CHAPTER LXXXVIII. How Sir Palomides kept his day to have foughten, but

Sir Tristram might not come; and other things.

But in no wise there was no knight about Sir Tristram that would

believe that ever Sir Palomides would hurt Sir Tristram, neither by his

own hands nor by none other consenting. Then when the fifteenth day was

come, Sir Palomides came to the well with four knights with him of

Arthur’s court, and three sergeants-of-arms. And for this intent Sir

Palomides brought the knights with him and the sergeants-of-arms, for

they should bear record of the battle betwixt Sir Tristram and Sir

Palomides. And the one sergeant brought in his helm, the other his

spear, the third his sword. So thus Palomides came into the field, and

there he abode nigh two hours; and then he sent a squire unto Sir

Tristram, and desired him to come into the field to hold his promise.

When the squire was come to Joyous Gard, anon as Sir Tristram heard of

his coming he let command that the squire should come to his presence

thereas he lay in his bed. My lord Sir Tristram, said Palomides’

squire, wit you well my lord, Palomides, abideth you in the field, and

he would wit whether ye would do battle or not. Ah, my fair brother,

said Sir Tristram, wit thou well that I am right heavy for these

tidings; therefore tell Sir Palomides an I were well at ease I would

not lie here, nor he should have no need to send for me an I might

either ride or go; and for thou shalt say that I am no liar—Sir

Tristram showed him his thigh that the wound was six inches deep. And

now thou hast seen my hurt, tell thy lord that this is no feigned

matter, and tell him that I had liefer than all the gold of King Arthur

that I were whole; and tell Palomides as soon as I am whole I shall

seek him endlong and overthwart, and that I promise you as I am true

knight; and if ever I may meet with him, he shall have battle of me his

fill. And with this the squire departed; and when Palomides wist that

Tristram was hurt he was glad and said: Now I am sure I shall have no

shame, for I wot well I should have had hard handling of him, and by

likely I must needs have had the worse, for he is the hardest knight in

battle that now is living except Sir Launcelot.

And then departed Sir Palomides whereas fortune led him, and within a

month Sir Tristram was whole of his hurt. And then he took his horse,

and rode from country to country, and all strange adventures he

achieved wheresomever he rode; and always he enquired for Sir

Palomides, but of all that quarter of summer Sir Tristram could never

meet with Sir Palomides. But thus as Sir Tristram sought and enquired

after Sir Palomides Sir Tristram achieved many great battles,

wherethrough all the noise fell to Sir Tristram, and it ceased of Sir

Launcelot; and therefore Sir Launcelot’s brethren and his kinsmen would

have slain Sir Tristram because of his fame. But when Sir Launcelot

wist how his kinsmen were set, he said to them openly: Wit you well,

that an the envy of you all be so hardy to wait upon my lord, Sir

Tristram, with any hurt, shame, or villainy, as I am true knight I

shall slay the best of you with mine own hands. Alas, fie for shame,

should ye for his noble deeds await upon him to slay him. Jesu defend,

said Launcelot, that ever any noble knight as Sir Tristram is should be

destroyed with treason. Of this noise and fame sprang into Cornwall,

and among them of Liones, whereof they were passing glad, and made

great joy. And then they of Liones sent letters unto Sir Tristram of

recommendation, and many great gifts to maintain Sir Tristram’s estate;

and ever, between, Sir Tristram resorted unto Joyous Gard whereas La

Beale Isoud was, that loved him as her life.

_Here endeth the tenth book which is of Sir Tristram. And here

followeth the eleventh book which is of Sir Launcelot._

BOOK XI.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he holp a

dolorous lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon.

Now leave we Sir Tristram de Liones, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du

Lake, and of Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot’s son, how he was gotten, and

in what manner, as the book of French rehearseth. Afore the time that

Sir Galahad was gotten or born, there came in an hermit unto King

Arthur upon Whitsunday, as the knights sat at the Table Round. And when

the hermit saw the Siege Perilous, he asked the king and all the

knights why that siege was void. Sir Arthur and all the knights

answered: There shall never none sit in that siege but one, but if he

be destroyed. Then said the hermit: Wot ye what is he? Nay, said Arthur

and all the knights, we wot not who is he that shall sit therein. Then

wot I, said the hermit, for he that shall sit there is unborn and

ungotten, and this same year he shall be gotten that shall sit there in

that Siege Perilous, and he shall win the Sangreal. When this hermit

had made this mention he departed from the court of King Arthur.

And then after this feast Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, till on

a time by adventure he passed over the pont of Corbin; and there he saw

the fairest tower that ever he saw, and there-under was a fair town

full of people; and all the people, men and women, cried at once:

Welcome, Sir Launcelot du Lake, the flower of all knighthood, for by

thee all we shall be holpen out of danger. What mean ye, said Sir

Launcelot, that ye cry so upon me? Ah, fair knight, said they all, here

is within this tower a dolorous lady that hath been there in pains many

winters and days, for ever she boileth in scalding water; and but late,

said all the people, Sir Gawaine was here and he might not help her,

and so he left her in pain. So may I, said Sir Launcelot, leave her in

pain as well as Sir Gawaine did. Nay, said the people, we know well

that it is Sir Launcelot that shall deliver her. Well, said Launcelot,

then shew me what I shall do.

Then they brought Sir Launcelot into the tower; and when he came to the

chamber thereas this lady was, the doors of iron unlocked and unbolted.

And so Sir Launcelot went into the chamber that was as hot as any stew.

And there Sir Launcelot took the fairest lady by the hand that ever he

saw, and she was naked as a needle; and by enchantment Queen Morgan le

Fay and the Queen of Northgalis had put her there in that pains,

because she was called the fairest lady of that country; and there she

had been five years, and never might she be delivered out of her great

pains unto the time the best knight of the world had taken her by the

hand. Then the people brought her clothes. And when she was arrayed,

Sir Launcelot thought she was the fairest lady of the world, but if it

were Queen Guenever.

Then this lady said to Sir Launcelot: Sir, if it please you will ye go

with me hereby into a chapel that we may give loving and thanking unto

God? Madam, said Sir Launcelot, come on with me, I will go with you. So

when they came there and gave thankings to God all the people, both

learned and lewd, gave thankings unto God and him, and said: Sir

knight, since ye have delivered this lady, ye shall deliver us from a

serpent there is here in a tomb. Then Sir Launcelot took his shield and

said: Bring me thither, and what I may do unto the pleasure of God and

you I will do. So when Sir Launcelot came thither he saw written upon

the tomb letters of gold that said thus: Here shall come a leopard of

king’s blood, and he shall slay this serpent, and this leopard shall

engender a lion in this foreign country, the which lion shall pass all

other knights. So then Sir Launcelot lift up the tomb, and there came

out an horrible and a fiendly dragon, spitting fire out of his mouth.

Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and fought with the dragon long, and

at the last with great pain Sir Launcelot slew that dragon. Therewithal

came King Pelles, the good and noble knight, and saluted Sir Launcelot,

and he him again. Fair knight, said the king, what is your name? I

require you of your knighthood tell me!

CHAPTER II. How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and

of Elaine, King Pelles’ daughter.

Sir, said Launcelot, wit you well my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. And

my name is, said the king, Pelles, king of the foreign country, and

cousin nigh unto Joseph of Armathie. And then either of them made much

of other, and so they went into the castle to take their repast. And

anon there came in a dove at a window, and in her mouth there seemed a

little censer of gold. And herewithal there was such a savour as all

the spicery of the world had been there. And forthwithal there was upon

the table all manner of meats and drinks that they could think upon. So

came in a damosel passing fair and young, and she bare a vessel of gold

betwixt her hands; and thereto the king kneeled devoutly, and said his

prayers, and so did all that were there. O Jesu, said Sir Launcelot,

what may this mean? This is, said the king, the richest thing that any

man hath living. And when this thing goeth about, the Round Table shall

be broken; and wit thou well, said the king, this is the holy Sangreal

that ye have here seen. So the king and Sir Launcelot led their life

the most part of that day. And fain would King Pelles have found the

mean to have had Sir Launcelot to have lain by his daughter, fair

Elaine. And for this intent: the king knew well that Sir Launcelot

should get a child upon his daughter, the which should be named Sir

Galahad the good knight, by whom all the foreign country should be

brought out of danger, and by him the Holy Greal should be achieved.

Then came forth a lady that hight Dame Brisen, and she said unto the

king: Sir, wit ye well Sir Launcelot loveth no lady in the world but

all only Queen Guenever; and therefore work ye by counsel, and I shall

make him to lie with your daughter, and he shall not wit but that he

lieth with Queen Guenever. O fair lady, Dame Brisen, said the king,

hope ye to bring this about? Sir, said she, upon pain of my life let me

deal; for this Brisen was one of the greatest enchantresses that was at

that time in the world living. Then anon by Dame Brisen’s wit she made

one to come to Sir Launcelot that he knew well. And this man brought

him a ring from Queen Guenever like as it had come from her, and such

one as she was wont for the most part to wear; and when Sir Launcelot

saw that token wit ye well he was never so fain. Where is my lady? said

Sir Launcelot. In the Castle of Case, said the messenger, but five mile

hence. Then Sir Launcelot thought to be there the same might. And then

this Brisen by the commandment of King Pelles let send Elaine to this

castle with twenty-five knights unto the Castle of Case. Then Sir

Launcelot against night rode unto that castle, and there anon he was

received worshipfully with such people, to his seeming, as were about

Queen Guenever secret.

So when Sir Launcelot was alighted, he asked where the queen was. So

Dame Brisen said she was in her bed; and then the people were avoided,

and Sir Launcelot was led unto his chamber. And then Dame Brisen

brought Sir Launcelot a cup full of wine; and anon as he had drunken

that wine he was so assotted and mad that he might make no delay, but

withouten any let he went to bed; and he weened that maiden Elaine had

been Queen Guenever. Wit you well that Sir Launcelot was glad, and so

was that lady Elaine that she had gotten Sir Launcelot in her arms. For

well she knew that same night should be gotten upon her Galahad that

should prove the best knight of the world; and so they lay together

until underne of the morn; and all the windows and holes of that

chamber were stopped that no manner of day might be seen. And then Sir

Launcelot remembered him, and he arose up and went to the window.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had

lain by Dame Elaine, and how she was delivered of Galahad.

