Le Morte D’Arthur
King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table
by Thomas Malory
IN TWO VOLS.—VOL. II
Contents
BOOK X.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur,
because he told him not the cause why he bare that shield.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides’ life, and how they
promised to fight together within a fortnight.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten
him down, and many other knights of the Round Table.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and
Sir Dodinas le Savage.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and
how they fought together unknown.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and
of the great joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir
Tristram.
CHAPTER VII. How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with
two knights into England, and how he slew one of the knights.
CHAPTER VIII. How King Mark came to a fountain where he found Sir
Lamorak complaining for the love of King Lot’s wife.
CHAPTER IX. How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to a
castle, and how King Mark was known there.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Berluse met with King Mark, and how Sir Dinadan
took his part.
CHAPTER XI. How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with
six knights of the Round Table.
CHAPTER XII. How the six knights sent Sir Dagonet to joust with King
Mark, and how King Mark refused him.
CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying, and
how he overthrew Dagonet and other knights.
CHAPTER XIV. How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making
great sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud.
CHAPTER XV. How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore King
Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to King Arthur.
CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between
Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristam.
CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with divers knights of the
castle wherein was Morgan le Fay.
CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Palomides would have jousted for Sir Lamorak
with the knights of the castle.
CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Lamorak jousted with Sir Palomides, and hurt him
grievously.
CHAPTER XX. How it was told Sir Launcelot that Dagonet chased King
Mark, and how a knight overthrew him and six knights.
CHAPTER XXI. How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorak
came in, and overthrew Sir Gawaine and many other.
CHAPTER XXII. How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir
Tristram, and how they departed toward Cornwall.
CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Percivale was made knight of King Arthur, and
how a dumb maid spake, and brought him to the Round Table.
CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Lamorak visited King Lot’s wife, and how Sir
Gaheris slew her which was his own mother.
CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight
fleeing, and how they both were overthrown, and of Sir Dinadan.
CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received
letters out of Cornwall, and of the answer again.
CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he
received from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay of King Mark.
CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to King
Mark; and of Sir Tristram how he promised to rescue him.
CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram overcame the battle, and how Elias
desired a man to fight body for body.
CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the
truage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field.
CHAPTER XXXI. How at a great feast that King Mark made an harper came
and sang the lay that Dinadan had made.
CHAPTER XXXII. How King Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, for
good service that he had done to him.
CHAPTER XXXIII. How Anglides, Boudwin’s wife, escaped with her young
son, Alisander le Orphelin, and came to the Castle of Arundel.
CHAPTER XXXIV. How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander, her
son, the same day that he was made knight, and the charge withal.
CHAPTER XXXV. How it was told to King Mark of Sir Alisander, and how
he would have slain Sir Sadok for saving his life.
CHAPTER XXXVI. How Sir Alisander won the prize at a tournament, and of
Morgan le Fay: and how he fought with Sir Malgrin, and slew him.
CHAPTER XXXVII. How Queen Morgan le Fay had Alisander in her castle,
and how she healed his wounds.
CHAPTER XXXVIII. How Alisander was delivered from Queen Morgan le Fay
by the means of a damosel.
CHAPTER XXXIX. How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how
he jousted with two knights; and after of him and of Sir Mordred.
CHAPTER XL. How Sir Galahalt did do cry a jousts in Surluse, and Queen
Guenever’s knights should joust against all that would come.
CHAPTER XLI. How Sir Launcelot fought in the tournament, and how Sir
Palomides did arms there for a damosel.
CHAPTER XLII. How Sir Galahalt and Palomides fought together, and of
Sir Dinadan and Sir Galahalt.
CHAPTER XLIII. How Sir Archade appealed Sir Palomides of treason, and
how Sir Palomides slew him.
CHAPTER XLIV. Of the third day, and how Sir Palomides jousted with Sir
Lamorak, and other things.
CHAPTER XLV. Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms.
CHAPTER XLVI. Of the Fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him.
CHAPTER XLVII. How Sir Palomides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and
how Palomides slew Corsabrin.
CHAPTER XLVIII. Of the sixth day, and what then was done.
CHAPTER XLIX. Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being
disguised like a maid, smote down Sir Dinadan.
CHAPTER L. How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament for
to have been slain, and how he was put in prison.
CHAPTER LI. How King Mark let do counterfeit letters from the Pope,
and how Sir Percivale delivered Sir Tristram out of prison.
CHAPTER LII. How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came unto England,
and how Sir Launcelot brought them to Joyous Gard.
CHAPTER LIII. How by the counsel of La Beale Isoud Sir Tristram rode
armed, and how he met with Sir Palomides.
CHAPTER LIV. Of Sir Palomides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis and
with Sir Ector, and of Sir Pervivale.
CHAPTER LV. How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their
devices, and what he said to Sir Gawaine’s brethren.
CHAPTER LVI. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir
Gaheris, and how Sir Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud.
CHAPTER LVII. How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with jousting
with Sir Palomides, Sir Dinadan knew him.
CHAPTER LVIII. How they approached the Castle Lonazep, and of other
devices of the death of Sir Lamorak.
CHAPTER LIX. How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a ship
there, wherein lay the body of King Hermance.
CHAPTER LX. How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with an
host which after fought with Sir Tristram; and other matters.
CHAPTER LXI. How Palomides went for to fight with two brethren for the
death of King Hermance.
CHAPTER LXII. The copy of the letter written for to revenge the king’s
death, and how Sir Palomides fought for to have the battle.
CHAPTER LXIII. Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two
brethren that should fight with him.
CHAPTER LXIV. Of the battle between Sir Palomides and the two
brethren, and how the two brethren were slain.
CHAPTER LXV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides met Breuse Saunce
Pité, and how Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went unto Lonazep.
CHAPTER LXVI. How Sir Palomides jousted with Sir Galihodin, and after
with Sir Gawaine, and smote them down.
CHAPTER LXVII. How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came into the
tournament of Lonazep; and of divers jousts and matters.
CHAPTER LXVIII. How Sir Tristram and his fellowship jousted, and of
the noble feats that they did in that tourneying.
CHAPTER LXIX. How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir
Launcelot, and after that Sir Tristram smote down King Arthur.
CHAPTER LXX. How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red,
and how he demeaned him, and how Sir Palomides slew Launcelot’s horse.
CHAPTER LXXI. How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palomides, and how the
prize of that day was given unto Sir Palomides.
CHAPTER LXXII. How Sir Dinadan provoked Sir Tristram to do well.
CHAPTER LXXIII. How King Arthur and Sir Lancelot came to see La Beale
Isoud, and how Palomides smote down King Arthur.
CHAPTER LXXIV. How the second day Palomides forsook Sir Tristram, and
went to the contrary part against him.
CHAPTER LXXV. How Sir Tristram departed of the field, and awaked Sir
Dinadan, and changed his array into black.
CHAPTER LXXVI. How Sir Palomides changed his shield and his armour for
to hurt Sir Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to Sir Tristram.
CHAPTER LXXVII. How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how
Palomides followed and excused him.
CHAPTER LXXVIII. How King Arthur and Sir Launcelot came unto their
pavilions as they sat at supper, and of Sir Palomides.
CHAPTER LXXIX. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides did the next day,
and how King Arthur was unhorsed.
CHAPTER LXXX. How Sir Tristram turned to King Arthur’s side, and how
Palomides would not.
CHAPTER LXXXI. How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector reported to Queen
Guenever of the beauty of La Beale Isoud.
CHAPTER LXXXII. How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir
Palomides came and found him, and of their both sorrowing.
CHAPTER LXXXIII. How Sir Palomides brought Sir Epinogris his lady; and
how Sir Palomides and Sir Safere were assailed.
CHAPTER LXXXIV. How Sir Palomides and Sir Safere conducted Sir
Epinogris to his castle, and of other adventures.
CHAPTER LXXXV. How Sir Tristram made him ready to rescue Sir
Palomides, but Sir Launcelot rescued him or he came.
CHAPTER LXXXVI. How Sir Tristram and Launcelot, with Palomides, came
to joyous Gard; and of Palomides and Sir Tristram.
CHAPTER LXXXVII. How there was a day set between Sir Tristram and Sir
Palomides for to fight, and how Sir Tristram was hurt.
CHAPTER LXXXVIII. How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but
Sir Tristram might not come; and other things.
BOOK XI.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a
dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and
of Elaine, King Pelles’ daughter.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had
lain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how
he was fed with the Sangreal.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Bors made Sir Pedivere to yield him, and of
marvellous adventures that he had, and how he achieved them.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bors departed; and how Sir Launcelot was rebuked
of Queen Guenever, and of his excuse.
CHAPTER VII. How Dame Elaine, Galahad’s mother, came in great estate
unto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there.
CHAPTER VIII. How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to
Dame Elaine’s bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked him.
CHAPTER IX. How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid
the court, and how Sir Launcelot became mad.
CHAPTER X. What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how
he was sought by knights of his kin.
CHAPTER XI. How a servant of Sir Aglovale’s was slain, and what
vengeance Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale did therefore.
CHAPTER XII. How Sir Pervivale departed secretly from his brother, and
how he loosed a knight bound with a chain, and of other doings.
CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they
fought long, and each had almost slain other.
CHAPTER XIV. How by miracle they were both made whole by the coming of
the holy vessel of Sangreal.
BOOK XII.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot in his madness took a sword and fought
with a knight, and leapt in a bed.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Lancelot was carried in an horse litter, and how
Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and
how he was hurt, and brought unto an hermitage.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne
into a chamber and after healed by the Sangreal.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his
mind, he was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came into the joyous Isle, and there he
named himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet.
CHAPTER VII. Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir
Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with
him.
CHAPTER VIlI. How each of them knew other, and of their great
courtesy, and how his brother Sir Ector came unto him, and of their
joy.
CHAPTER IX. How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and
how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came to
the court, and of the great joy of him.
CHAPTER XI. How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the
court, to the great feast of Pentecost.
CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir
Palomides, and how they smote each other, and how Sir Palomides
forbare him.
CHAPTER XIII. How that Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which
was hurt, and how he overthrew Sir Palomides.
CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together,
and after accorded, and how Sir Tristram made him to be christened.
BOOK XIII.
CHAPTER I. How at the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost entered into the
hall before King Arthur a damosel, and desired Sir Launcelot for to
come and dub a knight, and how he went with her.
CHAPTER II. How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous
and of the marvellous adventure of the sword in a stone.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an
old man brought in Galahad.
CHAPTER IV. How the old man brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous and
set him therein, and how all the knights marvelled.
CHAPTER V. How King Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water to
Galahad, and how he drew out the sword.
CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust
in the meadow beside Camelot or they departed.
CHAPTER VII. How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, all
the knights were replenished with the Holy Sangreal, and how they
avowed the enquest of the same.
CHAPTER VIII. How great sorrow was made of the king and the queen and
ladies for the departing of the knights, and how they departed.
CHAPTER IX. How Galahad gat him a shield, and how they sped that
presumed to take down the said shield.
CHAPTER X. How Galahad departed with the shield, and how King Evelake
had received the shield of Joseph of Aramathie.
CHAPTER XI. How Joseph made a cross on the white shield with his
blood, and how Galahad was by a monk brought to a tomb.
CHAPTER XII. Of the marvel that Sir Galahad saw and heard in the tomb,
and how he made Melias knight.
CHAPTER XIII. Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad
revenged him, and how Melias was carried into an abbey.
CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Galahad departed, and how he was commanded to go
to the Castle of Maidens to destroy the wicked custom.
CHAPTER XV. How Sir Galahad fought with the knights of the castle, and
destroyed the wicked custom.
CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Gawaine came to the abbey for to follow Galahad,
and how he was shriven to a hermit.
CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and Sir
Percivale, and smote them down, and departed from them.
CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a
sick man borne in a litter, and how he was healed with the Sangreal.
CHAPTER XIX. How a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how he found his
horse and his helm borne away, and after went afoot.
CHAPTER XX. How Sir Launcelot was shriven, and what sorrow he made and
of the good ensamples which were shewed him.
BOOK XIV.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Percivale came to a recluse and asked counsel, and
how she told him that she was his aunt.
CHAPTER II. How Merlin likened the Round Table to the world, and how
the knights that should achieve the Sangreal should be known.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Percivale came into a monastery, where he found
King Evelake, which was an old man.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Percivale saw many men of arms bearing a dead
knight, and how he fought against them.
CHAPTER V. How a yeoman desired him to get again an horse, and how Sir
Percivale’s hackney was slain, and how he gat an horse.
CHAPTER VI. Of the great danger that Sir Percivale was in by his
horse, and how he saw a serpent and a lion fight.
CHAPTER VII. Of the vision that Sir Percivale saw, and how his vision
was expounded, and of his lion.
CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Percivale saw a ship coming to him-ward, and how
the lady of the ship told him of her disheritance.
CHAPTER IX. How Sir Percivale promised her help, and how he required
her of love, and how he was saved from the fiend.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Percivale for penance rove himself through the
thigh; and how she was known for the devil.
BOOK XV.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot came to a chapel, where he found dead, in
a white shirt, a man of religion, of an hundred winter old.
CHAPTER II. Of a dead man, how men would have hewn him, and it would
not be, and how Sir Launcelot took the hair of the dead man.
CHAPTER III. Of an advision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told it
to an hermit, and desired counsel of him.
CHAPTER IV. How the hermit expounded to Sir Launcelot his advision,
and told him that Sir Galahad was his son.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot jousted with many knights, and how he was
taken.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot told his advision to a woman, and how
she expounded it to him.
BOOK XVI.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Gawaine was nigh weary of the quest of the
Sangreal, and of his marvellous dream.
CHAPTER II. Of the advision of Sir Ector, and how he jousted with Sir
Uwaine les Avoutres, his sworn brother.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector came to an hermitage to be
confessed, and how they told to the hermit their advisions.
CHAPTER IV. How the hermit expounded their advision.
CHAPTER V. Of the good counsel that the hermit gave to them.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bors met with an hermit, and how he was confessed
to him, and of his penance enjoined to him.
CHAPTER VII. How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took upon
him for to fight against a champion for her land.
CHAPTER VIII. Of an advision which Sir Bors had that night, and how he
fought and overcame his adversary.
CHAPTER IX. How the lady was returned to her lands by the battle of
Sir Bors, and of his departing, and how he met Sir Lionel taken and
beaten with thorns, and also of a maid which should have been
devoured.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Bors left to rescue his brother, and rescued the
damosel; and how it was told him that Lionel was dead.
CHAPTER XI. How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest, which he had
dreamed, and of the counsel that the priest gave to him.
CHAPTER XII. How the devil in a woman’s likeness would have had Sir
Bors to have lain by her, and how by God’s grace he escaped.
CHAPTER XIII. Of the holy communication of an Abbot to Sir Bors, and
how the Abbot counselled him.
CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Bors met with his brother Sir Lionel, and how Sir
Lionel would have slain Sir Bors.
CHAPTER XV. How Sir Colgrevance fought against Sir Lionel for to save
Sir Bors, and how the hermit was slain.
CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Lionel slew Sir Colgrevance, and how after he
would have slain Sir Bors.
CHAPTER XVII. How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch
him not, and of a cloud that came between them.
BOOK XVII.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was
known of Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Galahad rode with a damosel, and came to the ship
whereas Sir Bors and Sir Percivale were in.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bed
therein, with other marvellous things, and of a sword.
CHAPTER IV. Of the marvels of the sword and of the scabbard.
CHAPTER V. How King Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he
drew the sword, and other marvellous histories.
CHAPTER VI. How Solomon took David’s sword by the counsel of his wife,
and of other matters marvellous.
CHAPTER VII. A wonderful tale of King Solomon and his wife.
CHAPTER VIII. How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and how
they were fought withal, and how they slew their adversaries, and
other matters.
CHAPTER IX. How the three knights, with Percivale’s sister, came unto
the same forest, and of an hart and four lions, and other things.
CHAPTER X. How they were desired of a strange custom, the which they
would not obey; wherefore they fought and slew many knights.
CHAPTER XI. How Sir Percivale’s sister bled a dish full of blood for
to heal a lady, wherefore she died; and how that the body was put in a
ship.
CHAPTER XII. How Galahad and Percivale found in a castle many tombs of
maidens that had bled to death.
CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir
Percivale’s sister lay dead, and how he met with Sir Galahad, his son.
CHAPTER XIV. How a knight brought unto Sir Galahad a horse, and bade
him come from his father, Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER XV. How Sir Launcelot was to-fore the door of the chamber
wherein the Holy Sangreal was.
CHAPTER XVI. How Sir launcelot had lain four-and-twenty days and as
many nights as a dead man, and other divers matters.
CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other
adventures which he saw in the way.
CHAPTER XVIII. How Galahad came to King Mordrains, and of other
matters and adventures.
CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, and
how they came to the castle of Carbonek, and other matters.
CHAPTER XX How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the Holy Sangreal,
and how Our Lord appeared to them, and other things.
CHAPTER XXI. How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the
Maimed King, and of other adventures.
CHAPTER XXII. How they were fed with the Sangreal while they were in
prison, and how Galahad was made king.
CHAPTER XXIII. Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad
was dead: and of Percivale how he died, and other matters.
BOOK XVIII.
CHAPTER I. Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement
of the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again.
CHAPTER II. How the queen commanded Sir Launcelot to avoid the court,
and of the sorrow that Launcelot made.
CHAPTER III. How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knight
enpoisoned, which Sir Mador laid on the queen.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there
was no knight would fight for her at the first time.
CHAPTER V. How the queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how
he granted upon condition; and how he warned Sir Launcelot thereof.
CHAPTER VI. How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for
the queen; and when he would fight how another discharged him.
CHAPTER VII How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the queen,
and how he overcame Sir Mador, and discharged the queen.
CHAPTER VIII. How the truth was known by the Maiden of the Lake, and
of divers other matters.
CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a sleeve
to wear upon his helm at the request of a maid.
CHAPTER X. How the tourney began at Winchester, and what knights were
at the jousts; and other things.
CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the field
against them of King Arthur’s court, and how Launcelot was hurt.
CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the
field, and in what jeopardy Launcelot was.
CHAPTER XIII. How Launcelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed
of his wound, and of other matters.
CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and
there had knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot that bare the red
sleeve.
CHAPTER XV. Of the sorrow that Sir Bors had for the hurt of Launcelot;
and of the anger that the queen had because Launcelot bare the sleeve.
CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Bors sought Launcelot and found him in the
hermitage, and of the lamentation between them.
CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might bear
arms, and how his wounds brast out again.
CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir
Launcelot; and of the tourney, and to whom the prize was given.
CHAPTER XIX. Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when
Launcelot should depart, and how she died for his love.
CHAPTER XX. How the corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived to-fore King
Arthur, and of the burying, and how Sir Launcelot offered the
mass-penny.
CHAPTER XXI. Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great
jousts and tourney ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER XXII. How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman
came to an hermit, and of other matters.
CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and other
men also.
CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the
field, and how he rode and found Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER XXV. How true love is likened to summer.
BOOK XIX.
CHAPTER I. How Queen Guenever rode a-Maying with certain knights of
the Round Table and clad all in green.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Meliagrance took the queen and her knights, which
were sore hurt in fighting.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and
how Sir Meliagrance laid a bushment for Launcelot.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot’s horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot
rode in a cart for to rescue the queen.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, and
how she appeased Sir Launcelot; and other matters.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and lay
with her, and how Sir Meliagrance appeached the queen of treason.
CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged
battle against Sir Meliagrance; and how Sir Launcelot was taken in a
trap.
CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady,
and took a white courser and came for to keep his day.
CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagrance
abode him in the field and dressed him to battle.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Urre came into Arthur’s court for to be healed of
his wounds, and how King Arthur would begin to handle him.
CHAPTER XI. How King Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many other
knights of the Round Table.
CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his
wounds, and anon he was all whole, and how they thanked God.
CHAPTER XIII. How there was a party made of an hundred knights against
an hundred knights, and of other matters
BOOK XX.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir
Gawaine for to disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and Queen
Guenever.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur, and
how King Arthur gave them licence to take him.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen’s chamber, and
how Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay
him.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in
his harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve of his fellows.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors, and told him how he had
sped, and in what adventure he had been, and how he had escaped.
CHAPTER VI. Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot
and his friends for to save the queen.
CHAPTER VII. How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him of
the affray and death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights.
CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from
the fire, and how he slew many knights.
CHAPTER IX. Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death
of his nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen, his
wife.
CHAPTER X. How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to
make war against Sir Launcelot, and laid siege to his castle called
Joyous Gard.
CHAPTER XI. Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir
Launcelot, and how King Arthur reproved him.
CHAPTER XII. How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him
to go out to battle, and how they made them ready.
CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Gawaine jousted and smote down Sir Lionel, and
how Sir Launcelot horsed King Arthur.
CHAPTER XIV. How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how
Sir Launcelot brought the queen to King Arthur.
CHAPTER XV. Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir
Launcelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER XVI. Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir
Launcelot, with much other language.
CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from Joyous
Gard over seaward, and what knights went with him.
CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made
great lords of the knights that went with him.
CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready
to go over sea to make war on Sir Launcelot.
CHAPTER XX. What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot; and how
King Arthur laid siege to Benwick, and other matters.
CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together,
and how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt.
CHAPTER XXII. Of the sorrow that King Arthur made for the war, and of
another battle where also Sir Gawaine had the worse
BOOK XXI.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of
England, and would have married the queen, his father’s wife.
CHAPTER II. How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and
came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of
the death of Sir Gawaine.
CHAPTER III. How after, Sir Gawaine’s ghost appeared to King Arthur,
and warned him that he should not fight that day.
CHAPTER IV. How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where
Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death.
CHAPTER V. How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into
the water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bedivere found him on the morrow dead in an
hermitage, and how he abode there with the hermit.
CHAPTER VII. Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur;
and how Queen Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury.
CHAPTER VIII. How when Sir Lancelot heard of the death of King Arthur,
and of Sir Gawaine, and other matters, he came into England.
CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, and
how he found her at Almesbury.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the
Archbishop of Canterbury was, and how he took the habit on him.
CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to
Almesbury, and found there Queen Guenever dead, whom they brought to
Glastonbury.
CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose
body was borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried.
CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and
how Constantine reigned next after Arthur; and of the end of this
book. GLOSSARY
BOOK X.
CHAPTER I. How Sir Tristram jousted, and smote down King Arthur,
because he told him not the cause why he bare that shield.
And if so be ye can descrive what ye bear, ye are worthy to bear the
arms. As for that, said Sir Tristram, I will answer you; this shield
was given me, not desired, of Queen Morgan le Fay; and as for me, I can
not descrive these arms, for it is no point of my charge, and yet I
trust to God to bear them with worship. Truly, said King Arthur, ye
ought not to bear none arms but if ye wist what ye bear: but I pray you
tell me your name. To what intent? said Sir Tristram. For I would wit,
said Arthur. Sir, ye shall not wit as at this time. Then shall ye and I
do battle together, said King Arthur. Why, said Sir Tristram, will ye
do battle with me but if I tell you my name? and that little needeth
you an ye were a man of worship, for ye have seen me this day have had
great travail, and therefore ye are a villainous knight to ask battle
of me, considering my great travail; howbeit I will not fail you, and
have ye no doubt that I fear not you; though you think you have me at a
great advantage yet shall I right well endure you. And there withal
King Arthur dressed his shield and his spear, and Sir Tristram against
him, and they came so eagerly together. And there King Arthur brake his
spear all to pieces upon Sir Tristram’s shield. But Sir Tristram hit
Arthur again, that horse and man fell to the earth. And there was King
Arthur wounded on the left side, a great wound and a perilous.
Then when Sir Uwaine saw his lord Arthur lie on the ground sore
wounded, he was passing heavy. And then he dressed his shield and his
spear, and cried aloud unto Sir Tristram and said: Knight, defend thee.
So they came together as thunder, and Sir Uwaine brised his spear all
to pieces upon Sir Tristram’s shield, and Sir Tristram smote him harder
and sorer, with such a might that he bare him clean out of his saddle
to the earth. With that Sir Tristram turned about and said: Fair
knights, I had no need to joust with you, for I have had enough to do
this day. Then arose Arthur and went to Sir Uwaine, and said to Sir
Tristram: We have as we have deserved, for through our orgulyté we
demanded battle of you, and yet we knew not your name. Nevertheless, by
Saint Cross, said Sir Uwaine, he is a strong knight at mine advice as
any is now living.
Then Sir Tristram departed, and in every place he asked and demanded
after Sir Launcelot, but in no place he could not hear of him whether
he were dead or alive; wherefore Sir Tristram made great dole and
sorrow. So Sir Tristram rode by a forest, and then was he ware of a
fair tower by a marsh on that one side, and on that other side a fair
meadow. And there he saw ten knights fighting together. And ever the
nearer he came he saw how there was but one knight did battle against
nine knights, and that one did so marvellously that Sir Tristram had
great wonder that ever one knight might do so great deeds of arms. And
then within a little while he had slain half their horses and unhorsed
them, and their horses ran in the fields and forest. Then Sir Tristram
had so great pity of that one knight that endured so great pain, and
ever he thought it should be Sir Palomides, by his shield. And so he
rode unto the knights and cried unto them, and bade them cease of their
battle, for they did themselves great shame so many knights to fight
with one. Then answered the master of those knights, his name was
called Breuse Saunce Pité, that was at that time the most mischievoust
knight living, and said thus: Sir knight, what have ye ado with us to
meddle? and therefore, an ye be wise, depart on your way as ye came,
for this knight shall not escape us. That were pity, said Sir Tristram,
that so good a knight as he is should be slain so cowardly; and
therefore I warn you I will succour him with all my puissance.
CHAPTER II. How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palomides’ life, and how they
promised to fight together within a fortnight.
So Sir Tristram alighted off his horse because they were on foot, that
they should not slay his horse, and then dressed his shield, with his
sword in his hand, and he smote on the right hand and on the left hand
passing sore, that well-nigh at every stroke he struck down a knight.
And when they espied his strokes they fled all with Breuse Saunce Pité
unto the tower, and Sir Tristram followed fast after with his sword in
his hand, but they escaped into the tower, and shut Sir Tristram
without the gate. And when Sir Tristram saw this he returned aback unto
Sir Palomides, and found him sitting under a tree sore wounded. Ah,
fair knight, said Sir Tristram, well be ye found. Gramercy, said Sir
Palomides, of your great goodness, for ye have rescued me of my life,
and saved me from my death. What is your name? said Sir Tristram. He
said: My name is Sir Palomides. O Jesu, said Sir Tristram, thou hast a
fair grace of me this day that I should rescue thee, and thou art the
man in the world that I most hate; but now make thee ready, for I will
do battle with thee. What is your name? said Sir Palomides. My name is
Sir Tristram, your mortal enemy. It may be so, said Sir Palomides; but
ye have done over much for me this day that I should fight with you;
for inasmuch as ye have saved my life it will be no worship for you to
have ado with me, for ye are fresh and I am wounded sore, and
therefore, an ye will needs have ado with me, assign me a day and then
I shall meet with you without fail. Ye say well, said Sir Tristram, now
I assign you to meet me in the meadow by the river of Camelot, where
Merlin set the peron. So they were agreed.
Then Sir Tristram asked Sir Palomides why the ten knights did battle
with him. For this cause, said Sir Palomides; as I rode upon mine
adventures in a forest here beside I espied where lay a dead knight,
and a lady weeping beside him. And when I saw her making such dole, I
asked her who slew her lord. Sir, she said, the falsest knight of the
world now living, and he is the most villain that ever man heard speak
of and his name is Sir Breuse Saunce Pité. Then for pity I made the
damosel to leap on her palfrey, and I promised her to be her warrant,
and to help her to inter her lord. And so, suddenly, as I came riding
by this tower, there came out Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, and suddenly he
struck me from my horse. And then or I might recover my horse this Sir
Breuse slew the damosel. And so I took my horse again, and I was sore
ashamed, and so began the medley betwixt us: and this is the cause
wherefore we did this battle. Well, said Sir Tristram, now I understand
the manner of your battle, but in any wise have remembrance of your
promise that ye have made with me to do battle with me this day
fortnight. I shall not fail you, said Sir Palomides. Well, said Sir
Tristram, as at this time I will not fail you till that ye be out of
the danger of your enemies.
So they mounted upon their horses, and rode together unto that forest,
and there they found a fair well, with clear water bubbling. Fair sir,
said Sir Tristram, to drink of that water have I courage; and then they
alighted off their horses. And then were they ware by them where stood
a great horse tied to a tree, and ever he neighed. And then were they
ware of a fair knight armed, under a tree, lacking no piece of harness,
save his helm lay under his head. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram,
yonder lieth a well-faring knight; what is best to do? Awake him, said
Sir Palomides. So Sir Tristram awaked him with the butt of his spear.
And so the knight rose up hastily and put his helm upon his head, and
gat a great spear in his hand; and without any more words he hurled
unto Sir Tristram, and smote him clean from his saddle to the earth,
and hurt him on the left side, that Sir Tristram lay in great peril.
