ARTHUR (_Continued_)
AFTER the great victory of Mount Badon, by which the Saxons were for the
time effectually put down, Arthur turned his arms against the Scots and
Picts, whom he routed at Lake Lomond, and compelled to sue for mercy. He
then went to York to keep his Christmas, and employed himself in
restoring the Christian churches which the Pagans had rifled and
overthrown. The following summer he conquered Ireland, and then made a
voyage with his fleet to Iceland, which he also subdued. The kings of
Gothland and of the Orkneys came voluntarily and made their submission,
promising to pay tribute. Then he returned to Britain, where, having
established the kingdom, he dwelt twelve years in peace.
During this time he invited over to him all persons whatsoever that were
famous for valor in foreign nations, and augmented the number of his
domestics, and introduced such politeness into his court as people of
the remotest countries thought worthy of their imitation. So that there
was not a nobleman who thought himself of any consideration unless his
clothes and arms were made in the same fashion as those of Arthur’s
knights.
Finding himself so powerful at home, Arthur began to form designs for
extending his power abroad. So, having prepared his fleet, he first
attempted Norway, that he might procure the crown of it for Lot, his
sister’s husband. Arthur landed in Norway, fought a great battle with
the king of that country, defeated him, and pursued the victory till he
had reduced the whole country under his dominion, and established Lot
upon the throne. Then Arthur made a voyage to Gaul and laid siege to the
city of Paris. Gaul was at that time a Roman province, and governed by
Flollo, the Tribune. When the siege of Paris had continued a month, and
the people began to suffer from famine, Flollo challenged Arthur to
single combat, proposing to decide the conquest of the province in that
way. Arthur gladly accepted the challenge, and slew his adversary in the
contest, upon which the citizens surrendered the city to him. After the
victory Arthur divided his army into two parts, one of which he
committed to the conduct of Hoel, whom he ordered to march into
Aquitaine, while he with the other part should endeavor to subdue the
other provinces. At the end of nine years, in which time all the parts
of Gaul were entirely reduced, Arthur returned to Paris, where he kept
his court, and, calling an assembly of the clergy and people,
established peace and the just administration of the laws in that
kingdom. Then he bestowed Normandy upon Bedver, his butler, and the
province of Andegavia upon Kay, his steward,[43] and several other
provinces upon his great men that attended him. And, having settled the
peace of the cities and countries, he returned back in the beginning of
spring to Britain.
Upon the approach of the feast of Pentecost, Arthur, the better to
demonstrate his joy after such triumphant successes, and for the more
solemn observation of that festival, and reconciling the minds of the
princes that were now subject to him, resolved during that season to
hold a magnificent court, to place the crown upon his head, and to
invite all the kings and dukes under his subjection to the solemnity.
And he pitched upon Caerleon, the City of Legions, as the proper place
for his purpose. For, besides its great wealth above the other
cities,[44] its situation upon the river Usk, near the Severn sea, was
most pleasant and fit for so great a solemnity. For on one side it was
washed by that noble river, so that the kings and princes from the
countries beyond the seas might have the convenience of sailing up to
it. On the other side the beauty of the meadows and groves, and
magnificence of the royal palaces, with lofty gilded roofs that adorned
it, made it even rival the grandeur of Rome. It was also famous for two
churches, whereof one was adorned with a choir of virgins, who devoted
themselves wholly to the service of God, and the other maintained a
convent of priests. Besides, there was a college of two hundred
philosophers, who, being learned in astronomy and the other arts, were
diligent in observing the courses of the stars, and gave Arthur true
predictions of the events that would happen. In this place, therefore,
which afforded such delights, were preparations made for the ensuing
festival.
Ambassadors were then sent into several kingdoms, to invite to court the
princes both of Gaul and of the adjacent islands. Accordingly there came
Augusel, king of Albania, now Scotland, Cadwallo, king of Venedotia, now
North Wales, Sater, king of Demetia, now South Wales; also the
archbishops of the metropolitan sees, London and York, and Dubricius,
bishop of Caerleon, the City of Legions. This prelate, who was primate
of Britain, was so eminent for his piety that he could cure any sick
person by his prayers. There were also the counts of the principal
cities, and many other worthies of no less dignity.
From the adjacent islands came Guillamurius, king of Ireland, Gunfasius,
king of the Orkneys, Malvasius, king of Iceland, Lot, king of Norway,
Bedver, the butler, Duke of Normandy, Kay, the sewer, Duke of Andegavia;
also the twelve peers of Gaul, and Hoel, Duke of the Armorican Britons,
with his nobility, who came with such a train of mules, horses, and rich
furniture as it is difficult to describe. Besides these there remained
no prince of any consideration on this side of Spain who came not upon
this invitation. And no wonder, when Arthur’s munificence, which was
celebrated over the whole world, made him beloved by all people.
