles and at Dame Elaine.

And when Sir Launcelot should depart Dame Elaine made great sorrow. My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Dame

Elaine, at this same feast of Pentecost shall your son and mine, Galahad, be made knight, for he is fully now

fifteen winter old. Do as ye list, said Sir Launcelot; God give him grace to prove a good knight. As for that,

said Dame Elaine, I doubt not he shall prove the best man of his kin except one. Then shall he be a man good

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came to the court, and of the great joy

THEN they departed, and within five days' journey they came to Camelot, that is called in English,

Winchester. And when Sir Launcelot was come among them, the king and all the knights made great joy of

him. And there Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began and told the whole adventures: that Sir

Launcelot had been out of his mind the time of his absence, and how he called himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet,

the knight that had trespassed; and in three days Sir Launcelot smote down five hundred knights. And ever as

Sir Ector and Sir Percivale told these tales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever wept as she should have died.

Then the queen made great cheer. O Jesu, said King Arthur, I marvel for what cause ye, Sir Launcelot, went

out of your mind. I and many others deem it was for the love of fair Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, by

whom ye are noised that ye have gotten a child, and his name is Galahad, and men say he shall do marvels.

My lord, said Sir Launcelot, if I did any folly I have that I sought. And therewithal the king spake no more.

But all Sir Launcelot's kin knew for whom he went out of his mind. And then there were great feasts made

and great joy; and many great lords and ladies, when they heard that Sir Launcelot was come to the court

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

NOW will we leave off this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram, and of Sir Palomides that was the Saracen

unchristened. When Sir Tristram was come home unto Joyous Gard from his adventures, all this while that

Sir Launcelot was thus missed, two year and more, Sir Tristram bare the renown through all the realm of

Logris, and many strange adventures befell him, and full well and manly and worshipfully he brought them to

an end. So when he was come home La Beale Isoud told him of the great feast that should be at Pentecost

next following, and there she told him how Sir Launcelot had been missed two year, and all that while he had

been out of his mind, and how he was holpen by the holy vessel, the Sangreal. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that

caused some debate betwixt him and Queen Guenever. Sir, said Dame Isoud, I know it all, for Queen

Guenever sent me a letter in the which she wrote me all how it was, for to require you to seek him. And now,

blessed be God, said La Beale Isoud, he is whole and sound and come again to the court.

Thereof am I glad, said Sir Tristram, and now shall ye and I make us ready, for both ye and I will be at the

feast. Sir, said Isoud, an it please you I will not be there, for through me ye be marked of many good knights,

and that caused you to have much more labour for my sake than needeth you. Then will I not be there, said

Sir Tristram, but if ye be there. God defend, said La Beale Isoud, for then shall I be spoken of shame among

all queens and ladies of estate; for ye that are called one of the noblest knights of the world, and ye a knight

of the Round Table, how may ye be missed at that feast? What shall be said among all knights? See how Sir

Tristram hunteth, and hawketh, and cowereth within a castle with his lady, and forsaketh your worship. Alas,

shall some say, it is pity that ever he was made knight, or that ever he should have the love of a lady. Also

what shall queens and ladies say of me? It is pity that I have my life, that I will hold so noble a knight as ye

are from his worship. So God me help, said Sir Tristram unto La Beale Isoud, it is passing well said of you

and nobly counselled; and now I well understand that ye love me; and like as ye have counselled me I will do

a part thereafter. But there shall no man nor child ride with me, but myself. And so will I ride on Tuesday

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

AND so when the day came Sir Tristram took his leave at La Beale Isoud, and she sent with him four knights,

and within half a mile he sent them again: and within a mile after Sir Tristram saw afore him where Sir

Palomides had stricken down a knight, and almost wounded him to the death. Then Sir Tristram repented him

that he was not armed, and then he hoved still. With that Sir Palomides knew Sir Tristram, and cried on high:

Sir Tristram, now be we met, for or we depart we will redress our old sores. As for that, said Sir Tristram,

there was yet never Christian man might make his boast that ever I fled from him; and wit ye well, Sir

Palomides, thou that art a Saracen shall never make thy boast that Sir Tristram de Liones shall flee from thee.

And therewith Sir Tristram made his horse to run, and with all his might he came straight upon Sir

Palomides, and brast his spear upon him an hundred pieces. And forthwithal Sir Tristram drew his sword.

And then he turned his horse and struck at Palomides six great strokes upon his helm; and then Sir Palomides

stood still, and beheld Sir Tristram, and marvelled of his woodness, and of his folly. And then Sir Palomides

said to himself: An Sir Tristram were armed, it were hard to cease him of this battle, and if I turn again and

Then Sir Tristram spake and said: Thou coward knight, what castest thou to do; why wilt thou not do battle

with me? for have thou no doubt I shall endure all thy malice. Ah, Sir Tristram, said Palomides, full well thou

wottest I may not fight with thee for shame, for thou art here naked and I am armed, and if I slay thee,

dishonour shall be mine. And well thou wottest, said Sir Palomides to Sir Tristram, I know thy strength and

thy hardiness to endure against a good knight. That is truth, said Sir Tristram, I understand thy valiantness

well. Ye say well, said Sir Palomides; now, I require you, tell me a question that I shall say to you. Tell me

what it is, said Sir Tristram, and I shall answer you the truth, as God me help. I put case, said Sir Palomides,

that ye were armed at all rights as well as I am, and I naked as ye be, what would you do to me now, by your

true knighthood? Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand thee well, Sir Palomides, for now must I say mine

own judgment, and as God me bless, that I shall say shall not be said for no fear that I have of thee. But this is

all: wit Sir Palomides, as at this time thou shouldest depart from me, for I would not have ado with thee. No

more will I, said Palomides, and therefore ride forth on thy way. As for that I may choose, said Sir Tristram,

either to ride or to abide. But Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, I marvel of one thing, that thou that art so

good a knight, that thou wilt not be christened, and thy brother, Sir Safere, hath been christened many a day.

CHAPTER XIII. How that Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which was hurt, and how he

AS for that, said Sir Palomides, I may not yet be christened for one avow that I have made many years agone;

howbeit in my heart I believe in Jesu Christ and his mild mother Mary; but I have but one battle to do, and

when that is done I will be baptised with a good will. By my head, said Tristram, as for one battle thou shalt

not seek it no longer. For God defend, said Sir Tristram, that through my default thou shouldst longer live

thus a Saracen, for yonder is a knight that ye, Sir Palomides, have hurt and smitten down. Now help me that I

were armed in his armour, and I shall soon fulfil thine avows. As ye will, said Palomides, so it shall be.

So they rode both unto that knight that sat upon a bank, and then Sir Tristram saluted him, and he weakly

saluted him again. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I require you tell me your right name. Sir, he said, my name

is Sir Galleron of Galway, and knight of the Table Round. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, I am right

heavy of your hurts; but this is all, I must pray you to lend me all your whole armour, for ye see I am

unarmed, and I must do battle with this knight. Sir, said the hurt knight, ye shall have it with a good will; but

ye must beware, for I warn you that knight is wight. Sir, said Galleron, I pray you tell me your name, and

what is that knight's name that hath beaten me. Sir, as for my name it is Sir Tristram de Liones, and as for the

knight's name that hath hurt you is Sir Palomides, brother to the good knight Sir Safere, and yet is Sir

Palomides unchristened. Alas, said Sir Galleron, that is pity that so good a knight and so noble a man of arms

should be unchristened. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, either he shall slay me or I him but that he shall

be christened or ever we depart in sunder. My lord Sir Tristram, said Sir Galleron, your renown and worship

is well known through many realms, and God save you this day from shenship and shame.

Then Sir Tristram unarmed Galleron, the which was a noble knight, and had done many deeds of arms, and

he was a large knight of flesh and bone. And when he was unarmed he stood upon his feet, for he was bruised

in the back with a spear; yet so as Sir Galleron might, he armed Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram mounted

upon his own horse, and in his hand he gat Sir Galleron's spear; and therewithal Sir Palomides was ready.

And so they came hurtling together, and either smote other in midst of their shields; and therewithal Sir

Palomides' spear brake, and Sir Tristram smote down the horse; and Sir Palomides, as soon as he might,

avoided his horse, and dressed his shield, and pulled out his sword. That saw Sir Tristram, and therewithal he

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together, and after accorded, and how

AND then they came together as two wild boars, lashing together, tracing and traversing as noble men that

oft had been well proved in battle; but ever Sir Palomides dread the might of Sir Tristram, and therefore he

suffered him to breathe him. Thus they fought more than two hours, but often Sir Tristram smote such strokes

at Sir Palomides that he made him to kneel; and Sir Palomides brake and cut away many pieces of Sir

Tristram's shield; and then Sir Palomides wounded Sir Tristram, for he was a well fighting man. Then Sir

Tristram was wood wroth out of measure, and rushed upon Sir Palomides with such a might that Sir

Palomides fell grovelling to the earth; and therewithal he leapt up lightly upon his feet, and then Sir Tristram

wounded Palomides sore through the shoulder. And ever Sir Tristram fought still in like hard, and Sir

Palomides failed not, but gave him many sad strokes. And at the last Sir Tristram doubled his strokes, and by

fortune Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides sword out of his hand, and if Sir Palomides had stooped for his

Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with a sorrowful heart. How now, said Sir Tristram unto

Palomides, now have I thee at advantage as thou haddest me this day; but it shall never be said in no court,

nor among good knights, that Sir Tristram shall slay any knight that is weaponless; and therefore take thou

thy sword, and let us make an end of this battle. As for to do this battle, said Palomides, I dare right well end

it, but I have no great lust to fight no more. And for this cause, said Palomides: mine offence to you is not so

great but that we may be friends. All that I have offended is and was for the love of La Beale Isoud. And as

for her, I dare say she is peerless above all other ladies, and also I proffered her never no dishonour; and by

her I have gotten the most part of my worship. And sithen I offended never as to her own person, and as for

the offence that I have done, it was against your own person, and for that offence ye have given me this day

many sad strokes, and some I have given you again; and now I dare say I felt never man of your might, nor so

well breathed, but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake; wherefore I require you, my lord, forgive me all that I

have offended unto you; and this same day have me to the next church, and first let me be clean confessed,

and after see you now that I be truly baptised. And then will we all ride together unto the court of Arthur, that

we be there at the high feast. Now take your horse, said Sir Tristram, and as ye say so it shall be, and all thine

evil will God forgive it you, and I do. And here within this mile is the Suffragan of Carlisle that shall give

Then they took their horses and Sir Galleron rode with them. And when they came to the Suffragan Sir

Tristram told him their desire. Then the Suffragan let fill a great vessel with water, and when he had hallowed

it he then confessed clean Sir Palomides, and Sir Tristram and Sir Galleron were his godfathers. And then

soon after they departed, riding toward Camelot, where King Arthur and Queen Guenever was, and for the

most part all the knights of the Round Table. And so the king and all the court were glad that Sir Palomides

was christened. And at the same feast in came Galahad and sat in the Siege Perilous. And so therewithal

departed and dissevered all the knights of the Round Table. And Sir Tristram returned again unto Joyous

CHAPTER I. How at the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost entered into the hall before King Arthur a

damosel, and desired Sir Launcelot for to come and dub a knight, and how he went with her.

AT the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the Round Table were come unto Camelot and there

heard their service, and the tables were set ready to the meat, right so entered into the hall a full fair

gentlewoman on horseback, that had ridden full fast, for her horse was all besweated. Then she there alighted,

and came before the king and saluted him; and he said: Damosel, God thee bless. Sir, said she, for God's sake

say me where Sir Launcelot is. Yonder ye may see him, said the king. Then she went unto Launcelot and

said: Sir Launcelot, I salute you on King Pelles' behalf, and I require you come on with me hereby into a

forest. Then Sir Launcelot asked her with whom she dwelled. I dwell, said she, with King Pelles. What will

ye with me? said Launcelot. Ye shall know, said she, when ye come thither. Well, said he, I will gladly go

with you. So Sir Launcelot bade his squire saddle his horse and bring his arms; and in all haste he did his

Then came the queen unto Launcelot, and said: Will ye leave us at this high feast? Madam, said the

gentlewoman, wit ye well he shall be with you tomorn by dinner time. If I wist, said the queen, that he

should not be with us here tomorn he should not go with you by my good will. Right so departed Sir

Launcelot with the gentlewoman, and rode until that he came into a forest and into a great valley, where they

saw an abbey of nuns; and there was a squire ready and opened the gates, and so they entered and descended

off their horses; and there came a fair fellowship about Sir Launcelot, and welcomed him, and were passing

glad of his coming. And then they led him unto the Abbess's chamber and unarmed him; and right so he was

ware upon a bed lying two of his cousins, Sir Bors and Sir Lionel, and then he waked them; and when they

saw him they made great joy. Sir, said Sir Bors unto Sir Launcelot, what adventure hath brought you hither,

for we weened tomorn to have found you at Camelot? As God me help, said Sir Launcelot, a gentlewoman

In the meanwhile that they thus stood talking together, therein came twelve nuns that brought with them

Galahad, the which was passing fair and well made, that unnethe in the world men might not find his match:

and all those ladies wept. Sir, said they all, we bring you here this child the which we have nourished, and we

pray you to make him a knight, for of a more worthier man's hand may he not receive the order of

knighthood. Sir Launcelot beheld the young squire and saw him seemly and demure as a dove, with all

manner of good features, that he weened of his age never to have seen so fair a man of form. Then said Sir

Launcelot: Cometh this desire of himself? He and all they said yea. Then shall he, said Sir Launcelot, receive

the high order of knighthood as tomorn at the reverence of the high feast. That night Sir Launcelot had

passing good cheer; and on the morn at the hour of prime, at Galahad's desire, he made him knight and said:

CHAPTER II. How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous and of the marvellous adventure of

NOW fair sir, said Sir Launcelot, will ye come with me unto the court of King Arthur? Nay, said he, I will

not go with you as at this time. Then he departed from them and took his two cousins with him, and so they

came unto Camelot by the hour of underne on Whitsunday. By that time the king and the queen were gone to

the minster to hear their service. Then the king and the queen were passing glad of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel,

and so was all the fellowship. So when the king and all the knights were come from service, the barons espied

in the sieges of the Round Table all about, written with golden letters: Here ought to sit he, and he ought to sit

here. And thus they went so long till that they came to the Siege Perilous, where they found letters newly

written of gold which said: Four hundred winters and four and fifty accomplished after the passion of our

Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be fulfilled. Then all they said: This is a marvellous thing and an

adventurous. In the name of God, said Sir Launcelot; and then accompted the term of the writing from the

birth of our Lord unto that day. It seemeth me said Sir Launcelot, this siege ought to be fulfilled this same

day, for this is the feast of Pentecost after the four hundred and four and fifty year; and if it would please all

parties, I would none of these letters were seen this day, till he be come that ought to enchieve this adventure.

Then made they to ordain a cloth of silk, for to cover these letters in the Siege Perilous.

Then the king bade haste unto dinner. Sir, said Sir Kay the Steward, if ye go now unto your meat ye shall

break your old custom of your court, for ye have not used on this day to sit at your meat or that ye have seen

some adventure. Ye say sooth, said the king, but I had so great joy of Sir Launcelot and of his cousins, which

be come to the court whole and sound, so that I bethought me not of mine old custom. So, as they stood

speaking, in came a squire and said unto the king: Sir, I bring unto you marvellous tidings. What be they?

said the king. Sir, there is here beneath at the river a great stone which I saw fleet above the water, and

therein I saw sticking a sword. The king said: I will see that marvel. So all the knights went with him, and

when they came to the river they found there a stone fleeting, as it were of red marble, and therein stuck a fair

rich sword, and in the pommel thereof were precious stones wrought with subtle letters of gold. Then the

barons read the letters which said in this wise: Never shall man take me hence, but only he by whose side I

When the king had seen the letters, he said unto Sir Launcelot: Fair Sir, this sword ought to be yours, for I am

sure ye be the best knight of the world. Then Sir Launcelot answered full soberly: Certes, sir, it is not my

sword; also, Sir, wit ye well I have no hardiness to set my hand to it, for it longed not to hang by my side.

Also, who that assayeth to take the sword and faileth of it, he shall receive a wound by that sword that he

shall not be whole long after. And I will that ye wit that this same day shall the adventures of the Sangreal,

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

NOW, fair nephew, said the king unto Sir Gawaine, assay ye, for my love. Sir, he said, save your good grace

I shall not do that. Sir, said the king, assay to take the sword and at my commandment. Sir, said Gawaine,

your commandment I will obey. And therewith he took up the sword by the handles, but he might not stir it. I

thank you, said the king to Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, now wit ye well this sword

shall touch you so sore that ye shall will ye had never set your hand thereto for the best castle of this realm.

Sir, he said, I might not withsay mine uncle's will and commandment. But when the king heard this he

repented it much, and said unto Sir Percivale that he should assay, for his love. And he said: Gladly, for to

bear Sir Gawaine fellowship. And therewith he set his hand on the sword and drew it strongly, but he might

not move it. Then were there no[1] mo that durst be so hardy to set their hands thereto. Now may ye go to

your dinner, said Sir Kay unto the king, for a marvellous adventure have ye seen. So the king and all went

unto the court, and every knight knew his own place, and set him therein, and young men that were knights

So when they were served, and all sieges fulfilled save only the Siege Perilous, anon there befell a marvellous

adventure, that all the doors and windows of the palace shut by themself. Not for then the hall was not greatly

darked; and therewith they were[1] all[1] abashed both one and other. Then King Arthur spake first and said:

By God, fair fellows and lords, we have seen this day marvels, but or night I suppose we shall see greater

In the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient, clothed all in white, and there was no knight knew

from whence he came. And with him he brought a young knight, both on foot, in red arms, without sword or

shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side. And these words he said: Peace be with you, fair lords. Then the

old man said unto Arthur: Sir, I bring here a young knight, the which is of king's lineage, and of the kindred

of Joseph of Aramathie, whereby the marvels of this court, and of strange realms, shall be fully

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

THE king was right glad of his words, and said unto the good man: Sir, ye be right welcome, and the young

knight with you. Then the old man made the young man to unarm him, and he was in a coat of red sendal,

and bare a mantle upon his shoulder that was furred with ermine, and put that upon him. And the old knight

said unto the young knight: Sir, follow me. And anon he led him unto the Siege Perilous, where beside sat Sir

Launcelot; and the good man lift up the cloth, and found there letters that said thus: This is the siege of

Galahad, the haut prince. Sir, said the old knight, wit ye well that place is yours. And then he set him down

surely in that siege. And then he said to the old man: Sir, ye may now go your way, for well have ye done that

ye were commanded to do; and recommend me unto my grandsire, King Pelles, and unto my lord Petchere,

and say them on my behalf, I shall come and see them as soon as ever I may. So the good man departed; and

there met him twenty noble squires, and so took their horses and went their way.

Then all the knights of the Table Round marvelled greatly of Sir Galahad, that he durst sit there in that Siege

Perilous, and was so tender of age; and wist not from whence he came but all only by God; and said: This is

he by whom the Sangreal shall be enchieved, for there sat never none but he, but he were mischieved. Then

Sir Launcelot beheld his son and had great joy of him. Then Bors told his fellows: Upon pain of my life this

young knight shall come unto great worship. This noise was great in all the court, so that it came to the

queen. Then she had marvel what knight it might be that durst adventure him to sit in the Siege Perilous.

Many said unto the queen he resembled much unto Sir Launcelot. I may well suppose, said the queen, that Sir

Launcelot begat him on King Pelles' daughter, by the which he was made to lie by, by enchantment, and his

name is Galahad. I would fain see him, said the queen, for he must needs be a noble man, for so is his father

So when the meat was done that the king and all were risen, the king yede unto the Siege Perilous and lift up

the cloth, and found there the name of Galahad; and then he shewed it unto Sir Gawaine, and said: Fair

nephew, now have we among us Sir Galahad, the good knight that shall worship us all; and upon pain of my

life he shall enchieve the Sangreal, right as Sir Launcelot had done us to understand. Then came King Arthur

unto Galahad and said: Sir, ye be welcome, for ye shall move many good knights to the quest of the Sangreal,

and ye shall enchieve that never knights might bring to an end. Then the king took him by the hand, and went

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

THE queen heard thereof, and came after with many ladies, and shewed them the stone where it hoved on the

water. Sir, said the king unto Sir Galahad, here is a great marvel as ever I saw, and right good knights have

assayed and failed. Sir, said Galahad, that is no marvel, for this adventure is not theirs but mine; and for the

surety of this sword I brought none with me, for here by my side hangeth the scabbard. And anon he laid his

hand on the sword, and lightly drew it out of the stone, and put it in the sheath, and said unto the king: Now it

goeth better than it did aforehand. Sir, said the king, a shield God shall send you. Now have I that sword that

sometime was the good knight's, Balin le Savage, and he was a passing good man of his hands; and with this

sword he slew his brother Balan, and that was great pity, for he was a good knight, and either slew other

through a dolorous stroke that Balin gave unto my grandfather King Pelles, the which is not yet whole, nor

Therewith the king and all espied where came riding down the river a lady on a white palfrey toward them.

Then she saluted the king and the queen, and asked if that Sir Launcelot was there. And then he answered

himself: I am here, fair lady. Then she said all with weeping: How your great doing is changed sith this day in

the morn. Damosel, why say you so? said Launcelot. I say you sooth, said the damosel, for ye were this day

the best knight of the world, but who should say so now, he should be a liar, for there is now one better than

ye, and well it is proved by the adventures of the sword whereto ye durst not set to your hand; and that is the

change and leaving of your name. Wherefore I make unto you a remembrance, that ye shall not ween from

henceforth that ye be the best knight of the world. As touching unto that, said Launcelot, I know well I was

never the best. Yes, said the damosel, that were ye, and are yet, of any sinful man of the world. And, Sir king,

Nacien, the hermit, sendeth thee word, that thee shall befall the greatest worship that ever befell king in

Britain; and I say you wherefore, for this day the Sangreal appeared in thy house and fed thee and all thy

fellowship of the Round Table. So she departed and went that same way that she came.

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

Now, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sangreal shall all ye of the Table Round depart, and never

shall I see you again whole together; therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow of Camelot to

joust and to tourney, that after your death men may speak of it that such good knights were wholly together

such a day. As unto that counsel and at the king's request they accorded all, and took on their harness that

longed unto jousting. But all this moving of the king was for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the

king deemed he should not lightly come again unto the court after his departing. So were they assembled in

the meadow, both more and less. Then Sir Galahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did upon him a

noble jesseraunce, and also he did on his helm, but shield would he take none for no prayer of the king. And

then Sir Gawaine and other knights prayed him to take a spear. Right so he did; and the queen was in a tower

with all her ladies, for to behold that tournament. Then Sir Galahad dressed him in midst of the meadow, and

began to break spears marvellously, that all men had wonder of him; for he there surmounted all other

knights, for within a while he had defouled many good knights of the Table Round save twain, that was Sir

CHAPTER VII. How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, all the knights were replenished

THEN the king, at the queen's request, made him to alight and to unlace his helm, that the queen might see

him in the visage. When she beheld him she said: Soothly I dare well say that Sir Launcelot begat him, for

never two men resembled more in likeness, therefore it nis no marvel though he be of great prowess. So a

lady that stood by the queen said: Madam, for God's sake ought he of right to be so good a knight? Yea,

forsooth, said the queen, for he is of all parties come of the best knights of the world and of the highest

lineage; for Sir Launcelot is come but of the eighth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, and Sir Galahad is of

the ninth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, therefore I dare say they be the greatest gentlemen of the world.

And then the king and all estates went home unto Camelot, and so went to evensong to the great minster, and

so after upon that to supper, and every knight sat in his own place as they were toforehand. Then anon they

heard cracking and crying of thunder, that them thought the place should all todrive. In the midst of this

blast entered a sunbeam more clearer by seven times than ever they saw day, and all they were alighted of the

grace of the Holy Ghost. Then began every knight to behold other, and either saw other, by their seeming,

fairer than ever they saw afore. Not for then there was no knight might speak one word a great while, and so

they looked every man on other as they had been dumb. Then there entered into the hall the Holy Grail

covered with white samite, but there was none might see it, nor who bare it. And there was all the hall

fulfilled with good odours, and every knight had such meats and drinks as he best loved in this world. And

when the Holy Grail had been borne through the hall, then the holy vessel departed suddenly, that they wist

not where it became: then had they all breath to speak. And then the king yielded thankings to God, of His

good grace that he had sent them. Certes, said the king, we ought to thank our Lord Jesu greatly for that he

Now, said Sir Gawaine, we have been served this day of what meats and drinks we thought on; but one thing

beguiled us, we might not see the Holy Grail, it was so preciously covered. Wherefore I will make here avow,

that tomorn, without longer abiding, I shall labour in the quest of the Sangreal, that I shall hold me out a

twelvemonth and a day, or more if need be, and never shall I return again unto the court till I have seen it

more openly than it hath been seen here; and if I may not speed I shall return again as he that may not be

When they of the Table Round heard Sir Gawaine say so, they arose up the most part and made such avows

as Sir Gawaine had made. Anon as King Arthur heard this he was greatly displeased, for he wist well they

might not againsay their avows. Alas, said King Arthur unto Sir Gawaine, ye have nigh slain me with the

avow and promise that ye have made; for through you ye have bereft me the fairest fellowship and the truest

of knighthood that ever were seen together in any realm of the world; for when they depart from hence I am

sure they all shall never meet more in this world, for they shall die many in the quest. And so it forthinketh

me a little, for I have loved them as well as my life, wherefore it shall grieve me right sore, the departition of

CHAPTER VIII. How great sorrow was made of the king and the queen and ladies for the departing of the

AND therewith the tears fell in his eyes. And then he said: Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have set me in great

sorrow, for I have great doubt that my true fellowship shall never meet here more again. Ah, said Sir

Launcelot, comfort yourself; for it shall be unto us a great honour and much more than if we died in any other

places, for of death we be siker. Ah, Launcelot, said the king, the great love that I have had unto you all the

days of my life maketh me to say such doleful words; for never Christian king had never so many worthy

men at his table as I have had this day at the Round Table, and that is my great sorrow.

When the queen, ladies, and gentlewomen, wist these tidings, they had such sorrow and heaviness that there

might no tongue tell it, for those knights had held them in honour and chierte'. But among all other Queen

Guenever made great sorrow. I marvel, said she, my lord would suffer them to depart from him. Thus was all

the court troubled for the love of the departition of those knights. And many of those ladies that loved knights

would have gone with their lovers; and so had they done, had not an old knight come among them in

religious clothing; and then he spake all on high and said: Fair lords, which have sworn in the quest of the

Sangreal, thus sendeth you Nacien, the hermit, word, that none in this quest lead lady nor gentlewoman with

him, for it is not to do in so high a service as they labour in; for I warn you plain, he that is not clean of his

sins he shall not see the mysteries of our Lord Jesu Christ. And for this cause they left these ladies and

After this the queen came unto Galahad and asked him of whence he was, and of what country. He told her of

whence he was. And son unto Launcelot, she said he was. As to that, he said neither yea nor nay. So God me

help, said the queen, of your father ye need not to shame you, for he is the goodliest knight, and of the best

men of the world come, and of the strain, of all parties, of kings. Wherefore ye ought of right to be, of your

deeds, a passing good man; and certainly, she said, ye resemble him much. Then Sir Galahad was a little

ashamed and said: Madam, sith ye know in certain, wherefore do ye ask it me? for he that is my father shall

be known openly and all betimes. And then they went to rest them. And in the honour of the highness of

And as soon as it was day the king arose, for he had no rest of all that night for sorrow. Then he went unto

Gawaine and to Sir Launcelot that were arisen for to hear mass. And then the king again said: Ah Gawaine,

Gawaine, ye have betrayed me; for never shall my court be amended by you, but ye will never be sorry for

me as I am for you. And therewith the tears began to run down by his visage. And therewith the king said:

Ah, knight Sir Launcelot, I require thee thou counsel me, for I would that this quest were undone, an it might

be Sir, said Sir Launcelot, ye saw yesterday so many worthy knights that then were sworn that they may not

leave it in no manner of wise. That wot I well, said the king, but it shall so heavy me at their departing that I

wot well there shall no manner of joy remedy me. And then the king and the queen went unto the minster. So

anon Launcelot and Gawaine commanded their men to bring their arms. And when they all were armed save

their shields and their helms, then they came to their fellowship, which were all ready in the same wise, for to

Then after the service was done the king would wit how many had undertaken the quest of the Holy Grail;

and to accompt them he prayed them all. Then found they by the tale an hundred and fifty, and all were

knights of the Round Table. And then they put on their helms and departed, and recommended them all

wholly unto the queen; and there was weeping and great sorrow. Then the queen departed into her chamber

and held her, so that no man should perceive her great sorrows. When Sir Launcelot missed the queen he

went till her chamber, and when she saw him she cried aloud: O Launcelot, Launcelot, ye have betrayed me

and put me to the death, for to leave thus my lord. Ah, madam, I pray you be not displeased, for I shall come

again as soon as I may with my worship. Alas, said she, that ever I saw you; but he that suffered upon the

cross for all mankind, he be unto you good conduct and safety, and all the whole fellowship.

Right so departed Sir Launcelot, and found his fellowship that abode his coming. And so they mounted upon

their horses and rode through the streets of Camelot; and there was weeping of rich and poor, and the king

turned away and might not speak for weeping. So within a while they came to a city, and a castle that hight

Vagon. There they entered into the castle, and the lord of that castle was an old man that hight Vagon, and he

was a good man of his living, and set open the gates, and made them all the cheer that he might. And so on

the morn they were all accorded that they should depart everych from other; and on the morn they departed

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

NOW rideth Sir Galahad yet without shield, and so he rode four days without any adventure. And at the

fourth day after evensong he came to a White Abbey, and there he was received with great reverence, and led

unto a chamber, and there was he unarmed; and then was he ware of two[1] knights of the Table Round, one

was Sir Bagdemagus, and[1] that[1] other[1] was Sir Uwaine. And when they saw him they went unto

Galahad and made of him great solace, and so they went unto supper. Sirs, said Sir Galahad, what adventure

brought you hither? Sir, said they, it is told us that within this place is a shield that no man may bear about his

neck but he be mischieved outher dead within three days, or maimed for ever. Ah sir, said King Bagdemagus,

I shall it bear tomorrow for to assay this adventure. In the name of God, said Sir Galahad. Sir, said

Bagdemagus, an I may not enchieve the adventure of this shield ye shall take it upon you, for I am sure ye

shall not fail. Sir, said Galahad, I right well agree me thereto, for I have no shield. So on the morn they arose

and heard mass. Then Bagdemagus asked where the adventurous shield was. Anon a monk led him behind an

altar where the shield hung as white as any snow, but in the midst was a red cross. Sir, said the monk, this

shield ought not to be hanged about no knight's neck but he be the worthiest knight of the world;

therefore I counsel you knights to be well advised. Well, said Bagdemagus, I wot well that I am not the best

knight of the world, but yet I shall assay to bear it, and so bare it out of the minster. And then he said unto

Galahad: An it please you abide here still, till ye wit how that I speed. I shall abide you, said Galahad. Then

King Bagdemagus took with him a good squire, to bring tidings unto Sir Galahad how he sped.

Then when they had ridden a two mile and came to a fair valley afore an hermitage, then they saw a knight

come from that part in white armour, horse and all; and he came as fast as his horse might run, and his spear

in his rest, and Bagdemagus dressed his spear against him and brake it upon the white knight. But the other

struck him so hard that he brast the mails, and sheef him through the right shoulder, for the shield covered

him not as at that time; and so he bare him from his horse. And therewith he alighted and took the white

shield from him, saying: Knight, thou hast done thyself great folly, for this shield ought not to be borne but

by him that shall have no peer that liveth. And then he came to Bagdemagus' squire and said: Bear this shield

unto the good knight Sir Galahad, that thou left in the abbey, and greet him well by me. Sir, said the squire,

what is your name? Take thou no heed of my name, said the knight, for it is not for thee to know nor for none

earthly man. Now, fair sir, said the squire, at the reverence of Jesu Christ, tell me for what cause this shield

may not be borne but if the bearer thereof be mischieved. Now sith thou hast conjured me so, said the knight,

this shield behoveth unto no man but unto Galahad. And the squire went unto Bagdemagus and asked

whether he were sore wounded or not. Yea forsooth, said he, I shall escape hard from the death. Then he

fetched his horse, and brought him with great pain unto an abbey. Then was he taken down softly and

unarmed, and laid in a bed, and there was looked to his wounds. And as the book telleth, he lay there long,

CHAPTER X. How Galahad departed with the shield, and how King Evelake had received the shield of

SIR GALAHAD, said the squire, that knight that wounded Bagdemagus sendeth you greeting, and bade that

ye should bear this shield, wherethrough great adventures should befall. Now blessed be God and fortune,

said Galahad. And then he asked his arms, and mounted upon his horse, and hung the white shield about his

neck, and commended them unto God. And Sir Uwaine said he would bear him fellowship if it pleased him.

Sir, said Galahad, that may ye not, for I must go alone, save this squire shall bear me fellowship: and so

Then within a while came Galahad thereas the White Knight abode him by the hermitage, and everych

saluted other courteously. Sir, said Galahad, by this shield be many marvels fallen. Sir, said the knight, it

befell after the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ thirtytwo year, that Joseph of Aramathie, the gentle knight,

the which took down our Lord off the holy Cross, at that time he departed from Jerusalem with a great party

of his kindred with him. And so he laboured till that they came to a city that hight Sarras. And at that same

hour that Joseph came to Sarras there was a king that hight Evelake, that had great war against the Saracens,

and in especial against one Saracen, the which was King Evelake's cousin, a rich king and a mighty, which

marched nigh this land, and his name was called Tolleme la Feintes. So on a day these two met to do battle.

Then Joseph, the son of Joseph of Aramathie, went to King Evelake and told him he should be discomfit and

slain, but if he left his belief of the old law and believed upon the new law. And then there he shewed him the

right belief of the Holy Trinity, to the which he agreed unto with all his heart; and there this shield was made

for King Evelake, in the name of Him that died upon the Cross. And then through his good belief he had the

better of King Tolleme. For when Evelake was in the battle there was a cloth set afore the shield, and when

he was in the greatest peril he let put away the cloth, and then his enemies saw a figure of a man on the Cross,

wherethrough they all were discomfit. And so it befell that a man of King Evelake's was smitten his hand off,

and bare that hand in his other hand; and Joseph called that man unto him and bade him go with good

devotion touch the Cross. And as soon as that man had touched the Cross with his hand it was as whole as

ever it was tofore. Then soon after there fell a great marvel, that the cross of the shield at one time vanished

away that no man wist where it became. And then King Evelake was baptised, and for the most part all the

people of that city. So, soon after Joseph would depart, and King Evelake would go with him, whether he

wold or nold. And so by fortune they came into this land, that at that time was called Great Britain; and there

they found a great felon paynim, that put Joseph into prison. And so by fortune tidings came unto a worthy

man that hight Mondrames, and he assembled all his people for the great renown he had heard of Joseph; and

so he came into the land of Great Britain and disherited this felon paynim and consumed him, and therewith

delivered Joseph out of prison. And after that all the people were turned to the Christian faith.

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

NOT long after that Joseph was laid in his deadly bed. And when King Evelake saw that he made much

sorrow, and said: For thy love I have left my country, and sith ye shall depart out of this world, leave me

some token of yours that I may think on you. Joseph said: That will I do full gladly; now bring me your

shield that I took you when ye went into battle against King Tolleme. Then Joseph bled sore at the nose, so

that he might not by no mean be staunched. And there upon that shield he made a cross of his own blood.

Now may ye see a remembrance that I love you, for ye shall never see this shield but ye shall think on me,

and it shall be always as fresh as it is now. And never shall man bear this shield about his neck but he shall

repent it, unto the time that Galahad, the good knight, bear it; and the last of my lineage shall have it about

his neck, that shall do many marvellous deeds. Now, said King Evelake, where shall I put this shield, that this

worthy knight may have it? Ye shall leave it thereas Nacien, the hermit, shall be put after his death; for

thither shall that good knight come the fifteenth day after that he shall receive the order of knighthood: and so

that day that they set is this time that he have his shield, and in the same abbey lieth Nacien, the hermit. And

Anon as the squire had heard these words, he alighted off his hackney and kneeled down at Galahad's feet,

and prayed him that he might go with him till he had made him knight. Yea,[1] I would not refuse you. Then

will ye make me a knight? said the squire, and that order, by the grace of God, shall be well set in me. So Sir

Galahad granted him, and turned again unto the abbey where they came from; and there men made great joy

of Sir Galahad. And anon as he was alighted there was a monk brought him unto a tomb in a churchyard,

where there was such a noise that who that heard it should verily nigh be mad or lose his strength: and sir,

[1] Caxton ``Yf,'' for which ``Ye'' seems the easiest emendation that will save the sense.

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

NOW lead me thither, said Galahad. And so they did, all armed save his helm. Now, said the good man, go to

the tomb and lift it up. So he did, and heard a great noise; and piteously he said, that all men might hear it: Sir

Galahad, the servant of Jesu Christ, come thou not nigh me, for thou shalt make me go again there where I

have been so long. But Galahad was nothing afraid, but lifted up the stone; and there came out so foul a

smoke, and after he saw the foulest figure leap thereout that ever he saw in the likeness of a man; and then he

blessed him and wist well it was a fiend. Then heard he a voice say Galahad, I see there environ about thee so

many angels that my power may not dere thee{sic} Right so Sir Galahad saw a body all armed lie in that

tomb, and beside him a sword. Now, fair brother, said Galahad, let us remove this body, for it is not worthy

to lie in this churchyard, for he was a false Christian man. And therewith they all departed and went to the

abbey. And anon as he was unarmed a good man came and set him down by him and said: Sir, I shall tell you

what betokeneth all that ye saw in the tomb; for that covered body betokeneth the duresse of the world, and

the great sin that Our Lord found in the world. For there was such wretchedness that the father loved not the

son, nor the son loved not the father; and that was one of the causes that Our Lord took flesh and blood of a

clean maiden, for our sins were so great at that time that wellnigh all was wickedness. Truly, said Galahad, I

So Sir Galahad rested him there that night; and upon the morn he made the squire knight, and asked him his

name, and of what kindred he was come. Sir, said he, men calleth me Melias de Lile, and I am the son of the

King of Denmark. Now, fair sir, said Galahad, sith that ye be come of kings and queens, now look that

knighthood be well set in you, for ye ought to be a mirror unto all chivalry. Sir, said Sir Melias, ye say sooth.

But, sir, sithen ye have made me a knight ye must of right grant me my first desire that is reasonable. Ye say

sooth, said Galahad. Melias said: Then that ye will suffer me to ride with you in this quest of the Sangreal, till

Then men brought Sir Melias his armour and his spear and his horse, and so Sir Galahad and he rode forth all

that week or they found any adventure. And then upon a Monday in the morning, as they were departed from

an abbey, they came to a cross which departed two ways, and in that cross were letters written that said thus:

Now, ye knights errant, the which goeth to seek knights adventurous, see here two ways; that one way

defendeth thee that thou ne go that way, for he shall not go out of the way again but if he be a good man and a

worthy knight; and if thou go on the left hand, thou shalt not lightly there win prowess, for thou shalt in this

way be soon assayed. Sir, said Melias to Galahad, if it like you to suffer me to take the way on the left hand,

tell me, for there I shall well prove my strength. It were better, said Galahad, ye rode not that way, for I deem

I should better escape in that way than ye. Nay, my lord, I pray you let me have that adventure. Take it in

CHAPTER XIII. Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad revenged him, and how Melias was

AND then rode Melias into an old forest, and therein he rode two days and more. And then he came into a

fair meadow, and there was a fair lodge of boughs. And then he espied in that lodge a chair, wherein was a

crown of gold, subtly wrought. Also there were cloths covered upon the earth, and many delicious meats set

thereon. Sir Melias beheld this adventure, and thought it marvellous, but he had no hunger, but of the crown

of gold he took much keep; and therewith he stooped down and took it up, and rode his way with it. And

anon he saw a knight came riding after him that said: Knight, set down that crown which is not yours, and

therefore defend you. Then Sir Melias blessed him and said: Fair lord of heaven, help and save thy

newmade knight. And then they let their horses run as fast as they might, so that the other knight smote Sir

Melias through hauberk and through the left side, that he fell to the earth nigh dead. And then he took the

In the meanwhile by fortune there came Sir Galahad and found him there in peril of death. And then he said:

Ah Melias, who hath wounded you? therefore it had been better to have ridden the other way. And when Sir

Melias heard him speak: Sir, he said, for God's love let me not die in this forest, but bear me unto the abbey

here beside, that I may be confessed and have my rights. It shall be done, said Galahad, but where is he that

hath wounded you? With that Sir Galahad heard in the leaves cry on high: Knight, keep thee from me. Ah sir,

said Melias, beware, for that is he that hath slain me. Sir Galahad answered: Sir knight, come on your peril.

Then either dressed to other, and came together as fast as their horses might run, and Galahad smote him so

that his spear went through his shoulder, and smote him down off his horse, and in the falling Galahad's spear

With that came out another knight out of the leaves, and brake a spear upon Galahad or ever he might turn

him. Then Galahad drew out his sword and smote off the left arm of him, so that it fell to the earth. And then

he fled, and Sir Galahad pursued fast after him. And then he turned again unto Sir Melias, and there he

alighted and dressed him softly on his horse tofore him, for the truncheon of his spear was in his body; and

Sir Galahad stert up behind him, and held him in his arms, and so brought him to the abbey, and there

unarmed him and brought him to his chamber. And then he asked his Saviour. And when he had received

Him he said unto Sir Galahad: Sir, let death come when it pleaseth him. And therewith he drew out the

Then came there an old monk which sometime had been a knight, and beheld Sir Melias. And anon he

ransacked him; and then he said unto Sir Galahad: I shall heal him of his wound, by the grace of God, within

the term of seven weeks. Then was Sir Galahad glad, and unarmed him, and said he would abide there three

days. And then he asked Sir Melias how it stood with him. Then he said he was turned unto helping, God be

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

NOW will I depart, said Galahad, for I have much on hand, for many good knights be full busy about it, and

this knight and I were in the same quest of the Sangreal. Sir, said a good man, for his sin he was thus

wounded; and I marvel, said the good man, how ye durst take upon you so rich a thing as the high order of

knighthood without clean confession, and that was the cause ye were bitterly wounded. For the way on the

right hand betokeneth the highway of our Lord Jesu Christ, and the way of a good true good liver. And the

other way betokeneth the way of sinners and of misbelievers. And when the devil saw your pride and

presumption, for to take you in the quest of the Sangreal, that made you to be overthrown, for it may not be

enchieved but by virtuous living. Also, the writing on the cross was a signification of heavenly deeds, and of

knightly deeds in God's works, and no knightly deeds in worldly works. And pride is head of all deadly sins,

that caused this knight to depart from Galahad. And where thou tookest the crown of gold thou sinnest in

covetise and in theft: all this were no knightly deeds. And this Galahad, the holy knight, the which fought

with the two knights, the two knights signify the two deadly sins which were wholly in this knight Melias;

Now departed Galahad from thence, and betaught them all unto God. Sir Melias said: My lord Galahad, as

soon as I may ride I shall seek you. God send you health, said Galahad, and so took his horse and departed,

and rode many journeys forward and backward, as adventure would lead him. And at the last it happened him

to depart from a place or a castle the which was named Abblasoure; and he had heard no mass, the which he

was wont ever to hear or ever he departed out of any castle or place, and kept that for a custom. Then Sir

Galahad came unto a mountain where he found an old chapel, and found there nobody, for all, all was

desolate; and there he kneeled tofore the altar, and besought God of wholesome counsel. So as he prayed he

heard a voice that said: Go thou now, thou adventurous knight, to the Castle of Maidens, and there do thou

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

WHEN Sir Galahad heard this he thanked God, and took his horse; and he had not ridden but half a mile, he

saw in the valley afore him a strong castle with deep ditches, and there ran beside it a fair river that hight

Severn; and there he met with a man of great age, and either saluted other, and Galahad asked him the castle's

name. Fair sir, said he, it is the Castle of Maidens. That is a cursed castle, said Galahad, and all they that be

conversant therein, for all pity is out thereof, and all hardiness and mischief is therein. Therefore, I counsel

you, sir knight, to turn again. Sir, said Galahad, wit you well I shall not turn again. Then looked Sir Galahad

on his arms that nothing failed him, and then he put his shield afore him; and anon there met him seven fair

maidens, the which said unto him: Sir knight, ye ride here in a great folly, for ye have the water to pass over.

Why should I not pass the water? said Galahad. So rode he away from them and met with a squire that said:

Knight, those knights in the castle defy you, and defenden you ye go no further till that they wit what ye

would. Fair sir, said Galahad, I come for to destroy the wicked custom of this castle. Sir, an ye will abide by

Then the squire entered into the castle. And anon after there came out of the castle seven knights, and all

were brethren. And when they saw Galahad they cried: Knight, keep thee, for we assure thee nothing but

death. Why, said Galahad, will ye all have ado with me at once? Yea, said they, thereto mayst thou trust.

Then Galahad put forth his spear and smote the foremost to the earth, that near he brake his neck. And

therewithal the other smote him on his shield great strokes, so that their spears brake. Then Sir Galahad drew

out his sword, and set upon them so hard that it was marvel to see it, and so through great force he made them

to forsake the field; and Galahad chased them till they entered into the castle, and so passed through the castle

And there met Sir Galahad an old man clothed in religious clothing, and said: Sir, have here the keys of this

castle. Then Sir Galahad opened the gates, and saw so much people in the streets that he might not number

them, and all said: Sir, ye be welcome, for long have we abiden here our deliverance. Then came to him a

gentlewoman and said: These knights be fled, but they will come again this night, and here to begin again

their evil custom. What will ye that I shall do? said Galahad. Sir, said the gentlewoman, that ye send after all

the knights hither that hold their lands of this castle, and make them to swear for to use the customs that were

used heretofore of old time. I will well, said Galahad. And there she brought him an horn of ivory, bounden

with gold richly, and said: Sir, blow this horn which will be heard two mile about this castle. When Sir

Then came a priest to Galahad, and said: Sir, it is past a seven year agone that these seven brethren came into

this castle, and harboured with the lord of this castle that hight the Duke Lianour, and he was lord of all this

country. And when they espied the duke's daughter, that was a full fair woman, then by their false covin they

made debate betwixt themself, and the duke of his goodness would have departed them, and there they slew

him and his eldest son. And then they took the maiden and the treasure of the castle. And then by great force

they held all the knights of this castle against their will under their obeissance, and in great service and

truage, robbing and pilling the poor common people of all that they had. So it happened on a day the duke's

daughter said: Ye have done unto me great wrong to slay mine own father, and my brother, and thus to hold

our lands: not for then, she said, ye shall not hold this castle for many years, for by one knight ye shall be

overcome. Thus she prophesied seven years agone. Well, said the seven knights, sithen ye say so, there shall

never lady nor knight pass this castle but they shall abide maugre their heads, or die therefore, till that knight

be come by whom we shall lose this castle. And therefore is it called the Maidens' Castle, for they have

devoured many maidens. Now, said Galahad, is she here for whom this castle was lost? Nay sir, said the

priest, she was dead within these three nights after that she was thus enforced; and sithen have they kept her

By this were the knights of the country come, and then he made them do homage and fealty to the king's

daughter, and set them in great ease of heart. And in the morn there came one to Galahad and told him how

that Gawaine, Gareth, and Uwaine, had slain the seven brethren. I suppose well, said Sir Galahad, and took

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

NOW, saith the tale, after Sir Gawaine departed, he rode many journeys, both toward and froward. And at the

last he came to the abbey where Sir Galahad had the white shield, and there Sir Gawaine learned the way to

sewe after Sir Galahad; and so he rode to the abbey where Melias lay sick, and there Sir Melias told Sir

Gawaine of the marvellous adventures that Sir Galahad did. Certes, said Sir Gawaine, I am not happy that I

took not the way that he went, for an I may meet with him I will not depart from him lightly, for all

marvellous adventures Sir Galahad enchieveth. Sir, said one of the monks, he will not of your fellowship.

Why? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said he, for ye be wicked and sinful, and he is full blessed. Right as they thus

stood talking there came in riding Sir Gareth. And then they made joy either of other. And on the morn they

heard mass, and so departed. And by the way they met with Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and there Sir Uwaine

told Sir Gawaine how he had met with none adventure sith he departed from the court. Nor we, said Sir

Gawaine. And either promised other of the three knights not to depart while they were in that quest, but if

So they departed and rode by fortune till that they came by the Castle of Maidens; and there the seven

brethren espied the three knights, and said: Sithen, we be flemed by one knight from this castle, we shall

destroy all the knights of King Arthur's that we may overcome, for the love of Sir Galahad. And therewith the

seven knights set upon the three knights, and by fortune Sir Gawaine slew one ot the brethren, and each one

of his fellows slew another, and so slew the remnant. And then they took the way under the castle, and there

they lost the way that Sir Galahad rode, and there everych of them departed from other; and Sir Gawaine rode

till he came to an hermitage, and there he found the good man saying his evensong of Our Lady; and there Sir

Then the good man asked him what he was. Sir, he said, I am a knight of King Arthur's that am in the quest

of the Sangreal, and my name is Sir Gawaine. Sir, said the good man, I would wit how it standeth betwixt

God and you. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I will with a good will shew you my life if it please you; and there he

told the hermit how a monk of an abbey called me wicked knight. He might well say it, said the hermit, for

when ye were first made knight ye should have taken you to knightly deeds and virtuous living, and ye have

done the contrary, for ye have lived mischievously many winters; and Sir Galahad is a maid and sinned

never, and that is the cause he shall enchieve where he goeth that ye nor none such shall not attain, nor none

in your fellowship, for ye have used the most untruest life that ever I heard knight live. For certes had ye not

been so wicked as ye are, never had the seven brethren been slain by you and your two fellows. For Sir

Galahad himself alone beat them all seven the day tofore, but his living is such he shall slay no man lightly.

Also I may say you the Castle of Maidens betokeneth the good souls that were in prison afore the Incarnation

of Jesu Christ. And the seven knights betoken the seven deadly sins that reigned that time in the world; and I

may liken the good Galahad unto the son of the High Father, that lighted within a maid, and bought all the

souls out of thrall, so did Sir Galahad deliver all the maidens out of the woful castle.

Now, Sir Gawaine, said the good man, thou must do penance for thy sin. Sir, what penance shall I do? Such

as I will give, said the good man. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, I may do no penance; for we knights adventurous

oft suffer great woe and pain. Well, said the good man, and then he held his peace. And on the morn Sir

Gawaine departed from the hermit, and betaught him unto God. And by adventure he met with Sir Aglovale

and Sir Griflet, two knights of the Table Round. And they two rode four days without finding of any

adventure, and at the fifth day they departed. And everych held as fell them by adventure. Here leaveth the

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

So when Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle of Maidens he rode till he came to a waste forest, and

there he met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale, but they knew him not, for he was new disguised. Right so

Sir Launcelot, his father, dressed his spear and brake it upon Sir Galahad, and Galahad smote him so again

that he smote down horse and man. And then he drew his sword, and dressed him unto Sir Percivale, and

smote him so on the helm, that it rove to the coif of steel; and had not the sword swerved Sir Percivale had

been slain, and with the stroke he fell out of his saddle. This jousts was done tofore the hermitage where a

recluse dwelled. And when she saw Sir Galahad ride, she said: God be with thee, best knight of the world. Ah

certes, said she, all aloud that Launcelot and Percivale might hear it: An yonder two knights had known thee

as well as I do they would not have encountered with thee. Then Sir Galahad heard her say so he was adread

to be known: therewith he smote his horse with his spurs and rode a great pace froward them. Then perceived

they both that he was Galahad; and up they gat on their horses, and rode fast after him, but in a while he was

out of their sight. And then they turned again with heavy cheer. Let us spere some tidings, said Percivale, at

When Sir Percivale came to the recluse she knew him well enough, and Sir Launcelot both. But Sir Launcelot

rode overthwart and endlong in a wild forest, and held no path but as wild adventure led him. And at the last

he came to a stony cross which departed two ways in waste land; and by the cross was a stone that was of

marble, but it was so dark that Sir Launcelot might not wit what it was. Then Sir Launcelot looked by him,

and saw an old chapel, and there he weened to have found people; and Sir Launcelot tied his horse till a tree,

and there he did off his shield and hung it upon a tree, and then went to the chapel door, and found it waste

and broken. And within he found a fair altar, full richly arrayed with cloth of clean silk, and there stood a fair

clean candlestick, which bare six great candles, and the candlestick was of silver. And when Sir Launcelot

saw this light he had great will for to enter into the chapel, but he could find no place where he might enter;

then was he passing heavy and dismayed. Then he returned and came to his horse and did off his saddle and

bridle, and let him pasture, and unlaced his helm, and ungirt his sword, and laid him down to sleep upon his

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a sick man borne in a litter, and

AND so he fell asleep; and half waking and sleeping he saw come by him two palfreys all fair and white, the

which bare a litter, therein lying a sick knight. And when he was nigh the cross he there abode still. All this

Sir Launcelot saw and beheld, for he slept not verily; and he heard him say: O sweet Lord, when shall this

sorrow leave me? and when shall the holy vessel come by me, wherethrough I shall be blessed? For I have

endured thus long, for little trespass. A full great while complained the knight thus, and always Sir Launcelot

heard it. With that Sir Launcelot saw the candlestick with the six tapers come before the cross, and he saw

nobody that brought it. Also there came a table of silver, and the holy vessel of the Sangreal, which Launcelot

had seen aforetime in King Pescheour's house. And therewith the sick knight set him up, and held up both his

hands, and said: Fair sweet Lord, which is here within this holy vessel; take heed unto me that I may be

whole of this malady. And therewith on his hands and on his knees he went so nigh that he touched the holy

vessel and kissed it, and anon he was whole; and then he said: Lord God, I thank thee, for I am healed of this

So when the holy vessel had been there a great while it went unto the chapel with the chandelier and the light,

so that Launcelot wist not where it was become; for he was overtaken with sin that he had no power to rise

again the holy vessel; wherefore after that many men said of him shame, but he took repentance after that.