Then he walloped farther, and fetched his course, and came hurling upon
Sir Palomides, and there he struck him a part through the body, that he
fell from his horse to the earth. And then this strange knight left
them there, and took his way through the forest. With this Sir
Palomides and Sir Tristram were on foot, and gat their horses again,
and either asked counsel of other, what was best to do. By my head,
said Sir Tristram, I will follow this strong knight that thus hath
shamed us. Well, said Sir Palomides, and I will repose me hereby with a
friend of mine. Beware, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, that ye fail
not that day that ye have set with me to do battle, for, as I deem, ye
will not hold your day, for I am much bigger than ye. As for that, said
Sir Palomides, be it as it be may, for I fear you not, for an I be not
sick nor prisoner, I will not fail you; but I have cause to have more
doubt of you that ye will not meet with me, for ye ride after yonder
strong knight. And if ye meet with him it is an hard adventure an ever
ye escape his hands. Right so Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides departed,
and either took their ways diverse.
CHAPTER III. How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten
him down, and many other knights of the Round Table.
And so Sir Tristram rode long after this strong knight. And at the last
he saw where lay a lady overthwart a dead knight. Fair lady, said Sir
Tristram, who hath slain your lord? Sir, she said, here came a knight
riding, as my lord and I rested us here, and asked him of whence he
was, and my lord said of Arthur’s court. Therefore, said the strong
knight, I will joust with thee, for I hate all these that be of
Arthur’s court. And my lord that lieth here dead amounted upon his
horse, and the strong knight and my lord encountered together, and
there he smote my lord throughout with his spear, and thus he hath
brought me in great woe and damage. That me repenteth, said Sir
Tristram, of your great anger; an it please you tell me your husband’s
name. Sir, said she, his name was Galardoun, that would have proved a
good knight. So departed Sir Tristram from that dolorous lady, and had
much evil lodging. Then on the third day Sir Tristram met with Sir
Gawaine and with Sir Bleoberis in a forest at a lodge, and either were
sore wounded. Then Sir Tristram asked Sir Gawaine and Sir Bleoberis if
they met with such a knight, with such a cognisance, with a covered
shield. Fair sir, said these knights, such a knight met with us to our
great damage. And first he smote down my fellow, Sir Bleoberis, and
sore wounded him because he bade me I should not have ado with him, for
why he was overstrong for me. That strong knight took his words at
scorn, and said he said it for mockery. And then they rode together,
and so he hurt my fellow. And when he had done so I might not for shame
but I must joust with him. And at the first course he smote me down and
my horse to the earth. And there he had almost slain me, and from us he
took his horse and departed, and in an evil time we met with him. Fair
knights, said Sir Tristram, so he met with me, and with another knight
that hight Palomides, and he smote us both down with one spear, and
hurt us right sore. By my faith, said Sir Gawaine, by my counsel ye
shall let him pass and seek him no further; for at the next feast of
the Round Table, upon pain of my head ye shall find him there. By my
faith, said Sir Tristram, I shall never rest till that I find him. And
then Sir Gawaine asked him his name. Then he said: My name is Sir
Tristram. And so either told other their names, and then departed Sir
Tristram and rode his way.
And by fortune in a meadow Sir Tristram met with Sir Kay, the
Seneschal, and Sir Dinadan. What tidings with you, said Sir Tristram,
with you knights? Not good, said these knights. Why so? said Sir
Tristram; I pray you tell me, for I ride to seek a knight. What
cognisance beareth he? said Sir Kay. He beareth, said Sir Tristram, a
covered shield close with cloth. By my head, said Sir Kay, that is the
same knight that met with us, for this night we were lodged within a
widow’s house, and there was that knight lodged; and when he wist we
were of Arthur’s court he spoke great villainy by the king, and
specially by the Queen Guenever, and then on the morn was waged battle
with him for that cause. And at the first recounter, said Sir Kay, he
smote me down from my horse and hurt me passing sore; and when my
fellow, Sir Dinadan, saw me smitten down and hurt he would not revenge
me, but fled from me; and thus he departed. And then Sir Tristram asked
them their names, and so either told other their names. And so Sir
Tristram departed from Sir Kay, and from Sir Dinadan, and so he passed
through a great forest into a plain, till he was ware of a priory, and
there he reposed him with a good man six days.
CHAPTER IV. How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous and
Sir Dodinas le Savage.
And then he sent his man that hight Gouvernail, and commanded him to go
to a city thereby to fetch him new harness; for it was long time afore
that that Sir Tristram had been refreshed, his harness was brised and
broken. And when Gouvernail, his servant, was come with his apparel, he
took his leave at the widow, and mounted upon his horse, and rode his
way early on the morn. And by sudden adventure Sir Tristram met with
Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and with Sir Dodinas le Savage. And these
two knights met with Sir Tristram and questioned with him, and asked
him if he would joust with them. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, with
a good will I would joust with you, but I have promised at a day set,
near hand, to do battle with a strong knight; and therefore I am loath
to have ado with you, for an it misfortuned me here to be hurt I should
not be able to do my battle which I promised. As for that, said
Sagramore, maugre your head, ye shall joust with us or ye pass from us.
Well, said Sir Tristram, if ye enforce me thereto I must do what I may.
And then they dressed their shields, and came running together with
great ire. But through Sir Tristram’s great force he struck Sir
Sagramore from his horse. Then he hurled his horse farther, and said to
Sir Dodinas: Knight, make thee ready; and so through fine force Sir
Tristram struck Dodinas from his horse. And when he saw them lie on the
earth he took his bridle, and rode forth on his way, and his man
Gouvernail with him.
Anon as Sir Tristram was passed, Sir Sagramore and Sir Dodinas gat
again their horses, and mounted up lightly and followed after Sir
Tristram. And when Sir Tristram saw them come so fast after him he
returned with his horse to them, and asked them what they would. It is
not long ago sithen I smote you to the earth at your own request and
desire: I would have ridden by you, but ye would not suffer me, and now
meseemeth ye would do more battle with me. That is truth, said Sir
Sagramore and Sir Dodinas, for we will be revenged of the despite ye
have done to us. Fair knights, said Sir Tristram, that shall little
need you, for all that I did to you ye caused it; wherefore I require
you of your knighthood leave me as at this time, for I am sure an I do
battle with you I shall not escape without great hurts, and as I
suppose ye shall not escape all lotless. And this is the cause why I am
so loath to have ado with you; for I must fight within these three days
with a good knight, and as valiant as any is now living, and if I be
hurt I shall not be able to do battle with him. What knight is that,
said Sir Sagramore, that ye shall fight withal? Sirs, said he, it is a
good knight called Sir Palomides. By my head, said Sir Sagramore and
Sir Dodinas, ye have cause to dread him, for ye shall find him a
passing good knight, and a valiant. And because ye shall have ado with
him we will forbear you as at this time, and else ye should not escape
us lightly. But, fair knight, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your name.
Sir, said he, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, said Sagramore and
Sir Dodinas, well be ye found, for much worship have we heard of you.
And then either took leave of other, and departed on their way.
CHAPTER V. How Sir Tristram met at the peron with Sir Launcelot, and
how they fought together unknown.
Then departed Sir Tristram and rode straight unto Camelot, to the peron
that Merlin had made to-fore, where Sir Lanceor, that was the king’s
son of Ireland, was slain by the hands of Balin. And in that same place
was the fair lady Colombe slain, that was love unto Sir Lanceor; for
after he was dead she took his sword and thrust it through her body.
And by the craft of Merlin he made to inter this knight, Lanceor, and
his lady, Colombe, under one stone. And at that time Merlin prophesied
that in that same place should fight two the best knights that ever
were in Arthur’s days, and the best lovers. So when Sir Tristram came
to the tomb where Lanceor and his lady were buried he looked about him
after Sir Palomides. Then was he ware of a seemly knight came riding
against him all in white, with a covered shield. When he came nigh Sir
Tristram he said on high: Ye be welcome, sir knight, and well and truly
have ye holden your promise. And then they dressed their shields and
spears, and came together with all their might of their horses; and
they met so fiercely that both their horses and knights fell to the
earth, and as fast as they might avoided their horses, and put their
shields afore them; and they struck together with bright swords, as men
that were of might, and either wounded other wonderly sore, that the
blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the space of four
hours, that never one would speak to other one word, and of their
harness they had hewn off many pieces. O Lord Jesu, said Gouvernail, I
marvel greatly of the strokes my master hath given to your master. By
my head, said Sir Launcelot’s servant, your master hath not given so
many but your master has received as many or more. O Jesu, said
Gouvernail, it is too much for Sir Palomides to suffer or Sir
Launcelot, and yet pity it were that either of these good knights
should destroy other’s blood. So they stood and wept both, and made
great dole when they saw the bright swords over-covered with blood of
their bodies.
Then at the last spake Sir Launcelot and said: Knight, thou fightest
wonderly well as ever I saw knight, therefore, an it please you, tell
me your name. Sir, said Sir Tristram, that is me loath to tell any man
my name. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, an I were required I was never
loath to tell my name. It is well said, said Sir Tristram, then I
require you to tell me your name? Fair knight, he said, my name is Sir
Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Tristram, what have I done! for ye
are the man in the world that I love best. Fair knight, said Sir
Launcelot, tell me your name? Truly, said he, my name is Sir Tristram
de Liones. O Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, what adventure is befallen me!
And therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded him up his sword.
And therewith Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up his sword.
And so either gave other the degree. And then they both forthwithal
went to the stone, and set them down upon it, and took off their helms
to cool them, and either kissed other an hundred times. And then anon
after they took off their helms and rode to Camelot. And there they met
with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris that had made promise to Arthur
never to come again to the court till they had brought Sir Tristram
with them.
CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of
the great joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir
Tristram.
Return again, said Sir Launcelot, for your quest is done, for I have
met with Sir Tristram: lo, here is his own person! Then was Sir Gawaine
glad, and said to Sir Tristram: Ye are welcome, for now have ye eased
me greatly of my labour. For what cause, said Sir Gawaine, came ye into
this court? Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, I came into this country
because of Sir Palomides; for he and I had assigned at this day to have
done battle together at the peron, and I marvel I hear not of him. And
thus by adventure my lord, Sir Launcelot, and I met together. With this
came King Arthur, and when he wist that there was Sir Tristram, then he
ran unto him and took him by the hand and said: Sir Tristram, ye are as
welcome as any knight that ever came to this court. And when the king
had heard how Sir Launcelot and he had foughten, and either had wounded
other wonderly sore, then the king made great dole. Then Sir Tristram
told the king how he came thither for to have had ado with Sir
Palomides. And then he told the king how he had rescued him from the
nine knights and Breuse Saunce Pité; and how he found a knight lying by
a well, and that knight smote down Sir Palomides and me, but his shield
was covered with a cloth. So Sir Palomides left me, and I followed
after that knight; and in many places I found where he had slain
knights, and forjousted many. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, that same
knight smote me down and Sir Bleoberis, and hurt us sore both, he with
the covered shield. Ah, said Sir Kay, that knight smote me adown and
hurt me passing sore, and fain would I have known him, but I might not.
Jesu, mercy, said Arthur, what knight was that with the covered shield?
I know not, said Sir Tristram; and so said they all. Now, said King
Arthur, then wot I, for it is Sir Launcelot. Then they all looked upon
Sir Launcelot and said: Ye have beguiled us with your covered shield.
It is not the first time, said Arthur, he hath done so. My lord, said
Sir Launcelot, truly wit ye well I was the same knight that bare the
covered shield; and because I would not be known that I was of your
court I said no worship of your house. That is truth, said Sir Gawaine,
Sir Kay, and Sir Bleoberis.
Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand and went to the Table
Round. Then came Queen Guenever and many ladies with her, and all the
ladies said at one voice: Welcome, Sir Tristram! Welcome, said the
damosels. Welcome, said knights. Welcome, said Arthur, for one of the
best knights, and the gentlest of the world, and the man of most
worship; for of all manner of hunting thou bearest the prize, and of
all measures of blowing thou art the beginning, and of all the terms of
hunting and hawking ye are the beginner, of all instruments of music ye
are the best; therefore, gentle knight, said Arthur, ye are welcome to
this court. And also, I pray you, said Arthur, grant me a boon. It
shall be at your commandment, said Tristram. Well, said Arthur, I will
desire of you that ye will abide in my court. Sir, said Sir Tristram,
thereto is me loath, for I have ado in many countries. Not so, said
Arthur, ye have promised it me, ye may not say nay. Sir, said Sir
Tristram, I will as ye will. Then went Arthur unto the sieges about the
Round Table, and looked in every siege the which were void that lacked
knights. And then the king saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that
said: This is the siege of the noble knight, Sir Tristram. And then
Arthur made Sir Tristram Knight of the Table Round, with great nobley
and great feast as might be thought. For Sir Marhaus was slain afore by
the hands of Sir Tristram in an island; and that was well known at that
time in the court of Arthur, for this Marhaus was a worthy knight. And
for evil deeds that he did unto the country of Cornwall Sir Tristram
and he fought. And they fought so long, tracing and traversing, till
they fell bleeding to the earth; for they were so sore wounded that
they might not stand for bleeding. And Sir Tristram by fortune
recovered, and Sir Marhaus died through the stroke on the head. So
leave we of Sir Tristram and speak we of King Mark.
CHAPTER VII. How for the despite of Sir Tristram King Mark came with
two knights into England, and how he slew one of the knights.
Then King Mark had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram, and
then he chased him out of Cornwall: yet was he nephew unto King Mark,
but he had great suspicion unto Sir Tristram because of his queen, La
Beale Isoud; for him seemed that there was too much love between them
both. So when Sir Tristram departed out of Cornwall into England King
Mark heard of the great prowess that Sir Tristram did there, the which
grieved him sore. So he sent on his part men to espy what deeds he did.
And the queen sent privily on her part spies to know what deeds he had
done, for great love was between them twain. So when the messengers
were come home they told the truth as they had heard, that he passed
all other knights but if it were Sir Launcelot. Then King Mark was
right heavy of these tidings, and as glad was La Beale Isoud. Then in
great despite he took with him two good knights and two squires, and
disguised himself, and took his way into England, to the intent for to
slay Sir Tristram. And one of these two knights hight Bersules, and the
other knight was called Amant. So as they rode King Mark asked a knight
that he met, where he should find King Arthur. He said: At Camelot.
Also he asked that knight after Sir Tristram, whether he heard of him
in the court of King Arthur. Wit you well, said that knight, ye shall
find Sir Tristram there for a man of as great worship as is now living;
for through his prowess he won the tournament of the Castle of Maidens
that standeth by the Hard Rock. And sithen he hath won with his own
hands thirty knights that were men of great honour. And the last battle
that ever he did he fought with Sir Launcelot; and that was a
marvellous battle. And not by force Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram
to the court, and of him King Arthur made passing great joy, and so
made him Knight of the Table Round; and his seat was where the good
knight’s, Sir Marhaus, seat was. Then was King Mark passing sorry when
he heard of the honour of Sir Tristram; and so they departed.
Then said King Mark unto his two knights: Now will I tell you my
counsel: ye are the men that I trust most to alive, and I will that ye
wit my coming hither is to this intent, for to destroy Sir Tristram by
wiles or by treason; and it shall be hard if ever he escape our hands.