And anon as he had unshut the window the enchantment was gone; then he

knew himself that he had done amiss. Alas, he said, that I have lived

so long; now I am shamed. So then he gat his sword in his hand and

said: Thou traitress, what art thou that I have lain by all this night?

thou shalt die right here of my hands. Then this fair lady Elaine

skipped out of her bed all naked, and kneeled down afore Sir Launcelot,

and said: Fair courteous knight, come of king’s blood, I require you

have mercy upon me, and as thou art renowned the most noble knight of

the world, slay me not, for I have in my womb him by thee that shall be

the most noblest knight of the world. Ah, false traitress, said Sir

Launcelot, why hast thou betrayed me? anon tell me what thou art. Sir,

she said, I am Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles. Well, said Sir

Launcelot, I will forgive you this deed; and therewith he took her up

in his arms, and kissed her, for she was as fair a lady, and thereto

lusty and young, and as wise, as any was that time living. So God me

help, said Sir Launcelot, I may not wite this to you; but her that made

this enchantment upon me as between you and me, an I may find her, that

same Lady Brisen, she shall lose her head for witchcrafts, for there

was never knight deceived so as I am this night. And so Sir Launcelot

arrayed him, and armed him, and took his leave mildly at that lady

young Elaine, and so he departed. Then she said: My lord Sir Launcelot,

I beseech you see me as soon as ye may, for I have obeyed me unto the

prophecy that my father told me. And by his commandment to fulfil this

prophecy I have given the greatest riches and the fairest flower that

ever I had, and that is my maidenhood that I shall never have again;

and therefore, gentle knight, owe me your good will.

And so Sir Launcelot arrayed him and was armed, and took his leave

mildly at that young lady Elaine; and so he departed, and rode till he

came to the Castle of Corbin, where her father was. And as fast as her

time came she was delivered of a fair child, and they christened him

Galahad; and wit ye well that child was well kept and well nourished,

and he was named Galahad because Sir Launcelot was so named at the

fountain stone; and after that the Lady of the Lake confirmed him Sir

Launcelot du Lake.

Then after this lady was delivered and churched, there came a knight

unto her, his name was Sir Bromel la Pleche, the which was a great

lord; and he had loved that lady long, and he evermore desired her to

wed her; and so by no mean she could put him off, till on a day she

said to Sir Bromel: Wit thou well, sir knight, I will not love you, for

my love is set upon the best knight of the world. Who is he? said Sir

Bromel. Sir, she said, it is Sir Launcelot du Lake that I love and none

other, and therefore woo me no longer. Ye say well, said Sir Bromel,

and sithen ye have told me so much, ye shall have but little joy of Sir

Launcelot, for I shall slay him wheresomever I meet him. Sir, said the

Lady Elaine, do to him no treason. Wit ye well, my lady, said Bromel,

and I promise you this twelvemonth I shall keep the pont of Corbin for

Sir Launcelot’s sake, that he shall neither come nor go unto you, but I

shall meet with him.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Bors came to Dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how

he was fed with the Sangreal.

Then as it fell by fortune and adventure, Sir Bors de Ganis, that was

nephew unto Sir Launcelot, came over that bridge; and there Sir Bromel

and Sir Bors jousted, and Sir Bors smote Sir Bromel such a buffet that

he bare him over his horse’s croup. And then Sir Bromel, as an hardy

knight, pulled out his sword, and dressed his shield to do battle with

Sir Bors. And then Sir Bors alighted and avoided his horse, and there

they dashed together many sad strokes; and long thus they fought, till

at the last Sir Bromel was laid to the earth, and there Sir Bors began

to unlace his helm to slay him. Then Sir Bromel cried Sir Bors mercy,

and yielded him. Upon this covenant thou shalt have thy life, said Sir

Bors, so thou go unto Sir Launcelot upon Whitsunday that next cometh,

and yield thee unto him as knight recreant. I will do it, said Sir

Bromel, and that he sware upon the cross of the sword. And so he let

him depart, and Sir Bors rode unto King Pelles, that was within Corbin.

And when the king and Elaine his daughter wist that Sir Bors was nephew

unto Sir Launcelot, they made him great cheer. Then said Dame Elaine:

We marvel where Sir Launcelot is, for he came never here but once.

Marvel not, said Sir Bors, for this half year he hath been in prison

with Queen Morgan le Fay, King Arthur’s sister. Alas, said Dame Elaine,

that me repenteth. And ever Sir Bors beheld that child in her arms, and

ever him seemed it was passing like Sir Launcelot. Truly, said Elaine,

wit ye well this child he gat upon me. Then Sir Bors wept for joy, and

he prayed to God it might prove as good a knight as his father was. And

so came in a white dove, and she bare a little censer of gold in her

mouth, and there was all manner of meats and drinks; and a maiden bare

that Sangreal, and she said openly: Wit you well, Sir Bors, that this

child is Galahad, that shall sit in the Siege Perilous, and achieve the

Sangreal, and he shall be much better than ever was Sir Launcelot du

Lake, that is his own father. And then they kneeled down and made their

devotions, and there was such a savour as all the spicery in the world

had been there. And when the dove took her flight, the maiden vanished

with the Sangreal as she came.

Sir, said Sir Bors unto King Pelles, this castle may be named the

Castle Adventurous, for here be many strange adventures. That is sooth,

said the king, for well may this place be called the adventures place,

for there come but few knights here that go away with any worship; be

he never so strong, here he may be proved; and but late Sir Gawaine,

the good knight, gat but little worship here. For I let you wit, said

King Pelles, here shall no knight win no worship but if he be of

worship himself and of good living, and that loveth God and dreadeth

God, and else he getteth no worship here, be he never so hardy. That is

wonderful thing, said Sir Bors. What ye mean in this country I wot not,

for ye have many strange adventures, and therefore I will lie in this

castle this night. Ye shall not do so, said King Pelles, by my counsel,

for it is hard an ye escape without a shame. I shall take the adventure

that will befall me, said Sir Bors. Then I counsel you, said the king,

to be confessed clean. As for that, said Sir Bors, I will be shriven

with a good will. So Sir Bors was confessed, and for all women Sir Bors

was a virgin, save for one, that was the daughter of King Brangoris,

and on her he gat a child that hight Elaine, and save for her Sir Bors

was a clean maiden.

And so Sir Bors was led unto bed in a fair large chamber, and many

doors were shut about the chamber. When Sir Bors espied all those

doors, he avoided all the people, for he might have nobody with him;

but in no wise Sir Bors would unarm him, but so he laid him down upon

the bed. And right so he saw come in a light, that he might well see a

spear great and long that came straight upon him pointling, and to Sir

Bors seemed that the head of the spear brent like a taper. And anon, or

Sir Bors wist, the spear head smote him into the shoulder an

hand-breadth in deepness, and that wound grieved Sir Bors passing sore.

And then he laid him down again for pain; and anon therewithal there

came a knight armed with his shield on his shoulder and his sword in

his hand, and he bade Sir Bors: Arise, sir knight, and fight with me. I

am sore hurt, he said, but yet I shall not fail thee. And then Sir Bors

started up and dressed his shield; and then they lashed together

mightily a great while; and at the last Sir Bors bare him backward

until that he came unto a chamber door, and there that knight yede into

that chamber and rested him a great while. And when he had reposed him

he came out freshly again, and began new battle with Sir Bors mightily

and strongly.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Bors made Sir Pedivere to yield him, and of

marvellous adventures that he had, and how he achieved them.

Then Sir Bors thought he should no more go into that chamber to rest

him, and so Sir Bors dressed him betwixt the knight and that chamber

door, and there Sir Bors smote him down, and then that knight yielded

him. What is your name? said Sir Bors. Sir, said he, my name is

Pedivere of the Straight Marches. So Sir Bors made him to swear at

Whitsunday next coming to be at the court of King Arthur, and yield him

there as a prisoner as an overcome knight by the hands of Sir Bors. So

thus departed Sir Pedivere of the Straight Marches. And then Sir Bors

laid him down to rest, and then he heard and felt much noise in that

chamber; and then Sir Bors espied that there came in, he wist not

whether at the doors nor windows, shot of arrows and of quarrels so

thick that he marvelled, and many fell upon him and hurt him in the

bare places.

And then Sir Bors was ware where came in an hideous lion; so Sir Bors

dressed him unto the lion, and anon the lion bereft him his shield, and

with his sword Sir Bors smote off the lion’s head. Right so Sir Bors

forthwithal saw a dragon in the court passing horrible, and there

seemed letters of gold written in his forehead; and Sir Bors thought

that the letters made a signification of King Arthur. Right so there

came an horrible leopard and an old, and there they fought long, and

did great battle together. And at the last the dragon spit out of his

mouth as it had been an hundred dragons; and lightly all the small

dragons slew the old dragon and tare him all to pieces.

Anon withal there came an old man into the hall, and he sat him down in

a fair chair, and there seemed to be two adders about his neck; and

then the old man had an harp, and there he sang an old song how Joseph

of Armathie came into this land. Then when he had sung, the old man

bade Sir Bors go from thence. For here shall ye have no more

adventures; and full worshipfully have ye done, and better shall ye do

hereafter. And then Sir Bors seemed that there came the whitest dove

with a little golden censer in her mouth. And anon therewithal the

tempest ceased and passed, that afore was marvellous to hear. So was

all that court full of good savours. Then Sir Bors saw four children

bearing four fair tapers, and an old man in the midst of the children

with a censer in his own hand, and a spear in his other hand, and that

spear was called the Spear of Vengeance.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bors departed; and how Sir Launcelot was rebuked of

Queen Guenever, and of his excuse.

Now, said that old man to Sir Bors, go ye to your cousin, Sir

Launcelot, and tell him of this adventure the which had been most

convenient for him of all earthly knights; but sin is so foul in him he

may not achieve such holy deeds, for had not been his sin he had passed

all the knights that ever were in his days; and tell thou Sir

Launcelot, of all worldly adventures he passeth in manhood and prowess

all other, but in this spiritual matters he shall have many his better.

