Le Morte Darthur
Sir Thomas Malory's Book of
King Arthur and of his Noble
Knights of the Round Table
IN TWO VOLS.--VOL. II
of the
Content of Chapters.
here follow the Chapters of the Tenth Book.>
How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur, because he
told him not the cause why he bare that shield . Chap. i.
How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides' life, and how they promised
to fight together within a fortnight . . Chap. ii.
How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten him down,
and many other knights of the Round Table . Chap. iii.
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. v.
How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the
joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir
Tristram . . . . . . Chap. vi.
How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with two
knights into England, and how he slew one of the knights
Chap. vii.
How the king came to a fountain where he found Sir Lamorak
complaining for the love of King Lot's wife . Chap. viii.
How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to a castle, and
how King Mark was known there . . Chap. ix.
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. xii.
How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying, and how he
overthrew Dagonet and other knights . . Chap. xiii.
How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making great
sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud . . Chap. xiv.
How the king had slain Amant wrongfully to-fore King Arthur, and
Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to King Arthur . Chap. xv.
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 knights . Chap. xx.
How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorak came in,
and overthrew Sir Gawaine and many other . Chap. xxi.
How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir Tristram,
and how they departed toward Cornwall . . Chap. xxii.
How Sir Percivale was made knight of King Arthur, and how a dumb
maid spake, and brought him to the Round Table Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Lamorak lay with King Lot's wife, and how Sir Gaheris slew
her which was his own mother . . . Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight fleeing, and
how they both were overthrown, and of Sir Dinadan Chap. xxv.
How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received letters out of
Cornwall, and of the answer again . . Chap. xxvi.
How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received from
King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay of King Mark Chap. xxvii.
How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to King Mark; and
of Sir Tristram how he promised to rescue him . Chap. xxviii.
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 . . Chap. xxx.
How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper came and sang
the lay that Dinadan had made . . . Chap. xxxi.
How King Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, for good
service that he had done to him . . . Chap. xxxii.
How Anglides, Boudwin's wife, escaped with her young son, Alisander
le Orphelin, and came to the Castle of Arundel . Chap. xxxiii.
How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander, her son, the
same day that he was made knight, and the charge withal Chap. xxxiv.
How it was told to King Mark of Sir Alisander, and how he would
have slain Sir Sadok for saving of his life . . Chap. xxxv.
How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and of Morgan le
Fay: and how he fought with Sir Malgrin, and slew him Chap. xxxvi.
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 of Sir Mordred Chap. xxxix.
How Sir Galahalt did do cry a jousts in Surluse, and Queen Guenever's
knights should joust against all that would come . Chap. xl.
How Sir Launcelot fought in the tournament, and how Sir Palomides
did arms there for a damosel . . . Chap. xli.
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.
Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms . Chap. xlv.
Of the fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him . Chap. xlvi.
How Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and how Palomides
slew Corsabrin . . . . Chap. xlvii.
Of the sixth day, and what was then done . . Chap. xlviii.
Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being disguised like a
maid, smote down Sir Dinadan . . . Chap. xlix.
How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament for to have
been slain, and how he was put in prison . . Chap. l.
How King Mark let do counterfeit letters from the Pope, and how
Sir Percivale delivered Sir Tristram out of prison . Chap. li.
How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came into England, and how
Sir Launcelot brought them to Joyous Gard . Chap. lii.
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 . . Chap. lv.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and
how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud . Chap. lvi.
How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with jousting with Sir
Palomides, Sir Dinadan knew him . . Chap. lvii.
How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other devices of the
death of Sir Lamorak . . . . Chap. lviii.
How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a ship there,
wherein lay the body of King Hermance . . Chap. lix.
How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with an host
which after fought with Sir Tristram; and other matters Chap. lx.
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 battle . Chap. lxii.
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. lxiv.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce Pit, and
how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went unto Lonazep Chap. lxv.
How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and after with Sir
Gawaine, and smote them down . . . Chap. lxvi.
How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came unto the tournament of
Lonazep; and of divers jousts and matters . Chap. lxvii.
How Sir Tristram and his fellowship jousted, and of the noble feats
that they did in that tourneying . . . Chap. lxviii.
How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir Launcelot,
and after that Sir Tristram smote down King Arthur Chap. lxix.
How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he
demeaned him, and how Sir Palomides slew Launcelot's horse Chap. lxx.
How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the prize of that
day was given to Sir Palomides . . . Chap. lxxi.
How Sir Dinadan provoked Sir Tristram to do well . Chap. lxxii
How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and
how Palomides smote down King Arthur . . Chap. lxxiii.
How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the
contrary party against him . . . Chap. lxxiv.
How Sir Tristram departed out of the field, and awaked Sir Dinadan,
and changed his array into black . . . Chap. lxxv.
How Sir Palomides changed his shield and armour for to hurt Sir
Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to Sir Tristram Chap. lxxvi.
How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Palomides
followed and excused him . . . Chap. lxxvii
How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their pavilions as
they sat at supper, and of Palomides . . Chap. lxxviii.
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. lxxxi.
How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir Palomides came
and found him, and of their both sorrows . . Chap. lxxxii
How Sir Palomides brought to Sir Epinogris his lady; and how Sir
Palomides and Sir Safere were assailed . . Chap. lxxxiii.
[How Sir Palomides and Sir Safere conducted Sir Epinogris to his
castle, and of other adventures] . . . Chap. lxxxiv.
How Sir Tristram made him ready to rescue Sir Palomides, but Sir
Launcelot rescued him or he came . . Chap. lxxxv
How Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot, with Palomides, came to Joyous
Gard; and of Palomides and Sir Tristram . Chap. lxxxvi.
How there was a day set between Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides for
to fight, and how Sir Tristram was hurt . . Chap. lxxxvii.
How Sir Palomides kept his day for to have foughten, but Sir Tristram
might not come; and other things . Chap. lxxxviii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Eleventh Book
How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a dolorous
lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon Chap. i.
How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and how he
begat Galahad on Elaine, King Pelles' daughter . Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had lain by
Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad . Chap. iii.
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 achieved them Chap. v.
How Sir Bors departed; and how Sir Launcelot was rebuked of Queen
Guenever, and of his excuse . . . Chap. vi.
How Dame Elaine, Galahad's mother, came in great estate unto
Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there Chap. vii.
How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to Dame
Elaine's bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked him Chap. viii.
How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to void the
court, and how Sir Launcelot became mad . Chap. ix.