Then the sick knight dressed him up and kissed the cross; anon his squire brought him his arms, and asked his

lord how he did. Certes, said he, I thank God right well, through the holy vessel I am healed. But I have

marvel of this sleeping knight that had no power to awake when this holy vessel was brought hither. I dare

right well say, said the squire, that he dwelleth in some deadly sin whereof he was never confessed. By my

faith, said the knight, whatsomever he be he is unhappy, for as I deem he is of the fellowship of the Round

Table, the which is entered into the quest of the Sangreal. Sir, said the squire, here I have brought you all

your arms save your helm and your sword, and therefore by mine assent now may ye take this knight's helm

and his sword: and so he did. And when he was clean armed he took Sir Launcelot's horse, for he was better

CHAPTER XIX. How a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how he found his horse and his helm borne

THEN anon Sir Launcelot waked, and set him up, and bethought him what he had seen there, and whether it

were dreams or not. Right so heard he a voice that said: Sir Launcelot, more harder than is the stone, and

more bitter than is the wood, and more naked and barer than is the leaf of the fig tree; therefore go thou from

hence, and withdraw thee from this holy place. And when Sir Launcelot heard this he was passing heavy and

wist not what to do, and so departed sore weeping, and cursed the time that he was born. For then he deemed

never to have had worship more. For those words went to his heart, till that he knew wherefore he was called

so. Then Sir Launcelot went to the cross and found his helm, his sword, and his horse taken away. And then

he called himself a very wretch, and most unhappy of all knights; and there he said: My sin and my

wickedness have brought me unto great dishonour. For when I sought worldly adventures for worldly desires,

I ever enchieved them and had the better in every place, and never was I discomfit in no quarrel, were it right

or wrong. And now I take upon me the adventures of holy things, and now I see and understand that mine old

sin hindereth me and shameth me, so that I had no power to stir nor speak when the holy blood appeared

afore me. So thus he sorrowed till it was day, and heard the fowls sing: then somewhat he was comforted. But

when Sir Launcelot missed his horse and his harness then he wist well God was displeased with him.

Then he departed from the cross on foot into a forest; and so by prime he came to an high hill, and found an

hermitage and a hermit therein which was going unto mass. And then Launcelot kneeled down and cried on

Our Lord mercy for his wicked works. So when mass was done Launcelot called him, and prayed him for

charity for to hear his life. With a good will, said the good man. Sir, said he, be ye of King Arthur's court and

of the fellowship of the Round Table? Yea forsooth, and my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake that hath been

right well said of, and now my good fortune is changed, for I am the most wretch of the world. The hermit

beheld him and had marvel how he was so abashed. Sir, said the hermit, ye ought to thank God more than any

knight living, for He hath caused you to have more worldly worship than any knight that now liveth. And for

your presumption to take upon you in deadly sin for to be in His presence, where His flesh and His blood

was, that caused you ye might not see it with worldly eyes; for He will not appear where such sinners be, but

if it be unto their great hurt and unto their great shame; and there is no knight living now that ought to give

God so great thank as ye, for He hath given you beauty, seemliness, and great strength above all other

knights; and therefore ye are the more beholding unto God than any other man, to love Him and dread Him,

CHAPTER XX. How Sir Launcelot was shriven, and what sorrow he made and of the good ensamples

THEN Sir Launcelot wept with heavy cheer, and said: Now I know well ye say me sooth. Sir, said the good

man, hide none old sin from me. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, that were me full loath to discover. For this

fourteen year I never discovered one thing that I have used, and that may I now wite my shame and my

disadventure. And then he told there that good man all his life. And how he had loved a queen unmeasurably

and out of measure long. And all my great deeds of arms that I have done, I did for the most part for the

queen's sake, and for her sake would I do battle were it right or wrong, and never did I battle all only for

God's sake, but for to win worship and to cause me to be the better beloved and little or nought I thanked God

of it. Then Sir Launcelot said: I pray you counsel me. I will counsel you, said the hermit, if ye will ensure me

that ye will never come in that queen's fellowship as much as ye may forbear. And then Sir Launcelot

promised him he nold, by the faith of his body. Look that your heart and your mouth accord, said the good

Holy father, said Sir Launcelot, I marvel of the voice that said to me marvellous words, as ye have heard to

forehand. Have ye no marvel, said the good man thereof, for it seemeth well God loveth you; for men may

understand a stone is hard of kind, and namely one more than another; and that is to understand by thee, Sir

Launcelot, for thou wilt not leave thy sin for no goodness that God hath sent thee; therefore thou art more

than any stone, and never wouldst thou be made nesh nor by water nor by fire, and that is the heat of the Holy

Ghost may not enter in thee. Now take heed, in all the world men shall not find one knight to whom Our Lord

hath given so much of grace as He hath given you, for He hath given you fairness with seemliness, He hath

given thee wit, discretion to know good from evil, He hath given thee prowess and hardiness, and given thee

to work so largely that thou hast had at all days the better wheresomever thou came; and now Our Lord will

suffer thee no longer, but that thou shalt know Him whether thou wilt or nylt. And why the voice called thee

bitterer than wood, for where overmuch sin dwelleth, there may be but little sweetness, wherefore thou art

Now have I shewed thee why thou art harder than the stone and bitterer than the tree. Now shall I shew thee

why thou art more naked and barer than the fig tree. It befell that Our Lord on Palm Sunday preached in

Jerusalem, and there He found in the people that all hardness was harboured in them, and there He found in

all the town not one that would harbour him. And then He went without the town, and found in midst of the

way a fig tree, the which was right fair and well garnished of leaves, but fruit had it none. Then Our Lord

cursed the tree that bare no fruit; that betokeneth the fig tree unto Jerusalem, that had leaves and no fruit. So

thou, Sir Launcelot, when the Holy Grail was brought afore thee, He found in thee no fruit, nor good thought

nor good will, and defouled with lechery. Certes, said Sir Launcelot, all that you have said is true, and from

henceforward I cast me, by the grace of God, never to be so wicked as I have been, but as to follow

Then the good man enjoined Sir Launcelot such penance as he might do and to sewe knighthood, and so

assoiled him, and prayed Sir Launcelot to abide with him all that day. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, for I

have neither helm, nor horse, nor sword. As for that, said the good man, I shall help you or tomorn at even

of an horse, and all that longed unto you. And then Sir Launcelot repented him greatly.

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

NOW saith the tale, that when Sir Launcelot was ridden after Sir Galahad, the which had all these adventures

above said, Sir Percivale turned again unto the recluse, where he deemed to have tidings of that knight that

Launcelot followed. And so he kneeled at her window, and the recluse opened it and asked Sir Percivale what

he would. Madam, he said, I am a knight of King Arthur's court, and my name is Sir Percivale de Galis.

When the recluse heard his name she had great joy of him, for mickle she had loved him tofore any other

knight, for she ought to do so, for she was his aunt. And then she commanded the gates to be opened, and

there he had all the cheer that she might make him, and all that was in her power was at his commandment.

So on the morn Sir Percivale went to the recluse and asked her if she knew that knight with the white shield.

Sir, said she, why would ye wit? Truly, madam, said Sir Percivale, I shall never be well at ease till that I

know of that knight's fellowship, and that I may fight with him, for I may not leave him so lightly, for I have

the shame yet. Ah, Percivale, said she, would ye fight with him? I see well ye have great will to be slain as

your father was, through outrageousness. Madam, said Sir Percivale, it seemeth by your words that ye know

me. Yea, said she, I well ought to know you, for I am your aunt, although I be in a priory place. For some

called me sometime the Queen of the Waste Lands, and I was called the queen of most riches in the world;

and it pleased me never my riches so much as doth my poverty. Then Sir Percivale wept for very pity when

that he knew it was his aunt. Ah, fair nephew, said she, when heard ye tidings of your mother? Truly, said he,

I heard none of her, but I dream of her much in my sleep; and therefore I wot not whether she be dead or

alive. Certes, fair nephew, said she, your mother is dead, for after your departing from her she took such a

sorrow that anon, after she was confessed, she died. Now, God have mercy on her soul, said Sir Percivale, it

sore forthinketh me; but all we must change the life. Now, fair aunt, tell me what is the knight? I deem it be

he that bare the red arms on Whitsunday. Wit you well, said she, that this is he, for otherwise ought he not to

do, but to go in red arms; and that same knight hath no peer, for he worketh all by miracle, and he shall never

CHAPTER II. How Merlin likened the Round Table to the world, and how the knights that should achieve

ALSO Merlin made the Round Table in tokening of roundness of the world, for by the Round Table is the

world signified by right, for all the world, Christian and heathen, repair unto the Round Table; and when they

are chosen to be of the fellowship of the Round Table they think them more blessed and more in worship than

if they had gotten half the world; and ye have seen that they have lost their fathers and their mothers, and all

their kin, and their wives and their children, for to be of your fellowship. It is well seen by you; for since ye

have departed from your mother ye would never see her, ye found such fellowship at the Round Table. When

Merlin had ordained the Round Table he said, by them which should be fellows of the Round Table the truth

of the Sangreal should be well known. And men asked him how men might know them that should best do

and to enchieve the Sangreal? Then he said there should be three white bulls that should enchieve it, and the

two should be maidens, and the third should be chaste. And that one of the three should pass his father as

They that heard Merlin say so said thus unto Merlin: Sithen there shall be such a knight, thou shouldest

ordain by thy crafts a siege, that no man should sit in it but he all only that shall pass all other knights. Then

Merlin answered that he would do so. And then he made the Siege Perilous, in the which Galahad sat in at his

meat on Whitsunday last past. Now, madam, said Sir Percivale, so much have I heard of you that by my good

will I will never have ado with Sir Galahad but by way of kindness; and for God's love, fair aunt, can ye teach

me some way where I may find him? for much would I love the fellowship of him. Fair nephew, said she, ye

must ride unto a castle the which is called Goothe, where he hath a cousin germain, and there may ye be

lodged this night. And as he teacheth you, seweth after as fast as ye can; and if he can tell you no tidings of

him, ride straight unto the Castle of Carbonek, where the maimed king is there lying, for there shall ye hear

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

THEN departed Sir Percivale from his aunt, either making great sorrow. And so he rode till evensong time.

And then he heard a clock smite; and then he was ware of an house closed well with walls and deep ditches,

and there he knocked at the gate and was let in, and he alighted and was led unto a chamber, and soon he was

unarmed. And there he had right good cheer all that night; and on the morn he heard his mass, and in the

monastery he found a priest ready at the altar. And on the right side he saw a pew closed with iron, and

Then Sir Percivale espied that therein was a man or a woman, for the visage was covered; then he left off his

looking and heard his service. And when it came to the sacring, he that lay within that parclos dressed him

up, and uncovered his head; and then him beseemed a passing old man, and he had a crown of gold upon his

head, and his shoulders were naked and unhilled unto his navel. And then Sir Percivale espied his body was

full of great wounds, both on the shoulders, arms, and visage. And ever he held up his hands against Our

Lord's body, and cried: Fair, sweet Father, Jesu Christ, forget not me. And so he lay down, but always he was

in his prayers and orisons; and him seemed to be of the age of three hundred winter. And when the mass was

done the priest took Our Lord's body and bare it to the sick king. And when he had used it he did off his

Then Sir Percivale asked one of the brethren what he was. Sir, said the good man, ye have heard much of

Joseph of Aramathie, how he was sent by Jesu Christ into this land for to teach and preach the holy Christian

faith; and therefore he suffered many persecutions the which the enemies of Christ did unto him, and in the

city of Sarras he converted a king whose name was Evelake. And so this king came with Joseph into this

land, and ever he was busy to be thereas the Sangreal was; and on a time he nighed it so nigh that Our Lord

was displeased with him, but ever he followed it more and more, till God struck him almost blind. Then this

king cried mercy, and said: Fair Lord, let me never die till the good knight of my blood of the ninth degree be

come, that I may see him openly that he shall enchieve the Sangreal, that I may kiss him.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Percivale saw many men of arms bearing a dead knight, and how he fought

WHEN the king thus had made his prayers he heard a voice that said: Heard be thy prayers, for thou shalt not

die till he have kissed thee. And when that knight shall come the clearness of your eyes shall come again, and

thou shalt see openly, and thy wounds shall be healed, and erst shall they never close. And this befell of King

Evelake, and this same king hath lived this three hundred winters this holy life, and men say the knight is in

the court that shall heal him. Sir, said the good man, I pray you tell me what knight that ye be, and if ye be of

King Arthur's court and of the Table Round. Yea forsooth, said he, and my name is Sir Percivale de Galis.

And then Sir Percivale departed and rode till the hour of noon. And he met in a valley about a twenty men of

arms, which bare in a bier a knight deadly slain. And when they saw Sir Percivale they asked him of whence

he was. And he answered: Of the court of King Arthur. Then they cried all at once: Slay him. Then Sir

Percivale smote the first to the earth and his horse upon him. And then seven of the knights smote upon his

shield all at once, and the remnant slew his horse so that he fell to the earth. So had they slain him or taken

him had not the good knight, Sir Galahad, with the red arms come there by adventure into those parts. And

when he saw all those knights upon one knight he cried: Save me that knight's life. And then he dressed him

toward the twenty men of arms as fast as his horse might drive, with his spear in the rest, and smote the

foremost horse and man to the earth. And when his spear was broken he set his hand to his sword, and smote

on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel to see, and at every stroke he smote one down or put

him to a rebuke, so that they would fight no more but fled to a thick forest, and Sir Galahad followed them.

And when Sir Percivale saw him chase them so, he made great sorrow that his horse was away. And then he

wist well it was Sir Galahad. And then he cried aloud: Ah fair knight, abide and suffer me to do thankings

unto thee, for much have ye done for me. But ever Sir Galahad rode so fast that at the last he passed out of his

sight. And as fast as Sir Percivale might he went after him on foot, crying. And then he met with a yeoman

riding upon an hackney, the which led in his hand a great steed blacker than any bear. Ah, fair friend, said Sir

Percivale, as ever I may do for you, and to be your true knight in the first place ye will require me, that ye

will lend me that black steed, that I might overtake a knight the which rideth afore me. Sir knight, said the

yeoman, I pray you hold me excused of that, for that I may not do. For wit ye well, the horse is such a man's

horse, that an I lent it you or any man, that he would slay me. Alas, said Sir Percivale, I had never so great

sorrow as I have had for losing of yonder knight. Sir, said the yeoman, I am right heavy for you, for a good

horse would beseem you well; but I dare not deliver you this horse but if ye would take him from me. That

will I not do, said Sir Percivale. And so they departed; and Sir Percivale set him down under a tree, and made

sorrow out of measure. And as he was there, there came a knight riding on the horse that the yeoman led, and

CHAPTER V. How a yeoman desired him to get again an horse, and how Sir Percivale's hackney was

AND anon the yeoman came pricking after as fast as ever he might, and asked Sir Percivale if he saw any

knight riding on his black steed. Yea, sir, forsooth, said he; why, sir, ask ye me that? Ah, sir, that steed he

hath benome me with strength; wherefore my lord will slay me in what place he findeth me. Well, said Sir

Percivale, what wouldst thou that I did? Thou seest well that I am on foot, but an I had a good horse I should

bring him soon again. Sir, said the yeoman, take mine hackney and do the best ye can, and I shall sewe you

on foot to wit how that ye shall speed. Then Sir Percivale alighted upon that hackney, and rode as fast as he

might, and at the last he saw that knight. And then he cried: Knight, turn again; and he turned and set his

spear against Sir Percivale, and he smote the hackney in the midst of the breast that he fell down dead to the

earth, and there he had a great fall, and the other rode his way. And then Sir Percivale was wood wroth, and

cried: Abide, wicked knight; coward and falsehearted knight, turn again and fight with me on foot. But he

When Sir Percivale saw he would not turn he cast away his helm and sword, and said: Now am I a very

wretch, cursed and most unhappy above all other knights. So in this sorrow he abode all that day till it was

night; and then he was faint, and laid him down and slept till it was midnight; and then he awaked and saw

afore him a woman which said unto him right fiercely: Sir Percivale, what dost thou here? He answered, I do

neither good nor great ill. If thou wilt ensure me, said she, that thou wilt fulfil my will when I summon thee, I

shall lend thee mine own horse which shall bear thee whither thou wilt. Sir Percivale was glad of her proffer,

and ensured her to fulfil all her desire. Then abide me here, and I shall go and fetch you an horse. And so she

came soon again and brought an horse with her that was inly black. When Percivale beheld that horse he

marvelled that it was so great and so well apparelled; and not for then he was so hardy, and he leapt upon

him, and took none heed of himself. And so anon as he was upon him he thrust to him with his spurs, and so

he rode by a forest, and the moon shone clear. And within an hour and less he bare him four days' journey

thence, until he came to a rough water the which roared, and his horse would have borne him into it.

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

AND when Sir Percivale came nigh the brim, and saw the water so boistous, he doubted to overpass it. And

then he made a sign of the cross in his forehead. When the fiend felt him so charged he shook off Sir

Percivale, and he went into the water crying and roaring, making great sorrow, and it seemed unto him that

the water brent. Then Sir Percivale perceived it was a fiend, the which would have brought him unto his

perdition. Then he commended himself unto God, and prayed Our Lord to keep him from all such

temptations; and so he prayed all that night till on the morn that it was day; then he saw that he was in a wild

mountain the which was closed with the sea nigh all about, that he might see no land about him which might

And then he went into a valley, and there he saw a young serpent bring a young lion by the neck, and so he

came by Sir Percivale. With that came a great lion crying and roaring after the serpent. And as fast as Sir

Percivale saw this he marvelled, and hied him thither, but anon the lion had overtaken the serpent and began

battle with him. And then Sir Percivale thought to help the lion, for he was the more natural beast of the two;

and therewith he drew his sword, and set his shield afore him, and there he gave the serpent such a buffet that

he had a deadly wound. When the lion saw that, he made no resemblaunt to fight with him, but made him all

the cheer that a beast might make a man. Then Percivale perceived that, and cast down his shield which was

broken; and then he did off his helm for to gather wind, for he was greatly enchafed with the serpent: and the

lion went alway about him fawning as a spaniel. And then he stroked him on the neck and on the shoulders.

And then he thanked God of the fellowship of that beast. And about noon the lion took his little whelp and

Then was Sir Percivale alone. And as the tale telleth, he was one of the men of the world at that time which

most believed in Our Lord Jesu Christ, for in those days there were but few folks that believed in God

perfectly. For in those days the son spared not the father no more than a stranger. And so Sir Percivale

comforted himself in our Lord Jesu, and besought God no temptation should bring him out of God's service,

but to endure as his true champion. Thus when Sir Percivale had prayed he saw the lion come toward him,

and then he couched down at his feet. And so all that night the lion and he slept together; and when Sir

Percivale slept he dreamed a marvellous dream, that there two ladies met with him, and that one sat upon a

lion, and that other sat upon a serpent, and that one of them was young, and the other was old; and the

youngest him thought said: Sir Percivale, my lord saluteth thee, and sendeth thee word that thou array thee

and make thee ready, for tomorn thou must fight with the strongest champion of the world. And if thou be

overcome thou shall not be quit for losing of any of thy members, but thou shalt be shamed for ever to the

world's end. And then he asked her what was her lord. And she said the greatest lord of all the world: and so

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

THEN came forth the other lady that rode upon the serpent, and she said: Sir Percivale, I complain me of you

that ye have done unto me, and have not offended unto you. Certes, madam, he said, unto you nor no lady I

never offended. Yes, said she, I shall tell you why. I have nourished in this place a great while a serpent,

which served me a great while, and yesterday ye slew him as he gat his prey. Say me for what cause ye slew

him, for the lion was not yours. Madam, said Sir Percivale, I know well the lion was not mine, but I did it for

the lion is of more gentler nature than the serpent, and therefore I slew him; meseemeth I did not amiss

against you. Madam, said he, what would ye that I did? I would, said she, for the amends of my beast that ye

become my man. And then he answered: That will I not grant you. No, said she, truly ye were never but my

servant sin ye received the homage of Our Lord Jesu Christ. Therefore, I ensure you in what place I may find

you without keeping I shall take you, as he that sometime was my man. And so she departed from Sir

Percivale and left him sleeping, the which was sore travailed of his advision. And on the morn he arose and

Then was Sir Percivale ware in the sea, and saw a ship come sailing toward him; and Sir Percivale went unto

the ship and found it covered within and without with white samite. And at the board stood an old man

clothed in a surplice, in likeness of a priest. Sir, said Sir Percivale, ye be welcome. God keep you, said the

good man. Sir, said the old man, of whence be ye? Sir, said Sir Percivale, I am of King Arthur's court, and a

knight of the Table Round, the which am in the quest of the Sangreal; and here am I in great duresse, and

never like to escape out of this wilderness. Doubt not, said the good man, an ye be so true a knight as the

order of chivalry requireth, and of heart as ye ought to be, ye should not doubt that none enemy should slay

you. What are ye? said Sir Percivale. Sir, said the old man, I am of a strange country, and hither I come to

Sir, said Sir Percivale, what signifieth my dream that I dreamed this night? And there he told him altogether:

She which rode upon the lion betokeneth the new law of holy church, that is to understand, faith, good hope,

belief, and baptism. For she seemed younger than the other it is great reason, for she was born in the

resurrection and the passion of Our Lord Jesu Christ. And for great love she came to thee to warn thee of thy

great battle that shall befall thee. With whom, said Sir Percivale, shall I fight? With the most champion of the

world, said the old man; for as the lady said, but if thou quit thee well thou shalt not be quit by losing of one

member, but thou shalt be shamed to the world's end. And she that rode on the serpent signifieth the old law,

and that serpent betokeneth a fiend. And why she blamed thee that thou slewest her servant, it betokeneth

nothing; the serpent that thou slewest betokeneth the devil that thou rodest upon to the rock. And when thou

madest a sign of the cross, there thou slewest him, and put away his power. And when she asked thee amends

and to become her man, and thou saidst thou wouldst not, that was to make thee to believe on her and leave

thy baptism. So he commanded Sir Percivale to depart, and so he leapt over the board and the ship, and all

went away he wist not whither. Then he went up unto the rock and found the lion which always kept him

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Percivale saw a ship coming to himward, and how the lady of the ship told him

BY that Sir Percivale had abiden there till midday he saw a ship came rowing in the sea, as all the wind of

the world had driven it. And so it drove under that rock. And when Sir Percivale saw this he hied him thither,

and found the ship covered with silk more blacker than any bear, and therein was a gentlewoman of great

beauty, and she was clothed richly that none might be better. And when she saw Sir Percivale she said: Who

brought you in this wilderness where ye be never like to pass hence, for ye shall die here for hunger and

mischief? Damosel, said Sir Percivale, I serve the best man of the world, and in his service he will not suffer

me to die, for who that knocketh shall enter, and who that asketh shall have, and who that seeketh him he

hideth him not. But then she said: Sir Percivale, wot ye what I am? Yea, said he. Now who taught you my

name? said she. Now, said Sir Percivale, I know you better than ye ween. And I came out of the waste forest

where I found the Red Knight with the white shield, said the damosel. Ah, damosel, said he, with that knight

would I meet passing fain. Sir knight, said she, an ye will ensure me by the faith that ye owe unto knighthood

that ye shall do my will what time I summon you, and I shall bring you unto that knight. Yea, said he, I shall

promise you to fulfil your desire. Well, said she, now shall I tell you. I saw him in the forest chasing two

knights unto a water, the which is called Mortaise; and they drove him into the water for dread of death, and

the two knights passed over, and the Red Knight passed after, and there his horse was drenched, and he,

through great strength, escaped unto the land: thus she told him, and Sir Percivale was passing glad thereof.

Then she asked him if he had ate any meat late. Nay, madam, truly I ate no meat nigh this three days, but late

here I spake with a good man that fed me with his good words and holy, and refreshed me greatly. Ah, sir

knight, said she, that same man is an enchanter and a multiplier of words. For an ye believe him ye shall

plainly be shamed, and die in this rock for pure hunger, and be eaten with wild beasts; and ye be a young man

and a goodly knight, and I shall help you an ye will. What are ye, said Sir Percivale, that proffered me thus

great kindness? I am, said she, a gentlewoman that am disherited, which was sometime the richest woman of

the world. Damosel, said Sir Percivale, who hath disherited you? for I have great pity of you. Sir, said she, I

dwelled with the greatest man of the world, and he made me so fair and clear that there was none like me; and

of that great beauty I had a little pride more than I ought to have had. Also I said a word that pleased him not.

And then he would not suffer me to be any longer in his company, and so drove me from mine heritage, and

so disherited me, and he had never pity of me nor of none of my council, nor of my court. And sithen, sir

knight, it hath befallen me so, and through me and mine I have benome him many of his men, and made them

to become my men. For they ask never nothing of me but I give it them, that and much more. Thus I and all

my servants were against him night and day. Therefore I know now no good knight, nor no good man, but I

get them on my side an I may. And for that I know that thou art a good knight, I beseech you to help me; and

for ye be a fellow of the Round Table, wherefore ye ought not to fail no gentlewoman which is disherited, an

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Percivale promised her help, and how he required her of love, and how he was

THEN Sir Percivale promised her all the help that he might; and then she thanked him. And at that time the

weather was hot. Then she called unto her a gentlewoman and bade her bring forth a pavilion; and so she did,

and pight it upon the gravel. Sir, said she, now may ye rest you in this heat of the day. Then he thanked her,

and she put off his helm and his shield, and there he slept a great while. And then he awoke and asked her if

she had any meat, and she said: Yea, also ye shall have enough. And so there was set enough upon the table,

and thereon so much that he had marvel, for there was all manner of meats that he could think on. Also he

drank there the strongest wine that ever he drank, him thought, and therewith he was a little chafed more than

he ought to be; with that he beheld the gentlewoman, and him thought she was the fairest creature that ever he

saw. And then Sir Percivale proffered her love, and prayed her that she would be his. Then she refused him,

in a manner, when he required her, for the cause he should be the more ardent on her, and ever he ceased not

to pray her of love. And when she saw him well enchafed, then she said: Sir Percivale, wit you well I shall

not fulfil your will but if ye swear from henceforth ye shall be my true servant, and to do nothing but that I

shall command you. Will ye ensure me this as ye be a true knight? Yea, said he, fair lady, by the faith of my

body. Well, said she, now shall ye do with me whatso it please you; and now wit ye well ye are the knight in

And then two squires were commanded to make a bed in midst of the pavilion. And anon she was unclothed

and laid therein. And then Sir Percivale laid him down by her naked; and by adventure and grace he saw his

sword lie on the ground naked, in whose pommel was a red cross and the sign of the crucifix therein, and

bethought him on his knighthood and his promise made toforehand unto the good man; then he made a sign

of the cross in his forehead, and therewith the pavilion turned upso down, and then it changed unto a

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

FAIR sweet Father, Jesu Christ, ne let me not be shamed, the which was nigh lost had not thy good grace

been. And then he looked into a ship, and saw her enter therein, which said: Sir Percivale, ye have betrayed

me. And so she went with the wind roaring and yelling, that it seemed all the water brent after her. Then Sir

Percivale made great sorrow, and drew his sword unto him, saying: Sithen my flesh will be my master I shall

punish it; and therewith he rove himself through the thigh that the blood stert about him, and said: O good

Lord, take this in recompensation of that I have done against thee, my Lord. So then he clothed him and

armed him, and called himself a wretch, saying: How nigh was I lost, and to have lost that I should never

have gotten again, that was my virginity, for that may never be recovered after it is once lost. And then he

Thus as he made his moan he saw the same ship come from Orient that the good man was in the day afore,

and the noble knight was ashamed with himself, and therewith he fell in a swoon. And when he awoke he

went unto him weakly, and there he saluted this good man. And then he asked Sir Percivale: How hast thou

done sith I departed? Sir, said he, here was a gentlewoman and led me into deadly sin. And there he told him

altogether. Knew ye not the maid? said the good man. Sir, said he, nay, but well I wot the fiend sent her

hither to shame me. O good knight, said he, thou art a fool, for that gentlewoman was the master fiend of hell,

the which hath power above all devils, and that was the old lady that thou sawest in thine advision riding on

the serpent. Then he told Sir Percivale how our Lord Jesu Christ beat him out of heaven for his sin, the which

was the most brightest angel of heaven, and therefore he lost his heritage. And that was the champion that

thou foughtest withal, the which had overcome thee had not the grace of God been. Now beware Sir

Percivale, and take this for an ensample. And then the good man vanished away. Then Sir Percivale took his

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot came to a chapel, where he found dead, in a white shirt, a man of

WHEN the hermit had kept Sir Launcelot three days, the hermit gat him an horse, an helm, and a sword. And

then he departed about the hour of noon. And then he saw a little house. And when he came near he saw a

chapel, and there beside he saw an old man that was clothed all in white full richly; and then Sir Launcelot

said: God save you. God keep you, said the good man, and make you a good knight. Then Sir Launcelot

alighted and entered into the chapel, and there he saw an old man dead, in a white shirt of passing fine cloth.

Sir, said the good man, this man that is dead ought not to be in such clothing as ye see him in, for in that he

brake the oath of his order, for he hath been more than an hundred winter a man of a religion. And then the

good man and Sir Launcelot went into the chapel; and the good man took a stole about his neck, and a book,

and then he conjured on that book; and with that they saw in an hideous figure and horrible, that there was no

man so hardhearted nor so hard but he should have been afeard. Then said the fiend: Thou hast travailed me

greatly; now tell me what thou wilt with me. I will, said the good man, that thou tell me how my fellow

became dead, and whether he be saved or damned. Then he said with an horrible voice: He is not lost but

saved. How may that be? said the good man; it seemed to me that he lived not well, for he brake his order for

to wear a shirt where he ought to wear none, and who that trespasseth against our order doth not well. Not so,

said the fiend, this man that lieth here dead was come of a great lineage. And there was a lord that hight the

Earl de Vale, that held great war against this man's nephew, the which hight Aguarus. And so this Aguarus

saw the earl was bigger than he. Then he went for to take counsel of his uncle, the which lieth here dead as ye

may see. And then he asked leave, and went out of his hermitage for to maintain his nephew against the

mighty earl; and so it happed that this man that lieth here dead did so much by his wisdom and hardiness that

CHAPTER II. Of a dead man, how men would have hewn him, and it would not be, and how Sir

THEN was there peace betwixt the earl and this Aguarus, and great surety that the earl should never war

against him. Then this dead man that here lieth came to this hermitage again; and then the earl made two of

his nephews for to be avenged upon this man. So they came on a day, and found this dead man at the sacring

of his mass, and they abode him till he had said mass. And then they set upon him and drew out swords to

have slain him; but there would no sword bite on him more than upon a gad of steel, for the high Lord which

he served He him preserved. Then made they a great fire, and did off all his clothes, and the hair off his back.

And then this dead man hermit said unto them: Ween you to burn me? It shall not lie in your power nor to

perish me as much as a thread, an there were any on my body. No? said one of them, it shall be assayed. And

then they despoiled him, and put upon him this shirt, and cast him in a fire, and there he lay all that night till

it was day in that fire, and was not dead, and so in the morn I came and found him dead; but I found neither

thread nor skin tamed, and so took him out of the fire with great fear, and laid him here as ye may see. And

now may ye suffer me to go my way, for I have said you the sooth. And then he departed with a great

Then was the good man and Sir Launcelot more gladder than they were tofore. And then Sir Launcelot

dwelled with that good man that night. Sir, said the good man, be ye not Sir Launcelot du Lake? Yea, sir, said

he. What seek ye in this country? Sir, said Sir Launcelot, I go to seek the adventures of the Sangreal. Well,

said he, seek it ye may well, but though it were here ye shall have no power to see it no more than a blind

man should see a bright sword, and that is long on your sin, and else ye were more abler than any man living.

And then Sir Launcelot began to weep. Then said the good man: Were ye confessed sith ye entered into the

quest of the Sangreal? Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot. Then upon the morn when the good man had sung his

mass, then they buried the dead man. Then Sir Launcelot said: Father, what shall I do? Now, said the good

man, I require you take this hair that was this holy man's and put it next thy skin, and it shall prevail thee

greatly. Sir, and I will do it, said Sir Launcelot. Also I charge you that ye eat no flesh as long as ye be in the

quest of the Sangreal, nor ye shall drink no wine, and that ye hear mass daily an ye may do it. So he took the

And so rode he into a forest, and there he met with a gentlewoman riding upon a white palfrey, and then she

asked him: Sir knight, whither ride ye? Certes, damosel, said Launcelot, I wot not whither I ride but as

fortune leadeth me. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said she, I wot what adventure ye seek, for ye were afore time nearer

than ye be now, and yet shall ye see it more openly than ever ye did, and that shall ye understand in short

time. Then Sir Launcelot asked her where he might be harboured that night. Ye shall not find this day nor

night, but tomorn ye shall find harbour good, and ease of that ye be in doubt of And then he commended her

unto God. Then he rode till that he came to a Cross, and took that for his host as for that night.

CHAPTER III. Of an advision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told it to an hermit, and desired

AND so he put his horse to pasture, and did off his helm and his shield, and made his prayers unto the Cross

that he never fall in deadly sin again. And so he laid him down to sleep. And anon as he was asleep it befell

him there an advision, that there came a man afore him all by compass of stars, and that man had a crown of

gold on his head and that man led in his fellowship seven kings and two knights. And all these worshipped

the Cross, kneeling upon their knees, holding up their hands toward the heaven. And all they said: Fair sweet

Father of heaven come and visit us, and yield unto us everych as we have deserved.

Then looked Launcelot up to the heaven, and him seemed the clouds did open, and an old man came down,

with a company of angels, and alighted among them, and gave unto everych his blessing, and called them his

servants, and good and true knights. And when this old man had said thus he came to one of those knights,

and said: I have lost all that I have set in thee, for thou hast ruled thee against me as a warrior, and used

wrong wars with vainglory, more for the pleasure of the world than to please me, therefore thou shalt be

confounded without thou yield me my treasure. All this advision saw Sir Launcelot at the Cross.

And on the morn he took his horse and rode till mid day; and there by adventure he met with the same

knight that took his horse, helm, and his sword, when he slept when the Sangreal appeared afore the Cross.

When Sir Launcelot saw him he saluted hin not fair, but cried on high: Knight, keep thee, for thou hast done

to me great unkindness. And then they put afore them their spears, and Sir Launcelot came so fiercely upon

him that he smote him and his horse down to the earth, that he had nigh broken his neck. Then Sir Launcelot

took the knight's horse that was his own aforehand, and descended from the horse he sat upon, and mounted

upon his own horse, and tied the knight's own horse to a tree, that he might find that horse when that he was

arisen. Then Sir Launcelot rode till night, and by adventure he met an hermit, and each of them saluted other;

and there he rested with that good man all night, and gave his horse such as he might get. Then said the good

man unto Launcelot: Of whence be ye? Sir, said he, I am of Arthur's court, and my name is Sir Launcelot du

Lake that am in the quest of the Sangreal, and therefore I pray you to counsel me of a vision the which I had

CHAPTER IV. How the hermit expounded to Sir Launcelot his advision, and told him that Sir Galahad

LO, Sir Launcelot, said the good man, there thou mightest understand the high lineage that thou art come of,

and thine advision betokeneth. After the passion of Jesu Christ forty year, Joseph of Aramathie preached the

victory of King Evelake, that he had in the battles the better of his enemies. And of the seven kings and the

two knights: the first of them is called Nappus, an holy man; and the second hight Nacien, in remembrance of

his grandsire, and in him dwelled our Lord Jesu Christ; and the third was called Helias le Grose; and the

fourth hight Lisais; and the fifth hight Jonas, he departed out of his country and went into Wales, and took

there the daughter of Manuel, whereby he had the land of Gaul, and he came to dwell in this country. And of

him came King Launcelot thy grandsire, the which there wedded the king's daughter of Ireland, and he was as

worthy a man as thou art, and of him came King Ban, thy father, the which was the last of the seven kings.

And by thee, Sir Launcelot, it signifieth that the angels said thou were none of the seven fellowships. And the

last was the ninth knight, he was signified to a lion, for he should pass all manner of earthly knights, that is

Sir Galahad, the which thou gat on King Pelles' daughter; and thou ought to thank God more than any other

man living, for of a sinner earthly thou hast no peer as in knighthood, nor never shall be. But little thank hast

thou given to God for all the great virtues that God hath lent thee. Sir, said Launcelot, ye say that that good

knight is my son. That oughtest thou to know and no man better, said the good man, for thou knewest the

daughter of King Pelles fleshly, and on her thou begattest Galahad, and that was he that at the feast of

Pentecost sat in the Siege Perilous; and therefore make thou it known openly that he is one of thy begetting

on King Pelles' daughter, for that will be your worship and honour, and to all thy kindred. And I counsel you

in no place press not upon him to have ado with him. Well, said Launcelot, meseemeth that good knight

should pray for me unto the High Father, that I fall not to sin again. Trust thou well, said the good man, thou

farest mickle the better for his prayer; but the son shall not bear the wickedness of the father, nor the father

shall not bear the wickedness of the son, but everych shall bear his own burden. And therefore beseek thou

only God, and He will help thee in all thy needs. And then Sir Launcelot and he went to supper, and so laid

him to rest, and the hair pricked so Sir Launcelot's skin which grieved him full sore, but he took it meekly,

and suffered the pain. And so on the morn he heard his mass and took his arms, and so took his leave.

AND then mounted upon his horse, and rode into a forest, and held no highway. And as he looked afore him

he saw a fair plain, and beside that a fair castle, and afore the castle were many pavilions of silk and of

diverse hue. And him seemed that he saw there five hundred knights riding on horseback; and there were two

parties: they that were of the castle were all on black horses and their trappings black, and they that were

without were all on white horses and trappings, and everych hurtled to other that it marvelled Sir Launcelot.

Then thought Sir Launcelot for to help there the weaker party in increasing of his chivalry. And so Sir

Launcelot thrust in among the party of the castle, and smote down a knight, horse and man, to the earth. And

then he rashed here and there, and did marvellous deeds of arms. And then he drew out his sword, and struck

many knights to the earth, so that all those that saw him marvelled that ever one knight might do so great

deeds of arms. But always the white knights held them nigh about Sir Launcelot, for to tire him and wind

him. But at the last, as a man may not ever endure, Sir Launcelot waxed so faint of fighting and travailing,

and was so weary of his great deeds, that[1] he might not lift up his arms for to give one stroke, so that he

weened never to have borne arms; and then they all took and led him away into a forest, and there made him

to alight and to rest him. And then all the fellowship of the castle were overcome for the default of him. Then

they said all unto Sir Launcelot: Blessed be God that ye be now of our fellowship, for we shall hold you in

him with few words. And then Sir Launcelot made great sorrow, For never or now was I never at tournament

nor jousts but I had the best, and now I am shamed; and then he said: Now I am sure that I am more sinfuller

Thus he rode sorrowing, and half a day he was out of despair, till that he came into a deep valley. And when

Sir Launcelot saw he might not ride up into the mountain, he there alighted under an apple tree, and there he

left his helm and his shield, and put his horse unto pasture. And then he laid him down to sleep. And then him

thought there came an old man afore him, the which said: Ah, Launcelot of evil faith and poor belief,

wherefore is thy will turned so lightly toward thy deadly sin? And when he had said thus he vanished away,

and Launcelot wist not where he was become. Then he took his horse, and armed him; and as he rode by the

way he saw a chapel where was a recluse, which had a window that she might see up to the altar. And all

aloud she called Launcelot, for that he seemed a knight errant. And then he came, and she asked him what he

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

AND then he told her altogether word by word, and the truth how it befell him at the tournament. And after

told her his advision that he had had that night in his sleep, and prayed her to tell him what it might mean, for

he was not well content with it. Ah, Launcelot, said she, as long as ye were knight of earthly knighthood ye

were the most marvellous man of the world, and most adventurous. Now, said the lady, sithen ye be set

among the knights of heavenly adventures, if adventure fell thee contrary at that tournament have thou no

marvel, for that tournament yesterday was but a tokening of Our Lord. And not for then there was none

enchantment, for they at the tournament were earthly knights. The tournament was a token to see who should

have most knights, either Eliazar, the son of King Pelles, or Argustus, the son of King Harlon. But Eliazar

was all clothed in white, and Argustus was covered in black, the which were [over]come.

All what this betokeneth I shall tell you. The day of Pentecost, when King Arthur held his court, it befell that

earthly kings and knights took a tournament together, that is to say the quest of the Sangreal. The earthly

knights were they the which were clothed all in black, and the covering betokeneth the sins whereof they be

not confessed. And they with the covering of white betokeneth virginity, and they that chose chastity. And

thus was the quest begun in them. Then thou beheld the sinners and the good men, and when thou sawest the

sinners overcome, thou inclinest to that party for bobaunce and pride of the world, and all that must be left in

that quest, for in this quest thou shalt have many fellows and thy betters. For thou art so feeble of evil trust

and good belief, this made it when thou were there where they took thee and led thee into the forest. And

anon there appeared the Sangreal unto the white knights, but thou was so feeble of good belief and faith that

thou mightest not abide it for all the teaching of the good man, but anon thou turnest to the sinners, and that

caused thy misadventure that thou should'st know good from evil and vain glory of the world, the which is

not worth a pear. And for great pride thou madest great sorrow that thou hadst not overcome all the white

knights with the covering of white, by whom was betokened virginity and chastity; and therefore God was

wroth with you, for God loveth no such deeds in this quest. And this advision signifieth that thou were of evil

faith and of poor belief, the which will make thee to fall into the deep pit of hell if thou keep thee not. Now

have I warned thee of thy vain glory and of thy pride, that thou hast many times erred against thy Maker.

Beware of everlasting pain, for of all earthly knights I have most pity of thee, for I know well thou hast not

And so she commended Sir Launcelot to dinner. And after dinner he took his horse and commended her to

God, and so rode into a deep valley, and there he saw a river and an high mountain. And through the water he

must needs pass, the which was hideous; and then in the name of God he took it with good heart. And when

he came over he saw an armed knight, horse and man black as any bear; without any word he smote Sir

Launcelot's horse to the earth; and so he passed on, he wist not where he was become. And then he took his

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

WHEN Sir Gawaine was departed from his fellowship he rode long without any adventure. For he found not

the tenth part of adventure as he was wont to do. For Sir Gawaine rode from Whitsuntide until Michaelmas

and found none adventure that pleased him. So on a day it befell Gawaine met with Sir Ector de Maris, and

either made great joy of other that it were marvel to tell. And so they told everych other, and complained

them greatly that they could find none adventure. Truly, said Sir Gawaine unto Sir Ector, I am nigh weary of

this quest, and loath I am to follow further in strange countries. One thing marvelled me, said Sir Ector, I

have met with twenty knights, fellows of mine, and all they complain as I do. I have marvel, said Sir

Gawaine, where that Sir Launcelot, your brother, is. Truly, said Sir Ector, I cannot hear of him, nor of Sir

Galahad, Percivale, nor Sir Bors. Let them be, said Sir Gawaine, for they four have no peers. And if one thing

were not in Sir Launcelot he had no fellow of none earthly man; but he is as we be, but if he took more pain

upon him. But an these four be met together they will be loath that any man meet with them; for an they fail

Thus Ector and Gawaine rode more than eight days, and on a Saturday they found an old chapel, the which

was wasted that there seemed no man thither repaired; and there they alighted, and set their spears at the door,

and in they entered into the chapel, and there made their orisons a great while, and set them down in the

sieges of the chapel. And as they spake of one thing and other, for heaviness they fell asleep, and there befell

them both marvellous adventures. Sir Gawaine him seemed he came into a meadow full of herbs and flowers,

and there he saw a rack of bulls, an hundred and fifty, that were proud and black, save three of them were all

white, and one had a black spot, and the other two were so fair and so white that they might be no whiter.

And these three bulls which were so fair were tied with two strong cords. And the remnant of the bulls said

among them: Go we hence to seek better pasture. And so some went, and some came again, but they were so

lean that they might not stand upright; and of the bulls that were so white, that one came again and no mo.

But when this white bull was come again among these other there rose up a great cry for lack of wind that

failed them; and so they departed one here and another there: this advision befell Gawaine that night.

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

BUT to Ector de Maris befell another vision the contrary. For it seemed him that his brother, Sir Launcelot,

and he alighted out of a chair and leapt upon two horses, and the one said to the other: Go we seek that we

shall not find. And him thought that a man beat Sir Launcelot, and despoiled him, and clothed him in another

array, the which was all full of knots, and set him upon an ass, and so he rode till he came to the fairest well

that ever he saw; and Sir Launcelot alighted and would have drunk of that well. And when he stooped to

drink of the water the water sank from him. And when Sir Launcelot saw that, he turned and went thither as

the head came from. And in the meanwhile he trowed that himself and Sir Ector rode till that they came to a

rich man's house where there was a wedding. And there he saw a king the which said: Sir knight, here is no

Thus within a while both Gawaine and Ector awaked, and either told other of their advision, the which

marvelled them greatly. Truly, said Ector, I shall never be merry till I hear tidings of my brother Launcelot.

Now as they sat thus talking they saw an hand showing unto the elbow, and was covered with red samite, and

upon that hung a bridle not right rich, and held within the fist a great candle which burned right clear, and so

passed afore them, and entered into the chapel, and then vanished away and they wist not where. And anon

came down a voice which said: Knights of full evil faith and of poor belief, these two things have failed you,

Then first spake Gawaine and said: Ector, have ye heard these words? Yea truly, said Sir Ector, I heard all.

Now go we, said Sir Ector, unto some hermit that will tell us of our advision, for it seemeth me we labour all

in vain. And so they departed and rode into a valley, and there met with a squire which rode on an hackney,

and they saluted him fair. Sir, said Gawaine, can thou teach us to any hermit? Here is one in a little mountain,

but it is so rough there may no horse go thither, and therefore ye must go upon foot; there shall ye find a poor

house, and there is Nacien the hermit, which is the holiest man in this country. And so they departed either

And then in a valley they met with a knight all armed, which proffered them to joust as far as he saw them. In

the name of God, said Sir Gawaine, sith I departed from Camelot there was none proffered me to joust but

once. And now, sir, said Ector, let me joust with him. Nay, said Gawaine, ye shall not but if I be beat; it shall

not forthink me then if ye go after me. And then either embraced other to joust and came together as fast as

their horses might run, and brast their shields and the mails, and the one more than the other; and Gawaine

was wounded in the left side, but the other knight was smitten through the breast, and the spear came out on

the other side, and so they fell both out of their saddles, and in the falling they brake both their spears.

Anon Gawaine arose and set his hand to his sword, and cast his shield afore him. But all for naught was it, for

the knight had no power to arise against him. Then said Gawaine: Ye must yield you as an overcome man, or

else I may slay you. Ah, sir knight, said he, I am but dead, for God's sake and of your gentleness lead me here

unto an abbey that I may receive my Creator. Sir, said Gawaine, I know no house of religion hereby. Sir, said

the knight, set me on an horse tofore you, and I shall teach you. Gawaine set him up in the saddle, and he

leapt up behind him for to sustain him, and so came to an abbey where they were well received; and anon he

was unarmed, and received his Creator. Then he prayed Gawaine to draw out the truncheon of the spear out

of his body. Then Gawaine asked him what he was, that knew him not. I am, said he, of King Arthur's court,

and was a fellow of the Round Table, and we were brethren sworn together; and now Sir Gawaine, thou hast

slain me, and my name is Uwaine les Avoutres, that sometime was son unto King Uriens, and was in the

quest of the Sangreal; and now forgive it thee God, for it shall ever be said that the one sworn brother hath

CHAPTER III. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector came to an hermitage to be confessed, and how they told

ALAS, said Gawaine, that ever this misadventure is befallen me. No force, said Uwaine, sith I shall die this

death, of a much more worshipfuller man's hand might I not die; but when ye come to the court recommend

me unto my lord, King Arthur, and all those that be left alive, and for old brotherhood think on me. Then

began Gawaine to weep, and Ector also. And then Uwaine himself and Sir Gawaine drew out the truncheon

of the spear, and anon departed the soul from the body. Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector buried him as men

ought to bury a king's son, and made write upon his name, and by whom he was slain.

Then departed Gawaine and Ector, as heavy as they might for their misadventure, and so rode till that they

came to the rough mountain, and there they tied their horses and went on foot to the hermitage. And when

they were come up they saw a poor house, and beside the chapel a little courtelage, where Nacien the hermit

gathered worts, as he which had tasted none other meat of a great while. And when he saw the errant knights

he came toward them and saluted them, and they him again. Fair lords, said he, what adventure brought you

hither? Sir, said Gawaine, to speak with you for to be confessed. Sir, said the hermit, I am ready. Then they

told him so much that he wist well what they were. And then he thought to counsel them if he might.

Then began Gawaine first and told him of his advision that he had had in the chapel, and Ector told him all as

it is afore rehearsed. Sir, said the hermit unto Sir Gawaine, the fair meadow and the rack therein ought to be

understood the Round Table, and by the meadow ought to be understood humility and patience, those be the

things which be always green and quick; for men may no time overcome humility and patience, therefore was

the Round Table founded, and the chivalry hath been at all times so by the fraternity which was there that she

might not be overcome; for men said she was founded in patience and in humility. At the rack ate an hundred

and fifty bulls; but they ate not in the meadow, for their hearts should be set in humility and patience, and the

bulls were proud and black save only three. By the bulls is to understand the fellowship of the Round Table,

which for their sin and their wickedness be black. Blackness is to say without good or virtuous works. And

the three bulls which were white save only one that was spotted: the two white betoken Sir Galahad and Sir

Percivale, for they be maidens clean and without spot; and the third that had a spot signifieth Sir Bors de

Ganis, which trespassed but once in his virginity, but sithen he kept himself so well in chastity that all is

forgiven him and his misdeeds. And why those three were tied by the necks, they be three knights in virginity

and chastity, and there is no pride smitten in them. And the black bulls which said: Go we hence, they were

those which at Pentecost at the high feast took upon them to go in the quest of the Sangreal without

confession: they might not enter in the meadow of humility and patience. And therefore they returned into

waste countries, that signifieth death, for there shall die many of them: everych of them shall slay other for

sin, and they that shall escape shall be so lean that it shall be marvel to see them. And of the three bulls

THEN spake Nacien unto Ector: Sooth it is that Launcelot and ye came down off one chair: the chair

betokeneth mastership and lordship which ye came down from. But ye two knights, said the hermit, ye go to

seek that ye shall never find, that is the Sangreal; for it is the secret thing of our Lord Jesu Christ. What is to

mean that Sir Launcelot fell down off his horse: he hath left pride and taken him to humility, for he hath cried

mercy loud for his sin, and sore repented him, and our Lord hath clothed him in his clothing which is full of

knots, that is the hair that he weareth daily. And the ass that he rode upon is a beast of humility, for God

would not ride upon no steed, nor upon no palfrey; so in ensample that an ass betokeneth meekness, that thou

sawest Sir Launcelot ride on in thy sleep. And the well whereas the water sank from him when he should

have taken thereof, and when he saw he might not have it, he returned thither from whence he came, for the

well betokeneth the high grace of God, the more men desire it to take it, the more shall be their desire. So

when he came nigh the Sangreal, he meeked him that he held him not a man worthy to be so nigh the Holy

Vessel, for he had been so defouled in deadly sin by the space of many years; yet when he kneeled to drink of

the well, there he saw great providence of the Sangreal. And for he had served so long the devil, he shall have

vengeance fourandtwenty days long, for that he hath been the devil's servant fourandtwenty years. And

then soon after he shall return unto Camelot out of this country, and he shall say a part of such things as he

Now will I tell you what betokeneth the hand with the candle and the bridle: that is to understand the Holy

Ghost where charity is ever, and the bridle signifieth abstinence. For when she is bridled in Christian man's

heart she holdeth him so short that he falleth not in deadly sin. And the candle which sheweth clearness and

sight signifieth the right way of Jesu Christ. And when he went and said: Knights of poor faith and of wicked

belief, these three things failed, charity, abstinence, and truth; therefore ye may not attain that high adventure

CERTES, said Gawaine, soothly have ye said, that I see it openly. Now, I pray you, good man and holy

father, tell me why we met not with so many adventures as we were wont to do, and commonly have the

better. I shall tell you gladly, said the good man; the adventure of the Sangreal which ye and many other have

undertaken the quest of it and find it not, the cause is for it appeareth not to sinners. Wherefore marvel not

though ye fail thereof, and many other. For ye be an untrue knight and a great murderer, and to good men

signifieth other things than murder. For I dare say, as sinful as Sir Launcelot hath been, sith that he went into

the quest of the Sangreal he slew never man, nor nought shall, till that he come unto Camelot again, for he

hath taken upon him for to forsake sin. And nere that he nis not stable, but by his thought he is likely to turn

again, he should be next to enchieve it save Galahad, his son. But God knoweth his thought and his

unstableness, and yet shall he die right an holy man, and no doubt he hath no fellow of no earthly sinful man.

