NY •PUBLIC. LIBRARY nl THE, BRANCH L BRAR ES

33333011960362

CHILDREN'S ROOM

READING ROOM

e. NEW YORK PUBLIC

READING ROOM

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

• ION Og»A«TMENT

THE CHILDREN'S HOUR

IN TEN VOLUMES ILLUSTRATED

VOLUME IV

Sir Galahad (page 51)

'

<$> <§>

The hildren) Hour)

STORIES

i^ * i •

EGENMKY

HEROES

lected

&Arr

March

Tappa

Houghton MiffUn ompany

Between the dark aajt^stfeyugntj ^wheiVtheftifight is beginning to lower, Comes a pause intkeaays occfijtetrofi^that is known as the Children's Hour.

7/<Z> <J • r '

V ,'

i

•

••

.

* (X/v

COPYRICHi 1907 BY HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AIID COMPANY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

NOTE

ALL rights in stories in this volume are reserved by the holders of the copyrights. The publishers and others named in the subjoined list are the proprietors, either in their own right or as agents for the authors, of the stories taken from the works enumerated, of which the ownership is hereby acknowledged. The editor takes this opportunity to thank both authors and publishers for the ready generosity with which they have allowed her to include these stories in "The Children's Hour."

"The Age of Chivalry," by Thomas Bulfinch; published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard.

"Robin Hood, his Book," by Eva March Tappan; pub- lished by Little, Brown & Company.

"The Song of Roland," translated by Isabel Butler; pub- lished by Houghton, Mifflin & Company.

"'

CONTENTS

TO THE CHILDREN xi

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

BEOWULF John Gibb 3

ARTHUR is CHOSEN KING AND GETS HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR

Thomas Malory 31 THE INSTITUTION OF THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

Thomas Malory 47

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL Thomas Malory 60

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE Thomas Malory 70

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR Thomas Malory 98

OWAIN AND THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN . Thomas Bulfinch 115 PWYLL AND THE GAME OF BADGER IN THE BAG

Thomas Bulfinch 140 MANAWYDDAN AND THE SEVEN ENCHANTED CANTREVS

Thomas Bulfinch 148 ROBIN HOOD AND THE SORROWFUL KNIGHT

Adapted by W. C. Hazlitt 162

ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER . . . Eva March Tappan 177

SCANDINAVIAN AND DANISH HEROES

THE STORY OF FRITHIOF Julia Goddard 193

HAVELOK George W. Cox and E. H. Jones 211

HEROES OF FRANCE

How RALPH, THE CHARCOAL-BURNER, ENTERTAINED KING CHARLES, AND AFTERWARDS WENT TO COURT

Alfred J. Church 229

HOW FlERABRAS DEFIED KlNG CHARLES . Alfred J. Church 239

THE BATTLE AT RONCEVALS Isabel Butler 252

• •

Vll

CONTENTS

THE GERMAN HERO SIEGFRIED Adapted by M. W. MacDowell 299

THE SPANISH HERO

RODBIGO AND THE LEPER . . . Adapted by Robert Southey 349 THE KNIGHTING OF RODRIGO . . Adapted by Robert Southey 351

THE ClD IS DRIVEN INTO BANISHMENT

Adapted by Robert Southey 356 THE CID COMES TO THE AID OF HIS KING

Adapted by Robert Southey 368

HOW THE ClD MADE A COWARD INTO A BRAVE MAN

Adapted by Robert Southey 372

How THE CID RULED VALENCIA . Adapted by Robert Southey 377 THE MARRIAGE OF THE CID'S Two DAUGHTERS TO THE IN- FANTES OF CARRION .... Adapted by Robert Southey 386 THE TRIAL BY SWORDS .... Adapted by Robert Southey 398 THE CID'S LAST VICTORY . . . Adapted by Robert Southey 405 THE BURIAL OF THE CID .... Adapted by Robert Southey 410

THE PERSIAN HERO

THE CHILDHOOD OF RUSTEM Alfred J. Church 421

THE SEVEN ADVENTURES OF RUSTEM . . Alfred J. Church 425

RUSTEM AND SOHRAB Alfred J. Church 450

ILLUSTRATIONS

SIB GALAHAD (p. 54) . George F. Watts, E. A. Colored Frontispiece " MAKE YOUR NAMES KNOWN TO ME QUICKLY, BOLD MEN ! "

E. Pollak 8

KING ARTHUR AND THE SWORD EXCALIBUR . D. Maclise, E. A. 46 THERE RECEIVED HIM THREE QUEENS WITH GREAT MOURN- ING James Archer, E. S. A. 112

KING ARTHUR Peter Vischer 132

" TRULY I HAVE EXPECTED THEE THESE TWO HOURS"

Gordon Browne 162

44O STRANGER! WHENCE ART THOU?'' E. Pollak 206

CHARLEMAGNE Albrecht D'urer 236

THE FRANKS SMOTE MANFULLY AND WITH GOOD COURAGE

V. Foulquier 264

TAKES HIS HORN OF IVORY, AND FEEBLY HE SOUNDS IT

V. Foulquier 288

Now ON THE RIGHT, NOW ON THE LEFT, OF THE MONSTER

V. J. Hoffman 320

THEN CAME THE BODY OF THE Cn>

By permission of the Century Company . . C. Eochegrosse 406

HE CAUGHT UP FROM THE GROUND A STONE . Claude Cooper 436

TO THE CHILDREN

Eyou had landed on the shores of the North Sea fourteen or fifteen centuries ago, the sea guard would have come galloping down to the beach on his horse. He would have shaken his mighty spear and demanded, " Who are you ? Where do you come from ? Are you false spies come to search out our country? Do you mean peace or war?" If you had shown him that you were friends, he would have said, "Come to the hall where my lord abides. I will guide you, and my men shall watch over your vessel until your return." Just imagine that you are walking up the road after the sea guard. You wear coats of mail, of course, made of rings closely interwoven. You have spears and buck- lers and helmets and swords and battle-axes. They ring and clink and flash in the sunshine, as you march up the rough pathway. At last you come to a long build- ing, where the lord of the land makes his home. As the guard leads you in, you see shields leaning against the walls and spears clustered in the corners. You see a row of stone hearths running up the middle of the hall. On the hearths are blazing fires, where great joints of meat are roasting. Along the sides of the hall are little alcoves, where the thanes, or followers of the lord, sleep. The guard leads you to the farther end of the room, where there is a raised platform, and presents you to his lord. The lord makes sure that you have come as

xi

TO THE CHILDREN

friends, and then he asks you to join in the feasting. Great quantities of meat are eaten, and mighty drinking cups of mead are emptied over and over. Then the glee- man takes his harp and sings of some heroic deeds of old. If there has been a battle not long before, there are treasures to be divided; helmets, banners, horses and trappings, swords, spears, jeweled collars, and heavy rings of silver and of gold. The wife of the lord is pre- sent in her golden diadem and her richest robes; and she, too, makes gifts to the men whom her lord most delights to honor.

Such feasts as these were among the greatest pleasures of our ancestors. The men who received the gifts were always those who had been brave in battle, those who had risked their lives to defend their lord or to win trea- sures for their people. As the years passed, the gleemen began to sing songs of their courageous deeds. By and by, most of the names were forgotten, and the brave acts were all told as if they had been the work of some one hero. They grew bigger and bigger whenever they were sung. If a man had killed a bear, the song was likely to have it that he had overcome a giant. If he had killed a serpent, the serpent was sure to appear in the song as a dragon, then as a fire-breathing dragon; and so the stories increased.

Thus it was that the story of Beowulf grew. When the people who lived about the North Sea came over to England, they still sang the old hero songs. A little while ago, a thousand years or more, some one put these songs together and gave us the poem Beowulf as we now have it.

• •

XII

TO THE CHILDREN

Almost every nation has at least one hero of the olden time. The English have Beowulf, Arthur, and Robin Hood; the French have Charlemagne and his knights; the Spanish, the Cid ; the Germans, Siegfried ; the Scan- dinavians, Frithiof. Of course, people's notions of what makes a great man have changed a good deal since the early days. When we hear that a man is a hero, we do not ask now, "How many dragons has he killed?" or, " Did he ever dive to the bottom of the ocean to do battle with a sea-monster?" We expect our heroes of to-day to perform quite different exploits from these; but in several respects they and the noblest champions of old are alike ; they are fearless in war, gentle in peace, kind to those who are in need of help, faithful to those to whom they owe allegiance, and they are ever sincere, upright, honorable, truthful, and unselfish.

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

BEOWULF

By John Gibb

THE land of the Danes was without a king. And there was confusion and disorder in all the land. Every one did what was right in his own eyes, for there was none to bear rule.

It happened at this time that there came a single ship to the land from across the waves. The people went on board the ship, and behold, there were no sailors, and no men in armor in the ship. No living thing was to be seen in it, save one little boy lying beside the mast. Around him were laid many precious treasures, rich coats of mail, shields and swords, and gold and precious stones. The men wondered when they saw the child and all the rich treasures which lay around him. But one said, —

"Surely the gods have sent this babe to Our kingless land, that he might become our king."

The others hearkened to the voice of him who thus spake, and they made the child king of the Danes, and his name was called Scyld. He grew to man's estate, and became a mighty king, and subdued the peoples under hirn. All the neighboring peoples across the whale roads obeyed Scyld, the king of the Danes, and paid him tribute. He gave many gifts to his own people, and he was loved by them; and when an heir

3

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

was born in his hall, all were willing that he should sit upon his father's throne, and that the Scyldings should rule over them forever.

Scyld himself became a very old man, and the time drew near for his departure into the peace of the Lord. Then said he to his comrades before he died, —

" When I am dead, place my body upon a ship, and send me forth on the sea even as I came."

The comrades of Scyld hearkened to the words of their king, and when he died they bore his body to the shore, where the ship was waiting. They laid the old king in the middle of the ship beside the mast, and upon his heart they placed a multitude of precious tilings. The ship itself they adorned with weapons of war, with coats of mail, and with all that became a warrior's bier. For they said, —

" It is net fitting that he, our king, should now go forth laden with less wealth than when he came to us, a solitary child."

The winds wafted the ship out to sea. It vanished in the distance, and none ever knew whither it bore the body of the king.

After the death of Scyld, his son reigned in his stead.

Now Hrothgar was king of the Danes, and he was of the race of Scyld, the king who came alone in the ship to the land. Hrothgar was brave in battle, and he gained many victories over his enemies. His people loved him, for he often sat upon the gift-throne, and gave away rings and other presents to his people.

Now it came to pass when Hrothgar was an old man, the thought entered into his heart to build a mighty

4

BEOWULF

house, in which to sit and drink the mead with his thanes, and where he might set up his gift-throne.

When the work was finished, all men admired it, and it was spoken of in many lands as the greatest palace in all the earth. The king gave to it the name of Heorot or the Stag, because its top was covered with pinnacles as the head of a stag with horns.

In Heorot sat the king upon his gift-throne, and from it he distributed to his heroes the wealth which God had given him. He was willing to give everything, this good king, except land and the lives of men; for these, he said, belonged to no one. Often did he feast with his heroes in Heorot; and in the evenings when it was dark outside, one could hear the noise of those feasting, the glad voice of singing, and the sound of the harp issuing forth from Heorot.

These sounds of mirth reached the ear of Grendel, and he was envious and sore displeased. Now Grendel was a wicked creature, who wandered about among the fens and moors, and dwelt in the dark waters. He was of the race of Cain, and was an enemy of God, and of all men that dwelt upon earth.

It came into the heart of Grendel to silence the voice of mirth and gladness in Heorot, and to turn it into mourning. He went to the hall under cover of the dark night. The heroes were lying in the hall fast asleep, for the feasting was at an end for the night. The fierce monster entered, and he seized thirty of the sleeping thanes and dragged them away with him. In vain did they struggle to escape his loathsome grip. He went away, carrying with him the dead bodies of those whom

5

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

he had slain. Then was there joy in his evil heart, because of the ruin which he had wrought.

Great was the lamentation when morning came, and it was known what Grendel had done in the night. The old king was sorely afflicted, and sat in sorrow. Next night Grendel returned to the hall, and again carried off thanes to his den; and this he continued to do night after night, until the hall stood empty, for none feasted in it any longer. Yet Grendel never approached the gift-throne where Hrothgar sat; for this the Creator forbade, who wished not that evil should befall the king. But he wandered through the land under cover of the night, and wherever he found one in lone places on the misty moors, he seized him and dragged him to his den. Many a tired warrior and brave young man disappeared, and no one ever saw them again.

For many years Grendel went throughout the land, destroying the great and the lowly, the old and the young, among the Danes. The king and his coun- selors were filled with grief and perplexity. Often they took counsel together, but they knew not how to deliver the land from this destroyer who walked in the darkness. They went to the temples, and with many words besought the Destroying Spirit to save them. They prayed to the Destroying Spirit, for they were heathen, and they were ignorant of the Lord God their Creator. They knew not how to honor and serve Him.

It came to the ears of Beowulf, in Gotland, what deeds Grendel had done in the land of the Danes, and how he had filled the land with lamentation and mourning.

6

BEOWULF

Now Beowulf was a thane of Hygelac, the king of the Geatas. There was none like unto him for strength and for valor in all the land. And when Beowulf heard of the sorrow of Hrothgar, he said, -

" Make ready for me a good sea-boat. I will go across the swan's path to the help of the noble prince who is in need of me."

The Geatas loved Beowulf, but they did not seek to dissuade him. They knew that he was a strong hero, who had done many mighty deeds, and they said, —

"Of a surety Beowulf will deliver the king of the Danes. "

Beowulf then chose fourteen fighting men as his com- rades in the adventure. Soon their ship floated on the waves, and the sailors climbed up its sides. The bright armor was taken on board, and the ship was shoved forth from the land.

Wafted by the wind, the ship passed over the waves like a swift bird. On the next morning the sailors looked forth, and behold, steep mountains and white cliffs glittering in the sunlight. They knew that they had reached the land of the Danes, and they guided the ship to the shore. They brought forth their coats of mail from the bottom of the ship, and they clad them- selves in armor. They stepped forth upon the sands, and tied their ship to the land.

The warder of the land, whose duty it was to watch the cliffs lest any enemy should approach, saw the mailed warriors come on shore. He tarried not, but rode to the shore to learn who they were. As soon as he met them he spake, saying, —

7

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

" Make your names known to me quickly, bold men, who have come to this Danish land. I am here to see that none do mischief. Never saw I a form so mighty as that of the earl who leads you. He is not one, I sup- pose, who stays at home, but one who loves to travel in search of adventures. I must know who you all are, and whence you come, before you leave the shore. "

Beowulf answered and said, " We are of the people of the Geatas, and subjects of Hygelac, king of Gotland. My father's name was Ecgtheow, a prince who was well known in many lands. We have come from our own land to render help to the lord of the Danes. For it has come to our ears what things the land is suffering through Grendel, and what he has done in the dark nights. "

The warder answered, " If you come as friends to the lord of the Danes, I will be your guide to him. And I will command my comrades to guard your ship, that no one injure it in your absence.'3

The warder then led the Geatas towards the great hall in which King Hrothgar dwelt. When they saw it they wondered greatly, for never had their eyes seen a palace so splendid before. As soon as they were in sight of it, the warder turned his horse's head, and bade them farewell, saying, —

"May God Almighty guard you. It is time for me to go. I must return to the shore to keep watch against the enemy."

The Geatas laid their shields against the wall of the palace, and they piled their ashen spears together in a sheaf. They entered the hall. Straightway one of

8

it.

%:"¥

'MAKE YOUR NAMES KNOWN To ME QUICKLY, BOLD MEN"

r -^ *- -- _ *^ri

-* ^-— - nl

Cathedral Br;i

BEOWULF

King Hrothgar's warriors, named Wulfgar, came to them and said, —

" Whence come you, men of war, clad in shirts of iron, and with weapons of war in your hands ? You are no exiles, but men seeking for adventures."

Beowulf answered, 'We are comrades of Hygelac, king of Gotland. My name is Beowulf. I would speak with your King Hrothgar. "

Wulfgar went to seek King Hrothgar, and he found the old gray-headed man sitting among his earls. He addressed him, saying, —

"There have come strangers to our land from a far country. They are called Geatas, and their leader is one named Beowulf. He desires to speak with thee. I counsel thee, O King, not to refuse his petition, for he and his followers look like earls in their splendid war-shirts. "

Then Hrothgar said, " Has Beowulf come thither ? I knew him as a boy, and I have since heard of him often- times. Men say that there is the strength of thirty men in the grip of his fist. The holy God has surely sent him to help us against Grendel. Tell him to come quickly into our presence, and say to him that he is right welcome. '

Wulfgar reported the words of King Hrothgar to Beowulf and to his companions. He said to them, —

"You may enter the presence of the king clad in your shirts of war, but leave behind here, I pray you, your shields and spears."