What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how he
was sought by knights of his kin . . . Chap. x.
How a servant of Sir Aglovale's was slain, and what vengeance Sir
Aglovale and Sir Percivale did therefore . . Chap. xi.
How Sir Percivale departed secretly from his brother, and how he
loosed a knight bound with a chain, and other doings Chap. xii.
How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they fought long, and
each had almost slain other . . . Chap. xiii.
How by miracle they were both made whole by the coming of the
holy vessel of Sangreal . . . . Chap. xiv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Tenth Book
How Sir Launcelot in his madness took a sword and fought with a
knight, and after leapt into a bed . . . Chap. i.
How Sir Launcelot was carried in an horse litter, and how Sir
Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host . . Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and how he
was hurt, and brought to an hermitage . . Chap. iii.
How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne into a
chamber and after healed by the Sangreal . Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he
was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot came into the Joyous Isle, and there he named
himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet . . . Chap. vi.
Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Percivale and
Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with him Chap. vii.
How each of them knew other, and of their courtesy, and how his
brother Ector came to him, and of their joy . Chap. viii.
How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and how Sir
Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot Chap. ix.
How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came to the
court, and of the great joy of him . . . Chap. x.
How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the court, to
the great feast of Pentecost . . . Chap. xi.
How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir Palomides, and
how they smote each other, and how Palomides forbare him Chap. xii.
How Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which was hurt, and
how he overthrew Sir Palomides . . . Chap. xiii.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together, and after
accorded, and Sir Tristram made him to be christened Chap. xiv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Thirteenth Book
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 . Chap. i.
How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous, and of the
marvellous adventure of the sword in a stone . Chap. ii.
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 marvelled . Chap. iv.
How King Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water to Galahad,
and how he drew out the sword . . . Chap. v.
How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust in the
meadow beside Camelot or they departed . . Chap. vi.
How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, all the knights
were replenished with the Holy Sangreal, and how they avowed
the enquest of the same . . . . Chap. vii
How great sorrow was made of the king and the queen and ladies for
the departing of the knights, and how they departed Chap. viii.
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 Aramathie . Chap. x.
How Joseph made a cross on the white shield with his blood, and how
Galahad was by a monk brought to a tomb . Chap. xi.
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 abbey . Chap. xiii.
How Galahad departed, and how he was commanded to go to the
Castle of Maidens to destroy the wicked custom . Chap. xiv.
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. xvi.
How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale, and smote
them down, and departed from them . . Chap. xvii.
How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a sick man
borne in a litter, and how he was healed by the Sangreal Chap. xviii.
How a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how he found his horse and
his helm borne away, and after went afoot . Chap. xix.
How Sir Launcelot was shriven, and what sorrow he made, and of
good ensamples which were shewed him . . Chap. xx.
here follow the Chapters of the Fourteenth Book
How Sir Percivale came to a recluse and asked her counsel, and how
she told him that she was his aunt . . Chap. i.
How Merlin likened the Round Table to the world, and how the
knights that should achieve the Sangreal should be known Chap. ii.
How Sir Percivale came into a monastery, where he found King Evelake,
which was an old man . . . Chap. iii.
How Sir Percivale saw many men of arms bearing a dead knight, and
how he fought against them . . . Chap. iv.
How a yeoman desired him to get again an horse, and how Sir Percivale's
hackney was slain, and how he gat an horse. Chap. v.
Of the great danger that Sir Percivale was in by his horse, and how he
saw a serpent and a lion fight . . . Chap. vi.
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 him-ward, and how the lady
of the ship told him of her disheritance . . Chap. viii.
How Sir Percivale promised her help, and how he required her of love,
and how he was saved from the fiend . . Chap. ix.
How Sir Percivale for penance rove himself through the thigh; and
how she was known for the devil . . . Chap. x.
here follow the Chapters of the Fifteenth Book which is of
Sir Launcelot.
How Sir Launcelot came into a chapel, where he found dead, in a white
shirt, a man of religion, of an hundred winter old . Chap i.
Of a dead man, how men would have hewn him, and it would not
be, and how Sir Launcelot took the hair of the dead man Chap. ii.
Of an advision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told it to an hermit,
and desired counsel of him . . . Chap. iii.
How the hermit expounded to Sir Launcelot his advision, and told
him that Sir Galahad was his son. . . Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot jousted with many knights, and how he was taken Chap.
v.
How Sir Launcelot told his advision to a woman, and how she
expounded it to him . . . . Chap. vi.
here follow the Chapters of the Sixteenth Book
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 . . . Chap. ii.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector came to an hermitage to be confessed,
and how they told to the hermit their advisions . Chap. iii.
How the hermit expounded their advision . . Chap. iv.
Of the good counsel that the hermit gave to them . Chap. v.
How Sir Bors met with an hermit, and how he was confessed to him,
and of his penance enjoined to him . . Chap. vi.
How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took upon him for
to get against a champion for her land . . Chap. vii.
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 dead . Chap. x.
How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest, which he had dreamed, and
of the counsel that the priest gave to him . . Chap. xi.
How the devil in a woman's likeness would have had Sir Bors to have
lain by her, and how by God's grace he escaped . Chap. xii.
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. xiv.
How Sir Colgrevance fought against Sir Lionel for to save Sir Bors
and how the hermit was slain . . . Chap. xv.
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 . . Chap. xvii.
here follow the Chapters of the Seventeenth Book
How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was known of Sir
Gawaine and of Sir Ector de Maris . . Chap. i.
How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the ship whereas ir
Bors
and Sir Percivale were in . . Chap. ii.
How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bed therein, with
other
marvellous things, and of a sword . . Chap. iii.
Of the marvels of the sword and of the scabbard . Chap. iv.
How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he drew the
sword,
and other marvellous histories . . Chap. v.
How Solomon took David's sword by the counsel of his wife, and of other
matters marvellous . . . . Chap. vi.
A wonderful tale of King Solomon and his wife . Chap. vii.
How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and how they were fought
withal, and how they slew their adversaries, and other
matters . . . . . . Chap. viii.
How the three knights, with Percivale's sister, came
into the waste forest, and
of an hart and four lions, and other things Chap. ix.
How they were desired of a strange custom, the which they would not
obey;
wherefore they fought and slew many knights Chap. x.
How Sir Percivale's sister bled a dish full of blood for to heal a lady,
wherefore she died; and how that the body was put in a ship Chap. xi.
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 Galahad, his son Chap. xiii.