And then Sir Bors saw four gentlewomen come by him, purely beseen: and

he saw where that they entered into a chamber where was great light as

it were a summer light; and the women kneeled down afore an altar of

silver with four pillars, and as it had been a bishop kneeled down

afore that table of silver. And as Sir Bors looked over his head he saw

a sword like silver, naked, hoving over his head, and the clearness

thereof smote so in his eyes that as at that time Sir Bors was blind;

and there he heard a voice that said: Go hence, thou Sir Bors, for as

yet thou art not worthy for to be in this place. And then he yede

backward to his bed till on the morn. And on the morn King Pelles made

great joy of Sir Bors; and then he departed and rode to Camelot, and

there he found Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the adventures

that he had seen with King Pelles at Corbin.

So the noise sprang in Arthur’s court that Launcelot had gotten a child

upon Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, wherefore Queen Guenever was

wroth, and gave many rebukes to Sir Launcelot, and called him false

knight. And then Sir Launcelot told the queen all, and how he was made

to lie by her by enchantment in likeness of the queen. So the queen

held Sir Launcelot excused. And as the book saith, King Arthur had been

in France, and had made war upon the mighty King Claudas, and had won

much of his lands. And when the king was come again he let cry a great

feast, that all lords and ladies of all England should be there, but if

it were such as were rebellious against him.

CHAPTER VII. How Dame Elaine, Galahad’s mother, came in great estate

unto Camelot, and how Sir Launcelot behaved him there.

And when Dame Elaine, the daughter of King Pelles, heard of this feast

she went to her father and required him that he would give her leave to

ride to that feast. The king answered: I will well ye go thither, but

in any wise as ye love me and will have my blessing, that ye be well

beseen in the richest wise; and look that ye spare not for no cost; ask

and ye shall have all that you needeth. Then by the advice of Dame

Brisen, her maiden, all thing was apparelled unto the purpose, that

there was never no lady more richlier beseen. So she rode with twenty

knights, and ten ladies, and gentlewomen, to the number of an hundred

horses. And when she came to Camelot, King Arthur and Queen Guenever

said, and all the knights, that Dame Elaine was the fairest and the

best beseen lady that ever was seen in that court. And anon as King

Arthur wist that she was come he met her and saluted her, and so did

the most part of all the knights of the Round Table, both Sir Tristram,

Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Gawaine, and many more that I will not rehearse.

But when Sir Launcelot saw her he was so ashamed, and that because he

drew his sword on the morn when he had lain by her, that he would not

salute her nor speak to her; and yet Sir Launcelot thought she was the

fairest woman that ever he saw in his life-days.

But when Dame Elaine saw Sir Launcelot that would not speak unto her

she was so heavy that she weened her heart would have to-brast; for wit

you well, out of measure she loved him. And then Elaine said unto her

woman, Dame Brisen: the unkindness of Sir Launcelot slayeth me near.

Ah, peace, madam, said Dame Brisen, I will undertake that this night he

shall lie with you, an ye would hold you still. That were me liefer,

said Dame Elaine, than all the gold that is above the earth. Let me

deal, said Dame Brisen. So when Elaine was brought unto Queen Guenever

either made other good cheer by countenance, but nothing with hearts.

But all men and women spake of the beauty of Dame Elaine, and of her

great riches.

Then, at night, the queen commanded that Dame Elaine should sleep in a

chamber nigh her chamber, and all under one roof; and so it was done as

the queen commanded. Then the queen sent for Sir Launcelot and bade him

come to her chamber that night: Or else I am sure, said the queen, that

ye will go to your lady’s bed, Dame Elaine, by whom ye gat Galahad. Ah,

madam, said Sir Launcelot, never say ye so, for that I did was against

my will. Then, said the queen, look that ye come to me when I send for

you. Madam, said Launcelot, I shall not fail you, but I shall be ready

at your commandment. This bargain was soon done and made between them,

but Dame Brisen knew it by her crafts, and told it to her lady, Dame

Elaine. Alas, said she, how shall I do? Let me deal, said Dame Brisen,

for I shall bring him by the hand even to your bed, and he shall ween

that I am Queen Guenever’s messenger. Now well is me, said Dame Elaine,

for all the world I love not so much as I do Sir Launcelot.

CHAPTER VIII. How Dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to

Dame Elaine’s bed, and how Queen Guenever rebuked him.

So when time came that all folks were abed, Dame Brisen came to Sir

Launcelot’s bed’s side and said: Sir Launcelot du Lake, sleep you? My

lady, Queen Guenever, lieth and awaiteth upon you. O my fair lady, said

Sir Launcelot, I am ready to go with you where ye will have me. So Sir

Launcelot threw upon him a long gown, and his sword in his hand; and

then Dame Brisen took him by the finger and led him to her lady’s bed,

Dame Elaine; and then she departed and left them in bed together. Wit

you well the lady was glad, and so was Sir Launcelot, for he weened

that he had had another in his arms.

Now leave we them kissing and clipping, as was kindly thing; and now

speak we of Queen Guenever that sent one of her women unto Sir

Launcelot’s bed; and when she came there she found the bed cold, and he

was away; so she came to the queen and told her all. Alas, said the

queen, where is that false knight become? Then the queen was nigh out

of her wit, and then she writhed and weltered as a mad woman, and might

not sleep a four or five hours. Then Sir Launcelot had a condition that

he used of custom, he would clatter in his sleep, and speak oft of his

lady, Queen Guenever. So as Sir Launcelot had waked as long as it had

pleased him, then by course of kind he slept, and Dame Elaine both. And

in his sleep he talked and clattered as a jay, of the love that had

been betwixt Queen Guenever and him. And so as he talked so loud the

queen heard him thereas she lay in her chamber; and when she heard him

so clatter she was nigh wood and out of her mind, and for anger and

pain wist not what to do. And then she coughed so loud that Sir

Launcelot awaked, and he knew her hemming. And then he knew well that

he lay not by the queen; and therewith he leapt out of his bed as he

had been a wood man, in his shirt, and the queen met him in the floor;

and thus she said: False traitor knight that thou art, look thou never

abide in my court, and avoid my chamber, and not so hardy, thou false

traitor knight that thou art, that ever thou come in my sight. Alas,

said Sir Launcelot; and therewith he took such an heartly sorrow at her

words that he fell down to the floor in a swoon. And therewithal Queen

Guenever departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of his swoon, he leapt

out at a bay window into a garden, and there with thorns he was all

to-scratched in his visage and his body; and so he ran forth he wist

not whither, and was wild wood as ever was man; and so he ran two year,

and never man might have grace to know him.

CHAPTER IX. How Dame Elaine was commanded by Queen Guenever to avoid

the court, and how Sir Launcelot became mad.

Now turn we unto Queen Guenever and to the fair Lady Elaine, that when

Dame Elaine heard the queen so to rebuke Sir Launcelot, and also she

saw how he swooned, and how he leaped out at a bay window, then she

said unto Queen Guenever: Madam, ye are greatly to blame for Sir

Launcelot, for now have ye lost him, for I saw and heard by his

countenance that he is mad for ever. Alas, madam, ye do great sin, and

to yourself great dishonour, for ye have a lord of your own, and

therefore it is your part to love him; for there is no queen in this

world hath such another king as ye have. And, if ye were not, I might

have the love of my lord Sir Launcelot; and cause I have to love him

for he had my maidenhood, and by him I have borne a fair son, and his

name is Galahad, and he shall be in his time the best knight of the

world. Dame Elaine, said the queen, when it is daylight I charge you

and command you to avoid my court; and for the love ye owe unto Sir

Launcelot discover not his counsel, for an ye do, it will be his death.

As for that, said Dame Elaine, I dare undertake he is marred for ever,

and that have ye made; for ye, nor I, are like to rejoice him; for he

made the most piteous groans when he leapt out at yonder bay window

that ever I heard man make. Alas, said fair Elaine, and alas, said the

Queen Guenever, for now I wot well we have lost him for ever.

So on the morn Dame Elaine took her leave to depart, and she would no

longer abide. Then King Arthur brought her on her way with mo than an

hundred knights through a forest. And by the way she told Sir Bors de

Ganis all how it betid that same night, and how Sir Launcelot leapt out

at a window, araged out of his wit. Alas, said Sir Bors, where is my

lord, Sir Launcelot, become? Sir, said Elaine, I wot ne’er. Alas, said

Sir Bors, betwixt you both ye have destroyed that good knight. As for

me, said Dame Elaine, I said never nor did never thing that should in

any wise displease him, but with the rebuke that Queen Guenever gave

him I saw him swoon to the earth; and when he awoke he took his sword

in his hand, naked save his shirt, and leapt out at a window with the

grisliest groan that ever I heard man make. Now farewell, Dame Elaine,

said Sir Bors, and hold my lord Arthur with a tale as long as ye can,

for I will turn again to Queen Guenever and give her a hete; and I

require you, as ever ye will have my service, make good watch and espy

if ever ye may see my lord Sir Launcelot. Truly, said fair Elaine, I

shall do all that I may do, for as fain would I know and wit where he

is become, as you, or any of his kin, or Queen Guenever; and cause

great enough have I thereto as well as any other. And wit ye well, said

fair Elaine to Sir Bors, I would lose my life for him rather than he

should be hurt; but alas, I cast me never for to see him, and the chief

causer of this is Dame Guenever. Madam, said Dame Brisen, the which had

made the enchantment before betwixt Sir Launcelot and her, I pray you

heartily, let Sir Bors depart, and hie him with all his might as fast

as he may to seek Sir Launcelot, for I warn you he is clean out of his

mind; and yet he shall be well holpen an but by miracle.

Then wept Dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis; and so they

departed, and Sir Bors rode straight unto Queen Guenever. And when she

saw Sir Bors she wept as she were wood. Fie on your weeping, said Sir

Bors de Ganis, for ye weep never but when there is no bote. Alas, said

Sir Bors, that ever Sir Launcelot’s kin saw you, for now have ye lost

the best knight of our blood, and he that was all our leader and our

succour; and I dare say and make it good that all kings, christian nor

heathen, may not find such a knight, for to speak of his nobleness and

courtesy, with his beauty and his gentleness. Alas, said Sir Bors, what

shall we do that be of his blood? Alas, said Sir Ector de Maris. Alas,

said Lionel.

CHAPTER X. What sorrow Queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how

he was sought by knights of his kin.

And when the queen heard them say so she fell to the earth in a dead

swoon. And then Sir Bors took her up, and dawed her; and when she was

awaked she kneeled afore the three knights, and held up both her hands,

and besought them to seek him. And spare not for no goods but that he

be found, for I wot he is out of his mind. And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and

Sir Lionel departed from the queen, for they might not abide no longer

for sorrow. And then the queen sent them treasure enough for their

expenses, and so they took their horses and their armour, and departed.