The chieftain of the Geatas arose and followed Wulfgar into the presence of the king of the Danes.

9

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

His followers went along with him, save those he left behind to guard the shields and spears.

The heroes entered the hall of Heorot, where upon a lofty seat sat Hrothgar ready to receive them. Beowulf spake and said, —

" Hail to thee, Hrothgar, king of the Danes ! I am the kinsman and the thane of Hygelac, king of the Geatas. The deeds of Grendel became known to me when I was dwelling at home, and wise men coun- seled me to go to your help. I am strong, and have done many mighty deeds. It was I that destroyed the Jotuns, and who slew the Nicors by night. Alone will I meet this wretch Grendel. I ask this one .favor of thee, O King, that thou wilt commit to me and to my companions the task of cleansing Heorot from the foul foe."

Hrothgar answered and said, 'Thou hast come as a defense to my land, Beowulf. I am filled with sorrow and shame. Grendel has robbed me of my warriors, and no one dare any more tarry in Heorot after the light of the sun departs. Thou art welcome, since thou hast come to meet the destroyer. Sit down on the benches of the hall, and join in our feasting before thou goest to encounter the enemy."

A bench was cleared in the hall for Beowulf and for his companions, and they sat down and drank the bright ale which was poured out for them from the flagon. A bard raised his voice and sang with a clear voice, and all the warriors rejoiced together, and there was great gladness throughout the hall.

But Hunferth, the son of Ecglaf, who sat at the feet

10

BEOWULF

of King Hrothgar, was displeased. He was grieved that any hero should come to the land boasting that he could do what no one among the Danes could do. He said scornfully to Beowulf, -

'Tell me, art thou the Beowulf whom Breca over- came in a swimming match ? I heard the tale. You both ventured out like foolish men among the waves in the days of winter. For seven nights you swam together, but Breca was the stronger. Thou wilt have a worse defeat shouldst thou venture to meet Grendel in the darkness of the night."

Beowulf answered and said, "Hunferth, my friend, thou hast drunken too much beer. Breca never over- came me in swimming, nor did any one. But if thou wouldst hear the tale, thou shalt have it. Breca and I were boys at the time, and we swam out on the wintry sea, with naked swords in our hands to defend ourselves against the sea monsters. For five nights we were to- gether upon the waves, and he could not pass me. The cold north wind blew, and there came a great storm upon the sea, and we were parted. In the darkness there came up from the bottom of the sea one of the monsters that dwell there, and it seized me and dragged me down into the deep waters. The coat of mail which I wore protected me, and I stabbed the wretch with my sword. But a great multitude of other sea mon- sters set upon me while I was at the bottom of the sea. I stabbed them all with my sword. When it be- came morning, and the sun rose, they were all washed ashore by the waves, and lay dead upon the sands. My sword had put them to sleep. Never afterwards

11

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

did they hinder the sailors on their course. Afterwards I continued my journey, although I was wearied, and at length the waves cast me upon the land of the Finns. I never heard that thou didst deeds such as these, Hunferth, nor Breca either. Thou didst slay thy own brothers, I know, for which thou shalt suffer the ven- geance of Heaven. Hadst thou been such a hero as thou vauntest thyself, Grendel would not have laid waste the hall of thy lord. But I, a Geat, will soon show what a brave man can do, and all men will sit down cheerfully to the mead benches in this hall when they hear that Grendel is dead."

Hrothgar was well pleased when he heard the bold words of Beowulf, for the shepherd of the Danes put confidence in his promise.

Then entered the hall Waltheow, Hrothgar's queen; and she took the beer cup in her hand, and handed it first to the king, who drank of it joyfully; then she passed it round among the other heroes. She offered it also to Beowulf. He took it from her hand and drank, saying, —

' I came to thy land to do a deed of might in thy hall. To-night I shall surely finish it or end my life."

Hrothgar now rose from his seat to go to rest for the night. All the other Danes rose to go with him. Before he left he addressed Beowulf, saying, —

"Never did I before intrust this royal house to the keeping of a stranger. Guard it well. Be wakeful. Quit thee like a man. Farewell."

There were now none left in Heorot save Beowulf and his companions. Beowulf took off his coat of mail and

12

BEOWULF

gave it to his attendant. He gave to him also his sword and his shield, saying to him, -

"I will not meet Grendel with weapons of war, for he knows not how to use them."

He then laid himself down upon a bench, and placed his head upon the bolster. The other Danes did the same.

Meanwhile Grendel was coming up from the misty moors to work ruin. When he reached Heorot he found the doors closed. They were fastened with bars of iron. He tore them open with his great strength, and entered the hall. He pressed forward quickly to the place where the heroes lay. From his eyes there issued forth in the darkness a light like unto fire. He saw the warriors lying asleep, and he laughed in his wicked heart, for he promised himself a feast. He seized the nearest sleeping warrior and tore him to pieces. Bit by bit he devoured his flesh and drank his blood. He then advanced towards Beowulf. The hero was watching him. Raising himself up from his couch, and leaning upon his arm, he seized the hand of Grendel. Never before had Grendel felt a grip so terrible. Fear took hold of him, and he turned to flee. But Beowulf rose to his feet, and held him fast in his grasp of iron. Terrible was the struggle between Grendel and Beowulf. The hall shook with it, the ale was spilt, and all the benches fell. The Geatas awoke from their slumber; they drew their swords and has- tened to the help of their lord, but no steel, however sharp, could pierce the hide of Grendel. Presently there was heard a wild yell of pain throughout the hall, and

13

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Grendel fled away, having escaped the grasp of Beowulf; but when the heroes looked, behold, the arm and hand of Grendel were in Beowulf's hand. It was torn from his shoulder. Sore wounded and sick unto death, the evil monster hastened to the dark pool among the fens where he had his dwelling-place.

In the morning the Danish warriors came in crowds to the gift-hall to Heorot, to learn what had happened in the darkness. Right glad they were to hear the tale of the Geatas. Some mounted their horses and fol- lowed the traces of Grendel. They rode to the dark pool where he dwelt. The dark waves wrere disturbed, and colored with blood, and they said one to another, —

" Grendel has breathed out his heathen soul."

They rode back joyfully. Sometimes they ran races. They talked of the brave deed and of Beowulf; and one of the king's thanes, who had a store of such, told stories of great deeds that were wrought by other heroes in olden times.

Then was told to Hrothgar what had taken place, and he went into the hall. He lifted up his eyes towards the high golden roof, and behold, as a trophy of the fight, there hung the arm of Grendel.

The king was glad, and he said to Beowulf, "Thou hast done a deed which all the might and wisdom of man was not able to accomplish. The mother who bore thee may well be proud of thee, Beowulf. Best of men, I love thee as my son. Ask what thou wilt of me, and I will give it. There is nothing I am not willing to give thee."

. Beowulf replied, "Willingly have I served thee in

14

BEOWULF

this matter, O King. Would that I had been able to hinder Grendel from going away! But the wretch will not live much longer. Pain will hold him in its deadly grasp until he dies in his den. It is the doom which the pure Creator has appointed for him on account of his crimes."

All looked with wonder upon the hand of Grendel aloft upon the roof. The nails on the fingers were hard as steel. Hunferth, the son of Ecglaf, was silent as he gazed on that hand. By the commandment of the king, Heorot was made ready, for he desired to give a great feast because of the victory of Beowulf. The hall was much shaken and broken, and had it not been for the iron bolts by which it wras fastened, it would have fallen when Beowulf and Grendel strove together.

Now were the walls adorned with fair cloth of gold, and with many ornaments. The warriors entered in crowds to the feast, and sat down together on the benches. All gazed on Beowulf, and talked of his mighty deeds. The king brought forth his best gifts, and bestowed them upon the hero. The queen, too, did not forget to reward him. She gave him precious raiment, and she hung around his neck a collar of gold, saying, -

:< Receive and wear, dear Beowulf, this collar of gold. Wear this raiment which I give to thee. May all young men follow thy example! Thou shalt be held in honor as long as thou livest for what thou hast done."

The song was sung and the tale was often told within the hall that evening, and the heroes were joyful together.

15

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

At length the hall was cleared of the ale benches, and beds and bolsters were spread upon the floor. The heroes desired to spend the night there. They feared Grendel no longer.

But Beowulf did not remain in the hall, because another lodging was made ready for him.

They sank to sleep weary with feasting, and no care or fear kept them awake. But one there paid dearly for his slumber. Grendel's avenger was near. His mother, a wretched woman of the race of Cain, came up from the cold streams in which she dwelt towards Heorot. She burst into the hall among the sleeping Danes. She was in haste, for her heart was less bold than Grendel's, and she wished to escape quickly. She seized that one of the heroes who lay nearest to her, and hastened away with him to the fens. He whom she seized was ^Eschere, the well-beloved counselor of Hrothgar.

In the morning there was again loud lamentation in Heorot, and in all the dwellings of the Danes, when it was known that ^Eschere was dead. The old king was greatly troubled in mind, and he sent for Beowulf. And when Beowulf came the king said to him, —

" Sorrow has again fallen upon the Danes. ^Eschere is dead — he who knew all the secrets of my heart, and who always stood by me in the day of battle."

Beowulf said, "By whom was the deed done, O King ? "

Hrothgar answered, "I know who the fiend is, for I have heard men say that often when it was getting dark two forms were seen upon the misty moors. The one

16

BEOWULF

was like unto a man, only of larger form — that was Grendel; the other like unto a wretched woman. She was his mother, and has done the deed. I know their home. It is not more than a mile distant. It is in a dark lake overshadowed by trees. Into that lake the stag will not plunge, even although the hounds are close upon it, so fearful and unholy is the place. Thou art brave and strong, Beowulf ; go to the place and seek the hateful being who has wrought the evil. If thou dost succeed, rich shall be thy reward."

Beowulf answered the king, and said, "Grieve not, O wise King. It is better to avenge a friend than to grieve for him. The end of life comes to us all. But while we live we must do brave deeds and execute justice. This is best for those who will come after. Arise quickly, O King, and let us go and search for Grendel's mother. I promise thee she shall not escape me, although she takes refuge in the dark wood or in the deep waters."

The old king arose from his seat when he heard the words of Beowulf, and gave thanks to God. He shouted to his attendants, -

''Bring forth my horse quickly."

Hrothgar's horse was brought forth ready bridled. He mounted and set out along with Beowulf and a company of chosen men. They traced the footsteps of the evil being through the forest walks and across the dark moor. By a lonely path they found their way to the lake where the evil ones dwelt. Lying upon a rock they found the head of JSschere. They sat down and watched the water. They could see that it was mingled

17

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

with blood. And they saw swimming in the water many hideous snakes, and sea-dragons of hideous form. On the rock near were other monsters lying. When these heard the sound of the horns of Hrothgar's men, they darted into the waters. But one of the Geatas took his bow and shot forth an arrow, which struck one of the creatures and wounded it. They dragged it out with a hook, and all looked with wonder on the hideous beast. Beowulf now prepared to explore the waters. He put on his shirt of mail. Upon his head he placed his helmet. In his hand he took the good sword Hrunt- ing. Now Hrunting was the sword of Hunferth, the son of Ecglaf, the same who, drunken with beer, spake proud words to Beowulf. But Hunferth remembered not his former enmity, and lent his sword Hrunting to Beowulf as to a better warrior. When he was armed, Beowulf spake to Hrothgar and said, —

'Wise Prince, I am now ready for my journey. Thou didst promise to be a father unto me, and I beseech thee to protect my thanes should death snatch me away. Send to my Lord Hygelac all the gold and the rich gifts which thou gavest me, that he may know that I found in thee a generous giver."

Having said these words, Beowulf plunged into the water and disappeared among the dark waves. It was long till he found the bottom, so deep did it lie. Soon Grendel's mother discovered that a man had invaded her dark abode. She rushed upon him to destroy him. She took him in her fierce grasp, but the mail-shirt resisted her fingers, and she could not pierce his body. Then she dragged him along to her den. He looked

18

BEOWULF

up, and behold, a light as of fire shining above, and he could see the roof and all that was within the den. He grasped his sword, and rushing at the she-wolf, he sought to run her through the body. But the good sword Hrunting could not pierce her skin. Beowulf then grasped her by the shoulder, and sought to overthrow her. And they struggled for life and death within the den. At length Beowulf threw her down, but soon she rose again, and seizing him with a terrible grip, she cast him upon the floor of the den. Then she placed her knee upon his breast, and taking a knife from her bosom she sought to stab him. But the mail-shirt of Beowulf stopped the knife. By the protection of God was he saved, and he threw the fierce woman off, and rose again to his feet.

Beowulf looked round the den, and behold, he saw hanging upon the wall an ancient sword. It was a sword that had belonged to the giants of old — a mighty blade, and strong to smite. He reached forth his hand and seized it, for he thought that he would once more strike for his life. He then smote the woman heavily upon the neck, and it spouted out blood, and she sank dead upon the floor. Beowulf looked at his bloody sword, and at the deed which he had done, and he rejoiced greatly.

After the fight was over Beowulf looked round the cave, and behold, lying in a corner he observed the dead body of Grendel. He went up to it, and with a blow he separated the head from the body, for he wished to bear it to Hrothgar, that he might look upon the head of enemy. But afterwards the blade of the old sword

19

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

with which he had conquered his enemy began to melt away. Like ice in heat the blade melted away, for the poisoned blood of Grendel destroyed it. Nothing but the hilt remained in Beowulf's hand.

Meanwhile Hrothgar and his men were gazing ear- nestly on the water where Beowulf had vanished. They saw blood mingling with the bubbling waters, and they feared, and said one to another, —

"Alas! the water-wolf has destroyed the brave chief. We shall never look on him again."

After long waiting, Hrothgar and his Danes left the place and turned their steps homeward. Hrothgar was sick at heart and very sorrowful. But the Geatas still waited on beside the water, for they were loath to give up hope. After long watching, their eyes were glad- dened by the sight of Beowulf swimming as a stout swimmer towards the land. He bore with him the mighty head of Grendel and the hilt of the old sword. His thanes gathered round him rejoicing, and they thanked God for his safety.

Four men took the head of Grendel, and placing it upon a stake, they bore the huge weight along. All went joyfully towards Heorot. And they bore Grendel's head into the hall, where the thanes were sitting drinking the ale. How greatly they all wondered when they saw the fearful sight!

Beowulf approached King Hrothgar and said, "I have brought to thee, O King, a trophy of the fight. It almost cost me my life, but I escaped. God was my protector. It was not with Hrunting that I did the deed, but with this old sword whose hilt is in my hand,"

20

BEOWULF

Hrothgar took the hilt of the old sword from the hand of Beowulf to examine it. He saw that there were ancient letters inscribed upon it telling of old strifes. It had belonged to the giants whom God destroyed in the flood.

Hrothgar then addressed Beowulf, saying, " Beowulf, God has given to thee high prosperity. Many winters have taught me wisdom. Refuse not, therefore, to listen to an old man's counsel. There was once a king in this land who was prosperous above all that went before him. But pride lifted him up, and he oppressed the Danes, the companions who sat with him at the board. He gave not rings according to justice, but with greedy soul kept all for himself. He brought disaster upon the land and upon himself. I have told this tale for thy learning. Be thou generous. Let not conscience, the soul's shepherd, sleep within thee, but watch against pride, and against the evil spirit. Now is the day of thy power, but forget not God, the Ruler of glory, and the eternal counsel. For death will soon come to thee, as to all men."

The king then asked Beowulf to go to his seat and join in the feast. It continued until night came, when all retired to rest.

Next morning Beowulf said, "I must now return to my own lord, King Hygelac. Let our ship be made ready."

He restored to Hunferth the sword Hrunting, saying, "It is a right good blade, a friend in battle."

He said not to him that it had failed in the fight with Grendel's mother, for Beowulf was a high-souled chief.

21

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

To Hrothgar Beowulf said, 'Well hast thou enter- tained us, O King, and we shall not forget thy goodness. Should it ever come to my ears that thou hast need of my help, I will come quickly, with a thousand thanes behind me."