How a knight brought to Sir Galahad an horse, and bade him come from his
father, Sir Launcelot . . . Chap. xiv.
How Sir Launcelot was to-fore the door of the chamber wherein the Holy
Sangreal was . . . . Chap. xv.
How Sir Launcelot had lain four-and-twenty days and as many nights as a
dead man, and other divers matters . . Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other adventures which
he
saw in the way . . . . Chap. xvii.
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 other matters . Chap. xix.
How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the Holy Sangreal, and how
Our Lord appeared to them, and other things . Chap. xx.
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 xxii.
Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad was dead:
and of Percivale how he died, and other matters . Chap. xxiii.
here follow the Chapters of the Eighteenth Book.
Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the
Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again Chap. i.
How the queen commanded Sir Launcelot to avoid the court, and of
the sorrow that Launcelot made . . . Chap. ii.
How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knight enpoisoned,
which Sir Mador laid on the queen . . Chap. iii.
How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there was no
knight would fight for her at the first time . Chap. iv.
How the queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how he granted
upon condition; and how he warned Sir Launcelot thereof Chap. v.
How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for the queen;
and when he would fight how another discharged him Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the queen, and how
he overcame Sir Mador, and discharged the queen Chap. vii.
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 . . . Chap. ix.
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 Launcelot was hurt Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the field, and in
what jeopardy Launcelot was . . . Chap. xii.
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 that bare the red sleeve
Of the sorrow that Sir Bors had for the hurt of Launcelot; and of the
anger that the queen had because Launcelot bare the sleeve Chap. xv.
How Sir Bors sought Launcelot and found him in the hermitage, and
of the lamentation between them . . . Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might bear arms, and how
his wounds brast out again . . . Chap. xvii.
How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot; and of the
tourney, and to whom the prize was given . Chap. xviii.
Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when Launcelot
should depart, and how she died for his love . Chap. xix.
How the corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived to-fore King Arthur,
and of the burying, and how Sir Launcelot offered the mass-penny
Chap. xx.
Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great jousts and tourney
ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot . Chap. xxi.
How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman came to an
hermit, and of other matters . . . Chap. xxii.
How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and other men also
Chap. xxiii
How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the field, and
how he rode and found Sir Launcelot . . Chap. xxiv.
How true love is likened to summer . . . Chap. xxv.
here follow the Chapters of the Nineteenth Book
How Queen Guenever rode a-Maying with certain knights of the
Round Table and clad all in green . . Chap. i.
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 Launcelot . Chap. iii.
How Sir Launcelot's horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot rode in a
cart for to rescue the queen . . . Chap. iv.
How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, and how she
appeased Sir Launcelot; and other matters . Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and lay with her, and
how Sir Meliagrance appeached the queen of treason Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged battle against
Sir Meliagrance; and how Sir Launcelot was taken in a trap Chap. vii.
How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady, and took a
white courser and came for to keep his day . Chap. viii.
How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagrance abode
him in the field and dressed him to battle . Chap. ix.
How Sir Urre came into Arthur's court for to be healed of his wounds,
and how King Arthur would begin to handle him. Chap. x.
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 they thanked God Chap. xii.
How there was a party made of an hundred knights against an hundred
knights, and of other matters . . . Chap. xiii.
here followeth the book of the Piteous History which
is of the Morte or Death of King Aurthur, and
the Chapters of the Twentieth Book.
How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine for
to disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and Queen Guenever Chap. i.
How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur, and how King
Arthur gave them licence to take him . . Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen's chamber, and how Sir
Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay him Chap.
iii.
How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in his
harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve of his fellows Chap.
iv.
How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors, and told him how he had sped,
and in what adventure he had been, and how he escaped Chap. v.
Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot and his
friends for to save the queen . . . Chap. vi.
How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him of the affray
and death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights . Chap. vii.
How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire,
and how he slew many knights . . . Chap. viii.
Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death of his
nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen, his wife Chap.
ix.
How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to make
war against Sir Launcelot, and laid siege to his castle called
Joyous Gard . . . . . Chap. x.
Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and
how King Arthur reproved him . . . Chap. xi.
How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him to go out
to battle, and how they made them ready . . Chap. xii.
How Sir Gawaine jousted and smote down Sir Lionel, and how Sir
Launcelot horsed King Arthur . . . Chap. liii.
How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how Sir
Launcelot brought the queen to King Arthur . Chap. xiv.
Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and
what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot . Chap. xv.
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 with him . Chap. xvii.
How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made great lords
of the knights that went with him . . Chap. xviii.
How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready to go over
sea to make war on Sir Launcelot . . Chap. xix.
What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot; and how King
Arthur laid siege to Benwick, and other matters . Chap. xx.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, and how Sir
Gawaine was overthrown and hurt . . Chap. xxi.
Of the sorrow that King Arthur made for the war, and of another
battle where also Sir Gawaine had the worse . Chap. xxii.
here follow the Chapters of the Twenty-first Book.
How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of England,
and would have married the queen, his father's wife Chap. i.
How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and came to
Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of
the death of Sir Gawaine . . . . Chap. ii.
How after, Sir Gawaine's ghost appeared to King Arthur, and warned
him that he should not fight that day . . Chap. iii.
How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred
was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death . . Chap. iv.
How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the
water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge Chap. v.
How Sir Bedivere found him on the morn dead in an hermitage, and
how he abode there with the hermit . . Chap. vi.
Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur; and how
Queen Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury . Chap. vii.
How when Sir Launcelot heard of the death of King Arthur, and of
Sir Gawaine, and other matters, he came into England Chap. viii.
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 habit on him Chap. x.
How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to Almesbury, and
found there Queen Guenever dead, whom they brought to
Glastonbury . . . . . Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose body was
borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried . . Chap. xii.
How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and how
Constantine reigned next after Arthur; and of the end of this
book . . . . . . Chap. xiii.
Explicit the Table.
BOOK X
CHAPTER I
How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur,
because he told him not the cause why he bare that shield.
AND if so be ye can descrive what ye bear, ye are worthy
to bear 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 orgulyt 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 Pit,
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 puissance.
CHAPTER II
How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides' life, and how they
promised to fight together within a fortnight.
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 well-nigh at every stroke he struck down a
knight. And when they espied his strokes they fled all
with Breuse Saunce Pit 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 peron.
So they were agreed.
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 Pit. 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 Pit, 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 well-faring 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 knights of the Round Table.
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 reposed him with a good man
six days.
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 unknown.