Sir, said Gawaine, it seemeth me by your words that for our sins it will not avail us to travel in this quest

Truly, said the good man, there be an hundred such as ye be that never shall prevail, but to have shame. And

Then the good man called Gawaine, and said: It is long time passed sith that ye were made knight, and never

sithen thou servedst thy Maker, and now thou art so old a tree that in thee is neither life nor fruit; wherefore

bethink thee that thou yield to Our Lord the bare rind, sith the fiend hath the leaves and the fruit. Sir, said

Gawaine an I had leisure I would speak with you, but my fellow here, Sir Ector, is gone, and abideth me

yonder beneath the hill. Well, said the good man, thou were better to be counselled. Then departed Gawaine

and came to Ector, and so took their horses and rode till they came to a forester's house, which harboured

them right well. And on the morn they departed from their host, and rode long or they could find any

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

WHEN Bors was departed from Camelot he met with a religious man riding on an ass, and Sir Bors saluted

him. Anon the good man knew him that he was one of the knightserrant that was in the quest of the

Sangreal. What are ye? said the good man. Sir, said he, I am a knight that fain would be counselled in the

quest of the Sangreal, for he shall have much earthly worship that may bring it to an end. Certes, said the

good man, that is sooth, for he shall be the best knight of the world, and the fairest of all the fellowship. But

wit you well there shall none attain it but by cleanness, that is pure confession.

So rode they together till that they came to an hermitage. And there he prayed Bors to dwell all that night

with him. And so he alighted and put away his armour, and prayed him that he might be confessed; and so

they went into the chapel, and there he was clean confessed, and they ate bread and drank water together.

Now, said the good man, I pray thee that thou eat none other till that thou sit at the table where the Sangreal

shall be. Sir, said he, I agree me thereto, but how wit ye that I shall sit there. Yes, said the good man, that

know I, but there shall be but few of your fellows with you. All is welcome, said Sir Bors, that God sendeth

me. Also, said the good man, instead of a shirt, and in sign of chastisement, ye shall wear a garment;

therefore I pray you do off all your clothes and your shirt: and so he did. And then he took him a scarlet coat,

so that should be instead of his shirt till he had fulfilled the quest of the Sangreal; and the good man found in

him so marvellous a life and so stable, that he marvelled and felt that he was never corrupt in fleshly lusts, but

Then he armed him, and took his leave, and so departed. And so a little from thence he looked up into a tree,

and there he saw a passing great bird upon an old tree, and it was passing dry, without leaves; and the bird sat

above, and had birds, the which were dead for hunger. So smote he himself with his beak, the which was

great and sharp. And so the great bird bled till that he died among his birds. And the young birds took the life

by the blood of the great bird. When Bors saw this he wist well it was a great tokening; for when he saw the

great bird arose not, then he took his horse and yede his way. So by evensong, by adventure he came to a

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took upon him for to fight against a

AND when he was unarmed they led him into an high tower where was a lady, young, lusty, and fair. And

she received him with great joy, and made him to sit down by her, and so was he set to sup with flesh and

many dainties. And when Sir Bors saw that, he bethought him on his penance, and bade a squire to bring him

water. And so he brought him, and he made sops therein and ate them. Ah, said the lady, I trow ye like not

my meat. Yes, truly, said Sir Bors, God thank you, madam, but I may eat none other meat this day. Then she

spake no more as at that time, for she was loath to displease him. Then after supper they spake of one thing

With that came a squire and said: Madam, ye must purvey you tomorn for a champion, for else your sister

will have this castle and also your lands, except ye can find a knight that will fight tomorn in your quarrel

against Pridam le Noire. Then she made sorrow and said: Ah, Lord God, wherefore granted ye to hold my

land, whereof I should now be disherited without reason and right? And when Sir Bors had heard her say

thus, he said: I shall comfort you. Sir, said she, I shall tell you there was here a king that hight Aniause,

which held all this land in his keeping. So it mishapped he loved a gentlewoman a great deal elder than I. So

took he her all this land to her keeping, and all his men to govern; and she brought up many evil customs

whereby she put to death a great part of his kinsmen. And when he saw that, he let chase her out of this land,

and betook it me, and all this land in my demesnes. But anon as that worthy king was dead, this other lady

began to war upon me, and hath destroyed many of my men, and turned them against me, that I have

wellnigh no man left me; and I have nought else but this high tower that she left me. And yet she hath

promised me to have this tower, without I can find a knight to fight with her champion.

Now tell me, said Sir Bors, what is that Pridam le Noire? Sir, said she, he is the most doubted man of this

land. Now may ye send her word that ye have found a knight that shall fight with that Pridam le Noire in

God's quarrel and yours. Then that lady was not a little glad, and sent word that she was purveyed, and that

night Bors had good cheer; but in no bed he would come, but laid him on the floor, nor never would do

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

AND anon as he was asleep him befell a vision, that there came to him two birds, the one as white as a swan,

and the other was marvellous black; but it was not so great as the other, but in the likeness of a Raven. Then

the white bird came to him, and said: An thou wouldst give me meat and serve me I should give thee all the

riches of the world, and I shall make thee as fair and as white as I am. So the white bird departed, and there

came the black bird to him, and said: An thou wolt, serve me tomorrow and have me in no despite though I

be black, for wit thou well that more availeth my blackness than the other's whiteness. And then he departed.

And he had another vision: him thought that he came to a great place which seemed a chapel, and there he

found a chair set on the left side, which was wormeaten and feeble. And on the right hand were two flowers

like a lily, and the one would have benome the other's whiteness, but a good man departed them that the one

touched not the other; and then out of every flower came out many flowers, and fruit great plenty. Then him

thought the good man said: Should not he do great folly that would let these two flowers perish for to succour

the rotten tree, that it fell not to the earth? Sir, said he, it seemeth me that this wood might not avail. Now

Then he awaked and made a sign of the cross in midst of the forehead, and so rose and clothed him. And

there came the lady of the place, and she saluted him, and he her again, and so went to a chapel and heard

their service. And there came a company of knights, that the lady had sent for, to lead Sir Bors unto battle.

Then asked he his arms. And when he was armed she prayed him to take a little morsel to dine. Nay, madam,

said he, that shall I not do till I have done my battle, by the grace of God. And so he leapt upon his horse, and

departed, all the knights and men with him. And as soon as these two ladies met together, she which Bors

should fight for complained her, and said: Madam, ye have done me wrong to bereave me of my lands that

King Aniause gave me, and full loath I am there should be any battle. Ye shall not choose, said the other lady,

Then there was the cry made, which party had the better of the two knights, that his lady should rejoice all the

land. Now departed the one knight here, and the other there. Then they came together with such a raundon

that they pierced their shields and their hauberks, and the spears flew in pieces, and they wounded either

other sore. Then hurtled they together, so that they fell both to the earth, and their horses betwixt their legs;

and anon they arose, and set hands to their swords, and smote each one other upon the heads, that they made

great wounds and deep, that the blood went out of their bodies. For there found Sir Bors greater defence in

that knight more than he weened. For that Pridam was a passing good knight, and he wounded Sir Bors full

evil, and he him again; but ever this Pridam held the stour in like hard. That perceived Sir Bors, and suffered

him till he was nigh attaint. And then he ran upon him more and more, and the other went back for dread of

death. So in his withdrawing he fell upright, and Sir Bors drew his helm so strongly that he rent it from his

head, and gave him great strokes with the flat of his sword upon the visage, and bade him yield him or he

should slay him. Then he cried him mercy and said: Fair knight, for God's love slay me not, and I shall ensure

thee never to war against thy lady, but be alway toward her. Then Bors let him be; then the old lady fled with

CHAPTER IX. How the lady was returned to her lands by the battle of Sir Bors, and of his departing, and

how he met Sir Lionel taken and beaten with thorns, and also of a maid which should have been devoured.

SO then came Bors to all those that held lands of his lady, and said he should destroy them but if they did

such service unto her as longed to their lands. So they did their homage, and they that would not were chased

out of their lands. Then befell that young lady to come to her estate again, by the mighty prowess of Sir Bors

de Ganis. So when all the country was well set in peace, then Sir Bors took his leave and departed; and she

Then he rode all that day till night, and came to an harbour to a lady which knew him well enough, and made

of him great Joy. Upon the morn, as soon as the day appeared, Bors departed from thence, and so rode into a

forest unto the hour of midday, and there befell him a marvellous adventure. So he met at the departing of the

two ways two knights that led Lionel, his brother, all naked, bounden upon a strong hackney, and his hands

bounden tofore his breast. And everych of them held in his hands thorns wherewith they went beating him

so sore that the blood trailed down more than in an hundred places of his body, so that he was all blood

tofore and behind, but he said never a word; as he which was great of heart he suffered all that ever they did

Anon Sir Bors dressed him to rescue him that was his brother; and so he looked upon the other side of him,

and saw a knight which brought a fair gentlewoman, and would have set her in the thickest place of the forest

for to have been the more surer out of the way from them that sought him. And she which was nothing

assured cried with an high voice: Saint Mary succour your maid. And anon she espied where Sir Bors came

riding. And when she came nigh him she deemed him a knight of the Round Table, whereof she hoped to

have some comfort; and then she conjured him: By the faith that he ought unto Him in whose service thou art

entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto the high order of knighthood, and for the noble King Arthur's sake,

that I suppose made thee knight, that thou help me, and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight. When Bors

heard her say thus he had so much sorrow there he nist not what to do. For if I let my brother be in adventure

he must be slain, and that would I not for all the earth. And if I help not the maid she is shamed for ever, and

also she shall lose her virginity the which she shall never get again. Then lift he up his eyes and said weeping:

Fair sweet Lord Jesu Christ, whose liege man I am, keep Lionel, my brother, that these knights slay him not,

CHAPTER X. How Sir Bors left to rescue his brother, and rescued the damosel; and how it was told him

THEN dressed he him unto the knight the which had the gentlewoman, and then he cried: Sir knight, let your

hand off that maiden, or ye be but dead. And then he set down the maiden, and was armed at all pieces save

he lacked his spear. Then he dressed his shield, and drew out his sword, and Bors smote him so hard that it

went through his shield and habergeon on the left shoulder. And through great strength he beat him down to

the earth, and at the pulling out of Bors' spear there he swooned. Then came Bors to the maid and said: How

seemeth it you? of this knight ye be delivered at this time. Now sir, said she, I pray you lead me thereas this

knight had me. So shall I do gladly: and took the horse of the wounded knight, and set the gentlewoman upon

him, and so brought her as she desired. Sir knight, said she, ye have better sped than ye weened, for an I had

lost my maidenhead, five hundred men should have died for it. What knight was he that had you in the forest?

By my faith, said she, he is my cousin. So wot I never with what engine the fiend enchafed him, for yesterday

he took me from my father privily; for I, nor none of my father's men, mistrusted him not, and if he had had

my maidenhead he should have died for the sin, and his body shamed and dishonoured for ever. Thus as she

stood talking with him there came twelve knights seeking after her, and anon she told them all how Bors had

delivered her; then they made great joy, and besought him to come to her father, a great lord, and he should

be right welcome. Truly, said Bors, that may not be at this time, for I have a great adventure to do in this

Then Sir Bors rode after Lionel, his brother, by the trace of their horses, thus he rode seeking a great while.

Then he overtook a man clothed in a religious clothing; and rode on a strong black horse blacker than a berry,

and said: Sir knight, what seek you? Sir, said he, I seek my brother that I saw within a while beaten with two

knights. Ah, Bors, discomfort you not, nor fall into no wanhope; for I shall tell you tidings such as they be,

for truly he is dead. Then showed he him a new slain body lying in a bush, and it seemed him well that it was

the body of Lionel, and then he made such a sorrow that he fell to the earth all in a swoon, and lay a great

while there. And when he came to himself he said: Fair brother, sith the company of you and me is departed

shall I never have joy in my heart, and now He which I have taken unto my master, He be my help. And

when he had said thus he took his body lightly in his arms, and put it upon the arson of his saddle. And then

he said to the man: Canst thou tell me unto some chapel where that I may bury this body? Come on, said he,

here is one fast by; and so long they rode till they saw a fair tower, and afore it there seemed an old feeble

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

NOW leave we him here, said the good man, and go we to our harbour till tomorrow; we will come here

again to do him service. Sir, said Bors, be ye a priest? Yea forsooth, said he. Then I pray you tell me a dream

that befell to me the last night. Say on, said he. Then he began so much to tell him of the great bird in the

forest, and after told him of his birds, one white, another black, and of the rotten tree, and of the white

flowers. Sir, I shall tell you a part now, and the other deal tomorrow. The white fowl betokeneth a

gentlewoman, fair and rich, which loved thee paramours, and hath loved thee long; and if thou warn her love

she shall go die anon, if thou have no pity on her. That signifieth the great bird, the which shall make thee to

warn her. Now for no fear that thou hast, ne for no dread that thou hast of God, thou shalt not warn her, but

thou wouldst not do it for to be holden chaste, for to conquer the loos of the vain glory of the world; for that

shall befall thee now an thou warn her, that Launcelot, the good knight, thy cousin, shall die. And therefore

men shall now say that thou art a manslayer, both of thy brother, Sir Lionel, and of thy cousin, Sir Launcelot

du Lake, the which thou mightest have saved and rescued easily, but thou weenedst to rescue a maid which

pertaineth nothing to thee. Now look thou whether it had been greater harm of thy brother's death, or else to

have suffered her to have lost her maidenhood. Then asked he him: Hast thou heard the tokens of thy dream

the which I have told to you? Yea forsooth, said Sir Bors, all your exposition and declaring of my dream I

have well understood and heard. Then said the man in this black clothing: Then is it in thy default if Sir

Launcelot, thy cousin, die. Sir, said Bors, that were me loath, for wit ye well there is nothing in the world but

I had liefer do it than to see my lord, Sir Launcelot du Lake, to die in my default. Choose ye now the one or

And then he led Sir Bors into an high tower, and there he found knights and ladies: those ladies said he was

welcome, and so they unarmed him. And when he was in his doublet men brought him a mantle furred with

ermine, and put it about him; and then they made him such cheer that he had forgotten all his sorrow and

anguish, and only set his heart in these delights and dainties, and took no thought more for his brother, Sir

Lionel, neither of Sir Launcelot du Lake, his cousin. And anon came out of a chamber to him the fairest lady

than ever he saw, and more richer beseen than ever he saw Queen Guenever or any other estate. Lo, said they,

Sir Bors, here is the lady unto whom we owe all our service, and I trow she be the richest lady and the fairest

of all the world, and the which loveth you best above all other knights, for she will have no knight but you.

And when he understood that language he was abashed. Not for then she saluted him, and he her; and then

they sat down together and spake of many things, in so much that she besought him to be her love, for she

had loved him above all earthly men, and she should make him richer than ever was man of his age. When

Bors understood her words he was right evil at ease, which in no manner would not break chastity, so wist

CHAPTER XII. How the devil in a woman's likeness would have had Sir Bors to have lain by her, and

ALAS, said she, Bors, shall ye not do my will? Madam, said Bors, there is no lady in the world whose will I

will fulfil as of this thing, for my brother lieth dead which was slain right late. Ah Bors, said she, I have loved

you long for the great beauty I have seen in you, and the great hardiness that I have heard of you, that needs

ye must lie by me this night, and therefore I pray you grant it me. Truly, said he, I shall not do it in no manner

wise. Then she made him such sorrow as though she would have died. Well Bors, said she, unto this have ye

brought me, nigh to mine end. And therewith she took him by the hand, and bade him behold her. And ye

shall see how I shall die for your love. Ah, said then he, that shall I never see.

Then she departed and went up into an high battlement, and led with her twelve gentlewomen; and when they

were above, one of the gentlewomen cried, and said: Ah, Sir Bors, gentle knight have mercy on us all, and

suffer my lady to have her will, and if ye do not we must suffer death with our lady, for to fall down off this

high tower, and if ye suffer us thus to die for so little a thing all ladies and gentlewomen will say or you

dishonour. Then looked he upward, they seemed all ladies of great estate, and richly and well beseen. Then

had he of them great pity; not for that he was uncounselled in himself that liefer he had they all had lost their

souls than he his, and with that they fell adown all at once unto the earth. And when he saw that, he was all

abashed, and had thereof great marvel. With that he blessed his body and his visage. And anon he heard a

great noise and a great cry, as though all the fiends of hell had been about him; and therewith he saw neither

tower, nor lady, nor gentlewoman, nor no chapel where he brought his brother to. Then held he up both his

hands to the heaven, and said: Fair Father God, I am grievously escaped; and then he took his arms and his

Then he heard a clock smite on his right hand; and thither he came to an abbey on his right hand, closed with

high walls, and there was let in. Then they supposed that he was one of the quest of the Sangreal, so they led

him into a chamber and unarmed him. Sirs, said Sir Bors, if there be any holy man in this house I pray you let

me speak with him. Then one of them led him unto the Abbot, which was in a chapel. And then Sir Bors

saluted him, and he him again. Sir, said Bors, I am a knighterrant; and told him all the adventure which he

had seen. Sir Knight, said the Abbot, I wot not what ye be, for I weened never that a knight of your age might

have been so strong in the grace of our Lord Jesu Christ. Not for then ye shall go unto your rest, for I will not

counsel you this day, it is too late, and tomorrow I shall counsel you as I can.

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

AND that night was Sir Bors served richly; and on the morn early he heard mass, and the Abbot came to him,

and bade him good morrow, and Bors to him again. And then he told him he was a fellow of the quest of the

Sangreal, and how he had charge of the holy man to eat bread and water. Then [said the Abbot]: Our Lord

Jesu Christ showed him unto you in the likeness of a soul that suffered great anguish for us, since He was put

upon the cross, and bled His heartblood for mankind: there was the token and the likeness of the Sangreal

that appeared afore you, for the blood that the great fowl bled revived the chickens from death to life. And by

the bare tree is betokened the world which is naked and without fruit but if it come of Our Lord. Also the lady

for whom ye fought for, and King Aniause which was lord theretofore, betokeneth Jesu Christ which is the

King of the world. And that ye fought with the champion for the lady, this it betokeneth: for when ye took the

battle for the lady, by her shall ye understand the new law of Jesu Christ and Holy Church; and by the other

lady ye shall understand the old law and the fiend, which all day warreth against Holy Church, therefore ye

did your battle with right. For ye be Jesu Christ's knights, therefore ye ought to be defenders of Holy Church.

And by the black bird might ye understand Holy Church, which sayeth I am black, but he is fair. And by the

white bird might men understand the fiend, and I shall tell you how the swan is white without forth, and

black within: it is hypocrisy which is without yellow or pale, and seemeth withoutforth the servants of Jesu

Christ, but they be within so horrible of filth and sin, and beguile the world evil. Also when the fiend

appeared to thee in likeness of a man of religion, and blamed thee that thou left thy brother for a lady, so led

thee where thou seemed thy brother was slain, but he is yet alive; and all was for to put thee in error, and

bring thee unto wanhope and lechery, for he knew thou were tender hearted, and all was for thou shouldst not

find the blessed adventure of the Sangreal. And the third fowl betokeneth the strong battle against the fair

ladies which were all devils. Also the dry tree and the white lily: the dry tree betokeneth thy brother Lionel,

which is dry without virtue, and therefore many men ought to call him the rotten tree, and the wormeaten

tree, for he is a murderer and doth contrary to the order of knighthood. And the two white flowers signify two

maidens, the one is a knight which was wounded the other day, and the other is the gentlewoman which ye

rescued; and why the other flower drew nigh the other, that was the knight which would have defouled her

and himself both. And Sir Bors, ye had been a great fool and in great peril for to have seen those two flowers

perish for to succour the rotten tree, for an they had sinned together they had been damned; and for that ye

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

THEN went Sir Bors from thence and commended the Abbot unto God. And then he rode all that day, and

harboured with an old lady. And on the morn he rode to a castle in a valley, and there he met with a yeoman

going a great pace toward a forest. Say me, said Sir Bors, canst thou tell me of any adventure? Sir, said he,

here shall be under this castle a great and a marvellous tournament. Of what folks shall it be? said Sir Bors.

The Earl of Plains shall be in the one party, and the lady's nephew of Hervin on the other party. Then Bors

thought to be there if he might meet with his brother Sir Lionel, or any other of his fellowship, which were in

the quest of the Sangreal. And then he turned to an hermitage that was in the entry of the forest.

And when he was come thither he found there Sir Lionel, his brother, which sat all armed at the entry of the

chapel door for to abide there harbour till on the morn that the tournament shall be. And when Sir Bors saw

him he had great joy of him, that it were marvel to tell of his joy. And then he alighted off his horse, and said:

Fair sweet brother, when came ye hither? Anon as Lionel saw him he said: Ah Bors, ye may not make none

avaunt, but as for you I might have been slain; when ye saw two knights leading me away beating me, ye left

me for to succour a gentlewoman, and suffered me in peril of death; for never erst ne did no brother to

another so great an untruth. And for that misdeed now I ensure you but death, for well have ye deserved it;

therefore keep thee from henceforward, and that shall ye find as soon as I am armed. When Sir Bors

understood his brother's wrath he kneeled down to the earth and cried him mercy, holding up both his hands,

and prayed him to forgive him his evil will. Nay, said Lionel, that shall never be an I may have the higher

hand, that I make mine avow to God, thou shalt have death for it, for it were pity ye lived any longer.

Right so he went in and took his harness, and mounted upon his horse, and came tofore him and said: Bors,

keep thee from me, for I shall do to thee as I would to a felon or a traitor, for ye be the untruest knight that

ever came out of so worthy an house as was King Bors de Ganis which was our father, therefore start upon

thy horse, and so shall ye be most at your advantage. And but if ye will I will run upon you thereas ye stand

upon foot, and so the shame shall be mine and the harm yours, but of that shame ne reck I nought.

When Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his brother or else to die, he nist what to do; then his heart

counselled him not thereto, inasmuch as Lionel was born or he, wherefore he ought to bear him reverence;

yet kneeled he down afore Lionel's horse's feet, and said: Fair sweet brother, have mercy upon me and slay

me not, and have in remembrance the great love which ought to be between us twain. What Sir Bors said to

Lionel he rought not, for the fiend had brought him in such a will that he should slay him. Then when Lionel

saw he would none other, and that he would not have risen to give him battle, he rashed over him so that he

smote Bors with his horse, feet upward, to the earth, and hurt him so sore that he swooned of distress, the

which he felt in himself to have died without confession. So when Lionel saw this, he alighted off his horse to

have smitten off his head. And so he took him by the helm, and would have rent it from his head. Then came

the hermit running unto him, which was a good man and of great age, and well had heard all the words that

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

THEN he said to Lionel: Ah gentle knight, have mercy upon me and on thy brother, for if thou slay him thou

shalt be dead of sin, and that were sorrowful, for he is one of the worthiest knights of the world, and of the

best conditions. So God help me, said Lionel, sir priest, but if ye flee from him I shall slay you, and he shall

never the sooner be quit. Certes, said the good man, I have liefer ye slay me than him, for my death shall not

be great harm, not half so much as of his. Well, said Lionel, I am greed; and set his hand to his sword and

smote him so hard that his head yede backward. Not for that he restrained him of his evil will, but took his

brother by the helm, and unlaced it to have stricken off his head, and had slain him without fail. But so it

happed, Colgrevance a fellow of the Round Table, came at that time thither as Our Lord's will was. And

when he saw the good man slain he marvelled much what it might be. And then he beheld Lionel would have

slain his brother, and knew Sir Bors which he loved right well. Then stert he down and took Lionel by the

shoulders, and drew him strongly aback from Bors, and said: Lionel, will ye slay your brother, the worthiest

knight of the world one? and that should no good man suffer. Why, said Lionel, will ye let me? therefore if ye

entermete you in this I shall slay you, and him after. Why, said Colgrevance, is this sooth that ye will slay

him? Slay him will I, said he, whoso say the contrary, for he hath done so much against me that he hath well

deserved it. And so ran upon him, and would have smitten him through the head, and Sir Colgrevance ran

betwixt them, and said: An ye be so hardy to do so more, we two shall meddle together.

When Lionel understood his words he took his shield afore him, and asked him what that he was. And he told

him, Colgrevance, one of his fellows. Then Lionel defied him, and gave him a great stroke through the helm.

Then he drew his sword, for he was a passing good knight, and defended him right manfully. So long dured

the battle that Bors rose up all anguishly, and beheld [how] Colgrevance, the good knight, fought with his

brother for his quarrel; then was he full sorry and heavy, and thought if Colgrevance slew him that was his

brother he should never have joy; and if his brother slew Colgrevance the shame should ever be mine. Then

would he have risen to have departed them, but he had not so much might to stand on foot; so he abode him

so long till Colgrevance had the worse, for Lionel was of great chivalry and right hardy, for he had pierced

the hauberk and the helm, that he abode but death, for he had lost much of his blood that it was marvel that he

might stand upright. Then beheld he Sir Bors which sat dressing him upward and said: Ah, Bors, why come

ye not to cast me out of peril of death, wherein I have put me to succour you which were right now nigh the

death? Certes, said Lionel, that shall not avail you, for none of you shall bear others warrant, but that ye shall

die both of my hand. When Bors heard that, he did so much, he rose and put on his helm. Then perceived he

first the hermitpriest which was slain, then made he a marvellous sorrow upon him.

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

THEN oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors: Why will ye let me die here for your sake? if it please you that I

die for you the death, it will please me the better for to save a worthy man. With that word Sir Lionel smote

off the helm from his head. Then Colgrevance saw that he might not escape; then he said: Fair sweet Jesu,

that I have misdone have mercy upon my soul, for such sorrow that my heart suffereth for goodness, and for

alms deed that I would have done here, be to me aligement of penance unto my soul's health. At these words

Lionel smote him so sore that he bare him to the earth. So he had slain Colgrevance he ran upon his brother

as a fiendly man, and gave him such a stroke that he made him stoop. And he that was full of humility prayed

him for God's love to leave this battle: For an it befell, fair brother, that I slew you or ye me, we should be

dead of that sin. Never God me help but if I have on you mercy, an I may have the better hand. Then drew

Bors his sword, all weeping, and said: Fair brother, God knoweth mine intent. Ah, fair brother, ye have done

full evil this day to slay such an holy priest the which never trespassed. Also ye have slain a gentle knight,

and one of our fellows. And well wot ye that I am not afeard of you greatly, but I dread the wrath of God, and

this is an unkindly war, therefore God show miracle upon us both. Now God have mercy upon me though I

defend my life against my brother: with that Bors lift up his hand and would have smitten his brother.

CHAPTER XVII. How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch him not, and of a cloud that

AND then he heard a voice that said: Flee Bors, and touch him not, or else thou shalt slay him. Right so

alighted a cloud betwixt them in likeness of a fire and a marvellous flame, that both their two shields brent.

Then were they sore afraid, that they fell both to the earth, and lay there a great while in a swoon. And when

they came to themself, Bors saw that his brother had no harm; then he held up both his hands, for he dread

God had taken vengeance upon him. With that he heard a voice say: Bors, go hence, and bear thy brother no

longer fellowship, but take thy way anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale abideth thee there. Then he said to

his brother: Fair sweet brother, forgive me for God's love all that I have trespassed unto you. Then he

So Sir Bors departed from him and rode the next way to the sea. And at the last by fortune he came to an

abbey which was nigh the sea. That night Bors rested him there; and in his sleep there came a voice to him

and bade him go to the sea. Then he stert up and made a sign of the cross in the midst of his forehead, and

took his harness, and made ready his horse, and mounted upon him; and at a broken wall he rode out, and

rode so long till that he came to the sea. And on the strand he found a ship covered all with white samite, and

he alighted, and betook him to Jesu Christ. And as soon as he entered into the ship, the ship departed into the

sea, and went so fast that him seemed the ship went flying, but it was soon dark so that he might know no

man, and so he slept till it was day. Then he awaked, and saw in midst of the ship a knight lie all armed save

his helm. Then knew he that it was Sir Percivale of Wales, and then he made of him right great joy; but Sir

Percivale was abashed of him, and he asked him what he was. Ah, fair sir, said Bors, know ye me not?

Certes, said he, I marvel how ye came hither, but if Our Lord brought ye hither Himself. Then Sir Bors

smiled and did off his helm. Then Percivale knew him, and either made great joy of other, that it was marvel

to hear. Then Bors told him how he came into the ship, and by whose admonishment; and either told other of

their temptations, as ye have heard toforehand. So went they downward in the sea, one while backward,

another while forward, and everych comforted other, and oft were in their prayers. Then said Sir Percivale:

CHAPTER I. How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was known of Sir Gawaine and Sir

NOW saith this story, when Galahad had rescued Percivale from the twenty knights, he yede tho into a waste

forest wherein he rode many journeys; and he found many adventures the which he brought to an end,

whereof the story maketh here no mention. Then he took his way to the sea on a day, and it befell as he

passed by a castle where was a wonder tournament, but they without had done so much that they within were

put to the worse, yet were they within good knights enough. When Galahad saw that those within were at so

great a mischief that men slew them at the entry of the castle, then he thought to help them, and put a spear

forth and smote the first that he fell to the earth, and the spear brake to pieces. Then he drew his sword and

smote thereas they were thickest, and so he did wonderful deeds of arms that all they marvelled. Then it

happed that Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris were with the knights without. But when they espied the white

shield with the red cross the one said to the other: Yonder is the good knight, Sir Galahad, the haut prince:

now he should be a great fool which should meet with him to fight. So by adventure he came by Sir Gawaine,

and he smote him so hard that he clave his helm and the coif of iron unto his head, so that Gawaine fell to the

earth; but the stroke was so great that it slanted down to the earth and carved the horse's shoulder in two.

When Ector saw Gawaine down he drew him aside, and thought it no wisdom for to abide him, and also for

natural love, that he was his uncle. Thus through his great hardiness he beat aback all the knights without.

And then they within came out and chased them all about. But when Galahad saw there would none turn

again he stole away privily, so that none wist where he was become. Now by my head, said Gawaine to

Ector, now are the wonders true that were said of Launcelot du Lake, that the sword which stuck in the stone

should give me such a buffet that I would not have it for the best castle in this world; and soothly now it is

proved true, for never ere had I such a stroke of man's hand. Sir, said Ector, meseemeth your quest is done.

And yours is not done, said Gawaine, but mine is done, I shall seek no further. Then Gawaine was borne into

a castle and unarmed him, and laid him in a rich bed, and a leech found that he might live, and to be whole

within a month. Thus Gawaine and Ector abode together, for Sir Ector would not away till Gawaine were

And the good knight, Galahad, rode so long till he came that night to the Castle of Carboneck; and it befell

him thus that he was benighted in an hermitage. So the good man was fain when he saw he was a

knighterrant. Tho when they were at rest there came a gentlewoman knocking at the door, and called

Galahad, and so the good man came to the door to wit what she would. Then she called the hermit: Sir Ulfin,

I am a gentlewoman that would speak with the knight which is with you. Then the good man awaked

Galahad, and bade him: Arise, and speak with a gentlewoman that seemeth hath great need of you. Then

Galahad went to her and asked her what she would. Galahad, said she, I will that ye arm you, and mount upon

your horse and follow me, for I shall show you within these three days the highest adventure that ever any

knight saw. Anon Galahad armed him, and took his horse, and commended him to God, and bade the

CHAPTER II. How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the ship whereas Sir Bors and Sir

SO she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till that she came to the sea, the which was called Collibe.

And at the night they came unto a castle in a valley, closed with a running water, and with strong walls and

high; and so she entered into the castle with Galahad, and there had he great cheer, for the lady of that castle

was the damosel's lady. So when he was unarmed, then said the damosel: Madam, shall we abide here all this

day? Nay, said she, but till he hath dined and till he hath slept a little. So he ate and slept a while till that the

maid called him, and armed him by torchlight. And when the maid was horsed and he both, the lady took

Galahad a fair child and rich; and so they departed from the castle till they came to the seaside; and there they

found the ship where Bors and Percivale were in, the which cried on the ship's board: Sir Galahad, ye be

welcome, we have abiden you long. And when he heard them he asked them what they were. Sir, said she,

leave your horse here, and I shall leave mine; and took their saddles and their bridles with them, and made a

cross on them, and so entered into the ship. And the two knights received them both with great joy, and

everych knew other; and so the wind arose, and drove them through the sea in a marvellous pace. And within

Then did Galahad off his helm and his sword, and asked of his fellows from whence came that fair ship.

Truly, said they, ye wot as well as we, but of God's grace; and then they told everych to other of all their hard

adventures, and of their great temptations. Truly, said Galahad, ye are much bounden to God, for ye have

escaped great adventures; and had not the gentlewoman been I had not come here, for as for you I weened

never to have found you in these strange countries. Ah Galahad, said Bors, if Launcelot, your father, were

here then were we well at ease, for then meseemed we failed nothing. That may not be, said Galahad, but if it

By then the ship went from the land of Logris, and by adventure it arrived up betwixt two rocks passing great

and marvellous; but there they might not land, for there was a swallow of the sea, save there was another

ship, and upon it they might go without danger. Go we thither, said the gentlewoman, and there shall we see

adventures, for so is Our Lord's will. And when they came thither they found the ship rich enough, but they

found neither man nor woman therein. But they found in the end of the ship two fair letters written, which

said a dreadful word and a marvellous: Thou man, which shall enter into this ship, beware thou be in steadfast

belief, for I am Faith, and therefore beware how thou enterest, for an thou fail I shall not help thee. Then said

the gentlewoman: Percivale, wot ye what I am? Certes, said he, nay, to my witting. Wit ye well, said she, that

I am thy sister, which am daughter of King Pellinore, and therefore wit ye well ye are the man in the world

that I most love; and if ye be not in perfect belief of Jesu Christ enter not in no manner of wise, for then

should ye perish the ship, for he is so perfect he will suffer no sinner in him. When Percivale understood that

she was his very sister he was inwardly glad, and said: Fair sister, I shall enter therein, for if I be a

CHAPTER III. How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bed therein, with other marvellous

IN the meanwhile Galahad blessed him, and entered therein; and then next the gentlewoman, and then Sir

Bors and Sir Percivale. And when they were in, it was so marvellous fair and rich that they marvelled; and in

midst of the ship was a fair bed, and Galahad went thereto, and found there a crown of silk. And at the feet

was a sword, rich and fair, and it was drawn out of the sheath half a foot and more; and the sword was of

divers fashions, and the pommel was of stone, and there was in him all manner of colours that any man might

find, and everych of the colours had divers virtues; and the scales of the haft were of two ribs of divers beasts,

the one beast was a serpent which was conversant in Calidone, and is called the Serpent of the fiend; and the

bone of him is of such a virtue that there is no hand that handleth him shall never be weary nor hurt. And the

other beast is a fish which is not right great, and haunteth the flood of Euphrates; and that fish is called

Ertanax, and his bones be of such a manner of kind that who that handleth them shall have so much will that

he shall never be weary, and he shall not think on joy nor sorrow that he hath had but only that thing that he

beholdeth before him. And as for this sword there shall never man begrip him at the handles but one; but he

shall pass all other. In the name of God, said Percivale, I shall assay to handle it. So he set his hand to the

sword, but he might not begrip it. By my faith, said he, now have I failed. Bors set his hand thereto and

Then Galahad beheld the sword and saw letters like blood that said: Let see who shall assay to draw me out

of my sheath, but if he be more hardier than any other; and who that draweth me, wit ye well that he shall

never fail of shame of his body, or to be wounded to the death. By my faith, said Galahad, I would draw this

sword out of the sheath, but the offending is so great that I shall not set my hand thereto. Now sirs, said the

gentlewoman, wit ye well that the drawing of this sword is warned to all men save all only to you. Also this

ship arrived in the realm of Logris; and that time was deadly war between King Labor, which was father unto

the maimed king, and King Hurlame, which was a Saracen. But then was he newly christened, so that men

held him afterward one of the wittiest men of the world. And so upon a day it befell that King Labor and

King Hurlame had assembled their folk upon the sea where this ship was arrived; and there King Hurlame

was discomfit, and his men slain; and he was afeard to be dead, and fled to his ship, and there found this

sword and drew it, and came out and found King Labor, the man in the world of all Christendom in whom

was then the greatest faith. And when King Hurlame saw King Labor he dressed this sword, and smote him

upon the helm so hard that he clave him and his horse to the earth with the first stroke of his sword. And it

was in the realm of Logris; and so befell great pestilence and great harm to both realms. For sithen increased

neither corn, nor grass, nor wellnigh no fruit, nor in the water was no fish; wherefore men call it the lands of

the two marches, the waste land, for that dolorous stroke. And when King Hurlame saw this sword so

carving, he turned again to fetch the scabbard, and so came into this ship and entered, and put up the sword in

the sheath. And as soon as he had done it he fell down dead afore the bed. Thus was the sword proved, that

none ne drew it but he were dead or maimed. So lay he there till a maiden came into the ship and cast him

out, for there was no man so hardy of the world to enter into that ship for the defence.

AND then beheld they the scabbard, it seemed to be of a serpent's skin, and thereon were letters of gold and

silver. And the girdle was but poorly to come to, and not able to sustain such a rich sword. And the letters

said: He which shall wield me sought to be more harder than any other, if he bear me as truly as me ought to

be borne. For the body of him which I ought to hang by, he shall not be shamed in no place while he is girt

with this girdle, nor never none be so hardy to do away this girdle; for it ought not be done away but by the

hands of a maid, and that she be a king's daughter and queen's, and she must be a maid all the days of her life,

both in will and in deed. And if she break her virginity she shall die the most villainous death that ever died

any woman. Sir, said Percivale, turn this sword that we may see what is on the other side. And it was red as

blood, with black letters as any coal, which said: He that shall praise me most, most shall he find me to blame

at a great need; and to whom I should be most debonair shall I be most felon, and that shall be at one time.

Fair brother, said she to Percivale, it befell after a forty year after the passion of Jesu Christ that Nacien, the

brotherinlaw of King Mordrains, was borne into a town more than fourteen days' journey from his country,

by the commandment of Our Lord, into an isle, into the parts of the West, that men cleped the Isle of

Turnance. So befell it that he found this ship at the entry of a rock, and he found the bed and this sword as we

have heard now. Not for then he had not so much hardiness to draw it; and there he dwelled an eight days,

and at the ninth day there fell a great wind which departed him out of the isle, and brought him to another isle

by a rock, and there he found the greatest giant that ever man might see. Therewith came that horrible giant to

slay him; and then he looked about him and might not flee, and he had nothing to defend him with. So he ran

to his sword, and when he saw it naked he praised it much, and then he shook it, and therewith he brake it in

the midst. Ah, said Nacien, the thing that I most praised ought I now most to blame, and therewith he threw

the pieces of his sword over his bed. And after he leapt over the board to fight with the giant, and slew him.

And anon he entered into the ship again, and the wind arose, and drove him through the sea, that by adventure

he came to another ship where King Mordrains was, which had been tempted full evil with a fiend in the Port

of Perilous Rock. And when that one saw the other they made great joy of other, and either told other of their

adventure, and how the sword failed him at his most need When Mordrains saw the sword he praised it much:

But the breaking was not to do but by wickedness of thy selfward, for thou art in some sin. And there he took

the sword, and set the pieces together, and they soldered as fair as ever they were tofore; and there put he

the sword in the sheath, and laid it down on the bed. Then heard they a voice that said: Go out of this ship a

little while, and enter into the other, for dread ye fall in deadly sin, for and ye be found in deadly sin ye may

not escape but perish: and so they went into the other ship. And as Nacien went over the board he was smitten

with a sword on the right foot, that he fell down noseling to the ship's board; and therewith he said: O God,

how am I hurt. And then there came a voice and said: Take thou that for thy forfeit that thou didst in drawing

of this sword, therefore thou receivest a wound, for thou were never worthy to handle it, as the writing

maketh mention. In the name of God, said Galahad, ye are right wise of these works.

CHAPTER V. How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he drew the sword, and other

SIR, said she, there was a king that hight Pelles, the maimed king. And while he might ride he supported

much Christendom and Holy Church. So upon a day he hunted in a wood of his which lasted unto the sea;

and at the last he lost his hounds and his knights save only one: and there he and his knight went till that they

came toward Ireland, and there he found the ship. And when he saw the letters and understood them, yet he

entered, for he was right perfect of his life, but his knight had none hardiness to enter; and there found he this

sword, and drew it out as much as ye may see. So therewith entered a spear wherewith he was smitten him

through both the thighs, and never sith might he be healed, nor nought shall tofore we come to him. Thus,

said she, was not King Pelles, your grandsire, maimed for his hardiness? In the name of God, damosel, said

So they went toward the bed to behold all about it, and above the head there hung two swords. Also there

were two spindles which were as white as any snow, and other that were as red as blood, and other above

green as any emerald: of these three colours were the spindles, and of natural colour within, and without any

painting. These spindles, said the damosel, were when sinful Eve came to gather fruit, for which Adam and

she were put out of paradise, she took with her the bough on which the apple hung on. Then perceived she

that the branch was fair and green, and she remembered her the loss which came from the tree. Then she

thought to keep the branch as long as she might. And for she had no coffer to keep it in, she put it in the earth.

So by the will of Our Lord the branch grew to a great tree within a little while, and was as white as any snow,

branches, boughs, and leaves: that was a token a maiden planted it. But after God came to Adam, and bade

him know his wife fleshly as nature required. So lay Adam with his wife under the same tree; and anon the

tree which was white was full green as any grass, and all that came out of it; and in the same time that they

medled together there was Abel begotten: thus was the tree long of green colour. And so it befell many days

after, under the same tree Caym slew Abel, whereof befell great marvel. For anon as Abel had received the

death under the green tree, it lost the green colour and became red; and that was in tokening of the blood. And

anon all the plants died thereof, but the tree grew and waxed marvellously fair, and it was the fairest tree and

the most delectable that any man might behold and see; and so died the plants that grew out of it tofore that

Abel was slain under it. So long dured the tree till that Solomon, King David's son, reigned, and held the land

after his father. This Solomon was wise and knew all the virtues of stones and trees, and so he knew the

course of the stars, and many other divers things. This Solomon had an evil wife, wherethrough he weened

that there had been no good woman, and so he despised them in his books. So answered a voice him once:

Solomon, if heaviness come to a man by a woman, ne reck thou never; for yet shall there come a woman

whereof there shall come greater joy to man an hundred times more than this heaviness giveth sorrow; and

that woman shall be born of thy lineage. Tho when Solomon heard these words he held himself but a fool,

and the truth he perceived by old books. Also the Holy Ghost showed him the coming of the glorious Virgin

Mary. Then asked he of the voice, if it should be in the yerde of his lineage. Nay, said the voice, but there

shall come a man which shall be a maid, and the last of your blood, and he shall be as good a knight as Duke

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

NOW have I certified thee of that thou stoodest in doubt. Then was Solomon glad that there should come any

such of his lineage; but ever he marvelled and studied who that should be, and what his name might be. His

wife perceived that he studied, and thought she would know it at some season; and so she waited her time,

and asked of him the cause of his studying, and there he told her altogether how the voice told him. Well, said

she, I shall let make a ship of the best wood and most durable that men may find. So Solomon sent for all the

carpenters of the land, and the best. And when they had made the ship the lady said to Solomon: Sir, said she,

since it is so that this knight ought to pass all knights of chivalry which have been tofore him and shall come

after him, moreover I shall tell you, said she, ye shall go into Our Lord's temple, where is King David's

sword, your father, the which is the marvelloust and the sharpest that ever was taken in any knight's hand.

Therefore take that, and take off the pommel, and thereto make ye a pommel of precious stones, that it be so

subtly made that no man perceive it but that they be all one; and after make there an hilt so marvellously and

wonderly that no man may know it; and after make a marvellous sheath. And when ye have made all this I

All this King Solomon did let make as she devised, both the ship and all the remnant. And when the ship was

ready in the sea to sail, the lady let make a great bed and marvellous rich, and set her upon the bed's head,

covered with silk, and laid the sword at the feet, and the girdles were of hemp, and therewith the king was

angry. Sir, wit ye well, said she, that I have none so high a thing which were worthy to sustain so high a

sword, and a maid shall bring other knights thereto, but I wot not when it shall be, nor what time. And there

she let make a covering to the ship, of cloth of silk that should never rot for no manner of weather. Yet went

that lady and made a carpenter to come to the tree which Abel was slain under. Now, said she, carve me out

of this tree as much wood as will make me a spindle. Ah madam, said he, this is the tree the which our first

mother planted. Do it, said she, or else I shall destroy thee. Anon as he began to work there came out drops of

blood; and then would he have left, but she would not suffer him, and so he took away as much wood as

might make a spindle: and so she made him to take as much of the green tree and of the white tree. And when

these three spindles were shapen she made them to be fastened upon the selar of the bed. When Solomon saw

this, he said to his wife: Ye have done marvellously, for though all the world were here right now, he could

not devise wherefore all this was made, but Our Lord Himself; and thou that hast done it wottest not what it

shall betoken. Now let it be, said she, for ye shall hear tidings sooner than ye ween. Now shall ye hear a

THAT night lay Solomon before the ship with little fellowship. And when he was asleep him thought there

came from heaven a great company of angels, and alighted into the ship, and took water which was brought

by an angel, in a vessel of silver, and sprent all the ship. And after he came to the sword, and drew letters on

the hilt. And after went to the ship's board, and wrote there other letters which said: Thou man that wilt enter

within me, beware that thou be full within the faith, for I ne am but Faith and Belief. When Solomon espied

these letters he was abashed, so that he durst not enter, and so drew him aback; and the ship was anon shoven

in the sea, and he went so fast that he lost sight of him within a little while. And then a little voice said:

Solomon, the last knight of thy lineage shall rest in this bed. Then went Solomon and awaked his wife, and

Now saith the history that a great while the three fellows beheld the bed and the three spindles. Then they

were at certain that they were of natural colours without painting. Then they lift up a cloth which was above

the ground, and there found a rich purse by seeming. And Percivale took it, and found therein a writ and so he

read it, and devised the manner of the spindles and of the ship, whence it came, and by whom it was made.

Now, said Galahad, where shall we find the gentlewoman that shall make new girdles to the sword? Fair sir,

said Percivale's sister, dismay you not, for by the leave of God I shall let make a girdle to the sword, such one

as shall long thereto. And then she opened a box, and took out girdles which were seemly wrought with

golden threads, and upon that were set full precious stones, and a rich buckle of gold. Lo, lords, said she, here

is a girdle that ought to be set about the sword. And wit ye well the greatest part of this girdle was made of

my hair, which I loved well while that I was a woman of the world. But as soon as I wist that this adventure

was ordained me I clipped off my hair, and made this girdle in the name of God. Ye be well found, said Sir

Bors, for certes ye have put us out of great pain, wherein we should have entered ne had your tidings been.

Then went the gentlewoman and set it on the girdle of the sword. Now, said the fellowship, what is the name

of the sword, and what shall we call it? Truly, said she, the name of the sword is the Sword with the Strange

Girdles; and the sheath, Mover of Blood; for no man that hath blood in him ne shall never see the one part of

the sheath which was made of the Tree of Life. Then they said to Galahad: In the name of Jesu Christ, and

pray you that ye gird you with this sword which hath been desired so much in the realm of Logris. Now let

me begin, said Galahad, to grip this sword for to give you courage; but wit ye well it longeth no more to me

than it doth to you. And then he gripped about it with his fingers a great deal; and then she girt him about the

middle with the sword. Now reck I not though I die, for now I hold me one of the blessed maidens of the

world, which hath made the worthiest knight of the world. Damosel, said Galahad, ye have done so much that

Then they went from that ship, and went to the other. And anon the wind drove them into the sea a great pace,

but they had no victuals: but it befell that they came on the morn to a castle that men call Carteloise, that was

in the marches of Scotland. And when they had passed the port, the gentlewoman said: Lords, here be men

arriven that, an they wist that ye were of King Arthur's court, ye should be assailed anon. Damosel, said

CHAPTER VIII. How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and how they were fought withal, and

SO it befell as they spoke thus there came a squire by them, and asked what they were; and they said they

were of King Arthur's house. Is that sooth? said he. Now by my head, said he, ye be ill arrayed; and then

turned he again unto the cliff fortress. And within a while they heard an horn blow. Then a gentlewoman

came to them, and asked them of whence they were; and they told her. Fair lords, said she, for God's love

turn again if ye may, for ye be come unto your death. Nay, they said, we will not turn again, for He shall help

us in whose service we be entered in. Then as they stood talking there came knights well armed, and bade

them yield them or else to die. That yielding, said they, shall be noyous to you. And therewith they let their

horses run, and Sir Percivale smote the foremost to the earth, and took his horse, and mounted thereupon, and

the same did Galahad. Also Bors served another so, for they had no horses in that country, for they left their

horses when they took their ship in other countries. And so when they were horsed then began they to set

upon them; and they of the castle fled into the strong fortress, and the three knights after them into the castle,

and so alighted on foot, and with their swords slew them down, and gat into the hall.

Then when they beheld the great multitude of people that they had slain, they held themself great sinners.

Certes, said Bors, I ween an God had loved them that we should not have had power to have slain them thus.

But they have done so much against Our Lord that He would not suffer them to reign no longer. Say ye not

so, said Galahad, for if they misdid against God, the vengeance is not ours, but to Him which hath power

So came there out of a chamber a good man which was a priest, and bare God's body in a cup. And when he

saw them which lay dead in the hall he was all abashed; and Galahad did off his helm and kneeled down, and

so did his two fellows. Sir, said they, have ye no dread of us, for we be of King Arthur's court. Then asked the

good man how they were slain so suddenly, and they told it him. Truly, said the good man, an ye might live

as long as the world might endure, ne might ye have done so great an almsdeed as this. Sir, said Galahad, I

repent me much, inasmuch as they were christened. Nay, repent you not, said he, for they were not

christened, and I shall tell you how that I wot of this castle. Here was Lord Earl Hernox not but one year, and

he had three sons, good knights of arms, and a daughter, the fairest gentlewoman that men knew. So those

three knights loved their sister so sore that they brent in love, and so they lay by her, maugre her head. And

for she cried to her father they slew her, and took their father and put him in prison, and wounded him nigh to

the death, but a cousin of hers rescued him. And then did they great untruth: they slew clerks and priests, and

made beat down chapels, that Our Lord's service might not be served nor said. And this same day her father

sent to me for to be confessed and houseled; but such shame had never man as I had this day with the three

brethren, but the earl bade me suffer, for he said they should not long endure, for three servants of Our Lord

should destroy them, and now it is brought to an end. And by this may ye wit that Our Lord is not displeased

with your deeds. Certes, said Galahad, an it had not pleased Our Lord, never should we have slain so many

And then they brought the Earl Hernox out of prison into the midst of the hall, that knew Galahad anon, and

CHAPTER IX. How the three knights, with Percivale's sister, came unto the same forest, and of an hart

THEN began he to weep right tenderly, and said: Long have I abiden your coming, but for God's love hold

me in your arms, that my soul may depart out of my body in so good a man's arms as ye be. Gladly, said

Galahad. And then one said on high, that all heard: Galahad, well hast thou avenged me on God's enemies.