Hrothgar replied, " Beowulf, thou art mighty in deed and in word. There is none like unto thee among the heroes. None can discourse so wisely, and do such deeds as thou canst. Should sword or poison take away the life of thy Lord Hygelac, the youthful shep- herd of the Geatas, they will not easily find a better king than thee."

Hrothgar gave to Beowulf many costly gifts as a reward for the services which he had done to the Danes. He then embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they both wept, the old white-haired king and the young hero.

Beowulf then went to his ship, and his men with him. They took on board all the costly gifts of Hrothgar. They spread the sail from the mast, and the ship bounded through the waves, until it reached again the land of the Geatas.

Hygelac was glad to see his kinsman Beowulf return. He and his men were soon sitting at Hygelac's table, for so the king willed it. And the king said, —

'What adventures didst thou meet wTith, dear Beo- wulf, in the land of the Danes ? It was against my will that thou wentest thither, for I thought it right that the Danes should fight their own battle with Grendel. But I give thanks to God that thou art returned safe and sound."

BEOWULF

Beowulf told the king how he slew first Grendel and afterwards Grendel's mother. And all wondered; and there was a great feast, and much rejoicing and singing of songs among the guests. Hygelac's young queen, Hygd, entered the hall, and with her own hand bestowed gifts upon the heroes, and handed to them cups of ale. And Beowulf gave to his King Hygelac of the treasures which Hrothgar had given him. And on Hygd he also bestowed a gift, which he had brought from the land of the Danes, — a rich ornament of gold wrought by a very cunning workman.

It came to pass that after this Beowulf remained at home, by the side of his king and kinsman, Hygelac. But it entered into the mind of Hygelac to invade the land of the Frisians. He was wroth with them, and he desired to carry away much booty from their land. He went thither in many ships ; but the people of the land and other peoples went up against him, and there was a great battle. And the Geatas were vanquished, and their King Hygelac was slain. And the enemy stripped him of his armor. But Beowulf they were not able to slay, for he fought his way through their ranks until he reached the water, and he swam back to his own land.

There was weeping and wailing in the land when it was known that King Hygelac was defeated and slain.

When Hygd, the queen of Hygelac, heard that her husband was dead, she said to Beowulf, -

" Be thou king in this land ; for my son Heardred is but a child, and cannot rule over this great people."

But Beowulf said, "Not so. It shall never be said that I robbed my lord's son of his crown and his inher-

23

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

itance. But I will stand by him, and guard him, and counsel him, until he grows to man's estate."

This Beowulf did.

After the young king was grown to be a man, and was ruling over the Geatas, he was slain at a banquet by the stroke of a sword by one who bore him hatred.

On the death of King Heardred, Beowulf was chosen king of the Geatas, and for many winters he ruled in the land. Although he fought many battles, and made many wars, yet was his life preserved until he was an aged man.

In the old age of Beowulf there came a great terror in the land. There was an ancient hoard of precious things laid up in a cave near the sea. It had been gathered by those who lived in olden times. Into the cave fled a certain slave who was fleeing from the hand of a cruel master, and he saw the hoard, and knew that the things were precious. He took a cup of gold, curi- ously carved, in his hand, and he said, " If I return to my master with this in my hand, surely he will be gracious unto me." And he went to his master and gave him the ancient cup, and found grace in his sight.

But there lay beside the ancient hoard a dragon fierce and terrible, and it was the guardian of the hoard. When the dragon knew that the hand of man had been in the ancient hoard which it had so long guarded, it was wroth exceedingly. It issued forth from the cave, and went through the land in the night season. From its mouth there issued streams of fire, and no man could stand before it. Even the houses and cities of men were burned and blasted by its breath.

24

BEOWULF

The old King Beowulf heard what the dragon was doing to his land and his people. He said, —

" In my youth I fought many fights, and I will go and seek out this monster, and fight with him for my people's sake."

He bade farewell to his men, and went with a few attendants to the cave where he heard dwelt the dragon. He was clad in a coat of mail, and held his sword in his hand. He bore also a shield of iron, that he might with- stand the fiery breath of the dragon. But he said to his men, -

" I would not bear sword and shield against this mon- ster if it were possible. Rathey would I meet him as I did Grendel of old, with the grip of my hand."

When they drew near the place where the dragon lay, Beowulf said to his followers, —

" Tarry ye here in the wood by the hillside ; I will go alone and seek the dragon. I mean to gain the treasure in yonder cave for my people, or to die in the attempt."

The old king then went towards the cave beside the sea, with his shield on his arm, and in his hand the old sword with which he had fought many battles. He saw before him an ancient arch of stone, and issuing from it a stream of water, and the water was hot exceedingly, so that he could not dip his hand in it. He then knew that the dragon was near, and he shouted with a loud voice. The dragon heard his shout, and its rage awoke at the voice of man. It rushed forth from the den to destroy the bold fighter who had come to disturb it. As soon as it saw Beowulf, it vomited forth a stream of burning flame. But he sheltered himself behind his

25

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

shield, and struck hard blows with his sword. Although he struck often and strongly, he was not able to pierce the thick scales of the monster. And the edge of his sword soon grew blunt with much striking.

Beowulf's men watched the fight from afar. They were hiding in the wood. Fear filled their hearts as they looked upon the fiery monster. One of them, Wiglaf by name, grieved when he saw his master fighting alone against the serpent. He said to the others, —

"When we received many gifts from our lord in the beer hall, wre promised to follow him, and to stand by him in the fight. The time is come when our lord hath need of us. Let us go to his help against the fiery dragon, that seems ready to devour him."

Having spoken these words, Wiglaf ran down the hill to the aid of his lord. He shouted to him, —

"Dear Beowulf, strike hard as in the days of thy youth. I will help thee."

But the serpent again came upon them vomiting forth fire, and the shield of Wiglaf was quickly burned up. It was but a wooden shield that the hero bore. Then was he fain to take refuge behind the shield of his lord. The serpent pressed hard upon the two warriors, but Beowulf, mindful of his old deeds, fought mightily with his sword, and kept it off. But at length Naegling, Beowulf's sword, broke in his hand, and he could not longer keep the serpent at a distance. The foul beast drew near to him and clasped him in its horrid coils, so that the blood spouted from the body of the old king. And the fiery breath of the creature burned his hand. But Beowulf yielded not his life. He bethought him

26

BEOWULF

of the knife which he bore by his side, and drawing it he plunged its sharp edge into the serpent's belly. It fell dead, and the king was released from its embrace. But Beowulf was sore wounded, and sick unto death. He lay beside the dragon which he had slain, and the wounds which he had received burned as with fire ; and he knew that the time had come for him to leave this world.

Wiglaf the thane went to the side of his beloved lord, and he gently bathed him with water, for he was covered with blood. Beowulf looked towards the mouth of the cave from which the dragon came forth, and behold, he saw stone arches strong and mighty, and he knew that they were the work of the giants of old.

Beowulf spake to Wiglaf, and said, " Death is coming near to me, Wiglaf, and had I a son I would now give my armor to him, but no son lives of mine. For fifty winters have I ruled over the Geatas. I have fought the battles of my people, and I have never sworn falsely, nor have I stained my hands in the blood of my kindred. Now I am sorely wounded, and sick unto death. But fain would I look upon the treasure for which I have given my life. Pray, Wiglaf, go quickly into the cave and fetch out some of the precious things, that my eyes may behold them before I die."

Wiglaf obeyed the command of the king, and fetched from the cave bright gold, and precious gems, and ancient cups made in the olden times. On his return he found his lord fainting, and at the point of death. He sprinkled him again with water, and again Beowulf opened his eyes, and he gazed on the beautiful things before him. He said, -

27

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

" I give thanks, O Lord of all, King of glory, for this treasure which I have gained for my people in the day of my death. I sorrow not that I have spent my life in the winning of it. Bid my warriors raise a lofty mound on Hrones Ness. Sailors at sea will behold it from afar, and they will call it Beowulf's Mound."

Beowulf then unclasped from his neck a collar of gold and gave it to Wiglaf. He gave to him also his coat of mail and his helmet, and bade him wear them.

" Thou art the last of my race," he said ; " for fate has carried away the rest of my kindred, and I go to join them."

These were the last words of Beowulf, king of the Geatas. His spirit left his body and went forth to seek the dwelling-place of the true.

Wiglaf sat beside his lord, and he sought to revive him by sprinkling water upon his face, for he knew not that he was dead.

Then came forth from the wood, where they had been hiding, the unfaithful followers of Beowulf, who did not fight for their lord through fear of the dragon. They came as men ashamed. And Wiglaf reproached them with fierce words. He said to them, —

' The armor which you wear was the gift of the king. He gave it to you when you sat on the ale bench, that you might stand by his side in the day of battle. But he threw it away, for you came not to his help when the mighty beast assailed him. It is better for an earl to die than live the shameful life of a coward."

When it was known among the Geatas that Beowulf their king was dead, there was great sorrow and lam-

28

BEOWULF

entation throughout the land. And men said one to another, -

"Now cometh a time of trouble and strife, for the king is dead, and there is no one to rule among us. Alas! the Franks and Frisians will speedily hear the tidings, and will greatly rejoice."

Many went out to see the dragon which Beowulf had slain. It was fifty feet in length, and looked so fearful that none would have approached it had it been still living. Beside it lay cups of gold, ancient and precious swords, and other precious things of ancient times. Wiglaf spake to those who came, and said to them, —

'These precious things have been won with a great price, the life of our dear prince, the shepherd of the people. He, before he died, said many things to me; and he asked me to say to his warriors to erect a lofty mound at the place where his body was burned, to keep alive his name. This he asked as a return for all the kind deeds which he had done for his people during his lifetime. Let us make ready to obey his commands."

Wiglaf asked seven thanes of the king to enter again with him into the cave. One went before him with a lighted torch. And they carried out what yet remained of the hoard within the cave.

They pushed the body of the dragon over the cliffs into the sea. In a wagon they bore away the treasure of the cave, and the body of the dead King Beowulf was borne to Hrones Ness.

A mighty funeral pile was there erected, for wood was brought from many places to build it up. It was hung round with helmets, with shields, and with coats of mail.

29

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

The warriors placed the body of Beowulf in the midst of it, and they kindled the pile with a blazing torch. Then there rose black smoke and bright flame, and the fire roared fiercely. The heavens seemed covered with dark- ness, and everywhere you might have heard the voice of wailing. At length all was consumed, the fire burned out.

Afterwards a mighty mound was erected on the hill beside the sea. The Geatas buried in it rings of gold and precious things, which they had brought forth from the cave.

Often in after days did the Geatas speak of their King Beowulf, and said, —

"Among the kings of the earth, Beowulf was the greatest lover of glory. He was mild and gentle too, and loved his people."

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING AND GETS HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR

By Thomas Malory

IT befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war uther and against him long time. And the duke was Jgrame. named the Duke of Tintagil. And so by means King Uther sent for this duke, charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was called a fair lady, and a passing wise, and her name was called Igraine. And the mes- sengers had their answers, and that was this, shortly, that neither he nor his wife would not come at him. Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him plain word again, and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish him, for within forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath. When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and garnished two strong castles of his, of the which the one hight Tintagil and the other castle hight Terrabil. So his wife, Dame Igraine, he put in the castle of Tintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil, the which had many issues and posterns out. Then in all haste came Uther with a great host, and laid a siege about the castle of Terrabil. And there he

31

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

pight many pavilions, and there was great war made on both parties, and much people slain.

But the Duke of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, and therefore that night he issued out of the castle at a postern, for to have dis- tressed the king's host. And so, through his own issue, the duke himself was slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil. Then all the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord between the Lady Igraine and him. The king gave them leave, for fain would he have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in Ulfius to entreat between them; so, by the entreat, at the last the king and she met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius : our king is a lusty knight and wifeless, and my Lady Igraine is a passing fair lady ; it were great joy unto us all and it might please the king to make her his queen. Unto that they were all well accorded, and moved it to the king: and anon, like a lusty knight, he assented thereto with good-will, and so in all haste they were married in a morning with great mirth and joy.

Then the time came that the Queen Igraine should bear a child. Then came Merlin unto the king and Birth of said, Sir, ye must purvey you for the nourish- Arthur. ing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king,

be it. Well, said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and a faithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a lord of fair livelihood in many parts in England and Wales. And this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and speak with you; and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will put his

32

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

own child to nourishing to another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when the child is born, let it be delivered unto me at yonder privy postern unchristened. So like as Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come, he made affiance to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired; and there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady was delivered, the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take the child bound in a cloth of gold, and that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at the postern gate of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, and named him Arthur : and so Sir Ector's wife nourished him with her own breast.

Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in the meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a great battle upon his Deathof men, and slew many of his people. Sir, said Uther. Merlin, ye may not lie so as ye do, for ye must to the field, though ye ride on an horse-litter; for ye shall never have the better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then shall ye have the victory. So it was done as Merlin had devised, and they carried the king forth in a horse-litter with a great host towards his enemies. And at St. Albans there met with the king a great host of the North. And that day Sir Ulfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther's men over- came the Northern battle, and slew many people, and put the remnant to flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy of his victory. And

33

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

then he fell passing sore sick, so that three days and three nights he was speechless ; wherefore all the barons made great sorrow, and asked Merlin what counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God will have his will. But look ye all- barons be before King Uther to-morn, and God and I shall make him to speak. So on the morn all the barons with Merlin came tofore the king: then Merlin said aloud unto King Uther, Sir, shall your son Arthur be king after your days, of this realm, with all the appurtenance? Then Uther Pen- dragon turned him and said in hearing of them all, I give him God's blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and righteously and worshipfully that he claim the crown upon forfeiture of my blessing. And therewith he yielded up the ghost. And then was he interred as longed to a king. Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons. Then stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord that was mighty of men made him strong, and many wend to have been king.

Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counseled him for to send for all the lords of the

The Wonder rea^m» an<^ an< *ne gentlemen of arms, that of the Sword, they should to London come by Christmas upon pain of cursing : and for this cause - - that Jesus, that was born on that night, that He would of his great mercy shew some miracle, as He was come to be king of mankind, for to show some miracle who should be rightwise king of this realm. So the archbishop by the advice of Merlin sent for all the lords and gentlemen of arms, that they should come by Christmas even unto

34

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

London. And many of them made them clean of their life, that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God.

So in the greatest church of London (whether it were Paul's or not, the French book maketh no mention) all the estates were long or day in the church for to pray. And when matins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the churchyard against the high altar a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone, and in the midst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stack a fair sword naked by the point, and letters there were written in gold about the sword, that said thus: Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise king born of all England. Then the people marveled, and told it to the archbishop. I command, said the archbishop, that ye keep you within your church, and pray unto God still ; that no man touch the sword till the high mass be all done. So when all masses were done, all the lords went to behold the stone and the sword. And when they saw the scripture, some assayed — such as would have been king. But none might stir the sword nor move it. He is not here, said the archbishop, that shall achieve the sword, but doubt not God will make him known. But this is my counsel, said the archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame, and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was made a cry, that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And upon New Year's Day the barons let make a justs and a tournament, that all knights that would just or tourney there might play: and all this was ordained for to keep

35

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

the lords together and the commons, for the archbishop trusted that God would make him known that should win the sword.

So upon New Year's Day when the service was done the barons rode to the field, some to just, and some to Arthur uiis tourney; and so it happened that Sir Ector, out the sword, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the justs, and with him rode Sir Kay, his son, and young Arthur that was his nourished brother, and Sir Kay was made knight at Allhallowmas afore. So as they rode to the justs-ward Sir Kay had lost his sword, for he had left it at his father's lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur to ride for his sword. I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword ; and when he came home the lady and all were out to see the justing. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the churchyard and take the sword with me that sticketh in the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day.

So when he came to the churchyard Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there, for they were at the justing; and so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way till he came to his bro- ther Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword he wist well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir Ector, and said : Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone ; wherefore I must be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword he returned again and came to the church, and

36

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

there they alighted all three and went into the church, and anon he made Sir Kay to swear upon a book how he came to that sword. Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat ye this sword ? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell you: when I came home for my brother's sword, I found nobody at home to deliver me his sword, and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain. Found ye any knights about this sword ? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur, I understand ye must be king of this land. Wherefore I, said Arthur, and for what cause ? Sir, said Ector, for God will have it so : for there should never man have drawn out this sword but he that shall be rightwise king of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was, and pull it out again. That is no mastery, said Arthur: and so he put it into the stone. Therewith Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword and failed.