THEN departed Sir Tristram and rode straight unto
Camelot, to the peron that Merlin had made to-fore,
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 over-covered 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 never to come again to the court till
they had brought Sir Tristram with them.
CHAPTER VI
How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and
of the great joy that the king and other made for the
coming of Sir Tristram.
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 Pit; 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 house. That
is truth, said Sir Gawaine, Sir Kay, and Sir Bleoberis.
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 the stroke on the head. So
leave we of Sir Tristram and speak we of King Mark.
CHAPTER VII
How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with
two knights into England, and how he slew one of the
knights.
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 Bersules and buried it.
CHAPTER VIII
How King Mark came to a fountain where he found Sir
Lamorak complaining for the love of King Lot's wife.
THEN King Mark rode till he came to a fountain, and
there he rested him, and stood in a doubt whether he
would ride to Arthur's court or none, 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 knight-coward 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 the King of
Ireland, as I suppose, make that tournament.
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 where ye
list. Gramercy, said King Mark, for ye and I be not
matches.
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
Tristram.
CHAPTER IX
How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to
a castle, and how King Mark was known there.
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 shield that
it should be Sir Tor.
CHAPTER XI
How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met
with six knights of the Round Table.
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 errant-knights 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 truly so ever me
thought.
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 knights-errant 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 his fellowship.
CHAPTER XII
How the six knights sent Sir Dagonet to joust with King
Mark, and how King Mark refused him.
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 knights-errant
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 loath to do, said Sir Dinadan, because ye forsook
my fellowship.
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 all the forest
rang of the noise.
CHAPTER XIII
How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying,
and how he overthrew Dagonet and other knights.
SO King Mark rode by fortune by a well, in the way
where stood a knight-errant 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 errant-knight, 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 knight-errant 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 unarmed, and Dagonet
had his harness.
So when this was done, this strong knight rode on
his way a soft pace, and King Mark rode after him,
praising him mickle; but he would 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 mourning for La Beale Isoud.
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 he made
a piteous complaint and a dolorous, of love.
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 Tristram, that knew
Sir Amant well.
CHAPTER XV
How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore
King Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to
King Arthur.
THEN by the license of King Arthur they went to him
and spake with him; for while the truncheon of the spear
stuck in his body he spake: Ah, fair damosels, said
Amant, recommend me unto La Beale Isoud, and 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 noble knights, Sir Bersules and
of Sir Amant.
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, and made a
broken love-day between them.
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
knight-errant 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 sworn-brethren 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 any was within this realm.
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 puissance, upon my life.
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 knight-errant,
I require thee for the love thou owest unto knighthood,
that ye will not have ado here with these men of this
castle; for 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, what knight
somever he be.
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 to-shivered 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
knights-errant.
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 pace.
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
a-horseback 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
done off his helm for to drink at the well.
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 over-hylled 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 them all night.
CHAPTER XX
How it was told Sir Launcelot that Dagonet chased King
Mark, and how a knight overthrew him and six knights.
Now turn we again. When Sir Ganis and Sir Brandiles
with his 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 glad
that they knew his name.
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 to-morrow
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, in all that
may lie in my power.
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
knights save Sir Launcelot.
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 yet travel.
CHAPTER XXI
How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir
Lamorak came in, and overthrew Sir Gawaine and
many other.
THEN within three days after the king let make a jousting
at a priory. And there made them ready many knights
of the Round Table, for 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 at the beginning.
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 wroth with him that he had put him to dishonour that day.
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 departed toward Cornwall.
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
have slain him.
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 coward and the villainest
king and knight that is now living.
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 brought him to the
Round Table.
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 to-morrow.
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 and all the knights thought it would be long or that
he proved a good knight.
Then at the dinner, when the king was set at the table,
and every 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 made great joy of Sir
Percivale.
CHAPTER XXIV
How Sir Lamorak visited King Lot's wife, and how Sir
Gaheris slew her which was his own mother.
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 suddenly gat his mother by the hair and struck
off her head.
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 and dolour he would not ride
to King Arthur's court, but rode another way.
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 an ever they may see their time. That shall I
let, said Arthur.
CHAPTER XXV
How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight
fleeing, and how they both were overthrown, and of Sir
Dinadan.
NOW leave we of Sir Lamorak, and speak of Sir Gawaine's
brethren, and specially of Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.
As they rode on 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 Pit, 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, and a great
destroyer of all good knights.
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 Pit 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 Tristram
enjoyed her.
CHAPTER XXVI
How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received letters
out of Cornwall, and of the answer again.
NOW leave we Sir Palomides and Sir Dinadan in the Castle
of Beale-Valet, and turn we again unto King Arthur.
There came a knight out of Cornwall, his name was Fergus,
a fellow of the Round Table. And there he 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,
to-morn, 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 his
knights; for he was able enough to rule and keep his
wife.
CHAPTER XXVII
How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received
from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay
of King Mark.
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 window, and read the
letter again, the which made him angry.
Sir, said Dinadan, wherefore be ye angry? discover
your heart to me: forsooth ye wot well I owe you good
will, howbeit I am a poor 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 that ever harper sang with harp or with any
other instruments.
CHAPTER XXVIII
How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to King
Mark; and of Sir Tristram how he promised to rescue
him.
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, and I shall go and meet the
Sessoins with all my power.
So the king departed unto Tintagil, and Sir Tristram
went to repose him. And the king made a great host
and departed them in three; the 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 ten of them were put
within the gates and four slain with the portcullis.
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 body.
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 to-morn 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 to-morrow, and miscomfort you nought; for
any knight, though he be the best knight in the world, he
may not have ado with us all.
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 bow-draught 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 great slaughter and for
wounded people everych party drew to their rest.
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 XXI
How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the
truage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field.
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 nephew Sir Tristram,
I am utterly destroyed for ever.
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
to-morn with him.
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
to-morn 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 Tintagil, and there was none but Sir
Tristram and Sir Elias armed.
So when the appointment was made, they departed
in-sunder, 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 for-bled, 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 overcome; for Sir Elias had given
him twenty strokes against one.
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 to-brake 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 would be thereas La Beale
Isoud was.
CHAPTER XXXI
How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper
came and sang the lay that Dinadan had made.
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 well-willers in that country.
CHAPTER XXXII
How King Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, for
good service that he had done to him.
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 secretly.
Then was there much sorrow and crying, and great
dole made Sir Tristram, Sir Dinas, Sir Fergus, and so did
all knights that were there; for 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 her.