And then they rode from country to country, in forests, and in

wilderness, and in wastes; and ever they laid watch both at forests and

at all manner of men as they rode, to hearken and spere after him, as

he that was a naked man, in his shirt, with a sword in his hand. And

thus they rode nigh a quarter of a year, endlong and overthwart, in

many places, forests and wilderness, and oft-times were evil lodged for

his sake; and yet for all their labour and seeking could they never

hear word of him. And wit you well these three knights were passing

sorry.

Then at the last Sir Bors and his fellows met with a knight that hight

Sir Melion de Tartare. Now fair knight, said Sir Bors, whither be ye

away? for they knew either other afore time. Sir, said Melion, I am in

the way toward the court of King Arthur. Then we pray you, said Sir

Bors, that ye will tell my lord Arthur, and my lady, Queen Guenever,

and all the fellowship of the Round Table, that we cannot in no wise

hear tell where Sir Launcelot is become. Then Sir Melion departed from

them, and said that he would tell the king, and the queen, and all the

fellowship of the Round Table, as they had desired him. So when Sir

Melion came to the court of King Arthur he told the king, and the

queen, and all the fellowship of the Round Table, what Sir Bors had

said of Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore le

Desirous, Sir Aglovale, and Sir Percivale de Galis took upon them by

the great desire of King Arthur, and in especial by the queen, to seek

throughout all England, Wales, and Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot, and

with them rode eighteen knights mo to bear them fellowship; and wit ye

well, they lacked no manner of spending; and so were they three and

twenty knights.

Now turn we to Sir Launcelot, and speak we of his care and woe, and

what pain he there endured; for cold, hunger, and thirst, he had

plenty. And thus as these noble knights rode together, they by one

assent departed, and then they rode by two, by three, and by four, and

by five, and ever they assigned where they should meet. And so Sir

Aglovale and Sir Percivale rode together unto their mother that was a

queen in those days. And when she saw her two sons, for joy she wept

tenderly. And then she said: Ah, my dear sons, when your father was

slain he left me four sons, of the which now be twain slain. And for

the death of my noble son, Sir Lamorak, shall my heart never be glad.

And then she kneeled down upon her knees to-fore Aglovale and Sir

Percivale, and besought them to abide at home with her. Ah, sweet

mother, said Sir Percivale, we may not, for we be come of king’s blood

of both parties, and therefore, mother, it is our kind to haunt arms

and noble deeds. Alas, my sweet sons, then she said, for your sakes I

shall lose my liking and lust, and then wind and weather I may not

endure, what for the death of your father, King Pellinore, that was

shamefully slain by the hands of Sir Gawaine, and his brother, Sir

Gaheris: and they slew him not manly but by treason. Ah, my dear sons,

this is a piteous complaint for me of your father’s death, considering

also the death of Sir Lamorak, that of knighthood had but few fellows.

Now, my dear sons, have this in your mind. Then there was but weeping

and sobbing in the court when they should depart, and she fell

a-swooning in midst of the court.

CHAPTER XI. How a servant of Sir Aglovale’s was slain, and what

vengeance Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale did therefore.

And when she was awaked she sent a squire after them with spending

enough. And so when the squire had overtaken them, they would not

suffer him to ride with them, but sent him home again to comfort their

mother, praying her meekly of her blessing. And so this squire was

benighted, and by misfortune he happened to come to a castle where

dwelled a baron. And so when the squire was come into the castle, the

lord asked him from whence he came, and whom he served. My lord, said

the squire, I serve a good knight that is called Sir Aglovale: the

squire said it to good intent, weening unto him to have been more

forborne for Sir Aglovale’s sake, than he had said he had served the

queen, Aglovale’s mother. Well, my fellow, said the lord of that

castle, for Sir Aglovale’s sake thou shalt have evil lodging, for Sir

Aglovale slew my brother, and therefore thou shalt die on part of

payment. And then that lord commanded his men to have him away and slay

him; and so they did, and so pulled him out of the castle, and there

they slew him without mercy.

Right so on the morn came Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale riding by a

churchyard, where men and women were busy, and beheld the dead squire,

and they thought to bury him. What is there, said Sir Aglovale, that ye

behold so fast? A good man stert forth and said: Fair knight, here

lieth a squire slain shamefully this night. How was he slain, fair

fellow? said Sir Aglovale. My fair sir, said the man, the lord of this

castle lodged this squire this night; and because he said he was

servant unto a good knight that is with King Arthur, his name is Sir

Aglovale, therefore the lord commanded to slay him, and for this cause

is he slain. Gramercy, said Sir Aglovale, and ye shall see his death

revenged lightly; for I am that same knight for whom this squire was

slain.

Then Sir Aglovale called unto him Sir Percivale, and bade him alight

lightly; and so they alighted both, and betook their horses to their

men, and so they yede on foot into the castle. And all so soon as they

were within the castle gate Sir Aglovale bade the porter: Go thou unto

thy lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglovale for whom this squire was

slain this night. Anon the porter told this to his lord, whose name was

Goodewin. Anon he armed him, and then he came into the court and said:

Which of you is Sir Aglovale? Here I am, said Aglovale: for what cause

slewest thou this night my mother’s squire? I slew him, said Sir

Goodewin, because of thee, for thou slewest my brother, Sir Gawdelin.

As for thy brother, said Sir Aglovale, I avow it I slew him, for he was

a false knight and a betrayer of ladies and of good knights; and for

the death of my squire thou shalt die. I defy thee, said Sir Goodewin.

Then they lashed together as eagerly as it had been two lions, and Sir

Percivale he fought with all the remnant that would fight. And within a

while Sir Percivale had slain all that would withstand him; for Sir

Percivale dealt so his strokes that were so rude that there durst no

man abide him. And within a while Sir Aglovale had Sir Goodewin at the

earth, and there he unlaced his helm, and struck off his head. And then

they departed and took their horses; and then they let carry the dead

squire unto a priory, and there they interred him.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Pervivale departed secretly from his brother, and

how he loosed a knight bound with a chain, and of other doings.

And when this was done they rode into many countries, ever inquiring

after Sir Launcelot, but never they could hear of him; and at the last

they came to a castle that hight Cardican, and there Sir Percivale and

Sir Aglovale were lodged together. And privily about midnight Sir

Percivale came to Aglovale’s squire and said: Arise and make thee

ready, for ye and I will ride away secretly. Sir, said the squire, I

would full fain ride with you where ye would have me, but an my lord,

your brother, take me he will slay me. As for that care thou not, for I

shall be thy warrant.

And so Sir Percivale rode till it was after noon, and then he came upon

a bridge of stone, and there he found a knight that was bound with a

chain fast about the waist unto a pillar of stone. O fair knight, said

that bound knight, I require thee loose me of my bonds. What knight are

ye, said Sir Percivale, and for what cause are ye so bound? Sir, I

shall tell you, said that knight: I am a knight of the Table Round, and

my name is Sir Persides; and thus by adventure I came this way, and

here I lodged in this castle at the bridge foot, and therein dwelleth

an uncourteous lady; and because she proffered me to be her paramour,

and I refused her, she set her men upon me suddenly or ever I might

come to my weapon; and thus they bound me, and here I wot well I shall

die but if some man of worship break my bands. Be ye of good cheer,

said Sir Percivale, and because ye are a knight of the Round Table as

well as I, I trust to God to break your bands. And therewith Sir

Percivale pulled out his sword and struck at the chain with such a

might that he cut a-two the chain, and through Sir Persides’ hauberk

and hurt him a little. O Jesu, said Sir Persides, that was a mighty

stroke as ever I felt one, for had not the chain been ye had slain me.

And therewithal Sir Persides saw a knight coming out of a castle all

that ever he might fling. Beware, sir, said Sir Persides, yonder cometh

a man that will have ado with you. Let him come, said Sir Percivale.

And so he met with that knight in midst of the bridge; and Sir

Percivale gave him such a buffet that he smote him quite from his horse

and over a part of the bridge, that, had not been a little vessel under

the bridge, that knight had been drowned. And then Sir Percivale took

the knight’s horse and made Sir Persides to mount up him; and so they

rode unto the castle, and bade the lady deliver Sir Persides’ servants,

or else he would slay all that ever he found; and so for fear she

delivered them all. Then was Sir Percivale ware of a lady that stood in

that tower. Ah, madam, said Sir Percivale, what use and custom is that

in a lady to destroy good knights but if they will be your paramour?

Forsooth this is a shameful custom of a lady, and if I had not a great

matter in my hand I should fordo your evil customs.

And so Sir Persides brought Sir Percivale unto his own castle, and

there he made him great cheer all that night. And on the morn, when Sir

Percivale had heard mass and broken his fast, he bade Sir Persides ride

unto King Arthur: And tell the king how that ye met with me; and tell

my brother, Sir Aglovale, how I rescued you; and bid him seek not after

me, for I am in the quest to seek Sir Launcelot du Lake, and though he

seek me he shall not find me; and tell him I will never see him, nor

the court, till I have found Sir Launcelot. Also tell Sir Kay the

Seneschal, and to Sir Mordred, that I trust to Jesu to be of as great

worthiness as either of them, for tell them I shall never forget their

mocks and scorns that they did to me that day that I was made knight;

and tell them I will never see that court till men speak more worship

of me than ever men did of any of them both. And so Sir Persides

departed from Sir Percivale, and then he rode unto King Arthur, and

told there of Sir Percivale. And when Sir Aglovale heard him speak of

his brother Sir Percivale, he said: He departed from me unkindly.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they fought

long, and each had almost slain other.

Sir, said Sir Persides, on my life he shall prove a noble knight as any

now is living. And when he saw Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, Sir Persides

said thus: My fair lords both, Sir Percivale greeteth you well both,

and he sent you word by me that he trusteth to God or ever he come to

the court again to be of as great noblesse as ever were ye both, and mo

men to speak of his noblesse than ever they did of you. It may well be,

said Sir Kay and Sir Mordred, but at that time when he was made knight

he was full unlike to prove a good knight. As for that, said King

Arthur, he must needs prove a good knight, for his father and his

brethren were noble knights.