Now assay, said Sir Ector to Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with all his might, but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And therewithal Sir Ector kneeled down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said Arthur, mine own dear father and brother, why kneel ye to me. Nay, nay, my Lord Arthur, it is not so : I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wote well ye are of an higher blood than I wend ye were. And then Sir Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for to nourish him, and by whose com-

37

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

mandment, and by Merlin's deliverance. Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not his father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious lord when ye are king ? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are the man in the world that I am most beholding to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as wrell as her own hath fos- tered me and kept. And if ever it be God's will that I be king, as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail you: God forbid I should fail you. Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more of you but that you will make my son, your foster-brother Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands. That shall be done, said Arthur, and more by the faith of my body, that never man shall have that office but he, while he and I live. Therewithal they went unto the archbishop, and told him how the sword was achieved, and by whom.

And on Twelfth Day all the barons came thither, and to assay to take the sword who that would assay. But there afore them all there might none take it out but Arthur, wherefore there were many lords wroth, and said it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be over governed with a boy of no high blood born. And so they fell out at that time that it was put off till Candle- mas, and then all the barons should meet there again. But always the ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they set a pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have won the sword, but there might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas he did at Candlemas,

38

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

and pulled out the sword easily; whereof the barons were sore aggrieved, and put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped afore, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords had indig- nation that Arthur should be their king, and put it off in a ^delay till the feast of Pentecost. Then the Arch- bishop of Canterbury by Merlin's providence let purvey them of the best knights that they might get, and such knights as King Uther Pendragon loved best and most trusted in his days, and such knights were put about Arthur, as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias. All these, with many other, were always about Arthur, day and night, till the feast of Pentecost. And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men as- sayed to pull at the sword that would assay, but none might prevail but Arthur; and he pulled it andischosen out afore all the lords and commons that were kmg' there: wherefore all the commons cried at once, We will have Arthur unto our king ; we will put him no more in delay, for we all see that it is God's will that he shall be our king, and who that holdeth against it we will slay him. And therewithal they kneeled down all at once, both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy, because they had delayed him so long. And Arthur for- gave them, and took the sword between both his hands, and offered it upon the altar where the archbishop was, and so was he made knight of the best man that was there. And so anon was the coronation made, and there was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to stand with true justice from thence- forth the days of this life. Also then he made all lords

39

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

that held of the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought to do. And many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs that were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were be- reaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that owned them. When this was done that the king- had stablished all the countries about London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir Baud- win of Britain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius wras made chamberlain; and Sir Brastias was made warden to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was that time, for the most part, the king's enemies'. But within few years after, Arthur won all the north, Scot- land, and all that were under their obeisance. Also Wales, a part of it held against Arthur, but he overcame them all as he did the remnant through the noble prow- ess of himself and his knights of the Round Table.

Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast, that it should be holden at Pentecost, after the in- coronation of him at the city of Carlion.

Then on a day there came into the court a squire on horseback, leading a knight before him wrounded to the death, and told him how there was a knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain my master, a good knight, his name was Miles ; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be buried, and that some knight may revenge my master's death. Then the noise was great of that knight's death in the court, and every man said his advice; then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was but young, of the age of King

40

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

Arthur ; so he besought the king for 'all his service that he had done him to give him the order of knighthood.

Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir, said Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a passing good man when he is of age, abiding with you the term of his life. And if he adventure his body with yonder knight at the fountain it is in great peril if ever he come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and the strongest man of arms. Well, said King Arthur. So at the desire of Griflet the king made him knight. Now, said Arthur unto Sir Griflet, since I have made you knight, thou must give me a gift. What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by the faith of thy body, when thou hast justed with the knight at the fountain, whether it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that right so ye shall come again unto me without making any more debate. I will promise you, said Griflet, as you desire.

Then took Grifiet his horse in great haste, and dressed his shield, and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he came to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers colors, and a great spear. Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his spear that the shield fell down to the ground. With that the knight came out of the pavilion and said, Fair knight, why smote ye down my shield ? For I will just with you, said Griflet. It is better ye do not, said the knight, for ye are but young, and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine.

41

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

* As for that, said Griflet, I will just with you. That is

me loath, said the knight, but since I must needs I will dress me thereto : of whence be ye ? said the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur's court. So the two knights ran together, that Griflet's spear all to-shivered, and therewithal he smote Griflet through the shield and the left side, and brake the spear, that the truncheon stack in his body, that horse and knight fell down.

When the knight saw him lie so on the ground he alighted, and was passing heavy, for he wend he had slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse and gat him wind, and so betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole was made for him. But through good leeches he was healed and saved. And the king was passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded a privyman of his chamber, that or it be day his best horse and armor, with all that belongeth unto his person, be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so, or to-morrow day, he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up, and dressed his shield, and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he came again.

And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was day, and

then was he aware of three churls chasing

overcome by Merlin, and would have slain him. Then

the knight at |-ne kmg rode unto them and bade them, Flee

the fountain,

churls! Then were they afeard when they saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said Arthur, here

42

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

haddest thou been slain, for all thy crafts, had I not been. Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could save myself and I would, and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the deathward, and God be not thy friend. So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilion there by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight armed in a chair. Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that there may no knight ride this way but if he just with thee, said the king: I rede thee leave that custom, said Arthur. This custom, said the knight, have I used and will use maugre who saith nay; and who is grieved with my custom let him amend it that will. I will amend it, said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight.

Anon he took his horse, and dressed his shield, and took a spear, and they met so hard either in other's shields that they all to-shivered their spears. Therewith Arthur anon pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight, it is fairer that we twain run more together with sharp spears. I will well, said Arthur, and I had any more spears. I have enow, said the knight. So there came a squire, and brought two good spears, and Arthur chose one and he another; so they spurred their horses, and came together with all their mights, that either brake their spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his sword. Nay, said the knight, ye shall do better; ye are a passing good juster as ever I met withal, and once for the love of the high order of knighthood let us just once again. I assent you, said Arthur.

Anon there were brought two great spears, and every

43

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran together that Arthur's spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hard in midst of the shield that horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, Sir knight, on foot, for I have lost the honor on horseback. I will be on horseback, said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield towards him with his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alight, for him thought no worship to have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback, and he on foot, and so he alight and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords that the cantles flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all the place there as they fought was overbled with blood, and thus they fought long, and rested them; and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled together like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they

•i

smote together, that both their swords met even together. But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy.

Then said the knight unto Arthur, Thou art in my danger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant thou shalt die. As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh; but to yield me unto thee as recreant I had lever die than to be so shamed. And therewithal the king leapt unto Peilinore, and took him by the middle, and threw him down, and rased off his helmet. When the knight felt that he was adread, for he was a passing

44

ARTHUR IS CHOSEN KING

big man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and rased off his helm, and would have smitten off his head.

Therewithal came Merlin, and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for and thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever was but .g saved realm ; for this knight is a man of more by Merlin. worship than thou wotest of. Why, who is he ? said the knight. It is King Arthur. Then would he have slain him for dread of his wrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to the knight, that he fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and rode forth on the knight's horse. Alas, said Arthur, what hast thou done, Merlin ? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts ? There lived not so worshipful a knight as he was; I had lever than the stint of my land a year that he were on live. Care ye not, said Merlin, for he is wholer than ye, for he is but on sleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you, said Merlin, what a knight he was; here had ye be slain had I not been. Also there liveth not a bigger knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right good service, and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shall be passing good men ; save one, they shall have no fellow of prowess and of good living ; and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales : and he shall tell you the name of your sister's son that shall be the destruction of all this realm.

Right so the king and he departed, and went until an hermit that was a good man and a great leach. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good salves ;

45

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

so the king was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended that he might ride and

Arthur gets

Excaiibur. go, and so departed. And as they rode, Arthur said, I have no sword. No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours and I may. So they rode till they came to a lake, the which was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword in that hand. Lo, said Merlin, yonder is that sword that I spake of. With that they saw a damsel going upon the lake : What damsel is that ? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin, and within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and richly beseen, and this damsel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword. Anon withal came the damsel unto Arthur and saluted him, and he her again. Damsel, said Arthur, what sword is that, that yonder the arm holdeth above the water ? I would it were mine, for I have no sword. Sir Arthur, king, said the damsel, that sword is mine, and if ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my faith, said Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well, said the damsel, go ye into yonder barge and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So Sir Arthur and Merlin alight, and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the ship ; and when they came to the sword that the hand held, Sir Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him. And the arm and the hand went under the water; and so they came unto the land and rode forth.

CAME TO A LAKE THE WHICH WAS FAIR WATER AM) BROAD, AND IN THE MIDST OF THE LAKE ARTHUR WAS AWARE OF AN ARM CLOTHED IN WHITE SAMITE, THAT HELD A FAIR SWORD IN THAT HAND. . . . WELL, SAID THE DAMSEL, GO YOU INTO YONDER BARGE AND ROW YOURSELF TO THE SWORD, AND TAKE IT AND THE SCABBARD WITH YOU, AND I WILL ASK MY GIFT WHEN I SEE MY TIME. . . . SIR ARTHUR TOOK IT UP BY THE HANDLES. AND TOOK IT WITH HIM. AND THE ARM AND THE HAND WENT UNDER THE WATER

M

sea

*-..

THE INSTITUTION OF THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

By Thomas Malory

AT the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the Round Table were comen 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 besweat. Then she there alight, and came before the king, and saluted him ; and then he said, Damsel, God thee bless ! Sir, said she, I pray you 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 Sir 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 com- mandment. 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- morrow 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.

47

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Right so departed Sir Launcelot with the gentle- woman, and rode until that he came into a forest, and into a great valley, where they saw an

Galahad is J> J

knighted by abbey of nuns ; and there wras a squire ready, ot' 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 into 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 thee hither, for we wend to-morrow to have found you at Camelot ? Truly, said Sir Launcelot, a gentlewoman brought me hither, but I know not the cause. In the meanwhile, as they thus stood talking together, there came twelve nuns which 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 the ladies, we bring you here this child, the which we have nour- ished, 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 that young squire, and saw him seemly and demure as a dove, with all man- ner of good features, that he wend of his age never to have seen so fair a man of form. Then said Sir Launce- lot, 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-morrow at the rever-

48

THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

ence 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 beauty faileth you not as any that liveth.

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 perilous and cousins with him, and so they came unto theadventure

of the sword.

Camelot by the hour of undern on Whitsun- day. 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 gold letters, - - Here ought to sit he, and he ought to sit here. And thus they went so long until that they came to the siege perilous, where they found letters newly written of gold, that said: Four hundred winters and fifty-four accomplished after the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be fulfilled. Then all they said, This is a marvelous thing, and an adventurous. In the name of God, said Sir Launcelot; and then he accounted 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 hun- dred and four and fifty year; and if it would please all parties, I would none of these letters were seen this day,

49

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

till he be come that ought to achieve 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, that I bethought me not of my old custom. So as they stood speaking, in came a squire, and said unto the king, Sir, I bring unto you marvelous 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 saw I sticking a sword. The king said, I will see that marvel. So all the knights went with him, and when they came unto the river, they found there a stone fleeting, as it were of red marble, and therein stack a fair and a rich sword, and in the pommel thereof were precious stones, wrought with sub- tile 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 these 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 an- swered full soberly: Certes, sir, it is not my sword: also, sir, wit ye well I have no hardiness to set my hand to, for it longed not to hang by my side. Also who that assay- eth to take that sword, and faileth of it, he shall receive

50

THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

a wound by that sword, that he shall not be whole long after. And I will that ye wit that this same day will the adventures of the Sancgreal, that is called the holy vessel, begin.

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 com- mandment. 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 Ga- waine fellowship. And therewith he set his hand on the sword, and drew it strongly, but he might not move it. Then were there more 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 marvelous 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 marvelous adventure, that all the doors and the windows of the place shut by theni- self. Not for then the hall was not greatly darkened,

51

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

and therewith they abashed both one and other. Then King Arthur spake first, and said, 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 hang- ing 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 Arimathie, whereby the marvels of this court and of strange realms shall be fully accomplished.

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

Galahad J

achieves the 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 com- manded to do. And recommend me unto my grandsire King Pelles, and say to him on my behalf, I shall come

52

THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

and see him 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 Round Table marveled them 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 Sancgreal shall be achieved, for there sat never none but he, but he were mischieved. Then Sir Launcelot beheld his son, and had great joy of him. Then Sir 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 he is son of Sir Launcelot and King Pelles' daughter, 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; I report me unto all the Round Table. So when the meat was done, that the king and all were risen, the king went 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 achieve the Sancgreal, right so as Sir Launcelot hath 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 Sancgreal, and ye

53

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

shall achieve 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.

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, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sancgreal shall all ye of the Round Table depart, and The tour- never shall I see you again whole together; nament. therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow of Camelot, to just 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 justing. 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 jesserance, and also he did on his

54

THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

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 tour-

*

nament. Then Sir Galahad dressed him in the midst of the meadow, and began to break spears marvelously, that all men had wonder of him, for he there surmounted all other knights, for within a while he had thrown down many good knights of the Round Table save twrain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir Percivale.

Aiid 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 The vision knight sat in his own place as they were to- of the Grail. forehand. 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 odors, 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

KK

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

they all breath to speak. And then the king yielded thankings unto 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 a vow, that to-morn, without longer abiding, I shall labor in the quest of the Sancgreal, 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 Round Table heard Sir Gawaine say so, they rose up the most party, and made such avows as Sir Gawaine had made.

Anon as King Arthur heard this he was greatly dis- pleased, for he wist well that they might not againsay their avows. Alas ! said King Arthur unto Sir Gawaine, ye have nigh slain me with the avow and promise that ye have made. For through you ye have bereft me of 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 forethinketh 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.

5G

THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

And therewith the tears filled in his eyes. And then he said, Gawaine, Gawaine, ye have set me in great sor- row. For I have great doubt that my true fellowship shall never meet here more again. Ah, said Sir Launce- lot, comfort yourself, for it shall be unto us as a great honor, and much more than if we died in any other places, for of death we be sure. 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 this 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 holden them in honor and charity. 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 wrhich have sworn in the quest of the Sancgreal, thus sendeth you Nacien the hermit word, that none in this quest lead lady nor gentle- woman with him, for it is not to do in so high a service as they labor 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. And then they went to rest them. And in the honor of the highness of Galahad he

57

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

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 there- with the king said, Ah knight, Sir Launcelot, I require thee thou counsel me, for I would that this quest were undone, and 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 wrot 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 com- manded 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 all were 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 taken the quest of the holy Grail, and

to account them he prayed them all. Then

The depar- *

ture of the found they by tale an hundred and fifty, and all were knights of the Round Table. And then they put on their helms and departed, and recom- mended them all wholly unto the queen, and there was weeping and great sorrow. Then the queen departed

58

THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL

into her chamber, so that no man should perceive her great sorrows. When Sir Launcelot missed the queen he went into her chamber, and when she saw him she cried aloud, Oh, Sir Launcelot, ye have betrayed me and put me to death, for to leave thus my lord. Ah, madam, said Sir Launcelot, 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 death upon the cross for all mankind, be to your 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 the 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 good cheer that he might. And so on the morrow they were all accorded that they should depart every each from other. And then they departed on the morrow with weeping and mourning cheer, and every knight took the way that him best liked.

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL

By Thomas Malory

WHEN Bors was departed from Camelot, he met with a religious man riding on an ass, and Sir Bors saluted him. Anon the good man knew him, that he was one of the knights errant that was

The religious

man and the in the quest of the Sancgreal. What are

scarlet coat. s • j 1.1 j c< • • j i T

ye r said the good man. bir, said he, 1 am a knight that fain would be counseled in the quest of the Sancgreal: for he shall have much earthly worship that may bring it to an end. Certes, said the good man, that is sooth, for he shall be the best knight of the world, and the fairest of all the fellowship. But wit you well, there shall none attain it but by cleanness, that is, pure confession. So rode they together till that they came to an hermitage. And there he prayed Bors to dwell all that night with him : and so he alight, and put away his armor, and prayed him that he might be confessed ; and so they went into the chapel, and there he was clean con- fessed: and they eat bread, and drank water, together. Now, said the good man, I pray thee that thou eat none other, till that thou sit at the table where the Sancgreal shall be. Sir, said he, I agree me thereto; but how wit ye that I shall sit there ? Yes, said the good man, that know I, but there shall be but few of your fellows with you. All is welcome, said Sir Bors, that God sendeth me. Also, said the good man, instead of a shirt, and in sign of

60

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL

chastisement, ye shall wear a garment; thereof I pray you do off all your clothes and your shirt, and so he did. And then he took him a scarlet coat, so that should be instead of his shirt, till he had fulfilled the quest of the Sancgreal. Then he armed him, and took his leave, and so departed. So by evensong, by adventure he came to a strong tower, and an high, and there was he lodged gladly.