Now behoveth thee to go to the Maimed King as soon as thou mayest, for he shall receive by thee health

which he hath abiden so long. And therewith the soul departed from the body, and Galahad made him to be

Right so departed the three knights, and Percivale's sister with them. And so they came into a waste forest,

and there they saw afore them a white hart which four lions led. Then they took them to assent for to follow

after for to know whither they repaired; and so they rode after a great pace till that they came to a valley, and

thereby was an hermitage where a good man dwelled, and the hart and the lions entered also. So when they

saw all this they turned to the chapel, and saw the good man in a religious weed and in the armour of Our

Lord, for he would sing mass of the Holy Ghost; and so they entered in and heard mass. And at the secrets of

the mass they three saw the hart become a man, the which marvelled them, and set him upon the altar in a

rich siege; and saw the four lions were changed, the one to the form of a man, the other to the form of a lion,

and the third to an eagle, and the fourth was changed unto an ox. Then took they their siege where the hart

sat, and went out through a glass window, and there was nothing perished nor broken; and they heard a voice

say: In such a manner entered the Son of God in the womb of a maid Mary, whose virginity ne was perished

ne hurt. And when they heard these words they fell down to the earth and were astonied; and therewith was a

And when they were come to theirself again they went to the good man and prayed him that he would say

them truth. What thing have ye seen? said he. And they told him all that they had seen. Ah lords, said he, ye

be welcome; now wot I well ye be the good knights the which shall bring the Sangreal to an end; for ye be

they unto whom Our Lord shall shew great secrets. And well ought Our Lord be signified to an hart, for the

hart when he is old he waxeth young again in his white skin. Right so cometh again Our Lord from death to

life, for He lost earthly flesh that was the deadly flesh, which He had taken in the womb of the blessed Virgin

Mary; and for that cause appeared Our Lord as a white hart without spot. And the four that were with Him is

to understand the four evangelists which set in writing a part of Jesu Christ's deeds that He did sometime

when He was among you an earthly man; for wit ye well never erst ne might no knight know the truth, for

ofttimes or this Our Lord showed Him unto good men and unto good knights, in likeness of an hart, but I

suppose from henceforth ye shall see no more. And then they joyed much, and dwelled there all that day. And

upon the morrow when they had heard mass they departed and commended the good man to God: and so they

came to a castle and passed by. So there came a knight armed after them and said: Lords, hark what I shall

CHAPTER X. How they were desired of a strange custom, the which they would not obey; wherefore they

THIS gentlewoman that ye lead with you is a maid? Sir, said she, a maid I am. Then he took her by the bridle

and said: By the Holy Cross, ye shall not escape me tofore ye have yolden the custom of this castle. Let her

go, said Percivale, ye be not wise, for a maid in what place she cometh is free. So in the meanwhile there

came out a ten or twelve knights armed, out of the castle, and with them came gentlewomen which held a

dish of silver. And then they said: This gentlewoman must yield us the custom of this castle. Sir, said a

knight, what maid passeth hereby shall give this dish full of blood of her right arm. Blame have ye, said

Galahad, that brought up such customs, and so God me save, I ensure you of this gentlewoman ye shall fail

while that I live. So God me help, said Percivale, I had liefer be slain. And I also, said Sir Bors. By my troth,

said the knight, then shall ye die, for ye may not endure against us though ye were the best knights of the

Then let they run each to other, and the three fellows beat the ten knights, and then set their hands to their

swords and beat them down and slew them. Then there came out of the castle a three score knights armed.

Fair lords, said the three fellows, have mercy on yourself and have not ado with us. Nay, fair lords, said the

knights of the castle, we counsel you to withdraw you, for ye be the best knights of the world, and therefore

do no more, for ye have done enough. We will let you go with this harm, but we must needs have the custom.

Certes, said Galahad, for nought speak ye. Well, said they, will ye die? We be not yet come thereto, said

Galahad. Then began they to meddle together, and Galahad, with the strange girdles, drew his sword, and

smote on the right hand and on the left hand, and slew what that ever abode him, and did such marvels that

there was none that saw him but weened he had been none earthly man, but a monster. And his two fellows

halp him passing well, and so they held the journey everych in like hard till it was night: then must they needs

So came in a good knight, and said to the three fellows: If ye will come in tonight and take such harbour as

here is ye shall be right welcome, and we shall ensure you by the faith of our bodies, and as we be true

knights, to leave you in such estate tomorrow as we find you, without any falsehood. And as soon as ye

know of the custom we dare say ye will accord therefore. For God's love, said the gentlewoman, go thither

and spare not for me. Go we, said Galahad; and so they entered into the chapel. And when they were alighted

they made great joy of them. So within a while the three knights asked the custom of the castle and wherefore

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Percivale's sister bled a dish full of blood for to heal a lady, wherefore she died;

THERE is in this castle a gentlewoman which we and this castle is hers, and many other. So it befell many

years agone there fell upon her a malady; and when she had lain a great while she fell unto a measle, and of

no leech she could have no remedy. But at the last an old man said an she might have a dish full of blood of a

maid and a clean virgin in will and in work, and a king's daughter, that blood should be her health, and for to

anoint her withal; and for this thing was this custom made. Now, said Percivale's sister, fair knights, I see

well that this gentlewoman is but dead. Certes, said Galahad, an ye bleed so much ye may die. Truly, said

she, an I die for to heal her I shall get me great worship and soul's health, and worship to my lineage, and

better is one harm than twain. And therefore there shall be no more battle, but tomorn I shall yield you your

custom of this castle. And then there was great joy more than there was tofore, for else had there been

mortal war upon the morn; notwithstanding she would none other, whether they wold or nold.

That night were the three fellows eased with the best; and on the morn they heard mass, and Sir Percivale's

sister bade bring forth the sick lady. So she was, the which was evil at ease. Then said she: Who shall let me

blood? So one came forth and let her blood, and she bled so much that the dish was full. Then she lift up her

hand and blessed her; and then she said to the lady: Madam, I am come to the death for to make you whole,

for God's love pray for me. With that she fell in a swoon. Then Galahad and his two fellows start up to her,

and lift her up and staunched her, but she had bled so much that she might not live. Then she said when she

was awaked: Fair brother Percivale, I die for the healing of this lady, so I require you that ye bury me not in

this country, but as soon as I am dead put me in a boat at the next haven, and let me go as adventure will lead

me; and as soon as ye three come to the City of Sarras, there to enchieve the Holy Grail, ye shall find me

under a tower arrived, and there bury me in the spiritual place; for I say you so much, there Galahad shall be

Then Percivale understood these words, and granted it her, weeping. And then said a voice: Lords and

fellows, tomorrow at the hour of prime ye three shall depart everych from other, till the adventure bring you

to the Maimed King. Then asked she her Saviour; and as soon as she had received it the soul departed from

the body. So the same day was the lady healed, when she was anointed withal. Then Sir Percivale made a

letter of all that she had holpen them as in strange adventures, and put it in her right hand, and so laid her in a

barge, and covered it with black silk; and so the wind arose, and drove the barge from the land, and all

knights beheld it till it was out of their sight. Then they drew all to the castle, and so forthwith there fell a

sudden tempest and a thunder, lightning, and rain, as all the earth would have broken. So half the castle

Then they saw afore them a knight armed and wounded hard in the body and in the head, that said: O God,

succour me for now it is need. After this knight came another knight and a dwarf, which cried to them afar:

Stand, ye may not escape. Then the wounded knight held up his hands to God that he should not die in such

tribulation. Truly, said Galahad, I shall succour him for His sake that he calleth upon. Sir, said Bors, I shall

do it, for it is not for you, for he is but one knight. Sir, said he, I grant. So Sir Bors took his horse, and

commended him to God, and rode after, to rescue the wounded knight. Now turn we to the two fellows.

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

NOW saith the story that all night Galahad and Percivale were in a chapel in their prayers, for to save Sir

Bors. So on the morrow they dressed them in their harness toward the castle, to wit what was fallen of them

therein. And when they came there they found neither man nor woman that he ne was dead by the vengeance

of Our Lord. With that they heard a voice that said: This vengeance is for bloodshedding of maidens. Also

they found at the end of the chapel a churchyard, and therein might they see a three score fair tombs, and that

place was so fair and so delectable that it seemed them there had been none tempest, for there lay the bodies

of all the good maidens which were martyred for the sick lady's sake. Also they found the names of everych,

and of what blood they were come, and all were of kings' blood, and twelve of them were kings' daughters.

Then they departed and went into a forest. Now, said Percivale unto Galahad, we must depart, so pray we Our

Lord that we may meet together in short time: then they did off their helms and kissed together, and wept at

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir Percivale's sister lay dead, and how

NOW saith the history, that when Launcelot was come to the water of Mortoise, as it is rehearsed before, he

was in great peril, and so he laid him down and slept, and took the adventure that God would send him. So

when he was asleep there came a vision unto him and said: Launcelot, arise up and take thine armour, and

enter into the first ship that thou shalt find. And when he heard these words he start up and saw great

clearness about him. And then he lift up his hand and blessed him, and so took his arms and made him ready;

and so by adventure he came by a strand, and found a ship the which was without sail or oar. And as soon as

he was within the ship there he felt the most sweetness that ever he felt, and he was fulfilled with all thing

that he thought on or desired. Then he said: Fair sweet Father, Jesu Christ, I wot not in what joy I am, for this

joy passeth all earthly joys that ever I was in. And so in this joy he laid him down to the ship's board, and

slept till day. And when he awoke he found there a fair bed, and therein lying a gentlewoman dead, the which

was Sir Percivale's sister. And as Launcelot devised her, he espied in her right hand a writ, the which he read,

the which told him all the adventures that ye have heard tofore, and of what lineage she was come. So with

this gentlewoman Sir Launcelot was a month and more. If ye would ask how he lived, He that fed the people

of Israel with manna in the desert, so was he fed; for every day when he had said his prayers he was sustained

So on a night he went to play him by the water side, for he was somewhat weary of the ship. And then he

listened and heard an horse come, and one riding upon him. And when he came nigh he seemed a knight. And

so he let him pass, and went thereas the ship was; and there he alighted, and took the saddle and the bridle

and put the horse from him, and went into the ship. And then Launcelot dressed unto him, and said: Ye be

welcome. And he answered and saluted him again, and asked him: What is your name? for much my heart

giveth unto you. Truly, said he, my name is Launcelot du Lake. Sir, said he, then be ye welcome, for ye were

the beginner of me in this world. Ah, said he, are ye Galahad? Yea, forsooth, said he; and so he kneeled down

and asked him his blessing, and after took off his helm and kissed him. And there was great joy between

them, for there is no tongue can tell the joy that they made either of other, and many a friendly word spoken

between, as kin would, the which is no need here to be rehearsed. And there everych told other of their

adventures and marvels that were befallen to them in many journeys sith that they departed from the court.

Anon, as Galahad saw the gentlewoman dead in the bed, he knew her well enough, and told great worship of

her, that she was the best maid living, and it was great pity of her death. But when Launcelot heard how the

marvellous sword was gotten, and who made it, and all the marvels rehearsed afore, then he prayed Galahad,

his son, that he would show him the sword, and so he did; and anon he kissed the pommel, and the hilt, and

the scabbard. Truly, said Launcelot, never erst knew I of so high adventures done, and so marvellous and

strange. So dwelt Launcelot and Galahad within that ship half a year, and served God daily and nightly with

all their power; and often they arrived in isles far from folk, where there repaired none but wild beasts, and

there they found many strange adventures and perilous, which they brought to an end; but for those

adventures were with wild beasts, and not in the quest of the Sangreal, therefore the tale maketh here no

mention thereof, for it would be too long to tell of all those adventures that befell them.

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

SO after, on a Monday, it befell that they arrived in the edge of a forest tofore a cross; and then saw they a

knight armed all in white, and was richly horsed, and led in his right hand a white horse; and so he came to

the ship, and saluted the two knights on the High Lord's behalf, and said: Galahad, sir, ye have been long

enough with your father, come out of the ship, and start upon this horse, and go where the adventures shall

lead thee in the quest of the Sangreal. Then he went to his father and kissed him sweetly, and said: Fair sweet

father, I wot not when I shall see you more till I see the body of Jesu Christ. I pray you, said Launcelot, pray

ye to the High Father that He hold me in His service. And so he took his horse, and there they heard a voice

that said: Think for to do well, for the one shall never see the other before the dreadful day of doom. Now,

son Galahad, said Launcelot, since we shall depart, and never see other, I pray to the High Father to conserve

me and you both. Sir, said Galahad, no prayer availeth so much as yours And therewith Galahad entered into

And the wind arose, and drove Launcelot more than a month throughout the sea, where he slept but little, but

prayed to God that he might see some tidings of the Sangreal. So it befell on a night, at midnight, he arrived

afore a castle, on the back side, which was rich and fair, and there was a postern opened toward the sea, and

was open without any keeping, save two lions kept the entry; and the moon shone clear. Anon Sir Launcelot

heard a voice that said: Launcelot, go out of this ship and enter into the castle, where thou shalt see a great

part of thy desire. Then he ran to his arms, and so armed him, and so went to the gate and saw the lions. Then

set he hand to his sword and drew it. Then there came a dwarf suddenly, and smote him on the arm so sore

that the sword fell out of his hand. Then heard he a voice say: O man of evil faith and poor belief, wherefore

trowest thou more on thy harness than in thy Maker, for He might more avail thee than thine armour, in

whose service that thou art set. Then said Launcelot: Fair Father Jesu Christ, I thank thee of Thy great mercy

that Thou reprovest me of my misdeed; now see I well that ye hold me for your servant. Then took he again

his sword and put it up in his sheath, and made a cross in his forehead, and came to the lions, and they made

semblaunt to do him harm. Notwithstanding he passed by them without hurt, and entered into the castle to the

chief fortress, and there were they all at rest. Then Launcelot entered in so armed, for he found no gate nor

door but it was open. And at the last he found a chamber whereof the door was shut, and he set his hand

CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot was tofore the door of the chamber wherein the Holy Sangreal was.

THEN he enforced him mickle to undo the door. Then he listened and heard a voice which sang so sweetly

that it seemed none earthly thing; and him thought the voice said: Joy and honour be to the Father of Heaven.

Then Launcelot kneeled down tofore the chamber, for well wist he that there was the Sangreal within that

chamber. Then said he: Fair sweet Father, Jesu Christ, if ever I did thing that pleased Thee, Lord for Thy pity

never have me not in despite for my sins done aforetime, and that Thou show me something of that I seek.

And with that he saw the chamber door open, and there came out a great clearness, that the house was as

So came he to the chamber door, and would have entered. And anon a voice said to him: Flee, Launcelot, and

enter not, for thou oughtest not to do it; and if thou enter thou shalt forthink it. Then he withdrew him aback

right heavy. Then looked he up in the midst of the chamber, and saw a table of silver, and the Holy Vessel,

covered with red samite, and many angels about it, whereof one held a candle of wax burning, and the other

held a cross, and the ornaments of an altar. And before the Holy Vessel he saw a good man clothed as a

priest. And it seemed that he was at the sacring of the mass. And it seemed to Launcelot that above the

priest's hands were three men, whereof the two put the youngest by likeness between the priest's hands; and

so he lift it up right high, and it seemed to show so to the people. And then Launcelot marvelled not a little,

for him thought the priest was so greatly charged of the figure that him seemed that he should fall to the

earth. And when he saw none about him that would help him, then came he to the door a great pace, and said:

Fair Father Jesu Christ, ne take it for no sin though I help the good man which hath great need of help.

Right so entered he into the chamber, and came toward the table of silver; and when he came nigh he felt a

breath, that him thought it was intermeddled with fire, which smote him so sore in the visage that him

thought it brent his visage; and therewith he fell to the earth, and had no power to arise, as he that was so

araged, that had lost the power of his body, and his hearing, and his seeing. Then felt he many hands about

him, which took him up and bare him out of the chamber door, without any amending of his swoon, and left

So upon the morrow when it was fair day they within were arisen, and found Launcelot lying afore the

chamber door. All they marvelled how that he came in, and so they looked upon him, and felt his pulse to wit

whether there were any life in him; and so they found life in him, but he might not stand nor stir no member

that he had. And so they took him by every part of the body, and bare him into a chamber, and laid him in a

rich bed, far from all folk; and so he lay four days. Then the one said he was alive, and the other said, Nay. In

the name of God, said an old man, for I do you verily to wit he is not dead, but he is so full of life as the

mightiest of you all; and therefore I counsel you that he be well kept till God send him life again.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir launcelot had lain fourandtwenty days and as many nights as a dead man,

IN such manner they kept Launcelot fourandtwenty days and all so many nights, that ever he lay still as a

dead man; and at the twentyfifth day befell him after midday that he opened his eyes. And when he saw folk

he made great sorrow, and said: Why have ye awaked me, for I was more at ease than I am now. O Jesu

Christ, who might be so blessed that might see openly thy great marvels of secretness there where no sinner

may be! What have ye seen? said they about him. I have seen, said he, so great marvels that no tongue may

tell, and more than any heart can think, and had not my son been here afore me I had seen much more.

Then they told him how he had lain there fourandtwenty days and nights. Then him thought it was

punishment for the fourandtwenty years that he had been a sinner, wherefore Our Lord put him in penance

fourandtwenty days and nights. Then looked Sir Launcelot afore him, and saw the hair which he had borne

nigh a year, for that he forthought him right much that he had broken his promise unto the hermit, which he

had avowed to do. Then they asked how it stood with him. Forsooth, said he, I am whole of body, thanked be

Our Lord; therefore, sirs, for God's love tell me where I am. Then said they all that he was in the castle of

Therewith came a gentlewoman and brought him a shirt of small linen cloth, but he changed not there, but

took the hair to him again. Sir, said they, the quest of the Sangreal is achieved now right in you, that never

shall ye see of the Sangreal no more than ye have seen. Now I thank God, said Launcelot, of His great mercy

of that I have seen, for it sufficeth me; for as I suppose no man in this world hath lived better than I have done

to enchieve that I have done. And therewith he took the hair and clothed him in it, and above that he put a

linen shirt, and after a robe of scarlet, fresh and new. And when he was so arrayed they marvelled all, for they

knew him that he was Launcelot, the good knight. And then they said all: O my lord Sir Launcelot, be that

Then came word to King Pelles that the knight that had lain so long dead was Sir Launcelot. Then was the

king right glad, and went to see him. And when Launcelot saw him come he dressed him against him, and

there made the king great joy of him. And there the king told him tidings that his fair daughter was dead.

Then Launcelot was right heavy of it, and said: Sir, me forthinketh the death of your daughter, for she was a

full fair lady, fresh and young. And well I wot she bare the best knight that is now on the earth, or that ever

was sith God was born. So the king held him there four days, and on the morrow he took his leave at King

Right so as they sat at their dinner in the chief salle, then was so befallen that the Sangreal had fulfilled the

table with all manner of meats that any heart might think. So as they sat they saw all the doors and the

windows of the place were shut without man's hand, whereof they were all abashed, and none wist what to

And then it happed suddenly a knight came to the chief door and knocked, and cried: Undo the door. But they

would not. And ever he cried: Undo; but they would not. And at last it noyed them so much that the king

himself arose and came to a window there where the knight called. Then he said: Sir knight, ye shall not enter

at this time while the Sangreal is here, and therefore go into another; for certes ye be none of the knights of

the quest, but one of them which hath served the fiend, and hast left the service of Our Lord: and he was

passing wroth at the king's words. Sir knight, said the king, sith ye would so fain enter, say me of what

country ye be. Sir, said he, I am of the realm of Logris, and my name is Ector de Maris, and brother unto my

lord, Sir Launcelot. In the name of God, said the king, me forthinketh of what I have said, for your brother

is here within. And when Ector de Maris understood that his brother was there, for he was the man in the

world that he most dread and loved, and then he said: Ah God, now doubleth my sorrow and shame. Full

truly said the good man of the hill unto Gawaine and to me of our dreams. Then went he out of the court as

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other adventures which he saw in

THEN King Pelles came to Sir Launcelot and told him tidings of his brother, whereof he was sorry, that he

wist not what to do. So Sir Launcelot departed, and took his arms, and said he would go see the realm of

Logris, which I have not seen in twelve months. And there with he commended the king to God, and so rode

through many realms. And at the last he came to a white abbey, and there they made him that night great

cheer; and on the morn he rose and heard mass. And afore an altar he found a rich tomb, which was newly

made; and then he took heed, and saw the sides written with gold which said: Here lieth King Bagdemagus of

Gore, which King Arthur's nephew slew; and named him, Sir Gawaine. Then was not he a little sorry, for

Launcelot loved him much more than any other, and had it been any other than Gawaine he should not have

escaped from death to life; and said to himself: Ah Lord God, this is a great hurt unto King Arthur's court, the

loss of such a man. And then he departed and came to the abbey where Galahad did the adventure of the

tombs, and won the white shield with the red cross; and there had he great cheer all that night.

And on the morn he turned unto Camelot, where he found King Arthur and the queen. But many of the

knights of the Round Table were slain and destroyed, more than half. And so three were come home, Ector,

Gawaine, and Lionel, and many other that need not to be rehearsed. And all the court was passing glad of Sir

Launcelot, and the king asked him many tidings of his son Galahad. And there Launcelot told the king of his

adventures that had befallen him since he departed. And also he told him of the adventures of Galahad,

Percivale, and Bors, which that he knew by the letter of the dead damosel, and as Galahad had told him. Now

God would, said the king, that they were all three here. That shall never be, said Launcelot, for two of them

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

NOW, saith the story, Galahad rode many journeys in vain. And at the last he came to the abbey where King

Mordrains was, and when he heard that, he thought he would abide to see him. And upon the morn, when he

had heard mass, Galahad came unto King Mordrains, and anon the king saw him, which had lain blind of

long time. And then he dressed him against him, and said: Galahad, the servant of Jesu Christ, whose coming

I have abiden so long, now embrace me and let me rest on thy breast, so that I may rest between thine arms,

for thou art a clean virgin above all knights, as the flower of the lily in whom virginity is signified, and thou

art the rose the which is the flower of all good virtues, and in colour of fire. For the fire of the Holy Ghost is

taken so in thee that my flesh which was all dead of oldness is become young again. Then Galahad heard his

words, then he embraced him and all his body. Then said he: Fair Lord Jesu Christ, now I have my will. Now

I require thee, in this point that I am in, thou come and visit me. And anon Our Lord heard his prayer:

And then Galahad put him in the earth as a king ought to be, and so departed and so came into a perilous

forest where he found the well the which boileth with great waves, as the tale telleth tofore. And as soon as

Galahad set his hand thereto it ceased, so that it brent no more, and the heat departed. For that it brent it was a

sign of lechery, the which was that time much used. But that heat might not abide his pure virginity. And this

was taken in the country for a miracle. And so ever after was it called Galahad's well.

Then by adventure he came into the country of Gore, and into the abbey where Launcelot had been

toforehand, and found the tomb of King Bagdemagus, but he was founder thereof, Joseph of Aramathie's

son; and the tomb of Simeon where Launcelot had failed. Then he looked into a croft under the minster, and

there he saw a tomb which brent full marvellously. Then asked he the brethren what it was. Sir, said they, a

marvellous adventure that may not be brought unto none end but by him that passeth of bounty and of

knighthood all them of the Round Table. I would, said Galahad, that ye would lead me thereto. Gladly, said

they, and so led him till a cave. And he went down upon greses, and came nigh the tomb. And then the

flaming failed, and the fire staunched, the which many a day had been great. Then came there a voice that

said: Much are ye beholden to thank Our Lord, the which hath given you a good hour, that ye may draw out

the souls of earthly pain, and to put them into the joys of paradise. I am of your kindred, the which hath

dwelled in this heat this three hundred winter and fourandfifty to be purged of the sin that I did against

Joseph of Aramathie. Then Galahad took the body in his arms and bare it into the minster. And that night lay

Galahad in the abbey; and on the morn he gave him service, and put him in the earth afore the high altar.

CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, and how they came to the castle of

SO departed he from thence, and commended the brethren to God; and so he rode five days till that he came

to the Maimed King. And ever followed Percivale the five days, asking where he had been; and so one told

him how the adventures of Logris were enchieved. So on a day it befell that they came out of a great forest,

and there they met at traverse with Sir Bors, the which rode alone. It is none need to tell if they were glad;

and them he saluted, and they yielded him honour and good adventure, and everych told other. Then said

Bors: It is mo than a year and an half that I ne lay ten times where men dwelled, but in wild forests and in

Then rode they a great while till that they came to the castle of Carbonek. And when they were entered within

the castle King Pelles knew them; then there was great joy, for they wist well by their coming that they had

fulfilled the quest of the Sangreal. Then Eliazar, King Pelles' son, brought tofore them the broken sword

wherewith Joseph was stricken through the thigh. Then Bors set his hand thereto, if that he might have

soldered it again; but it would not be. Then he took it to Percivale, but he had no more power thereto than he.

Now have ye it again, said Percivale to Galahad, for an it be ever enchieved by any bodily man ye must do it.

And then he took the pieces and set them together, and they seemed that they had never been broken, and as

well as it had been first forged. And when they within espied that the adventure of the sword was enchieved,

then they gave the sword to Bors, for it might not be better set; for he was a good knight and a worthy man.

And a little afore even the sword arose great and marvellous, and was full of great heat that many men fell for

dread. And anon alighted a voice among them, and said: They that ought not to sit at the table of Jesu Christ

arise, for now shall very knights be fed. So they went thence, all save King Pelles and Eliazar, his son, the

which were holy men, and a maid which was his niece; and so these three fellows and they three were there,

no mo. Anon they saw knights all armed came in at the hall door, and did off their helms and their arms, and

said unto Galahad: Sir, we have hied right much for to be with you at this table where the holy meat shall be

departed. Then said he: Ye be welcome, but of whence be ye? So three of them said they were of Gaul, and

other three said they were of Ireland, and the other three said they were of Denmark. So as they sat thus there

came out a bed of tree, of a chamber, the which four gentlewomen brought; and in the bed lay a good man

sick, and a crown of gold upon his head; and there in the midst of the place they set him down, and went

again their way. Then he lift up his head, and said: Galahad, Knight, ye be welcome, for much have I desired

your coming, for in such pain and in such anguish I have been long. But now I trust to God the term is come

that my pain shall be allayed, that I shall pass out of this world so as it was promised me long ago. Therewith

a voice said: There be two among you that be not in the quest of the Sangreal, and therefore depart ye.

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

THEN King Pelles and his son departed. And therewithal beseemed them that there came a man, and four

angels from heaven, clothed in likeness of a bishop, and had a cross in his hand; and these four angels bare

him up in a chair, and set him down before the table of silver where upon the Sangreal was; and it seemed

that he had in midst of his forehead letters the which said: See ye here Joseph, the first bishop of

Christendom, the same which Our Lord succoured in the city of Sarras in the spiritual place. Then the knights

marvelled, for that bishop was dead more than three hundred year tofore. O knights, said he, marvel not, for

I was sometime an earthly man. With that they heard the chamber door open, and there they saw angels; and

two bare candles of wax, and the third a towel, and the fourth a spear which bled marvellously, that three

drops fell within a box which he held with his other hand. And they set the candles upon the table, and the

third the towel upon the vessel, and the fourth the holy spear even upright upon the vessel. And then the

bishop made semblaunt as though he would have gone to the sacring of the mass. And then he took an ubblie

which was made in likeness of bread. And at the lifting up there came a figure in likeness of a child, and the

visage was as red and as bright as any fire, and smote himself into the bread, so that they all saw it that the

bread was formed of a fleshly man; and then he put it into the Holy Vessel again, and then he did that longed

to a priest to do to a mass. And then he went to Galahad and kissed him, and bade him go and kiss his

fellows: and so he did anon. Now, said he, servants of Jesu Christ, ye shall be fed afore this table with sweet

meats that never knights tasted. And when he had said, he vanished away. And they set them at the table in

Then looked they and saw a man come out of the Holy Vessel, that had all the signs of the passion of Jesu

Christ, bleeding all openly, and said: My knights, and my servants, and my true children, which be come out

of deadly life into spiritual life, I will now no longer hide me from you, but ye shall see now a part of my

secrets and of my hidden things: now hold and receive the high meat which ye have so much desired. Then

took he himself the Holy Vessel and came to Galahad; and he kneeled down, and there he received his

Saviour, and after him so received all his fellows; and they thought it so sweet that it was marvellous to tell.

Then said he to Galahad: Son, wottest thou what I hold betwixt my hands? Nay, said he, but if ye will tell me.

This is, said he, the holy dish wherein I ate the lamb on SheerThursday. And now hast thou seen that thou

most desired to see, but yet hast thou not seen it so openly as thou shalt see it in the city of Sarras in the

spiritual place. Therefore thou must go hence and bear with thee this Holy Vessel; for this night it shall depart

from the realm of Logris, that it shall never be seen more here. And wottest thou wherefore? For he is not

served nor worshipped to his right by them of this land, for they be turned to evil living; therefore I shall

disherit them of the honour which I have done them. And therefore go ye three tomorrow unto the sea,

where ye shall find your ship ready, and with you take the sword with the strange girdles, and no more with

you but Sir Percivale and Sir Bors. Also I will that ye take with you of the blood of this spear for to anoint the

Maimed King, both his legs and all his body, and he shall have his health. Sir, said Galahad, why shall not

these other fellows go with us? For this cause: for right as I departed my apostles one here and another there,

so I will that ye depart; and two of you shall die in my service, but one of you shall come again and tell

CHAPTER XXI. How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the Maimed King, and of other

AND Galahad went anon to the spear which lay upon the table, and touched the blood with his fingers, and

came after to the Maimed King and anointed his legs. And therewith he clothed him anon, and start upon his

feet out of his bed as an whole man, and thanked Our Lord that He had healed him. And that was not to the

worldward, for anon he yielded him to a place of religion of white monks, and was a full holy man. That

same night about midnight came a voice among them which said: My sons and not my chief sons, my friends

and not my warriors, go ye hence where ye hope best to do and as I bade you. Ah, thanked' be Thou, Lord,

that Thou wilt vouchsafe to call us, Thy sinners. Now may we well prove that we have not lost our pains.

And anon in all haste they took their harness and departed. But the three knights of Gaul, one of them hight

Claudine, King Claudas' son, and the other two were great gentlemen. Then prayed Galahad to everych of

them, that if they come to King Arthur's court that they should salute my lord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and

all the fellowship[1] of the Round Table; and prayed them if that they came on that part that they should not

Right so departed Galahad, Percivale and Bors with him; and so they rode three days, and then they came to a

tofore. And when they came to the board they found in the midst the table of silver which they had left with

the Maimed King, and the Sangreal which was covered with red samite. Then were they glad to have such

things in their fellowship; and so they entered and made great reverence thereto; and Galahad fell in his

prayer long time to Our Lord, that at what time he asked, that he should pass out of this world. So much he

prayed till a voice said to him: Galahad, thou shalt have thy request; and when thou askest the death of thy

body thou shalt have it, and then shalt thou find the life of the soul. Percivale heard this, and prayed him, of

fellowship that was between them, to tell him wherefore he asked such things. That shall I tell you, said

Galahad; the other day when we saw a part of the adventures of the Sangreal I was in such a joy of heart, that

I trow never man was that was earthly. And therefore I wot well, when my body is dead my soul shall be in

great joy to see the blessed Trinity every day, and the majesty of Our Lord, Jesu Christ.

So long were they in the ship that they said to Galahad: Sir, in this bed ought ye to lie, for so saith the

scripture. And so he laid him down and slept a great while; and when he awaked he looked afore him and saw

the city of Sarras. And as they would have landed they saw the ship wherein Percivale had put his sister in.

Truly, said Percivale, in the name of God, well hath my sister holden us covenant. Then took they out of the

ship the table of silver, and he took it to Percivale and to Bors, to go tofore, and Galahad came behind. And

right so they went to the city, and at the gate of the city they saw an old man crooked. Then Galahad called

him and bade him help to bear this heavy thing. Truly, said the old man, it is ten year ago that I might not go

but with crutches. Care thou not, said Galahad, and arise up and shew thy good will. And so he assayed, and

found himself as whole as ever he was. Than ran he to the table, and took one part against Galahad. And anon

arose there great noise in the city, that a cripple was made whole by knights marvellous that entered into the

Then anon after, the three knights went to the water, and brought up into the palace Percivale's sister, and

buried her as richly as a king's daughter ought to be. And when the king of the city, which was cleped

Estorause, saw the fellowship, he asked them of whence they were, and what thing it was that they had

brought upon the table of silver. And they told him the truth of the Sangreal, and the power which that God

had sent there. Then the king was a tyrant, and was come of the line of paynims, and took them and put them

CHAPTER XXII. How they were fed with the Sangreal while they were in prison, and how Galahad was

BUT as soon as they were there Our Lord sent them the Sangreal, through whose grace they were always

fulfilled while that they were in prison. So at the year's end it befell that this King Estorause lay sick, and felt

that he should die. Then he sent for the three knights, and they came afore him; and he cried them mercy of

that he had done to them, and they forgave it him goodly; and he died anon. When the king was dead all the

city was dismayed, and wist not who might be their king. Right so as they were in counsel there came a voice

among them, and bade them choose the youngest knight of them three to be their king: For he shall well

maintain you and all yours. So they made Galahad king by all the assent of the holy city, and else they would

have slain him. And when he was come to behold the land, he let make above the table of silver a chest of

gold and of precious stones, that hilled the Holy Vessel. And every day early the three fellows would come

Now at the year's end, and the self day after Galahad had borne the crown of gold, he arose up early and his

fellows, and came to the palace, and saw tofore them the Holy Vessel, and a man kneeling on his knees in

likeness of a bishop, that had about him a great fellowship of angels, as it had been Jesu Christ himself; and

then he arose and began a mass of Our Lady. And when he came to the sacrament of the mass, and had done,

anon he called Galahad, and said to him: Come forth the servant of Jesu Christ, and thou shalt see that thou

hast much desired to see. And then he began to tremble right hard when the deadly flesh began to behold the

spiritual things. Then he held up his hands toward heaven and said: Lord, I thank thee, for now I see that that

hath been my desire many a day. Now, blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if it might please thee, Lord.

And therewith the good man took Our Lord's body betwixt his hands, and proffered it to Galahad, and he

received it right gladly and meekly. Now wottest thou what I am? said the good man. Nay, said Galahad. I am

Joseph of Aramathie, the which Our Lord hath sent here to thee to bear thee fellowship; and wottest thou

wherefore that he hath sent me more than any other? For thou hast resembled me in two things; in that thou

hast seen the marvels of the Sangreal, in that thou hast been a clean maiden, as I have been and am.

And when he had said these words Galahad went to Percivale and kissed him, and commended him to God;

and so he went to Sir Bors and kissed him, and commended him to God, and said: Fair lord, salute me to my

lord, Sir Launcelot, my father, and as soon as ye see him, bid him remember of this unstable world. And

therewith he kneeled down tofore the table and made his prayers, and then suddenly his soul departed to

Jesu Christ, and a great multitude of angels bare his soul up to heaven, that the two fellows might well behold

it. Also the two fellows saw come from heaven an hand, but they saw not the body. And then it came right to

the Vessel, and took it and the spear, and so bare it up to heaven. Sithen was there never man so hardy to say

CHAPTER XXIII. Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad was dead: and of Percivale

WHEN Percivale and Bors saw Galahad dead they made as much sorrow as ever did two men. And if they

had not been good men they might lightly have fallen in despair. And the people of the country and of the

city were right heavy. And then he was buried; and as soon as he was buried Sir Percivale yielded him to an

hermitage out of the city, and took a religious clothing. And Bors was alway with him, but never changed he

his secular clothing, for that he purposed him to go again into the realm of Logris. Thus a year and two

months lived Sir Percivale in the hermitage a full holy life, and then passed out of this world; and Bors let

When Bors saw that he was in so far countries as in the parts of Babylon he departed from Sarras, and armed

him and came to the sea, and entered into a ship; and so it befell him in good adventure he came into the

realm of Logris; and he rode so fast till he came to Camelot where the king was. And then was there great joy

made of him in the court, for they weened all he had been dead, forasmuch as he had been so long out of the

country. And when they had eaten, the king made great clerks to come afore him, that they should chronicle

of the high adventures of the good knights. When Bors had told him of the adventures of the Sangreal, such

as had befallen him and his three fellows, that was Launcelot, Percivale, Galahad, and himself, there

Launcelot told the adventures of the Sangreal that he had seen. All this was made in great books, and put up

in almeries at Salisbury. And anon Sir Bors said to Sir Launcelot: Galahad, your own son, saluted you by me,

and after you King Arthur and all the court, and so did Sir Percivale, for I buried them with mine own hands

in the city of Sarras. Also, Sir Launcelot, Galahad prayed you to remember of this unsiker world as ye

behight him when ye were together more than half a year. This is true, said Launcelot; now I trust to God his

Then Launcelot took Sir Bors in his arms, and said: Gentle cousin, ye are right welcome to me, and all that

ever I may do for you and for yours ye shall find my poor body ready at all times, while the spirit is in it, and

that I promise you faithfully, and never to fail. And wit ye well, gentle cousin, Sir Bors, that ye and I will

never depart asunder whilst our lives may last. Sir, said he, I will as ye will.

CHAPTER I. Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the Sangreal; and how

SO after the quest of the Sangreal was fulfilled, and all knights that were left alive were come again unto the

Table Round, as the book of the Sangreal maketh mention, then was there great joy in the court; and in

especial King Arthur and Queen Guenever made great joy of the remnant that were come home, and passing

glad was the king and the queen of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Bors, for they had been passing long away in the

Then, as the book saith, Sir Launcelot began to resort unto Queen Guenever again, and forgat the promise and

the perfection that he made in the quest. For, as the book saith, had not Sir Launcelot been in his privy

thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly to the queen as he was in seeming outward to God, there had no

knight passed him in the quest of the Sangreal; but ever his thoughts were privily on the queen, and so they

loved together more hotter than they did toforehand, and had such privy draughts together, that many in the

court spake of it, and in especial Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother, for he was ever openmouthed.

So befell that Sir Launcelot had many resorts of ladies and damosels that daily resorted unto him, that

besought him to be their champion, and in all such matters of right Sir Launcelot applied him daily to do for

the pleasure of Our Lord, Jesu Christ. And ever as much as he might he withdrew him from the company and

fellowship of Queen Guenever, for to eschew the slander and noise; wherefore the queen waxed wroth with

Sir Launcelot. And upon a day she called Sir Launcelot unto her chamber, and said thus: Sir Launcelot, I see

and feel daily that thy love beginneth to slake, for thou hast no joy to be in my presence, but ever thou art out

of this court, and quarrels and matters thou hast nowadays for ladies and gentlewomen more than ever thou

Ah madam, said Launcelot, in this ye must hold me excused for divers causes; one is, I was but late in the

quest of the Sangreal; and I thank God of his great mercy, and never of my desert, that I saw in that my quest

as much as ever saw any sinful man, and so was it told me. And if I had not had my privy thoughts to return

to your love again as I do, I had seen as great mysteries as ever saw my son Galahad, outher Percivale, or Sir

Bors; and therefore, madam, I was but late in that quest. Wit ye well, madam, it may not be yet lightly

forgotten the high service in whom I did my diligent labour. Also, madam, wit ye well that there be many

men speak of our love in this court, and have you and me greatly in await, as Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred;

and madam, wit ye well I dread them more for your sake than for any fear I have of them myself, for I may

happen to escape and rid myself in a great need, where ye must abide all that will be said unto you. And then

if that ye fall in any distress through wilful folly, then is there none other remedy or help but by me and my

blood. And wit ye well, madam, the boldness of you and me will bring us to great shame and slander; and

that were me loath to see you dishonoured. And that is the cause I take upon me more for to do for damosels

and maidens than ever I did tofore, that men should understand my joy and my delight is my pleasure to

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

ALL this while the queen stood still and let Sir Launcelot say what he would. And when he had all said she

brast out aweeping, and so she sobbed and wept a great while. And when she might speak she said:

Launcelot, now I well understand that thou art a false recreant knight and a common lecher, and lovest and

holdest other ladies, and by me thou hast disdain and scorn. For wit thou well, she said, now I understand thy

falsehood, and therefore shall I never love thee no more. And never be thou so hardy to come in my sight;

and right here I discharge thee this court, that thou never come within it; and I forfend thee my fellowship,

and upon pain of thy head that thou see me no more. Right so Sir Launcelot departed with great heaviness,

Then he called Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, and told them how the queen had forfended him

the court, and so he was in will to depart into his own country. Fair sir, said Sir Bors de Ganis, ye shall not

depart out of this land by mine advice. Ye must remember in what honour ye are renowned, and called the

noblest knight of the world; and many great matters ye have in hand. And women in their hastiness will do

ofttimes that sore repenteth them; and therefore by mine advice ye shall take your horse, and ride to the good

hermitage here beside Windsor, that sometime was a good knight, his name is Sir Brasias, and there shall ye

abide till I send you word of better tidings. Brother, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well I am full loath to depart

out of this realm, but the queen hath defended me so highly, that meseemeth she will never be my good lady

as she hath been. Say ye never so, said Sir Bors, for many times or this time she hath been wroth with you,

and after it she was the first that repented it. Ye say well, said Launcelot, for now will I do by your counsel,

and take mine horse and my harness, and ride to the hermit Sir Brasias, and there will I repose me until I hear

some manner of tidings from you; but, fair brother, I pray you get me the love of my lady, Queen Guenever,

an ye may Sir, said Sir Bors, ye need not to move me of such matters, for well ye wot I will do what I may to

And then the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, departed with right heavy cheer suddenly, that none earthly

creature wist of him, nor where he was become, but Sir Bors. So when Sir Launcelot was departed, the queen

outward made no manner of sorrow in showing to none of his blood nor to none other. But wit ye well,

inwardly, as the book saith, she took great thought, but she bare it out with a proud countenance as though

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

AND then the queen let make a privy dinner in London unto the knights of the Round Table. And all was for

to show outward that she had as great joy in all other knights of the Table Round as she had in Sir Launcelot.

All only at that dinner she had Sir Gawaine and his brethren, that is for to say Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir

Gareth, and Sir Mordred. Also there was Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir

Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Palomides, Safere his brother, Sir La Cote Male

Taile, Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Brandiles, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Patrise, a

knight of Ireland, Aliduk, Sir Astamore, and Sir Pinel le Savage, the which was cousin to Sir Lamorak de

Galis, the good knight that Sir Gawaine and his brethren slew by treason. And so these fourandtwenty

knights should dine with the queen in a privy place by themself, and there was made a great feast of all

But Sir Gawaine had a custom that he used daily at dinner and at supper, that he loved well all manner of

fruit, and in especial apples and pears. And therefore whosomever dined or feasted Sir Gawaine would

commonly purvey for good fruit for him, and so did the queen for to please Sir Gawaine; she let purvey for

him all manner of fruit, for Sir Gawaine was a passing hot knight of nature. And this Pinel hated Sir Gawaine

because of his kinsman Sir Lamorak de Galis; and therefore for pure envy and hate Sir Pinel enpoisoned

certain apples for to enpoison Sir Gawaine. And so this was well unto the end of the meat; and so it befell by

misfortune a good knight named Patrise, cousin unto Sir Mador de la Porte, to take a poisoned apple. And

when he had eaten it he swelled so till he brast, and there Sir Patrise fell down suddenly dead among them.

Then every knight leapt from the board ashamed, and araged for wrath, nigh out of their wits. For they wist

not what to say; considering Queen Guenever made the feast and dinner, they all had suspicion unto her. My

lady, the queen, said Gawaine, wit ye well, madam, that this dinner was made for me, for all folks that know

my condition understand that I love well fruit, and now I see well I had near been slain; therefore, madam, I

dread me lest ye will be shamed. Then the queen stood still and was sore abashed, that she nist not what to

say. This shall not so be ended, said Sir Mador de la Porte, for here have I lost a full noble knight of my

blood; and therefore upon this shame and despite I will be revenged to the utterance. And there openly Sir

Mador appealed the queen of the death of his cousin, Sir Patrise. Then stood they all still, that none would

speak a word against him, for they all had great suspicion unto the queen because she let make that dinner.

And the queen was so abashed that she could none other ways do, but wept so heartily that she fell in a

swoon. With this noise and cry came to them King Arthur, and when he wist of that trouble he was a passing

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there was no knight would fight for

AND ever Sir Mador stood still afore the king, and ever he appealed the queen of treason; for the custom was

such that time that all manner of shameful death was called treason. Fair lords, said King Arthur, me

repenteth of this trouble, but the case is so I may not have ado in this matter, for I must be a rightful judge;

and that repenteth me that I may not do battle for my wife, for as I deem this deed came never by her. And

therefore I suppose she shall not be all distained, but that some good knight shall put his body in jeopardy for

my queen rather than she shall be brent in a wrong quarrel. And therefore, Sir Mador, be not so hasty, for it

may happen she shall not be all friendless; and therefore desire thou thy day of battle, and she shall purvey

her of some good knight that shall answer you, or else it were to me great shame, and to all my court.

My gracious lord, said Sir Mador, ye must hold me excused, for though ye be our king in that degree, ye are

but a knight as we are, and ye are sworn unto knighthood as well as we; and therefore I beseech you that ye

be not displeased, for there is none of the fourandtwenty knights that were bidden to this dinner but all

they have great suspicion unto the queen. What say ye all, my lords? said Sir Mador. Then they answered by

and by that they could not excuse the queen; for why she made the dinner, and either it must come by her or

by her servants. Alas, said the queen, I made this dinner for a good intent, and never for none evil, so

Almighty God me help in my right, as I was never purposed to do such evil deeds, and that I report me unto

My lord, the king, said Sir Mador, I require you as ye be a righteous king give me a day that I may have

justice. Well, said the king, I give the day this day fifteen days that thou be ready armed on horseback in the

meadow beside Westminster. And if it so fall that there be any knight to encounter with you, there mayst thou

do the best, and God speed the right. And if it so fall that there be no knight at that day, then must my queen

be burnt, and there she shall be ready to have her judgment. I am answered, said Sir Mador. And every knight

So when the king and the queen were together the king asked the queen how this case befell. The queen

answered: So God me help, I wot not how or in what manner. Where is Sir Launcelot? said King Arthur; an

he were here he would not grudge to do battle for you. Sir, said the queen, I wot not where he is, but his

brother and his kinsmen deem that he be not within this realm. That me repenteth, said King Arthur, for an he

were here he would soon stint this strife. Then I will counsel you, said the king, and unto Sir Bors: That ye

will do battle for her for Sir Launcelot's sake, and upon my life he will not refuse you. For well I see, said the

king, that none of these fourandtwenty knights that were with you at your dinner where Sir Patrise was

slain, that will do battle for you, nor none of them will say well of you, and that shall be a great slander for

you in this court. Alas, said the queen, and I may not do withal, but now I miss Sir Launcelot, for an he were

here he would put me soon to my heart's ease. What aileth you, said the king, ye cannot keep Sir Launcelot

upon your side? For wit ye well, said the king, who that hath Sir Launcelot upon his part hath the most man

of worship in the world upon his side. Now go your way, said the king unto the queen, and require Sir Bors to

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

SO the queen departed from the king, and sent for Sir Bors into her chamber. And when he was come she

besought him of succour. Madam, said he, what would ye that I did? for I may not with my worship have ado

in this matter, because I was at the same dinner, for dread that any of those knights would have me in

suspicion. Also, madam, said Sir Bors, now miss ye Sir Launcelot, for he would not have failed you neither

in right nor in wrong, as ye have well proved when ye have been in danger; and now ye have driven him out

of this country, by whom ye and all we were daily worshipped by; therefore, madam, I marvel how ye dare

for shame require me to do any thing for you, in so much ye have chased him out of your country by whom

we were borne up and honoured. Alas, fair knight, said the queen, I put me wholly in your grace, and all that

is done amiss I will amend as ye will counsel me. And therewith she kneeled down upon both her knees, and

besought Sir Bors to have mercy upon her: Outher I shall have a shameful death, and thereto I never

Right so came King Arthur, and found the queen kneeling afore Sir Bors; then Sir Bors pulled her up, and

said: Madam, ye do me great dishonour. Ah, gentle knight, said the king, have mercy upon my queen,

courteous knight, for I am now in certain she is untruly defamed. And therefore, courteous knight, said the

king, promise her to do battle for her, I require you for the love of Sir Launcelot. My lord, said Sir Bors, ye

require me the greatest thing that any man may require me; and wit ye well if I grant to do battle for the

queen I shall wrath many of my fellowship of the Table Round. But as for that, said Bors, I will grant my lord

that for my lord Sir Launcelot's sake, and for your sake I will at that day be the queen's champion unless that

there come by adventure a better knight than I am to do battle for her. Will ye promise me this, said the king,

by your faith? Yea sir, said Sir Bors, of that I will not fail you, nor her both, but if there come a better knight

than I am, and then shall he have the battle. Then was the king and the queen passing glad, and so departed,

So then Sir Bors departed secretly upon a day, and rode unto Sir Launcelot thereas he was with the hermit,

Sir Brasias, and told him of all their adventure. Ah Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, this is come happily as I would

have it, and therefore I pray you make you ready to do battle, but look that ye tarry till ye see me come, as

long as ye may. For I am sure Mador is an hot knight when he is enchafed, for the more ye suffer him the

hastier will he be to battle. Sir, said Bors, let me deal with him, doubt ye not ye shall have all your will. Then

departed Sir Bors from him and came to the court again. Then was it noised in all the court that Sir Bors

should do battle for the queen; wherefore many knights were displeased with him, that he would take upon

him to do battle in the queen's quarrel; for there were but few knights in all the court but they deemed the

So Sir Bors answered thus to his fellows of the Table Round: Wit ye well, my fair lords, it were shame to us

all an we suffered to see the most noble queen of the world to be shamed openly, considering her lord and our

lord is the man of most worship in the world, and most christened, and he hath ever worshipped us all in all

places. Many answered him again: As for our most noble King Arthur, we love him and honour him as well

as ye do, but as for Queen Guenever we love her not, because she is a destroyer of good knights. Fair lords,

said Sir Bors, meseemeth ye say not as ye should say, for never yet in my days knew I never nor heard say

that ever she was a destroyer of any good knight. But at all times as far as ever I could know she was a

maintainer of good knights; and ever she hath been large and free of her goods to all good knights, and the

most bounteous lady of her gifts and her good grace, that ever I saw or heard speak of. And therefore it were

shame, said Sir Bors, to us all to our most noble king's wife, an we suffered her to be shamefully slain. And

wit ye well, said Sir Bors, I will not suffer it, for I dare say so much, the queen is not guilty of Sir Patrise's

death, for she owed him never none ill will, nor none of the fourandtwenty knights that were at that dinner;

for I dare say for good love she bade us to dinner, and not for no mal engine, and that I doubt not shall be

proved hereafter, for howsomever the game goeth, there was treason among us. Then some said to Sir Bors:

We may well believe your words. And so some of them were well pleased, and some were not so.

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

THE day came on fast until the even that the battle should be. Then the queen sent for Sir Bors and asked him

how he was disposed. Truly madam, said he, I am disposed in likewise as I promised you, that is for to say I

shall not fail you, unless by adventure there come a better knight than I am to do battle for you, then, madam,

am I discharged of my promise. Will ye, said the queen, that I tell my lord Arthur thus? Do as it shall please

you, madam. Then the queen went unto the king and told him the answer of Sir Bors. Have ye no doubt, said

the king, of Sir Bors, for I call him now one of the best knights of the world, and the most profitablest man.

And thus it passed on until the morn, and the king and the queen and all manner of knights that were there at

that time drew them unto the meadow beside Westminster where the battle should be. And so when the king

was come with the queen and many knights of the Round Table, then the queen was put there in the

Constable's ward, and a great fire made about an iron stake, that an Sir Mador de la Porte had the better, she

should be burnt: such custom was used in those days, that neither for favour, neither for love nor affinity,

there should be none other but righteous judgment, as well upon a king as upon a knight, and as well upon a

So in this meanwhile came in Sir Mador de la Porte, and took his oath afore the king, that the queen did this

treason until his cousin Sir Patrise, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand for hand, who that

would say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors de Ganis, and said: That as for Queen Guenever she is in

the right, and that will I make good with my hands that she is not culpable of this treason that is put upon her.

Then make thee ready, said Sir Mador, and we shall prove whether thou be in the right or I. Sir Mador, said

Sir Bors, wit thou well I know you for a good knight. Not for then I shall not fear you so greatly, but I trust to

God I shall be able to withstand your malice. But this much have I promised my lord Arthur and my lady the

queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, unless that there come a better knight than I

am and discharge me. Is that all? said Sir Mador, either come thou off and do battle with me, or else say nay.