And now will we turn unto Sir Percivale that rode long; and in a forest

he met a knight with a broken shield and a broken helm; and as soon as

either saw other readily they made them ready to joust, and so hurtled

together with all the might of their horses, and met together so hard,

that Sir Percivale was smitten to the earth. And then Sir Percivale

arose lightly, and cast his shield on his shoulder and drew his sword,

and bade the other knight: Alight, and do we battle unto the uttermost.

Will ye more? said that knight. And therewith he alighted, and put his

horse from him; and then they came together an easy pace, and there

they lashed together with noble swords, and sometime they struck and

sometime they foined, and either gave other many great wounds. Thus

they fought near half a day, and never rested but right little, and

there was none of them both that had less wounds than fifteen, and they

bled so much that it was marvel they stood on their feet. But this

knight that fought with Sir Percivale was a proved knight and a

wise-fighting knight, and Sir Percivale was young and strong, not

knowing in fighting as the other was.

Then Sir Percivale spoke first, and said: Sir knight, hold thy hand a

while still, for we have fought for a simple matter and quarrel

overlong, and therefore I require thee tell me thy name, for I was

never or this time matched. So God me help, said that knight, and never

or this time was there never knight that wounded me so sore as thou

hast done, and yet have I fought in many battles; and now shalt thou

wit that I am a knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir Ector de

Maris, brother unto the good knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake. Alas, said

Sir Percivale, and my name is Sir Percivale de Galis that hath made my

quest to seek Sir Launcelot, and now I am siker that I shall never

finish my quest, for ye have slain me with your hands. It is not so,

said Sir Ector, for I am slain by your hands, and may not live.

Therefore I require you, said Sir Ector unto Sir Percivale, ride ye

hereby to a priory, and bring me a priest that I may receive my

Saviour, for I may not live. And when ye come to the court of King

Arthur tell not my brother, Sir Launcelot, how that ye slew me, for

then he would be your mortal enemy, but ye may say that I was slain in

my quest as I sought him. Alas, said Sir Percivale, ye say that never

will be, for I am so faint for bleeding that I may unnethe stand, how

should I then take my horse?

CHAPTER XIV. How by miracle they were both made whole by the coming of

the holy vessel of Sangreal.

Then they made both great dole out of measure. This will not avail,

said Sir Percivale. And then he kneeled down and made his prayer

devoutly unto Almighty Jesu, for he was one of the best knights of the

world that at that time was, in whom the very faith stood most in.

Right so there came by the holy vessel of the Sangreal with all manner

of sweetness and savour; but they could not readily see who that bare

that vessel, but Sir Percivale had a glimmering of the vessel and of

the maiden that bare it, for he was a perfect clean maiden; and

forthwithal they both were as whole of hide and limb as ever they were

in their life-days: then they gave thankings to God with great

mildness. O Jesu, said Sir Percivale, what may this mean, that we be

thus healed, and right now we were at the point of dying? I wot full

well, said Sir Ector, what it is; it is an holy vessel that is borne by

a maiden, and therein is part of the holy blood of our Lord Jesu

Christ, blessed mote he be. But it may not be seen, said Sir Ector, but

if it be by a perfect man. So God me help, said Sir Percivale, I saw a

damosel, as me thought, all in white, with a vessel in both her hands,

and forthwithal I was whole.

So then they took their horses and their harness, and amended their

harness as well as they might that was broken; and so they mounted upon

their horses, and rode talking together. And there Sir Ector de Maris

told Sir Percivale how he had sought his brother, Sir Launcelot, long,

and never could hear witting of him: In many strange adventures have I

been in this quest. And so either told other of their adventures.

_Here endeth the eleventh book. And here followeth the twelfth book._

BOOK XII.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Launcelot in his madness took a sword and fought

with a knight, and leapt in a bed.

And now leave we of a while of Sir Ector and of Sir Percivale, and

speak we of Sir Launcelot that suffered and endured many sharp showers,

that ever ran wild wood from place to place, and lived by fruit and

such as he might get, and drank water two year; and other clothing had

he but little but his shirt and his breech. Thus as Sir Launcelot

wandered here and there he came in a fair meadow where he found a

pavilion; and there by, upon a tree, there hung a white shield, and two

swords hung thereby, and two spears leaned there by a tree. And when

Sir Launcelot saw the swords, anon he leapt to the one sword, and took

it in his hand, and drew it out. And then he lashed at the shield, that

all the meadow rang of the dints, that he gave such a noise as ten

knights had foughten together.

Then came forth a dwarf, and leapt unto Sir Launcelot, and would have

had the sword out of his hand. And then Sir Launcelot took him by the

both shoulders and threw him to the ground upon his neck, that he had

almost broken his neck; and therewithal the dwarf cried help. Then came

forth a likely knight, and well apparelled in scarlet furred with

minever. And anon as he saw Sir Launcelot he deemed that he should be

out of his wit. And then he said with fair speech: Good man, lay down

that sword, for as meseemeth thou hadst more need of sleep and of warm

clothes than to wield that sword. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, come

not too nigh, for an thou do, wit thou well I will slay thee.

And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he stert backward within

the pavilion. And then the dwarf armed him lightly; and so the knight

thought by force and might to take the sword from Sir Launcelot, and so

he came stepping out; and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so all armed

with his sword in his hand, then Sir Launcelot flew to him with such a

might, and hit him upon the helm such a buffet, that the stroke

troubled his brains, and therewith the sword brake in three. And the

knight fell to the earth as he had been dead, the blood brasting out of

his mouth, the nose, and the ears. And then Sir Launcelot ran into the

pavilion, and rushed even into the warm bed; and there was a lady in

that bed, and she gat her smock, and ran out of the pavilion. And when

she saw her lord lie at the ground like to be dead, then she cried and

wept as she had been mad. Then with her noise the knight awaked out of

his swoon, and looked up weakly with his eyes; and then he asked her,

where was that mad man that had given him such a buffet: For such a

buffet had I never of man’s hand. Sir, said the dwarf, it is not

worship to hurt him, for he is a man out of his wit; and doubt ye not

he hath been a man of great worship, and for some heartly sorrow that

he hath taken, he is fallen mad; and me beseemeth, said the dwarf, he

resembleth much unto Sir Launcelot, for him I saw at the great

tournament beside Lonazep. Jesu defend, said that knight, that ever

that noble knight, Sir Launcelot, should be in such a plight; but

whatsomever he be, said that knight, harm will I none do him: and this

knight’s name was Bliant. Then he said unto the dwarf: Go thou fast on

horseback, unto my brother Sir Selivant, that is at the Castle Blank,

and tell him of mine adventure, and bid him bring with him an horse

litter, and then will we bear this knight unto my castle.

CHAPTER II. How Sir Lancelot was carried in an horse litter, and how

Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bliant, his host.

So the dwarf rode fast, and he came again and brought Sir Selivant with

him, and six men with an horse litter; and so they took up the feather

bed with Sir Launcelot, and so carried all away with them unto the

Castle Blank, and he never awaked till he was within the castle. And

then they bound his hands and his feet, and gave him good meats and

good drinks, and brought him again to his strength and his fairness;

but in his wit they could not bring him again, nor to know himself.

Thus was Sir Launcelot there more than a year and a half, honestly

arrayed and fair faren withal.

Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, took his arms, on

horseback, with a spear, to seek adventures. And as he rode in a forest

there met with him two knights adventurous, the one was Breuse Saunce

Pité, and his brother, Sir Bertelot; and these two ran both at once

upon Sir Bliant, and brake their spears upon his body. And then they

drew out swords and made great battle, and fought long together. But at

the last Sir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself faint; and then

he fled on horseback toward his castle. And as they came hurling under

the castle whereas Sir Launcelot lay in a window, [he] saw how two

knights laid upon Sir Bliant with their swords. And when Sir Launcelot

saw that, yet as wood as he was he was sorry for his lord, Sir Bliant.

And then Sir Launcelot brake the chains from his legs and off his arms,

and in the breaking he hurt his hands sore; and so Sir Launcelot ran

out at a postern, and there he met with the two knights that chased Sir

Bliant; and there he pulled down Sir Bertelot with his bare hands from

his horse, and therewithal he wrothe his sword out of his hand; and so

he leapt unto Sir Breuse, and gave him such a buffet upon the head that

he tumbled backward over his horse’s croup. And when Sir Bertelot saw

there his brother have such a fall, he gat a spear in his hand, and

would have run Sir Launcelot through: that saw Sir Bliant, and struck

off the hand of Sir Bertelot. And then Sir Breuse and Sir Bertelot gat

their horses and fled away.

When Sir Selivant came and saw what Sir Launcelot had done for his

brother, then he thanked God, and so did his brother, that ever they

did him any good. But when Sir Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt

with the breaking of his irons, then was he heavy that ever he bound

him. Bind him no more, said Sir Selivant, for he is happy and gracious.

Then they made great joy of Sir Launcelot, and they bound him no more;

and so he abode there an half year and more. And on the morn early Sir

Launcelot was ware where came a great boar with many hounds nigh him.

But the boar was so big there might no hounds tear him; and the hunters

came after, blowing their horns, both upon horseback and some upon

foot; and then Sir Launcelot was ware where one alighted and tied his

horse to a tree, and leaned his spear against the tree.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and

how he was hurt, and brought unto an hermitage.

So came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bounden till a tree, and a

spear leaning against a tree, and a sword tied to the saddle bow; and

then Sir Launcelot leapt into the saddle and gat that spear in his

hand, and then he rode after the boar; and then Sir Launcelot was ware

where the boar set his arse to a tree fast by an hermitage. Then Sir

Launcelot ran at the boar with his spear, and therewith the boar turned

him nimbly, and rove out the lungs and the heart of the horse, so that

Launcelot fell to the earth; and, or ever Sir Launcelot might get from

the horse, the boar rove him on the brawn of the thigh up to the hough

bone. And then Sir Launcelot was wroth, and up he gat upon his feet,

and drew his sword, and he smote off the boar’s head at one stroke. And

therewithal came out the hermit, and saw him have such a wound. Then

the hermit came to Sir Launcelot and bemoaned him, and would have had

him home unto his hermitage; but when Sir Launcelot heard him speak, he

was so wroth with his wound that he ran upon the hermit to have slain

him, and the hermit ran away. And when Sir Launcelot might not overget

him, he threw his sword after him, for Sir Launcelot might go no

further for bleeding; then the hermit turned again, and asked Sir

Launcelot how he was hurt. Fellow, said Sir Launcelot, this boar hath

bitten me sore. Then come with me, said the hermit, and I shall heal

you. Go thy way, said Sir Launcelot, and deal not with me.