Alas, said Sir Bersules, what mean you? for ye be set in such a way ye
are disposed shamefully; for Sir Tristram is the knight of most worship
that we know living, and therefore I warn you plainly I will never
consent to do him to the death; and therefore I will yield my service,
and forsake you. When King Mark heard him say so, suddenly he drew his
sword and said: Ah, traitor; and smote Sir Bersules on the head, that
the sword went to his teeth. When Amant, the knight, saw him do that
villainous deed, and his squires, they said it was foul done, and
mischievously: Wherefore we will do thee no more service, and wit ye
well, we will appeach thee of treason afore Arthur. Then was King Mark
wonderly wroth and would have slain Amant; but he and the two squires
held them together, and set nought by his malice. When King Mark saw he
might not be revenged on them, he said thus unto the knight, Amant: Wit
thou well, an thou appeach me of treason I shall thereof defend me
afore King Arthur; but I require thee that thou tell not my name, that
I am King Mark, whatsomever come of me. As for that, said Sir Amant, I
will not discover your name; and so they departed, and Amant and his
fellows took the body of Bersules and buried it.
CHAPTER VIII. How King Mark came to a fountain where he found Sir
Lamorak complaining for the love of King Lot’s wife.
Then King Mark rode till he came to a fountain, and there he rested
him, and stood in a doubt whether he would ride to Arthur’s court or
none, or return again to his country. And as he thus rested him by that
fountain there came by him a knight well armed on horseback; and he
alighted, and tied his horse until a tree, and set him down by the
brink of the fountain; and there he made great languor and dole, and
made the dolefullest complaint of love that ever man heard; and all
this while was he not ware of King Mark. And this was a great part of
his complaint: he cried and wept, saying: O fair Queen of Orkney, King
Lot’s wife, and mother of Sir Gawaine, and to Sir Gaheris, and mother
to many other, for thy love I am in great pains. Then King Mark arose
and went near him and said: Fair knight, ye have made a piteous
complaint. Truly, said the knight, it is an hundred part more ruefuller
than my heart can utter. I require you, said King Mark, tell me your
name. Sir, said he, as for my name I will not hide it from no knight
that beareth a shield, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. But when
Sir Lamorak heard King Mark speak, then wist he well by his speech that
he was a Cornish knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I understand by your
tongue ye be of Cornwall, wherein there dwelleth the shamefullest king
that is now living, for he is a great enemy to all good knights; and
that proveth well, for he hath chased out of that country Sir Tristram,
that is the worshipfullest knight that now is living, and all knights
speak of him worship; and for jealousness of his queen he hath chased
him out of his country. It is pity, said Sir Lamorak, that ever any
such false knight-coward as King Mark is, should be matched with such a
fair lady and good as La Beale Isoud is, for all the world of him
speaketh shame, and of her worship that any queen may have. I have not
ado in this matter, said King Mark, neither nought will I speak
thereof. Well said, said Sir Lamorak. Sir, can ye tell me any tidings?
I can tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that there shall be a great
tournament in haste beside Camelot, at the Castle of Jagent; and the
King with the Hundred Knights and the King of Ireland, as I suppose,
make that tournament.
Then there came a knight that was called Sir Dinadan, and saluted them
both. And when he wist that King Mark was a knight of Cornwall he
reproved him for the love of King Mark a thousand fold more than did
Sir Lamorak. Then he proffered to joust with King Mark. And he was full
loath thereto, but Sir Dinadan edged him so, that he jousted with Sir
Lamorak. And Sir Lamorak smote King Mark so sore that he bare him on
his spear end over his horse’s tail. And then King Mark arose again,
and followed after Sir Lamorak. But Sir Dinadan would not joust with
Sir Lamorak, but he told King Mark that Sir Lamorak was Sir Kay, the
Seneschal. That is not so, said King Mark, for he is much bigger than
Sir Kay; and so he followed and overtook him, and bade him abide. What
will you do? said Sir Lamorak. Sir, he said, I will fight with a sword,
for ye have shamed me with a spear; and therewith they dashed together
with swords, and Sir Lamorak suffered him and forbare him. And King
Mark was passing hasty, and smote thick strokes. Sir Lamorak saw he
would not stint, and waxed somewhat wroth, and doubled his strokes, for
he was one of the noblest knights of the world; and he beat him so on
the helm that his head hung nigh on the saddle bow. When Sir Lamorak
saw him fare so, he said: Sir knight, what cheer? meseemeth you have
nigh your fill of fighting, it were pity to do you any more harm, for
ye are but a mean knight, therefore I give you leave to go where ye
list. Gramercy, said King Mark, for ye and I be not matches.
Then Sir Dinadan mocked King Mark and said: Ye are not able to match a
good knight. As for that, said King Mark, at the first time I jousted
with this knight ye refused him. Think ye that it is a shame to me?
said Sir Dinadan: nay, sir, it is ever worship to a knight to refuse
that thing that he may not attain, there fore your worship had been
much more to have refused him as I did; for I warn you plainly he is
able to beat such five as ye and I be; for ye knights of Cornwall are
no men of worship as other knights are. And because ye are no men of
worship ye hate all men of worship, for never was bred in your country
such a knight as is Sir Tristram.
CHAPTER IX. How King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to a
castle, and how King Mark was known there.
Then they rode forth all together, King Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir
Dinadan, till that they came to a bridge, and at the end thereof stood
a fair tower. Then saw they a knight on horseback well armed,
brandishing a spear, crying and proffering himself to joust. Now, said
Sir Dinadan unto King Mark, yonder are two brethren, that one hight
Alein, and the other hight Trian, that will joust with any that passeth
this passage. Now proffer yourself, said Dinadan to King Mark, for ever
ye be laid to the earth. Then King Mark was ashamed, and therewith he
feutred his spear, and hurtled to Sir Trian, and either brake their
spears all to pieces, and passed through anon. Then Sir Trian sent King
Mark another spear to joust more; but in no wise he would not joust no
more. Then they came to the castle all three knights, and prayed the
lord of the castle of harbour. Ye are right welcome, said the knights
of the castle, for the love of the lord of this castle, the which hight
Sir Tor le Fise Aries. And then they came into a fair court well
repaired, and they had passing good cheer, till the lieutenant of this
castle, that hight Berluse, espied King Mark of Cornwall. Then said
Berluse: Sir knight, I know you better than you ween, for ye are King
Mark that slew my father afore mine own eyen; and me had ye slain had I
not escaped into a wood; but wit ye well, for the love of my lord of
this castle I will neither hurt you nor harm you, nor none of your
fellowship. But wit ye well, when ye are past this lodging I shall hurt
you an I may, for ye slew my father traitorly. But first for the love
of my lord, Sir Tor, and for the love of Sir Lamorak, the honourable
knight that here is lodged, ye shall have none ill lodging; for it is
pity that ever ye should be in the company of good knights; for ye are
the most villainous knight or king that is now known alive, for ye are
a destroyer of good knights, and all that ye do is but treason.
CHAPTER X. How Sir Berluse met with King Mark, and how Sir Dinadan took
his part.
Then was King Mark sore ashamed, and said but little again. But when
Sir Lamorak and Sir Dinadan wist that he was King Mark they were sorry
of his fellowship. So after supper they went to lodging. So on the morn
they arose early, and King Mark and Sir Dinadan rode together; and
three mile from their lodging there met with them three knights, and
Sir Berluse was one, and that other his two cousins. Sir Berluse saw
King Mark, and then he cried on high: Traitor, keep thee from me for
wit thou well that I am Berluse. Sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, I
counsel you to leave off at this time, for he is riding to King Arthur;
and because I have promised to conduct him to my lord King Arthur needs
must I take a part with him; howbeit I love not his condition, and fain
I would be from him. Well, Dinadan, said Sir Berluse, me repenteth that
ye will take part with him, but now do your best. And then he hurtled
to King Mark, and smote him sore upon the shield, that he bare him
clean out of his saddle to the earth. That saw Sir Dinadan, and he
feutred his spear, and ran to one of Berluse’s fellows, and smote him
down off his saddle. Then Dinadan turned his horse, and smote the third
knight in the same wise to the earth, for Sir Dinadan was a good knight
on horseback; and there began a great battle, for Berluse and his
fellows held them together strongly on foot. And so through the great
force of Sir Dinadan King Mark had Berluse to the earth, and his two
fellows fled; and had not been Sir Dinadan King Mark would have slain
him. And so Sir Dinadan rescued him of his life, for King Mark was but
a murderer. And then they took their horses and departed and left Sir
Berluse there sore wounded.
Then King Mark and Sir Dinadan rode forth a four leagues English, till
that they came to a bridge where hoved a knight on horseback, armed and
ready to joust. Lo, said Sir Dinadan unto King Mark, yonder hoveth a
knight that will joust, for there shall none pass this bridge but he
must joust with that knight. It is well, said King Mark, for this
jousts falleth with thee. Sir Dinadan knew the knight well that he was
a noble knight, and fain he would have jousted, but he had had liefer
King Mark had jousted with him, but by no mean King Mark would not
joust. Then Sir Dinadan might not refuse him in no manner. And then
either dressed their spears and their shields, and smote together, so
that through fine force Sir Dinadan was smitten to the earth; and
lightly he rose up and gat his horse, and required that knight to do
battle with swords. And he answered and said: Fair knight, as at this
time I may not have ado with you no more, for the custom of this
passage is such. Then was Sir Dinadan passing wroth that he might not
be revenged of that knight; and so he departed, and in no wise would
that knight tell his name. But ever Sir Dinadan thought he should know
him by his shield that it should be Sir Tor.
CHAPTER XI. How King Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with six
knights of the Round Table.
So as they rode by the way King Mark then began to mock Sir Dinadan,
and said: I weened you knights of the Table Round might not in no wise
find their matches. Ye say well, said Sir Dinadan; as for you, on my
life I call you none of the best knights; but sith ye have such a
despite at me I require you to joust with me to prove my strength. Not
so, said King Mark, for I will not have ado with you in no manner; but
I require you of one thing, that when ye come to Arthur’s court
discover not my name, for I am there so hated. It is shame to you, said
Sir Dinadan, that ye govern you so shamefully; for I see by you ye are
full of cowardice, and ye are a murderer, and that is the greatest
shame that a knight may have; for never a knight being a murderer hath
worship, nor never shall have; for I saw but late through my force ye
would have slain Sir Berluse, a better knight than ye, or ever ye shall
be, and more of prowess. Thus they rode forth talking till they came to
a fair place, where stood a knight, and prayed them to take their
lodging with him. So at the request of that knight they reposed them
there, and made them well at ease, and had great cheer. For all
errant-knights were welcome to him, and specially all those of Arthur’s
court. Then Sir Dinadan demanded his host what was the knight’s name
that kept the bridge. For what cause ask you it? said the host. For it
is not long ago, said Sir Dinadan, sithen he gave me a fall. Ah, fair
knight, said his host, thereof have ye no marvel, for he is a passing
good knight, and his name is Sir Tor, the son of Aries le Vaysher. Ah,
said Sir Dinadan, was that Sir Tor? for truly so ever me thought.
Right as they stood thus talking together they saw come riding to them
over a plain six knights of the court of King Arthur, well armed at all
points. And there by their shields Sir Dinadan knew them well. The
first was the good knight Sir Uwaine, the son of King Uriens, the
second was the noble knight Sir Brandiles, the third was Ozana le Cure
Hardy, the fourth was Uwaine les Aventurous, the fifth was Sir
Agravaine, the sixth Sir Mordred, brother to Sir Gawaine. When Sir
Dinadan had seen these six knights he thought in himself he would bring
King Mark by some wile to joust with one of them. And anon they took
their horses and ran after these knights well a three mile English.
Then was King Mark ware where they sat all six about a well, and ate
and drank such meats as they had, and their horses walking and some
tied, and their shields hung in divers places about them. Lo, said Sir
Dinadan, yonder are knights-errant that will joust with us. God forbid,
said King Mark, for they be six and we but two. As for that, said Sir
Dinadan, let us not spare, for I will assay the foremost; and therewith
he made him ready. When King Mark saw him do so, as fast as Sir Dinadan
rode toward them, King Mark rode froward them with all his menial
meiny. So when Sir Dinadan saw King Mark was gone, he set the spear out
of the rest, and threw his shield upon his back, and came, riding to
the fellowship of the Table Round. And anon Sir Uwaine knew Sir
Dinadan, and welcomed him, and so did all his fellowship.
CHAPTER XII. How the six knights sent Sir Dagonet to joust with King
Mark, and how King Mark refused him.
And then they asked him of his adventures, and whether he had seen Sir
Tristram or Sir Launcelot. So God me help, said Sir Dinadan, I saw none
of them sithen I departed from Camelot. What knight is that, said Sir
Brandiles, that so suddenly departed from you, and rode over yonder
field? Sir, said he, it was a knight of Cornwall, and the most horrible
coward that ever bestrode horse. What is his name? said all these
knights. I wot not, said Sir Dinadan. So when they had reposed them,
and spoken together, they took their horses and rode to a castle where
dwelt an old knight that made all knights-errant good cheer. Then in
the meanwhile that they were talking came into the castle Sir Griflet
le Fise de Dieu, and there was he welcome; and they all asked him
whether he had seen Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram. Sirs, he answered, I
saw him not sithen he departed from Camelot. So as Sir Dinadan walked
and beheld the castle, thereby in a chamber he espied King Mark, and
then he rebuked him, and asked him why he departed so. Sir, said he,
for I durst not abide because they were so many. But how escaped ye?
said King Mark. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, they were better friends than I
weened they had been. Who is captain of that fellowship? said the king.
Then for to fear him Sir Dinadan said that it was Sir Launcelot. O
Jesu, said the king, might I know Sir Launcelot by his shield? Yea,
said Dinadan, for he beareth a shield of silver and black bends. All
this he said to fear the king, for Sir Launcelot was not in his
fellowship. Now I pray you, said King Mark, that ye will ride in my
fellowship. That is me loath to do, said Sir Dinadan, because ye
forsook my fellowship.