Take your horse, said Sir Bors, and as I suppose, ye shall not tarry long but ye shall be answered.

Then either departed to their tents and made them ready to horseback as they thought best. And anon Sir

Mador came into the field with his shield on his shoulder and his spear in his hand; and so rode about the

place crying unto Arthur: Bid your champion come forth an he dare. Then was Sir Bors ashamed and took his

horse and came to the lists' end. And then was he ware where came from a wood there fast by a knight all

armed, upon a white horse, with a strange shield of strange arms; and he came riding all that he might run,

and so he came to Sir Bors, and said thus: Fair knight, I pray you be not displeased, for here must a better

knight than ye are have this battle, therefore I pray you withdraw you. For wit ye well I have had this day a

right great journey, and this battle ought to be mine, and so I promised you when I spake with you last, and

with all my heart I thank you of your good will. Then Sir Bors rode unto King Arthur and told him how there

was a knight come that would have the battle for to fight for the queen. What knight is he? said the king. I

wot not, said Sir Bors, but such covenant he made with me to be here this day. Now my lord, said Sir Bors,

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

THEN the king called to that knight, and asked him if he would fight for the queen. Then he answered to the

king: Therefore came I hither, and therefore, sir king, he said, tarry me no longer, for I may not tarry. For

anon as I have finished this battle I must depart hence, for I have ado many matters elsewhere. For wit you

well, said that knight, this is dishonour to you all knights of the Round Table, to see and know so noble a lady

and so courteous a queen as Queen Guenever is, thus to be rebuked and shamed amongst you. Then they all

marvelled what knight that might be that so took the battle upon him. For there was not one that knew him,

Then said Sir Mador de la Porte unto the king: Now let me wit with whom I shall have ado withal. And then

they rode to the lists' end, and there they couched their spears, and ran together with all their might, and Sir

Mador's spear brake all to pieces, but the other's spear held, and bare Sir Mador's horse and all backward to

the earth a great fall. But mightily and suddenly he avoided his horse and put his shield afore him, and then

drew his sword, and bade the other knight alight and do battle with him on foot. Then that knight descended

from his horse lightly like a valiant man, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword; and so they came

eagerly unto battle, and either gave other many great strokes, tracing and traversing, racing and foining, and

hurtling together with their swords as it were wild boars. Thus were they fighting nigh an hour, for this Sir

Mador was a strong knight, and mightily proved in many strong battles. But at the last this knight smote Sir

Mador grovelling upon the earth, and the knight stepped near him to have pulled Sir Mador flatling upon the

ground; and therewith suddenly Sir Mador arose, and in his rising he smote that knight through the thick of

the thighs that the blood ran out fiercely. And when he felt himself so wounded, and saw his blood, he let him

arise upon his feet. And then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell to the earth flatling, and

therewith he strode to him to have pulled off his helm off his head. And then Sir Mador prayed that knight to

save his life, and so he yielded him as overcome, and released the queen of his quarrel. I will not grant thee

thy life, said that knight, only that thou freely release the queen for ever, and that no mention be made upon

Sir Patrise's tomb that ever Queen Guenever consented to that treason. All this shall be done, said Sir Mador,

Then the knights parters of the lists took up Sir Mador, and led him to his tent, and the other knight went

straight to the stairfoot where sat King Arthur; and by that time was the queen come to the king, and either

kissed other heartily. And when the king saw that knight, he stooped down to him, and thanked him, and in

likewise did the queen; and the king prayed him to put off his helmet, and to repose him, and to take a sop of

wine. And then he put off his helm to drink, and then every knight knew him that it was Sir Launcelot du

Lake. Anon as the king wist that, he took the queen in his hand, and yode unto Sir Launcelot, and said: Sir,

grant mercy of your great travail that ye have had this day for me and for my queen. My lord, said Sir

Launcelot, wit ye well I ought of right ever to be in your quarrel, and in my lady the queen's quarrel, to do

battle; for ye are the man that gave me the high order of knighthood, and that day my lady, your queen, did

me great worship, and else I had been shamed; for that same day ye made me knight, through my hastiness I

lost my sword, and my lady, your queen, found it, and lapped it in her train, and gave me my sword when I

had need thereto, and else had I been shamed among all knights; and therefore, my lord Arthur, I promised

her at that day ever to be her knight in right outher in wrong. Grant mercy, said the king, for this journey; and

And ever the queen beheld Sir Launcelot, and wept so tenderly that she sank almost to the ground for sorrow

that he had done to her so great goodness where she shewed him great unkindness. Then the knights of his

blood drew unto him, and there either of them made great joy of other. And so came all the knights of the

Table Round that were there at that time, and welcomed him. And then Sir Mador was had to leechcraft, and

Sir Launcelot was healed of his wound. And then there was made great joy and mirths in that court.

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

AND so it befell that the damosel of the lake, her name was Nimue, the which wedded the good knight Sir

Pelleas, and so she came to the court; for ever she did great goodness unto King Arthur and to all his knights

through her sorcery and enchantments. And so when she heard how the queen was anangered for the death

of Sir Patrise, then she told it openly that she was never guilty; and there she disclosed by whom it was done,

and named him, Sir Pinel; and for what cause he did it, there it was openly disclosed; and so the queen was

excused, and the knight Pinel fled into his country. Then was it openly known that Sir Pinel enpoisoned the

apples at the feast to that intent to have destroyed Sir Gawaine, because Sir Gawaine and his brethren

destroyed Sir Lamorak de Galis, to the which Sir Pinel was cousin unto. Then was Sir Patrise buried in the

church of Westminster in a tomb, and thereupon was written: Here lieth Sir Patrise of Ireland, slain by Sir

Pinel le Savage, that enpoisoned apples to have slain Sir Gawaine, and by misfortune Sir Patrise ate one of

those apples, and then suddenly he brast. Also there was written upon the tomb that Queen Guenever was

appealed of treason of the death of Sir Patrise, by Sir Mador de la Porte; and there was made mention how Sir

Launcelot fought with him for Queen Guenever, and overcame him in plain battle. All this was written upon

the tomb of Sir Patrise in excusing of the queen. And then Sir Mador sued daily and long, to have the queen's

good grace; and so by the means of Sir Launcelot he caused him to stand in the queen's good grace, and all

Thus it passed on till our Lady Day, Assumption. Within a fifteen days of that feast the king let cry a great

jousts and a tournament that should be at that day at Camelot, that is Winchester; and the king let cry that he

and the King of Scots would joust against all that would come against them. And when this cry was made,

thither came many knights. So there came thither the King of Northgalis, and King Anguish of Ireland, and

the King with the Hundred Knights, and Galahad, the haut prince, and the King of Northumberland, and

many other noble dukes and earls of divers countries. So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these

jousts, and would have had the queen with him, but at that time she would not, she said, for she was sick and

might not ride at that time. That me repenteth, said the king, for this seven year ye saw not such a noble

fellowship together except at Whitsuntide when Galahad departed from the court. Truly, said the queen to the

king, ye must hold me excused, I may not be there, and that me repenteth. And many deemed the queen

would not be there because of Sir Launcelot du Lake, for Sir Launcelot would not ride with the king, for he

said that he was not whole of the wound the which Sir Mador had given him; wherefore the king was heavy

and passing wroth. And so he departed toward Winchester with his fellowship; and so by the way the king

lodged in a town called Astolat, that is now in English called Guildford, and there the king lay in the castle.

So when the king was departed the queen called Sir Launcelot to her, and said thus: Sir Launcelot, ye are

greatly to blame thus to hold you behind my lord; what, trow ye, what will your enemies and mine say and

deem? nought else but, See how Sir Launcelot holdeth him ever behind the king, and so doth the queen, for

that they would have their pleasure together. And thus will they say, said the queen to Sir Launcelot, have ye

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a sleeve to wear upon his helm at the

MADAM, said Sir Launcelot, I allow your wit, it is of late come since ye were wise. And therefore, madam,

at this time I will be ruled by your counsel, and this night I will take my rest, and tomorrow by time I will

take my way toward Winchester. But wit you well, said Sir Launcelot to the queen, that at that jousts I will be

against the king, and against all his fellowship. Ye may there do as ye list, said the queen, but by my counsel

ye shall not be against your king and your fellowship. For therein be full many hard knights of your blood, as

ye wot well enough, it needeth not to rehearse them. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you that ye be not

And so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard mass and brake his fast, and so took his leave of the queen

and departed. And then he rode so much until he came to Astolat, that is Guildford; and there it happed him

in the eventide he came to an old baron's place that hight Sir Bernard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered

into his lodging, King Arthur espied him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he took his

lodging, and knew him full well. It is well, said King Arthur unto the knights that were with him in that

garden beside the castle, I have now espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts to the which we be

gone toward; I undertake he will do marvels. Who is that, we pray you tell us? said many knights that were

there at that time. Ye shall not wit for me, said the king, as at this time. And so the king smiled, and went to

So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in his chamber, the old baron and hermit came

to him making his reverence, and welcomed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not Sir

Launcelot. Fair sir, said Sir Launcelot to his host, I would pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly

known, for mine is well known. Sir, said his host, ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be one of the

likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall shew you friendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons that

were but late made knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same day he was made knight,

that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have; for that is not known I dare say but here, and in no place

else. And my youngest son hight Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall ride with you unto that jousts; and he

is of his age strong and wight, for much my heart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore I

pray you, tell me your name, said Sir Bernard. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, ye must hold me excused as at

this time, and if God give me grace to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you. But I pray you,

said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have your son, Sir Lavaine, with me, and that I may have his brother's

This old baron had a daughter that was called that time the Fair Maiden of Astolat. And ever she beheld Sir

Launcelot wonderfully; and as the book saith, she cast such a love unto Sir Launcelot that she could never

withdraw her love, wherefore she died, and her name was Elaine le Blank. So thus as she came to and fro she

was so hot in her love that she besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon him at the jousts a token of hers. Fair

damosel, said Sir Launcelot, an if I grant you that, ye may say I do more for your love than ever I did for lady

or damosel. Then he remembered him he would go to the jousts disguised. And because he had never fore

that time borne no manner of token of no damosel, then he bethought him that he would bear one of her, that

none of his blood thereby might know him, and then he said: Fair maiden, I will grant you to wear a token of

yours upon mine helmet, and therefore what it is, shew it me. Sir, she said, it is a red sleeve of mine, of

scarlet, well embroidered with great pearls: and so she brought it him. So Sir Launcelot received it, and said:

Never did I erst so much for no damosel. And then Sir Launcelot betook the fair maiden his shield in keeping,

and prayed her to keep that until that he came again; and so that night he had merry rest and great cheer, for

ever the damosel Elaine was about Sir Launcelot all the while she might be suffered.

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

SO upon a day, on the morn, King Arthur and all his knights departed, for their king had tarried three days to

abide his noble knights. And so when the king was ridden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them ready to

ride, and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeve Sir Launcelot let carry with him. And so they

took their leave at Sir Bernard, the old baron, and at his daughter, the Fair Maiden of Astolat. And then they

rode so long till that they came to Camelot, that time called Winchester; and there was great press of kings,

dukes earls, and barons, and many noble knights. But there Sir Launcelot was lodged privily by the means of

Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, that no man in that town was ware what they were. And so they reposed them

there till our Lady Day, Assumption, as the great feast should be. So then trumpets blew unto the field, and

King Arthur was set on high upon a scaffold to behold who did best. But as the French book saith, the king

would not suffer Sir Gawaine to go from him, for never had Sir Gawaine the better an Sir Launcelot were in

the field; and many times was Sir Gawaine rebuked when Launcelot came into any jousts disguised.

Then some of the kings, as King Anguish of Ireland and the King of Scots, were that time turned upon the

side of King Arthur. And then on the other party was the King of Northgalis, and the King with the Hundred

Knights, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince. But these three kings and this

duke were passing weak to hold against King Arthur's party, for with him were the noblest knights of the

world. So then they withdrew them either party from other, and every man made him ready in his best

Then Sir Launcelot made him ready, and put the red sleeve upon his head, and fastened it fast; and so Sir

Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of Winchester privily, and rode until a little leaved wood behind the

party that held against King Arthur's party, and there they held them still till the parties smote together. And

then came in the King of Scots and the King of Ireland on Arthur's party, and against them came the King of

Northumberland, and the King with the Hundred Knights smote down the King of Northumberland, and the

King with the Hundred Knights smote down King Anguish of Ireland. Then Sir Palomides that was on

Arthur's party encountered with Sir Galahad, and either of them smote down other, and either party halp their

lords on horseback again. So there began a strong assail upon both parties. And then came in Sir Brandiles,

Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir

Mordred, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, Sir Galleron of Galway.

All these fifteen knights were knights of the Table Round. So these with more other came in together, and

beat aback the King of Northumberland and the King of Northgalis. When Sir Launcelot saw this, as he

hoved in a little leaved wood, then he said unto Sir Lavaine: See yonder is a company of good knights, and

they hold them together as boars that were chafed with dogs. That is truth, said Sir Lavaine.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the field against them of King Arthur's

NOW, said Sir Launcelot, an ye will help me a little, ye shall see yonder fellowship that chaseth now these

men in our side, that they shall go as fast backward as they went forward. Sir, spare not, said Sir Lavaine, for

I shall do what I may. Then Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine came in at the thickest of the press, and there Sir

Launcelot smote down Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, and all this he did with

one spear; and Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Lucan le Butler and Sir Bedevere. And then Sir Launcelot gat

another spear, and there he smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, and Sir Meliot de

Logris; and Sir Lavaine smote Ozanna le Cure Hardy. And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and there he

smote on the right hand and on the left hand, and by great force he unhorsed Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir

Galleron; and then the knights of the Table Round withdrew them aback, after they had gotten their horses as

well as they might. O mercy Jesu, said Sir Gawaine, what knight is yonder that doth so marvellous deeds of

arms in that field? I wot well what he is, said King Arthur, but as at this time I will not name him. Sir, said

Sir Gawaine, I would say it were Sir Launcelot by his riding and his buffets that I see him deal, but ever

meseemeth it should not be he, for that he beareth the red sleeve upon his head; for I wist him never bear

token at no jousts, of lady nor gentlewoman. Let him be, said King Arthur, he will be better known, and do

Then the party that was against King Arthur were well comforted, and then they held them together that

beforehand were sore rebuked. Then Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel called unto them the knights

of their blood, as Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Aliduke, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere

le Beuse. So these nine knights of Sir Launcelot's kin thrust in mightily, for they were all noble knights; and

they, of great hate and despite that they had unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight Sir Launcelot, and

Sir Lavaine, for they knew them not; and so they came hurling together, and smote down many knights of

Northgalis and of Northumberland. And when Sir Launcelot saw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand; and

there encountered with him all at once Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel, and all they three smote him at

once with their spears. And with force of themself they smote Sir Launcelot's horse to the earth; and by

misfortune Sir Bors smote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the side, and the spear brake, and the head

When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie on the ground, he ran to the King of Scots and smote him to the earth;

and by great force he took his horse, and brought him to Sir Launcelot, and maugre of them all he made him

to mount upon that horse. And then Launcelot gat a spear in his hand, and there he smote Sir Bors, horse and

man, to the earth. In the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel; and Sir Lavaine smote down Sir

Blamore de Ganis. And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, for he felt himself so sore yhurt that he weened

there to have had his death. And then he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet on the helm that he fell down to

the earth in a swoon. And in the same wise he served Sir Aliduke and Sir Galihud. And Sir Lavaine smote

And by this was Sir Bors horsed, and then he came with Sir Ector and Sir Lionel, and all they three smote

with swords upon Sir Launcelot's helmet. And when he felt their buffets and his wound, the which was so

grievous, then he thought to do what he might while he might endure. And then he gave Sir Bors such a

buffet that he made him bow his head passing low; and therewithal he raced off his helm, and might have

slain him; and so pulled him down, and in the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel. For as the book

saith he might have slain them, but when he saw their visages his heart might not serve him thereto, but left

them there. And then afterward he hurled into the thickest press of them all, and did there the marvelloust

deeds of arms that ever man saw or heard speak of, and ever Sir Lavaine, the good knight, with him. And

there Sir Launcelot with his sword smote down and pulled down, as the French book maketh mention, mo

than thirty knights, and the most part were of the Table Round; and Sir Lavaine did full well that day, for he

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the field, and in what jeopardy

MERCY Jesu, said Sir Gawaine to Arthur, I marvel what knight that he is with the red sleeve. Sir, said King

Arthur, he will be known or he depart. And then the king blew unto lodging, and the prize was given by

heralds unto the knight with the white shield that bare the red sleeve. Then came the King with the Hundred

Knights, the King of Northgalis, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince, and said

unto Sir Launcelot: Fair knight, God thee bless, for much have ye done this day for us, therefore we pray you

that ye will come with us that ye may receive the honour and the prize as ye have worshipfully deserved it.

My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well if I have deserved thanks I have sore bought it, and that me

repenteth, for I am like never to escape with my life; therefore, fair lords, I pray you that ye will suffer me to

depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt. I take none force of none honour, for I had liefer to repose me than

to be lord of all the world. And therewithal he groaned piteously, and rode a great wallop awayward from

And when he saw that he was from the field nigh a mile, that he was sure he might not be seen, then he said

with an high voice: O gentle knight, Sir Lavaine, help me that this truncheon were out of my side, for it

sticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me. O mine own lord, said Sir Lavaine, I would fain do that might please

you, but I dread me sore an I pull out the truncheon that ye shall be in peril of death. I charge you, said Sir

Launcelot, as ye love me, draw it out. And therewithal he descended from his horse, and right so did Sir

Lavaine; and forthwithal Sir Lavaine drew the truncheon out of his side, and he gave a great shriek and a

marvellous grisly groan, and the blood brast out nigh a pint at once, that at the last he sank down upon his

buttocks, and so swooned pale and deadly. Alas, said Sir Lavaine, what shall I do? And then he turned Sir

Launcelot into the wind, but so he lay there nigh half an hour as he had been dead.

And so at the last Sir Launcelot cast up his eyes, and said: O Lavaine, help me that I were on my horse, for

here is fast by within this two mile a gentle hermit that sometime was a full noble knight and a great lord of

possessions. And for great goodness he hath taken him to wilful poverty, and forsaken many lands, and his

name is Sir Baudwin of Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon and a good leech. Now let see, help me up

that I were there, for ever my heart giveth me that I shall never die of my cousingermain's hands. And then

with great pain Sir Lavaine halp him upon his horse. And then they rode a great wallop together, and ever Sir

Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth; and so by fortune they came to that hermitage the which was

under a wood, and a great cliff on the other side, and a fair water running under it. And then Sir Lavaine beat

And there came a fair child to them, and asked them what they would. Fair son, said Sir Lavaine, go and pray

thy lord, the hermit, for God's sake to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded; and this day tell thy lord I

saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any man did. So the child went in lightly, and then

he brought the hermit, the which was a passing good man. When Sir Lavaine saw him he prayed him for

God's sake of succour. What knight is he? said the hermit. Is he of the house of King Arthur, or not? I wot

not, said Sir Lavaine, what is he, nor what is his name, but well I wot I saw him do marvellously this day as

of deeds of arms. On whose party was he? said the hermit. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, he was this day against King

Arthur, and there he won the prize of all the knights of the Round Table. I have seen the day, said the hermit,

I would have loved him the worse because he was against my lord, King Arthur, for sometime I was one of

the fellowship of the Round Table, but I thank God now I am otherwise disposed. But where is he? let me see

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

AND when the hermit beheld him, as he sat leaning upon his saddlebow ever bleeding piteously, and ever

the knighthermit thought that he should know him, but he could not bring him to knowledge because he was

so pale for bleeding. What knight are ye, said the hermit, and where were ye born? My fair lord, said Sir

Launcelot, I am a stranger and a knight adventurous, that laboureth throughout many realms for to win

worship. Then the hermit advised him better, and saw by a wound on his cheek that he was Sir Launcelot.

Alas, said the hermit, mine own lord why lain you your name from me? Forsooth I ought to know you of

right, for ye are the most noblest knight of the world, for well I know you for Sir Launcelot. Sir, said he, sith

ye know me, help me an ye may, for God's sake, for I would be out of this pain at once, either to death or to

life. Have ye no doubt, said the hermit, ye shall live and fare right well. And so the hermit called to him two

of his servants, and so he and his servants bare him into the hermitage, and lightly unarmed him, and laid him

in his bed. And then anon the hermit staunched his blood, and made him to drink good wine, so that Sir

Launcelot was well refreshed and knew himself; for in those days it was not the guise of hermits as is

nowadays, for there were none hermits in those days but that they had been men of worship and of prowess;

and those hermits held great household, and refreshed people that were in distress.

Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir Launcelot in the hermitage. So when the kings were come

together on both parties, and the great feast should be holden, King Arthur asked the King of Northgalis and

their fellowship, where was that knight that bare the red sleeve: Bring him afore me that he may have his

laud, and honour, and the prize, as it is right. Then spake Sir Galahad, the haut prince, and the King with the

Hundred Knights: We suppose that knight is mischieved, and that he is never like to see you nor none of us

all, and that is the greatest pity that ever we wist of any knight. Alas, said Arthur, how may this be, is he so

hurt? What is his name? said King Arthur. Truly, said they all, we know not his name, nor from whence he

came, nor whither he would. Alas, said the king, this be to me the worst tidings that came to me this seven

year, for I would not for all the lands I wield to know and wit it were so that that noble knight were slain.

Know ye him? said they all. As for that, said Arthur, whether I know him or know him not, ye shall not know

for me what man he is, but Almighty Jesu send me good tidings of him. And so said they all. By my head,

said Sir Gawaine, if it so be that the good knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage and pity to all this land,

for he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw in a field handle a spear or a sword; and if he may be found

I shall find him, for I am sure he nis not far from this town. Bear you well, said King Arthur, an ye may find

him, unless that he be in such a plight that he may not wield himself. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, but wit I

Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him upon hackneys, and rode all about Camelot within six or seven

mile, but so he came again and could hear no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and all the

fellowship returned unto London again. And so as they rode by the way it happed Sir Gawaine at Astolat to

lodge with Sir Bernard thereas was Sir Launcelot lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber to

repose him Sir Bernard, the old baron, came unto him, and his daughter Elaine, to cheer him and to ask him

what tidings, and who did best at that tournament of Winchester. So God me help, said Sir Gawaine, there

were two knights that bare two white shields, but the one of them bare a red sleeve upon his head, and

certainly he was one of the best knights that ever I saw joust in field. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that

one knight with the red sleeve smote down forty knights of the Table Round, and his fellow did right well

and worshipfully. Now blessed be God, said the Fair Maiden of Astolat, that that knight sped so well, for he

is the man in the world that I first loved, and truly he shall be last that ever I shall love. Now, fair maid, said

Sir Gawaine, is that good knight your love? Certainly sir, said she, wit ye well he is my love. Then know ye

his name? said Sir Gawaine. Nay truly, said the damosel, I know not his name nor from whence he cometh,

but to say that I love him, I promise you and God that I love him. How had ye knowledge of him first? said

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and there had knowledge that it

THEN she told him as ye have heard tofore, and how her father betook him her brother to do him service,

and how her father lent him her brother's, Sir Tirre's, shield: And here with me he left his own shield. For

what cause did he so? said Sir Gawaine. For this cause, said the damosel, for his shield was too well known

among many noble knights. Ah fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, please it you let me have a sight of that

shield. Sir, said she, it is in my chamber, covered with a case, and if ye will come with me ye shall see it. Not

So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the case, and when he beheld that shield he knew anon

that it was Sir Launcelot's shield, and his own arms. Ah Jesu mercy, said Sir Gawaine, now is my heart more

heavier than ever it was tofore. Why? said Elaine. For I have great cause, said Sir Gawaine. Is that knight

that oweth this shield your love? Yea truly, said she, my love he is, God would I were his love. So God me

speed, said Sir Gawaine, fair damosel ye have right, for an he be your love ye love the most honourable

knight of the world, and the man of most worship. So me thought ever, said the damosel, for never or that

time, for no knight that ever I saw, loved I never none erst. God grant, said Sir Gawaine, that either of you

may rejoice other, but that is in a great adventure. But truly, said Sir Gawaine unto the damosel, ye may say

ye have a fair grace, for why I have known that noble knight this fourandtwenty year, and never or that

day, I nor none other knight, I dare make good, saw nor heard say that ever he bare token or sign of no lady,

gentlewoman, ne maiden, at no jousts nor tournament. And therefore fair maiden, said Sir Gawaine, ye are

much beholden to him to give him thanks. But I dread me, said Sir Gawaine, that ye shall never see him in

this world, and that is great pity that ever was of earthly knight. Alas, said she, how may this be, is he slain? I

say not so, said Sir Gawaine, but wit ye well he is grievously wounded, by all manner of signs, and by men's

sight more likelier to be dead than to be alive; and wit ye well he is the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, for by

this shield I know him. Alas, said the Fair Maiden of Astolat, how may this be, and what was his hurt? Truly,

said Sir Gawaine, the man in the world that loved him best hurt him so; and I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, an

that knight that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had hurt Sir Launcelot, it would be the most sorrow

Now fair father, said then Elaine, I require you give me leave to ride and to seek him, or else I wot well I

shall go out of my mind, for I shall never stint till that I find him and my brother, Sir Lavaine. Do as it liketh

you, said her father, for me sore repenteth of the hurt of that noble knight. Right so the maid made her ready,

Then on the morn Sir Gawaine came to King Arthur, and told him how he had found Sir Launcelot's shield in

the keeping of the Fair Maiden of Astolat. All that knew I aforehand, said King Arthur, and that caused me I

would not suffer you to have ado at the great jousts, for I espied, said King Arthur, when he came in till his

lodging full late in the evening in Astolat. But marvel have I, said Arthur, that ever he would bear any sign of

any damosel, for or now I never heard say nor knew that ever he bare any token of none earthly woman. By

my head, said Sir Gawaine, the Fair Maiden of Astolat loveth him marvellously well; what it meaneth I

cannot say, and she is ridden after to seek him. So the king and all came to London, and there Sir Gawaine

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

AND when Sir Bors heard that, wit ye well he was an heavy man, and so were all his kinsmen. But when

Queen Guenever wist that Sir Launcelot bare the red sleeve of the Fair Maiden of Astolat she was nigh out of

her mind for wrath. And then she sent for Sir Bors de Ganis in all the haste that might be. So when Sir Bors

was come tofore the queen, then she said: Ah Sir Bors, have ye heard say how falsely Sir Launcelot hath

betrayed me? Alas madam, said Sir Bors, I am afeard he hath betrayed himself and us all. No force, said the

queen, though he be destroyed, for he is a false traitorknight. Madam, said Sir Bors, I pray you say ye not

so, for wit you well I may not hear such language of him. Why Sir Bors, said she, should I not call him traitor

when he bare the red sleeve upon his head at Winchester, at the great jousts? Madam, said Sir Bors, that

sleevebearing repenteth me sore, but I dare say he did it to none evil intent, but for this cause he bare the red

sleeve that none of his blood should know him. For or then we, nor none of us all, never knew that ever he

bare token or sign of maid, lady, ne gentlewoman. Fie on him, said the queen, yet for all his pride and

bobaunce there ye proved yourself his better. Nay madam, say ye never more so, for he beat me and my

fellows, and might have slain us an he had would. Fie on him, said the queen, for I heard Sir Gawaine say

before my lord Arthur that it were marvel to tell the great love that is between the Fair Maiden of Astolat and

him. Madam, said Sir Bors, I may not warn Sir Gawaine to say what it pleased him; but I dare say, as for my

lord, Sir Launcelot, that he loveth no lady, gentlewoman, nor maid, but all he loveth in like much. And

therefore madam, said Sir Bors, ye may say what ye will, but wit ye well I will haste me to seek him, and find

him wheresomever he be, and God send me good tidings of him. And so leave we them there, and speak we

So as fair Elaine came to Winchester she sought there all about, and by fortune Sir Lavaine was ridden to

play him, to enchafe his horse. And anon as Elaine saw him she knew him, and then she cried aloud until

him. And when he heard her anon he came to her, and then she asked her brother how did my lord, Sir

Launcelot. Who told you, sister, that my lord's name was Sir Launcelot? Then she told him how Sir Gawaine

by his shield knew him. So they rode together till that they came to the hermitage, and anon she alighted.

So Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Launcelot; and when she saw him lie so sick and pale in his bed she

might not speak, but suddenly she fell to the earth down suddenly in a swoon, and there she lay a great while.

And when she was relieved, she shrieked and said: My lord, Sir Launcelot, alas why be ye in this plight? and

then she swooned again. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to take her up: And bring her to me. And

when she came to herself Sir Launcelot kissed her, and said: Fair maiden, why fare ye thus? ye put me to

pain; wherefore make ye no more such cheer, for an ye be come to comfort me ye be right welcome; and of

this little hurt that I have I shall be right hastily whole by the grace of God. But I marvel, said Sir Launcelot,

who told you my name? Then the fair maiden told him all how Sir Gawaine was lodged with her father: And

there by your shield he discovered your name. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that me repenteth that my name is

known, for I am sure it will turn unto anger. And then Sir Launcelot compassed in his mind that Sir Gawaine

would tell Queen Guenever how he bare the red sleeve, and for whom; that he wist well would turn into great

So this maiden Elaine never went from Sir Launcelot, but watched him day and night, and did such

attendance to him, that the French book saith there was never woman did more kindlier for man than she.

Then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to make aspies in Winchester for Sir Bors if he came there, and told

him by what tokens he should know him, by a wound in his forehead. For well I am sure, said Sir Launcelot,

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

NOW turn we unto Sir Bors de Ganis that came unto Winchester to seek after his cousin Sir Launcelot. And

so when he came to Winchester, anon there were men that Sir Lavaine had made to lie in a watch for such a

man, and anon Sir Lavaine had warning; and then Sir Lavaine came to Winchester and found Sir Bors, and

there he told him what he was, and with whom he was, and what was his name. Now fair knight, said Sir

Bors, I require you that ye will bring me to my lord, Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, take your horse, and

within this hour ye shall see him. And so they departed, and came to the hermitage.

And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot lie in his bed pale and discoloured, anon Sir Bors lost his countenance,

and for kindness and pity he might not speak, but wept tenderly a great while. And then when he might speak

he said thus: O my lord, Sir Launcelot, God you bless, and send you hasty recover; and full heavy am I of my

misfortune and of mine unhappiness, for now I may call myself unhappy. And I dread me that God is greatly

displeased with me, that he would suffer me to have such a shame for to hurt you that are all our leader, and

all our worship; and therefore I call myself unhappy. Alas that ever such a caitiffknight as I am should have

power by unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight of the world. Where I so shamefully set upon you and

overcharged you, and where ye might have slain me, ye saved me; and so did not I, for I and your blood did

to you our utterance. I marvel, said Sir Bors, that my heart or my blood would serve me, wherefore my lord,

Sir Launcelot, I ask your mercy. Fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot, ye be right welcome; and wit ye well,

overmuch ye say for to please me, the which pleaseth me not, for why I have the same I sought; for I would

with pride have overcome you all, and there in my pride I was near slain, and that was in mine own default,

for I might have given you warning of my being there. And then had I had no hurt, for it is an old said saw,

there is hard battle thereas kin and friends do battle either against other, there may be no mercy but mortal

war. Therefore, fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot, let this speech overpass, and all shall be welcome that God

sendeth; and let us leave off this matter and let us speak of some rejoicing, for this that is done may not be

Then Sir Bors leaned upon his bedside, and told Sir Launcelot how the queen was passing wroth with him,

because he wore the red sleeve at the great jousts; and there Sir Bors told him all how Sir Gawaine

discovered it: By your shield that ye left with the Fair Maiden of Astolat. Then is the queen wroth, said Sir

Launcelot and therefore am I right heavy, for I deserved no wrath, for all that I did was because I would not

be known. Right so excused I you, said Sir Bors, but all was in vain, for she said more largelier to me than I

to you now. But is this she, said Sir Bors, that is so busy about you, that men call the Fair Maiden of Astolat?

She it is, said Sir Launcelot, that by no means I cannot put her from me. Why should ye put her from you?

said Sir Bors, she is a passing fair damosel, and a well beseen, and well taught; and God would, fair cousin,

said Sir Bors, that ye could love her, but as to that I may not, nor I dare not, counsel you. But I see well, said

Sir Bors, by her diligence about you that she loveth you entirely. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot. Sir,

said Sir Bors, she is not the first that hath lost her pain upon you, and that is the more pity: and so they talked

of many more things. And so within three days or four Sir Launcelot was big and strong again.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might bear arms, and how his wounds brast

THEN Sir Bors told Sir Launcelot how there was sworn a great tournament and jousts betwixt King Arthur

and the King of Northgalis, that should be upon All Hallowmass Day, beside Winchester. Is that truth? said

Sir Launcelot; then shall ye abide with me still a little while until that I be whole, for I feel myself right big

and strong. Blessed be God, said Sir Bors. Then were they there nigh a month together, and ever this maiden

Elaine did ever her diligent labour night and day unto Sir Launcelot, that there was never child nor wife more

meeker to her father and husband than was that Fair Maiden of Astolat; wherefore Sir Bors was greatly

So upon a day, by the assent of Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, and Sir Lavaine, they made the hermit to seek in

woods for divers herbs, and so Sir Launcelot made fair Elaine to gather herbs for him to make him a bain. In

the meanwhile Sir Launcelot made him to arm him at all pieces; and there he thought to assay his armour and

his spear, for his hurt or not. And so when he was upon his horse he stirred him fiercely, and the horse was

passing lusty and fresh because he was not laboured a month afore. And then Sir Launcelot couched that

spear in the rest. That courser leapt mightily when he felt the spurs; and he that was upon him, the which was

the noblest horse of the world, strained him mightily and stably, and kept still the spear in the rest; and

therewith Sir Launcelot strained himself so straitly, with so great force, to get the horse forward, that the

button of his wound brast both within and without; and therewithal the blood came out so fiercely that he felt

himself so feeble that he might not sit upon his horse. And then Sir Launcelot cried unto Sir Bors: Ah, Sir

Bors and Sir Lavaine, help, for I am come to mine end. And therewith he fell down on the one side to the

earth like a dead corpse. And then Sir Bors and Sir Lavaine came to him with sorrowmaking out of

measure. And so by fortune the maiden Elaine heard their mourning, and then she came thither; and when she

found Sir Launcelot there armed in that place she cried and wept as she had been wood; and then she kissed

him, and did what she might to awake him. And then she rebuked her brother and Sir Bors, and called them

false traitors, why they would take him out of his bed; there she cried, and said she would appeal them of his

With this came the holy hermit, Sir Baudwin of Brittany, and when he found Sir Launcelot in that plight he

said but little, but wit ye well he was wroth; and then he bade them: Let us have him in. And so they all bare

him unto the hermitage, and unarmed him, and laid him in his bed; and evermore his wound bled piteously,

but he stirred no limb of him. Then the knighthermit put a thing in his nose and a little deal of water in his

mouth. And then Sir Launcelot waked of his swoon, and then the hermit staunched his bleeding. And when

he might speak he asked Sir Launcelot why he put his life in jeopardy. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, because I

weened I had been strong, and also Sir Bors told me that there should be at All Hallowmass a great jousts

betwixt King Arthur and the King of Northgalis, and therefore I thought to assay it myself whether I might be

there or not. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said the hermit, your heart and your courage will never be done until your last

day, but ye shall do now by my counsel Let Sir Bors depart from you, and let him do at that tournament what

he may: And by the grace of God, said the knighthermit, by that the tournament be done and ye come hither

again, Sir Launcelot shall be as whole as ye, so that he will be governed by me.

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot; and of the tourney, and to

THEN Sir Bors made him ready to depart from Sir Launcelot; and then Sir Launcelot said: Fair cousin, Sir

Bors, recommend me unto all them unto whom me ought to recommend me unto. And I pray you, enforce

yourself at that jousts that ye may be best, for my love; and here shall I abide you at the mercy of God till ye

come again. And so Sir Bors departed and came to the court of King Arthur, and told them in what place he

had left Sir Launcelot. That me repenteth, said the king, but since he shall have his life we all may thank God.

And there Sir Bors told the queen in what jeopardy Sir Launcelot was when he would assay his horse. And all

that he did, madam, was for the love of you, because he would have been at this tournament. Fie on him,

recreant knight, said the queen, for wit ye well I am right sorry an he shall have his life. His life shall he have,

said Sir Bors, and who that would otherwise, except you, madam, we that be of his blood should help to short

their lives. But madam, said Sir Bors, ye have been ofttimes displeased with my lord, Sir Launcelot, but at

And then every knight of the Round Table that were there at that time present made them ready to be at that

jousts at All Hallowmass, and thither drew many knights of divers countries. And as All Hallowmass drew

near, thither came the King of Northgalis, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and Sir Galahad, the haut

prince, of Surluse, and thither came King Anguish of Ireland, and the King of Scots. So these three kings

came on King Arthur's party. And so that day Sir Gawaine did great deeds of arms, and began first. And the

heralds numbered that Sir Gawaine smote down twenty knights. Then Sir Bors de Ganis came in the same

time, and he was numbered that he smote down twenty knights; and therefore the prize was given betwixt

them both, for they began first and longest endured. Also Sir Gareth, as the book saith, did that day great

deeds of arms, for he smote down and pulled down thirty knights. But when he had done these deeds he

tarried not but so departed, and therefore he lost his prize. And Sir Palomides did great deeds of arms that

day, for he smote down twenty knights, but he departed suddenly, and men deemed Sir Gareth and he rode

So when this tournament was done Sir Bors departed and rode till he came to Sir Launcelot, his cousin; and

then he found him walking on his feet, and there either made great joy of other; and so Sir Bors told Sir

Launcelot of all the Jousts like as ye have heard. I marvel, said Sir Launcelot, that Sir Gareth, when he had

done such deeds of arms, that he would not tarry. Thereof we marvelled all, said Sir Bors, for but if it were

you, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, I saw never knight bear down so many in so little a while as

did Sir Gareth: and anon he was gone we wist not where. By my head, said Sir Launcelot, he is a noble

knight, and a mighty man and well breathed; and if he were well assayed, said Sir Launcelot I would deem he

were good enough for any knight that beareth the life; and he is a gentle knight, courteous, true, and

bounteous, meek, and mild, and in him is no manner of mal engin, but plain, faithful, and true.

So then they made them ready to depart from the hermit. And so upon a morn they took their horses and

Elaine le Blank with them; and when they came to Astolat there were they well lodged, and had great cheer

of Sir Bernard, the old baron, and of Sir Tirre, his son. And so upon the morn when Sir Launcelot should

depart, fair Elaine brought her father with her, and Sir Lavaine, and Sir Tirre, and thus she said:

CHAPTER XIX. Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when Launcelot should depart, and

MY lord, Sir Launcelot, now I see ye will depart; now fair knight and courteous knight, have mercy upon me,

and suffer me not to die for thy love. What would ye that I did? said Sir Launcelot. I would have you to my

husband, said Elaine. Fair damosel, I thank you, said Sir Launcelot, but truly, said he, I cast me never to be

wedded man. Then, fair knight, said she, will ye be my paramour? Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, for

then I rewarded your father and your brother full evil for their great goodness. Alas, said she, then must I die

for your love. Ye shall not so, said Sir Launcelot, for wit ye well, fair maiden, I might have been married an I

had would, but I never applied me to be married yet; but because, fair damosel, that ye love me as ye say ye

do, I will for your good will and kindness show you some goodness, and that is this, that wheresomever ye

will beset your heart upon some good knight that will wed you, I shall give you together a thousand pound

yearly to you and to your heirs; thus much will I give you, fair madam, for your kindness, and always while I

live to be your own knight. Of all this, said the maiden, I will none, for but if ye will wed me, or else be my

paramour at the least, wit you well, Sir Launcelot, my good days are done. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot,

Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon; and then women bare her into her chamber, and there

she made over much sorrow; and then Sir Launcelot would depart, and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he

would do. What should I do, said Sir Lavaine, but follow you, but if ye drive me from you, or command me

to go from you. Then came Sir Bernard to Sir Launcelot and said to him: I cannot see but that my daughter

Elaine will die for your sake. I may not do withal, said Sir Launcelot, for that me sore repenteth, for I report

me to yourself, that my proffer is fair; and me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, that she loveth me as she doth; I

was never the causer of it, for I report me to your son I early ne late proffered her bounte' nor fair behests;

and as for me, said Sir Launcelot, I dare do all that a knight should do that she is a clean maiden for me, both

for deed and for will. And I am right heavy of her distress, for she is a full fair maiden, good and gentle, and

well taught. Father, said Sir Lavaine, I dare make good she is a clean maiden as for my lord Sir Launcelot;

but she doth as I do, for sithen I first saw my lord Sir Launcelot, I could never depart from him, nor nought I

Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they departed, and came unto Winchester. And when Arthur wist

that Sir Launcelot was come whole and sound the king made great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawaine and all

the knights of the Round Table except Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. Also Queen Guenever was wood

wroth with Sir Launcelot, and would by no means speak with him, but estranged herself from him; and Sir

Launcelot made all the means that he might for to speak with the queen, but it would not be.

Now speak we of the Fair Maiden of Astolat that made such sorrow day and night that she never slept, ate,

nor drank, and ever she made her complaint unto Sir Launcelot. So when she had thus endured a ten days,

that she feebled so that she must needs pass out of this world, then she shrived her clean, and received her

Creator. And ever she complained still upon Sir Launcelot. Then her ghostly father bade her leave such

thoughts. Then she said, why should I leave such thoughts? Am I not an earthly woman? And all the while

the breath is in my body I may complain me, for my belief is I do none offence though I love an earthly man;

and I take God to my record I loved never none but Sir Launcelot du Lake, nor never shall, and a clean

maiden I am for him and for all other; and sithen it is the sufferance of God that I shall die for the love of so

noble a knight, I beseech the High Father of Heaven to have mercy upon my soul, and upon mine

innumerable pains that I suffered may be allegeance of part of my sins. For sweet Lord Jesu, said the fair

maiden, I take Thee to record, on Thee I was never great offencer against thy laws; but that I loved this noble

knight, Sir Launcelot, out of measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not withstand the fervent love

And then she called her father, Sir Bernard, and her brother, Sir Tirre, and heartily she prayed her father that

her brother might write a letter like as she did indite it: and so her father granted her. And when the letter was

written word by word like as she devised, then she prayed her father that she might be watched until she were

dead. And while my body is hot let this letter be put in my right hand, and my hand bound fast with the letter

until that I be cold; and let me be put in a fair bed with all the richest clothes that I have about me, and so let

my bed and all my richest clothes be laid with me in a chariot unto the next place where Thames is; and there

let me be put within a barget, and but one man with me, such as ye trust to steer me thither, and that my

barget be covered with black samite over and over: thus father I beseech you let it be done. So her father

granted it her faithfully, all things should be done like as she had devised. Then her father and her brother

made great dole, for when this was done anon she died. And so when she was dead the corpse and the bed all

was led the next way unto Thames, and there a man, and the corpse, and all, were put into Thames; and so the

man steered the barget unto Westminster, and there he rowed a great while to and fro or any espied it.

CHAPTER XX. How the corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived tofore King Arthur, and of the burying,

SO by fortune King Arthur and the Queen Guenever were speaking together at a window, and so as they

looked into Thames they espied this black barget, and had marvel what it meant. Then the king called Sir

Kay, and showed it him. Sir, said Sir Kay, wit you well there is some new tidings. Go thither, said the king to

Sir Kay, and take with you Sir Brandiles and Agravaine, and bring me ready word what is there. Then these

four knights departed and came to the barget and went in; and there they found the fairest corpse lying in a

rich bed, and a poor man sitting in the barget's end, and no word would he speak. So these four knights

returned unto the king again, and told him what they found. That fair corpse will I see, said the king. And so

Then the king made the barget to be holden fast, and then the king and the queen entered with certain knights

with them; and there he saw the fairest woman lie in a rich bed, covered unto her middle with many rich

clothes, and all was of cloth of gold, and she lay as though she had smiled. Then the queen espied a letter in

her right hand, and told it to the king. Then the king took it and said: Now am I sure this letter will tell what

she was, and why she is come hither. So then the king and the queen went out of the barget, and so

And so when the king was come within his chamber, he called many knights about him, and said that he

would wit openly what was written within that letter. Then the king brake it, and made a clerk to read it, and

this was the intent of the letter. Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot, now hath death made us two at debate for

your love. I was your lover, that men called the Fair Maiden of Astolat; therefore unto all ladies I make my

moan, yet pray for my soul and bury me at least, and offer ye my masspenny: this is my last request. And a

clean maiden I died, I take God to witness: pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art peerless. This was all

the substance in the letter. And when it was read, the king, the queen, and all the knights wept for pity of the

doleful complaints. Then was Sir Launcelot sent for; and when he was come King Arthur made the letter to

And when Sir Launcelot heard it word by word, he said: My lord Arthur, wit ye well I am right heavy of the

death of this fair damosel: God knoweth I was never causer of her death by my willing, and that will I report

me to her own brother: here he is, Sir Lavaine. I will not say nay, said Sir Launcelot, but that she was both

fair and good, and much I was beholden unto her, but she loved me out of measure. Ye might have shewed

her, said the queen, some bounty and gentleness that might have preserved her life. Madam, said Sir

Launcelot, she would none other ways be answered but that she would be my wife, outher else my paramour;

and of these two I would not grant her, but I proffered her, for her good love that she shewed me, a thousand

pound yearly to her, and to her heirs, and to wed any manner knight that she could find best to love in her

heart. For madam, said Sir Launcelot, I love not to be constrained to love; for love must arise of the heart, and

not by no constraint. That is truth, said the king, and many knight's love is free in himself, and never will be

Then said the king unto Sir Launcelot: It will be your worship that ye oversee that she be interred

worshipfully. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, that shall be done as I can best devise. And so many knights yede

thither to behold that fair maiden. And so upon the morn she was interred richly, and Sir Launcelot offered

her masspenny; and all the knights of the Table Round that were there at that time offered with Sir

Launcelot. And then the poor man went again with the barget. Then the queen sent for Sir Launcelot, and

prayed him of mercy, for why that she had been wroth with him causeless. This is not the first time, said Sir

Launcelot, that ye had been displeased with me causeless, but, madam, ever I must suffer you, but what

sorrow I endure I take no force. So this passed on all that winter, with all manner of hunting and hawking,

and jousts and tourneys were many betwixt many great lords, and ever in all places Sir Lavaine gat great

CHAPTER XXI. Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great jousts and tourney ordained by King

THUS it passed on till Christmas, and then every day there was jousts made for a diamond, who that jousted

best should have a diamond. But Sir Launcelot would not joust but if it were at a great jousts cried. But Sir

Lavaine jousted there all that Christmas passingly well, and best was praised, for there were but few that did

so well. Wherefore all manner of knights deemed that Sir Lavaine should be made knight of the Table Round

at the next feast of Pentecost. So atafter Christmas King Arthur let call unto him many knights, and there

they advised together to make a party and a great tournament and jousts. And the King of Northgalis said to

Arthur, he would have on his party King Anguish of Ireland, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and the

King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince. And so these four kings and this mighty duke

took part against King Arthur and the knights of the Table Round. And the cry was made that the day of the

jousts should be beside Westminster upon Candlemas Day, whereof many knights were glad, and made them

Then Queen Guenever sent for Sir Launcelot, and said thus: I warn you that ye ride no more in no jousts nor

tournaments but that your kinsmen may know you. And at these jousts that shall be ye shall have of me a

sleeve of gold; and I pray you for my sake enforce yourself there, that men may speak of you worship; but I

charge you as ye will have my love, that ye warn your kinsmen that ye will bear that day the sleeve of gold

upon your helmet. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, it shall be done. And so either made great joy of other. And

when Sir Launcelot saw his time he told Sir Bors that he would depart, and have no more with him but Sir

Lavaine, unto the good hermit that dwelt in that forest of Windsor; his name was Sir Brasias; and there he

thought to repose him, and take all the rest that he might, because he would be fresh at that day of jousts.

So Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed, that no creature wist where he was become, but the noble men of

his blood. And when he was come to the hermitage, wit ye well he had good cheer. And so daily Sir

Launcelot would go to a well fast by the hermitage, and there he would lie down, and see the well spring and

burble, and sometime he slept there. So at that time there was a lady dwelt in that forest, and she was a great

huntress, and daily she used to hunt, and ever she bare her bow with her; and no men went never with her, but

always women, and they were shooters, and could well kill a deer, both at the stalk and at the trest; and they

daily bare bows and arrows, horns and woodknives, and many good dogs they had, both for the string and

for a bait. So it happed this lady the huntress had abated her dog for the bow at a barren hind, and so this

barren hind took the flight over hedges and woods. And ever this lady and part of her women costed the hind,

and checked it by the noise of the hounds, to have met with the hind at some water; and so it happed, the hind

came to the well whereas Sir Launcelot was sleeping and slumbering. And so when the hind came to the well,

for heat she went to soil, and there she lay a great while; and the dog came after, and umbecast about, for she

had lost the very perfect feute of the hind. Right so came that lady the huntress, that knew by the dog that she

had, that the hind was at the soil in that well; and there she came stiffly and found the hind, and she put a

broad arrow in her bow, and shot at the hind, and overshot the hind; and so by misfortune the arrow smote

Sir Launcelot in the thick of the buttock, over the barbs. When Sir Launcelot felt himself so hurt, he hurled up

woodly, and saw the lady that had smitten him. And when he saw she was a woman, he said thus: Lady or

damosel, what that thou be, in an evil time bear ye a bow; the devil made you a shooter.

CHAPTER XXII. How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman came to an hermit, and of other

NOW mercy, fair sir, said the lady, I am a gentlewoman that useth here in this forest hunting, and God

knoweth I saw ye not; but as here was a barren hind at the soil in this well, and I weened to have done well,

but my hand swerved. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, ye have mischieved me. And so the lady departed, and Sir

Launcelot as he might pulled out the arrow, and left that head still in his buttock, and so he went weakly to

the hermitage ever more bleeding as he went. And when Sir Lavaine and the hermit espied that Sir Launcelot

was hurt, wit you well they were passing heavy, but Sir Lavaine wist not how that he was hurt nor by whom.

Then with great pain the hermit gat out the arrow's head out of Sir Launcelot's buttock, and much of his blood

he shed, and the wound was passing sore, and unhappily smitten, for it was in such a place that he might not

sit in no saddle. Have mercy, Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, I may call myself the most unhappiest man that liveth,

for ever when I would fainest have worship there befalleth me ever some unhappy thing. Now so Jesu me

help, said Sir Launcelot, and if no man would but God, I shall be in the field upon Candlemas Day at the

jousts, whatsomever fall of it: so all that might be gotten to heal Sir Launcelot was had.