Then the hermit ran his way, and there he met with a good knight with

many men. Sir, said the hermit, here is fast by my place the goodliest

man that ever I saw, and he is sore wounded with a boar, and yet he

hath slain the boar. But well I wot, said the hermit, and he be not

holpen, that goodly man shall die of that wound, and that were great

pity. Then that knight at the desire of the hermit gat a cart, and in

that cart that knight put the boar and Sir Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot

was so feeble that they might right easily deal with him; and so Sir

Launcelot was brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit healed

him of his wound. But the hermit might not find Sir Launcelot’s

sustenance, and so he impaired and waxed feeble, both of his body and

of his wit: for the default of his sustenance he waxed more wooder than

he was aforehand.

And then upon a day Sir Launcelot ran his way into the forest; and by

adventure he came to the city of Corbin, where Dame Elaine was, that

bare Galahad, Sir Launcelot’s son. And so when he was entered into the

town he ran through the town to the castle; and then all the young men

of that city ran after Sir Launcelot, and there they threw turves at

him, and gave him many sad strokes. And ever as Sir Launcelot might

overreach any of them, he threw them so that they would never come in

his hands no more; for of some he brake the legs and the arms, and so

fled into the castle; and then came out knights and squires and rescued

Sir Launcelot. And when they beheld him and looked upon his person,

they thought they saw never so goodly a man. And when they saw so many

wounds upon him, all they deemed that he had been a man of worship. And

then they ordained him clothes to his body, and straw underneath him,

and a little house. And then every day they would throw him meat, and

set him drink, but there was but few would bring him meat to his hands.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot was known by Dame Elaine, and was borne

into a chamber and after healed by the Sangreal.

So it befell that King Pelles had a nephew, his name was Castor; and so

he desired of the king to be made knight, and so at the request of this

Castor the king made him knight at the feast of Candlemas. And when Sir

Castor was made knight, that same day he gave many gowns. And then Sir

Castor sent for the fool—that was Sir Launcelot. And when he was come

afore Sir Castor, he gave Sir Launcelot a robe of scarlet and all that

longed unto him. And when Sir Launcelot was so arrayed like a knight,

he was the seemliest man in all the court, and none so well made. So

when he saw his time he went into the garden, and there Sir Launcelot

laid him down by a well and slept. And so at-after noon Dame Elaine and

her maidens came into the garden to play them; and as they roamed up

and down one of Dame Elaine’s maidens espied where lay a goodly man by

the well sleeping, and anon showed him to Dame Elaine. Peace, said Dame

Elaine, and say no word: and then she brought Dame Elaine where he lay.

And when that she beheld him, anon she fell in remembrance of him, and

knew him verily for Sir Launcelot; and therewithal she fell a-weeping

so heartily that she sank even to the earth; and when she had thus wept

a great while, then she arose and called her maidens and said she was

sick.

And so she yede out of the garden, and she went straight to her father,

and there she took him apart by herself; and then she said: O father,

now have I need of your help, and but if that ye help me farewell my

good days for ever. What is that, daughter? said King Pelles. Sir, she

said, thus is it: in your garden I went for to sport, and there, by the

well, I found Sir Launcelot du Lake sleeping. I may not believe that,

said King Pelles. Sir, she said, truly he is there, and meseemeth he

should be distract out of his wit. Then hold you still, said the king,

and let me deal. Then the king called to him such as he most trusted, a

four persons, and Dame Elaine, his daughter. And when they came to the

well and beheld Sir Launcelot, anon Dame Brisen knew him. Sir, said

Dame Brisen, we must be wise how we deal with him, for this knight is

out of his mind, and if we awake him rudely what he will do we all know

not; but ye shall abide, and I shall throw such an enchantment upon him

that he shall not awake within the space of an hour; and so she did.

Then within a little while after, the king commanded that all people

should avoid, that none should be in that way thereas the king would

come. And so when this was done, these four men and these ladies laid

hand on Sir Launcelot, and so they bare him into a tower, and so into a

chamber where was the holy vessel of the Sangreal, and by force Sir

Launcelot was laid by that holy vessel; and there came an holy man and

unhilled that vessel, and so by miracle and by virtue of that holy

vessel Sir Launcelot was healed and recovered. And when that he was

awaked he groaned and sighed, and complained greatly that he was

passing sore.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind,

he was ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him.

And when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and Elaine, he waxed ashamed and

said thus: O Lord Jesu, how came I here? for God’s sake, my lord, let

me wit how I came here. Sir, said Dame Elaine, into this country ye

came like a madman, clean out of your wit, and here have ye been kept

as a fool; and no creature here knew what ye were, until by fortune a

maiden of mine brought me unto you whereas ye lay sleeping by a well,

and anon as I verily beheld you I knew you. And then I told my father,

and so were ye brought afore this holy vessel, and by the virtue of it

thus were ye healed. O Jesu, mercy, said Sir Launcelot; if this be

sooth, how many there be that know of my woodness! So God me help, said

Elaine, no more but my father, and I, and Dame Brisen. Now for Christ’s

love, said Sir Launcelot, keep it in counsel, and let no man know it in

the world, for I am sore ashamed that I have been thus miscarried; for

I am banished out of the country of Logris for ever, that is for to say

the country of England.

And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight or ever that he might

stir for soreness. And then upon a day he said unto Dame Elaine these

words: Lady Elaine, for your sake I have had much travail, care, and

anguish, it needeth not to rehearse it, ye know how. Notwithstanding I

know well I have done foul to you when that I drew my sword to you, to

have slain you, upon the morn when I had lain with you. And all was the

cause, that ye and Dame Brisen made me for to lie by you maugre mine

head; and as ye say, that night Galahad your son was begotten. That is

truth, said Dame Elaine. Now will ye for my love, said Sir Launcelot,

go unto your father and get me a place of him wherein I may dwell? for

in the court of King Arthur may I never come. Sir, said Dame Elaine, I

will live and die with you, and only for your sake; and if my life

might not avail you and my death might avail you, wit you well I would

die for your sake. And I will go to my father and I am sure there is

nothing that I can desire of him but I shall have it. And where ye be,

my lord Sir Launcelot, doubt ye not but I will be with you with all the

service that I may do. So forthwithal she went to her father and said,

Sir, my lord, Sir Launcelot, desireth to be here by you in some castle

of yours. Well daughter, said the king, sith it is his desire to abide

in these marches he shall be in the Castle of Bliant, and there shall

ye be with him, and twenty of the fairest ladies that be in the

country, and they shall all be of the great blood, and ye shall have

ten knights with you; for, daughter, I will that ye wit we all be

honoured by the blood of Sir Launcelot.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came into the joyous Isle, and there he

named himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet.

Then went Dame Elaine unto Sir Launcelot, and told him all how her

father had devised for him and her. Then came the knight Sir Castor,

that was nephew unto King Pelles, unto Sir Launcelot, and asked him

what was his name. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le Chevaler Mal

Fet, that is to say the knight that hath trespassed. Sir, said Sir

Castor, it may well be so, but ever meseemeth your name should be Sir

Launcelot du Lake, for or now I have seen you. Sir, said Launcelot, ye

are not as a gentle knight: I put case my name were Sir Launcelot, and

that it list me not to discover my name, what should it grieve you here

to keep my counsel, and ye be not hurt thereby? but wit thou well an

ever it lie in my power I shall grieve you, and that I promise you

truly. Then Sir Castor kneeled down and besought Sir Launcelot of

mercy: For I shall never utter what ye be, while that ye be in these

parts. Then Sir Launcelot pardoned him.

And then, after this, King Pelles with ten knights, and Dame Elaine,

and twenty ladies, rode unto the Castle of Bliant that stood in an

island beclosed in iron, with a fair water deep and large. And when

they were there Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle; and there

was he called none otherwise but Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the knight that

hath trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all of sable,

and a queen crowned in the midst, all of silver, and a knight clean

armed kneeling afore her. And every day once, for any mirths that all

the ladies might make him, he would once every day look toward the

realm of Logris, where King Arthur and Queen Guenever was. And then

would he fall upon a weeping as his heart should to-brast.

So it fell that time Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting fast by his

castle, within three leagues. Then he called unto him a dwarf, and he

bade him go unto that jousting. And or ever the knights depart, look

thou make there a cry, in hearing of all the knights, that there is one

knight in the Joyous Isle, that is the Castle of Bliant, and say his

name is Le Chevaler Mal Fet, that will joust against knights that will

come. And who that putteth that knight to the worse shall have a fair

maid and a gerfalcon.

CHAPTER VII. Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir

Pervivale and Sir Ector came thither, and Sir Percivale fought with

him.

So when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to the number

of five hundred; and wit ye well there was never seen in Arthur’s days

one knight that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did three

days together; for as the book maketh truly mention, he had the better

of all the five hundred knights, and there was not one slain of them.

And after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast.

And in the meanwhile came Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris

under that castle that was called the Joyous Isle. And as they beheld

that gay castle they would have gone to that castle, but they might not

for the broad water, and bridge could they find none. Then they saw on

the other side a lady with a sperhawk on her hand, and Sir Percivale

called unto her, and asked that lady who was in that castle. Fair

knights, she said, here within this castle is the fairest lady in this

land, and her name is Elaine. Also we have in this castle the fairest

knight and the mightiest man that is I dare say living, and he called

himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet. How came he into these marches? said Sir

Percivale. Truly, said the damosel, he came into this country like a

mad man, with dogs and boys chasing him through the city of Corbin, and

by the holy vessel of the Sangreal he was brought into his wit again;

but he will not do battle with no knight, but by underne or by noon.

And if ye list to come into the castle, said the lady, ye must ride

unto the further side of the castle and there shall ye find a vessel

that will bear you and your horse. Then they departed, and came unto

the vessel. And then Sir Percivale alighted, and said to Sir Ector de

Maris: Ye shall abide me here until that I wit what manner a knight he

is; for it were shame unto us, inasmuch as he is but one knight, an we

should both do battle with him. Do ye as ye list, said Sir Ector, and

here I shall abide you until that I hear of you.