Right so Sir Dinadan went from King Mark, and went to his own
fellowship; and so they mounted upon their horses, and rode on their
ways, and talked of the Cornish knight, for Dinadan told them that he
was in the castle where they were lodged. It is well said, said Sir
Griflet, for here have I brought Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, that
is the best fellow and the merriest in the world. Will ye do well? said
Sir Dinadan: I have told the Cornish knight that here is Sir Launcelot,
and the Cornish knight asked me what shield he bare. Truly, I told him
that he bare the same shield that Sir Mordred beareth. Will ye do well?
said Sir Mordred; I am hurt and may not well bear my shield nor
harness, and therefore put my shield and my harness upon Sir Dagonet,
and let him set upon the Cornish knight. That shall be done, said Sir
Dagonet, by my faith. Then anon was Dagonet armed him in Mordred’s
harness and his shield, and he was set on a great horse, and a spear in
his hand. Now, said Dagonet, shew me the knight, and I trow I shall
bear him down. So all these knights rode to a woodside, and abode till
King Mark came by the way. Then they put forth Sir Dagonet, and he came
on all the while his horse might run, straight upon King Mark. And when
he came nigh King Mark, he cried as he were wood, and said: Keep thee,
knight of Cornwall, for I will slay thee. Anon, as King Mark beheld his
shield, he said to himself: Yonder is Sir Launcelot; alas, now am I
destroyed; and therewithal he made his horse to run as fast as it might
through thick and thin. And ever Sir Dagonet followed after King Mark,
crying and rating him as a wood man, through a great forest. When Sir
Uwaine and Sir Brandiles saw Dagonet so chase King Mark, they laughed
all as they were wood. And then they took their horses, and rode after
to see how Sir Dagonet sped, for they would not for no good that Sir
Dagonet were shent, for King Arthur loved him passing well, and made
him knight with his own hands. And at every tournament he began to make
King Arthur to laugh. Then the knights rode here and there, crying and
chasing after King Mark, that all the forest rang of the noise.
CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Palomides by adventure met King Mark flying, and
how he overthrew Dagonet and other knights.
So King Mark rode by fortune by a well, in the way where stood a
knight-errant on horseback, armed at all points, with a great spear in
his hand. And when he saw King Mark coming flying he said: Knight,
return again for shame and stand with me, and I shall be thy warrant.
Ah, fair knight, said King Mark, let me pass, for yonder cometh after
me the best knight of the world, with the black bended shield. Fie, for
shame, said the knight, he is none of the worthy knights, and if he
were Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram I should not doubt to meet the
better of them both. When King Mark heard him say that word, he turned
his horse and abode by him. And then that strong knight bare a spear to
Dagonet, and smote him so sore that he bare him over his horse’s tail,
and nigh he had broken his neck. And anon after him came Sir Brandiles,
and when he saw Dagonet have that fall he was passing wroth, and cried:
Keep thee, knight, and so they hurtled together wonder sore. But the
knight smote Sir Brandiles so sore that he went to the earth, horse and
man. Sir Uwaine came after and saw all this. Jesu, said he, yonder is a
strong knight. And then they feutred their spears, and this knight came
so eagerly that he smote down Sir Uwaine. Then came Ozana with the
hardy heart, and he was smitten down. Now, said Sir Griflet, by my
counsel let us send to yonder errant-knight, and wit whether he be of
Arthur’s court, for as I deem it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. So they sent
unto him, and prayed the strange knight to tell his name, and whether
he were of Arthur’s court or not. As for my name they shall not wit,
but tell them I am a knight-errant as they are, and let them wit that I
am no knight of King Arthur’s court; and so the squire rode again unto
them and told them his answer of him. By my head, said Sir Agravaine,
he is one of the strongest knights that ever I saw, for he hath
overthrown three noble knights, and needs we must encounter with him
for shame. So Sir Agravaine feutred his spear, and that other was
ready, and smote him down over his horse to the earth. And in the same
wise he smote Sir Uwaine les Avoutres and also Sir Griflet. Then had he
served them all but Sir Dinadan, for he was behind, and Sir Mordred was
unarmed, and Dagonet had his harness.
So when this was done, this strong knight rode on his way a soft pace,
and King Mark rode after him, praising him mickle; but he would answer
no words, but sighed wonderly sore, hanging down his head, taking no
heed to his words. Thus they rode well a three mile English, and then
this knight called to him a varlet, and bade him ride until yonder fair
manor, and recommend me to the lady of that castle and place, and pray
her to send me refreshing of good meats and drinks. And if she ask thee
what I am, tell her that I am the knight that followeth the glatisant
beast: that is in English to say the questing beast; for that beast
wheresomever he yede he quested in the belly with such a noise as it
had been a thirty couple of hounds. Then the varlet went his way and
came to the manor, and saluted the lady, and told her from whence he
came. And when she understood that he came from the knight that
followed the questing beast: O sweet Lord Jesu, she said, when shall I
see that noble knight, my dear son Palomides? Alas, will he not abide
with me? and therewith she swooned and wept, and made passing great
dole. And then also soon as she might she gave the varlet all that he
asked. And the varlet returned unto Sir Palomides, for he was a varlet
of King Mark. And as soon as he came, he told the knight’s name was Sir
Palomides. I am well pleased, said King Mark, but hold thee still and
say nothing. Then they alighted and set them down and reposed them a
while. Anon withal King Mark fell asleep. When Sir Palomides saw him
sound asleep he took his horse and rode his way, and said to them: I
will not be in the company of a sleeping knight. And so he rode forth a
great pace.
CHAPTER XIV. How King Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palomides making
great sorrow and mourning for La Beale Isoud.
Now turn we unto Sir Dinadan, that found these seven knights passing
heavy. And when he wist how that they sped, as heavy was he. My lord
Uwaine, said Dinadan, I dare lay my head it is Sir Lamorak de Galis. I
promise you all I shall find him an he may be found in this country.
And so Sir Dinadan rode after this knight; and so did King Mark, that
sought him through the forest. So as King Mark rode after Sir Palomides
he heard the noise of a man that made great dole. Then King Mark rode
as nigh that noise as he might and as he durst. Then was he ware of a
knight that was descended off his horse, and had put off his helm, and
there he made a piteous complaint and a dolorous, of love.
Now leave we that, and talk we of Sir Dinadan, that rode to seek Sir
Palomides. And as he came within a forest he met with a knight, a
chaser of a deer. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, met ye with a knight with a
shield of silver and lions’ heads? Yea, fair knight, said the other,
with such a knight met I with but a while agone, and straight yonder
way he yede. Gramercy, said Sir Dinadan, for might I find the track of
his horse I should not fail to find that knight. Right so as Sir
Dinadan rode in the even late he heard a doleful noise as it were of a
man. Then Sir Dinadan rode toward that noise; and when he came nigh
that noise he alighted off his horse, and went near him on foot. Then
was he ware of a knight that stood under a tree, and his horse tied by
him, and the helm off his head; and ever that knight made a doleful
complaint as ever made knight. And always he made his complaint of La
Beale Isoud, the Queen of Cornwall, and said: Ah, fair lady, why love I
thee! for thou art fairest of all other, and yet showest thou never
love to me, nor bounty. Alas, yet must I love thee. And I may not blame
thee, fair lady, for mine eyes be cause of this sorrow. And yet to love
thee I am but a fool, for the best knight of the world loveth thee, and
ye him again, that is Sir Tristram de Liones. And the falsest king and
knight is your husband, and the most coward and full of treason, is
your lord, King Mark. Alas, that ever so fair a lady and peerless of
all other should be matched with the most villainous knight of the
world. All this language heard King Mark, what Sir Palomides said by
him; wherefore he was adread when he saw Sir Dinadan, lest he espied
him, that he would tell Sir Palomides that he was King Mark; and
therefore he withdrew him, and took his horse and rode to his men,
where he commanded them to abide. And so he rode as fast as he might
unto Camelot; and the same day he found there Amant, the knight, ready
that afore Arthur had appealed him of treason; and so, lightly the king
commanded them to do battle. And by misadventure King Mark smote Amant
through the body. And yet was Amant in the righteous quarrel. And right
so he took his horse and departed from the court for dread of Sir
Dinadan, that he would tell Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides what he was.
Then were there maidens that La Beale Isoud had sent to Sir Tristram,
that knew Sir Amant well.
CHAPTER XV. How King Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully to-fore King
Arthur, and Sir Launcelot fetched King Mark to King Arthur.
Then by the license of King Arthur they went to him and spake with him;
for while the truncheon of the spear stuck in his body he spake: Ah,
fair damosels, said Amant, recommend me unto La Beale Isoud, and tell
her that I am slain for the love of her and of Sir Tristram. And there
he told the damosels how cowardly King Mark had slain him, and Sir
Bersules, his fellow. And for that deed I appealed him of treason, and
here am I slain in a righteous quarrel; and all was because Sir
Bersules and I would not consent by treason to slay the noble knight,
Sir Tristram. Then the two maidens cried aloud that all the court might
hear it, and said: O sweet Lord Jesu, that knowest all hid things, why
sufferest Thou so false a traitor to vanquish and slay a true knight
that fought in a righteous quarrel? Then anon it was sprung to the
king, and the queen, and to all the lords, that it was King Mark that
had slain Sir Amant, and Sir Bersules afore hand; wherefore they did
their battle. Then was King Arthur wroth out of measure, and so were
all the other knights. But when Sir Tristram knew all the matter he
made great dole and sorrow out of measure, and wept for sorrow for the
loss of the noble knights, Sir Bersules and of Sir Amant.
When Sir Launcelot espied Sir Tristram weep he went hastily to King
Arthur, and said: Sir, I pray you give me leave to return again to
yonder false king and knight. I pray you, said King Arthur, fetch him
again, but I would not that ye slew him, for my worship. Then Sir
Launcelot armed him in all haste, and mounted upon a great horse, and
took a spear in his hand and rode after King Mark. And from thence a
three mile English Sir Launcelot over took him, and bade him: Turn
recreant king and knight, for whether thou wilt or not thou shalt go
with me to King Arthur’s court. King Mark returned and looked upon Sir
Launcelot, and said: Fair sir, what is your name? Wit thou well, said
he, my name is Sir Launcelot, and therefore defend thee. And when King
Mark wist that it was Sir Launcelot, and came so fast upon him with a
spear, he cried then aloud: I yield me to thee, Sir Launcelot,
honourable knight. But Sir Launcelot would not hear him, but came fast
upon him. King Mark saw that, and made no defence, but tumbled adown
out of his saddle to the earth as a sack, and there he lay still, and
cried Sir Launcelot mercy. Arise, recreant knight and king. I will not
fight, said King Mark, but whither that ye will I will go with you.
Alas, alas, said Sir Launcelot, that I may not give thee one buffet for
the love of Sir Tristram and of La Beale Isoud, and for the two knights
that thou hast slain traitorly. And so he mounted upon his horse and
brought him to King Arthur; and there King Mark alighted in that same
place, and threw his helm from him upon the earth, and his sword, and
fell flat to the earth of King Arthur’s feet, and put him in his grace
and mercy. So God me help, said Arthur, ye are welcome in a manner, and
in a manner ye are not welcome. In this manner ye are welcome, that ye
come hither maugre thy head, as I suppose. That is truth, said King
Mark, and else I had not been here, for my lord, Sir Launcelot, brought
me hither through his fine force, and to him am I yolden to as
recreant. Well, said Arthur, ye understand ye ought to do me service,
homage, and fealty. And never would ye do me none, but ever ye have
been against me, and a destroyer of my knights; now, how will ye acquit
you? Sir, said King Mark, right as your lordship will require me, unto
my power, I will make a large amends. For he was a fair speaker, and
false thereunder. Then for great pleasure of Sir Tristram, to make them
twain accorded, the king withheld King Mark as at that time, and made a
broken love-day between them.
CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palomides of the battle between
Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristam.
Now turn we again unto Sir Palomides, how Sir Dinadan comforted him in
all that he might, from his great sorrow. What knight are ye? said Sir
Palomides. Sir, I am a knight-errant as ye be, that hath sought you
long by your shield. Here is my shield, said Sir Palomides, wit ye
well, an ye will ought, therewith I will defend it. Nay, said Sir
Dinadan, I will not have ado with you but in good manner. And if ye
will, ye shall find me soon ready. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, whitherward
ride you this way? By my head, said Sir Palomides, I wot not, but as
fortune leadeth me. Heard ye or saw ye ought of Sir Tristram? So God me
help, of Sir Tristram I both heard and saw, and not for then we loved
not inwardly well together, yet at my mischief Sir Tristram rescued me
from my death; and yet, or he and I departed, by both our assents we
assigned a day that we should have met at the stony grave that Merlin
set beside Camelot, and there to have done battle together; howbeit I
was letted, said Sir Palomides, that I might not hold my day, the which
grieveth me sore; but I have a large excuse. For I was prisoner with a
lord, and many other more, and that shall Sir Tristram right well
understand, that I brake it not of fear of cowardice. And then Sir
Palomides told Sir Dinadan the same day that they should have met. So
God me help, said Sir Dinadan, that same day met Sir Launcelot and Sir
Tristram at the same grave of stone. And there was the most mightiest
battle that ever was seen in this land betwixt two knights, for they
fought more than two hours. And there they both bled so much blood that
all men marvelled that ever they might endure it. And so at the last,
by both their assents, they were made friends and sworn-brethren for
ever, and no man can judge the better knight. And now is Sir Tristram
made a knight of the Round Table, and he sitteth in the siege of the
noble knight, Sir Marhaus. By my head, said Sir Palomides, Sir Tristram
is far bigger than Sir Launcelot, and the hardier knight. Have ye
assayed them both? said Sir Dinadan. I have seen Sir Tristram fight,
said Sir Palomides, but never Sir Launcelot to my witting. But at the
fountain where Sir Launcelot lay asleep, there with one spear he smote
down Sir Tristram and me, said Palomides, but at that time they knew
not either other. Fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, as for Sir Launcelot
and Sir Tristram let them be, for the worst of them will not be lightly
matched of no knights that I know living. No, said Sir Palomides, God
defend, but an I had a quarrel to the better of them both I would with
as good a will fight with him as with you. Sir, I require you tell me
your name, and in good faith I shall hold you company till that we come
to Camelot; and there shall ye have great worship now at this great
tournament; for there shall be the Queen Guenever, and La Beale Isoud
of Cornwall. Wit you well, sir knight, for the love of La Beale Isoud I
will be there, and else not, but I will not have ado in King Arthur’s
court. Sir, said Dinadan, I shall ride with you and do you service, so
you will tell me your name. Sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir
Palomides, brother to Safere, the good and noble knight. And Sir
Segwarides and I, we be Saracens born, of father and mother. Sir, said
Sir Dinadan, I thank you much for the telling of your name. For I am
glad of that I know your name, and I promise you by the faith of my
body, ye shall not be hurt by me by my will, but rather be advanced.
And thereto will I help you with all my power, I promise you, doubt ye
not. And certainly on my life ye shall win great worship in the court
of King Arthur, and be right welcome. So then they dressed on their
helms and put on their shields, and mounted upon their horses, and took
the broad way towards Camelot. And then were they ware of a castle that
was fair and rich, and also passing strong as any was within this
realm.
CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Lamorak jousted with divers knights of the castle
wherein was Morgan le Fay.