So when the day was come Sir Launcelot let devise that he was arrayed, and Sir Lavaine, and their horses, as

though they had been Saracens; and so they departed and came nigh to the field. The King of Northgalis with

an hundred knights with him, and the King of Northumberland brought with him an hundred good knights,

and King Anguish of Ireland brought with him an hundred good knights ready to joust, and Sir Galahad, the

haut prince, brought with him an hundred good knights, and the King with the Hundred Knights brought with

him as many, and all these were proved good knights. Then came in King Arthur's party; and there came in

the King of Scots with an hundred knights, and King Uriens of Gore brought with him an hundred knights,

and King Howel of Brittany brought with him an hundred knights, and Chaleins of Clarance brought with

him an hundred knights, and King Arthur himself came into the field with two hundred knights, and the most

part were knights of the Table Round, that were proved noble knights; and there were old knights set in

THEN they blew to the field; and there the King of Northgalis encountered with the King of Scots, and there

the King of Scots had a fall; and the King of Ireland smote down King Uriens; and the King of

Northumberland smote down King Howel of Brittany; and Sir Galahad, the haut prince, smote down

Chaleins of Clarance. And then King Arthur was wood wroth, and ran to the King with the Hundred Knights,

and there King Arthur smote him down; and after with that same spear King Arthur smote down three other

knights. And then when his spear was broken King Arthur did passingly well; and so therewithal came in Sir

Gawaine and Sir Gaheris, Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, and there everych of them smote down a knight,

and Sir Gawaine smote down four knights; and then there began a strong medley, for then there came in the

knights of Launcelot's blood, and Sir Gareth and Sir Palomides with them, and many knights of the Table

Round, and they began to hold the four kings and the mighty duke so hard that they were discomfit; but this

Duke Galahad, the haut prince, was a noble knight, and by his mighty prowess of arms he held the knights of

All this doing saw Sir Launcelot, and then he came into the field with Sir Lavaine as it had been thunder. And

then anon Sir Bors and the knights of his blood espied Sir Launcelot, and said to them all: I warn you beware

of him with the sleeve of gold upon his head, for he is himself Sir Launcelot du Lake; and for great goodness

Sir Bors warned Sir Gareth. I am well apaid, said Sir Gareth, that I may know him. But who is he, said they

all, that rideth with him in the same array? That is the good and gentle knight Sir Lavaine, said Sir Bors. So

Sir Launcelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and there by force Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Gawaine and

his horse to the earth, and so he smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and also he smote down Sir

Mordred, and all this was with one spear. Then Sir Lavaine met with Sir Palomides, and either met other so

hard and so fiercely that both their horses fell to the earth. And then were they horsed again, and then met Sir

Launcelot with Sir Palomides, and there Sir Palomides had a fall; and so Sir Launcelot or ever he stint, as fast

as he might get spears, he smote down thirty knights, and the most part of them were knights of the Table

Round; and ever the knights of his blood withdrew them, and made them ado in other places where Sir

And then King Arthur was wroth when he saw Sir Launcelot do such deeds; and then the king called unto

him Sir Gawaine, Sir Mordred, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedivere, Sir Palomides, Sir

Safere, his brother; and so the king with these nine knights made them ready to set upon Sir Launcelot, and

upon Sir Lavaine. All this espied Sir Bors and Sir Gareth. Now I dread me sore, said Sir Bors, that my lord,

Sir Launcelot, will be hard matched. By my head, said Sir Gareth, I will ride unto my lord Sir Launcelot, for

to help him, fall of him what fall may, for he is the same man that made me knight. Ye shall not so, said Sir

Bors, by my counsel, unless that ye were disguised. Ye shall see me disguised, said Sir Gareth; and

therewithal he espied a Welsh knight where he was to repose him, and he was sore hurt afore by Sir Gawaine,

and to him Sir Gareth rode, and prayed him of his knighthood to lend him his shield for his. I will well, said

the Welsh knight. And when Sir Gareth had his shield, the book saith it was green, with a maiden that seemed

Then Sir Gareth came driving to Sir Launcelot all that he might and said: Knight, keep thyself, for yonder

cometh King Arthur with nine noble knights with him to put you to a rebuke, and so I am come to bear you

fellowship for old love ye have shewed me. Gramercy, said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Gareth, encounter ye

with Sir Gawaine, and I shall encounter with Sir Palomides; and let Sir Lavaine match with the noble King

Arthur. And when we have delivered them, let us three hold us sadly together. Then came King Arthur with

his nine knights with him, and Sir Launcelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such a buffet that

the arson of his saddle brast, and Sir Gawaine fell to the earth. Then Sir Gareth encountered with the good

knight Sir Palomides, and he gave him such a buffet that both his horse and he dashed to the earth. Then

encountered King Arthur with Sir Lavaine, and there either of them smote other to the earth, horse and all,

that they lay a great while. Then Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Agravaine, and Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred;

and Sir Gareth smote down Sir Kay, and Sir Safere, and Sir Griflet. And then Sir Lavaine was horsed again,

and he smote down Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedevere and then there began great throng of good knights.

Then Sir Launcelot hurtled here and there, and raced and pulled off helms, so that at that time there might

none sit him a buffet with spear nor with sword; and Sir Gareth did such deeds of arms that all men marvelled

what knight he was with the green shield, for he smote down that day and pulled down mo than thirty knights

And, as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot marvelled; when he beheld Sir Gareth do such deeds, what

knight he might be; and Sir Lavaine pulled down and smote down twenty knights. Also Sir Launcelot knew

not Sir Gareth for an Sir Tristram de Liones, outher Sir Lamorak de Galis had been alive, Sir Launcelot

would have deemed he had been one of them twain. So ever as Sir Launcelot Sir Gareth, Sir Lavaine fought,

and on the one side Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Lamorak de Galis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Galihud,

Sir Galihodin, Sir Pelleas, and with mo other of King Ban's blood fought upon another party, and held the

CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the field, and how he rode and

SO this tournament and this jousts dured long, till it was near night, for the knights of the Round Table

relieved ever unto King Arthur; for the king was wroth out of measure that he and his knights might not

prevail that day. Then Sir Gawaine said to the king: I marvel where all this day [be] Sir Bors de Ganis and his

fellowship of Sir Launcelot's blood, I marvel all this day they be not about you: it is for some cause said Sir

Gawaine. By my head, said Sir Kay, Sir Bors is yonder all this day upon the right hand of this field, and there

he and his blood do more worshipfully than we do. It may well be, said Sir Gawaine, but I dread me ever of

guile; for on pain of my life, said Sir Gawaine, this knight with the red sleeve of gold is himself Sir

Launcelot, I see well by his riding and by his great strokes; and the other knight in the same colours is the

good young knight, Sir Lavaine. Also that knight with the green shield is my brother, Sir Gareth, and yet he

hath disguised himself, for no man shall never make him be against Sir Launcelot, because he made him

knight. By my head, said Arthur, nephew, I believe you; therefore tell me now what is your best counsel. Sir,

said Sir Gawaine, ye shall have my counsel: let blow unto lodging, for an he be Sir Launcelot du Lake, and

my brother, Sir Gareth, with him, with the help of that good young knight, Sir Lavaine, trust me truly it will

be no boot to strive with them but if we should fall ten or twelve upon one knight, and that were no worship,

but shame. Ye say truth, said the king; and for to say sooth, said the king, it were shame to us so many as we

be to set upon them any more; for wit ye well, said King Arthur, they be three good knights, and namely that

So then they blew unto lodging; but forthwithal King Arthur let send unto the four kings, and to the mighty

duke, and prayed them that the knight with the sleeve of gold depart not from them, but that the king may

speak with him. Then forthwithal King Arthur alighted and unarmed him, and took a little hackney and rode

after Sir Launcelot, for ever he had a spy upon him. And so he found him among the four kings and the duke;

and there the king prayed them all unto supper, and they said they would with good will. And when they were

unarmed then King Arthur knew Sir Launcelot, Sir Lavaine, and Sir Gareth. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said King

So they yede unto Arthur's lodging all together, and there was a great feast and great revel, and the prize was

given unto Sir Launcelot; and by heralds they named him that he had smitten down fifty knights, and Sir

Gareth fiveandthirty, and Sir Lavaine fourandtwenty knights. Then Sir Launcelot told the king and the

queen how the lady huntress shot him in the forest of Windsor, in the buttock, with an broad arrow, and how

the wound thereof was that time six inches deep, and in like long. Also Arthur blamed Sir Gareth because he

left his fellowship and held with Sir Launcelot. My lord, said Sir Gareth, he made me a knight, and when I

saw him so hard bestead, methought it was my worship to help him, for I saw him do so much, and so many

noble knights against him; and when I understood that he was Sir Launcelot du Lake, I shamed to see so

many knights against him alone. Truly, said King Arthur unto Sir Gareth, ye say well, and worshipfully have

ye done and to yourself great worship; and all the days of my life, said King Arthur unto Sir Gareth, wit you

well I shall love you, and trust you the more better. For ever, said Arthur, it is a worshipful knight's deed to

help another worshipful knight when he seeth him in a great danger; for ever a worshipful man will be loath

to see a worshipful man shamed; and he that is of no worship, and fareth with cowardice, never shall he show

gentleness, nor no manner of goodness where he seeth a man in any danger, for then ever will a coward show

no mercy; and always a good man will do ever to another man as he would be done to himself. So then there

were great feasts unto kings and dukes, and revel, game, and play, and all manner of noblesse was used; and

he that was courteous, true, and faithful, to his friend was that time cherished.

AND thus it passed on from Candlemass until after Easter, that the month of May was come, when every

lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and to bring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and

flourish in May, in like wise every lusty heart that is in any manner a lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty

deeds. For it giveth unto all lovers courage, that lusty month of May, in something to constrain him to some

manner of thing more in that month than in any other month, for divers causes. For then all herbs and trees

renew a man and woman, and likewise lovers call again to their mind old gentleness and old service, and

many kind deeds that were forgotten by negligence. For like as winter rasure doth alway arase and deface

green summer, so fareth it by unstable love in man and woman. For in many persons there is no stability; for

we may see all day, for a little blast of winter's rasure, anon we shall deface and lay apart true love for little or

nought, that cost much thing; this is no wisdom nor stability, but it is feebleness of nature and great

disworship, whosomever useth this. Therefore, like as May month flowereth and flourisheth in many gardens,

so in like wise let every man of worship flourish his heart in this world, first unto God, and next unto the joy

of them that he promised his faith unto; for there was never worshipful man or worshipful woman, but they

loved one better than another; and worship in arms may never be foiled, but first reserve the honour to God,

and secondly the quarrel must come of thy lady: and such love I call virtuous love.

But nowadays men can not love seven night but they must have all their desires: that love may not endure by

reason; for where they be soon accorded and hasty heat, soon it cooleth. Right so fareth love nowadays, soon

hot soon cold: this is no stability. But the old love was not so; men and women could love together seven

years, and no licours lusts were between them, and then was love, truth, and faithfulness: and lo, in like wise

was used love in King Arthur's days. Wherefore I liken love nowadays unto summer and winter; for like as

the one is hot and the other cold, so fareth love nowadays; therefore all ye that be lovers call unto your

remembrance the month of May, like as did Queen Guenever, for whom I make here a little mention, that

CHAPTER I. How Queen Guenever rode aMaying with certain knights of the Round Table and clad all

SO it befell in the month of May, Queen Guenever called unto her knights of the Table Round; and she gave

them warning that early upon the morrow she would ride aMaying into woods and fields beside

Westminster. And I warn you that there be none of you but that he be well horsed, and that ye all be clothed

in green, outher in silk outher in cloth; and I shall bring with me ten ladies, and every knight shall have a lady

behind him, and every knight shall have a squire and two yeomen; and I will that ye all be well horsed. So

they made them ready in the freshest manner. And these were the names of the knights: Sir Kay le Seneschal,

Sir Agravaine, Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy,

Sir Ladinas of the Forest Savage, Sir Persant of Inde, Sir Ironside, that was called the Knight of the Red

Launds, and Sir Pelleas, the lover; and these ten knights made them ready in the freshest manner to ride with

the queen. And so upon the morn they took their horses with the queen, and rode aMaying in woods and

meadows as it pleased them, in great joy and delights; for the queen had cast to have been again with King

Then there was a knight that hight Meliagrance, and he was son unto King Bagdemagus, and this knight had

at that time a castle of the gift of King Arthur within seven mile of Westminster. And this knight, Sir

Meliagrance, loved passing well Queen Guenever, and so had he done long and many years. And the book

saith he had lain in await for to steal away the queen, but evermore he forbare for because of Sir Launcelot;

for in no wise he would meddle with the queen an Sir Launcelot were in her company, outher else an he were

nearhand her. And that time was such a custom, the queen rode never without a great fellowship of men of

arms about her, and they were many good knights, and the most part were young men that would have

worship; and they were called the Queen's Knights, and never in no battle, tournament, nor jousts, they bare

none of them no manner of knowledging of their own arms, but plain white shields, and thereby they were

called the Queen's Knights. And then when it happed any of them to be of great worship by his noble deeds,

then at the next Feast of Pentecost, if there were any slain or dead, as there was none year that there failed but

some were dead, then was there chosen in his stead that was dead the most men of worship, that were called

the Queen's Knights. And thus they came up all first, or they were renowned men of worship, both Sir

But this knight, Sir Meliagrance, had espied the queen well and her purpose, and how Sir Launcelot was not

with her, and how she had no men of arms with her but the ten noble knights all arrayed in green for Maying.

Then he purveyed him a twenty men of arms and an hundred archers for to destroy the queen and her knights,

CHAPTER II. How Sir Meliagrance took the queen and her knights, which were sore hurt in fighting

SO as the queen had Mayed and all her knights, all were bedashed with herbs, mosses and flowers, in the best

manner and freshest. Right so came out of a wood Sir Meliagrance with an eight score men well harnessed, as

they should fight in a battle of arrest, and bade the queen and her knights abide, for maugre their heads they

should abide. Traitor knight, said Queen Guenever, what cast thou for to do? Wilt thou shame thyself?

Bethink thee how thou art a king's son, and knight of the Table Round, and thou to be about to dishonour the

noble king that made thee knight; thou shamest all knighthood and thyself, and me, I let thee wit, shalt thou

never shame, for I had liefer cut mine own throat in twain rather than thou shouldest dishonour me. As for all

this language, said Sir Meliagrance, be it as it be may, for wit you well, madam, I have loved you many a

year, and never or now could I get you at such an advantage as I do now, and therefore I will take you as I

Then spake all the ten noble knights at once and said: Sir Meliagrance, wit thou well ye are about to jeopard

your worship to dishonour, and also ye cast to jeopard our persons howbeit we be unarmed. Ye have us at a

great avail, for it seemeth by you that ye have laid watch upon us; but rather than ye should put the queen to a

shame and us all, we had as lief to depart from our lives, for an if we other ways did, we were shamed for

ever. Then said Sir Meliagrance: Dress you as well ye can, and keep the queen. Then the ten knights of the

Table Round drew their swords, and the other let run at them with their spears, and the ten knights manly

abode them, and smote away their spears that no spear did them none harm. Then they lashed together with

swords, and anon Sir Kay, Sir Sagramore, Sir Agravaine, Sir Dodinas, Sir Ladinas, and Sir Ozanna were

smitten to the earth with grimly wounds. Then Sir Brandiles, and Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Pelleas fought

long, and they were sore wounded, for these ten knights, or ever they were laid to the ground, slew forty men

So when the queen saw her knights thus dolefully wounded, and needs must be slain at the last, then for pity

and sorrow she cried Sir Meliagrance: Slay not my noble knights, and I will go with thee upon this covenant,

that thou save them, and suffer them not to be no more hurt, with this, that they be led with me wheresomever

thou leadest me, for I will rather slay myself than I will go with thee, unless that these my noble knights may

be in my presence. Madam, said Meliagrance, for your sake they shall be led with you into mine own castle,

with that ye will be ruled, and ride with me. Then the queen prayed the four knights to leave their fighting,

and she and they would not depart. Madam, said Sir Pelleas, we will do as ye do, for as for me I take no force

of my life nor death. For as the French book saith, Sir Pelleas gave such buffets there that none armour might

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and how Sir Meliagrance laid a

THEN by the queen's commandment they left battle, and dressed the wounded knights on horseback, some

sitting, some overthwart their horses, that it was pity to behold them. And then Sir Meliagrance charged the

queen and all her knights that none of all her fellowship should depart from her; for full sore he dread Sir

Launcelot du Lake, lest he should have any knowledging. All this espied the queen, and privily she called

unto her a child of her chamber that was swiftly horsed, to whom she said: Go thou, when thou seest thy time,

and bear this ring unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and pray him as he loveth me that he will see me and rescue

me, if ever he will have joy of me; and spare not thy horse, said the queen, neither for water, neither for land.

So the child espied his time, and lightly he took his horse with the spurs, and departed as fast as he might.

And when Sir Meliagrance saw him so flee, he understood that it was by the queen's commandment for to

warn Sir Launcelot. Then they that were best horsed chased him and shot at him, but from them all the child

went suddenly. And then Sir Meliagrance said to the queen: Madam, ye are about to betray me, but I shall

ordain for Sir Launcelot that he shall not come lightly at you. And then he rode with her, and they all, to his

castle, in all the haste that they might. And by the way Sir Meliagrance laid in an embushment the best

archers that he might get in his country, to the number of thirty, to await upon Sir Launcelot, charging them

that if they saw such a manner of knight come by the way upon a white horse, that in any wise they slay his

horse, but in no manner of wise have not ado with him bodily, for he is overhardy to be overcome.

So this was done, and they were come to his castle, but in no wise the queen would never let none of the ten

knights and her ladies out of her sight, but always they were in her presence; for the book saith, Sir

Meliagrance durst make no masteries, for dread of Sir Launcelot, insomuch he deemed that he had warning.

So when the child was departed from the fellowship of Sir Meliagrance, within a while he came to

Westminster, and anon he found Sir Launcelot. And when he had told his message, and delivered him the

queen's ring: Alas, said Sir Launcelot, now I am shamed for ever, unless that I may rescue that noble lady

from dishonour. Then eagerly he asked his armour; and ever the child told Sir Launcelot how the ten knights

fought marvellously, and how Sir Pelleas, and Sir Ironside, and Sir Brandiles, and Sir Persant of Inde, fought

strongly, but namely Sir Pelleas, there might none withstand him; and how they all fought till at the last they

were laid to the earth; and then the queen made appointment for to save their lives, and go with Sir

Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that most noble lady, that she should be so destroyed; I had liefer, said Sir

Launcelot, than all France, that I had been there well armed. So when Sir Launcelot was armed and upon his

horse, he prayed the child of the queen's chamber to warn Sir Lavaine how suddenly he was departed, and for

what cause. And pray him as he loveth me, that he will hie him after me, and that he stint not until he come to

the castle where Sir Meliagrance abideth, or dwelleth; for there, said Sir Launcelot, he shall hear of me an I

am a man living, and rescue the queen and the ten knights the which he traitorously hath taken, and that shall

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot's horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot rode in a cart for to rescue

THEN Sir Launcelot rode as fast as he might, and the book saith he took the water at Westminster Bridge,

and made his horse to swim over Thames unto Lambeth. And then within a while he came to the same place

thereas the ten noble knights fought with Sir Meliagrance. And then Sir Launcelot followed the track until

that he came to a wood, and there was a straight way, and there the thirty archers bade Sir Launcelot turn

again, and follow no longer that track. What commandment have ye thereto, said Sir Launcelot, to cause me

that am a knight of the Round Table to leave my right way? This way shalt thou leave, otherelse thou shalt

go it on thy foot, for wit thou well thy horse shall be slain. That is little mastery, said Sir Launcelot, to slay

mine horse; but as for myself, when my horse is slain, I give right nought for you, not an ye were five

hundred more. So then they shot Sir Launcelot's horse, and smote him with many arrows; and then Sir

Launcelot avoided his horse, and went on foot; but there were so many ditches and hedges betwixt them and

him that he might not meddle with none of them. Alas for shame, said Launcelot, that ever one knight should

betray another knight; but it is an old saw, A good man is never in danger but when he is in the danger of a

coward. Then Sir Launcelot went a while, and then he was foul cumbered of his armour, his shield, and his

spear, and all that longed unto him. Wit ye well he was full sore annoyed, and full loath he was for to leave

anything that longed unto him, for he dread sore the treason of Sir Meliagrance.

Then by fortune there came by him a chariot that came thither for to fetch wood. Say me, carter, said Sir

Launcelot, what shall I give thee to suffer me to leap into thy chariot, and that thou bring me unto a castle

within this two mile? Thou shalt not come within my chariot, said the carter, for I am sent for to fetch wood

for my lord, Sir Meliagrance. With him would I speak. Thou shalt not go with me, said the carter. Then Sir

Launcelot leapt to him, and gave him such a buffet that he fell to the earth stark dead. Then the other carter,

his fellow, was afeard, and weened to have gone the same way; and then he cried: Fair lord, save my life, and

I shall bring you where ye will. Then I charge thee, said Sir Launcelot, that thou drive me and this chariot

even unto Sir Meliagrance's gate. Leap up into the chariot, said the carter, and ye shall be there anon. So the

carter drove on a great wallop, and Sir Launcelot's horse followed the chariot, with more than a forty arrows

And more than an hour and an half Dame Guenever was awaiting in a bay window with her ladies, and espied

an armed knight standing in a chariot. See, madam, said a lady, where rideth in a chariot a goodly armed

knight; I suppose he rideth unto hanging. Where? said the queen. Then she espied by his shield that he was

there himself, Sir Launcelot du Lake. And then she was ware where came his horse ever after that chariot,

and ever he trod his guts and his paunch under his feet. Alas, said the queen, now I see well and prove, that

well is him that hath a trusty friend. Ha, ha, most noble knight, said Queen Guenever, I see well thou art hard

bestead when thou ridest in a chariot. Then she rebuked that lady that likened Sir Launcelot to ride in a

chariot to hanging. It was foul mouthed, said the queen, and evil likened, so for to liken the most noble knight

of the world unto such a shameful death. O Jesu defend him and keep him, said the queen, from all

mischievous end. By this was Sir Launcelot come to the gates of that castle, and there he descended down,

and cried, that all the castle rang of it: Where art thou, false traitor, Sir Meliagrance, and knight of the Table

Round? now come forth here, thou traitor knight, thou and thy fellowship with thee; for here I am, Sir

Launcelot du Lake, that shall fight with you. And therewithal he bare the gate wide open upon the porter, and

CHAPTER V. How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, and how she appeased Sir

WHEN Sir Meliagrance heard that Sir Launcelot was there he ran unto Queen Guenever, and fell upon his

knee, and said: Mercy, madam, now I put me wholly into your grace. What aileth you now? said Queen

Guenever; forsooth I might well wit some good knight would revenge me, though my lord Arthur wist not of

this your work. Madam, said Sir Meliagrance, all this that is amiss on my part shall be amended right as

yourself will devise, and wholly I put me in your grace. What would ye that I did? said the queen. I would no

more, said Meliagrance, but that ye would take all in your own hands, and that ye will rule my lord Sir

Launcelot; and such cheer as may be made him in this poor castle ye and he shall have until tomorn, and

then may ye and all they return unto Westminster; and my body and all that I have I shall put in your rule. Ye

say well, said the queen, and better is peace than ever war, and the less noise the more is my worship.

Then the queen and her ladies went down unto the knight, Sir Launcelot, that stood wroth out of measure in

the inner court, to abide battle; and ever he bade: Thou traitor knight come forth. Then the queen came to him

and said: Sir Launcelot, why be ye so moved? Ha, madam, said Sir Launcelot, why ask ye me that question?

Meseemeth, said Sir Launcelot, ye ought to be more wroth than I am, for ye have the hurt and the dishonour,

for wit ye well, madam, my hurt is but little for the killing of a mare's son, but the despite grieveth me much

more than all my hurt. Truly, said the queen, ye say truth; but heartily I thank you, said the queen, but ye

must come in with me peaceably, for all thing is put in my hand, and all that is evil shall be for the best, for

the knight full sore repenteth him of the misadventure that is befallen him. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, sith it

is so that ye been accorded with him, as for me I may not be again it, howbeit Sir Meliagrance hath done full

shamefully to me, and cowardly. Ah madam, said Sir Launcelot, an I had wist ye would have been so soon

accorded with him I would not have made such haste unto you. Why say ye so, said the queen, do ye forthink

yourself of your good deeds? Wit you well, said the queen, I accorded never unto him for favour nor love that

I had unto him, but for to lay down every shameful noise. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, ye understand full well

I was never willing nor glad of shameful slander nor noise; and there is neither king, queen, nor knight, that

beareth the life, except my lord King Arthur, and you, madam, should let me, but I should make Sir

Meliagrance's heart full cold or ever I departed from hence. That wot I well, said the queen, but what will ye

more? Ye shall have all thing ruled as ye list to have it. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, so ye be pleased I care

Right so the queen took Sir Launcelot by the bare hand, for he had put off his gauntlet, and so she went with

him till her chamber; and then she commanded him to be unarmed. And then Sir Launcelot asked where were

the ten knights that were wounded sore; so she showed them unto Sir Launcelot, and there they made great

joy of the coming of him, and Sir Launcelot made great dole of their hurts, and bewailed them greatly. And

there Sir Launcelot told them how cowardly and traitorly Meliagrance set archers to slay his horse, and how

he was fain to put himself in a chariot. Thus they complained everych to other; and full fain they would have

been revenged, but they peaced themselves because of the queen. Then, as the French book saith, Sir

Launcelot was called many a day after le Chevaler du Chariot, and did many deeds, and great adventures he

had. And so leave we of this tale le Chevaler du Chariot, and turn we to this tale.

So Sir Launcelot had great cheer with the queen, and then Sir Launcelot made a promise with the queen that

the same night Sir Launcelot should come to a window outward toward a garden; and that window was

ybarred with iron, and there Sir Launcelot promised to meet her when all folks were asleep. So then came

Sir Lavaine driving to the gates, crying: Where is my lord, Sir Launcelot du Lake? Then was he sent for, and

when Sir Lavaine saw Sir Launcelot, he said: My lord, I found well how ye were hard bestead, for I have

found your horse that was slain with arrows. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you, Sir Lavaine, speak ye

of other matters, and let ye this pass, and we shall right it another time when we best may.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and lay with her, and how Sir

THEN the knights that were hurt were searched, and soft salves were laid to their wounds; and so it passed on

till supper time, and all the cheer that might be made them there was done unto the queen and all her knights.

Then when season was, they went unto their chambers, but in no wise the queen would not suffer the

wounded knights to be from her, but that they were laid within draughts by her chamber, upon beds and

So when Sir Launcelot was in his chamber that was assigned unto him, he called unto him Sir Lavaine, and

told him that night he must go speak with his lady, Dame Guenever. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, let me go with you

an it please you, for I dread me sore of the treason of Sir Meliagrance. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you,

but I will have nobody with me. Then Sir Launcelot took his sword in his hand, and privily went to a place

where he had espied a ladder toforehand, and that he took under his arm, and bare it through the garden, and

set it up to the window, and there anon the queen was ready to meet him. And then they made either to other

their complaints of many divers things, and then Sir Launcelot wished that he might have come into her. Wit

ye well, said the queen, I would as fain as ye, that ye might come in to me. Would ye, madam, said Sir

Launcelot, with your heart that I were with you? Yea, truly, said the queen. Now shall I prove my might, said

Sir Launcelot, for your love; and then he set his hands upon the bars of iron, and he pulled at them with such

a might that he brast them clean out of the stone walls, and therewithal one of the bars of iron cut the brawn

of his hands throughout to the bone; and then he leapt into the chamber to the queen. Make ye no noise, said

the queen, for my wounded knights lie here fast by me. So, to pass upon this tale, Sir Launcelot went unto

bed with the queen, and he took no force of his hurt hand, but took his pleasaunce and his liking until it was

in the dawning of the day; and wit ye well he slept not but watched, and when he saw his time that he might

tarry no longer he took his leave and departed at the window, and put it together as well as he might again,

and so departed unto his own chamber; and there he told Sir Lavaine how he was hurt. Then Sir Lavaine

dressed his hand and staunched it, and put upon it a glove, that it should not be espied; and so the queen lay

Then Sir Meliagrance went to the queen's chamber, and found her ladies there ready clothed. Jesu mercy, said

Sir Meliagrance, what aileth you, madam, that ye sleep thus long? And right therewithal he opened the

curtain for to behold her; and then was he ware where she lay, and all the sheet and pillow was bebled with

the blood of Sir Launcelot and of his hurt hand. When Sir Meliagrance espied that blood, then he deemed in

her that she was false to the king, and that some of the wounded knights had lain by her all that night. Ah,

madam, said Sir Meliagrance, now I have found you a false traitress unto my lord Arthur; for now I prove

well it was not for nought that ye laid these wounded knights within the bounds of your chamber; therefore I

will call you of treason before my lord, King Arthur. And now I have proved you, madam, with a shameful

deed; and that they be all false, or some of them, I will make good, for a wounded knight this night hath lain

by you. That is false, said the queen, and that I will report me unto them all. Then when the ten knights heard

Sir Meliagrance's words, they spake all in one voice and said to Sir Meliagrance: Thou sayest falsely, and

wrongfully puttest upon us such a deed, and that we will make good any of us; choose which thou list of us

when we are whole of our wounds. Ye shall not, said Sir Meliagrance, away with your proud language, for

here ye may all see, said Sir Meliagrance, that by the queen this night a wounded knight hath lain. Then were

they all ashamed when they saw that blood; and wit you well Sir Meliagrance was passing glad that he had

the queen at such an advantage, for he deemed by that to hide his treason. So with this rumour came in Sir

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged battle against Sir Meliagrance;

WHAT array is this? said Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Meliagrance told them what he had found, and showed

them the queen's bed. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, ye did not your part nor knightly, to touch a queen's bed

while it was drawn, and she lying therein; for I dare say my lord Arthur himself would not have displayed her

curtains, she being within her bed, unless that it had pleased him to have lain down by her; and therefore ye

have done unworshipfully and shamefully to yourself. I wot not what ye mean, said Sir Meliagrance, but well

I am sure there hath one of her wounded knights lain by her this night, and therefore I will prove with my

hands that she is a traitress unto my lord Arthur. Beware what ye do, said Launcelot, for an ye say so, an ye

My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Meliagrance, I rede you beware what ye do; for though ye are never so good

a knight, as ye wot well ye are renowned the best knight of the world, yet should ye be advised to do battle in

a wrong quarrel, for God will have a stroke in every battle. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, God is to be dread;

but as to that I say nay plainly, that this night there lay none of these ten wounded knights with my lady

Queen Guenever, and that will I prove with my hands, that ye say untruly in that now. Hold, said Sir

Meliagrance, here is my glove that she is traitress unto my lord, King Arthur, and that this night one of the

wounded knights lay with her. And I receive your glove, said Sir Launcelot. And so they were sealed with

their signets, and delivered unto the ten knights. At what day shall we do battle together? said Sir Launcelot.

This day ight days, said Sir Meliagrance, in the field beside Westminster. I am agreed, said Sir Launcelot. But

now, said Sir Meliagrance, sithen it is so that we must fight together, I pray you, as ye be a noble knight,

await me with no treason, nor none villainy the meanwhile, nor none for you. So God me help, said Sir

Launcelot, ye shall right well wit I was never of no such conditions, for I report me to all knights that ever

have known me, I fared never with no treason, nor I loved never the fellowship of no man that fared with

treason. Then let us go to dinner, said Meliagrance, and after dinner ye and the queen and ye may ride all to

Then Sir Meliagrance said to Sir Launcelot: Pleaseth it you to see the estures of this castle? With a good will,

said Sir Launcelot. And then they went together from chamber to chamber, for Sir Launcelot dread no perils;

for ever a man of worship and of prowess dreadeth least always perils, for they ween every man be as they

be; but ever he that fareth with treason putteth oft a man in great danger. So it befell upon Sir Launcelot that

no peril dread, as he went with Sir Meliagrance he trod on a trap and the board rolled, and there Sir Launcelot

fell down more than ten fathom into a cave full of straw; and then Sir Meliagrance departed and made no fare

And when Sir Launcelot was thus missed they marvelled where he was become; and then the queen and

many of them deemed that he was departed as he was wont to do suddenly. For Sir Meliagrance made

suddenly to put away aside Sir Lavaine's horse, that they might all understand that Sir Launcelot was

departed suddenly. So it passed on till after dinner; and then Sir Lavaine would not stint until that he ordained

litters for the wounded knights, that they might be laid in them; and so with the queen and them all, both

ladies and gentlewomen and other, went unto Westminster; and there the knights told King Arthur how

Meliagrance had appealed the queen of high treason, and how Sir Launcelot had received the glove of him:

And this day eight days they shall do battle afore you. By my head, said King Arthur, I am afeard Sir

Meliagrance hath taken upon him a great charge; but where is Sir Launcelot? said the king. Sir, said they all,

we wot not where he is, but we deem he is ridden to some adventures, as he is ofttimes wont to do, for he

hath Sir Lavaine's horse. Let him be, said the king, he will be founden, but if he be trapped with some

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady, and took a white courser and

SO leave we Sir Launcelot lying within that cave in great pain; and every day there came a lady and brought

him his meat and his drink, and wooed him, to have lain by him; and ever the noble knight, Sir Launcelot,

said her nay. Sir Launcelot, said she, ye are not wise, for ye may never out of this prison, but if ye have my

help; and also your lady, Queen Guenever, shall be brent in your default, unless that ye be there at the day of

battle. God defend, said Sir Launcelot, that she should be brent in my default; and if it be so, said Sir

Launcelot, that I may not be there, it shall be well understanded, both at the king and at the queen, and with

all men of worship, that I am dead, sick, outher in prison. For all men that know me will say for me that I am

in some evil case an I be not there that day; and well I wot there is some good knight either of my blood, or

some other that loveth me, that will take my quarrel in hand; and therefore, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well ye

shall not fear me; and if there were no more women in all this land but ye, I will not have ado with you. Then

art thou shamed, said the lady, and destroyed for ever. As for world's shame, Jesu defend me, and as for my

So she came to him the same day that the battle should be, and said: Sir Launcelot, methinketh ye are too

hardhearted, but wouldest thou but kiss me once I should deliver thee, and thine armour, and the best horse

that is within Sir Meliagrance's stable. As for to kiss you, said Sir Launcelot, I may do that and lose no

worship; and wit ye well an I understood there were any disworship for to kiss you I would not do it. Then he

kissed her, and then she gat him, and brought him to his armour. And when he was armed, she brought him to

a stable, where stood twelve good coursers, and bade him choose the best. Then Sir Launcelot looked upon a

white courser the which liked him best; and anon he commanded the keepers fast to saddle him with the best

saddle of war that there was; and so it was done as he bade. Then gat he his spear in his hand, and his sword

by his side, and commended the lady unto God, and said: Lady, for this good deed I shall do you service if

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagrance abode him in the field and

NOW leave we Sir Launcelot wallop all that he might, and speak we of Queen Guenever that was brought to

a fire to be brent; for Sir Meliagrance was sure, him thought, that Sir Launcelot should not be at that battle;

therefore he ever cried upon King Arthur to do him justice, otherelse bring forth Sir Launcelot du Lake.

Then was the king and all the court full sore abashed and shamed that the queen should be brent in the default

of Sir Launcelot. My lord Arthur, said Sir Lavaine, ye may understand that it is not well with my lord Sir

Launcelot, for an he were alive, so he be not sick outher in prison, wit ye well he would be here; for never

heard ye that ever he failed his part for whom he should do battle for. And therefore, said Sir Lavaine, my

lord, King Arthur, I beseech you give me license to do battle here this day for my lord and master, and for to

save my lady, the queen. Gramercy gentle Sir Lavaine, said King Arthur, for I dare say all that Sir

Meliagrance putteth upon my lady the queen is wrong, for I have spoken with all the ten wounded knights,

and there is not one of them, an he were whole and able to do battle, but he would prove upon Sir

Meliagrance's body that it is false that he putteth upon my queen. So shall I, said Sir Lavaine, in the defence

of my lord, Sir Launcelot, an ye will give me leave. Now I give you leave, said King Arthur, and do your

Then was Sir Lavaine armed and horsed, and suddenly at the lists' end he rode to perform this battle; and

right as the heralds should cry: Lesses les aler, right so came in Sir Launcelot driving with all the force of his

horse. And then Arthur cried: Ho! and Abide! Then was Sir Launcelot called on horseback tofore King

Arthur, and there he told openly tofore the king and all, how Sir Meliagrance had served him first to last.

And when the king, and the queen, and all the lords, knew of the treason of Sir Meliagrance they were all

ashamed on his behalf. Then was Queen Guenever sent for, and set by the king in great trust of her champion.

And then there was no more else to say, but Sir Launcelot and Sir Meliagrance dressed them unto battle, and

took their spears; and so they came together as thunder, and there Sir Launcelot bare him down quite over his

horse's croup. And then Sir Launcelot alighted and dressed his shield on his shoulder, with his sword in his

hand, and Sir Meliagrance in the same wise dressed him unto him, and there they smote many great strokes

together; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote him such a buffet upon the helmet that he fell on the one side to

the earth. And then he cried upon him aloud: Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake, save my life, for I

yield me unto you, and I require you, as ye be a knight and fellow of the Table Round, slay me not, for I yield

me as overcome; and whether I shall live or die I put me in the king's hands and yours.

Then Sir Launcelot wist not what to do, for he had had liefer than all the good of the world he might have

been revenged upon Sir Meliagrance; and Sir Launcelot looked up to the Queen Guenever, if he might espy

by any sign or countenance what she would have done. And then the queen wagged her head upon Sir

Launcelot, as though she would say: Slay him. Full well knew Sir Launcelot by the wagging of her head that

she would have him dead; then Sir Launcelot bade him rise for shame and perform that battle to the utterance.

Nay, said Sir Meliagrance, I will never arise until ye take me as yolden and recreant. I shall proffer you large

proffers, said Sir Launcelot, that is for to say, I shall unarm my head and my left quarter of my body, all that

may be unarmed, and let bind my left hand behind me, so that it shall not help me, and right so I shall do

battle with you. Then Sir Meliagrance started up upon his legs, and said on high: My lord Arthur, take heed

to this proffer, for I will take it, and let him be disarmed and bounden according to his proffer. What say ye,

said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, will ye abide by your proffer? Yea, my lord, said Sir Launcelot, I will

Then the knights parters of the field disarmed Sir Launcelot, first his head, and sithen his left arm, and his left

side, and they bound his left arm behind his back, without shield or anything, and then they were put

together. Wit you well there was many a lady and knight marvelled that Sir Launcelot would jeopardy

himself in such wise. Then Sir Meliagrance came with his sword all on high, and Sir Launcelot showed him

openly his bare head and the bare left side; and when he weened to have smitten him upon the bare head, then

lightly he avoided the left leg and the left side, and put his right hand and his sword to that stroke, and so put

it on side with great sleight; and then with great force Sir Launcelot smote him on the helmet such a buffet

that the stroke carved the head in two parts. Then there was no more to do, but he was drawn out of the field.

And at the great instance of the knights of the Table Round, the king suffered him to be interred, and the

mention made upon him, who slew him, and for what cause he was slain; and then the king and the queen

made more of Sir Launcelot du Lake, and more he was cherished, than ever he was aforehand.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Urre came into Arthur's court for to be healed of his wounds, and how King

THEN as the French book maketh mention, there was a good knight in the land of Hungary, his name was Sir

Urre, and he was an adventurous knight, and in all places where he might hear of any deeds of worship there

would he be. So it happened in Spain there was an earl's son, his name was Alphegus, and at a great

tournament in Spain this Sir Urre, knight of Hungary, and Sir Alphegus of Spain encountered together for

very envy; and so either undertook other to the utterance. And by fortune Sir Urre slew Sir Alphegus, the

earl's son of Spain, but this knight that was slain had given Sir Urre, or ever he was slain, seven great

wounds, three on the head, and four on his body and upon his left hand. And this Sir Alphegus had a mother,

the which was a great sorceress; and she, for the despite of her son's death, wrought by her subtle crafts that

Sir Urre should never be whole, but ever his wounds should one time fester and another time bleed, so that he

should never be whole until the best knight of the world had searched his wounds; and thus she made her

Then his mother let make an horse litter, and put him therein under two palfreys; and then she took Sir Urre's

sister with him, a full fair damosel, whose name was Felelolie; and then she took a page with him to keep

their horses, and so they led Sir Urre through many countries. For as the French book saith, she led him so

seven year through all lands christened, and never she could find no knight that might ease her son. So she

came into Scotland and into the lands of England, and by fortune she came nigh the feast of Pentecost until

King Arthur's court, that at that time was holden at Carlisle. And when she came there, then she made it

Then King Arthur let call that lady, and asked her the cause why she brought that hurt knight into that land.

My most noble king, said that lady, wit you well I brought him hither for to be healed of his wounds, that of

all this seven year he might not be whole. And then she told the king where he was wounded, and of whom;

and how his mother had discovered in her pride how she had wrought that by enchantment, so that he should

never be whole until the best knight of the world had searched his wounds. And so I have passed through all

the lands christened to have him healed, except this land. And if I fail to heal him here in this land, I will

never take more pain upon me, and that is pity, for he was a good knight, and of great nobleness. What is his

name? said Arthur My good and gracious lord, she said, his name is Sir Urre of the Mount. In good time, said

the king, and sith ye are come into this land, ye are right welcome; and wit you well here shall your son be

healed, an ever any Christian man may heal him. And for to give all other men of worship courage, I myself

will assay to handle your son, and so shall all the kings, dukes, and earls that be here present with me at this

time; thereto will I command them, and well I wot they shall obey and do after my commandment. And wit

you well, said King Arthur unto Urre's sister, I shall begin to handle him, and search unto my power, not

presuming upon me that I am so worthy to heal your son by my deeds, but I will courage other men of

worship to do as I will do. And then the king commanded all the kings, dukes, and earls, and all noble knights

of the Round Table that were there that time present, to come into the meadow of Carlisle. And so at that time

there were but an hundred and ten of the Round Table, for forty knights were that time away; and so here we

must begin at King Arthur, as is kindly to begin at him that was the most man of worship that was christened

CHAPTER XI. How King Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many other knights of the Round Table

THEN King Arthur looked upon Sir Urre, and the king thought he was a full likely man when he was whole;

and then King Arthur made him to be taken down off the litter and laid him upon the earth, and there was laid

a cushion of gold that he should kneel upon. And then noble Arthur said: Fair knight, me repenteth of thy

hurt, and for to courage all other noble knights I will pray thee softly to suffer me to handle your wounds.

Most noble christened king, said Urre, do as ye list, for I am at the mercy of God, and at your commandment.

So then Arthur softly handled him, and then some of his wounds renewed upon bleeding. Then the King

Clarence of Northumberland searched, and it would not be. And then Sir Barant le Apres that was called the

King with the Hundred Knights, he assayed and failed; and so did King Uriens of the land of Gore; so did

King Anguish of Ireland; so did King Nentres of Garloth; so did King Carados of Scotland; so did the Duke

Galahad, the haut prince; so did Constantine, that was Sir Carados' son of Cornwall; so did Duke Chaleins of

Clarance; so did the Earl Ulbause; so did the Earl Lambaile; so did the Earl Aristause.

Then came in Sir Gawaine with his three sons, Sir Gingalin, Sir Florence, and Sir Lovel, these two were

begotten upon Sir Brandiles' sister; and all they failed. Then came in Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Mordred,

and the good knight, Sir Gareth, that was of very knighthood worth all the brethren. So came knights of

Launcelot's kin, but Sir Launcelot was not that time in the court, for he was that time upon his adventures.

Then Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir

Gahalantine, Sir Galihodin, Sir Menaduke, Sir Villiars the Valiant, Sir Hebes le Renoumes. All these were of

Sir Launcelot's kin, and all they failed. Then came in Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir

Dinadan, Sir Bruin le Noire, that Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Kay de

Stranges, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the

Then came in Sir Astamor, and Sir Gromere, Grummor's son, Sir Crosselm, Sir Servause le Breuse, that was

called a passing strong knight, for as the book saith, the chief Lady of the Lake feasted Sir Launcelot and

Servause le Breuse, and when she had feasted them both at sundry times she prayed them to give her a boon.

And they granted it her. And then she prayed Sir Servause that he would promise her never to do battle

against Sir Launcelot du Lake, and in the same wise she prayed Sir Launcelot never to do battle against Sir

Servause, and so either promised her. For the French book saith, that Sir Servause had never courage nor lust

to do battle against no man, but if it were against giants, and against dragons, and wild beasts. So we pass

unto them that at the king's request made them all that were there at that high feast, as of the knights of the

Table Round, for to search Sir Urre: to that intent the king did it, to wit which was the noblest knight among

Then came Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, Sir Tor, that was begotten upon Aries, the cowherd's wife, but he was

begotten afore Aries wedded her, and King Pellinore begat them all, first Sir Tor, Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore,

Sir Lamorak, the most noblest knight one that ever was in Arthur's days as for a worldly knight, and Sir

Percivale that was peerless except Sir Galahad in holy deeds, but they died in the quest of the Sangreal. Then

came Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedevere his brother, Sir Brandiles, Sir

Constantine, Sir Cador's son of Cornwall, that was king after Arthur's days, and Sir Clegis, Sir Sadok, Sir

Dinas le Seneschal of Cornwall, Sir Fergus, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Clarrus of Cleremont, Sir

Cloddrus, Sir Hectimere, Sir Edward of Carnarvon, Sir Dinas, Sir Priamus, that was christened by Sir

Tristram the noble knight, and these three were brethren; Sir Hellaine le Blank that was son to Sir Bors, he

begat him upon King Brandegoris' daughter, and Sir Brian de Listinoise; Sir Gautere, Sir Reynold, Sir

Gillemere, were three brethren that Sir Launcelot won upon a bridge in Sir Kay's arms. Sir Guyart le Petite,

Sir Bellangere le Beuse, that was son to the good knight, Sir Alisander le Orphelin, that was slain by the

treason of King Mark. Also that traitor king slew the noble knight Sir Tristram, as he sat harping afore his

lady La Beale Isoud, with a trenchant glaive, for whose death was much bewailing of every knight that ever

were in Arthur's days; there was never none so bewailed as was Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak, for they were

traitorously slain, Sir Tristram by King Mark, and Sir Lamorak by Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And this Sir

Bellangere revenged the death of his father Alisander, and Sir Tristram slew King Mark, and La Beale Isoud

died swooning upon the corse of Sir Tristram, whereof was great pity. And all that were with King Mark that

were consenting to the death of Sir Tristram were slain, as Sir Andred and many other.

Then came Sir Hebes, Sir Morganore, Sir Sentraile, Sir Suppinabilis, Sir Bellangere le Orgulous, that the

good knight Sir Lamorak won in plain battle; Sir Neroveus and Sir Plenorius, two good knights that Sir

Launcelot won; Sir Darras, Sir Harry le Fise Lake, Sir Erminide, brother to King Hermaunce, for whom Sir

Palomides fought at the Red City with two brethren; and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, Sir Edward of

Orkney, Sir Ironside, that was called the noble Knight of the Red Launds that Sir Gareth won for the love of

Dame Liones, Sir Arrok de Grevaunt, Sir Degrane Saunce Velany that fought with the giant of the black

lowe, Sir Epinogris, that was the king's son of Northumberland. Sir Pelleas that loved the lady Ettard, and he

had died for her love had not been one of the ladies of the lake, her name was Dame Nimue, and she wedded

Sir Pelleas, and she saved him that he was never slain, and he was a full noble knight; and Sir Lamiel of

Cardiff that was a great lover. Sir Plaine de Fors, Sir Melleaus de Lile, Sir Bohart le Cure Hardy that was

King Arthur's son, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Colgrevance, Sir Hervise de la Forest Savage, Sir Marrok, the

good knight that was betrayed with his wife, for she made him seven year a werwolf, Sir Persaunt, Sir

Pertilope, his brother, that was called the Green Knight, and Sir Perimones, brother to them both, that was

called the Red Knight, that Sir Gareth won when he was called Beaumains. All these hundred knights and ten

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his wounds, and anon he was all

MERCY Jesu, said King Arthur, where is Sir Launcelot du Lake that he is not here at this time? Thus, as they

stood and spake of many things, there was espied Sir Launcelot that came riding toward them, and told the

king. Peace, said the king, let no manner thing be said until he be come to us. So when Sir Launcelot espied

King Arthur, he descended from his horse and came to the king, and saluted him and them all. Anon as the

maid, Sir Urre's sister, saw Sir Launcelot, she ran to her brother thereas he lay in his litter, and said: Brother,

here is come a knight that my heart giveth greatly unto. Fair sister, said Sir Urre, so doth my heart light

against him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, for my heart giveth unto him more than to all these that

Then said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot: Ye must do as we have done; and told Sir Launcelot what they had

done, and showed him them all, that had searched him. Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, when so many

kings and knights have assayed and failed, that I should presume upon me to enchieve that all ye, my lords,

might not enchieve. Ye shall not choose, said King Arthur, for I will command you for to do as we all have

done. My most renowned lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye know well I dare not nor may not disobey your

commandment, but an I might or durst, wit you well I would not take upon me to touch that wounded knight

in that intent that I should pass all other knights; Jesu defend me from that shame. Ye take it wrong, said

King Arthur, ye shall not do it for no presumption, but for to bear us fellowship, insomuch ye be a fellow of

the Table Round; and wit you well, said King Arthur, an ye prevail not and heal him, I dare say there is no

And then all the kings and knights for the most part prayed Sir Launcelot to search him; and then the

wounded knight, Sir Urre, set him up weakly, and prayed Sir Launcelot heartily, saying: Courteous knight, I

require thee for God's sake heal my wounds, for methinketh ever sithen ye came here my wounds grieve me

not. Ah, my fair lord, said Sir Launcelot, Jesu would that I might help you; I shame me sore that I should be

thus rebuked, for never was I able in worthiness to do so high a thing. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down by

the wounded knight saying: My lord Arthur, I must do your commandment, the which is sore against my

heart. And then he held up his hands, and looked into the east, saying secretly unto himself: Thou blessed

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I beseech thee of thy mercy, that my simple worship and honesty be saved, and

thou blessed Trinity, thou mayst give power to heal this sick knight by thy great virtue and grace of thee, but,

Good Lord, never of myself. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Urre to let him see his head; and then

devoutly kneeling he ransacked the three wounds, that they bled a little, and forthwith all the wounds fair

healed, and seemed as they had been whole a seven year. And in likewise he searched his body of other three

wounds, and they healed in likewise; and then the last of all he searched the which was in his hand, and anon

Then King Arthur and all the kings and knights kneeled down and gave thankings and lovings unto God and

to His Blessed Mother. And ever Sir Launcelot wept as he had been a child that had been beaten. Then King

Arthur let array priests and clerks in the most devoutest manner, to bring in Sir Urre within Carlisle, with

singing and loving to God. And when this was done, the king let clothe him in the richest manner that could

be thought; and then were there but few better made knights in all the court, for he was passingly well made

and bigly; and Arthur asked Sir Urre how he felt himself. My good lord, he said, I felt myself never so lusty.

Will ye joust and do deeds of arms? said King Arthur. Sir, said Urre, an I had all that longed unto jousts I

CHAPTER XIII. How there was a party made of an hundred knights against an hundred knights, and of

THEN Arthur made a party of hundred knights to be against an hundred knights. And so upon the morn they

jousted for a diamond, but there jousted none of the dangerous knights; and so for to shorten this tale, Sir

Urre and Sir Lavaine jousted best that day, for there was none of them but he overthrew and pulled down

thirty knights; and then by the assent of all the kings and lords, Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine were made knights

of the Table Round. And Sir Lavaine cast his love unto Dame Felelolie, Sir Urre's sister, and then they were

wedded together with great joy, and King Arthur gave to everych of them a barony of lands. And this Sir

Urre would never go from Sir Launcelot, but he and Sir Lavaine awaited evermore upon him; and they were

in all the court accounted for good knights, and full desirous in arms; and many noble deeds they did, for they

Thus they lived in all that court with great noblesse and joy long time. But every night and day Sir Agravaine,

Sir Gawaine's brother, awaited Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot du Lake to put them to a rebuke and

shame. And so I leave here of this tale, and overskip great books of Sir Launcelot du Lake, what great

adventures he did when he was called Le Chevaler du Chariot. For as the French book saith, because of

despite that knights and ladies called him the knight that rode in the chariot like as he were judged to the

gallows, therefore in despite of all them that named him so, he was carried in a chariot a twelvemonth, for,

but little after that he had slain Sir Meliagrance in the queen's quarrel, he never in a twelvemonth came on

horseback. And as the French book saith, he did that twelvemonth more than forty battles. And because I

have lost the very matter of Le Chevaier du Chariot, I depart from the tale of Sir Launcelot, and here I go

CHAPTER I. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine for to disclose the love

IN May when every lusty heart flourisheth and bourgeoneth, for as the season is lusty to behold and

comfortable, so man and woman rejoice and gladden of summer coming with his fresh flowers: for winter

with his rough winds and blasts causeth a lusty man and woman to cower and sit fast by the fire. So in this

season, as in the month of May, it befell a great anger and unhap that stinted not till the flower of chivalry of

all the world was destroyed and slain; and all was long upon two unhappy knights the which were named

Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that were brethren unto Sir Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred had

ever a privy hate unto the queen Dame Guenever and to Sir Launcelot, and daily and nightly they ever

So it mishapped, Sir Gawaine and all his brethren were in King Arthur's chamber; and then Sir Agravaine

said thus openly, and not in no counsel, that many knights might hear it: I marvel that we all be not ashamed

both to see and to know how Sir Launcelot lieth daily and nightly by the queen, and all we know it so; and it

is shamefully suffered of us all, that we all should suffer so noble a king as King Arthur is so to be shamed.

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: Brother Sir Agravaine, I pray you and charge you move no such matters

no more afore me, for wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, I will not be of your counsel. So God me help, said Sir

Gaheris and Sir Gareth, we will not be knowing, brother Agravaine, of your deeds. Then will I, said Sir

Mordred. I lieve well that, said Sir Gawaine, for ever unto all unhappiness, brother Sir Mordred, thereto will

ye grant; and I would that ye left all this, and made you not so busy, for I know, said Sir Gawaine, what will

fall of it. Fall of it what fall may, said Sir Agravaine, I will disclose it to the king. Not by my counsel, said Sir

Gawaine, for an there rise war and wrack betwixt Sir Launcelot and us, wit you well brother, there will many

kings and great lords hold with Sir Launcelot. Also, brother Sir Agravaine, said Sir Gawaine, ye must

remember how ofttimes Sir Launcelot hath rescued the king and the queen; and the best of us all had been

full cold at the heartroot had not Sir Launcelot been better than we, and that hath he proved himself full oft.