Then passed Sir Percivale the water, and when he came to the castle

gate he bade the porter: Go thou to the good knight within the castle,

and tell him here is come an errant knight to joust with him. Sir, said

the porter, ride ye within the castle, and there is a common place for

jousting, that lords and ladies may behold you. So anon as Sir

Launcelot had warning he was soon ready; and there Sir Percivale and

Sir Launcelot encountered with such a might, and their spears were so

rude, that both the horses and the knights fell to the earth. Then they

avoided their horses, and flang out noble swords, and hewed away

cantels of their shields, and hurtled together with their shields like

two boars, and either wounded other passing sore. At the last Sir

Percivale spake first when they had foughten there more than two hours.

Fair knight, said Sir Percivale, I require thee tell me thy name, for I

met never with such a knight. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, my name is Le

Chevaler Mal Fet. Now tell me your name, said Sir Launcelot, I require

you, gentle knight. Truly, said Sir Percivale, my name is Sir Percivale

de Galis, that was brother unto the good knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis,

and King Pellinore was our father, and Sir Aglovale is my brother.

Alas, said Sir Launcelot, what have I done to fight with you that art a

knight of the Round Table, that sometime was your fellow?

CHAPTER VIlI. How each of them knew other, and of their great courtesy,

and how his brother Sir Ector came unto him, and of their joy.

And therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his knees, and threw

away his shield and his sword from him. When Sir Percivale saw him do

so he marvelled what he meant. And then thus he said: Sir knight,

whatsomever thou be, I require thee upon the high order of knighthood,

tell me thy true name. Then he said: So God me help, my name is Sir

Launcelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Benoy. Alas, said Sir Percivale,

what have I done? I was sent by the queen for to seek you, and so I

have sought you nigh this two year, and yonder is Sir Ector de Maris,

your brother abideth me on the other side of the yonder water. Now for

God’s sake, said Sir Percivale, forgive me mine offences that I have

here done. It is soon forgiven, said Sir Launcelot.

Then Sir Percivale sent for Sir Ector de Maris, and when Sir Launcelot

had a sight of him, he ran unto him and took him in his arms; and then

Sir Ector kneeled down, and either wept upon other, that all had pity

to behold them. Then came Dame Elaine and she there made them great

cheer as might lie in her power; and there she told Sir Ector and Sir

Percivale how and in what manner Sir Launcelot came into that country,

and how he was healed; and there it was known how long Sir Launcelot

was with Sir Bliant and with Sir Selivant, and how he first met with

them, and how he departed from them because of a boar; and how the

hermit healed Sir Launcelot of his great wound, and how that he came to

Corbin.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to King Brandegore, and

how Sir Bors took his son Helin le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot.

Now leave we Sir Launcelot in the Joyous Isle with the Lady Dame

Elaine, and Sir Percivale and Sir Ector playing with them, and turn we

to Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Lionel, that had sought Sir Launcelot nigh

by the space of two year, and never could they hear of him. And as they

thus rode, by adventure they came to the house of Brandegore, and there

Sir Bors was well known, for he had gotten a child upon the king’s

daughter fifteen year to-fore, and his name was Helin le Blank. And

when Sir Bors saw that child it liked him passing well. And so those

knights had good cheer of the King Brandegore. And on the morn Sir Bors

came afore King Brandegore and said: Here is my son Helin le Blank,

that as it is said he is my son; and sith it is so, I will that ye wit

that I will have him with me unto the court of King Arthur. Sir, said

the king, ye may well take him with you, but he is over tender of age.

As for that, said Sir Bors, I will have him with me, and bring him to

the house of most worship of the world. So when Sir Bors should depart

there was made great sorrow for the departing of Helin le Blank, and

great weeping was there made. But Sir Bors and Sir Lionel departed, and

within a while they came to Camelot, where was King Arthur. And when

King Arthur understood that Helin le Blank was Sir Bors’ son, and

nephew unto King Brandegore, then King Arthur let him make knight of

the Round Table; and so he proved a good knight and an adventurous.

Now will we turn to our matter of Sir Launcelot. It befell upon a day

Sir Ector and Sir Percivale came to Sir Launcelot and asked him what he

would do, and whether he would go with them unto King Arthur or not.

Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that may not be by no mean, for I was so

entreated at the court that I cast me never to come there more. Sir,

said Sir Ector, I am your brother, and ye are the man in the world that

I love most; and if I understood that it were your disworship, ye may

understand I would never counsel you thereto; but King Arthur and all

his knights, and in especial Queen Guenever, made such dole and sorrow

that it was marvel to hear and see. And ye must remember the great

worship and renown that ye be of, how that ye have been more spoken of

than any other knight that is now living; for there is none that

beareth the name now but ye and Sir Tristram. Therefore brother, said

Sir Ector, make you ready to ride to the court with us, and I dare say

there was never knight better welcome to the court than ye; and I wot

well and can make it good, said Sir Ector, it hath cost my lady, the

queen, twenty thousand pound the seeking of you. Well brother, said Sir

Launcelot, I will do after your counsel, and ride with you.

So then they took their horses and made them ready, and took their

leave at King Pelles and at Dame Elaine. And when Sir Launcelot should

depart Dame Elaine made great sorrow. My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Dame

Elaine, at this same feast of Pentecost shall your son and mine,

Galahad, be made knight, for he is fully now fifteen winter old. Do as

ye list, said Sir Launcelot; God give him grace to prove a good knight.

As for that, said Dame Elaine, I doubt not he shall prove the best man

of his kin except one. Then shall he be a man good enough, said Sir

Launcelot.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector came to

the court, and of the great joy of him.

Then they departed, and within five days’ journey they came to Camelot,

that is called in English, Winchester. And when Sir Launcelot was come

among them, the king and all the knights made great joy of him. And

there Sir Percivale de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris began and told the

whole adventures: that Sir Launcelot had been out of his mind the time

of his absence, and how he called himself Le Chevaler Mal Fet, the

knight that had trespassed; and in three days Sir Launcelot smote down

five hundred knights. And ever as Sir Ector and Sir Percivale told

these tales of Sir Launcelot, Queen Guenever wept as she should have

died. Then the queen made great cheer. O Jesu, said King Arthur, I

marvel for what cause ye, Sir Launcelot, went out of your mind. I and

many others deem it was for the love of fair Elaine, the daughter of

King Pelles, by whom ye are noised that ye have gotten a child, and his

name is Galahad, and men say he shall do marvels. My lord, said Sir

Launcelot, if I did any folly I have that I sought. And therewithal the

king spake no more. But all Sir Launcelot’s kin knew for whom he went

out of his mind. And then there were great feasts made and great joy;

and many great lords and ladies, when they heard that Sir Launcelot was

come to the court again, they made great joy.

CHAPTER XI. How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the

court, to the great feast of Pentecost.

Now will we leave off this matter, and speak we of Sir Tristram, and of

Sir Palomides that was the Saracen unchristened. When Sir Tristram was

come home unto Joyous Gard from his adventures, all this while that Sir

Launcelot was thus missed, two year and more, Sir Tristram bare the

renown through all the realm of Logris, and many strange adventures

befell him, and full well and manly and worshipfully he brought them to

an end. So when he was come home La Beale Isoud told him of the great

feast that should be at Pentecost next following, and there she told

him how Sir Launcelot had been missed two year, and all that while he

had been out of his mind, and how he was holpen by the holy vessel, the

Sangreal. Alas, said Sir Tristram, that caused some debate betwixt him

and Queen Guenever. Sir, said Dame Isoud, I know it all, for Queen

Guenever sent me a letter in the which she wrote me all how it was, for

to require you to seek him. And now, blessed be God, said La Beale

Isoud, he is whole and sound and come again to the court.

Thereof am I glad, said Sir Tristram, and now shall ye and I make us

ready, for both ye and I will be at the feast. Sir, said Isoud, an it

please you I will not be there, for through me ye be marked of many

good knights, and that caused you to have much more labour for my sake

than needeth you. Then will I not be there, said Sir Tristram, but if

ye be there. God defend, said La Beale Isoud, for then shall I be

spoken of shame among all queens and ladies of estate; for ye that are

called one of the noblest knights of the world, and ye a knight of the

Round Table, how may ye be missed at that feast? What shall be said

among all knights? See how Sir Tristram hunteth, and hawketh, and

cowereth within a castle with his lady, and forsaketh your worship.

Alas, shall some say, it is pity that ever he was made knight, or that

ever he should have the love of a lady. Also what shall queens and

ladies say of me? It is pity that I have my life, that I will hold so

noble a knight as ye are from his worship. So God me help, said Sir

Tristram unto La Beale Isoud, it is passing well said of you and nobly

counselled; and now I well understand that ye love me; and like as ye

have counselled me I will do a part thereafter. But there shall no man

nor child ride with me, but myself. And so will I ride on Tuesday next

coming, and no more harness of war but my spear and my sword.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir

Palomides, and how they smote each other, and how Sir Palomides forbare

him.

And so when the day came Sir Tristram took his leave at La Beale Isoud,

and she sent with him four knights, and within half a mile he sent them

again: and within a mile after Sir Tristram saw afore him where Sir

Palomides had stricken down a knight, and almost wounded him to the

death. Then Sir Tristram repented him that he was not armed, and then

he hoved still. With that Sir Palomides knew Sir Tristram, and cried on

high: Sir Tristram, now be we met, for or we depart we will redress our

old sores. As for that, said Sir Tristram, there was yet never

Christian man might make his boast that ever I fled from him; and wit

ye well, Sir Palomides, thou that art a Saracen shall never make thy

boast that Sir Tristram de Liones shall flee from thee. And therewith

Sir Tristram made his horse to run, and with all his might he came

straight upon Sir Palomides, and brast his spear upon him an hundred

pieces. And forthwithal Sir Tristram drew his sword. And then he turned

his horse and struck at Palomides six great strokes upon his helm; and

then Sir Palomides stood still, and beheld Sir Tristram, and marvelled

of his woodness, and of his folly. And then Sir Palomides said to

himself: An Sir Tristram were armed, it were hard to cease him of this

battle, and if I turn again and slay him I am ashamed wheresomever that

I go.

Then Sir Tristram spake and said: Thou coward knight, what castest thou

to do; why wilt thou not do battle with me? for have thou no doubt I

shall endure all thy malice. Ah, Sir Tristram, said Palomides, full

well thou wottest I may not fight with thee for shame, for thou art

here naked and I am armed, and if I slay thee, dishonour shall be mine.