Upon the morn, as soon as the day appeared, Bors departed from thence, and so rode into a forest unto the hour of midday, and there befell him a Bors meetg marvelous adventure. So he met at the de- with his

...... brother Lionel

parting of the two ways two knights, that led bound on a Lionel his brother all naked, bounden upon horse- and

with a gentle-

a strong hackney, and his hands bounden to- woman in fore his breast : and every each of them held in his hand thorns, wherewith they went beating him so sore that the blood trailed down more than in an hun- dred places of his body, so that he was all blood tofore and behind, but he said never a word, as he which was great of heart; he suffered all that ever they did to him as though he had felt none anguish. Anon Sir Bors dressed him to rescue him that was his brother : and so

A

he looked upon the other side of him, and saw a knight which brought a fair gentlewoman, and would have set her in the thickest place of the forest, for to have been the more surer out of the way from them that sought him. And she, which was nothing assured, cried with an high voice, Saint Mary, succor your maid !

And anon she espied where Sir Bors came riding. And when she came nigh him, she deemed him a knight

61

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

of the Round Table, whereof she hoped to have some comfort; and then she conjured him, by the faith that he owed unto Him in whose service thou art entered in, and for the faith ye owe unto the high order of knighthood, and for the noble King Arthur's sake, that I suppose that made thee knight, that thou help me, and suffer me not to be shamed of this knight!

When Bors heard her say thus, he had so much sorrow there he nist not what to do. For if I let my brother be in adventure he must be slain, and that would I not for all the earth. And if I help not the maid, she is shamed forever, and also she shall lose her honor, the which she shall never get again. Then lift he up his eyes, and said weeping, Fair sweet Lord Jesu Christ, whose liege man I am, keep Lionel my brother, that these knights slay him not; and for pity of you, and for Mary's sake, I shall succor this maid.

Then dressed he him unto the knight the which had

the gentlewoman, and then he cried, Sir knight, let your

hand off that maiden, or ye be but dead.

He rescues

the gentle- And then he set down the maiden and was armed at all pieces, save he lacked his spear. Then he dressed his shield, and drew out his sword, and Bors smote him so hard that it went through his shield and haberjon on the left shoulder; and through great strength he beat him down to the earth; and at the pulling out of Bors' spear there he swooned.

Then came Bors to the maid, and said, How seemeth it you ? Of this knight ye be delivered at this time. Now Sir, said she, I pray you lead me there as this knight had me. — So shall I do gladly : and took the horse of the

62

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL

wounded knight, and set the gentlewoman upon him, and so brought her as she desired. Sir knight, said she, ye have better sped than ye weened, for if ye had not saved me, five hundred men should have died for it. - What knight was he that had you in the forest ? — By my faith, said she, he is my cousin. So wot I never with what craft the fiend enchafed him, for yesterday he took me from my father privily ; for I nor none of my father's men mistrusted him not. And if he had shamed me, he should have died for the sin, and his body shamed and dishonored forever. Thus as she stood talking with him, there came twelve knights seeking after her, and anon she told them all how Bors had delivered her; then they made great joy, and besought him to come to her father, a great lord, and he should be right welcome. Truly, said Bors, that may not be at this time, for I have a great adventure to do in this country. So he com- mended them unto God, and departed. Then Sir Bors rode after Lionel his brother by the trace of their horses. Thus he rode seeking a great while.

And then he rode all that day, and harbored with an old lady. And on the morn he rode to a castle in a valley, and there he met with a yeoman

J Sir Lionel is

going a great pace toward a forest. Say me, wroth with. said Sir Bors, canst thou tell me of any adventure ? Sir, said he, here shall be under this castle a great and a marvelous tournament. Of what folks shall it be ? said Sir Bors. The Earl of Plains (said he) shall be on the one party, and the lady's nephew of Hervin on the other party. Then Bors thought to be there, if he might meet with his brother Sir Lionel, or

63

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

any other of his fellowship which were in the quest of the Sancgreal. And then he turned to an hermitage that was in the entry of the forest. And when he was come thither, he found there Sir Lionel his brother, which sat all armed at the entry of the chapel door, for to abide there harbor till on the morn that the tourna- ment shall be. And when Sir Bors saw him he had great joy of him, that was it marvel to tell of his joy. And then he alight off his horse and said, Fair sweet brother, when came ye hither ? Anon as Sir Lionel saw him he said, Ah Bors, ye may not make none avaunt, but, as for you, I might have been slain; when ye saw two knights leading me away, beating me, ye left me to succor a gentlewoman, and suffered me in peril of death: for never erst ne did no brother to another so great an untruth. And for that misdeed now I ensure you but death, for well have ye deserved it; therefore keep thee from henceforward, and that shall ye find as soon as I am armed. When Sir Bors understood his brother's wrath, he kneeled down to the earth, and cried him mercy, holding up both his hands, and prayed him to forgive him his evil will. Nay, said Lionel, that shall never be, and I may have the higher hand, that I make mine avow to God : thou shalt have death for it, for it were pity ye lived any longer.

Right so he went in, and took his harness, and mounted upon his horse, and came tofore him and said, and tries to Bors, keep thee from me, for I shall do to slay him. faee as j Would to a felon or a traitor, for ye be the untruest knight that ever came out of so worthy an house as was King Bors de Ganis, which was our

64

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL

father; therefore start upon thy horse, and so shall ye be most at your advantage. And but if ye will, I will run upon thee there as ye stand upon foot, and so the shame shall be mine and the harm yours; but of that shame reck I nought. When Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his brother or else to die, he nist not what to do. Then his heart counseled him not thereto, inasmuch As Lionel was born or he, wherefore he ought to bear him reverence; yet kneeled he down afore Lionel's horse feet, and said, Fair sweet brother, have mercy upon me and slay me not, and have in remembrance the great love which ought to be between us twain. What Sir Bors said to Lionel he recked not, for the fiend had brought him in such a will that he should slay him. Then when Lionel saw he would none other, and that he would not have risen to give him battle, he rushed over him, so that he smote Bors with his horse feet upward to the earth, and hurt him so sore that he swooned of distress, the which he felt in himself to have died without confession. So when Lionel saw this, he alight off his horse, to have smitten off his head. And so he took him by the helm, and would have rent it from his head.

Then came the hermit running unto him, which was a good man and of great age, and wrell had he heard all the words that were between them, and so fell

The hermit

down upon Sir Bors. Then he said to Lionel, interfering Ah, gentle knight, have mercy upon me and on thy brother, for if thou slay him thou shalt be dead of sin, and that were sorrowful; for he is one of the worthiest knights of the world, and of the best condi-

65

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

tions. So God me help, said Lionel, Sir priest, but if ye flee from him I shall slay you, and he shall never the sooner be quit. Certes, said the good man, I had lever ye slay me than him, for my death shall not be great harm, not half so much as of his. Well, said Lionel, I am agreed; and set his hand to his sword, and smote him so hard that his head went backward. Not for that he restrained him of his evil will, but

Sir Colgre-

ce comes took his brother by the helm, and unlaced it

ie> to have stricken off his head, and had slain him without fail, but so it happed, Colgrevance, a fellow of the Round Table, came at that time thither, as our Lord's will was. And when he saw the good man slain, he marveled much what it might be. And then he beheld Lionel would have slain his brother, and knew Sir Bors which he loved right well. Then start he down and took Lionel by the shoulders, and drew him strongly aback from Bors, and said, Lionel, will ye slay your brother, the worthiest knight of the wrorld one ? and that should no good man suffer. Why, said Sir Lionel, will ye let me ? therefore if ye intermit you in this, I shall slay you, and him after. Why, said Colgrevance, is this sooth, that ye will slay him ? Slay him will I, said he, who so say the contrary; for he hath done so much against me that he hath well deserved it; and so ran upon him, and would have smitten him through the head; and Sir Colgrevance ran betwixt them and said, And ye be so hardy to do so more, we two shall meddle together. When Lionel understood his words, he took his shield afore him, and asked him what he was; and he told him, Colgrevance, one of his fellows.

66

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL

Then Lionel defied him, and gave him a great stroke through the helm. Then he drew his sword, for he was a passing good knight, and defended him right man- fully. So long endured the battle that Sir Bors rose up all anguishly, and beheld Sir Colgrevance, the good knight, fight with his brother for his quarrel. Then was he full sorry and heavy, and thought, if Colgrevance slew him that was his brother, he should never have joy, and if his brother slew Colgrevance the shame should ever be his. Then would he have risen to have de- parted them, but he had not so much might to stand on foot: so he abode him so long till Colgrevance had the worse, for Sir Lionel was of great chivalry and right hardy, for he had pierced the hauberk and the helm, that he abode but death. For he had lost much of his blood, that it was marvel that he might stand upright. Then beheld he Sir Bors, which sat dressing him up- ward, and said, Ah Bors, why come ye not to cast me out of peril of death, wherein I have put me to succor you, which were right now nigh the death ? Certes, said Lionel, that shall not avail you, for none of you shall bear other's warrant, but that ye shall die both of my hand. When Bors heard that, he did so much he rose and put on his helm. Then perceived he first the hermit priest which was slain, then made he a marvelous sorrow upon him.

Then oft Colgrevance cried upon Sir Bors, Why will ye let me die here for your sake ? if it please you that I die for you the death, it will please me the but is slain better for to save a worthy man. With that also- word Sir Lionel smote off the helm from his head. Then

67

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Colgrevance saw that he might not escape; then he said, Fair sweet Jesu, that I have misdone have mercy upon my soul; for such sorrow that my heart suffereth for goodness, and for alms-deed that I would have done here, be to me aligement of penance unto my soul's health. At these words Lionel smote him so sore that he bare him to the earth. So when he had slain Colgre- vance, he ran upon his brother as a fiendly man, and gave him such a stroke that he made him stoop ; and he, that was full of humility, prayed him, for God's love to leave this battle : For and it befell, fair brother, that I slew you, or ye me, we should be dead of that sin. Never God me help but if I have on you mercy, and I may have the better hand. Then drew Bors his sword, all weeping, and said, Fair brother, God knoweth mine intent. Ah, fair brother, ye have done full evil this day to slay such an holy priest, the which never trespassed. Also ye have slain a gentle knight, and one of our fellows. And well wot ye that I am not afeard of you greatly, but I dread the wrath of God ; and this is an unkindly wrar, therefore God shew miracle upon us both. Now God have mercy upon me, though I defend my life against my brother. With that Bors lift up his hand, and would have smitten his brother.

And then he heard a voice that said, Flee, Bors, and

touch him not, or else thou shalt slay him. Right so

alight a cloud betwixt them in likeness of a

Sir Bors is

miraculously fire, and a marvelous flame, that both their

two shields burnt. Then were they sore

afraid, that they fell both to the earth, and lay there a

great while in a swoon. And when they came to them-

68

SIR BORS AND SIR LIONEL

selves, Bors saw that his brother had no harm; then he held up both his hands, for he dread God had taken vengeance upon him. With that he heard a voice say, Bors, go hence and bear thy brother no longer fellowship, but take thy way anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale abideth thee there. Then he said to his brother, Fair sweet brother, forgive me, for God's love, all that I have trespassed unto you. Then he answered, God forgive it thee, and I do gladly.

So Sir Bors departed from him, and rode the next way to the sea.

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

By Thomas Malory

HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME TO ASTOLAT

SO after the quest of the Sancgreal was fulfilled, and all knights that were left on live were come again unto the Round Table, as the book of the Sancgreal maketh mention, then was there great joy in the court, and in especial King Arthur and Queen Guenever made great joy of the remnant that were come home, and pass- ing glad was the king and the queen of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Bors. For they had been passing long away in the quest of the Sancgreal. Then, as the book saith, Sir Launcelot began to resort unto Queen Guenever again, and forgat the promise and the perfection that he made in the quest. For, as the book saith, had not Sir Launcelot been in his privy thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly to the queen, as he was in seeming outward to God, there had no knight passed him in the quest of the Sancgreal : but ever his thoughts were privily on the queen, and so they loved together more hotter than they did toforehand, that many in the court spake of it, and in especial Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother, for he was ever open mouthed.

Thus it passed forth till our Lady day, Assumption.

70

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

Within a fifteen days of that feast the king let cry a great justs and a tournament that should be at that The king day at Camelot, that is Winchester. And the Prodaims a

tournament

king let cry that he and the king of Scots at Camelot. would just against all that would come against them. And when this cry was made, thither came many knights. So there came thither the king of Northgalis, and King Anguish of Ireland, and the king with the hundred knights, and Sir Galahalt the haut prince, and the king of Northumberland, and many other noble dukes and earls of divers countries. So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these justs, and would have had the queen with him: but at that time she would not, she said, for she was sick and might not ride at that time. That me repenteth, said the king, for this seven year ye saw not such a fellowship together, except at Whitsuntide, when Galahad departed from the court. Truly, said the queen to the king, ye must hold me excused, I may not be there, and that me repenteth. And many deemed the queen would not be there because of Sir Launcelot du Lake, for Sir Launcelot would not ride with the king: for he said that he was not whole of the wound the which Sir Mador had given him. Wherefore the king was heavy and passing wroth, and so he departed towards Winchester with his fellowship. And so by the way the king lodged in a town called Astolat, that is now in English called Gilford, and there the king lay in the castle.

So when the king was departed, the flueen called Sir Launcelot unto her, and said, Sir Launcelot, ye are greatly to blame, thus to hold you behind my lord : what

71

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

trow ye, what will your enemies and mine say and deem ? nought else but see how Sir Launcelot holdeth him ever behind the king, and so doth the queen, for that they would be together; and thus will they say, said the queen to Sir Launcelot, have ye no doubt thereof. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, I allow your wit, it is of late come sin ye were wise ; and therefore, madam, as at this time, I wTill be ruled by your counsel, and this night I will take my rest, and to-morrow by time will take my way toward Winchester. But wit you well, said Sir Launcelot to the queen, that at that justs I will be against the king and all his fellowship. Ye may there do as ye list, said the queen, but by my counsel ye shall not be against your king and your fellowship, for therein be full many hardy knights of your blood, as ye wot well enough, it needeth not to rehearse them. Madam, said Sir Launce- lot, I pray you that ye be not displeased with me, for I will take the adventure that God will send me.

And so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard mass, and brake his fast, and so took his leave of the queen, sir Launcelot anc^ departed. And then he rode so much on his way to until he came to Astolat, that is Gilford ; comes to and there it happed him in the eventide he Astoiat. came to an old baron's place, that hight Sir Bernard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered into his lodging, King Arthur espied him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he took his lodging, and knew him full well. It is well, said King Arthur unto the knights that were with him in that garden beside the castle, I have now espied one knight that will play his play at the justs to the which we be gone

72

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

toward ; I undertake he will do marvels. Who is that, we pray you tell us, said many knights, that were there at that time. Ye shall not wit for me, said the king, at this time. And so the king smiled, and went to his lodging. So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in his chamber, the old baron and hermit came unto him, making his reverence, and wel- comed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not Sir Launcelot. Fair sir, said Sir Launcelot to his host, I would pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known. Sir, said his host, ye shall have your desire, for me seemeth ye be one of the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall shew you friendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons which were but late made knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same day that he was made knight, that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have, for that is not known, I dare say, but here and in no place else. And my youngest son hight Sir Lavaine, and if it please you he shall ride with you unto that justs, and he is of his age strong and wight. For much my heart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore, I pray you tell me your name, said Sir Bernard. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, ye must hold me excused as at this time, and if God give me grace to speed well at the justs I shall come again and tell you. But I pray you, said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have your son Sir Lavaine with me, and that I may have his brother's shield. Also this shall be done, said Sir Bernard.