Sir Palomides, said Dinadan, here is a castle that I know well, and
therein dwelleth Queen Morgan le Fay, King Arthur’s sister; and King
Arthur gave her this castle, the which he hath repented him sithen a
thousand times, for sithen King Arthur and she have been at debate and
strife; but this castle could he never get nor win of her by no manner
of engine; and ever as she might she made war on King Arthur. And all
dangerous knights she withholdeth with her, for to destroy all these
knights that King Arthur loveth. And there shall no knight pass this
way but he must joust with one knight, or with two, or with three. And
if it hap that King Arthur’s knight be beaten, he shall lose his horse
and his harness and all that he hath, and hard, if that he escape, but
that he shall be prisoner. So God me help, said Palomides, this is a
shameful custom, and a villainous usance for a queen to use, and namely
to make such war upon her own lord, that is called the Flower of
Chivalry that is christian or heathen; and with all my heart I would
destroy that shameful custom. And I will that all the world wit she
shall have no service of me. And if she send out any knights, as I
suppose she will, for to joust, they shall have both their hands full.
And I shall not fail you, said Sir Dinadan, unto my puissance, upon my
life.
So as they stood on horseback afore the castle, there came a knight
with a red shield, and two squires after him; and he came straight unto
Sir Palomides, the good knight, and said to him: Fair and gentle
knight-errant, I require thee for the love thou owest unto knighthood,
that ye will not have ado here with these men of this castle; for this
was Sir Lamorak that thus said. For I came hither to seek this deed,
and it is my request; and therefore I beseech you, knight, let me deal,
and if I be beaten revenge me. In the name of God, said Palomides, let
see how ye will speed, and we shall behold you. Then anon came forth a
knight of the castle, and proffered to joust with the Knight with the
Red Shield. Anon they encountered together, and he with the red shield
smote him so hard that he bare him over to the earth. Therewith anon
came another knight of the castle, and he was smitten so sore that he
avoided his saddle. And forthwithal came the third knight, and the
Knight with the Red Shield smote him to the earth. Then came Sir
Palomides, and besought him that he might help him to joust. Fair
knight, said he unto him, suffer me as at this time to have my will,
for an they were twenty knights I shall not doubt them. And ever there
were upon the walls of the castle many lords and ladies that cried and
said: Well have ye jousted, Knight with the Red Shield. But as soon as
the knight had smitten them down, his squire took their horses, and
avoided their saddles and bridles of the horses, and turned them into
the forest, and made the knights to be kept to the end of the jousts.
Right so came out of the castle the fourth knight, and freshly
proffered to joust with the Knight with the Red Shield: and he was
ready, and he smote him so hard that horse and man fell to the earth,
and the knight’s back brake with the fall, and his neck also. O Jesu,
said Sir Palomides, that yonder is a passing good knight, and the best
jouster that ever I saw. By my head, said Sir Dinadan, he is as good as
ever was Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, what knight somever he be.
CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Palomides would have jousted for Sir Lamorak
with the knights of the castle.
Then forthwithal came a knight out of the castle, with a shield bended
with black and with white. And anon the Knight with the Red Shield and
he encountered so hard that he smote the knight of the castle through
the bended shield and through the body, and brake the horse’s back.
Fair knight, said Sir Palomides, ye have overmuch on hand, therefore I
pray you let me joust, for ye had need to be reposed. Why sir, said the
knight, seem ye that I am weak and feeble? and sir, methinketh ye
proffer me wrong, and to me shame, when I do well enough. I tell you
now as I told you erst; for an they were twenty knights I shall beat
them, and if I be beaten or slain then may ye revenge me. And if ye
think that I be weary, and ye have an appetite to joust with me, I
shall find you jousting enough. Sir, said Palomides, I said it not
because I would joust with you, but meseemeth that ye have overmuch on
hand. And therefore, an ye were gentle, said the Knight with the Red
Shield, ye should not proffer me shame; therefore I require you to
joust with me, and ye shall find that I am not weary. Sith ye require
me, said Sir Palomides, take keep to yourself. Then they two knights
came together as fast as their horses might run, and the knight smote
Sir Palomides sore on the shield that the spear went into his side a
great wound, and a perilous. And therewithal Sir Palomides avoided his
saddle. And that knight turned unto Sir Dinadan; and when he saw him
coming he cried aloud, and said: Sir, I will not have ado with you; but
for that he let it not, but came straight upon him. So Sir Dinadan for
shame put forth his spear and all to-shivered it upon the knight. But
he smote Sir Dinadan again so hard that he smote him clean from his
saddle; but their horses he would not suffer his squires to meddle
with, and because they were knights-errant.
Then he dressed him again to the castle, and jousted with seven knights
more, and there was none of them might withstand him, but he bare him
to the earth. And of these twelve knights he slew in plain jousts four.
And the eight knights he made them to swear on the cross of a sword
that they should never use the evil customs of the castle. And when he
had made them to swear that oath he let them pass. And ever stood the
lords and the ladies on the castle walls crying and saying: Knight with
the Red Shield, ye have marvellously well done as ever we saw knight
do. And therewith came a knight out of the castle unarmed, and said:
Knight with the Red Shield, overmuch damage hast thou done to us this
day, therefore return whither thou wilt, for here are no more will have
ado with thee; for we repent sore that ever thou camest here, for by
thee is fordone the old custom of this castle. And with that word he
turned again into the castle, and shut the gates. Then the Knight with
the Red Shield turned and called his squires, and so passed forth on
his way, and rode a great pace.
And when he was past Sir Palomides went to Sir Dinadan, and said: I had
never such a shame of one knight that ever I met; and therefore I cast
me to ride after him, and to be revenged with my sword, for a-horseback
I deem I shall get no worship of him. Sir Palomides, said Dinadan, ye
shall not meddle with him by my counsel, for ye shall get no worship of
him; and for this cause, ye have seen him this day have had overmuch to
do, and overmuch travailed. By almighty Jesu, said Palomides, I shall
never be at ease till that I have had ado with him. Sir, said Dinadan,
I shall give you my beholding. Well, said Palomides, then shall ye see
how we shall redress our mights. So they took their horses of their
varlets, and rode after the Knight with the Red Shield; and down in a
valley beside a fountain they were ware where he was alighted to repose
him, and had done off his helm for to drink at the well.
CHAPTER XIX. How Sir Lamorak jousted with Sir Palomides, and hurt him
grievously.
Then Palomides rode fast till he came nigh him. And then he said:
Knight, remember ye of the shame ye did to me right now at the castle,
therefore dress thee, for I will have ado with thee. Fair knight, said
he to Palomides, of me ye win no worship, for ye have seen this day
that I have been travailed sore. As for that, said Palomides, I will
not let, for wit ye well I will be revenged. Well, said the knight, I
may happen to endure you. And therewithal he mounted upon his horse,
and took a great spear in his hand ready for to joust. Nay, said
Palomides, I will not joust, for I am sure at jousting I get no prize.
Fair knight, said that knight, it would beseem a knight to joust and to
fight on horseback. Ye shall see what I will do, said Palomides. And
therewith he alighted down upon foot, and dressed his shield afore him
and pulled out his sword. Then the Knight with the Red Shield descended
down from his horse, and dressed his shield afore him, and so he drew
out his sword. And then they came together a soft pace, and wonderly
they lashed together passing thick the mountenance of an hour or ever
they breathed. Then they traced and traversed, and waxed wonderly
wroth, and either behight other death; they hewed so fast with their
swords that they cut in down half their swords and mails, that the bare
flesh in some place stood above their harness. And when Sir Palomides
beheld his fellow’s sword over-hylled with his blood it grieved him
sore: some while they foined, some while they struck as wild men. But
at the last Sir Palomides waxed faint, because of his first wound that
he had at the castle with a spear, for that wound grieved him wonderly
sore. Fair knight, said Palomides, meseemeth we have assayed either
other passing sore, and if it may please thee, I require thee of thy
knighthood tell me thy name. Sir, said the knight to Palomides, that is
me loath to do, for thou hast done me wrong and no knighthood to
proffer me battle, considering my great travail, but an thou wilt tell
me thy name I will tell thee mine. Sir, said he, wit thou well my name
is Palomides. Ah, sir, ye shall understand my name is Sir Lamorak de
Galis, son and heir unto the good knight and king, King Pellinore, and
Sir Tor, the good knight, is my half brother. When Sir Palomides heard
him say so he kneeled down and asked mercy, For outrageously have I
done to you this day; considering the great deeds of arms I have seen
you do, shamefully and unknightly I have required you to do battle. Ah,
Sir Palomides, said Sir Lamorak, overmuch have ye done and said to me.
And therewith he embraced him with his both hands, and said: Palomides,
the worthy knight, in all this land is no better than ye, nor more of
prowess, and me repenteth sore that we should fight together. So it
doth not me, said Sir Palomides, and yet am I sorer wounded than ye be;
but as for that I shall soon thereof be whole. But certainly I would
not for the fairest castle in this land, but if thou and I had met, for
I shall love you the days of my life afore all other knights except my
brother, Sir Safere. I say the same, said Sir Lamorak, except my
brother, Sir Tor. Then came Sir Dinadan, and he made great joy of Sir
Lamorak. Then their squires dressed both their shields and their
harness, and stopped their wounds. And thereby at a priory they rested
them all night.
CHAPTER XX. How it was told Sir Launcelot that Dagonet chased King
Mark, and how a knight overthrew him and six knights.
Now turn we again. When Sir Ganis and Sir Brandiles with his fellows
came to the court of King Arthur they told the king, Sir Launcelot, and
Sir Tristram, how Sir Dagonet, the fool, chased King Mark through the
forest, and how the strong knight smote them down all seven with one
spear. There was great laughing and japing at King Mark and at Sir
Dagonet. But all these knights could not tell what knight it was that
rescued King Mark. Then they asked King Mark if that he knew him, and
he answered and said: He named himself the Knight that followed the
Questing Beast, and on that name he sent one of my varlets to a place
where was his mother; and when she heard from whence he came she made
passing great dole, and discovered to my varlet his name, and said: Oh,
my dear son, Sir Palomides, why wilt thou not see me? And therefore,
sir, said King Mark, it is to understand his name is Sir Palomides, a
noble knight. Then were all these seven knights glad that they knew his
name.
Now turn we again, for on the morn they took their horses, both Sir
Lamorak, Palomides, and Dinadan, with their squires and varlets, till
they saw a fair castle that stood on a mountain well closed, and
thither they rode, and there they found a knight that hight Galahalt,
that was lord of that castle, and there they had great cheer and were
well eased. Sir Dinadan, said Sir Lamorak, what will ye do? Oh sir,
said Dinadan, I will to-morrow to the court of King Arthur. By my head,
said Sir Palomides, I will not ride these three days, for I am sore
hurt, and much have I bled, and therefore I will repose me here. Truly,
said Sir Lamorak, and I will abide here with you; and when ye ride,
then will I ride, unless that ye tarry over long; then will I take my
horse. Therefore I pray you, Sir Dinadan, abide and ride with us.
Faithfully, said Dinadan, I will not abide, for I have such a talent to
see Sir Tristram that I may not abide long from him. Ah, Dinadan, said
Sir Palomides, now do I understand that ye love my mortal enemy, and
therefore how should I trust you. Well, said Dinadan, I love my lord
Sir Tristram, above all other, and him will I serve and do honour. So
shall I, said Sir Lamorak, in all that may lie in my power.
So on the morn Sir Dinadan rode unto the court of King Arthur; and by
the way as he rode he saw where stood an errant knight, and made him
ready for to joust. Not so, said Dinadan, for I have no will to joust.
With me shall ye joust, said the knight, or that ye pass this way.
Whether ask ye jousts, by love or by hate? The knight answered: Wit ye
well I ask it for love, and not for hate. It may well be so, said Sir
Dinadan, but ye proffer me hard love when ye will joust with me with a
sharp spear. But, fair knight, said Sir Dinadan, sith ye will joust
with me, meet with me in the court of King Arthur, and there shall I
joust with you. Well, said the knight, sith ye will not joust with me,
I pray you tell me your name. Sir knight, said he, my name is Sir
Dinadan. Ah, said the knight, full well know I you for a good knight
and a gentle, and wit you well I love you heartily. Then shall there be
no jousts, said Dinadan, betwixt us. So they departed. And the same day
he came to Camelot, where lay King Arthur. And there he saluted the
king and the queen, Sir Launcelot, and Sir Tristram; and all the court
was glad of Sir Dinadan, for he was gentle, wise, and courteous, and a
good knight. And in especial, the valiant knight Sir Tristram loved Sir
Dinadan passing well above all other knights save Sir Launcelot.
Then the king asked Sir Dinadan what adventures he had seen. Sir, said
Dinadan, I have seen many adventures, and of some King Mark knoweth,
but not all. Then the king hearkened Sir Dinadan, how he told that Sir
Palomides and he were afore the castle of Morgan le Fay, and how Sir
Lamorak took the jousts afore them, and how he forjousted twelve
knights, and of them four he slew, and how after he smote down Sir
Palomides and me both. t I may not believe that, said the king, for Sir
Palomides is a passing good knight. That is very truth, said Sir
Dinadan, but yet I saw him better proved, hand for hand. And then he
told the king all that battle, and how Sir Palomides was more weaker,
and more hurt, and more lost of his blood. And without doubt, said Sir
Dinadan, had the battle longer lasted, Palomides had been slain. O
Jesu, said King Arthur, this is to me a great marvel. Sir, said
Tristram, marvel ye nothing thereof, for at mine advice there is not a
valianter knight in the world living, for I know his might. And now I
will say you, I was never so weary of knight but if it were Sir
Launcelot. And there is no knight in the world except Sir Launcelot
that did so well as Sir Lamorak. So God me help, said the king, I would
that knight, Sir Lamorak, came to this Court. Sir, said Dinadan, he
will be here in short space, and Sir Palomides both, but I fear that
Palomides may not yet travel.
CHAPTER XXI. How King Arthur let do cry a jousts, and how Sir Lamorak
came in, and overthrew Sir Gawaine and many other.
Then within three days after the king let make a jousting at a priory.
And there made them ready many knights of the Round Table, for Sir
Gawaine and his brethren made them ready to joust; but Tristram,
Launcelot, nor Dinadan, would not joust, but suffered Sir Gawaine, for
the love of King Arthur, with his brethren, to win the gree if they
might. Then on the morn they apparelled them to joust, Sir Gawaine and
his four brethren, and did there great deeds of arms. And Sir Ector de
Maris did marvellously well, but Sir Gawaine passed all that
fellowship; wherefore King Arthur and all the knights gave Sir Gawaine
the honour at the beginning.
Right so King Arthur was ware of a knight and two squires, the which
came out of a forest side, with a shield covered with leather, and then
he came slyly and hurtled here and there, and anon with one spear he
had smitten down two knights of the Round Table. Then with his hurtling
he lost the covering of his shield, then was the king and all other
ware that he bare a red shield. O Jesu, said King Arthur, see where
rideth a stout knight, he with the red shield. And there was noise and
crying: Beware the Knight with the Red Shield. So within a little while
he had overthrown three brethren of Sir Gawaine’s. So God me help, said
King Arthur, meseemeth yonder is the best jouster that ever I saw. With
that he saw him encounter with Sir Gawaine, and he smote him down with
so great force that he made his horse to avoid his saddle. How now,
said the king, Sir Gawaine hath a fall; well were me an I knew what
knight he were with the red shield. I know him well, said Dinadan, but
as at this time ye shall not know his name. By my head, said Sir
Tristram, he jousted better than Sir Palomides, and if ye list to know
his name, wit ye well his name is Sir Lamorak de Galis.