CHAPTER XXXIII
How Anglides, Boudwin's wife, escaped with her young son,
Alisander le Orphelin, and came to the Castle of Arundel.
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 2t
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 mastery afore him.
CHAPTER XXXIV
How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander, her son,
the same day that he was made knight, and the charge
withal.
THEN upon a day Bellangere the Constable came to
Anglides and said: Madam, it were time my lord Alisander
were made knight, for he is 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 be-bled 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 charge that I shall give thee.
CHAPTER XXXV
How it was told to King Mark of Sir Alisander, and how
he would have slain Sir Sadok for saving his life.
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 dreaded and hated Alisander most of any
man living.
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 North-galis, 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 Pit,
that by no mean Alisander le Orphelin should escape, but
either he should be taken or slain. This ordinance made
King Mark for to destroy Alisander.
CHAPTER XXXVI
How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and of
Morgan le Fay: and how he fought with Sir Malgrin,
and slew him.
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 could say which was the better knight.
And in the meanwhile came Morgan le Fay to the
damosel of the castle, and they beheld the battle. But
this Malgrin was an old roted knight, and he was called
one of the dangerous knights of the world to do 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 orgulit 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 else I shall slay thee,
I promise thee faithfully.
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 wounds.
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, and wedded them.
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 found him upon his bed, passing
heavy and all sad.
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 wild-fire 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 to her pleasaunce as it pleased
them both at times and leisures.
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 knights that would come
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; and after of him and of Sir
Mordred.
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 none armour in
a twelvemonth and a day.
Then Sir Alisander alighted down, and went to rest
him and repose him. Then the damosel that helped Sir
Alisander out of the castle, in 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.
Y-wis, fair lady, said Alisander, my mother told me that
my father was brother unto a king, and I nigh cousin unto
Sir Tristram.
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 foot.
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 joust against all that would
come.
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 we to another tale.
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 thought best.
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
jousting there came in Sir Dinadan disguised, and did
many great deeds of arms.
CHAPTER XLI
How Sir Launcelot fought in the tournament, and how Sir
Palomides did arms there for a damosel.
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 North-galis'
party hurled to other; and then began a strong
medley, but they of Northgalis were far bigger.
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 him to take
the battle upon him, and anon I wot well he will grant
you.
So anon she took her palfrey, and within a while she
found that knight, that was Sir Palomides. And when
she required him he armed him and 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 to-shivered.
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 to himself.
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 to-shivered, 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 your commandment.
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 the feast.
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 him, for he hated Sir Launcelot,
and that knew he not.
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 Bagdemagus hurtled down
Gaheris, horse and man.
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 to-shivered
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 swords and lashed
together wonderly sore a great while.
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 would not as at
that time.
CHAPTER XLV
Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms.
HERE beginneth the fourth day. Then came into the
field the King 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 shamed.
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 unarmed them,
and so they went to the great feast.
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 unto
rest, and on the morn the haut prince let blow unto the
field.
CHAPTER XLVI
Of the Fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him.
HERE beginneth the fifth day. So it befell that Sir Palomides
came 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 have made him ready to
joust.
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 to-shivered 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 to-brast and Sir Lamorak's did hold.
Therewithal Sir Palomides lost his stirrups and lay
upright on his horse's back. And then Sir Palomides
returned again and took his damosel, and Sir Safere returned
his way.
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 the jousts,
where is Sir Launcelot, and the haut prince Sir Galahalt.
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 married.
CHAPTER XLVII
How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and
how Palomides slew Corsabrin.
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 must
noble knights joust, and at-after dinner we shall see how
ye can speed.
Then they blew to jousts; and in came Dinadan,
and met with Sir Gerin, a good knight, and he threw
him down over his horse's croup; and 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 well-nigh 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 them ready.
CHAPTER XLVIII
Of the sixth day, and what then was done.
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 horses, or else
fight never more afore me.
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
he to him again. Then came the Duke Chaleins and
departed them.
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 the
right.
CHAPTER XLIX
Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being disguised
like a maid, smote down Sir Dinadan.
NOW beginneth the seventh battle. There came in the
Duke Cambines, and there encountered with him Sir
Aristance, that was counted a 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 not.
So Sir Dinadan departed and took his horse, and met
with many knights, and did passing well. And as he was
departed, Sir Launcelot 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 there was
great joy, and great nobley in all the court.
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 from Sir Launcelot, and either
wept at their departing.
CHAPTER L
How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament
for to have been slain, and how he was put in prison.
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 discovered unto King Mark, whereof he was full
glad.
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 England.
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. So there he was a great while.
Then was Sir Tristram missed, and no creature wist
where he was become. When La Beale Isoud heard how
he was missed, privily she went unto 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 Sir Tristram out of prison.
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 Jerusalem, for to make
war upon the Saracens.
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 made unto Sir Percivale.
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 would
have with them when they departed.
CHAPTER LII
How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came unto England,
and how Sir Launcelot brought them to Joyous Gard.
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 would do himself.
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 for her estate.
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 a-hunting, 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 pray for his soul.
CHAPTER LIII
How by the counsel of La Beale Isoud Sir Tristram rode
armed, and how he met with Sir Palomides.
SO on a day La Beale Isoud said unto Sir Tristram: I
marvel me much, said she, that ye remember not yourself,
how ye be here in a 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 a-hunting 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 Pit.
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 hath my service
above all other ladies, and shall have the term of my life.
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 Pit, follow that beast as ye. Then shall ye do
battle with me, said Palomides.
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 Pit, 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 Pit, 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 Pit, 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 after him
fast, but ever the longer they chased the farther were they
behind.
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 they were heavy that
Sir Breuse was escaped them, whereof they made great dole.
CHAPTER LIV
Of Sir Palomides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis
and with Sir Ector, and of Sir Pervivale.
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 Sir Lamorak.
Then in the meanwhile there came a varlet from the
court of King Arthur, and told them of the great tournament
that should be at Lonazep, and how these lands,
Cornwall and Northgalis, should be against all them that
would come.
CHAPTER LV
How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their
devices, and what he said to Sir Gawaine's brethren.
NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that as he rode a-hunting
he met with 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, ye are not able to withstand
me. Fie on thee, coward, said Sir Dinadan.
And thus as they hoved still, they saw a knight come
riding 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 you in other places.
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 here
soon we should have been revenged upon the false
knights.
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 despite
of Sir Lamorak.
CHAPTER LVI
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir
Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud.