This old baron had a daughter that time that was

73

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

called that time the fair maid of Astolat. And ever she beheld Sir Launcelot wonderfully. And, as the book Elaine begs saith, she cast such a love unto Sir Launce- him to wear jot ^j. ^ COuld never withdraw her love,

her token at

the justs. wherefore she died ; and her name was Elaine le Blank. So thus as she came to and fro, she was so hot in her love that she besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon him at the justs a token of hers. Fair damsel, said Sir Launcelot, and if I grant you that, ye may say I do more for your love than ever I did for lady or damsel. Then he remembered him that he would go to the justs disguised, and for because he had never afore that time borne no manner of token of no damsel; then he bethought him that he would bear one of her, that none of his blood thereby might know him. And then he said, Fair maiden, I will grant you to wear a token of yours upon my helmet, and therefore what it is shew it me. Sir, she said, it is a red sleeve of mine, of scarlet well embroidered with great pearls. And so she brought it him. So Sir Launcelot received it and said, Never did I erst so much for no damsel. And then Sir Launce- lot betook the fair maiden his shield in keeping, and prayed her to keep that until that he came again. And so that night he had merry rest and great cheer. For- ever the damsel Elaine was about Sir Launcelot, all the while she might be suffered.

II

THE TOURNAMENT

So upon a day on the morn, King Arthur and all his knights departed; for their king had tarried there three

74

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

days to abide his noble knights. And so when the king was riden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them ready for to ride; and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeve Sir Launcelot let carry with him. And so they took their leave at Sir Bernard the old baron, and at his daughter the fair maiden of Astolat. And then they rode so long till they came to Camelot, that time called Winchester. And there was great press of kings, dukes, earls, and barons, and many noble knights. But there Sir Launcelot was lodged privily, by the means of Sir Lavaine, with a rich burgess, that no man in that town was ware what they were. And so they sojourned there till our Lady day, Assumption, as the great feast should be. So then trumpets blew unto the field, and King Arthur was set on high upon a scaffold, to behold who did best. But, as the French book saith, King Arthur would not suffer Sir Gawaine to go from him, for never had Sir Gawaine the better and Sir Launcelot were in the field; and many times was Sir Gawaine rebuked when Launcelot came into any justs disguised.

Then some of the kings, as King Anguish of Ireland and the king of Scotland, were that time turned upon the side of King Arthur. And then on the Of the two other party was the king of Northgalis, and Parties- the king with the hundred knights, and the king of Northumberland, and Sir Galahalt the haut prince. But these three kings and this duke were passing weak to hold against King Arthur's party : for with him were the noblest knights of the world. So then they withdrew them either party from other, and every man made him

75

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

ready in his best manner to do what he might. Then Sir Launcelot made him ready, and put the red sleeve upon his head, and fastened it fast; and so Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of Winchester privily, and rode until a little leaved wood, behind the party that held against King Arthur's party, and there they held them still till the parties smote together.

And then came in the king of Scots and the king of

Ireland on Arthur's party: and against them came the

king of Northumberland and the king with

King Arthur's

is the the hundred knights; and the king with the

hundred knights smote down King Anguish of Ireland. Then Sir Palamides, that was on Arthur's party, encountered with Sir Galahalt, and either of them smote down other, and either party halp their lords on horseback again. So there began a strong assail upon both parties. And then there came in Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramor le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Mordred, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron of Galway. All these fifteen knights were knights of the Round Table. So these with more others came in to- gether, and beat on back the king of Northumberland, and the king of North Wales. When Sir Launcelot saw this, as he hoved in a little leaved wood, then he said unto Sir Lavaine, See yonder is a company of good knights, and they hold them together as boars that were chafed with dogs. That is truth, said Sir Lavaine.

Now, said Sir Launcelot, and ye will help me a little, ye shall see yonder fellowship which chaseth now these

76

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

men in our side, that they shall go as fast backward as they went forward. Sir, spare not, said gir

Sir Lavaine, for I shall do what I may. Then helps the

a- r i j cv T • weaker side.

bir Launcelot and bir .Lavaine came in at the thickest of the press, and there Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramor, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, and all this he did with one spear. And Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Lucan le Buttelere, and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir Launcelot gat another spear, and there he smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, and Sir Meliot de Logis. And Sir Lavaine smote down Ozanna le Cure Hardy: and then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and there he smote on the right hand and on the left hand, and by great force he unhorsed Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron. And then the knights of the Round Table withdrew them aback, after they had gotten their horses as well as they might. O mercy, said Sir Gawaine, what knight is yonder, that doth so marvelous deeds of arms in that field ? I wot what he is, said King Arthur. But as at this time I will not name him. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I would say it were Sir Launcelot, by his riding and his buffets that I see him deal : but ever me seemeth it should not be he, for that he beareth the red sleeve upon his head, for I wist him never bear token, at no justs, of lady nor gentlewoman. Let him be, said King Arthur, he will be better known and do more or ever he depart. Then the party that were against King Arthur were well comforted, and then they held them together, that beforehand were sore rebuked.

Then Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel

77

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

called unto them the knights of their blood, as Sir Bla- mor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Aliduke,

He is sore

wounded by Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere le Beuse; so these nine knights of Sir Launce- lot's kin thrust in mightily, for they were all noble knights. And they, of great hate and despite that they had unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine, for they knew them not. And so they came hurtling together, and smote down many knights of Northgalis and of Northumberland. And when Sir Launcelot saw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand, and there encountered with him all at once Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel, and all they three smote him at once with their spears. And with force of themselves they smote Sir Launcelot's horse to the earth. And by misfortune Sir Bors smote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the side, and the spear brake, and the head left still in his side.

When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie on the ground, he ran to the king of Scots, and smote him to the earth, but with the and by great force he took his horse and LavatneShe brought him to Sir Launcelot, and maugre gains the day. them all he made him to mount upon that horse. And then Launcelot gat a spear in his hand, and there he smote Sir Bors horse and man to the earth; in the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel, and Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Blamor de Ganis. And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, for he felt himself so sore and hurt that he wend there to have had his death. And then he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet on the helmet that he fell down to the earth in

78

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

a swoon. And in the same wise he served Sir Aliduke and Sir Galihud. And Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Bellangere, that was the son of Alisander le Orphelin. And by this was Sir Bors horsed, and then he came with Sir Ector and Sir Lionel, and all they three smote with swords upon Sir Launcelot's helmet. And when he felt their buffets, and his wound the which was so grievous, then he thought to do what he might while he might endure; and then he gave Sir Bors such a buffet that he made him bow his head passing low, and therewithal he raised off his helm, and might have slain him, and so pulled him down. And in the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel. For, as the book saith, he might have slain them, but when he saw their visages his heart might not serve him thereto, but left them there.

And then afterward he hurled in the thickest press of them all, and did there the marvelousest deeds of arms that ever man saw or heard speak of; and ever Sir Lavaine the good knight with him. And there Sir Launcelot with his sword smote and pulled down, as the French book maketh mention, more than thirty knights, and the most party were of the Round Table. And Sir Lavaine did full well that day, for he smote down ten knights of the Round Table.

Mercy, said Sir Gawaine to Arthur, I marvel what knight that he is with the red sleeve. Sir, said King Arthur, he will be known or he depart. And then the king blew unto lodging, and the prize was given by heralds unto the knight with the white shield, that bare the red sleeve. Then came the king with the hundred

79

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

knights, the king of Northgalis, and the king of North- umberland, and Sir Galahalt the haut prince, and said unto Sir Launcelot, Fair knight, God thee bless, for much have ye done this day for us; therefore we pray you that ye will come with us, that ye may receive the honor and the prize as ye have worshipfully deserved it. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well, if I have deserved thank I have sore bought it, and that me repenteth, for I am like never to escape with my life; therefore, fair lords, I pray you that ye will suffer me to depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt. I take none force of none honor, for I had lever to repose me than to be lord of all the world.

And therewithal he groaned piteously, and rode a great

wallop away-ward from them, until he came under a

wood's side; and when he saw that he was

Sir Launcelot

being in peril from the field nigh a mile, that he was sure he might not be seen, then he said with an high voice, O gentle knight Sir Lavaine, help me that this truncheon were out of my side, for it sticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me. O mine own lord, said Sir Lavaine, I would fain do that might please you, but I dread me sore, and I draw out the truncheon, that ye shall be in peril of death. I charge you, said Sir Launcelot, as ye love me draw it out. And there- withal he descended from his horse, and right so did Sir Lavaine, and forewith Sir Lavaine drew the trun- cheon out of his side. And he gave a great shriek, and a marvelous grisly groan, and his blood brast out nigh a pint at once, that at last he sank down, and so swooned

pale and deadly. Alas, said Sir Lavaine, what shall I

80

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

do ? And then he turned Sir Launcelot into the wind, but so he lay there nigh half an hour as he had been dead. And so at the last Sir Launcelot cast up his eyes, and said, O Lavaine, help me that I were on my horse, for here is fast by within this two mile a gentle -ia brought by hermit, that sometime was a full noble knight Sir Lavaine

to a hermit-

and a great lord of possessions : and for great age. goodness he hath taken him to willful poverty, and for- saken many lands, and his name is Sir Baudewin of Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon, and a good leech. Now let see, help me up that I were there. For ever my heart giveth me that I shall never die of my cousin-german's hands. And then with great pain Sir Lavaine halp him upon his horse; and then they rode a great wallop together, and ever Sir Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth. And so by fortune they came to that hermitage, which was under a wood, and a great cliff on the other side, and a fair water running under it. And then Sir Lavaine beat on the gate with the butt of his spear, and cried fast, Let in for Jesu's sake. And there came a fair child to them, and asked them what they would ? Fair son, said Sir Lavaine, go and pray thy lord the hermit for God's sake to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded, and this day tell thy lord that I saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any man did/ So the child went in lightly, and then he brought the hermit, the which was a passing good man. So when Sir Lavaine saw him, he prayed him for God's sake of succor. What knight is he ? said the hermit ; is he of the house of King Arthur or not ? I wot not, said Sir Lavaine, what is he, nor what is his

81

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

name, but well I wot I saw him do marvelously this day, as of deeds of arms. On whose party was he ? said the hermit. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, he was this day against King Arthur, and there he wan the prize of all the knights of the Round Table. I have seen the day, said the her- mit, I would have loved him the worse because he was against my lord King Arthur, for sometime I was one of the fellowship of the Round Table, but I thank God now I am otherwise disposed. But where is he ? let me see him. Then Sir Lavaine brought the hermit to him. And when the hermit beheld him as he sat leaning upon his saddle-bow, ever bleeding piteously, and ever the knight hermit thought that he should know him, but he could not bring him to knowledge, because he was so pale for bleeding, What knight are ye ? said the hermit, and where were ye born ? My fair lord, said Sir Launce- lot, I am a stranger, and a knight adventurous that laboreth throughout many realms for to win worship. Then the hermit advised him better, and saw by a wound on his cheek that he was Sir Launcelot. Alas, said the hermit, mine own lord, why hide you your name from me : forsooth I ought to know you of right, for ye are the most noblest knight of the world ; for well I know you for Sir Launcelot. Sir, said he, sith ye know me, help me and ye may, for God's sake; for I would be out of this pain at once, either to death or to life. Have ye no doubt, said the hermit, ye shall live and fare right well. And so the hermit called to him two of his servants, and so he and his servants bare him into the hermitage, and lightly unarmed him and laid him in his bed. And then

anon the hermit stanched his blood, and made him to

82

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

drink good wine, so that Sir Launcelot was well re« freshed, and knew himself. For in those days it was not the guise of hermits as is nowadays. For there were none hermits in those days but that they had been men of worship and of prowess, and those hermits held great household, and refreshed people that were in distress.

Ill

HOW LAUNCELOT WAS HEALED OF HIS WOUND

Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir Launcelot in the hermitage. So when the kings were come together on both parties, and the great sir Gawaine feast should be holden, King Arthur asked «*ks for the

knight of the

the king of Northgalis and their fellowship red sleeve. where was that knight that bare the red sleeve: — Bring him before me, that he may have his laud and honor and the prize, as it is right. Then spake Sir Galahalt the haut prince and the king writh the hun- dred knights: We suppose that knight is mischieved, and that he is never like to see you, nor none of us all, and that is the greatest pity that ever we wist of any knight. Alas, said Arthur, how may this be ? is he so hurt ? What is his name ? said King Arthur. Truly, said they all, we know not his name, nor from whence he came, nor whither he would. Alas, said the king, these be to me the worst tidings that came to me this seven year: for I would not for all the lands I hold, to know and wit it were so that that noble knight were slain. Know ye him ? said they all. As for that, said Arthur, whether I know him or know him not, ye shall not know

83

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

for me what man he is, but Almighty Jesu send me good tidings of him. And so said they all. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, if it be so, that the good knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage and pity to all this land, for he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw in a field handle a spear or a sword. And if he may be found I shall find him, for I am sure he is not far from this town. Bear you well, said King Arthur, and ye may find him, unless that he be in such a plight that he may not hold himself. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, but wit I shall what he is, and I may find him. Right so, Sir Gawaine took a squire with him, upon hackneys, and rode all about Camelot within six or seven miles. But so he came again, and could hear no word of him.

Then within two days King Arthur and all the fellow- ship returned unto London again. And so as they rode by the way, it happed Sir Gawaine at Astolat

Sir Gawaine J J \

comes to to lodge with Sir Bernard, there as was Sir Astolat, Launcelot lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber to repose him, Sir Bernard the old baron came unto him, and his daughter Elaine, for to cheer him, and to ask him what tidings, and who did best at that tournament of Winchester. Truly, said Sir Gawaine, there were two knights that bare two white shields; but the one of them bare a red sleeve upon his head, and certainly he was one of the best knights that ever I saw just in field. For I dare say, said Sir Gawain, that one knight with the red sleeve smote down forty valiant knights of the Round Table, and his fellow did right well and worshipfully. Now blessed be God, said the fair maiden of Astolat, that that knight sped so well,

84

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

for he is the man in the world that I first loved, and truly he shall be the last that ever I shall love. Now fair maid, said Sir Gawaine, is that good knight your love ? Certainly, sir, said she, wit ye well he is my love. Then know ye his name, said Sir Gawaine. Nay, truly, said the damsel, I know not his name, nor from whence he cometh; but to say that I love him, I promise you and God that I love him. How had ye knowledge of him first ? said Sir Gawaine.

Then she told him as ye have heard tofore, and how her father betook him her brother to do him ser- vice, and how her father lent him her brother Sir Tirre's shield, — And here with me he left his own and recog- shield. For what cause did he so? said Sir flzes " .,

Launcelot s

Gawaine. For this cause, said the damsel, shield. for his shield was too well known among many noble knights. Ah, fair damsel, said Sir Gawaine, please it you let me have a sight of that shield. Sir, said she, it. is in my chamber covered with a case, and if ye will come with me, ye shall see it. Not so, said Sir Bernard till his daughter, let send for it. So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the case : and when he beheld that shield, he knew anon that it was Sir Launcelot's shield, and his own arms. Ah, mercy, said Sir Gawaine, now is my heart more heavier than ever it was tofore. Why? said Elaine. For I have great cause, said Sir Gawaine: is that knight that owneth this shield your love ? Yea truly, said she, my love he is, God would I were his love. Truly, said Sir Gawaine, fair damsel, ye have right, for, and he be your love, ye love the most honor- able knight of the world, and the man of most worship.

85

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

So me thought ever, said the damsel, for never, or that time, for no knight that ever I saw loved I never none erst. God grant, said Sir Gawaine, that either of you may rejoice other, but that is in a great adventure.

But truly, said Sir Gawaine unto the damsel, ye may say ye have a fair grace, for why, I have known that noble knight this four and twenty year, and never or that day I nor none other knight, I dare make it good, saw nor heard say that ever he bare token or sign of no lady, gentlewoman, nor maiden, at no justs nor tourna- ment. And therefore, fair maiden, said Sir Gawaine, ye are much beholden to him to give him thanks. But I dread me, said Sir Gawaine, that ye shall never see him in this world, and that is great pity that ever was of earthly knight. Alas, said she, how may this be ? Is he slain ? I say not so, said Sir Gawaine, but wit ye well, he is grievously wounded, by all manner of signs, and by men's sight more likely to be dead then to be on live; and wit ye well he is the noble knight Sir Launcelot, for by this shield I know him. Alas, said the fair maiden of Astolat, how may this be, and what was his hurt ? Truly, said Sir Gawaine, the man in the world that loved him best hurt him so; and I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, and that knight that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had hurt Sir Launcelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever came to his heart. Now, fair father, said then Elaine, I require you give me leave to ride and to seek him, or else I wot well I shall go out of my mind, for I shall never stint till that I find him and my brother Sir Lavaine. Do as it liketh you, said her father, for me right sore repenteth of the hurt of that noble • knight.