As they stood thus talking, Sir Gawaine and he encountered together
again, and there he smote Sir Gawaine from his horse, and bruised him
sore. And in the sight of King Arthur he smote down twenty knights,
beside Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And so clearly was the prize given
him as a knight peerless. Then slyly and marvellously Sir Lamorak
withdrew him from all the fellowship into the forest side. All this
espied King Arthur, for his eye went never from him. Then the king, Sir
Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Dinadan, took their hackneys, and rode
straight after the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, and there found
him. And thus said the king: Ah, fair knight, well be ye found. When he
saw the king he put off his helm and saluted him, and when he saw Sir
Tristram he alighted down off his horse and ran to him to take him by
the thighs, but Sir Tristram would not suffer him, but he alighted or
that he came, and either took other in arms, and made great joy of
other. The king was glad, and also was all the fellowship of the Round
Table, except Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And when they wist that he
was Sir Lamorak, they had great despite at him, and were wonderly wroth
with him that he had put him to dishonour that day.
Then Gawaine called privily in council all his brethren, and to them
said thus: Fair brethren, here may ye see, whom that we hate King
Arthur loveth, and whom that we love he hateth. And wit ye well, my
fair brethren, that this Sir Lamorak will never love us, because we
slew his father, King Pellinore, for we deemed that he slew our father,
King of Orkney. And for the despite of Pellinore, Sir Lamorak did us a
shame to our mother, therefore I will be revenged. Sir, said Sir
Gawaine’s brethren, let see how ye will or may be revenged, and ye
shall find us ready. Well, said Gawaine, hold you still and we shall
espy our time.
CHAPTER XXII. How King Arthur made King Mark to be accorded with Sir
Tristram, and how they departed toward Cornwall.
Now pass we our matter, and leave we Sir Gawaine, and speak of King
Arthur, that on a day said unto King Mark: Sir, I pray you give me a
gift that I shall ask you. Sir, said King Mark, I will give you
whatsomever ye desire an it be in my power. Sir, gramercy, said Arthur.
This I will ask you, that ye will be good lord unto Sir Tristram, for
he is a man of great honour; and that ye will take him with you into
Cornwall, and let him see his friends, and there cherish him for my
sake. Sir, said King Mark, I promise you by the faith of my body, and
by the faith that I owe to God and to you, I shall worship him for your
sake in all that I can or may. Sir, said Arthur, and I will forgive you
all the evil will that ever I ought you, an so be that you swear that
upon a book before me. With a good will, said King Mark; and so he
there sware upon a book afore him and all his knights, and therewith
King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by the hands hard knit
together. But for all this King Mark thought falsely, as it proved
after, for he put Sir Tristram in prison, and cowardly would have slain
him.
Then soon after King Mark took his leave to ride into Cornwall, and Sir
Tristram made him ready to ride with him, whereof the most part of the
Round Table were wroth and heavy, and in especial Sir Launcelot, and
Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan, were wroth out of measure. For well they
wist King Mark would slay or destroy Sir Tristram. Alas, said Dinadan,
that my lord, Sir Tristram, shall depart. And Sir Tristram took such
sorrow that he was amazed like a fool. Alas, said Sir Launcelot unto
King Arthur, what have ye done, for ye shall lose the most man of
worship that ever came into your court. It was his own desire, said
Arthur, and therefore I might not do withal, for I have done all that I
can and made them at accord. Accord, said Sir Launcelot, fie upon that
accord, for ye shall hear that he shall slay Sir Tristram, or put him
in a prison, for he is the most coward and the villainest king and
knight that is now living.
And therewith Sir Launcelot departed, and came to King Mark, and said
to him thus: Sir king, wit thou well the good knight Sir Tristram shall
go with thee. Beware, I rede thee, of treason, for an thou mischief
that knight by any manner of falsehood or treason, by the faith I owe
to God and to the order of knighthood, I shall slay thee with mine own
hands. Sir Launcelot, said the king, overmuch have ye said to me, and I
have sworn and said over largely afore King Arthur in hearing of all
his knights, that I shall not slay nor betray him. It were to me
overmuch shame to break my promise. Ye say well, said Sir Launcelot,
but ye are called so false and full of treason that no man may believe
you. Forsooth it is known well wherefore ye came into this country, and
for none other cause but for to slay Sir Tristram. So with great dole
King Mark and Sir Tristram rode together, for it was by Sir Tristram’s
will and his means to go with King Mark, and all was for the intent to
see La Beale Isoud, for without the sight of her Sir Tristram might not
endure.
CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Percivale was made knight of King Arthur, and
how a dumb maid spake, and brought him to the Round Table.
Now turn we again unto Sir Lamorak, and speak we of his brethren, Sir
Tor, which was King Pellinore’s first son and begotten of Aryes, wife
of the cowherd, for he was a bastard; and Sir Aglovale was his first
son begotten in wedlock; Sir Lamorak, Dornar, Percivale, these were his
sons too in wedlock. So when King Mark and Sir Tristram were departed
from the court there was made great dole and sorrow for the departing
of Sir Tristram. Then the king and his knights made no manner of joys
eight days after. And at the eight days’ end there came to the court a
knight with a young squire with him. And when this knight was unarmed,
he went to the king and required him to make the young squire a knight.
Of what lineage is he come? said King Arthur. Sir, said the knight, he
is the son of King Pellinore, that did you some time good service, and
he is a brother unto Sir Lamorak de Galis, the good knight. Well, said
the king, for what cause desire ye that of me that I should make him
knight? Wit you well, my lord the king, that this young squire is
brother to me as well as to Sir Lamorak, and my name is Aglavale. Sir
Aglavale, said Arthur, for the love of Sir Lamorak, and for his
father’s love, he shall be made knight to-morrow. Now tell me, said
Arthur, what is his name? Sir, said the knight, his name is Percivale
de Galis. So on the morn the king made him knight in Camelot. But the
king and all the knights thought it would be long or that he proved a
good knight.
Then at the dinner, when the king was set at the table, and every
knight after he was of prowess, the king commanded him to be set among
mean knights; and so was Sir Percivale set as the king commanded. Then
was there a maiden in the queen’s court that was come of high blood,
and she was dumb and never spake word. Right so she came straight into
the hall, and went unto Sir Percivale, and took him by the hand and
said aloud, that the king and all the knights might hear it: Arise, Sir
Percivale, the noble knight and God’s knight, and go with me; and so he
did. And there she brought him to the right side of the Siege Perilous,
and said, Fair knight, take here thy siege, for that siege appertaineth
to thee and to none other. Right so she departed and asked a priest.
And as she was confessed and houselled then she died. Then the king and
all the court made great joy of Sir Percivale.
CHAPTER XXIV. How Sir Lamorak visited King Lot’s wife, and how Sir
Gaheris slew her which was his own mother.
Now turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that much was there praised. Then, by the
mean of Sir Gawaine and his brethren, they sent for their mother there
besides, fast by a castle beside Camelot; and all was to that intent to
slay Sir Lamorak. The Queen of Orkney was there but a while, but Sir
Lamorak wist of their being, and was full fain; and for to make an end
of this matter, he sent unto her, and there betwixt them was a night
assigned that Sir Lamorak should come to her. Thereof was ware Sir
Gaheris, and there he rode afore the same night, and waited upon Sir
Lamorak, and then he saw where he came all armed. And where Sir Lamorak
alighted he tied his horse to a privy postern, and so he went into a
parlour and unarmed him; and then he went unto the queen’s bed, and she
made of him passing great joy, and he of her again, for either loved
other passing sore. So when the knight, Sir Gaheris, saw his time, he
came to their bedside all armed, with his sword naked, and suddenly gat
his mother by the hair and struck off her head.
When Sir Lamorak saw the blood dash upon him all hot, the which he
loved passing well, wit you well he was sore abashed and dismayed of
that dolorous knight. And therewithal, Sir Lamorak leapt out of the bed
in his shirt as a knight dismayed, saying thus: Ah, Sir Gaheris, knight
of the Table Round, foul and evil have ye done, and to you great shame.
Alas, why have ye slain your mother that bare you? with more right ye
should have slain me. The offence hast thou done, said Gaheris,
notwithstanding a man is born to offer his service; but yet shouldst
thou beware with whom thou meddlest, for thou hast put me and my
brethren to a shame, and thy father slew our father; and thou to lie by
our mother is too much shame for us to suffer. And as for thy father,
King Pellinore, my brother Sir Gawaine and I slew him. Ye did him the
more wrong, said Sir Lamorak, for my father slew not your father, it
was Balin le Savage: and as yet my father’s death is not revenged.
Leave those words, said Sir Gaheris, for an thou speak feloniously I
will slay thee. But because thou art naked I am ashamed to slay thee.
But wit thou well, in what place I may get thee I shall slay thee; and
now my mother is quit of thee; and withdraw thee and take thine armour,
that thou were gone. Sir Lamorak saw there was none other bote, but
fast armed him, and took his horse and rode his way making great
sorrow. But for the shame and dolour he would not ride to King Arthur’s
court, but rode another way.
But when it was known that Gaheris had slain his mother the king was
passing wroth, and commanded him to go out of his court. Wit ye well
Sir Gawaine was wroth that Gaheris had slain his mother and let Sir
Lamorak escape. And for this matter was the king passing wroth, and so
was Sir Launcelot, and many other knights. Sir, said Sir Launcelot,
here is a great mischief befallen by felony, and by forecast treason,
that your sister is thus shamefully slain. And I dare say that it was
wrought by treason, and I dare say ye shall lose that good knight, Sir
Lamorak, the which is great pity. I wot well and am sure, an Sir
Tristram wist it, he would never more come within your court, the which
should grieve you much more and all your knights. God defend, said the
noble King Arthur, that I should lose Sir Lamorak or Sir Tristram, for
then twain of my chief knights of the Table Round were gone. Sir, said
Sir Launcelot, I am sure ye shall lose Sir Lamorak, for Sir Gawaine and
his brethren will slay him by one mean or other; for they among them
have concluded and sworn to slay him an ever they may see their time.
That shall I let, said Arthur.
CHAPTER XXV. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight
fleeing, and how they both were overthrown, and of Sir Dinadan.
Now leave we of Sir Lamorak, and speak of Sir Gawaine’s brethren, and
specially of Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. As they rode on their
adventures they met with a knight fleeing, sore wounded; and they asked
him what tidings. Fair knights, said he, here cometh a knight after me
that will slay me. With that came Sir Dinadan riding to them by
adventure, but he would promise them no help. But Sir Agravaine and Sir
Mordred promised him to rescue him. Therewithal came that knight
straight unto them, and anon he proffered to joust. That saw Sir
Mordred and rode to him, but he struck Mordred over his horse’s tail.
That saw Sir Agravaine, and straight he rode toward that knight, and
right so as he served Mordred so he served Agravaine, and said to them:
Sirs, wit ye well both that I am Breuse Saunce Pité, that hath done
this to you. And yet he rode over Agravaine five or six times. When
Dinadan saw this, he must needs joust with him for shame. And so
Dinadan and he encountered together, that with pure strength Sir
Dinadan smote him over his horse’s tail. Then he took his horse and
fled, for he was on foot one of the valiantest knights in Arthur’s
days, and a great destroyer of all good knights.
Then rode Sir Dinadan unto Sir Mordred and unto Sir Agravaine. Sir
knight, said they all, well have ye done, and well have ye revenged us,
wherefore we pray you tell us your name. Fair sirs, ye ought to know my
name, the which is called Sir Dinadan. When they understood that it was
Dinadan they were more wroth than they were before, for they hated him
out of measure because of Sir Lamorak. For Dinadan had such a custom
that he loved all good knights that were valiant, and he hated all
those that were destroyers of good knights. And there were none that
hated Dinadan but those that ever were called murderers. Then spake the
hurt knight that Breuse Saunce Pité had chased, his name was Dalan, and
said: If thou be Dinadan thou slewest my father. It may well be so,
said Dinadan, but then it was in my defence and at his request. By my
head, said Dalan, thou shalt die therefore, and therewith he dressed
his spear and his shield. And to make the shorter tale, Sir Dinadan
smote him down off his horse, that his neck was nigh broken. And in the
same wise he smote Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine. And after, in the
quest of the Sangreal, cowardly and feloniously they slew Dinadan, the
which was great damage, for he was a great bourder and a passing good
knight.
And so Sir Dinadan rode to a castle that hight Beale-Valet. And there
he found Sir Palomides that was not yet whole of the wound that Sir
Lamorak gave him. And there Dinadan told Palomides all the tidings that
he heard and saw of Sir Tristram, and how he was gone with King Mark,
and with him he hath all his will and desire. Therewith Sir Palomides
waxed wroth, for he loved La Beale Isoud. And then he wist well that
Sir Tristram enjoyed her.
CHAPTER XXVI. How King Arthur, the Queen, and Launcelot received
letters out of Cornwall, and of the answer again.
Now leave we Sir Palomides and Sir Dinadan in the Castle of
Beale-Valet, and turn we again unto King Arthur. There came a knight
out of Cornwall, his name was Fergus, a fellow of the Round Table. And
there he told the king and Sir Launcelot good tidings of Sir Tristram,
and there were brought goodly letters, and how he left him in the
castle of Tintagil. Then came the damosel that brought goodly letters
unto King Arthur and unto Sir Launcelot, and there she had passing good
cheer of the king, and of the Queen Guenever, and of Sir Launcelot.
Then they wrote goodly letters again. But Sir Launcelot bade ever Sir
Tristram beware of King Mark, for ever he called him in his letters
King Fox, as who saith, he fareth all with wiles and treason. Whereof
Sir Tristram in his heart thanked Sir Launcelot. Then the damosel went
unto La Beale Isoud, and bare her letters from the king and from Sir
Launcelot, whereof she was in passing great joy. Fair damosel, said La
Beale Isoud, how fareth my Lord Arthur, and the Queen Guenever, and the
noble knight, Sir Launcelot? She answered, and to make short tale: Much
the better that ye and Sir Tristram be in joy. God reward them, said La
Beale Isoud, for Sir Tristram suffereth great pain for me, and I for
him.