And as for my part, said Sir Gawaine, I will never be against Sir Launcelot for one day's deed, when he

rescued me from King Carados of the Dolorous Tower, and slew him, and saved my life. Also, brother Sir

Agravaine and Sir Mordred, in like wise Sir Launcelot rescued you both, and threescore and two, from Sir

Turquin. Methinketh brother, such kind deeds and kindness should be remembered. Do as ye list, said Sir

Agravaine, for I will lain it no longer. With these words came to them King Arthur. Now brother, stint your

noise, said Sir Gawaine. We will not, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. Will ye so? said Sir Gawaine; then

God speed you, for I will not hear your tales ne be of your counsel. No more will I, said Sir Gareth and Sir

Gaheris, for we will never say evil by that man; for because, said Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot made me knight,

by no manner owe I to say ill of him: and therewithal they three departed, making great dole. Alas, said Sir

Gawaine and Sir Gareth, now is this realm wholly mischieved, and the noble fellowship of the Round Table

CHAPTER II. How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur, and how King Arthur gave them

AND then Sir Arthur asked them what noise they made. My lord, said Agravaine, I shall tell you that I may

keep no longer. Here is I, and my brother Sir Mordred, brake unto my brothers Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and

to Sir Gareth, how this we know all, that Sir Launcelot holdeth your queen, and hath done long; and we be

your sister's sons, and we may suffer it no longer, and all we wot that ye should be above Sir Launcelot; and

ye are the king that made him knight, and therefore we will prove it, that he is a traitor to your person.

If it be so, said Sir Arthur, wit you well he is none other, but I would be loath to begin such a thing but I

might have proofs upon it; for Sir Launcelot is an hardy knight, and all ye know he is the best knight among

us all; and but if he be taken with the deed, he will fight with him that bringeth up the noise, and I know no

knight that is able to match him. Therefore an it be sooth as ye say, I would he were taken with the deed. For

as the French book saith, the king was full loath thereto, that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and his

queen; for the king had a deeming, but he would not hear of it, for Sir Launcelot had done so much for him

and the queen so many times, that wit ye well the king loved him passingly well. My lord, said Sir Agravaine,

ye shall ride tomorn ahunting, and doubt ye not Sir Launcelot will not go with you. Then when it draweth

toward night, ye may send the queen word that ye will lie out all that night, and so may ye send for your

cooks, and then upon pain of death we shall take him that night with the queen, and outher we shall bring him

to you dead or quick. I will well, said the king; then I counsel you, said the king, take with you sure

fellowship. Sir, said Agravaine, my brother, Sir Mordred, and I, will take with us twelve knights of the Round

Table. Beware, said King Arthur, for I warn you ye shall find him wight. Let us deal, said Sir Agravaine and

So on the morn King Arthur rode ahunting, and sent word to the queen that he would be out all that night.

Then Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred gat to them twelve knights, and hid themself in a chamber in the Castle

of Carlisle, and these were their names: Sir Colgrevance, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Gingaline, Sir Meliot de

Logris, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the Mountain, Sir Astamore, Sir

Gromore Somir Joure, Sir Curselaine, Sir Florence, Sir Lovel. So these twelve knights were with Sir Mordred

and Sir Agravaine, and all they were of Scotland, outher of Sir Gawaine's kin, either wellwillers to his

So when the night came, Sir Launcelot told Sir Bors how he would go that night and speak with the queen.

Sir, said Sir Bors, ye shall not go this night by my counsel. Why? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors, I

dread me ever of Sir Agravaine, that waiteth you daily to do you shame and us all; and never gave my heart

against no going, that ever ye went to the queen, so much as now; for I mistrust that the king is out this night

from the queen because peradventure he hath lain some watch for you and the queen, and therefore I dread

me sore of treason. Have ye no dread, said Sir Launcelot, for I shall go and come again, and make no

tarrying. Sir, said Sir Bors, that me repenteth, for I dread me sore that your going out this night shall wrath us

all. Fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot, I marvel much why ye say thus, sithen the queen hath sent for me; and

wit ye well I will not be so much a coward, but she shall understand I will see her good grace. God speed you

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen's chamber, and how Sir Agravaine and Sir

SO Sir Launcelot departed, and took his sword under his arm, and so in his mantle that noble knight put

himself in great Jeopardy; and so he passed till he came to the queen's chamber, and then Sir Launcelot was

lightly put into the chamber. And then, as the French book saith, the queen and Launcelot were together. And

whether they were abed or at other manner of disports, me list not hereof make no mention, for love that time

was not as is nowadays. But thus as they were together, there came Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, with

twelve knights with them of the Round Table, and they said with crying voice: Traitorknight, Sir Launcelot

du Lake, now art thou taken. And thus they cried with a loud voice, that all the court might hear it; and they

all fourteen were armed at all points as they should fight in a battle. Alas said Queen Guenever, now are we

mischieved both Madam, said Sir Launcelot, is there here any armour within your chamber, that I might

cover my poor body withal? An if there be any give it me, and I shall soon stint their malice, by the grace of

God. Truly, said the queen, I have none armour, shield, sword, nor spear; wherefore I dread me sore our long

love is come to a mischievous end, for I hear by their noise there be many noble knights, and well I wot they

be surely armed, and against them ye may make no resistance. Wherefore ye are likely to be slain, and then

shall I be brent. For an ye might escape them, said the queen, I would not doubt but that ye would rescue me

in what danger that ever I stood in. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, in all my life thus was I never bestead, that I

But ever in one Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred cried: Traitorknight, come out of the queen's chamber, for

wit thou well thou art so beset that thou shalt not escape. O Jesu mercy, said Sir Launcelot, this shameful cry

and noise I may not suffer, for better were death at once than thus to endure this pain. Then he took the queen

in his arms, and kissed her, and said: Most noble Christian queen, I beseech you as ye have been ever my

special good lady, and I at all times your true poor knight unto my power, and as I never failed you in right

nor in wrong sithen the first day King Arthur made me knight, that ye will pray for my soul if that I here be

slain; for well I am assured that Sir Bors, my nephew, and all the remnant of my kin, with Sir Lavaine and Sir

Urre, that they will not fail you to rescue you from the fire; and therefore, mine own lady, recomfort yourself,

whatsomever come of me, that ye go with Sir Bors, my nephew, and Sir Urre, and they all will do you all the

pleasure that they can or may, that ye shall live like a queen upon my lands. Nay, Launcelot, said the queen,

wit thou well I will never live after thy days, but an thou be slain I will take my death as meekly for Jesu

Christ's sake as ever did any Christian queen. Well, madam, said Iauncelot, sith it is so that the day is come

that our love must depart, wit you well I shall sell my life as dear as I may; and a thousandfold, said Sir

Launcelot, I am more heavier for you than for myself. And now I had liefer than to be lord of all

Christendom, that I had sure armour upon me, that men might speak of my deeds or ever I were slain. Truly,

said the queen, I would an it might please God that they would take me and slay me, and suffer you to escape.

That shall never be, said Sir Launcelot, God defend me from such a shame, but Jesu be Thou my shield and

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in his harness, and after slew Sir

AND therewith Sir Launcelot wrapped his mantle about his arm well and surely; and by then they had gotten

a great form out of the hall, and therewithal they rashed at the door. Fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, leave your

noise and your rashing, and I shall set open this door, and then may ye do with me what it liketh you. Come

off then, said they all, and do it, for it availeth thee not to strive against us all; and therefore let us into this

chamber, and we shall save thy life until thou come to King Arthur. Then Launcelot unbarred the door, and

with his left hand he held it open a little, so that but one man might come in at once; and so there came

striding a good knight, a much man and large, and his name was Colgrevance of Gore, and he with a sword

struck at Sir Launcelot mightily; and he put aside the stroke, and gave him such a buffet upon the helmet, that

he fell grovelling dead within the chamber door. And then Sir Launcelot with great might drew that dead

knight within the chamber door; and Sir Launcelot with help of the queen and her ladies was lightly armed in

And ever stood Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred crying: Traitorknight, come out of the queen's chamber.

Leave your noise, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Agravaine, for wit you well, Sir Agravaine, ye shall not prison

me this night; and therefore an ye do by my counsel, go ye all from this chamber door, and make not such

crying and such manner of slander as ye do; for I promise you by my knighthood, an ye will depart and make

no more noise, I shall as tomorn appear afore you all before the king, and then let it be seen which of you

all, outher else ye all, that will accuse me of treason; and there I shall answer you as a knight should, that

hither I came to the queen for no manner of mal engin, and that will I prove and make it good upon you with

my hands. Fie on thee, traitor, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, we will have thee maugre thy head, and

slay thee if we list; for we let thee wit we have the choice of King Arthur to save thee or to slay thee. Ah sirs,

So then Sir Launcelot set all open the chamber door, and mightily and knightly he strode in amongst them;

and anon at the first buffet he slew Sir Agravaine. And twelve of his fellows after, within a little while after,

he laid them cold to the earth, for there was none of the twelve that might stand Sir Launcelot one buffet.

Also Sir Launcelot wounded Sir Mordred, and he fled with all his might. And then Sir Launcelot returned

again unto the queen, and said: Madam, now wit you well all our true love is brought to an end, for now will

King Arthur ever be my foe; and therefore, madam, an it like you that I may have you with me, I shall save

you from all manner adventures dangerous. That is not best, said the queen; meseemeth now ye have done so

much harm, it will be best ye hold you still with this. And if ye see that as tomorn they will put me unto the

death, then may ye rescue me as ye think best. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, for have ye no doubt, while I

am living I shall rescue you. And then he kissed her, and either gave other a ring; and so there he left the

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors, and told him how he had sped, and in what adventure

WHEN Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot he was never so glad of his homecoming as he was then. Jesu mercy,

said Sir Launcelot, why be ye all armed: what meaneth this? Sir, said Sir Bors, after ye were departed from

us, we all that be of your blood and your wellwillers were so dretched that some of us leapt out of our beds

naked, and some in their dreams caught naked swords in their hands; therefore, said Sir Bors, we deem there

is some great strife at hand; and then we all deemed that ye were betrapped with some treason, and therefore

My fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Bors, now shall ye wit all, that this night I was more harder

bestead than ever I was in my life, and yet I escaped. And so he told them all how and in what manner, as ye

have heard tofore. And therefore, my fellows, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you all that ye will be of good heart

in what need somever I stand, for now is war come to us all. Sir, said Bors, all is welcome that God sendeth

us, and we have had much weal with you and much worship, and therefore we will take the woe with you as

we have taken the weal. And therefore, they said all (there were many good knights), look ye take no

discomfort, for there nis no bands of knights under heaven but we shall be able to grieve them as much as

they may us. And therefore discomfort not yourself by no manner, and we shall gather together that we love,

and that loveth us, and what that ye will have done shall be done. And therefore, Sir Launcelot, said they, we

will take the woe with the weal. Grant mercy, said Sir Launcelot, of your good comfort, for in my great

distress, my fair nephew, ye comfort me greatly, and much I am beholding unto you. But this, my fair

nephew, I would that ye did in all haste that ye may, or it be forth days, that ye will look in their lodging that

be lodged here nigh about the king, which will hold with me, and which will not, for now I would know

which were my friends from my foes. Sir, said Sir Bors, I shall do my pain, and or it be seven of the clock I

Then Sir Bors called unto him Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis,

Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, Sir Menadeuke Sir Villiers the Valiant, Sir Hebes le Renoumes,

Sir Lavaine Sir Urre of Hungary, Sir Nerounes, Sir Plenorius. These two knights Sir Launcelot made, and the

one he won upon a bridge, and therefore they would never be against him. And Harry le Fise du Lake, and Sir

Selises of the Dolorous Tower, and Sir Melias de Lile, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse, that was Sir Alisander's

son Le Orphelin, because his mother Alice le Beale Pellerin and she was kin unto Sir Launcelot, and he held

with him. So there came Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, his brother, to hold with Sir Launcelot, and Sir Clegis

of Sadok, and Sir Dinas, Sir Clarius of Cleremont. So these twoandtwenty knights drew them together, and

by then they were armed on horseback, and promised Sir Launcelot to do what he would. Then there fell to

them, what of North Wales and of Cornwall, for Sir Lamorak's sake and for Sir Tristram's sake, to the number

My lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well, I have been ever since I came into this country well willed unto

my lord, King Arthur, and unto my lady, Queen Guenever, unto my power; and this night because my lady

the queen sent for me to speak with her, I suppose it was made by treason, howbeit I dare largely excuse her

person, notwithstanding I was there by a forecast near slain, but as Jesu provided me I escaped all their

malice and treason. And then that noble knight Sir Launcelot told them all how he was hard bestead in the

queen's chamber, and how and in what manner he escaped from them. And therefore, said Sir Launcelot, wit

you well, my fair lords, I am sure there nis but war unto me and mine. And for because I have slain this night

these knights, I wot well, as is Sir Agravaine Sir Gawaine's brother, and at the least twelve of his fellows, for

this cause now I am sure of mortal war, for these knights were sent and ordained by King Arthur to betray

me. And therefore the king will in his heat and malice judge the queen to the fire, and that may I not suffer,

that she should be brent for my sake; for an I may be heard and suffered and so taken, I will fight for the

queen, that she is a true lady unto her lord; but the king in his heat I dread me will not take me as I ought to

CHAPTER VI. Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot and his friends for to save the

MY lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Bors, by mine advice ye shall take the woe with the weal, and take it in

patience, and thank God of it. And sithen it is fallen as it is, I counsel you keep yourself, for an ye will

yourself, there is no fellowship of knights christened that shall do you wrong. Also I will counsel you my

lord, Sir Launcelot, than an my lady, Queen Guenever, be in distress, insomuch as she is in pain for your

sake, that ye knightly rescue her; an ye did otherwise, all the world will speak of you shame to the world's

end. Insomuch as ye were taken with her, whether ye did right or wrong, it is now your part to hold with the

queen, that she be not slain and put to a mischievous death, for an she so die the shame shall be yours. Jesu

defend me from shame, said Sir Launcelot, and keep and save my lady the queen from villainy and shameful

death, and that she never be destroyed in my default; wherefore my fair lords, my kin, and my friends, said

Sir Launcelot, what will ye do? Then they said all: We will do as ye will do. I put this to you, said Sir

Launcelot, that if my lord Arthur by evil counsel will tomorn in his heat put my lady the queen to the fire

there to be brent, now I pray you counsel me what is best to do. Then they said all at once with one voice: Sir,

us thinketh best that ye knightly rescue the queen, insomuch as she shall be brent it is for your sake; and it is

to suppose, an ye might be handled, ye should have the same death, or a more shamefuler death. And sir, we

say all, that ye have many times rescued her from death for other men's quarrels, us seemeth it is more your

worship that ye rescue the queen from this peril, insomuch she hath it for your sake.

Then Sir Launcelot stood still, and said: My fair lords, wit you well I would be loath to do that thing that

should dishonour you or my blood, and wit you well I would be loath that my lady, the queen, should die a

shameful death; but an it be so that ye will counsel me to rescue her, I must do much harm or I rescue her;

and peradventure I shall there destroy some of my best friends, that should much repent me; and peradventure

there be some, an they could well bring it about, or disobey my lord King Arthur, they would soon come to

me, the which I were loath to hurt. And if so be that I rescue her, where shall I keep her? That shall be the

least care of us all, said Sir Bors. How did the noble knight Sir Tristram, by your good will? kept not he with

him La Beale Isoud near three year in Joyous Gard? the which was done by your alther device, and that same

place is your own; and in likewise may ye do an ye list, and take the queen lightly away, if it so be the king

will judge her to be brent; and in Joyous Gard ye may keep her long enough until the heat of the king be past.

And then shall ye bring again the queen to the king with great worship; and then peradventure ye shall have

That is hard to do, said Sir Launcelot, for by Sir Tristram I may have a warning, for when by means of

treaties, Sir Tristram brought again La Beale Isoud unto King Mark from Joyous Gard, look what befell on

the end, how shamefully that false traitor King Mark slew him as he sat harping afore his lady La Beale

Isoud, with a grounden glaive he thrust him in behind to the heart. It grieveth me, said Sir Launcelot, to speak

of his death, for all the world may not find such a knight. All this is truth, said Sir Bors, but there is one thing

shall courage you and us all, ye know well King Arthur and King Mark were never like of conditions, for

So to make short tale, they were all consented that for better outher for worse, if so were that the queen were

on that morn brought to the fire, shortly they all would rescue her. And so by the advice of Sir Launcelot,

they put them all in an embushment in a wood, as nigh Carlisle as they might, and there they abode still, to

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him of the affray and death of Sir

NOW turn we again unto Sir Mordred, that when he was escaped from the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, he

anon gat his horse and mounted upon him, and rode unto King Arthur, sore wounded and smitten, and all

forbled; and there he told the king all how it was, and how they were all slain save himself all only. Jesu

mercy, how may this be? said the king; took ye him in the queen's chamber? Yea, so God me help, said Sir

Mordred, there we found him unarmed, and there he slew Colgrevance, and armed him in his armour; and all

this he told the king from the beginning to the ending. Jesu mercy, said the king, he is a marvellous knight of

prowess. Alas, me sore repenteth, said the king, that ever Sir Launcelot should be against me. Now I am sure

the noble fellowship of the Round Table is broken for ever, for with him will many a noble knight hold; and

now it is fallen so, said the king, that I may not with my worship, but the queen must suffer the death. So then

there was made great ordinance in this heat, that the queen must be judged to the death. And the law was such

in those days that whatsomever they were, of what estate or degree, if they were found guilty of treason, there

should be none other remedy but death; and outher the men or the taking with the deed should be causer of

their hasty judgment. And right so was it ordained for Queen Guenever, because Sir Mordred was escaped

sore wounded, and the death of thirteen knights of the Round Table. These proofs and experiences caused

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: My lord Arthur, I would counsel you not to be overhasty, but that ye

would put it in respite, this judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes. One it is, though it were so that

Sir Launcelot were found in the queen's chamber, yet it might be so that he came thither for none evil; for ye

know my lord, said Sir Gawaine, that the queen is much beholden unto Sir Launcelot, more than unto any

other knight, for ofttimes he hath saved her life, and done battle for her when all the court refused the queen;

and peradventure she sent for him for goodness and for none evil, to reward him for his good deeds that he

had done to her in times past. And peradventure my lady, the queen, sent for him to that intent that Sir

Launcelot should come to her good grace privily and secretly, weening to her that it was best so to do, in

eschewing and dreading of slander; for ofttimes we do many things that we ween it be for the best, and yet

peradventure it turneth to the worst. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, my lady, your queen, is to you both

good and true; and as for Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I dare say he will make it good upon any knight

living that will put upon himself villainy or shame, and in like wise he will make good for my lady, Dame

That I believe well, said King Arthur, but I will not that way with Sir Launcelot, for he trusteth so much upon

his hands and his might that he doubteth no man; and therefore for my queen he shall never fight more, for

she shall have the law. And if I may get Sir Launcelot, wit you well he shall have a shameful death. Jesu

defend, said Sir Gawaine, that I may never see it. Why say ye so? said King Arthur; forsooth ye have no

cause to love Sir Launcelot, for this night last past he slew your brother, Sir Agravaine, a full good knight,

and almost he had slain your other brother, Sir Mordred, and also there he slew thirteen noble knights; and

also, Sir Gawaine, remember you he slew two sons of yours, Sir Florence and Sir Lovel. My lord, said Sir

Gawaine, of all this I have knowledge, of whose deaths I repent me sore; but insomuch I gave them warning,

and told my brethren and my sons aforehand what would fall in the end, insomuch they would not do by my

counsel, I will not meddle me thereof, nor revenge me nothing of their deaths; for I told them it was no boot

to strive with Sir Launcelot. Howbeit I am sorry of the death of my brethren and of my sons, for they are the

causers of their own death; for ofttimes I warned my brother Sir Agravaine, and I told him the perils the

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire, and how he slew

THEN said the noble King Arthur to Sir Gawaine: Dear nephew, I pray you make you ready in your best

armour, with your brethren, Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, to bring my queen to the fire, there to have her

judgment and receive the death. Nay, my most noble lord, said Sir Gawaine, that will I never do; for wit you

well I will never be in that place where so noble a queen as is my lady, Dame Guenever, shall take a shameful

end. For wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, my heart will never serve me to see her die; and it shall never be

Then said the king to Sir Gawaine: Suffer your brothers Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth to be there. My lord, said

Sir Gawaine, wit you well they will be loath to be there present, because of many adventures the which be

like there to fall, but they are young and full unable to say you nay. Then spake Sir Gaheris, and the good

knight Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur: Sir, ye may well command us to be there, but wit you well it shall be sore

against our will; but an we be there by your strait commandment ye shall plainly hold us there excused: we

will be there in peaceable wise, and bear none harness of war upon us. In the name of God, said the king, then

make you ready, for she shall soon have her judgment anon. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, that ever I should endure

to see this woful day. So Sir Gawaine turned him and wept heartily, and so he went into his chamber; and

then the queen was led forth without Carlisle, and there she was despoiled into her smock. And so then her

ghostly father was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then was there weeping, and wailing, and

wringing of hands, of many lords and ladies, but there were but few in comparison that would bear any

Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent unto that place for to espy what time the queen should go unto

her death; and anon as he saw the queen despoiled into her smock, and so shriven, then he gave Sir Launcelot

warning. Then was there but spurring and plucking up of horses, and right so they came to the fire. And who

that stood against them, there were they slain; there might none withstand Sir Launcelot, so all that bare arms

and withstood them, there were they slain, full many a noble knight. For there was slain Sir Belliance le

Orgulous, Sir Segwarides, Sir Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor; Sir Gauter, Sir Gillimer, Sir

Reynolds' three brethren; Sir Damas, Sir Priamus, Sir Kay the Stranger, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir

Herminde; Sir Pertilope, Sir Perimones, two brethren that were called the Green Knight and the Red Knight.

And so in this rushing and hurling, as Sir Launcelot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris

and Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unware. For as the French book saith, Sir

Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris upon the brainpans, wherethrough they were slain in the field;

howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and so were they found dead among the thickest of the

Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and slain and put to flight all that would withstand him, then he rode

straight unto Dame Guenever, and made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her; and then he made her to be

set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well the queen was glad that she was escaped

from the death. And then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot; and so he rode his way with the queen, as the

French book saith, unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a noble knight should do; and many great lords

and some kings sent Sir Launcelot many good knights, and many noble knights drew unto Sir Launcelot.

When this was known openly, that King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at debate, many knights were glad of

CHAPTER IX. Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death of his nephews and other good

SO turn we again unto King Arthur, that when it was told him how and in what manner of wise the queen was

taken away from the fire, and when he heard of the death of his noble knights, and in especial of Sir Gaheris

and Sir Gareth's death, then the king swooned for pure sorrow. And when he awoke of his swoon, then he

said: Alas, that ever I bare crown upon my head! for now have I lost the fairest fellowship of noble knights

that ever held Christian king together. Alas, my good knights be slain away from me: now within these two

days I have lost forty knights, and also the noble fellowship of Sir Launcelot and his blood, for now I may

never hold them together no more with my worship. Alas that ever this war began. Now fair fellows, said the

king, I charge you that no man tell Sir Gawaine of the death of his two brethren; for I am sure, said the king,

when Sir Gawaine heareth tell that Sir Gareth is dead he will go nigh out of his mind. Mercy Jesu, said the

king, why slew he Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for I dare say as for Sir Gareth he loved Sir Launcelot above

all men earthly. That is truth, said some knights, but they were slain in the hurtling as Sir Launcelot thrang in

the thick of the press; and as they were unarmed he smote them and wist not whom that he smote, and so

unhappily they were slain. The death of them, said Arthur, will cause the greatest mortal war that ever was; I

am sure, wist Sir Gawaine that Sir Gareth were slain, I should never have rest of him till I had destroyed Sir

Launcelot's kin and himself both, outher else he to destroy me. And therefore, said the king, wit you well my

heart was never so heavy as it is now, and much more I am sorrier for my good knights' loss than for the loss

of my fair queen; for queens I might have enow, but such a fellowship of good knights shall never be together

in no company. And now I dare say, said King Arthur, there was never Christian king held such a fellowship

together; and alas that ever Sir Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah Agravaine, Agravaine, said the king,

Jesu forgive it thy soul, for thine evil will, that thou and thy brother Sir Mordred hadst unto Sir Launcelot,

hath caused all this sorrow: and ever among these complaints the king wept and swooned.

Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the queen was led away with Sir Launcelot, and

nigh a twentyfour knights slain. O Jesu defend my brethren, said Sir Gawaine, for full well wist I that Sir

Launcelot would rescue her, outher else he would die in that field; and to say the truth he had not been a man

of worship had he not rescued the queen that day, insomuch she should have been brent for his sake. And as

in that, said Sir Gawaine, he hath done but knightly, and as I would have done myself an I had stood in like

case. But where are my brethren? said Sir Gawaine, I marvel I hear not of them. Truly, said that man, Sir

Gareth and Sir Gaheris be slain. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, for all the world I would not that they were

slain, and in especial my good brother, Sir Gareth. Sir, said the man, he is slain, and that is great pity. Who

slew him? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said the man, Launcelot slew them both. That may I not believe, said Sir

Gawaine, that ever he slew my brother, Sir Gareth; for I dare say my brother Gareth loved him better than

me, and all his brethren, and the king both. Also I dare say, an Sir Launcelot had desired my brother Sir

Gareth, with him he would have been with him against the king and us all, and therefore I may never believe

that Sir Launcelot slew my brother. Sir, said this man, it is noised that he slew him.

CHAPTER X. How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to make war against Sir

ALAS, said Sir Gawaine, now is my joy gone. And then he fell down and swooned, and long he lay there as

he had been dead. And then, when he arose of his swoon, he cried out sorrowfully, and said: Alas! And right

so Sir Gawaine ran to the king, crying and weeping: O King Arthur, mine uncle, my good brother Sir Gareth

is slain, and so is my brother Sir Gaheris, the which were two noble knights. Then the king wept, and he both;

and so they fell aswooning. And when they were revived then spake Sir Gawaine: Sir, I will go see my

brother, Sir Gareth. Ye may not see him, said the king, for I caused him to be interred, and Sir Gaheris both;

for I well understood that ye would make overmuch sorrow, and the sight of Sir Gareth should have caused

your double sorrow. Alas, my lord, said Sir Gawaine, how slew he my brother, Sir Gareth? Mine own good

lord I pray you tell me. Truly, said the king, I shall tell you how it is told me, Sir Launcelot slew him and Sir

Gaheris both. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, they bare none arms against him, neither of them both. I wot not how it

was, said the king, but as it is said, Sir Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the press and knew them

My king, my lord, and mine uncle, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well now I shall make you a promise that I shall

hold by my knighthood, that from this day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot until the one of us have slain the

other. And therefore I require you, my lord and king, dress you to the war, for wit you well I will be revenged

upon Sir Launcelot; and therefore, as ye will have my service and my love, now haste you thereto, and assay

your friends. For I promise unto God, said Sir Gawaine, for the death of my brother, Sir Gareth, I shall seek

Sir Launcelot throughout seven kings' realms, but I shall slay him or else he shall slay me. Ye shall not need

to seek him so far, said the king, for as I hear say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous Gard;

and much people draweth unto him, as I hear say. That may I believe, said Sir Gawaine; but my lord, he said,

assay your friends, and I will assay mine. It shall be done, said the king, and as I suppose I shall be big

So then the king sent letters and writs throughout all England, both in the length and the breadth, for to

assummon all his knights. And so unto Arthur drew many knights, dukes, and earls, so that he had a great

host. And when they were assembled, the king informed them how Sir Launcelot had bereft him his queen.

Then the king and all his host made them ready to lay siege about Sir Launcelot, where he lay within Joyous

Gard. Thereof heard Sir Launcelot, and purveyed him of many good knights, for with him held many knights;

and some for his own sake, and some for the queen's sake. Thus they were on both parties well furnished and

garnished of all manner of thing that longed to the war. But King Arthur's host was so big that Sir Launcelot

would not abide him in the field, for he was full loath to do battle against the king; but Sir Launcelot drew

him to his strong castle with all manner of victual, and as many noble men as he might suffice within the

town and the castle. Then came King Arthur with Sir Gawaine with an huge host, and laid a siege all about

Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle, and there they made strong war on both parties. But in no

wise Sir Launcelot would ride out, nor go out of his castle, of long time; neither he would none of his good

knights to issue out, neither none of the town nor of the castle, until fifteen weeks were past.

CHAPTER XI. Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and how King Arthur

THEN it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot looked over the walls, and spake on high unto King

Arthur and Sir Gawaine: My lords both, wit ye well all is in vain that ye make at this siege, for here win ye

no worship but maugre and dishonour; for an it list me to come myself out and my good knights, I should full

soon make an end of this war. Come forth, said Arthur unto Launcelot, an thou durst, and I promise thee I

shall meet thee in midst of the field. God defend me, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should encounter with the

most noble king that made me knight. Fie upon thy fair language, said the king, for wit you well and trust it, I

am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my death day; for thou hast slain my good knights, and full noble men of

my blood, that I shall never recover again. Also thou hast lain by my queen, and holden her many winters,

My most noble lord and king, said Sir Launcelot, ye may say what ye will, for ye wot well with yourself will

I not strive; but thereas ye say I have slain your good knights, I wot well that I have done so, and that me sore

repenteth; but I was enforced to do battle with them in saving of my life, or else I must have suffered them to

have slain me. And as for my lady, Queen Guenever, except your person of your highness, and my lord Sir

Gawaine, there is no knight under heaven that dare make it good upon me, that ever I was a traitor unto your

person. And where it please you to say that I have holden my lady your queen years and winters, unto that I

shall ever make a large answer, and prove it upon any knight that beareth the life, except your person and Sir

Gawaine, that my lady, Queen Guenever, is a true lady unto your person as any is living unto her lord, and

that will I make good with my hands. Howbeit it hath liked her good grace to have me in chierte, and to

cherish me more than any other knight; and unto my power I again have deserved her love, for ofttimes, my

lord, ye have consented that she should be brent and destroyed, in your heat, and then it fortuned me to do

battle for her, and or I departed from her adversary they confessed their untruth, and she full worshipfully

excused. And at such times, my lord Arthur, said Sir Launcelot, ye loved me, and thanked me when I saved

your queen from the fire; and then ye promised me for ever to be my good lord; and now methinketh ye

reward me full ill for my good service. And my good lord, meseemeth I had lost a great part of my worship in

my knighthood an I had suffered my lady, your queen, to have been brent, and insomuch she should have

been brent for my sake. For sithen I have done battles for your queen in other quarrels than in mine own,

meseemeth now I had more right to do battle for her in right quarrel. And therefore my good and gracious

lord, said Sir Launcelot, take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both fair, true, and good.

Fie on thee, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine; I let thee wit my lord, mine uncle, King Arthur, shall

have his queen and thee, maugre thy visage, and slay you both whether it please him. It may well be, said Sir

Launcelot, but wit you well, my lord Sir Gawaine, an me list to come out of this castle ye should win me and

the queen more harder than ever ye won a strong battle. Fie on thy proud words, said Sir Gawaine; as for my

lady, the queen, I will never say of her shame. But thou, false and recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, what

cause hadst thou to slay my good brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee more than all my kin? Alas thou madest

him knight thine own hands; why slew thou him that loved thee so well? For to excuse me, said Sir

Launcelot, it helpeth me not, but by Jesu, and by the faith that I owe to the high order of knighthood, I should

with as good will have slain my nephew, Sir Bors de Ganis, at that time. But alas that ever I was so unhappy,

Thou liest, recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, thou slewest him in despite of me; and therefore, wit thou well I

shall make war to thee, and all the while that I may live. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot; for well I

understand it helpeth not to seek none accordment while ye, Sir Gawaine, are so mischievously set. And if ye

were not, I would not doubt to have the good grace of my lord Arthur. I believe it well, false recreant knight,

said Sir Gawaine; for thou hast many long days overled me and us all, and destroyed many of our good

knights. Ye say as it pleaseth you, said Sir Launcelot; and yet may it never be said on me, and openly proved,

that ever I by forecast of treason slew no good knight, as my lord, Sir Gawaine, ye have done; and so did I

never, but in my defence that I was driven thereto, in saving of my life. Ah, false knight, said Sir Gawaine,

that thou meanest by Sir Lamorak: wit thou well I slew him. Ye slew him not yourself, said Sir Launcelot; it

had been overmuch on hand for you to have slain him, for he was one of the best knights christened of his

CHAPTER XII. How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him to go out to battle, and how

WELL, well, said Sir Gawaine to Launcelot, sithen thou enbraidest me of Sir Lamorak, wit thou well I shall

never leave thee till I have thee at such avail that thou shalt not escape my hands. I trust you well enough,

said Sir Launcelot, an ye may get me I get but little mercy. But as the French book saith, the noble King

Arthur would have taken his queen again, and have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine would

not suffer him by no manner of mean. And then Sir Gawaine made many men to blow upon Sir Launcelot;

Then when Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, heard this outcry, they called to them Sir

Palomides, Sir Safere's brother, and Sir Lavaine, with many more of their blood, and all they went unto Sir

Launcelot, and said thus: My lord Sir Launcelot, wit ye well we have great scorn of the great rebukes that we

heard Gawaine say to you; wherefore we pray you, and charge you as ye will have our service, keep us no

longer within these walls; for wit you well plainly, we will ride into the field and do battle with them; for ye

fare as a man that were afeard, and for all your fair speech it will not avail you. For wit you well Sir Gawaine

will not suffer you to be accorded with King Arthur, and therefore fight for your life and your right, an ye

dare. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, for to ride out of this castle, and to do battle, I am full loath.

Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto Sir Arthur and Sir Gawaine: My lords, I require you and beseech you,

sithen that I am thus required and conjured to ride into the field, that neither you, my lord King Arthur, nor

you Sir Gawaine, come not into the field. What shall we do then? said Sir Gawaine, [N]is this the king's

quarrel with thee to fight? and it is my quarrel to fight with thee, Sir Launcelot, because of the death of my

brother Sir Gareth. Then must I needs unto battle, said Sir Launcelot. Now wit you well, my lord Arthur and

And so then they departed either from other; and then either party made them ready on the morn for to do

battle, and great purveyance was made on both sides; and Sir Gawaine let purvey many knights for to wait

upon Sir Launcelot, for to overset him and to slay him. And on the morn at underne Sir Arthur was ready in

the field with three great hosts. And then Sir Launcelot's fellowship came out at three gates, in a full good

array; and Sir Lionel came in the foremost battle, and Sir Launcelot came in the middle, and Sir Bors came

out at the third gate. Thus they came in order and rule, as full noble knights; and always Sir Launcelot

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Gawaine jousted and smote down Sir Lionel, and how Sir Launcelot horsed

THEN came forth Sir Gawaine from the king's host, and he came before and proffered to joust. And Sir

Lionel was a fierce knight, and lightly he encountered with Sir Gawaine; and there Sir Gawaine smote Sir

Lionel through out the body, that he dashed to the earth like as he had been dead; and then Sir Ector de Maris

and other more bare him into the castle. Then there began a great stour, and much people was slain; and ever

Sir Launcelot did what he might to save the people on King Arthur's party, for Sir Palomides, and Sir Bors,

and Sir Safere, overthrew many knights, for they were deadly knights. And Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Sir

Bleoberis de Ganis, with Sir Bellangere le Beuse, these six knights did much harm; and ever King Arthur was

nigh about Sir Launcelot to have slain him, and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and would not strike again. So

Sir Bors encountered with King Arthur, and there with a spear Sir Bors smote him down; and so he alighted

and drew his sword, and said to Sir Launcelot: Shall I make an end of this war? and that he meant to have

slain King Arthur. Not so hardy, said Sir Launcelot, upon pain of thy head, that thou touch him no more, for I

will never see that most noble king that made me knight neither slain ne shamed. And therewithal Sir

Launcelot alighted off his horse and took up the king and horsed him again, and said thus: My lord Arthur,

for God's love stint this strife, for ye get here no worship, and I would do mine utterance, but always I forbear

you, and ye nor none of yours forbeareth me; my lord, remember what I have done in many places, and now I

Then when King Arthur was on horseback, he looked upon Sir Launcelot, and then the tears brast out of his

eyen, thinking on the great courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot more than in any other man; and therewith the

king rode his way, and might no longer behold him, and said: Alas, that ever this war began. And then either

parties of the battles withdrew them to repose them, and buried the dead, and to the wounded men they laid

soft salves; and thus they endured that night till on the morn. And on the morn by underne they made them

So upon the morn there came Sir Gawaine as brim as any boar, with a great spear in his hand. And when Sir

Bors saw him he thought to revenge his brother Sir Lionel of the despite that Sir Gawaine did him the other

day. And so they that knew either other feutred their spears, and with all their mights of their horses and

themselves, they met together so felonously that either bare other through, and so they fell both to the earth;

and then the battles joined, and there was much slaughter on both parties. Then Sir Launcelot rescued Sir

Bors, and sent him into the castle; but neither Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not of their wounds, for they

were all holpen. Then Sir Lavaine and Sir Urre prayed Sir Launcelot to do his pain, and fight as they had

done; For we see ye forbear and spare, and that doth much harm; therefore we pray you spare not your

enemies no more than they do you. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, I have no heart to fight against my lord Arthur,

for ever meseemeth I do not as I ought to do. My lord, said Sir Palomides, though ye spare them all this day

they will never con you thank; and if they may get you at avail ye are but dead. So then Sir Launcelot

understood that they said him truth; and then he strained himself more than he did aforehand, and because his

nephew Sir Bors was sore wounded. And then within a little while, by evensong time, Sir Launcelot and his

party better stood, for their horses went in blood past the fetlocks, there was so much people slain. And then

for pity Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, and suffered King Arthur's party for to withdraw them aside. And

then Sir Launcelot's party withdrew them into his castle, and either parties buried the dead, and put salve unto

So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they on King Arthur's party were not so orgulous as they were toforehand to

do battle. Of this war was noised through all Christendom, and at the last it was noised afore the Pope; and he

considering the great goodness of King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot, that was called the most noblest knights

of the world, wherefore the Pope called unto him a noble clerk that at that time was there present; the French

book saith, it was the Bishop of Rochester; and the Pope gave him bulls under lead unto King Arthur of

England, charging him upon pain of interdicting of all England, that he take his queen Dame Guenever unto

CHAPTER XIV. How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how Sir Launcelot brought the

SO when this Bishop was come to Carlisle he shewed the king these bulls. And when the king understood

these bulls he nist what to do: full fain he would have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine

would not suffer him; but as for to have the queen, thereto he agreed. But in nowise Sir Gawaine would not

suffer the king to accord with Sir Launcelot; but as for the queen he consented. And then the Bishop had of

the king his great seal, and his assurance as he was a true anointed king that Sir Launcelot should come safe,

and go safe, and that the queen should not be spoken unto of the king, nor of none other, for no thing done

afore time past; and of all these appointments the Bishop brought with him sure assurance and writing, to

So when the Bishop was come to Joyous Gard, there he shewed Sir Launcelot how the Pope had written to

Arthur and unto him, and there he told him the perils if he withheld the queen from the king. It was never in

my thought, said Launcelot, to withhold the queen from my lord Arthur; but, insomuch she should have been

dead for my sake, meseemeth it was my part to save her life, and put her from that danger, till better recover

might come. And now I thank God, said Sir Launcelot, that the Pope hath made her peace; for God knoweth,

said Sir Launcelot, I will be a thousandfold more gladder to bring her again, than ever I was of her taking

away; with this, I may be sure to come safe and go safe, and that the queen shall have her liberty as she had

before; and never for no thing that hath been surmised afore this time, she never from this day stand in no

peril. For else, said Sir Launcelot, I dare adventure me to keep her from an harder shour than ever I kept her.

It shall not need you, said the Bishop, to dread so much; for wit you well, the Pope must be obeyed, and it

were not the Pope's worship nor my poor honesty to wit you distressed, neither the queen, neither in peril, nor

shamed. And then he shewed Sir Launcelot all his writing, both from the Pope and from King Arthur. This is

sure enough, said Sir Launcelot, for full well I dare trust my lord's own writing and his seal, for he was never

shamed of his promise. Therefore, said Sir Launcelot unto the Bishop, ye shall ride unto the king afore, and

recommend me unto his good grace, and let him have knowledging that this same day eight days, by the

grace of God, I myself shall bring my lady, Queen Guenever, unto him. And then say ye unto my most

redoubted king, that I will say largely for the queen, that I shall none except for dread nor fear, but the king

himself, and my lord Sir Gawaine; and that is more for the king's love than for himself.

So the Bishop departed and came to the king at Carlisle, and told him all how Sir Launcelot answered him;

and then the tears brast out of the king's eyen. Then Sir Launcelot purveyed him an hundred knights, and all

were clothed in green velvet, and their horses trapped to their heels; and every knight held a branch of olive

in his hand, in tokening of peace. And the queen had fourandtwenty gentlewomen following her in the

same wise; and Sir Launcelot had twelve coursers following him, and on every courser sat a young

gentleman, and all they were arrayed in green velvet, with sarps of gold about their quarters, and the horse

trapped in the same wise down to the heels, with many ouches, yset with stones and pearls in gold, to the

number of a thousand. And she and Sir Launcelot were clothed in white cloth of gold tissue; and right so as

ye have heard, as the French book maketh mention, he rode with the queen from Joyous Gard to Carlisle.

And so Sir Launcelot rode throughout Carlisle, and so in the castle, that all men might behold; and wit you

well there was many a weeping eye. And then Sir Launcelot himself alighted and avoided his horse, and took

the queen, and so led her where King Arthur was in his seat: and Sir Gawaine sat afore him, and many other

great lords. So when Sir Launcelot saw the king and Sir Gawaine, then he led the queen by the arm, and then

he kneeled down, and the queen both. Wit you well then was there many bold knight there with King Arthur

that wept as tenderly as though they had seen all their kin afore them. So the king sat still, and said no word.

And when Sir Launcelot saw his countenance, he arose and pulled up the queen with him, and thus he spake

CHAPTER XV. Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and what language Sir

MY most redoubted king, ye shall understand, by the Pope's commandment and yours, I have brought to you

my lady the queen, as right requireth; and if there be any knight, of whatsomever degree that he be, except

your person, that will say or dare say but that she is true and clean to you, I here myself, Sir Launcelot du

Lake, will make it good upon his body, that she is a true lady unto you; but liars ye have listened, and that

hath caused debate betwixt you and me. For time hath been, my lord Arthur, that ye have been greatly

pleased with me when I did battle for my lady, your queen; and full well ye know, my most noble king, that

she hath been put to great wrong or this time; and sithen it pleased you at many times that I should fight for

her, meseemeth, my good lord, I had more cause to rescue her from the fire, insomuch she should have been

brent for my sake. For they that told you those tales were liars, and so it fell upon them; for by likelihood had

not the might of God been with me, I might never have endured fourteen knights, and they armed and afore

purposed, and I unarmed and not purposed. For I was sent for unto my lady your queen, I wot not for what

cause; but I was not so soon within the chamber door, but anon Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred called me

traitor and recreant knight. They called thee right, said Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot,

in their quarrel they proved themselves not in the right. Well well, Sir Launcelot, said the king, I have given

thee no cause to do to me as thou hast done, for I have worshipped thee and thine more than any of all my

My good lord, said Sir Launcelot, so ye be not displeased, ye shall understand I and mine have done you oft

better service than any other knights have done, in many divers places; and where ye have been full hard

bestead divers times, I have myself rescued you from many dangers; and ever unto my power I was glad to

please you, and my lord Sir Gawaine; both in jousts, and tournaments, and in battles set, both on horseback

and on foot, I have often rescued you, and my lord Sir Gawaine, and many mo of your knights in many divers

places. For now I will make avaunt, said Sir Launcelot, I will that ye all wit that yet I found never no manner

of knight but that I was overhard for him, an I had done my utterance, thanked be God; howbeit I have been

matched with good knights, as Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak, but ever I had a favour unto them and a

deeming what they were. And I take God to record, said Sir Launcelot, I never was wroth nor greatly heavy

with no good knight an I saw him busy about to win worship; and glad I was ever when I found any knight

that might endure me on horseback and on foot: howbeit Sir Carados of the Dolorous Tower was a full noble

knight and a passing strong man, and that wot ye, my lord Sir Gawaine; for he might well be called a noble

knight when he by fine force pulled you out of your saddle, and bound you overthwart afore him to his saddle

bow; and there, my lord Sir Gawaine, I rescued you, and slew him afore your sight. Also I found his brother,

Sir Turquin, in likewise leading Sir Gaheris, your brother, bounden afore him; and there I rescued your

brother and slew that Turquin, and delivered threescoreandfour of my lord Arthur's knights out of his

prison. And now I dare say, said Sir Launcelot, I met never with so strong knights, nor so well fighting, as

was Sir Carados and Sir Turquin, for I fought with them to the uttermost. And therefore, said Sir Launcelot

unto Sir Gawaine, meseemeth ye ought of right to remember this; for, an I might have your good will, I

CHAPTER XVI. Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot, with much other

THE king may do as he will, said Sir Gawaine, but wit thou well, Sir Launcelot, thou and I shall never be

accorded while we live, for thou hast slain three of my brethren; and two of them ye slew traitorly and

piteously, for they bare none harness against thee, nor none would bear. God would they had been armed,

said Sir Launcelot, for then had they been alive. And wit ye well Sir Gawaine, as for Sir Gareth, I love none

of my kinsmen so much as I did him; and ever while I live, said Sir Launcelot, I will bewail Sir Gareth's

death, not all only for the great fear I have of you, but many causes cause me to be sorrowful. One is, for I

made him knight; another is, I wot well he loved me above all other knights; and the third is, he was passing

noble, true, courteous, and gentle, and well conditioned; the fourth is, I wist well, anon as I heard that Sir

Gareth was dead, I should never after have your love, but everlasting war betwixt us; and also I wist well that

ye would cause my noble lord Arthur for ever to be my mortal foe. And as Jesu be my help, said Sir

Launcelot, I slew never Sir Gareth nor Sir Gaheris by my will; but alas that ever they were unarmed that

unhappy day. But thus much I shall offer me, said Sir Launcelot, if it may please the king's good grace, and

you, my lord Sir Gawaine, I shall first begin at Sandwich, and there I shall go in my shirt, barefoot; and at

every ten miles' end I will found and gar make an house of religion, of what order that ye will assign me, with

an whole convent, to sing and read, day and night, in especial for Sir Gareth's sake and Sir Gaheris. And this

shall I perform from Sandwich unto Carlisle; and every house shall have sufficient livelihood. And this shall I

perform while I have any livelihood in Christendom; and there nis none of all these religious places, but they

shall be performed, furnished and garnished in all things as an holy place ought to be, I promise you

faithfully. And this, Sir Gawaine, methinketh were more fairer, holier, and more better to their souls, than ye,

my most noble king, and you, Sir Gawaine, to war upon me, for thereby shall ye get none avail.

Then all knights and ladies that were there wept as they were mad, and the tears fell on King Arthur's cheeks.

Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I have right well heard thy speech, and thy great proffers, but wit thou well,

let the king do as it pleased him, I will never forgive my brothers' death, and in especial the death of my

brother, Sir Gareth. And if mine uncle, King Arthur, will accord with thee, he shall lose my service, for wit

thou well thou art both false to the king and to me. Sir, said Launcelot he beareth not the life that may make

that good and if ye, Sir Gawaine, will charge me with so high a thing, ye must pardon me, for then needs

must I answer you. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, we are past that at this time, and that caused the Pope, for he hath

charged mine uncle, the king, that he shall take his queen again, and to accord with thee, Sir Launcelot, as for

this season, and therefore thou shalt go safe as thou camest. But in this land thou shalt not abide past fifteen

days, such summons I give thee: so the king and we were consented and accorded or thou camest. And else,

said Sir Gawaine, wit thou well thou shouldst not have come here, but if it were maugre thy head. And if it

were not for the Pope's commandment, said Sir Gawaine, I should do battle with mine own body against thy

body, and prove it upon thee, that thou hast been both false unto mine uncle King Arthur, and to me both; and

that shall I prove upon thy body, when thou art departed from hence, wheresomever I find thee.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from Joyous Gard over seaward, and

THEN Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks, and then he said thus: Alas, most

noble Christian realm, whom I have loved above all other realms, and in thee I have gotten a great part of my

worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Truly me repenteth that ever I came in this realm, that should be

thus shamefully banished, undeserved and causeless; but fortune is so variant, and the wheel so moveable,

there nis none constant abiding, and that may be proved by many old chronicles, of noble Ector, and Troilus,

and Alisander, the mighty conqueror, and many mo other; when they were most in their royalty, they alighted

lowest. And so fareth it by me, said Sir Launcelot, for in this realm I had worship, and by me and mine all the

whole Round Table hath been increased more in worship, by me and mine blood, than by any other. And

therefore wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, I may live upon my lands as well as any knight that here is. And if ye,

most redoubted king, will come upon my lands with Sir Gawaine to war upon me, I must endure you as well

as I may. But as to you, Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I pray you charge me not with treason nor felony,

for an ye do, I must answer you. Do thou thy best, said Sir Gawaine; therefore hie thee fast that thou were

gone, and wit thou well we shall soon come after, and break the strongest castle that thou hast, upon thy head.

That shall not need, said Sir Launcelot, for an I were as orgulous set as ye are, wit you well I should meet you

in midst of the field. Make thou no more language, said Sir Gawaine, but deliver the queen from thee, and

pike thee lightly out of this court. Well, said Sir Launcelot, an I had wist of this short coming, I would have

advised me twice or that I had come hither; for an the queen had been so dear to me as ye noise her, I durst

And then Sir Launcelot said unto Guenever, in hearing of the king and them all: Madam, now I must depart

from you and this noble fellowship for ever; and sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say me

well; and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues, lightly my lady send me word, and if any knight's hands

may deliver you by battle, I shall deliver you. And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen; and then he

said all openly . Now let see what he be in this place that dare say the queen is not true unto my lord Arthur,

let see who will speak an he dare speak. And therewith he brought the queen to the king, and then Sir

Launcelot took his leave and departed; and there was neither king, duke, nor earl, baron nor knight, lady nor

gentlewoman, but all they wept as people out of their mind, except Sir Gawaine. And when the noble Sir

Launcelot took his horse to ride out of Carlisle, there was sobbing and weeping for pure dole of his departing;

and so he took his way unto Joyous Gard. And then ever after he called it the Dolorous Gard. And thus

And so when he came to Joyous Gard he called his fellowship unto him, and asked them what they would do

Then they answered all wholly together with one voice they would as he would do. My fair fellows, said Sir

Launcelot, I must depart out of this most noble realm, and now I shall depart it grieveth me sore, for I shall

depart with no worship, for a flemed man departed never out of a realm with no worship; and that is my

heaviness, for ever I fear after my days that men shall chronicle upon me that I was flemed out of this land;

and else, my fair lords, be ye sure, an I had not dread shame, my lady, Queen Guenever, and I should never

Then spake many noble knights, as Sir Palomides, Sir Safere his brother, and Sir Bellingere le Beuse, and Sir

Urre, with Sir Lavaine, with many others: Sir, an ye be so disposed to abide in this land we will never fail

you; and if ye list not to abide in this land there nis none of the good knights that here be will fail you, for

many causes. One is, all we that be not of your blood shall never be welcome to the court. And sithen it liked

us to take a part with you in your distress and heaviness in this realm, wit you well it shall like us as well to

go in other countries with you, and there to take such part as ye do. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, I well

understand you, and as I can, thank you: and ye shall understand, such livelihood as I am born unto I shall

depart with you in this manner of wise; that is for to say, I shall depart all my livelihood and all my lands

freely among you, and I myself will have as little as any of you, for have I sufficient that may long to my

person, I will ask none other rich array; and I trust to God to maintain you on my lands as well as ever were

maintained any knights. Then spake all the knights at once: He have shame that will leave you; for we all

understand in this realm will be now no quiet, but ever strife and debate, now the fellowship of the Round

Table is broken; for by the noble fellowship of the Round Table was King Arthur upborne, and by their

noblesse the king and all his realm was in quiet and rest, and a great part they said all was because of your

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made great lords of the knights

TRULY, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you all of your good saying, howbeit, I wot well, in me was not all the

stability of this realm, but in that I might I did my devoir; and well I am sure I knew many rebellions in my

days that by me were peaced, and I trow we all shall hear of them in short space, and that me sore repenteth.