86

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

Right so the maid made her ready, and before Sir Gawaine making great dole.

Then on the morn Sir Gawaine came to King Arthur, and told him how he had found Sir Launcelot's shield in the keeping of the fair maiden of Astolat. All that knew I aforehand, said King Arthur, and that caused me I would not suffer you to have ado at the great justs : for I espied, said King Arthur, when he came in till his lodging, full late in the evening in Astolat. But marvel have I, said Arthur, that ever he would bear any sign of any damsel: for, or now, I never heard say nor knew that ever he bare any token of none earthly woman. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, the fair maiden of Asto- lat loveth him marvelously well; what it meaneth I cannot say; and she is ridden after to seek him. So the king and all came to London, and there Sir Gawaine openly disclosed to all the court that it was Sir Launcelot that justed best. And so leave we them there, and speak we of Sir Launcelot, that lay in great peril.

So as fair Elaine came to Winchester, she sought there all about, and by fortune Sir Lavaine was ridden to play him, to enchafe his horse. And anon Elaine finds as Elaine saw him she knew him, and then ,f" L*??ce~

lot at the

she cried on loud until him. And when he hermitage, heard her, anon he came to her; and then she asked her brother, How did my lord, Sir Launcelot ? Who told you, sister, that my lord's name was Sir Launcelot ? Then she told him how Sir Gawaine by his shield knew him. So they rode together till that they came to the hermitage, and anon she alight. So Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Launcelot. And when she saw

87

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

him lie so sick and pale in his bed, she might not speak, but suddenly she fell to the earth down sud- denly in a swoon, and there she lay a great while. And when she was relieved she sighed, and said, My lord Sir Launcelot, alas, why be ye in this plight ? and then she swooned again. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to take her up, — And bring her to me. And when she came to herself, Sir Launcelot kissed her, and said, Fair maiden, why fare ye thus ? Ye put me to pain; wherefore make ye no more such cheer, for, and ye be come to comfort me, ye be right welcome, and of this little hurt that I have, I shall be right hastily whole, by the grace of God. But I marvel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name. Then the fair maiden told him all, how Sir Gawaine was lodged with her father, — And there by your shield he discovered your name. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that me repenteth, that my name is known, for I am sure it will turn unto anger. And then Sir Launcelot compassed in his mind that Sir Gawaine would tell Queen Guenever how he bare the red sleeve, and for whom, that he wist well would turn unto great anger. So this maiden, Elaine, never went from Sir Launce- lot, but watched him day and night, and did such attendance to him that the French book saith

and watches

him night there was never woman did more kindlier for man than she. Then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to make espies in Winchester for Sir Bors if he came there, and told him by what tokens he should know him, by a wound in his forehead: For well I am sure, said Sir Launcelot, that Sir Bors will seek me, for he is the same good knight that hurt me.

88

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

Now turn we unto Sir Bors de Ganis, that came unto Winchester to seek after his cousin, Sir Launcelot; and so when he came to Winchester, anon there sir Bors were men that Sir Lavaine had made to lie findshls

cousin, Sir

in a watch for such a man; and anon Sir Launcelot, Lavaine had warning; and then Sir Lavaine came to Winchester, and found Sir Bors, and there he told him what he was, and with whom he was, and what was his name. Now, fair knight, said Sir Bors, I re- quire you that ye will bring me to my lord Sir Launce- lot. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, take your horse, and within this hour ye shall see him. And so they departed, and came to the hermitage.

And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot lie in his bed, pale and discolored, anon Sir Bors lost his countenance, and for kindness and pity he might not speak, and be g but wept tenderly a great while. And then for his for- when he might speak he said thus: O my lord Sir Launcelot, God you bless, and send you hasty recovery; and full heavy am I of my misfortune and of mine unhappiness, for now I may call myself unhappy, and I dread me that God is greatly displeased with me, that he would suffer me to have such a shame for to hurt you, that are all our leader and all our worship, and therefore I call myself unhappy. Alas, that ever such a caitiff knight as I am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight of the world. Where I so shamefully set upon you and overcharged you, and where ye might have slain me, ye saved me, and so did not I: for I, and your blood, did to you our utterance. I marvel, said Sir Bors, that my heart or my blood would

89

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

serve me, wherefore my lord Sir Launcelot, I ask your mercy. Fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot, ye be right wel- come, and wit ye well, overmuch ye say for to please me, the which pleaseth me not ; for why ? I have the same sought, for I would with pride have overcome you all, and there in my pride I was near slain, and that was in mine own default, for I might have given you warning of my being there. And then had I had no hurt; for it is an old said saw, there is hard battle there as kin and friends do battle either against other; there may be no mercy, but mortal war. Therefore, fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot, let this speech overpass, and all shall be wel- come that God sendeth ; and let us leave off this matter, and let us speak of some rejoicing : for this that is done may not be undone, and let us find a remedy how soon that I may be whole.

Then Sir Bors leaned upon his bed's side, and told Sir Launcelot how the queen was passing wroth with him, because he ware the red sleeve at the great justs. And there Sir Bors told him all how Sir Gawaine discovered it by your shield that ye left with the fair maiden of Astolat. Then is the queen wroth, said Sir Launcelot, and therefore am I right heavy, for I deserved no wrath, for all that I did was because that I would not be known. Right so excused I you, said Sir Bors, but all was in vain, for she said more largely to me than I to you now. But is this she, said Sir Bors, that is so busy about you, that men call the fair maiden of Astolat ? She it is, said Sir Launcelot, that by no means I cannot put from me. Why should ye put her from you ? said Sir Bors, she is a passing fair damsel, and a well beseen and well taught;

90

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

and God would, fair cousin, said Sir Bors, that ye could love her, but as to that I may not, nor I dare not, coun- sel you. But I see well, said Sir Bors, by her diligence about you, that she loveth you entirely. That me re- penteth, said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors, she is not the first that hath lost her pain upon you, and that is the more pity. And so they talked of many more things. And so within three days or four, Sir Launcelot was big and strong again. So then they made them ready to depart from the hermit.

IV

LAUNCELOT LEAVES THE HERMIT

And so upon a morn they took their horses, and Elaine le Blank with them ; and when they came to Asto- lat, there they were well lodged, and had great cheer of Sir Bernard the old baron, and of Sir Tirre his son. And so upon the morn, when Sir Launcelot should depart, fair Elaine brought her father with her, and Sir Tirre and Sir Lavaine, and thus she said : -

My lord Sir Launcelot, now I see ye will depart, now, fair knight and courteous knight, have mercy upon me, and suffer me not to die for thy love. What would ye that I did ? said Sir Launcelot. I Elaine in would have you to my husband, said Elaine, g^rLaunceiot Fair damsel, I thank you, said Sir Launcelot, for his love. but truly, said he, I cast me never to be wedded man. Then, fair knight, said she, will ye be my love ? Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, for then I rewarded to your father and your brother full evil for their

91

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

great goodness. Alas, said she, then must I die for your love. Ye shall not so, said Sir Launcelot, for wit ye well, fair maiden, I might have been married and I had would, but I never applied me to be married yet. But because, fair damsel, that ye love me, as ye say ye do, I will, for your good-will and kindness, shew you some goodness, and that is this; that wheresoever ye will beset your heart upon some good knight that will wed you, I shall give you together a thousand pound yearly, to you and to your heirs. Thus much will I give you, fair maiden, for your kindness, and always while I live to be your own knight. Of all this, said the maiden, I will none, for, but if ye will wed me, or else be my lover, wit you well, Sir Launcelot, my good days are done. Fair damsel, said Sir Launcelot, of these two things ye must pardon me. Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon; and then women bare her into her chamber, and there she made overmuch sorrow. And then Sir Launcelot would depart; and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he would do. What should I do, said Sir Lavaine, but follow you, but if ye drive me from you, or command me to go from you ? Then came Sir Bernard to Sir Launcelot, and said to him, I cannot see but that my daughter Elaine will die for your sake. I may not do withal, said Sir Launcelot, for that me sore repenteth; for I report me to yourself that my proffer is fair, and me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, that she loveth me as she doth : I was never the causer of it, for I report me to your son, I early nor late proffered her bounty nor fair behests: and as for me, said Sir Launcelot, I dare do all that a good knight should do,

92

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

that she is a true maiden, both for deed and for will; and I am right heavy of her distress, for she is a full fair m«aiden, g°°d, and gentle, and well taught. Father, said Sir Lavaine, I dare make good she is pure and good as my l°rd Sir Launcelot hath said; but she doth as I do, for since I ^rst saw mv ^or<^ Sir Launcelot I could never depart fr°m him, nor nought I will and I may follow

him.

The11 Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they de- parted' and came unto Winchester. And when Arthur wist that Sir Launcelot was come, whole and

Sir Launcelot

sound, the king made great joy of him, and returns to so did Sir Gawaine, and all the knights of the Rc)und Table except Sir Agravaine and Sir Mor- dred. Also Queen Guenever was wood wroth with Sir Launch0* and would by no means speak with him, but estranse<i herself from him, and Sir Launcelot made all the means that he might to speak with the queen, but it

would not be-

Now speak we of the fair maiden of Astolat, that made ?ucn sorrow day and night, that she never slept, eat, nor drank; and ever she made her complaint unto Sir Lancelot. So when she had thus en- Elaine makes dured a ^n days, that she feebled so that J^ST™ she mifst needs pass out of this world, then dies. she shrived her clean, and received her Creator. And ever sr16 complained still upon Sir Launcelot. Then her ghc)stty father bade her leave such thoughts. Then she sai4» Why should I leave such thoughts ? am I not an earthy woman ? and all the while the breath is in my booty I mav complain me, for my belief is I do none

93

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

offense though I love an earthly man, and I take God to my record I never loved none but Sir Launcelot du Lake, nor never shall ; and a pure maiden I am for him and for all other. And since it is the sufferance of God that I shall die for the love of so noble a knight, I beseech the High Father of heaven to have mercy upon my soul, and upon mine innumerable pains that I suffered may be allegiance of part of my sins. For sweet Lord Jesu, said the fair maiden, I take thee to record, on thee I was never great offender against thy laws, but that I loved this noble knight Sir Launcelot out of measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not withstand the fervent love wherefore I have my death. And then she called her father Sir Bernard, and her brother Sir Tirre, and heartily she prayed her father that her brother might write a letter like as she did endite it; and so her father granted her. And when the letter was written word by word like as she devised, then she prayed her father that she might be watched until she were dead, — And while my body is hot, let this letter be put in my right hand, and my hand bound fast with the letter until that I be cold, and let me be put in a fair bed, with all the richest clothes that I have about me, and so let my bed, and all my richest clothes, be laid with me in a chariot unto the next place where Thames is, and there let me be put within a barget, and but one man with me, such as ye trust to steer me thither, and that my barget be covered with black samite, over and over. Thus, father, I beseech you, let it be done. So her father granted it her faith- fully, all things should be done like as she had devised. Then her father and her brother made great dole, for,

94

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

when this was done, anon she died. And so when she was dead, the corpse, and the bed, all was led the next way unto Thames, and there a man, and the corpse, and all, were put into Thames, and so the man steered the barget unto Westminster, and there he rowed a great while to and fro or any espied it.

So by fortune King Arthur and the Queen Guenever were speaking together at a window; and so as they looked into Thames, they espied this black

J Her body

barget, and had marvel what it meant. Then comes to the king called Sir Kay, and shewed it him. Sir, said Sir Kay, wit you well there is some new tidings. Go thither, said the king to Sir Kay, and take with you Sir Brandiles and Agravaine, and bring me ready word what is there. Then these three knights departed, and came to the barget, and went in; and there they found the fairest corpse lying in a rich bed, and a poor man sitting in the barget's end, and no word would he speak. So these three knights returned unto the king again, and told him what they found. That fair corpse will I see, said the king. And so then the king took the queen by the hand and went thither. Then the king made the barget to be holden fast; and then the king and the queen entered, with certain knights with them. And there he saw the fairest woman lie in a rich bed, covered unto her middle with mapy rich clothes, and all was of cloth of gold, and she lay as though she had smiled.

Then the queen espied a letter in her right hand, and told it to the king. Then the king took it, and said, Now I am sure this letter will tell what she was, and why she is come hither. Then the king and the queen

95

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

went out of the barget, and so commanded a certain man to wait upon the barget. And so when the king was come within his chamber, he called many knights about him, and said that he would wit openly what was written within that letter. Then the king brake it, and made a clerk to read it; and this was the intent of the letter: — Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot, now hath death made us two at debate for your love; I was your lover, that men called the fair maiden of Astolat; there- fore unto all ladies I make my moan; yet pray for my soul, and bury me at the least, and offer ye my mass- penny. This is my last request. And a clean maiden I died, I take God to witness. Pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art peerless. — This was all the sub- stance in the letter. And when it was read, the king, the queen, and all the knights wept for pity of the dole- ful complaints.

Then was Sir Launcelot sent for. And when he was come, King Arthur made the letter to be read to him;

Sir Launcelot anc^ wnen Sir Launcelot heard it word by moums at word, he said, My lord Arthur, wit ye well I am right heavy of the death of this fair damsel. God knoweth I was never causer of her death by my willing, and that will I report me to her own brother; here he is, Sir Lavaine. I will not say nay, said Sir Launcelot, but that she was both fair and good, and much I was beholden unto her, but she loved me out of measure. Ye might have shewed her, said the queen, some bounty and gentleness, that might have preserved her life. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, she would none other way be answered, but that she would be my wife,

96

LAUNCELOT AND ELAINE

or else my love, and of these two I would not grant her; but I proffered her, for her good love that she shewed me, a thousand pound yearly to her and to her heirs, and to wed any manner knight that she could find best to love in her heart. For, madam, said Sir Launcelot, I love not to be constrained to love; for love must arise of the heart, and not by no constraint. That is truth, said the king and many knights : love is free in himself, and never will be bounden ; for where he is bounden he loseth himself.

Then said the king unto Sir Launcelot, It will be your worship that ye oversee that she be interred worship- fully. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, that shall be and causes done as I can best devise. And so many ^ert°be

•* buried wor-

knights went thither to behold that fair shipfuiiy. maiden. And so upon the morn she was interred richly, and Sir Launcelot offered her mass-penny, and all the knights of the Round Table that were there at that

o

time offered with Sir Launcelot. And then the poor man went again with the barget. Then the queen sent for Sir Launcelot, and prayed him of mercy, for why she had been wroth with him causeless. This is not the first time, said Sir Launcelot, that ye have been displeased with me causeless; but, madam, ever I must suffer you, but what sorrow I endure I take no force. So this passed on all that winter, with all manner of hunting and hawking, and justs and tourneys were many betwixt many great lords; and ever in all places Sir Lavaine gat great worship, so that he was nobly renowned among many knights of the Round Table.

a>v- f-i\~»Ar'A\ B'

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

By Thomas Malory

AS Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he did so make letters as though that they came from be- Sir Mordred yond the sea, and the letters specified that rebels. King Arthur was slain in battle with Sir

Launcelot. Wherefore Sir Mordred made a Parliament, and called the lords together, and there he made them to choose him king, and so was he crowned at Canter- bury, and held a feast there fifteen days, and afterward he drew him unto Winchester, and there he took the Queen Guenever, and said plainly, that he would wed her which was his uncle's wife, and his father's wife. And so he made ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that they should be wedded ; wherefore Queen Guenever was passing heavy. But she durst not discover her heart, but spake fair, and agreed to Sir Mordred's will. Then she desired of Sir Mordred for to go to London, to buy all manner of things that longed unto the wedding. And because of her fair speech Sir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to go. And so when she came to London, she took the tower of London, and suddenly, in all haste possible, she stuffed it with all manner of victual, and well garnished it with men, and so kept it. Then when Sir Mordred wist and under- stood how he was beguiled, he was passing wroth out of measure. And a short tale for to make, he went and

98

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

laid a mighty siege about the tower of London, and made many great assaults thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot great guns. But all might not prevail Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever would never, for fair speech nor for foul, would never trust to come in his hands again.