When all were assembled upon the day of the solemnity the archbishops
were conducted to the palace, in order to place the crown upon the
king’s head. Then Dubricius, inasmuch as the court was held in his
diocese, made himself ready to celebrate the office. As soon as the king
was invested with his royal habiliments he was conducted in great pomp
to the metropolitan church, having four kings, viz., of Albania,
Cornwall, Demetia, and Venedotia, bearing four golden swords before him.
On another part was the queen, dressed out in her richest ornaments,
conducted by the archbishops and bishops to the Church of Virgins; the
four queens, also, of the kings last mentioned, bearing before her four
white doves, according to ancient custom. When the whole procession was
ended so transporting was the harmony of the musical instruments and
voices, whereof there was a vast variety in both churches, that the
knights who attended were in doubt which to prefer, and therefore
crowded from the one to the other by turns, and were far from being
tired of the solemnity, though the whole day had been spent in it. At
last, when divine service was over at both churches, the king and queen
put off their crowns, and, putting on their lighter ornaments, went to
the banquet. When they had all taken their seats according to
precedence, Kay, the sewer, in rich robes of ermine, with a thousand
young noblemen all in like manner clothed in rich attire, served up the
dishes. From another part Bedver, the butler, was followed by the same
number of attendants, who waited with all kinds of cups and
drinking-vessels. And there was food and drink in abundance, and
everything was of the best kind, and served in the best manner. For at
that time Britain had arrived at such a pitch of grandeur that in
riches, luxury, and politeness it far surpassed all other kingdoms.
As soon as the banquets were over they went into the fields without the
city to divert themselves with various sports, such as shooting with
bows and arrows, tossing the pike, casting of heavy stones and rocks,
playing at dice, and the like, and all these inoffensively, and without
quarrelling. In this manner were three days spent, and after that they
separated, and the kings and noblemen departed to their several homes.
After this Arthur reigned five years in peace. Then came ambassadors
from Lucius Tiberius, Procurator under Leo, Emperor of Rome, demanding
tribute. But Arthur refused to pay tribute, and prepared for war. As
soon as the necessary dispositions were made he committed the government
of his kingdom to his nephew Modred and to Queen Guenever, and marched
with his army to Hamo’s Port, where the wind stood fair for him. The
army crossed over in safety, and landed at the mouth of the river Barba.
And there they pitched their tents to wait the arrival of the kings of
the islands.
As soon as all the forces were arrived Arthur marched forward to
Augustodunum, and encamped on the banks of the river Alba. Here repeated
battles were fought, in all which the Britons, under their valiant
leaders, Hoel, Duke of Armorica, and Gawain, nephew to Arthur, had the
advantage. At length Lucius Tiberius determined to retreat, and wait for
the Emperor Leo to join him with fresh troops. But Arthur, anticipating
this event, took possession of a certain valley, and closed up the way
of retreat to Lucius, compelling him to fight a decisive battle, in
which Arthur lost some of the bravest of his knights and most faithful
followers. But on the other hand Lucius Tiberius was slain, and his army
totally defeated. The fugitives dispersed over the country, some to the
by-ways and woods, some to cities and towns, and all other places where
they could hope for safety.
Arthur stayed in those parts till the next winter was over, and employed
his time in restoring order and settling the government. He then
returned into England, and celebrated his victories with great splendor.
Then the king stablished all his knights, and to them that were not rich
he gave lands, and charged them all never to do outrage nor murder, and
always to flee treason; also, by no means to be cruel, but to give mercy
unto him that asked mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and
lordship; and always to do ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen service,
upon pain of death. Also that no man take battle in a wrongful quarrel,
for no law, nor for any world’s goods. Unto this were all the knights
sworn of the Table Round, both old and young. And at every year were
they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.
KING ARTHUR SLAYS THE GIANT OF ST. MICHAEL’S MOUNT
While the army was encamped in Brittany, awaiting the arrival of the
kings, there came a countryman to Arthur, and told him that a giant,
whose cave was on a neighboring mountain, called St. Michael’s Mount,
had for a long time been accustomed to carry off the children of the
peasants to devour them. “And now he hath taken the Duchess of Brittany,
as she rode with her attendants, and hath carried her away in spite of
all they could do.” “Now, fellow,” said King Arthur, “canst thou bring
me there where this giant haunteth?” “Yea, sure,” said the good man;
“lo, yonder where thou seest two great fires, there shalt thou find him,
and more treasure than I suppose is in all France beside.” Then the king
called to him Sir Bedver and Sir Kay, and commanded them to make ready
horse and harness for himself and them; for after evening he would ride
on pilgrimage to St. Michael’s Mount.