For ever I dread me, said Sir Launcelot, that Sir Mordred will make trouble, for he is passing envious and

applieth him to trouble. So they were accorded to go with Sir Launcelot to his lands; and to make short tale,

they trussed, and paid all that would ask them; and wholly an hundred knights departed with Sir Launcelot at

And so they shipped at Cardiff, and sailed unto Benwick: some men call it Bayonne, and some men call it

Beaune, where the wine of Beaune is. But to say the sooth, Sir Launcelot and his nephews were lords of all

France, and of all the lands that longed unto France; he and his kindred rejoiced it all through Sir Launcelot's

noble prowess. And then Sir Launcelot stuffed and furnished and garnished all his noble towns and castles.

Then all the people of those lands came to Sir Launcelot on foot and hands. And so when he had stablished

all these countries, he shortly called a parliament; and there he crowned Sir Lionel, King of France; and Sir

Bors [he] crowned him king of all King Claudas' lands; and Sir Ector de Maris, that was Sir Launcelot's

youngest brother, he crowned him King of Benwick, and king of all Guienne, that was Sir Launcelot's own

Then Sir Launcelot advanced all his noble knights, and first he advanced them of his blood; that was Sir

Blamore, he made him Duke of Limosin in Guienne and Sir Bleoberis he made him Duke of Poictiers, and

Sir Gahalantine he made him Duke of Querne, and Sir Galihodin he made him Duke of Sentonge, and Sir

Galihud he made him Earl of Perigot, and Sir Menadeuke he made him Earl of Roerge, and Sir Villiars the

Valiant he made him Earl of Bearn, and Sir Hebes le Renoumes he made him Earl of Comange, and Sir

Lavaine he made him Earl of Arminak, and Sir Urre he made him Earl of Estrake, and Sir Neroneus he made

him Earl of Pardiak, and Sir Plenorius he made Earl of Foise, and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower he made

him Earl of Masauke, and Sir Melias de Lile he made him Earl of Tursauk, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse he

made Earl of the Launds, and Sir Palomides he made him Duke of the Provence, and Sir Safere he made him

Duke of Landok, and Sir Clegis he gave him the Earldom of Agente, and Sir Sadok he gave the Earldom of

Surlat, and Sir Dinas le Seneschal he made him Duke of Anjou, and Sir Clarrus he made him Duke of

Normandy. Thus Sir Launcelot rewarded his noble knights and many more, that meseemeth it were too long

CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready to go over sea to make war

SO leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble knights with him, and return we again unto King Arthur

and to Sir Gawaine, that made a great host ready, to the number of threescore thousand; and all thing was

made ready for their shipping to pass over the sea, and so they shipped at Cardiff. And there King Arthur

made Sir Mordred chief ruler of all England, and also he put Queen Guenever under his governance; because

Sir Mordred was King Arthur's son, he gave him the rule of his land and of his wife; and so the king passed

the sea and landed upon Sir Launcelot's lands, and there he brent and wasted, through the vengeance of Sir

When this word came to Sir Launcelot, that King Arthur and Sir Gawaine were landed upon his lands, and

made a full great destruction and waste, then spake Sir Bors, and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, it is shame that

we suffer them thus to ride over our lands, for wit you well, suffer ye them as long as ye will, they will do

you no favour an they may handle you. Then said Sir Lionel that was wary and wise: My lord Sir Launcelot, I

will give this counsel, let us keep our strong walled towns until they have hunger and cold, and blow on their

nails; and then let us freshly set upon them, and shred them down as sheep in a field, that aliens may take

Then spake King Bagdemagus to Sir Launcelot: Sir, your courtesy will shende us all, and thy courtesy hath

waked all this sorrow; for an they thus over our lands ride, they shall by process bring us all to nought whilst

we thus in holes us hide. Then said Sir Galihud unto Sir Launcelot: Sir, here be knights come of kings' blood,

that will not long droop, and they are within these walls; therefore give us leave, like as we be knights, to

meet them in the field, and we shall slay them, that they shall curse the time that ever they came into this

country. Then spake seven brethren of North Wales, and they were seven noble knights; a man might seek in

seven kings' lands or he might find such seven knights. Then they all said at once: Sir Launcelot, for Christ's

sake let us out ride with Sir Galihud, for we be never wont to cower in castles nor in noble towns.

Then spake Sir Launcelot, that was master and governor of them all: My fair lords, wit you well I am full

loath to ride out with my knights for shedding of Christian blood; and yet my lands I understand be full bare

for to sustain any host awhile, for the mighty wars that whilom made King Claudas upon this country, upon

my father King Ban, and on mine uncle King Bors; howbeit we will as at this time keep our strong walls, and

I shall send a messenger unto my lord Arthur, a treaty for to take; for better is peace than always war.

So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damosel and a dwarf with her, requiring King Arthur to leave his warring upon

his lands; and so she start upon a palfrey, and the dwarf ran by her side. And when she came to the pavilion

of King Arthur, there she alighted; and there met her a gentle knight, Sir Lucan the Butler, and said: Fair

damosel, come ye from Sir Launcelot du Lake? Yea sir, she said, therefore I come hither to speak with my

lord the king. Alas, said Sir Lucan, my lord Arthur would love Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine will not suffer

him. And then he said: I pray to God, damosel, ye may speed well, for all we that be about the king would Sir

Launcelot did best of any knight living. And so with this Lucan led the damosel unto the king where he sat

with Sir Gawaine, for to hear what she would say. So when she had told her tale, the water ran out of the

king's eyen, and all the lords were full glad for to advise the king as to be accorded with Sir Launcelot, save

all only Sir Gawaine, and he said: My lord mine uncle, what will ye do? Will ye now turn again, now ye are

passed thus far upon this journey? all the world will speak of your villainy. Nay, said Arthur, wit thou well,

Sir Gawaine, I will do as ye will advise me; and yet meseemeth, said Arthur, his fair proffers were not good

to be refused; but sithen I am come so far upon this journey, I will that ye give the damosel her answer, for I

CHAPTER XX. What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot; and how King Arthur laid siege to

THEN Sir Gawaine said to the damosel thus: Damosel, say ye to Sir Launcelot that it is waste labour now to

sue to mine uncle; for tell him, an he would have made any labour for peace, he should have made it or this

time, for tell him now it is too late; and say that I, Sir Gawaine, so send him word, that I promise him by the

faith I owe unto God and to knighthood, I shall never leave him till he have slain me or I him. So the damosel

wept and departed, and there were many weeping eyen; and so Sir Lucan brought the damosel to her palfrey,

and so she came to Sir Launcelot where he was among all his knights. And when Sir Launcelot had heard this

answer, then the tears ran down by his cheeks. And then his noble knights strode about him, and said: Sir

Launcelot, wherefore make ye such cheer, think what ye are, and what men we are, and let us noble knights

match them in midst of the field. That may be lightly done, said Sir Launcelot, but I was never so loath to do

battle, and therefore I pray you, fair sirs, as ye love me, be ruled as I will have you, for I will always flee that

noble king that made me knight. And when I may no further, I must needs defend me, and that will be more

worship for me and us all than to compare with that noble king whom we have all served. Then they held

And upon the morn early, in the dawning of the day, as knights looked out, they saw the city of Benwick

besieged round about; and fast they began to set up ladders, and then they defied them out of the town, and

beat them from the walls wightly. Then came forth Sir Gawaine well armed upon a stiff steed, and he came

before the chief gate, with his spear in his hand, crying: Sir Launcelot, where art thou? is there none of you

proud knights dare break a spear with me? Then Sir Bors made him ready, and came forth out of the town,

and there Sir Gawaine encountered with Sir Bors. And at that time he smote Sir Bors down from his horse,

and almost he had slain him; and so Sir Bors was rescued and borne into the town. Then came forth Sir

Lionel, brother to Sir Bors, and thought to revenge him; and either feutred their spears, and ran together; and

there they met spitefully, but Sir Gawaine had such grace that he smote Sir Lionel down, and wounded him

there passing sore; and then Sir Lionel was rescued and borne into the town. And this Sir Gawaine came

So thus they endured half a year, and much slaughter was of people on both parties. Then it befell upon a day,

Sir Gawaine came afore the gates armed at all pieces on a noble horse, with a great spear in his hand; and

then he cried with a loud voice: Where art thou now, thou false traitor, Sir Launcelot? Why hidest thou

thyself within holes and walls like a coward? Look out now, thou false traitor knight, and here I shall revenge

upon thy body the death of my three brethren. All this language heard Sir Launcelot every deal; and his kin

and his knights drew about him, and all they said at once to Sir Launcelot: Sir Launcelot, now must ye defend

you like a knight, or else ye be shamed for ever; for, now ye be called upon treason, it is time for you to stir,

for ye have slept overlong and suffered overmuch. So God me help, said Sir Launcelot, I am right heavy of

Sir Gawaine's words, for now he charged me with a great charge; and therefore I wot it as well as ye, that I

Then Sir Launcelot bade saddle his strongest horse, and bade let fetch his arms, and bring all unto the gate of

the tower; and then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur, and said: My lord Arthur, and noble king

that made me knight, wit you well I am right heavy for your sake, that ye thus sue upon me; and always I

forbare you, for an I would have been vengeable, I might have met you in midst of the field, and there to have

made your boldest knights full tame. And now I have forborne half a year, and suffered you and Sir Gawaine

to do what ye would do; and now may I endure it no longer, for now must I needs defend myself, insomuch

Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of treason; the which is greatly against my will that ever I should fight against

any of your blood, but now I may not forsake it, I am driven thereto as a beast till a bay.

Then Sir Gawaine said: Sir Launcelot, an thou durst do battle, leave thy babbling and come off, and let us

ease our hearts. Then Sir Launcelot armed him lightly, and mounted upon his horse, and either of the knights

gat great spears in their hands, and the host without stood still all apart, and the noble knights came out of the

city by a great number, insomuch that when Arthur saw the number of men and knights, he marvelled, and

said to himself: Alas, that ever Sir Launcelot was against me, for now I see he hath forborne me. And so the

covenant was made, there should no man nigh them, nor deal with them, till the one were dead or yelden.

CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, and how Sir Gawaine was

THEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great way asunder, and then they came together with all

their horses' might as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their shields; but the knights were so

strong, and their spears so big, that their horses might not endure their buffets, and so their horses fell to the

earth; and then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields afore them. Then they stood together and

gave many sad strokes on divers places of their bodies, that the blood brast out on many sides and places.

Then had Sir Gawaine such a grace and gift that an holy man had given to him, that every day in the year,

from underne till high noon, his might increased those three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that

caused Sir Gawaine to win great honour. And for his sake King Arthur made an ordinance, that all manner of

battles for any quarrels that should be done afore King Arthur should begin at underne; and all was done for

Sir Gawaine's love, that by likelihood, if Sir Gawaine were on the one part, he should have the better in battle

while his strength endureth three hours; but there were but few knights that time living that knew this

Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and when Sir Launcelot felt his might evermore increase, Sir

Launcelot wondered and dread him sore to be shamed. For as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot weened,

when he felt Sir Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend and none earthly man; wherefore Sir

Launcelot traced and traversed, and covered himself with his shield, and kept his might and his braide during

three hours; and that while Sir Gawaine gave him many sad brunts, and many sad strokes, that all the knights

that beheld Sir Launcelot marvelled how that he might endure him; but full little understood they that travail

that Sir Launcelot had for to endure him. And then when it was past noon Sir Gawaine had no more but his

own might. When Sir Launcelot felt him so come down, then he stretched him up and stood near Sir

Gawaine, and said thus: My lord Sir Gawaine, now I feel ye have done; now my lord Sir Gawaine, I must do

my part, for many great and grievous strokes I have endured you this day with great pain.

Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes and gave Sir Gawaine such a buffet on the helmet that he fell down

on his side, and Sir Launcelot withdrew him from him. Why withdrawest thou thee? said Sir Gawaine; now

turn again, false traitor knight, and slay me, for an thou leave me thus, when I am whole I shall do battle with

thee again. I shall endure you, Sir, by God's grace, but wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, I will never smite a felled

knight. And so Sir Launcelot went into the city; and Sir Gawaine was borne into King Arthur's pavilion, and

leeches were brought to him, and searched and salved with soft ointments. And then Sir Launcelot said: Now

have good day, my lord the king, for wit you well ye win no worship at these walls; and if I would my

knights outbring, there should many a man die. Therefore, my lord Arthur, remember you of old kindness;

CHAPTER XXII. Of the sorrow that King Arthur made for the war, and of another battle where also Sir

ALAS, said the king, that ever this unhappy war was begun; for ever Sir Launcelot forbeareth me in all

places, and in likewise my kin, and that is seen well this day by my nephew Sir Gawaine. Then King Arthur

fell sick for sorrow of Sir Gawaine, that he was so sore hurt, and because of the war betwixt him and Sir

Launcelot. So then they on King Arthur's part kept the siege with little war withoutforth; and they withinforth

kept their walls, and defended them when need was. Thus Sir Gawaine lay sick three weeks in his tents, with

all manner of leechcraft that might be had. And as soon as Sir Gawaine might go and ride, he armed him at

all points, and start upon a courser, and gat a spear in his hand, and so he came riding afore the chief gate of

Benwick; and there he cried on height: Where art thou, Sir Launcelot? Come forth, thou false traitor knight

All this language Sir Launcelot heard, and then he said thus: Sir Gawaine, me repents of your foul saying,

that ye will not cease of your language; for you wot well, Sir Gawaine, I know your might and all that ye may

do; and well ye wot, Sir Gawaine, ye may not greatly hurt me. Come down, traitor knight, said he, and make

it good the contrary with thy hands, for it mishapped me the last battle to be hurt of thy hands; therefore wit

thou well I am come this day to make amends, for I ween this day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me. Jesu

defend me, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I be so far in your danger as ye have been in mine, for then my days

were done. But Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, ye shall not think that I tarry long, but sithen that ye so

unknightly call me of treason, ye shall have both your hands full of me. And then Sir Launcelot armed him at

all points, and mounted upon his horse, and gat a great spear in his hand, and rode out at the gate. And both

the hosts were assembled, of them without and of them within, and stood in array full manly. And both

parties were charged to hold them still, to see and behold the battle of these two noble knights. And then they

laid their spears in their rests, and they came together as thunder, and Sir Gawaine brake his spear upon Sir

Launcelot in a hundred pieces unto his hand; and Sir Launcelot smote him with a greater might, that Sir

Gawaine's horse's feet raised, and so the horse and he fell to the earth. Then Sir Gawaine deliverly avoided

his horse, and put his shield afore him, and eagerly drew his sword, and bade Sir Launcelot: Alight, traitor

knight, for if this mare's son hath failed me, wit thou well a king's son and a queen's son shall not fail thee.

Then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and dressed his shield afore him, and drew his sword; and so stood

they together and gave many sad strokes, that all men on both parties had thereof passing great wonder. But

when Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawaine's might so marvellously increase, he then withheld his courage and his

wind, and kept himself wonder covert of his might; and under his shield he traced and traversed here and

there, to break Sir Gawaine's strokes and his courage; and Sir Gawaine enforced himself with all his might

and power to destroy Sir Launcelot; for as the French book saith, ever as Sir Gawaine's might increased, right

so increased his wind and his evil will. Thus Sir Gawaine did great pain unto Sir Launcelot three hours, that

And when the three hours were passed, that Sir Launcelot felt that Sir Gawaine was come to his own proper

strength, then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Gawaine: Now have I proved you twice, that ye are a full dangerous

knight, and a wonderful man of your might; and many wonderful deeds have ye done in your days, for by

your might increasing you have deceived many a full noble and valiant knight; and, now I feel that ye have

done your mighty deeds, now wit you well I must do my deeds. And then Sir Launcelot stood near Sir

Gawaine, and then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes; and Sir Gawaine defended him mightily, but

nevertheless Sir Launcelot smote such a stroke upon Sir Gawaine's helm, and upon the old wound, that Sir

Gawaine sinked down upon his one side in a swoon. And anon as he did awake he waved and foined at Sir

Launcelot as he lay, and said: Traitor knight, wit thou well I am not yet slain, come thou near me and perform

this battle unto the uttermost. I will no more do than I have done, said Sir Launcelot, for when I see you on

foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see you stand on your feet; but for to smite a wounded man that

may not stand, God defend me from such a shame. And then he turned him and went his way toward the city.

And Sir Gawaine evermore calling him traitor knight, and said: Wit thou well Sir Launcelot, when I am

whole I shall do battle with thee again, for I shall never leave thee till that one of us be slain. Thus as this

siege endured, and as Sir Gawaine lay sick near a month; and when he was well recovered and ready within

three days to do battle again with Sir Launcelot, right so came tidings unto Arthur from England that made

CHAPTER I. How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of England, and would have

AS Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he did do make letters as though that they came from beyond the

sea, and the letters specified that King Arthur was slain in battle with Sir Launcelot. Wherefore Sir Mordred

made a parliament, and called the lords together, and there he made them to choose him king; and so was he

crowned at Canterbury, and held a feast there fifteen days; and afterward he drew him unto Winchester, and

there he took the Queen Guenever, and said plainly that he would wed her which was his uncle's wife and his

father's wife. And so he made ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that they should be wedded; wherefore

Queen Guenever was passing heavy. But she durst not discover her heart, but spake fair, and agreed to Sir

Mordred's will. Then she desired of Sir Mordred for to go to London, to buy all manner of things that longed

unto the wedding. And because of her fair speech Sir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to

go. And so when she came to London she took the Tower of London, and suddenly in all haste possible she

stuffed it with all manner of victual, and well garnished it with men, and so kept it.

Then when Sir Mordred wist and understood how he was beguiled, he was passing wroth out of measure.

And a short tale for to make, he went and laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and made many

great assaults thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot great guns. But all might not prevail

Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever would never for fair speech nor for foul, would never trust to come in his

Then came the Bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble clerk and an holy man, and thus he said to Sir

Mordred: Sir, what will ye do? will ye first displease God and sithen shame yourself, and all knighthood? Is

not King Arthur your uncle, no farther but your mother's brother, and on her himself King Arthur begat you

upon his own sister, therefore how may you wed your father's wife? Sir, said the noble clerk, leave this

opinion or I shall curse you with book and bell and candle. Do thou thy worst, said Sir Mordred, wit thou

well I shall defy thee. Sir, said the Bishop, and wit you well I shall not fear me to do that me ought to do.

Also where ye noise where my lord Arthur is slain, and that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work

in this land. Peace, thou false priest, said Sir Mordred, for an thou chafe me any more I shall make strike off

thy head. So the Bishop departed and did the cursing in the most orgulist wise that might be done. And then

Sir Mordred sought the Bishop of Canterbury, for to have slain him. Then the Bishop fled, and took part of

his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury; and there he was as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived

in poverty and in holy prayers, for well he understood that mischievous war was at hand.

Then Sir Mordred sought on Queen Guenever by letters and sonds, and by fair means and foul means, for to

have her to come out of the Tower of London; but all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly

and privily, that she had liefer slay herself than to be married with him. Then came word to Sir Mordred that

King Arthur had araised the siege for Sir Launcelot, and he was coming homeward with a great host, to be

avenged upon Sir Mordred; wherefore Sir Mordred made write writs to all the barony of this land, and much

people drew to him. For then was the common voice among them that with Arthur was none other life but

war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus was Sir Arthur depraved, and evil said of.

And many there were that King Arthur had made up of nought, and given them lands, might not then say him

a good word. Lo ye all Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief here was! for he that was the most king and

knight of the world, and most loved the fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were all upholden, now

might not these Englishmen hold them content with him. Lo thus was the old custom and usage of this land;

and also men say that we of this land have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage. Alas, this is a

great default of us Englishmen, for there may no thing please us no term. And so fared the people at that time,

they were better pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur; and much people drew unto Sir

Mordred, and said they would abide with him for better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great

host to Dover, for there he heard say that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so he thought to beat his own father

from his lands; and the most part of all England held with Sir Mordred, the people were so newfangle.

CHAPTER II. How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and came to Dover, where Sir Mordred

AND so as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King Arthur with a great navy of ships, and

galleys, and carracks. And there was Sir Mordred ready awaiting upon his landing, to let his own father to

land upon the land that he was king over. Then there was launching of great boats and small, and full of noble

men of arms; and there was much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron was laid full low,

on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous that there might no manner of knights let him to land,

and his knights fiercely followed him; and so they landed maugre Sir Mordred and all his power, and put Sir

So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were dead. And then was noble Sir

Gawaine found in a great boat, lying more than half dead When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so

low; he went unto him; and there the king made sorrow out of measure, and took Sir Gawaine in his arms,

and thrice he there swooned. And then when he awaked, he said: Alas, Sir Gawaine, my sister's son, here now

thou liest; the man in the world that I loved most; and now is my joy gone, for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine,

I will discover me unto your person: in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine affiance, and now

have I lost my joy of you both; wherefore all mine earthly joy is gone from me. Mine uncle King Arthur, said

Sir Gawaine, wit you well my deathday is come, and all is through mine own hastiness and wilfulness; for I

am smitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot gave me, on the which I feel well I must die; and had

Sir Launcelot been with you as he was, this unhappy war had never begun; and of all this am I causer, for Sir

Launcelot and his blood, through their prowess, held all your cankered enemies in subjection and daunger.

And now, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall miss Sir Launcelot. But alas, I would not accord with him, and therefore,

said Sir Gawaine, I pray you, fair uncle, that I may have paper, pen, and ink, that I may write to Sir Launcelot

And then when paper and ink was brought, then Gawaine was set up weakly by King Arthur, for he was

shriven a little tofore; and then he wrote thus, as the French book maketh mention: Unto Sir Launcelot,

flower of all noble knights that ever I heard of or saw by my days, I, Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son of Orkney,

sister's son unto the noble King Arthur, send thee greeting, and let thee have knowledge that the tenth day of

May I was smitten upon the old wound that thou gavest me afore the city of Benwick, and through the same

wound that thou gavest me I am come to my deathday. And I will that all the world wit, that I, Sir Gawaine,

knight of the Table Round, sought my death, and not through thy deserving, but it was mine own seeking;

wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Launcelot, to return again unto this realm, and see my tomb, and pray some

prayer more or less for my soul. And this same day that I wrote this cedle, I was hurt to the death in the same

wound, the which I had of thy hand, Sir Launcelot; for of a more nobler man might I not be slain. Also Sir

Launcelot, for all the love that ever was betwixt us, make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all haste, that

thou mayst with thy noble knights rescue that noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord Arthur; for he

is full straitly bestead with a false traitor, that is my halfbrother, Sir Mordred; and he hath let crown him

king, and would have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so had he done had she not put herself in the

Tower of London. And so the tenth day of May last past, my lord Arthur and we all landed upon them at

Dover; and there we put that false traitor, Sir Mordred, to flight, and there it misfortuned me to be stricken

upon thy stroke. And at the date of this letter was written, but two hours and a half afore my death, written

with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart's blood. And I require thee, most famous knight

of the world, that thou wilt see my tomb. And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept; and then they

swooned both. And when they awaked both, the king made Sir Gawaine to receive his Saviour. And then Sir

Gawaine prayed the king for to send for Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights.

And so at the hour of noon Sir Gawaine yielded up the spirit; and then the king let inter him in a chapel

within Dover Castle; and there yet all men may see the skull of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir

Launcelot gave him in battle. Then was it told the king that Sir Mordred had pight a new field upon Barham

Down. And upon the morn the king rode thither to him, and there was a great battle betwixt them, and much

people was slain on both parties; but at the last Sir Arthur's party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party

CHAPTER III. How after, Sir Gawaine's ghost appeared to King Arthur, and warned him that he should

AND then the king let search all the towns for his knights that were slain, and interred them; and salved them

with soft salves that so sore were wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then they said

that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur with wrong. And then King Arthur drew him with his host down

by the seaside, westward toward Salisbury; and there was a day assigned betwixt King Arthur and Sir

Mordred, that they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not far from the seaside; and this day was

assigned on a Monday after Trinity Sunday, whereof King Arthur was passing glad, that he might be avenged

upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred araised much people about London, for they of Kent, Southsex, and

Surrey, Estsex, and of Southfolk, and of Northfolk, held the most part with Sir Mordred; and many a full

noble knight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king: but they that loved Sir Launcelot drew unto Sir

So upon Trinity Sunday at night, King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream, and that was this: that him

seemed he sat upon a chaflet in a chair, and the chair was fast to a wheel, and thereupon sat King Arthur in

the richest cloth of gold that might be made; and the king thought there was under him, far from him, an

hideous deep black water, and therein were all manner of serpents, and worms, and wild beasts, foul and

horrible; and suddenly the king thought the wheel turned upsodown, and he fell among the serpents, and

every beast took him by a limb; and then the king cried as he lay in his bed and slept: Help. And then knights,

squires, and yeomen, awaked the king; and then he was so amazed that he wist not where he was; and then he

fell aslumbering again, not sleeping nor thoroughly waking. So the king seemed verily that there came Sir

Gawaine unto him with a number of fair ladies with him. And when King Arthur saw him, then he said:

Welcome, my sister's son; I weened thou hadst been dead, and now I see thee alive, much am I beholding

unto Almighty Jesu. O fair nephew and my sister's son, what be these ladies that hither be come with you?

Sir, said Sir Gawaine, all these be ladies for whom I have foughten when I was man living, and all these are

those that I did battle for in righteous quarrel; and God hath given them that grace at their great prayer,

because I did battle for them, that they should bring me hither unto you: thus much hath God given me leave,

for to warn you of your death; for an ye fight as tomorn with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt

ye not ye must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties. And for the great grace and

goodness that almighty Jesu hath unto you, and for pity of you, and many more other good men there shall be

slain, God hath sent me to you of his special grace, to give you warning that in no wise ye do battle as

tomorn, but that ye take a treaty for a month day; and proffer you largely, so as tomorn to be put in a delay.

For within a month shall come Sir Launcelot with all his noble knights, and rescue you worshipfully, and slay

Sir Mordred, and all that ever will hold with him. Then Sir Gawaine and all the ladies vanished.

And anon the king called upon his knights, squires, and yeomen, and charged them wightly to fetch his noble

lords and wise bishops unto him. And when they were come, the king told them his avision, what Sir

Gawaine had told him, and warned him that if he fought on the morn he should be slain. Then the king

commanded Sir Lucan the Butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged

them in any wise, an they might, Take a treaty for a month day with Sir Mordred, and spare not, proffer him

lands and goods as much as ye think best. So then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a

grim host of an hundred thousand men. And there they entreated Sir Mordred long time; and at the last Sir

Mordred was agreed for to have Cornwall and Kent, by Arthur's days: after, all England, after the days of

CHAPTER IV. How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred was slain, and Arthur

THEN were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should meet betwixt both their hosts, and

everych of them should bring fourteen persons; and they came with this word unto Arthur. Then said he: I am

glad that this is done: and so he went into the field. And when Arthur should depart, he warned all his host

that an they see any sword drawn: Look ye come on fiercely, and slay that traitor, Sir Mordred, for I in no

wise trust him. In like wise Sir Mordred warned his host that: An ye see any sword drawn, look that ye come

on fiercely, and so slay all that ever before you standeth; for in no wise I will not trust for this treaty, for I

know well my father will be avenged on me. And so they met as their appointment was, and so they were

agreed and accorded thoroughly; and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right soon came an adder out of a

little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot. And when the knight felt him stung, he looked down and

saw the adder, and then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other harm. And when the

host on both parties saw that sword drawn, then they blew beams, trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly.

And so both hosts dressed them together. And King Arthur took his horse, and said: Alas this unhappy day!

and so rode to his party. And Sir Mordred in like wise. And never was there seen a more dolefuller battle in

no Christian land; for there was but rushing and riding, foining and striking, and many a grim word was there

spoken either to other, and many a deadly stroke. But ever King Arthur rode throughout the battle of Sir

Mordred many times, and did full nobly as a noble king should, and at all times he fainted never; and Sir

Mordred that day put him in devoir, and in great peril. And thus they fought all the long day, and never

stinted till the noble knights were laid to the cold earth; and ever they fought still till it was near night, and by

that time was there an hundred thousand laid dead upon the down. Then was Arthur wood wroth out of

Then the king looked about him, and then was he ware, of all his host and of all his good knights, were left no

more alive but two knights; that one was Sir Lucan the Butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, and they were

full sore wounded. Jesu mercy, said the king, where are all my noble knights become? Alas that ever I should

see this doleful day, for now, said Arthur, I am come to mine end. But would to God that I wist where were

that traitor Sir Mordred, that hath caused all this mischief. Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred

leaned upon his sword among a great heap of dead men. Now give me my spear, said Arthur unto Sir Lucan,

for yonder I have espied the traitor that all this woe hath wrought. Sir, let him be, said Sir Lucan, for he is

unhappy; and if ye pass this unhappy day ye shall be right well revenged upon him. Good lord, remember ye

of your night's dream, and what the spirit of Sir Gawaine told you this night, yet God of his great goodness

hath preserved you hitherto. Therefore, for God's sake, my lord, leave off by this, for blessed be God ye have

won the field, for here we be three alive, and with Sir Mordred is none alive; and if ye leave off now this

wicked day of destiny is past. Tide me death, betide me life, saith the king, now I see him yonder alone he

shall never escape mine hands, for at a better avail shall I never have him. God speed you well, said Sir

Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran toward Sir Mordred, crying: Traitor, now is thy

deathday come. And when Sir Mordred heard Sir Arthur, he ran until him with his sword drawn in his hand.

And there King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield, with a foin of his spear, throughout the body,

more than a fathom. And when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death wound he thrust himself with the might

that he had up to the bur of King Arthur's spear. And right so he smote his father Arthur, with his sword

holden in both his hands, on the side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brainpan, and

therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth; and the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and

there he swooned ofttimes. And Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up. And so

weakly they led him betwixt them both, to a little chapel not far from the seaside. And when the king was

Then heard they people cry in the field. Now go thou, Sir Lucan, said the king, and do me to wit what

betokens that noise in the field. So Sir Lucan departed, for he was grievously wounded in many places. And

so as he yede, he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how that pillers and robbers were come into the field,

to pill and to rob many a full noble knight of brooches, and beads, of many a good ring, and of many a rich

jewel; and who that were not dead all out, there they slew them for their harness and their riches. When Sir

Lucan understood this work, he came to the king as soon as he might, and told him all what he had heard and

seen. Therefore by my rede, said Sir Lucan, it is best that we bring you to some town. I would it were so, said

CHAPTER V. How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the water, and how he was

BUT I may not stand, mine head works so. Ah Sir Launcelot, said King Arthur, this day have I sore missed

thee: alas, that ever I was against thee, for now have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my

dream. Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere the other part, and in the lifting the

king swooned; and Sir Lucan fell in a swoon with the lift, that the part of his guts fell out of his body, and

therewith the noble knight's heart brast. And when the king awoke, he beheld Sir Lucan, how he lay foaming

at the mouth, and part of his guts lay at his feet. Alas, said the king, this is to me a full heavy sight, to see this

noble duke so die for my sake, for he would have holpen me, that had more need of help than I. Alas, he

would not complain him, his heart was so set to help me: now Jesu have mercy upon his soul! Then Sir

Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. Leave this mourning and weeping, said the king, for all this will

not avail me, for wit thou well an I might live myself, the death of Sir Lucan would grieve me evermore; but

my time hieth fast, said the king. Therefore, said Arthur unto Sir Bedivere, take thou Excalibur, my good

sword, and go with it to yonder water side, and when thou comest there I charge thee throw my sword in that

water, and come again and tell me what thou there seest. My lord, said Bedivere, your commandment shall be

So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld that noble sword, that the pommel and the haft was all of

precious stones; and then he said to himself: If I throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shall never come

good, but harm and loss. And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree. And so, as soon as he might, he

came again unto the king, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword in the water. What

saw thou there? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing but waves and winds. That is untruly said of thee,

said the king, therefore go thou lightly again, and do my commandment; as thou art to me lief and dear, spare

not, but throw it in. Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand; and then him thought

sin and shame to throw away that noble sword, and so eft he hid the sword, and returned again, and told to the

king that he had been at the water, and done his commandment. What saw thou there? said the king. Sir, he

said, I saw nothing but the waters wap and waves wan. Ah, traitor untrue, said King Arthur, now hast thou

betrayed me twice. Who would have weened that, thou that hast been to me so lief and dear? and thou art

named a noble knight, and would betray me for the richness of the sword. But now go again lightly, for thy

long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy of my life, for I have taken cold. And but if thou do now as I bid

thee, if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee with mine own hands; for thou wouldst for my rich sword see me

Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it up, and went to the water side; and

there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he threw the sword as far into the water as he might; and

there came an arm and an hand above the water and met it, and caught it, and so shook it thrice and

brandished, and then vanished away the hand with the sword in the water. So Sir Bedivere came again to the

king, and told him what he saw. Alas, said the king, help me hence, for I dread me I have tarried over long.

Then Sir Bedivere took the king upon his back, and so went with him to that water side. And when they were

at the water side, even fast by the bank hoved a little barge with many fair ladies in it, and among them all

was a queen, and all they had black hoods, and all they wept and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. Now

put me into the barge, said the king. And so he did softly; and there received him three queens with great

mourning; and so they set them down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head. And then that queen

said: Ah, dear brother, why have ye tarried so long from me? alas, this wound on your head hath caught

overmuch cold. And so then they rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all those ladies go from

him. Then Sir Bedivere cried: Ah my lord Arthur, what shall become of me, now ye go from me and leave

me here alone among mine enemies? Comfort thyself, said the king, and do as well as thou mayst, for in me

is no trust for to trust in; for I will into the vale of Avilion to heal me of my grievous wound: and if thou hear

never more of me, pray for my soul. But ever the queens and ladies wept and shrieked, that it was pity to

hear. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took the forest;

and so he went all that night, and in the morning he was ware betwixt two holts hoar, of a chapel and an

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bedivere found him on the morrow dead in an hermitage, and how he abode there

THEN was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went; and when he came into the chapel, he saw where lay an

hermit grovelling on all four, there fast by a tomb was new graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere he

knew him well, for he was but little tofore Bishop of Canterbury, that Sir Mordred flemed. Sir, said

Bedivere, what man is there interred that ye pray so fast for? Fair son, said the hermit, I wot not verily, but by

deeming. But this night, at midnight, here came a number of ladies, and brought hither a dead corpse, and

prayed me to bury him; and here they offered an hundred tapers, and they gave me an hundred besants. Alas,

said Sir Bedivere, that was my lord King Arthur, that here lieth buried in this chapel. Then Sir Bedivere

swooned; and when he awoke he prayed the hermit he might abide with him still there, to live with fasting

and prayers. For from hence will I never go, said Sir Bedivere, by my will, but all the days of my life here to

pray for my lord Arthur. Ye are welcome to me, said the hermit, for I know ye better than ye ween that I do.

Ye are the bold Bedivere, and the full noble duke, Sir Lucan the Butler, was your brother. Then Sir Bedivere

told the hermit all as ye have heard tofore. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit that was tofore

Bishop of Canterbury, and there Sir Bedivere put upon him poor clothes, and served the hermit full lowly in

Thus of Arthur I find never more written in books that be authorised, nor more of the very certainty of his

death heard I never read, but thus was he led away in a ship wherein were three queens; that one was King

Arthur's sister, Queen Morgan le Fay; the other was the Queen of Northgalis; the third was the Queen of the

Waste Lands. Also there was Nimue, the chief lady of the lake, that had wedded Pelleas the good knight; and

this lady had done much for King Arthur, for she would never suffer Sir Pelleas to be in no place where he

should be in danger of his life; and so he lived to the uttermost of his days with her in great rest. More of the

death of King Arthur could I never find, but that ladies brought him to his burials; and such one was buried

there, that the hermit bare witness that sometime was Bishop of Canterbury, but yet the hermit knew not in

certain that he was verily the body of King Arthur: for this tale Sir Bedivere, knight of the Table Round,

CHAPTER VII. Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur; and how Queen Guenever made

YET some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord

Jesu into another place; and men say that he shall come again, and he shall win the holy cross. I will not say it

shall be so, but rather I will say: here in this world he changed his life. But many men say that there is written

Thus leave I here Sir Bedivere with the hermit, that dwelled that time in a chapel beside Glastonbury, and

there was his hermitage. And so they lived in their prayers, and fastings, and great abstinence. And when

Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was slain, and all the noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the

remnant, then the queen stole away, and five ladies with her, and so she went to Almesbury; and there she let

make herself a nun, and ware white clothes and black, and great penance she took, as ever did sinful lady in

this land, and never creature could make her merry; but lived in fasting, prayers, and almsdeeds, that all

manner of people marvelled how virtuously she was changed. Now leave we Queen Guenever in Almesbury,

a nun in white clothes and black, and there she was Abbess and ruler as reason would; and turn we from her,

CHAPTER VIII. How when Sir Lancelot heard of the death of King Arthur, and of Sir Gawaine, and

AND when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred was crowned king in England, and made war against

King Arthur, his own father, and would let him to land in his own land; also it was told Sir Launcelot how

that Sir Mordred had laid siege about the Tower of London, because the queen would not wed him; then was

Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and said to his kinsmen: Alas, that double traitor Sir Mordred, now me

repenteth that ever he escaped my hands, for much shame hath he done unto my lord Arthur; for all I feel by

the doleful letter that my lord Sir Gawaine sent me, on whose soul Jesu have mercy that my lord Arthur is full

hard bestead. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should live to hear that most noble king that made me

knight thus to be overset with his subject in his own realm. And this doleful letter that my lord, Sir Gawaine,

hath sent me afore his death, praying me to see his tomb, wit you well his doleful words shall never go from

mine heart, for he was a full noble knight as ever was born; and in an unhappy hour was I born that ever I

should have that unhap to slay first Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris the good knight, and mine own friend Sir

Gareth, that full noble knight. Alas, I may say I am unhappy, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should do thus

unhappily, and, alas, yet might I never have hap to slay that traitor, Sir Mordred.

Leave your complaints, said Sir Bors, and first revenge you of the death of Sir Gawaine; and it will be well

done that ye see Sir Gawaine's tomb, and secondly that ye revenge my lord Arthur, and my lady, Queen

Then they made them ready in all the haste that might be, with ships and galleys, with Sir Launcelot and his

host to pass into England. And so he passed over the sea till he came to Dover, and there he landed with

seven kings, and the number was hideous to behold. Then Sir Launcelot spered of men of Dover where was

King Arthur become. Then the people told him how that he was slain, and Sir Mordred and an hundred

thousand died on a day; and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the first battle at his landing, and there

was good Sir Gawaine slain; and on the morn Sir Mordred fought with the king upon Barham Down, and

there the king put Sir Mordred to the worse. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, this is the heaviest tidings that ever

came to me. Now, fair sirs, said Sir Launcelot, shew me the tomb of Sir Gawaine. And then certain people of

the town brought him into the castle of Dover, and shewed him the tomb. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down

and wept, and prayed heartily for his soul. And that night he made a dole, and all they that would come had as

much flesh, fish, wine and ale, and every man and woman had twelve pence, come who would. Thus with his

own hand dealt he this money, in a mourning gown; and ever he wept, and prayed them to pray for the soul of

Sir Gawaine. And on the morn all the priests and clerks that might be gotten in the country were there, and

sang mass of Requiem; and there offered first Sir Launcelot, and he offered an hundred pound; and then the

seven kings offered forty pound apiece; and also there was a thousand knights, and each of them offered a

pound; and the offering dured from morn till night, and Sir Launcelot lay two nights on his tomb in prayers

Then on the third day Sir Launcelot called the kings, dukes, earls, barons, and knights, and said thus: My fair

lords, I thank you all of your coming into this country with me, but we came too late, and that shall repent me

while I live, but against death may no man rebel. But sithen it is so, said Sir Launcelot, I will myself ride and

seek my lady, Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath had great pain and much disease; and I heard say

that she is fled into the west. Therefore ye all shall abide me here, and but if I come again within fifteen days,

then take your ships and your fellowship, and depart into your country, for I will do as I say to you.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, and how he found her at

THEN came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, what think ye for to do, now to ride in this

realm? wit ye well ye shall find few friends. Be as be may, said Sir Launcelot, keep you still here, for I will

forth on my journey, and no man nor child shall go with me. So it was no boot to strive, but he departed and

rode westerly, and there he sought a seven or eight days; and at the last he came to a nunnery, and then was

Queen Guenever ware of Sir Launcelot as he walked in the cloister. And when she saw him there she

swooned thrice, that all the ladies and gentlewomen had work enough to hold the queen up. So when she

might speak, she called ladies and gentlewomen to her, and said: Ye marvel, fair ladies, why I make this fare.

Truly, she said, it is for the sight of yonder knight that yonder standeth; wherefore I pray you all call him to

When Sir Launcelot was brought to her, then she said to all the ladies: Through this man and me hath all this

war been wrought, and the death of the most noblest knights of the world; for through our love that we have

loved together is my most noble lord slain. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, wit thou well I am set in such a plight to

get my soulheal; and yet I trust through God's grace that after my death to have a sight of the blessed face of

Christ, and at domesday to sit on his right side, for as sinful as ever I was are saints in heaven. Therefore, Sir

Launcelot, I require thee and beseech thee heartily, for all the love that ever was betwixt us, that thou never

see me more in the visage; and I command thee, on God's behalf, that thou forsake my company, and to thy

kingdom thou turn again, and keep well thy realm from war and wrack; for as well as I have loved thee, mine

heart will not serve me to see thee, for through thee and me is the flower of kings and knights destroyed;

therefore, Sir Launcelot, go to thy realm, and there take thee a wife, and live with her with joy and bliss; and I

pray thee heartily, pray for me to our Lord that I may amend my misliving. Now, sweet madam, said Sir

Launcelot, would ye that I should now return again unto my country, and there to wed a lady? Nay, madam,

wit you well that shall I never do, for I shall never be so false to you of that I have promised; but the same

destiny that ye have taken you to, I will take me unto, for to please Jesu, and ever for you I cast me specially

to pray. If thou wilt do so, said the queen, hold thy promise, but I may never believe but that thou wilt turn to

the world again. Well, madam, said he, ye say as pleaseth you, yet wist you me never false of my promise,

and God defend but I should forsake the world as ye have done. For in the quest of the Sangreal I had

forsaken the vanities of the world had not your lord been. And if I had done so at that time, with my heart,

will, and thought, I had passed all the knights that were in the Sangreal except Sir Galahad, my son. And

therefore, lady, sithen ye have taken you to perfection, I must needs take me to perfection, of right. For I take

record of God, in you I have had mine earthly joy; and if I had found you now so disposed, I had cast me to

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the Archbishop of Canterbury was, and

BUT sithen I find you thus disposed, I ensure you faithfully, I will ever take me to penance, and pray while

my life lasteth, if I may find any hermit, either gray or white, that will receive me. Wherefore, madam, I pray

you kiss me and never no more. Nay, said the queen, that shall I never do, but abstain you from such works:

and they departed. But there was never so hard an hearted man but he would have wept to see the dolour that

they made; for there was lamentation as they had been stung with spears; and many times they swooned, and

And Sir Launcelot awoke, and went and took his horse, and rode all that day and all night in a forest,

weeping. And at the last he was ware of an hermitage and a chapel stood betwixt two cliffs; and then he heard

a little bell ring to mass, and thither he rode and alighted, and tied his horse to the gate, and heard mass. And

he that sang mass was the Bishop of Canterbury. Both the Bishop and Sir Bedivere knew Sir Launcelot, and

they spake together after mass. But when Sir Bedivere had told his tale all whole, Sir Launcelot's heart almost

brast for sorrow, and Sir Launcelot threw his arms abroad, and said: Alas, who may trust this world. And then

he kneeled down on his knee, and prayed the Bishop to shrive him and assoil him. And then he besought the

Bishop that he might be his brother. Then the Bishop said: I will gladly; and there he put an habit upon Sir

Thus the great host abode at Dover. And then Sir Lionel took fifteen lords with him, and rode to London to

seek Sir Launcelot; and there Sir Lionel was slain and many of his lords. Then Sir Bors de Ganis made the

great host for to go home again; and Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, with more other

of Sir Launcelot's kin, took on them to ride all England overthwart and endlong, to seek Sir Launcelot. So Sir

Bors by fortune rode so long till he came to the same chapel where Sir Launcelot was; and so Sir Bors heard

a little bell knell, that rang to mass; and there he alighted and heard mass. And when mass was done, the

Bishop Sir Launcelot, and Sir Bedivere, came to Sir Bors. And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot in that

manner clothing, then he prayed the Bishop that he might be in the same suit. And so there was an habit put

upon him, and there he lived in prayers and fasting. And within half a year, there was come Sir Galihud, Sir

Galihodin, Sir Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiars, Sir Clarras, and Sir Gahalantine. So all these seven noble

knights there abode still. And when they saw Sir Launcelot had taken him to such perfection, they had no lust

Thus they endured in great penance six year; and then Sir Launcelot took the habit of priesthood of the

Bishop, and a twelvemonth he sang mass. And there was none of these other knights but they read in books,

and holp for to sing mass, and rang bells, and did bodily all manner of service. And so their horses went

where they would, for they took no regard of no worldly riches. For when they saw Sir Launcelot endure such

penance, in prayers, and fastings, they took no force what pain they endured, for to see the noblest knight of

the world take such abstinence that he waxed full lean. And thus upon a night, there came a vision to Sir

Launcelot, and charged him, in remission of his sins, to haste him unto Almesbury: And by then thou come

there, thou shalt find Queen Guenever dead. And therefore take thy fellows with thee, and purvey them of an

horse bier, and fetch thou the corpse of her, and bury her by her husband, the noble King Arthur. So this

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to Almesbury, and found there Queen

THEN Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the hermit. It were well done, said the hermit, that ye made you

ready, and that you disobey not the avision. Then Sir Launcelot took his eight fellows with him, and on foot

they yede from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little more than thirty mile. And thither they came

within two days, for they were weak and feeble to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesbury

within the nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an hour afore. And the ladies told Sir Launcelot that

Queen Guenever told them all or she passed, that Sir Launcelot had been priest near a twelvemonth, And

hither he cometh as fast as he may to fetch my corpse; and beside my lord, King Arthur, he shall bury me.

Wherefore the queen said in hearing of them all: I beseech Almighty God that I may never have power to see

Sir Launcelot with my worldly eyen; and thus, said all the ladies, was ever her prayer these two days, till she

was dead. Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not greatly, but sighed. And so he did all the

observance of the service himself, both the dirige, and on the morn he sang mass. And there was ordained an

horse bier; and so with an hundred torches ever brenning about the corpse of the queen, and ever Sir

Launcelot with his eight fellows went about the horse bier, singing and reading many an holy orison, and

frankincense upon the corpse incensed. Thus Sir Launcelot and his eight fellows went on foot from

And when they were come to the chapel and the hermitage, there she had a dirige, with great devotion. And

on the morn the hermit that sometime was Bishop of Canterbury sang the mass of Requiem with great

devotion. And Sir Launcelot was the first that offered, and then also his eight fellows. And then she was

wrapped in cered cloth of Raines, from the top to the toe, in thirtyfold, and after she was put in a web of lead,

and then in a coffin of marble. And when she was put in the earth Sir Launcelot swooned, and lay long still,

while the hermit came and awaked him, and said: Ye be to blame, for ye displease God with such manner of

sorrowmaking. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I trust I do not displease God, for He knoweth mine intent. For my

sorrow was not, nor is not for any rejoicing of sin, but my sorrow may never have end. For when I remember

of her beauty, and of her noblesse, that was both with her king and with her, so when I saw his corpse and her

corpse so lie together, truly mine heart would not serve to sustain my careful body. Also when I remember

me how by my default, mine orgule and my pride, that they were both laid full low, that were peerless that

ever was living of Christian people, wit you well, said Sir Launcelot, this remembered, of their kindness and

mine unkindness, sank so to mine heart, that I might not sustain myself. So the French book maketh mention.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose body was borne to Joyous Gard

THEN Sir Launcelot never after ate but little meat, ne drank, till he was dead. For then he sickened more and

more, and dried, and dwined away. For the Bishop nor none of his fellows might not make him to eat, and

little he drank, that he was waxen by a cubit shorter than he was, that the people could not know him. For

evermore, day and night, he prayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken sleep; ever he was lying grovelling

on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guenever. And there was no comfort that the Bishop, nor Sir Bors,

nor none of his fellows, could make him, it availed not. So within six weeks after, Sir Launcelot fell sick, and

lay in his bed; and then he sent for the Bishop that there was hermit, and all his true fellows. Then Sir

Launcelot said with dreary steven: Sir Bishop, I pray you give to me all my rites that longeth to a Christian

man. It shall not need you, said the hermit and all his fellows, it is but heaviness of your blood, ye shall be

well mended by the grace of God tomorn. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well my careful body

will into the earth, I have warning more than now I will say; therefore give me my rites. So when he was

houseled and anealed, and had all that a Christian man ought to have, he prayed the Bishop that his fellows

might bear his body to Joyous Gard. Some men say it was Alnwick, and some men say it was Bamborough.

Howbeit, said Sir Launcelot, me repenteth sore, but I made mine avow sometime, that in Joyous Gard I

would be buried. And because of breaking of mine avow, I pray you all, lead me thither. Then there was

So at a season of the night they all went to their beds, for they all lay in one chamber. And so after midnight,

against day, the Bishop [that] then was hermit, as he lay in his bed asleep, he fell upon a great laughter. And

therewith all the fellowship awoke, and came to the Bishop, and asked him what he ailed. Ah Jesu mercy,

said the Bishop, why did ye awake me? I was never in all my life so merry and so well at ease. Wherefore?

said Sir Bors. Truly said the Bishop, here was Sir Launcelot with me with mo angels than ever I saw men in

one day. And I saw the angels heave up Sir Launcelot unto heaven, and the gates of heaven opened against

him. It is but dretching of swevens, said Sir Bors, for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth nothing but good. It

may well be, said the Bishop; go ye to his bed, and then shall ye prove the sooth. So when Sir Bors and his

fellows came to his bed they found him stark dead, and he lay as he had smiled, and the sweetest savour

Then was there weeping and wringing of hands, and the greatest dole they made that ever made men. And on

the morn the Bishop did his mass of Requiem, and after, the Bishop and all the nine knights put Sir Launcelot

in the same horse bier that Queen Guenever was laid in tofore that she was buried. And so the Bishop and

they all together went with the body of Sir Launcelot daily, till they came to Joyous Gard; and ever they had

an hundred torches brenning about him. And so within fifteen days they came to Joyous Gard. And there they

laid his corpse in the body of the quire, and sang and read many psalters and prayers over him and about him.

And ever his visage was laid open and naked, that all folks might behold him. For such was the custom in

those days, that all men of worship should so lie with open visage till that they were buried. And right thus as

they were at their service, there came Sir Ector de Maris, that had seven years sought all England, Scotland,

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and how Constantine reigned next

AND when Sir Ector heard such noise and light in the quire of Joyous Gard, he alighted and put his horse

from him, and came into the quire, and there he saw men sing and weep. And all they knew Sir Ector, but he

knew not them. Then went Sir Bors unto Sir Ector, and told him how there lay his brother, Sir Launcelot,

dead; and then Sir Ector threw his shield, sword, and helm from him. And when he beheld Sir Launcelot's

visage, he fell down in a swoon. And when he waked it were hard any tongue to tell the doleful complaints

that he made for his brother. Ah Launcelot, he said, thou were head of all Christian knights, and now I dare

say, said Sir Ector, thou Sir Launcelot, there thou liest, that thou were never matched of earthly knight's hand.

And thou were the courteoust knight that ever bare shield. And thou were the truest friend to thy lover that

ever bestrad horse. And thou were the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved woman. And thou were the

kindest man that ever struck with sword. And thou were the goodliest person that ever came among press of

knights. And thou was the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies. And thou were the

sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest. Then there was weeping and dolour out of

Thus they kept Sir Launcelot's corpse aloft fifteen days, and then they buried it with great devotion. And then

at leisure they went all with the Bishop of Canterbury to his hermitage, and there they were together more

than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir Cador's son of Cornwall, was chosen king of England. And

he was a full noble knight, and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this King Constantine sent for the

Bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where he was. And so he was restored unto his Bishopric, and left that

hermitage. And Sir Bedivere was there ever still hermit to his life's end. Then Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de

Maris, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiars le Valiant, Sir

Clarrus of Clermont, all these knights drew them to their countries. Howbeit King Constantine would have

had them with him, but they would not abide in this realm. And there they all lived in their countries as holy

men. And some English books make mention that they went never out of England after the death of Sir

Launcelot, but that was but favour of makers. For the French book maketh mention, and is authorised, that Sir

Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Blamore, and Sir Bleoberis, went into the Holy Land thereas Jesu Christ was quick and

dead, and anon as they had stablished their lands. For the book saith, so Sir Launcelot commanded them for

to do, or ever he passed out of this world. And these four knights did many battles upon the miscreants or