So the damosel departed, and brought letters to King Mark. And when he
had read them, and understood them, he was wroth with Sir Tristram, for
he deemed that he had sent the damosel unto King Arthur. For Arthur and
Launcelot in a manner threated King Mark. And as King Mark read these
letters he deemed treason by Sir Tristram. Damosel, said King Mark,
will ye ride again and bear letters from me unto King Arthur? Sir, she
said, I will be at your commandment to ride when ye will. Ye say well,
said the king; come again, said the king, to-morn, and fetch your
letters. Then she departed and told them how she should ride again with
letters unto Arthur. Then we pray you, said La Beale Isoud and Sir
Tristram, that when ye have received your letters, that ye would come
by us that we may see the privity of your letters. All that I may do,
madam, ye wot well I must do for Sir Tristram, for I have been long his
own maiden.
So on the morn the damosel went to King Mark to have had his letters
and to depart. I am not avised, said King Mark, as at this time to send
my letters. Then privily and secretly he sent letters unto King Arthur,
and unto Queen Guenever, and unto Sir Launcelot. So the varlet
departed, and found the king and the queen in Wales, at Carlion. And as
the king and the queen were at mass the varlet came with the letters.
And when mass was done the king and the queen opened the letters
privily by themself. And the beginning of the king’s letters spake
wonderly short unto King Arthur, and bade him entermete with himself
and with his wife, and of his knights; for he was able enough to rule
and keep his wife.
CHAPTER XXVII. How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he
received from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay of King Mark.
When King Arthur understood the letter, he mused of many things, and
thought on his sister’s words, Queen Morgan le Fay, that she had said
betwixt Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot. And in this thought he
studied a great while. Then he bethought him again how his sister was
his own enemy, and that she hated the queen and Sir Launcelot, and so
he put all that out of his thought. Then King Arthur read the letter
again, and the latter clause said that King Mark took Sir Tristram for
his mortal enemy; wherefore he put Arthur out of doubt he would be
revenged of Sir Tristram. Then was King Arthur wroth with King Mark.
And when Queen Guenever read her letter and understood it, she was
wroth out of measure, for the letter spake shame by her and by Sir
Launcelot. And so privily she sent the letter unto Sir Launcelot. And
when he wist the intent of the letter he was so wroth that he laid him
down on his bed to sleep, whereof Sir Dinadan was ware, for it was his
manner to be privy with all good knights. And as Sir Launcelot slept he
stole the letter out of his hand, and read it word by word. And then he
made great sorrow for anger. And so Sir Launcelot awaked, and went to a
window, and read the letter again, the which made him angry.
Sir, said Dinadan, wherefore be ye angry? discover your heart to me:
forsooth ye wot well I owe you good will, howbeit I am a poor knight
and a servitor unto you and to all good knights. For though I be not of
worship myself I love all those that be of worship. It is truth, said
Sir Launcelot, ye are a trusty knight, and for great trust I will shew
you my counsel. And when Dinadan understood all, he said: This is my
counsel: set you right nought by these threats, for King Mark is so
villainous, that by fair speech shall never man get of him. But ye
shall see what I shall do; I will make a lay for him, and when it is
made I shall make an harper to sing it afore him. So anon he went and
made it, and taught it an harper that hight Eliot. And when he could
it, he taught it to many harpers. And so by the will of Sir Launcelot,
and of Arthur, the harpers went straight into Wales, and into Cornwall,
to sing the lay that Sir Dinadan made by King Mark, the which was the
worst lay that ever harper sang with harp or with any other
instruments.
CHAPTER XXVIII. How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to King
Mark; and of Sir Tristram how he promised to rescue him.
Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram and to King Mark. As Sir Tristram
was at jousts and at tournament it fortuned he was sore hurt both with
a spear and with a sword, but yet he won always the degree. And for to
repose him he went to a good knight that dwelled in Cornwall, in a
castle, whose name was Sir Dinas le Seneschal. Then by misfortune there
came out of Sessoin a great number of men of arms, and an hideous host,
and they entered nigh the Castle of Tintagil; and their captain’s name
was Elias, a good man of arms. When King Mark understood his enemies
were entered into his land he made great dole and sorrow, for in no
wise by his will King Mark would not send for Sir Tristram, for he
hated him deadly.
So when his council was come they devised and cast many perils of the
strength of their enemies. And then they concluded all at once, and
said thus unto King Mark: Sir, wit ye well ye must send for Sir
Tristram, the good knight, or else they will never be overcome. For by
Sir Tristram they must be foughten withal, or else we row against the
stream. Well, said King Mark, I will do by your counsel; but yet he was
full loath thereto, but need constrained him to send for him. Then was
he sent for in all haste that might be, that he should come to King
Mark. And when he understood that King Mark had sent for him, he
mounted upon a soft ambler and rode to King Mark. And when he was come
the king said thus: Fair nephew Sir Tristram, this is all. Here be come
our enemies of Sessoin, that are here nigh hand, and without tarrying
they must be met with shortly, or else they will destroy this country.
Sir, said Sir Tristram, wit ye well all my power is at your
commandment. And wit ye well, sir, these eight days I may bear none
arms, for my wounds be not yet whole. And by that day I shall do what I
may. Ye say well, said King Mark; then go ye again and repose you and
make you fresh, and I shall go and meet the Sessoins with all my power.
So the king departed unto Tintagil, and Sir Tristram went to repose
him. And the king made a great host and departed them in three; the
first part led Sir Dinas the Seneschal, and Sir Andred led the second
part, and Sir Argius led the third part; and he was of the blood of
King Mark. And the Sessoins had three great battles, and many good men
of arms. And so King Mark by the advice of his knights issued out of
the Castle of Tintagil upon his enemies. And Dinas, the good knight,
rode out afore, and slew two knights with his own hands, and then began
the battles. And there was marvellous breaking of spears and smiting of
swords, and slew down many good knights. And ever was Sir Dinas the
Seneschal the best of King Mark’s party. And thus the battle endured
long with great mortality. But at the last King Mark and Sir Dinas,
were they never so loath, they withdrew them to the Castle of Tintagil
with great slaughter of people; and the Sessoins followed on fast, that
ten of them were put within the gates and four slain with the
portcullis.
Then King Mark sent for Sir Tristram by a varlet, that told him all the
mortality. Then he sent the varlet again, and bade him: Tell King Mark
that I will come as soon as I am whole, for erst I may do him no good.
Then King Mark had his answer. Therewith came Elias and bade the king
yield up the castle: For ye may not hold it no while. Sir Elias, said
the king, so will I yield up the castle if I be not soon rescued. Anon
King Mark sent again for rescue to Sir Tristram. By then Sir Tristram
was whole, and he had gotten him ten good knights of Arthur’s; and with
them he rode unto Tintagil. And when he saw the great host of Sessoins
he marvelled wonder greatly. And then Sir Tristram rode by the woods
and by the ditches as secretly as he might, till he came nigh the
gates. And there dressed a knight to him when he saw that Sir Tristram
would enter; and Sir Tristram smote him down dead, and so he served
three more. And everych of these ten knights slew a man of arms. So Sir
Tristram entered into the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark wist
that Sir Tristram was come he was glad of his coming, and so was all
the fellowship, and of him they made great joy.
CHAPTER XXIX. How Sir Tristram overcame the battle, and how Elias
desired a man to fight body for body.
So on the morn Elias the captain came, and bade King Mark: Come out and
do battle; for now the good knight Sir Tristram is entered it will be
shame to thee, said Elias, for to keep thy walls. When King Mark
understood this he was wroth and said no word, but went unto Sir
Tristram and asked him his counsel. Sir, said Sir Tristram, will ye
that I give him his answer? I will well, said King Mark. Then Sir
Tristram said thus to the messenger: Bear thy lord word from the king
and me, that we will do battle with him to-morn in the plain field.
What is your name? said the messenger. Wit thou well my name is Sir
Tristram de Liones. Therewithal the messenger departed and told his
lord Elias all that he had heard. Sir, said Sir Tristram unto King
Mark, I pray you give me leave to have the rule of the battle. I pray
you take the rule, said King Mark. Then Sir Tristram let devise the
battle in what manner that it should be. He let depart his host in six
parties, and ordained Sir Dinas the Seneschal to have the foreward, and
other knights to rule the remnant. And the same night Sir Tristram
burnt all the Sessoins’ ships unto the cold water. Anon, as Elias wist
that, he said it was of Sir Tristram’s doing: For he casteth that we
shall never escape, mother son of us. Therefore, fair fellows, fight
freely to-morrow, and miscomfort you nought; for any knight, though he
be the best knight in the world, he may not have ado with us all.
Then they ordained their battle in four parties, wonderly well
apparelled and garnished with men of arms. Thus they within issued, and
they without set freely upon them; and there Sir Dinas did great deeds
of arms. Not for then Sir Dinas and his fellowship were put to the
worse. With that came Sir Tristram and slew two knights with one spear;
then he slew on the right hand and on the left hand, that men marvelled
that ever he might do such deeds of arms. And then he might see
sometime the battle was driven a bow-draught from the castle, and
sometime it was at the gates of the castle. Then came Elias the captain
rushing here and there, and hit King Mark so sore upon the helm that he
made him to avoid the saddle. And then Sir Dinas gat King Mark again to
horseback. Therewithal came in Sir Tristram like a lion, and there he
met with Elias, and he smote him so sore upon the helm that he avoided
his saddle. And thus they fought till it was night, and for great
slaughter and for wounded people everych party drew to their rest.
And when King Mark was come within the Castle of Tintagil he lacked of
his knights an hundred, and they without lacked two hundred; and they
searched the wounded men on both parties. And then they went to
council; and wit you well either party were loath to fight more, so
that either might escape with their worship. When Elias the captain
understood the death of his men he made great dole; and when he wist
that they were loath to go to battle again he was wroth out of measure.
Then Elias sent word unto King Mark, in great despite, whether he would
find a knight that would fight for him body for body. And if that he
might slay King Mark’s knight, he to have the truage of Cornwall
yearly. And if that his knight slay mine, I fully release my claim
forever. Then the messenger departed unto King Mark, and told him how
that his lord Elias had sent him word to find a knight to do battle
with him body for body. When King Mark understood the messenger, he
bade him abide and he should have his answer. Then called he all the
baronage together to wit what was the best counsel. They said all at
once: To fight in a field we have no lust, for had not been Sir
Tristram’s prowess it had been likely that we never should have
escaped; and therefore, sir, as we deem, it were well done to find a
knight that would do battle with him, for he knightly proffereth.
CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the
truage, and how Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field.
Not for then when all this was said, they could find no knight that
would do battle with him. Sir king, said they all, here is no knight
that dare fight with Elias. Alas, said King Mark, then am I utterly
ashamed and utterly destroyed, unless that my nephew Sir Tristram will
take the battle upon him. Wit you well, they said all, he had yesterday
overmuch on hand, and he is weary for travail, and sore wounded. Where
is he? said King Mark. Sir, said they, he is in his bed to repose him.
Alas, said King Mark, but I have the succour of my nephew Sir Tristram,
I am utterly destroyed for ever.
Therewith one went to Sir Tristram where he lay, and told him what King
Mark had said. And therewith Sir Tristram arose lightly, and put on him
a long gown, and came afore the king and all the lords. And when he saw
them all so dismayed he asked the king and the lords what tidings were
with them. Never worse, said the king. And therewith he told him all,
how he had word of Elias to find a knight to fight for the truage of
Cornwall, and none can I find. And as for you, said the king and all
the lords, we may ask no more of you for shame; for through your
hardiness yesterday ye saved all our lives. Sir, said Sir Tristram, now
I understand ye would have my succour, reason would that I should do
all that lieth in my power to do, saving my worship and my life,
howbeit I am sore bruised and hurt. And sithen Sir Elias proffereth so
largely, I shall fight with him, or else I will be slain in the field,
or else I will deliver Cornwall from the old truage. And therefore
lightly call his messenger and he shall be answered, for as yet my
wounds be green, and they will be sorer a seven night after than they
be now; and therefore he shall have his answer that I will do battle
to-morn with him.
Then was the messenger departed brought before King Mark. Hark, my
fellow, said Sir Tristram, go fast unto thy lord, and bid him make true
assurance on his part for the truage, as the king here shall make on
his part; and then tell thy lord, Sir Elias, that I, Sir Tristram, King
Arthur’s knight, and knight of the Table Round, will as to-morn meet
with thy lord on horseback, to do battle as long as my horse may
endure, and after that to do battle with him on foot to the utterance.
The messenger beheld Sir Tristram from the top to the toe; and
therewithal he departed and came to his lord, and told him how he was
answered of Sir Tristram. And therewithal was made hostage on both
parties, and made it as sure as it might be, that whether party had the
victory, so to end. And then were both hosts assembled on both parts of
the field, without the Castle of Tintagil, and there was none but Sir
Tristram and Sir Elias armed.
So when the appointment was made, they departed in-sunder, and they
came together with all the might that their horses might run. And
either knight smote other so hard that both horses and knights went to
the earth. Not for then they both lightly arose and dressed their
shields on their shoulders, with naked swords in their hands, and they
dashed together that it seemed a flaming fire about them. Thus they
traced, and traversed, and hewed on helms and hauberks, and cut away
many cantels of their shields, and either wounded other passing sore,
so that the hot blood fell freshly upon the earth. And by then they had
foughten the mountenance of an hour Sir Tristram waxed faint and
for-bled, and gave sore aback. That saw Sir Elias, and followed
fiercely upon him, and wounded him in many places. And ever Sir
Tristram traced and traversed, and went froward him here and there, and
covered him with his shield as he might all weakly, that all men said
he was overcome; for Sir Elias had given him twenty strokes against
one.
Then was there laughing of the Sessoins’ party, and great dole on King
Mark’s party. Alas, said the king, we are ashamed and destroyed all for
ever: for as the book saith, Sir Tristram was never so matched, but if
it were Sir Launcelot. Thus as they stood and beheld both parties, that
one party laughing and the other party weeping, Sir Tristram remembered
him of his lady, La Beale Isoud, that looked upon him, and how he was
likely never to come in her presence. Then he pulled up his shield that
erst hung full low. And then he dressed up his shield unto Elias, and
gave him many sad strokes, twenty against one, and all to-brake his
shield and his hauberk, that the hot blood ran down to the earth. Then
began King Mark to laugh, and all Cornish men, and that other party to
weep. And ever Sir Tristram said to Sir Elias: Yield thee.
Then when Sir Tristram saw him so staggering on the ground, he said:
Sir Elias, I am right sorry for thee, for thou art a passing good
knight as ever I met withal, except Sir Launcelot. Therewithal Sir
Elias fell to the earth, and there died. What shall I do, said Sir
Tristram unto King Mark, for this battle is at an end? Then they of
Elias’ party departed, and King Mark took of them many prisoners, to
redress the harms and the scathes that he had of them; and the remnant
he sent into their country to borrow out their fellows. Then was Sir
Tristram searched and well healed. Yet for all this King Mark would
fain have slain Sir Tristram. But for all that ever Sir Tristram saw or
heard by King Mark, yet would he never beware of his treason, but ever
he would be thereas La Beale Isoud was.