So they three departed, and rode forth till they came to the foot of the
mount. And there the king commanded them to tarry, for he would himself
go up into that mount. So he ascended the hill till he came to a great
fire, and there he found an aged woman sitting by a new-made grave,
making great sorrow. Then King Arthur saluted her, and demanded of her
wherefore she made such lamentation; to whom she answered: “Sir knight,
speak low, for yonder is a devil, and if he hear thee speak, he will
come and destroy thee. For ye cannot make resistance to him, he is so
fierce and so strong. He hath murdered the Duchess, which here lieth,
who was the fairest of all the world, wife to Sir Hoel, Duke of
Brittany.” “Dame,” said the king, “I come from the noble conqueror, King
Arthur, to treat with that tyrant.” “Fie on such treaties,” said she;
“he setteth not by the king, nor by no man else.” “Well,” said Arthur,
“I will accomplish my message for all your fearful words.” So he went
forth by the crest of the hill, and saw where the giant sat at supper,
gnawing on the limb of a man, and baking his broad limbs at the fire,
and three fair damsels lying bound, whose lot it was to be devoured in
their turn. When King Arthur beheld that, he had great compassion on
them, so that his heart bled for sorrow. Then he hailed the giant,
saying, “He that all the world ruleth give thee short life and shameful
death. Why hast thou murdered this Duchess? Therefore come forth, for
this day thou shalt die by my hand.” Then the giant started up, and took
a great club, and smote at the king, and smote off his coronal; and then
the king struck him in the belly with his sword, and made a fearful
wound. Then the giant threw away his club, and caught the king in his
arms, so that he crushed his ribs. Then the three maidens kneeled down
and prayed for help and comfort for Arthur. And Arthur weltered and
wrenched, so that he was one while under, and another time above. And so
weltering and wallowing they rolled down the hill, and ever as they
weltered Arthur smote him with his dagger; and it fortuned they came to
the place where the two knights were. And when they saw the king fast in
the giant’s arms they came and loosed him. Then the king commanded Sir
Kay to smite off the giant’s head, and to set it on the truncheon of a
spear, and fix it on the barbican, that all the people might see and
behold it. This was done, and anon it was known through all the country,
wherefor the people came and thanked the king. And he said, “Give your
thanks to God; and take ye the giant’s spoil and divide it among you.”
And King Arthur caused a church to be builded on that hill, in honor of
St. Michael.
KING ARTHUR GETS A SWORD FROM THE LADY OF THE LAKE
One day King Arthur rode forth, and on a sudden he was ware of three
churls chasing Merlin, to have slain him. And the king rode unto them
and bade them, “Flee, churls!” Then were they afraid when they saw a
knight, and fled. “O Merlin,” said Arthur, “here hadst thou been slain,
for all thy crafts, had I not been by.” “Nay,” said Merlin, “not so, for
I could save myself if I would; but thou art more near thy death than I
am.” So, as they went thus talking, King Arthur perceived where sat a
knight on horseback, as if to guard the pass. “Sir knight,” said Arthur,
“for what cause abidest thou here?” Then the knight said, “There may no
knight ride this way unless he just with me, for such is the custom of
the pass.” “I will amend that custom,” said the king. Then they ran
together, and they met so hard that their spears were shivered. Then
they drew their swords and fought a strong battle, with many great
strokes. But at length the sword of the knight smote King Arthur’s sword
in two pieces. Then said the knight unto Arthur, “Thou art in my power,
whether to save thee or slay thee, and unless 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 will not.” Then he leapt upon the knight, and took him by
the middle and threw him down; but the knight was a passing strong man,
and anon he brought Arthur under him, and would have razed off his helm
to slay him. Then said Merlin, “Knight, hold thy hand, for this knight
is a man of more worship than thou art aware of.” “Why, who is he?” said
the knight. “It is King Arthur.” Then would he have slain him for dread
of his wrath, and lifted up his sword to slay him; and therewith Merlin
cast an enchantment on the knight, so that he fell to the earth in a
great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and set him on his horse.
“Alas!” said Arthur, “what hast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slain this
good knight by thy crafts?” “Care ye not,” said Merlin; “he is wholer
than ye be. He is only asleep, and will wake in three hours.”
Then the king and he departed, and went till they came to a hermit, that
was a good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds,
and applied good salves; and the king was there three days, and then
were his wounds well amended, that he might ride and go. So they
departed, and as they rode Arthur said, “I have no sword.” “No matter,”
said Merlin; “hereby is a sword that shall be yours.” So they rode till
they came to a lake, which was a fair water and broad. And in the midst
of the lake Arthur was aware of an arm clothed in white samite,[45] that
held a fair sword in the hand. “Lo!” said Merlin, “yonder is that sword
that I spake of. It belongeth to the Lady of the Lake, and, if she will,
thou mayest take it; but if she will not, it will not be in thy power to
take it.”
So Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted from their horses, and went into a
boat. And when they came to the sword that the hand held Sir Arthur took
it by the handle and took it to him, and the arm and the hand went under
the water.
Then they returned unto the land and rode forth. And Sir Arthur looked
on the sword and liked it right well.
So they rode unto Caerleon, whereof his knights were passing glad. And
when they heard of his adventures they marvelled that he would jeopard
his person so alone. But all men of worship said it was a fine thing to
be under such a chieftain as would put his person in adventure as other
poor knights did.
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