SO when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agravaine
bade him: Turn, traitor knight. That is evil said, said
Sir Tristram; and therewith 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 to-fore. 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 pray you heartily that ye make him
good cheer.
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 come of, that is Sir Launcelot du Lake.
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 Dinadan knew him.
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 a-purpose,
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;
and if I see you do best, I shall give them to you.
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 heard and laughed
them to scorn.
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 Sir
Tristram.
Then this knight that was on foot pulled out his
sword to do battle. What is your name? said Sir
Tristram. Wit ye well, said that knight, 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 own castle.
CHAPTER LVIII
How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other
devices of the death of Sir Lamorak.
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 my lord Arthur; I will that ye wit it, said Sir
Tristram unto Gareth.
Sir, I blame you not, said Gareth, for well I understand
the 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.
Y-wis,[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 to-hew
him: for one of his squires told me that saw it. Fie
upon treason, said Sir Tristram, for it killeth my heart to
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 causeth
him to have the good knights of his kin about him.
[1] ``Y-wis'' (certainly); Caxton, ``ye wis''; W. de Worde, ``truly.''
CHAPTER LIX
How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a ship
there, wherein lay the body of King Hermance.
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 shall keep mine own head
as well as another.
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 be-bled 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 City and
all my castles.
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, I promise
you that I shall be with you by that day if I be unslain
or unmaimed.
CHAPTER LX
How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with
an host which after fought with Sir Tristram; and
other matters.
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 from me.
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 up-so-down 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
to-fore 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 had a fall for it, and
now, sir king, have ye another fall.
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, that we
shall give all other warning by his death.
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 fought for to have the battle.
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 be therein will take you for their
lord.
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 again-coming. 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 de Liones, or else Sir Launcelot
du Lake.
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 Table
Round, that hither I came to revenge the death of this
dead king.
CHAPTER LXIII
Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two 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 city within two days.
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 Sir Palomides, either ye or I
shall be left dead in this place.
CHAPTER LXIV
Of the battle between Sir Palomides and the two brethren,
and how the two brethren were slain.
THEN they departed, and the two brethren came against
Sir Palomides, 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 orgulit 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 like two boars, and that
same time they fell both grovelling to the earth.
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 took them in their beds, and
so they arose and brake their fast.
CHAPTER LXV
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce
Pit, and how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went
unto Lonazep.
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 that he will.
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 Pit. 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 and followed the chase after him.
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
to-morn. 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
fellows.
CHAPTER LXVI
How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and after
with Sir Gawaine, and smote them down.
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 bount 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 the country of Surluse.
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 Tristram departed toward Lonazep.
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 other.
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 unto King
Arthur for to hear of his counsel.
CHAPTER LXVII
How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came into the tournament
of Lonazep; and of divers jousts and matters.
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 to-morrow ye shall see and prove on what party I
shall come. And therewithal he returned and went to
his pavilions.
And upon the morn they armed them all in green, and
came into the field; and there young knights began to
joust, and did many worshipful deeds. Then spake
Gareth unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him to give him
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 to-morrow. As for that, said
Gareth, I shall not fail you an I may bestride mine horse.
CHAPTER LXVIII
How Sir Tristram and his fellowship jousted, and of the
noble feats that they did in that tourneying.
NOW upon what party, said Tristram, is it best we be
withal as to-morn? Sir, said Palomides, ye shall have
mine advice to be against King Arthur as to-morn, 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 this day against us.
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, he
smote me down within these two days, and seven fellows
more.
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 Tristram smote down
King Arthur.
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 turned awhile how
the green knights were slain down.
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 horse and disguised
himself all in red, horse and harness.
CHAPTER LXX
How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red,
and how he demeaned him, and how Sir Palomides
slew Launcelot's horse.
AND when the queen La Beale Isoud saw that Sir
Tristram was unhorsed, and she wist not where he was,
then she wept greatly. But Sir Tristram, when he was
ready, came dashing lightly into the field, and then 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 armour:
and all this while Sir Launcelot was away.
So when La Beale Isoud knew Sir Tristram again
upon his horse-back 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
had she been away this day Sir Palomides had not gotten
the prize this day.
Right so came into the field Sir Launcelot du Lake,
and saw and 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 a-two 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 Sir Palomides.
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 life-days; 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 life-days. 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 you from it.
And therewithal Sir Launcelot suffered Sir Palomides to
depart.
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 for that day.
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 this day, but ever he
doubled his strength.
CHAPTER LXXII
How Sir Dinadan provoked Sir Tristram to do well.
AND thou, Sir Tristram, farest all this day as though thou
hadst 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 desire.
CHAPTER LXXIII
How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale
Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur.
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, out-taken 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 shamed.
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 out-take 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
Queen Isoud unto her lodging in the priory, there to
behold all the tournament.
CHAPTER LXXIV
How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and
went to the contrary part against him.
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 do many deeds of arms.
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 might
none stand him a stroke.
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 array into black.
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 how Sir Launcelot did to Sir
Tristram.
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 over-well 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 well-nigh out of her
mind for sorrow.
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 Sir Launcelot and Dinadan, and then they began
to do battle together.
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 horsed
again.
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 excused him.
THEN they blew unto lodging, and Queen Isoud was led
unto her pavilions. But wit you well she was wroth out
of measure with Sir Palomides, 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 be.
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 Isoud held down her head and said no more at that
time.
CHAPTER LXXVIII
How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their pavilions
as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides.
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 left off and talked of
other things.
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 that I gave to him, and
La Beale Isoud.
CHAPTER LXXIX
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the next day, and
how King Arthur was unhorsed.
THEN Sir Tristram let call Sir Palomides, and bade him
make him ready, for it was time to go to the field. When
they were ready they 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 Palomides clean
forgotten.
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 him.
Then came Sir Ector de Maris, and he bare a spear
against Sir Palomides, and brast it upon him all to shivers.
And then Sir Ector came again 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
Launcelot did with his own hands, he marvelled greatly.
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 so the prize was
given betwixt them both.
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 you. Fie on thee, traitor, said
Palomides, and therewith departed.
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 Palomides remembered
him thereof he might never be merry.
CHAPTER LXXXI
How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector reported to Queen Guenever
of the beauty of La Beale Isoud.
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, bount, 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, hath favour
in every place.
CHAPTER LXXXII
How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir Palomides
came and found him, and of their both sorrowing.
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 other.
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 worship-winning. 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 Safere were assailed.
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
well-side 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 your lady again, or
else he shall beat me.