And then came the Bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble clerk and an holy man, and thus he said to Sir Mordred : Sir, what will ye do, will ye

J J The bishop

first displease God, and sithen shame your- curses Sir self and all knighthood ? Is not King Arthur your uncle, no further but your mother's brother, and are ye not his son, therefore how may ye wed your father's wife ? Sir, said the noble clerk, leave this opin- ion, or else I shall curse you with book, and bell, and candle. Do thou thy worst, said Sir Mordred, wit thou well I shall defy thee. Sir, said the bishop, and wit you well I shall not fear me to do that me ought to do. Also where ye noise where my lord Arthur is slain, and that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this land. Peace, thou false priest, said Sir Mordred, for, and thou chafe me any more, I shall make strike off thy head. So the bishop departed, and did the curse in the most orgulous wise that might be done. And then Sir Mordred sought the Bishop of Canterbury for to have slain him. Then the bishop fled, and took part of his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury, and there he was as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived in poverty and in holy prayers : for well he understood that mischievous war was at hand.

Then Sir Mordred sought on Queen Guenever by let-

99

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

ters and sondes, and by fair means and foul means, for to have her to come out of the tower of London ; but all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly and privily, that she had lever slay herself than to be married with him. Then came word to Sir Mordred that King Arthur had raised the siege from Sir Launce- lot, and he was coming homeward with a great host, to be avenged upon Sir Mordred. Wherefore Sir Mor- dred made write writs to all the barony of this land, and much people drew to him. For then was the common voice among them, that with Arthur was none other life but war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus was Sir Arthur depraved and evil said of. And many there were that King Arthur had made up of nought, and given them lands, might not then say of him a good word.

Lo ye, all Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief here was, for he that was the most king and knight of the world, and most loved the fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were all upholden, now might not we Englishmen hold us content with him. Lo, thus was the old custom and usage of this land. And also men say, that we of this land have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage. Alas, this is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may no thing please us no term. And so fared the people at that time; they were better pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur, and much people drew unto Sir Mordred, and said they would abide with him for better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host to Dover, for there he heard say that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so

100

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

he thought to beat his own father from his lands. And the most party of all England held with Sir Mordred, the people were so new fangle.

And so as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King Arthur with a great navy of ships, galleys, and carracks. And there was Sir

King Arthur

Mordred ready awaiting upon his landage, lands at to let his own father to land upon the land Si°™

that he was king over. Then there was >s mortally launching of great boats and small, and full of noble men of arms, and there was much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron was laid full low on both parties. But King Arthur was so cour- ageous, that there might no manner of knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely followed him. And so they landed, maugre Sir Mordred and all his power, and put Sir Mordred aback, that he fled and all his people. So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were dead, and then was the noble knight Sir Gawaine found in a great boat lying more than half dead. When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low, he went unto him, and there the king made sorrow out of measure, and took Sir Ga- waine in his arms, and thrice he there swooned. And when he awaked he said, Alas, Sir Gawaine, my sister's son, here now thou liest, the man in the world that I loved most, and now is my joy gone : for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine, I will discover me unto your person ; in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine affiance, and now have I lost my joy of you both, wherefore all mine earthly joy is gone from me. Mine uncle King

101

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

Arthur, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well, my death-day is come, and all is through mine own hastiness and will- fulness, for I am smitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot gave me, on the which I feel well I must die; and had Sir Launcelot been with you as he was, this unhappy war had never begun, and of all this am I causer, for Sir Launcelot and his blood through their prowess held all your cankered enemies in subjection and danger: and now, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall miss Sir Launcelot. But, alas, I would not accord with him, and therefore, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you, fair uncle, that I may have paper, pen, and ink, that I may write to Sir Launcelot a schedule with mine own hands.

And then when paper and ink was brought, then Gawaine was set up weakly by King Arthur, for he was Before his shriven a little tofore, and then he wrote thus,

death Sir as tke ppgndj book maketh mention, — Unto

Gawaine

writes a Sir Launcelot, flower of all noble knights " |iru that ever I heard of, or saw by my days, I

Launcelot. §ir Gawaine, King Lot's son, of Orkney, sister's son unto the noble King Arthur, send thee greet- ing, and let thee have knowledge, that the tenth day of May I was smitten upon the old wound that thou gavest me afore the city of Benwick, and through the same wound that thou gavest me I am come to my death-day. And I will that all the world wit that I, Sir Gawaine, knight of the Round Table, sought my death, and not through thy deserving, but it was mine own seeking; wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Launcelot, to return again unto this realm, and see my tomb, and pray some prayer, more or less, for my soul. And this

102

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

same day that I wrote this schedule, I was hurt to the death in the same wound, the which I had of thy hand, Sir Launcelot. For of a more nobler man might I not be slain. Also, Sir Launcelot, for all the love that ever was betwixt us, make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all haste, that thou mayest with thy noble knights rescue that noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord Arthur; for he is full straitly bestad with a false traitor, that is my half brother, Sir Mordred, and he hath let crown him king, and would have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so had he done, had she not put herself in the tower of London. And so the tenth day of May last past, my lord Arthur and we all landed upon them at Dover, and there we put that false traitor Sir Mordred to flight, and there it misfortuned me to be stricken upon thy stroke, and at the date of this letter was written but two hours and an half afore my death, written with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart's blood. And I require thee, most famous knight of the world, that thou wilt see my tomb. — And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept, and then they swooned both. And when they awaked both, the king made Sir Gawaine to receive his Saviour. And then Sir Gawaine prayed the king to send for Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights. And so at the hour of noon, Sir Gawaine yielded up the spirit. And then the king let inter him in a chapel within Dover castle; and there yet all men may see the skull of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir Launcelot gave him in battle.

Then was it told King Arthur that Sir Mordred had

103

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

pitched a new field upon Barham Down. And upon the morn the king rode thither to him, and there

The battle

of Barham was a great battle betwixt them, and much people were slain on both parties. But at the last Sir Arthur's party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party fled unto Canterbury. And then the king let search all the towns for his knights that were slain, and interred them ; and salved them with soft salves that so sore were wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then they said that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur with wrong. And then King Arthur drew him with his host down by the seaside, west- ward toward Salisbury, and there was a day assigned between King Arthur and Sir Mordred, and they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not far from the seaside, and this day was assigned on Monday after Trinity Sunday, whereof King Arthur was pass- ing glad, that he might be avenged upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred araised much people about London, for they of Kent, Southsex, and Surrey, Estsex, and Southfolk, and of Norfolk, held the most party with Sir Mordred, and many a full noble knight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king; but they that loved Sir Launcelot drew unto Sir Mordred.

So upon Trinity Sunday at night King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream, and that was this, that him seemed Kin he sat upon a chaflet in a chair, and the chair

Arthur's was fast to a wheel, and thereupon sat King

d r*p Jim

Arthur in the richest cloth of gold that might be made: and the king thought there was under him, far from him, an hideous deep black water, and therein were

104

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

all manner of serpents, and worms, and wild beasts, foul and horrible: and suddenly the king thought the wheel turned up so down, and he fell among the serpents, and every beast took him by a limb. And then the king cried as he lay in his bed and slept, Help! And then knights, squires, and yeomen awaked the king; and then he was so amazed that he wist not where he was. And then he fell on slumbering again, not sleeping nor thoroughly waking. So the king seemed verily that there came Sir Gawaine unto him, with a number of fair ladies with him. And when King Arthur saw him, then he said, Welcome, my sister's son, I wend thou hadst been dead, and now I see thee on live, much am I be- holding unto Almighty Jesu. Oh, fair nephew, and my sister's son, what be these ladies that hither be come wyith you ? Sir, said Sir Gawaine, all these be ladies for whom I have foughten when I was man living: and all these are those that I did battle for in righteous quarrel. And God hath given them that grace at their great prayer, because I did battle for them, that they should bring me hither unto you, thus much had God given me leave, for to warn you of your death ; for and ye fight as to-morn with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties. And for the great grace and goodness that Almighty Jesu hath unto you, and for pity of you and many more other good men there shall be slain, God hath sent me to you, of his special grace, to give you warning, that in no wise ye do battle as to-morn, but that ye take a treaty for a month day; and proffer you largely, so as to-morn to be put in a delay. For within

105

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

a month shall come Sir Launcelot, with all his noble knights, and rescue you worshipfully, and slay Sir Mor- dred and all that ever will hold with him. Then Sir Gawaine and all the ladies vanished.

And anon the king called upon his knights, squires, and yeomen, and charged them wightly to fetch his noble A truce is lords and wise bishops unto him. And proposed. when they were come, the king told them his vision, what Sir Gawaine had told him, and warned him that if he fought on the morn he should be slain. Then the king commanded Sir Lucan de Butlere, and his brother Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them in any wise and they might take a treaty for a month day with Sir Mordred; — And spare not, proffer him lands and goods, as much as ye think best. So then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a grim host of an hundred thousand men. And there they entreated Sir Mordred long time, and at the last Sir Mordred was agreed for to have Cornwall and Kent, by King Arthur's days : - - after, all England, after the days of King Arthur.

Then were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should meet betwixt both their hosts, and At the con- every each of them should bring fourteen ference an persons. And they came with this word unto the battle King Arthur. Then said he, I am glad that

to begm. tj-jjg js <-ione> And so he went into the field. And when Arthur should depart, he warned all his host that and they see any sword drawn, Look ye come on fiercely, and slay that traitor Sir Mordred, for I in no wise trust him. In like wise Sir Mordred warned his

106

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

host that, — And ye see any sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that ever before you standeth: for in no wise I will not trust for this treaty: for I know well my father will be avenged upon me. And so they met as their pointment was, and so they were agreed and accorded thoroughly: and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right so came an adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot. And when the knight felt him stungen, he looked down and saw the adder, and then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other harm. And when the host on both parties saw that sword drawn, then they blew beames, trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed them together.

And King Arthur took his horse, and said, Alas this unhappy day, and so rode to his party : and Sir Mordred in likewise. And never was there seen a more dolefuller battle in no Christian land. For there was but rushing and riding, foining and strik- ing, and many a grim word was there spoken either to other, and many a deadly stroke. But ever King Arthur rode throughout the battle of Sir Mordred many times, and did full nobly as a noble king should : and at all times he fainted never. And Sir Mordred that day put him in devoir, and in great peril. And thus they fought all the long day, and never stinted, till the noble knights were laid to the cold ground; and ever they fought still, till it was near night, and by that time was there an hundred thousand laid dead upon the down. Then was Arthur wroth out of measure, when he saw his people so slain from him. Then the king looked

107

* HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

about him, and then was he ware of all his host, and of all his good knights, were left no more on live but two knights, that was Sir Lucan de Butlere, and his brother Sir Bedivere: and they full were sore wounded. Jesu mercy, said the king, where are all my noble knights becomen. Alas that ever I should see this dole- ful day. For now, said Arthur, I am come to mine end. But would to God that I wrist where were that traitor Sir Mordred, that hath caused all this mischief.

Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned upon his sword among a great heap of dead men. Now give me my spear, said Arthur unto Sir King Arthur Lucan, for yonder I have espied the traitor slays sir that all this woe hath wrought Sir, let him

Mordred,

and is be, said Sir Lucan, for he is unhappy: and

wounded to •/> .1 • i i i n i

the death lf 7e Pass thls unhappy day, ye shall be by him. right well revenged upon him. Good lord, remember ye of your night's dream, and what the spirit of Sir Gawaine told you this night; yet God of his great goodness hath preserved you hitherto. Therefore, for God's sake, my lord, leave off by this. For blessed be God ye have won the field : for here we be three on live, and with Sir Mordred is none on live. And if ye leave off now, this wicked day of destiny is past. Tide me death, betide me life, saith the king, now I see him yonder alone; he shall never escape mine hands, for at a better avail shall I never have him. God speed you well, said Sir Bedivere. Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran toward Sir Mordred, crying, Traitor, now is thy death-day come. And when Sir Mordred heard Sir Arthur, he ran until him with his

108

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

sword drawn in his hand. And then King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield, with a foin of his spear throughout the body more than a fathom. And when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death's wound, he thrust himself, with the might that he had, up to the bur of King Arthur's spear. And right so he smote his father Arthur with his sword holden in both his hands, on the side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain-pan, and therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth. And the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and there he swooned ofttimes.

And Sir Lucan de Butlere and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up, and so weakly they led him betwixt them both to a little chapel not far from the

1 Sir Lucan

seaside. And when the king was there, he and sir thought him well eased. Then heard they f^SLg people cry in the field. Now go thou, Sir Arthur to Lucan, said the king, and do me to wit what betokens that noise in the field. So Sir Lucan departed, for he was grievously wounded in many places. And so as he went, he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how the pillers and robbers were come into the field to pill and to rob many a full noble knight of brooches and beads, of many a good ring, and of many a rich jewel ; and who that were not dead all out, there they slew them for their harness and their riches. When Sir Lucan understood this work, he came to the king as soon as he might, and told him all what he had heard and seen. Therefore by mine advice, said Sir Lucan, it is best that we bring you to some town. I

109

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

would it were so, said the king, but I may not stand, my head werches so. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said King Arthur, this day have I sore missed thee. Alas, that ever I was against thee, for now have I my death, whereol Sir Gawaine me warned in my dream. Then Sir Lucar* took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere the other part, and in the lifting, the king swooned, and Sir Lucan fell in a swoon with the lift, and therewith the noble knight's heart brast. And when King Arthur came to himself again, he beheld Sir Lucan how he lay foaming at the mouth. Alas, said the king, this is unto me a full heavy sight to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he would have holpen me that had more need of help than I. Alas, he would not complain him, his heart was so set to help me. Now Jesu, have mercy upon his soul. Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother.

Leave this mourning and weeping, said the king, for all this will not avail me : for, wit thou well, and I might Sir Bedivere live myself the death of Sir Lucan would and the grieve me evermore ; but my time hieth fast, Excaiibur. said the king. Therefore, said Arthur, take thou Excaiibur, my good sword, and go with it to yonder waterside; when thou comest there, I charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come again, and tell me what thou there seest. My lord, said Bedi- vere, your commandment shall be done, and lightly bring you word again. So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld that noble sword, that the pom- mel and haft were all of precious stones, and then he said to himself, If I throw this rich sword in the

110

THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR

water, thereof shall never come good, but harm and loss. And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree. And as soon as he might he came again unto the king, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword into the water. What saw thou there ? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing but waves and winds. That is untruly said of thee, said the king; therefore go thou lightly again, and do my command as thou art to me lief and dear; spare not, but throw it in. Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand ; and then him thought sin and shame to throw away that noble sword ; and so eft he hid the sword, and returned again, and told to the king that he had been at the water, and done his commandment. What saw thou there ? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing but the waters wap and the waves wan. Ah traitor, untrue, said King Arthur, now hast thou betrayed me twice. Who would have wend that thou that hast been to me so lief and dear, and thou art named a noble knight, and would betray me for the riches of the sword. But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy of my life, for I have taken cold. And but if thou do now as I bid thee, if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee with mine own hands, for thou wouldest for my rich sword see me dead.

Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it up, and went to the waterside, and there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he threw the sword as far into the water as he might, and there came an arm and an hand above the water, and met it, and caught it, and so shook it thrice and bran- Ill

HEROES OF THE BRITISH ISLES

dished, and then vanished away the hand with the sword in the water. So Sir Bedivere came again to the king and told him what he saw. Alas, said the king, help me hence, for I dread me I have tarried over long.

Then Sir Bedivere took the king upon his back, and

so went with him to that waterside. And when they

were at the waterside, even fast by the bank

places Arthur hoved a little barge, with many fair ladies in

m a barge ft an(j among them all was a queen ; and all

•which bears

him from they had black hoods, and all they wept and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. Now put me into the barge, said the king : and so he did softly. And there received him three queens with great mourning; and so they set him down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head, and then that queen said, Ah, dear brother, why have ye tarried so long from me ? Alas, this wound on your head hath caught over much cold. And so then they rowed from the land ; and Sir Bedivere beheld all those ladies go from him. Then Sir Bedivere cried, Ah, my lord Arthur, what shall become of me now ye go from me, and leave me here alone among mine enemies. Comfort thyself, said the king, and do as well as thou mayest, for in me is no trust for to trust in. For I will into the vale of Avilion, to heal me of my grievous wound. And if thou hear never more of me, pray for my soul. But ever the queens and the ladies wept and shrieked, that it was pity to hear. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took the forest; and so he went all that night, and in the morning he was ware betwixt two

o o

holts hoar of a chapel and an hermitage.

112