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 same lady was Epinogris' lady, and he
promised him to help him.
Then Sir Palomides went straight to that lady, and
took her by the hand, and asked her whether she knew a
knight that hight Epinogris. Alas, 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 other adventures.
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 had in their life-days.
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 wit ye well we will slay thee, therefore
defend thee.
Then Sir Palomides and Sir Safere, the one set his back
to the other, and gave many great strokes, and took many
great strokes; and thus 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 that ever made knight.
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 wept as he had been mad.
CHAPTER LXXXV
How Sir Tristram made him ready to rescue Sir Palomides,
but Sir Launcelot rescued him or he came.
WHEN Sir Tristram heard how Sir Palomides went to his
death, 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 that knight or die for it.
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 and wounded them sore.
CHAPTER LXXXVI
How Sir Tristram and Launcelot, with Palomides, came to
joyous Gard; and of Palomides and Sir Tristram.
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 rhyme of La Beale Isoud
and him.
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 a-hunting never more unarmed,
because of Sir Breuse Saunce Pit. 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 him sore.
But then at the last, when Sir Tristram had heard all
Sir Palomides' complaints, he was wroth out of measure,
and thought for to slay 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 bount 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 how Sir Tristram was hurt.
THEN said Sir Tristram: I will fight with you to the
uttermost. I grant, said Palomides, for in a better
quarrel keep I never to fight, for 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
to-morn. 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 Pit 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
now at this time.
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 sergeants-of-arms,
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 that he should not be
able to do battle with him at the day set.
CHAPTER LXXXVIII
How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but Sir
Tristram might not come; and other things.
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 sergeants-of-arms. And for
this intent Sir Palomides brought the knights with him
and the sergeants-of-arms, 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 liar--Sir
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 that now is living except Sir
Launcelot.
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.
And here followeth the eleventh book which is of
Sir Launcelot.>
BOOK XI
CHAPTER I
How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp
a dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought
with a dragon.
NOW leave we Sir Tristram de Liones, and speak we of
Sir Launcelot 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 there-under 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. Well, said
Launcelot, then shew me what I shall do.
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 the world,
but if it were Queen Guenever.
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 tell me!
CHAPTER II
How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and
of Elaine, King Pelles' daughter.
SIR, said Launcelot, wit you well my name is Sir Launcelot
du Lake. And my name is, said the king, Pelles,
king of the foreign country, 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 of danger, and by him the
Holy Greal should be achieved.
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 twenty-five 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 Launcelot remembered him, and he arose up and
went to the window.
CHAPTER III
How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he
had lain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered
of Galahad.
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
have again; and therefore, gentle knight, owe me your
good will.
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; and
after that the Lady of the Lake confirmed him Sir Launcelot
du Lake.
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 shall neither come nor go unto
you, but I shall meet with him.
CHAPTER IV
How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad,
and how he was fed with the Sangreal.
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 Corbin.
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
maiden vanished with the Sangreal as she came.
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
hand-breadth 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, and how he achieved
them.
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 dragon and tare him all to
pieces.
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 Vengeance.
CHAPTER VI
How Sir Bors departed; and how Sir Launcelot was
rebuked of Queen Guenever, and of his excuse.
NOW, said that old man to Sir Bors, go ye to your cousin,
Sir Launcelot, and tell him of this adventure the which
had been most convenient 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
that he had seen with King Pelles at Corbin.
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 were such as were
rebellious against him.
CHAPTER VII
How Dame Elaine, Galahad's mother, came in great estate
unto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him
there.
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 saw in his life-days.
But when Dame Elaine saw Sir Launcelot that would
not speak unto her she was so heavy that she weened her
heart would have to-brast; 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 not
so much as I do Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER VIII
How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to
Dame Elaine's bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked
him.
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 Sir
Launcelot, for he weened that he had had another in his
arms.
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 to-scratched 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 know
him.
CHAPTER IX
How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to
avoid the court, and how Sir Launcelot became mad.
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 clean out of his mind; and yet he shall be well
holpen an but by miracle.
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 his blood? Alas,
said Sir Ector de Maris. Alas, said Lionel.
CHAPTER X
What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and
how he was sought by knights of his kin.
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 oft-times 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 three knights were passing
sorry.
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 fellowship-of 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 twenty knights.
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 to-fore 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 a-swooning in midst of the court.
CHAPTER XI
How a servant of Sir Aglovale's was slain, and what vengeance
Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale did therefore.
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 slain.
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 unto
a priory, and there they interred him.
CHAPTER XII
How Sir Pervivale departed secretly from his brother, and
how he loosed a knight bound with a chain, and of
other doings.
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 not, for I shall be
thy warrant.
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
a-two 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, for had not the chain been ye
had slain me.
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 my hand I should fordo
your evil customs.
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: He departed from me unkindly.
CHAPTER XIII
How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they fought
long, and each had almost slain other.
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 knights
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 wise-fighting
knight, and Sir Percivale was young and strong, not
knowing in fighting as the other was.
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 then take my horse?
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 life-days: 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.
the twelfth book.>
BOOK XII
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 knights had
foughten together.
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 too
nigh, for an thou do, wit thou well I will slay thee.
And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he
stert backward 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 knight unto my castle.
CHAPTER II
How Sir Lancelot was carried in an horse litter, and how
Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host.
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 half, honestly
arrayed and fair faren withal.
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
Pit, 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 unto an hermitage.
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 way, said Sir Launcelot, and deal
not with me.
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 healed by the Sangreal.
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 fool--that 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 at-after 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
a-weeping 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 sick.
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 that Elaine desired a
castle for him.
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 for ever, that is for
to say the country of England.
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 Fet.
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 be, while that ye
be in these parts. Then Sir Launcelot pardoned him.
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 to-brast.
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 that knight
to the worse shall have a fair maid and a gerfalcon.
CHAPTER VII
Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir
Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale
fought with him.
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 with you that art a knight
of the Round Table, that sometime was your fellow?
CHAPTER VIlI
How each of them knew other, and of their great courtesy,
and how his brother Sir Ector came unto him, and of
their joy.
AND therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his
knees, and 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 healed Sir Launcelot of his
great wound, and how that he came to Corbin.
CHAPTER IX
How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore,
and how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of
Sir Launcelot.
NOW leave we Sir Launcelot in the Joyous Isle with
the Lady Dame Elaine, and Sir Percivale and Sir Ector
playing with them, and turn we to 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 to-fore, 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 of the Round Table; and so he proved a good
knight and an adventurous.
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 will do
after your counsel, and ride with you.
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 enough, said Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER X
How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came
to the court, and of the great joy of him.
THEN they departed, and within five days' journey they
came to Camelot, that is called in English, Winchester.
And when Sir Launcelot was 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
again, they made great joy.
CHAPTER XI
How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the
court, to the great feast of Pentecost.
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 next coming, and no more harness
of war but my spear and my sword.
CHAPTER XII
How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir
Palomides, and how they smote each other, and how Sir
Palomides forbare him.
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 slay him I am ashamed wheresomever that
I go.
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 overthrew Sir Palomides.
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 alighted and tied his
horse till a tree.
CHAPTER XIV
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together,
and after accorded, and how Sir Tristram made him to
be christened.
AND then they came together as two wild boars, lashing
together, 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 sword
he had been slain.
Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with
a sorrowful heart. How now, said Sir Tristram unto
Palomides, now have I thee at 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 you the sacrament of baptism.
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 Gard, and Sir
Palomides followed the Questing Beast.
drawn out of French into English. But here is no
rehersal of the third book. And here followeth the
noble tale of the Sangreal, that called is the Holy
Vessel; and the signification of the blessed blood of
our Lord Jesus Christ, blessed mote it be, the which
was brought into this land by Joseph Aramathie.
Therefore on all sinful souls blessed Lord have thou
mercy.
Explicit liber xii. Et incipit Decimustercius.>
BOOK XIII
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 commandment.
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 to-morn by
dinner time. If I wist, said the queen, that he should
not be with us here to-morn he should not go with you
by my good will. Right so departed Sir Launcelot with
the gentlewoman, and rode 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 to-morn to have found you at
Camelot? As God me help, said Sir Launcelot, a gentlewoman
brought me hither, but I know not the cause.
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
to-morn 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: God make him a good man, for of
beauty faileth you not as any that liveth.
CHAPTER II
How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous
and of the marvellous adventure of the sword in a stone.
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 ought to hang, and he shall be the
best knight of the world.
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, that is called the
Holy Vessel, begin
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 served them.
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 marvels.
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 accomplished.
[1] Omitted by Caxton, supplied from W. de Worde.
CHAPTER IV
How the old man brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous
and set him therein, and how all the knights marvelled.
THE king was right glad of his words, and said unto the
good man: Sir, ye be right welcome, and the young
knight with you. Then the old 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 that him begat, I report me unto
all the Table Round.
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 down from the
palace to shew Galahad the adventures of the stone.
CHAPTER V
How King Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water to
Galahad, and how he drew out the sword.
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 not shall be till I heal
him.
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 they departed.
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 Launcelot and Sir
Percivale.
CHAPTER VII
How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, all
the knights were replenished with the Holy Sangreal,
and how they avowed the enquest of the same.
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 to-drive. 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 hath shewed us this day, at the reverence of this
high feast of Pentecost.
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 to-morn, 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 against the will of
our Lord Jesu Christ.
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
again-say their avows. Alas, said King Arthur unto
Sir Gawaine, ye have nigh slain me with the avow and
promise that ye have made; 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 this fellowship:
for I have had an old custom to have them in my fellowship.
CHAPTER VIII
How great sorrow was made of the king and the queen and
ladies for the departing of the knights, and how they
departed.
AND therewith the tears fell in his eyes. And then he
said: Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have set me in great sorrow,
for I have great doubt 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 chiert. 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 gentlewomen.
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
Galahad he was led into King Arthur's chamber, and
there rested in his own bed.
And as soon as it was day the king arose, for he had
no rest of all 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 go to the minster to hear
their service.
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 with weeping
cheer, and every knight took the way that him liked best.
CHAPTER IX
How Galahad gat him a shield, and how they sped that
presumed to take down the said shield.
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 to-morrow 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;
[1] Omitted by Caxton, supplied from W. de Worde.
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, and escaped hard with the life.
CHAPTER X
How Galahad departed with the shield, and how King
Evelake had received the shield of Joseph of Aramathie.
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 departed Uwaine.
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 thirty-two 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 to-fore. 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 monk brought to
a tomb.
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 then the White Knight
vanished away.
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, they said, we deem it is a fiend.
[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 knight.
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 well-nigh all was wickedness.
Truly, said Galahad, I believe you right well.
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 that some
adventure depart us. I grant you, sir.
Then men brought Sir Melias his armour and his spear
and his horse, and so Sir Galahad and he rode forth all
that week or they found 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 God's name, said Galahad.
CHAPTER XIII
Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad revenged
him, and how Melias was carried into an abbey.
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 new-made 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
crown and went his way; and Sir Melias lay still and had
no power to stir.
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 brake.
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 to-fore him, for the truncheon
of his spear was in his body; and Sir Galahad stert up
behind him, and held him in his arms, and 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 truncheon of the spear out of his body: and
then he swooned.
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
thanked.
CHAPTER XIV
How Sir Galahad departed, and how he was commanded
to go to the Castle of Maidens to destroy the wicked
custom.
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; and they
might not withstand you, for ye are without deadly sin.
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
to-fore 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 away the wicked customs.
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 that ye shall have enough to do. Go you now,
said Galahad, and haste my needs.
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 at another gate.
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 Galahad had
blown the horn he set him down upon a bed.
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 younger sister, which endureth great pains with
mo other ladies.
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 his
armour and his horse, and commended them unto God.
CHAPTER XVI
How Sir Gawaine came to the abbey for to follow Galahad,
and how he was shriven to a hermit.
NOW, saith the tale, after Sir Gawaine departed, he rode
many journeys, both toward and froward. And at the
last he came to the abbey where 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 fortune caused it.
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 Gawaine
asked harbour for charity, and the good man granted it
him gladly.
Then the good man asked him what he was. Sir,
he said, I am a knight 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 to-fore, but his living is such
he shall slay no man lightly. Also I may say you the
Castle of Maidens betokeneth the good 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 tale of Sir Gawaine and his fellows, and speak
we of Sir Galahad.
CHAPTER XVII
How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale,
and smote them down, and departed from them.
So when Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle of
Maidens he rode 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 to-fore 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 yonder recluse. Do as ye list, said Sir
Launcelot.
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 shield to-fore the cross.
CHAPTER XVIII
How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a
sick man borne in a litter, and how he was healed with
the Sangreal.
AND so he fell asleep; and half waking and sleeping he
saw come by 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
sickness.
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 than his; and so
departed they from the cross.