And well thou wottest, said Sir Palomides to Sir Tristram, I know thy

strength and thy hardiness to endure against a good knight. That is

truth, said Sir Tristram, I understand thy valiantness well. Ye say

well, said Sir Palomides; now, I require you, tell me a question that I

shall say to you. Tell me what it is, said Sir Tristram, and I shall

answer you the truth, as God me help. I put case, said Sir Palomides,

that ye were armed at all rights as well as I am, and I naked as ye be,

what would you do to me now, by your true knighthood? Ah, said Sir

Tristram, now I understand thee well, Sir Palomides, for now must I say

mine own judgment, and as God me bless, that I shall say shall not be

said for no fear that I have of thee. But this is all: wit Sir

Palomides, as at this time thou shouldest depart from me, for I would

not have ado with thee. No more will I, said Palomides, and therefore

ride forth on thy way. As for that I may choose, said Sir Tristram,

either to ride or to abide. But Sir Palomides, said Sir Tristram, I

marvel of one thing, that thou that art so good a knight, that thou

wilt not be christened, and thy brother, Sir Safere, hath been

christened many a day.

CHAPTER XIII. How that Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which

was hurt, and how he overthrew Sir Palomides.

As for that, said Sir Palomides, I may not yet be christened for one

avow that I have made many years agone; howbeit in my heart I believe

in Jesu Christ and his mild mother Mary; but I have but one battle to

do, and when that is done I will be baptised with a good will. By my

head, said Tristram, as for one battle thou shalt not seek it no

longer. For God defend, said Sir Tristram, that through my default thou

shouldst longer live thus a Saracen, for yonder is a knight that ye,

Sir Palomides, have hurt and smitten down. Now help me that I were

armed in his armour, and I shall soon fulfil thine avows. As ye will,

said Palomides, so it shall be.

So they rode both unto that knight that sat upon a bank, and then Sir

Tristram saluted him, and he weakly saluted him again. Sir knight, said

Sir Tristram, I require you tell me your right name. Sir, he said, my

name is Sir Galleron of Galway, and knight of the Table Round. So God

me help, said Sir Tristram, I am right heavy of your hurts; but this is

all, I must pray you to lend me all your whole armour, for ye see I am

unarmed, and I must do battle with this knight. Sir, said the hurt

knight, ye shall have it with a good will; but ye must beware, for I

warn you that knight is wight. Sir, said Galleron, I pray you tell me

your name, and what is that knight’s name that hath beaten me. Sir, as

for my name it is Sir Tristram de Liones, and as for the knight’s name

that hath hurt you is Sir Palomides, brother to the good knight Sir

Safere, and yet is Sir Palomides unchristened. Alas, said Sir Galleron,

that is pity that so good a knight and so noble a man of arms should be

unchristened. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, either he shall slay

me or I him but that he shall be christened or ever we depart

in-sunder. My lord Sir Tristram, said Sir Galleron, your renown and

worship is well known through many realms, and God save you this day

from shenship and shame.

Then Sir Tristram unarmed Galleron, the which was a noble knight, and

had done many deeds of arms, and he was a large knight of flesh and

bone. And when he was unarmed he stood upon his feet, for he was

bruised in the back with a spear; yet so as Sir Galleron might, he

armed Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram mounted upon his own horse,

and in his hand he gat Sir Galleron’s spear; and therewithal Sir

Palomides was ready. And so they came hurtling together, and either

smote other in midst of their shields; and therewithal Sir Palomides’

spear brake, and Sir Tristram smote down the horse; and Sir Palomides,

as soon as he might, avoided his horse, and dressed his shield, and

pulled out his sword. That saw Sir Tristram, and therewithal he

alighted and tied his horse till a tree.

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Tristram and Sir Palomides fought long together,

and after accorded, and how Sir Tristram made him to be christened.

And then they came together as two wild boars, lashing together,

tracing and traversing as noble men that oft had been well proved in

battle; but ever Sir Palomides dread the might of Sir Tristram, and

therefore he suffered him to breathe him. Thus they fought more than

two hours, but often Sir Tristram smote such strokes at Sir Palomides

that he made him to kneel; and Sir Palomides brake and cut away many

pieces of Sir Tristram’s shield; and then Sir Palomides wounded Sir

Tristram, for he was a well fighting man. Then Sir Tristram was wood

wroth out of measure, and rushed upon Sir Palomides with such a might

that Sir Palomides fell grovelling to the earth; and therewithal he

leapt up lightly upon his feet, and then Sir Tristram wounded Palomides

sore through the shoulder. And ever Sir Tristram fought still in like

hard, and Sir Palomides failed not, but gave him many sad strokes. And

at the last Sir Tristram doubled his strokes, and by fortune Sir

Tristram smote Sir Palomides sword out of his hand, and if Sir

Palomides had stooped for his sword he had been slain.

Then Palomides stood still and beheld his sword with a sorrowful heart.

How now, said Sir Tristram unto Palomides, now have I thee at advantage

as thou haddest me this day; but it shall never be said in no court,

nor among good knights, that Sir Tristram shall slay any knight that is

weaponless; and therefore take thou thy sword, and let us make an end

of this battle. As for to do this battle, said Palomides, I dare right

well end it, but I have no great lust to fight no more. And for this

cause, said Palomides: mine offence to you is not so great but that we

may be friends. All that I have offended is and was for the love of La

Beale Isoud. And as for her, I dare say she is peerless above all other

ladies, and also I proffered her never no dishonour; and by her I have

gotten the most part of my worship. And sithen I offended never as to

her own person, and as for the offence that I have done, it was against

your own person, and for that offence ye have given me this day many

sad strokes, and some I have given you again; and now I dare say I felt

never man of your might, nor so well breathed, but if it were Sir

Launcelot du Lake; wherefore I require you, my lord, forgive me all

that I have offended unto you; and this same day have me to the next

church, and first let me be clean confessed, and after see you now that

I be truly baptised. And then will we all ride together unto the court

of Arthur, that we be there at the high feast. Now take your horse,

said Sir Tristram, and as ye say so it shall be, and all thine evil

will God forgive it you, and I do. And here within this mile is the

Suffragan of Carlisle that shall give you the sacrament of baptism.

Then they took their horses and Sir Galleron rode with them. And when

they came to the Suffragan Sir Tristram told him their desire. Then the

Suffragan let fill a great vessel with water, and when he had hallowed

it he then confessed clean Sir Palomides, and Sir Tristram and Sir

Galleron were his godfathers. And then soon after they departed, riding

toward Camelot, where King Arthur and Queen Guenever was, and for the

most part all the knights of the Round Table. And so the king and all

the court were glad that Sir Palomides was christened. And at the same

feast in came Galahad and sat in the Siege Perilous. And so therewithal

departed and dissevered all the knights of the Round Table. And Sir

Tristram returned again unto Joyous Gard, and Sir Palomides followed

the Questing Beast.

_Here endeth the second book of Sir Tristram that was drawn out of

French into English. But here is no rehersal of the third book. And

here followeth the noble tale of the Sangreal, that called is the Holy

Vessel; and the signification of the blessed blood of our Lord Jesus

Christ, blessed mote it be, the which was brought into this land by

Joseph Aramathie. Therefore on all sinful souls blessed Lord have thou

mercy._

_Explicit liber xii. Et incipit Decimustercius._

BOOK XIII.

CHAPTER I. How at the vigil of the Feast of Pentecost entered into the

hall before King Arthur a damosel, and desired Sir Launcelot for to

come and dub a knight, and how he went with her.

At the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the Round Table

were come unto Camelot and there heard their service, and the tables

were set ready to the meat, right so entered into the hall a full fair

gentlewoman on horseback, that had ridden full fast, for her horse was

all besweated. Then she there alighted, and came before the king and

saluted him; and he said: Damosel, God thee bless. Sir, said she, for

God’s sake say me where Sir Launcelot is. Yonder ye may see him, said

the king. Then she went unto Launcelot and said: Sir Launcelot, I

salute you on King Pelles’ behalf, and I require you come on with me

hereby into a forest. Then Sir Launcelot asked her with whom she

dwelled. I dwell, said she, with King Pelles. What will ye with me?

said Launcelot. Ye shall know, said she, when ye come thither. Well,

said he, I will gladly go with you. So Sir Launcelot bade his squire

saddle his horse and bring his arms; and in all haste he did his

commandment.

Then came the queen unto Launcelot, and said: Will ye leave us at this

high feast? Madam, said the gentlewoman, wit ye well he shall be with

you to-morn by dinner time. If I wist, said the queen, that he should

not be with us here to-morn he should not go with you by my good will.

Right so departed Sir Launcelot with the gentlewoman, and rode until

that he came into a forest and into a great valley, where they saw an

abbey of nuns; and there was a squire ready and opened the gates, and

so they entered and descended off their horses; and there came a fair

fellowship about Sir Launcelot, and welcomed him, and were passing glad

of his coming. And then they led him unto the Abbess’s chamber and

unarmed him; and right so he was ware upon a bed lying two of his

cousins, Sir Bors and Sir Lionel, and then he waked them; and when they

saw him they made great joy. Sir, said Sir Bors unto Sir Launcelot,

what adventure hath brought you hither, for we weened to-morn to have

found you at Camelot? As God me help, said Sir Launcelot, a gentlewoman

brought me hither, but I know not the cause.

In the meanwhile that they thus stood talking together, therein came

twelve nuns that brought with them Galahad, the which was passing fair

and well made, that unnethe in the world men might not find his match:

and all those ladies wept. Sir, said they all, we bring you here this

child the which we have nourished, and we pray you to make him a

knight, for of a more worthier man’s hand may he not receive the order

of knighthood. Sir Launcelot beheld the young squire and saw him seemly

and demure as a dove, with all manner of good features, that he weened

of his age never to have seen so fair a man of form. Then said Sir

Launcelot: Cometh this desire of himself? He and all they said yea.

Then shall he, said Sir Launcelot, receive the high order of knighthood

as to-morn at the reverence of the high feast. That night Sir Launcelot

had passing good cheer; and on the morn at the hour of prime, at

Galahad’s desire, he made him knight and said: God make him a good man,

for of beauty faileth you not as any that liveth.

CHAPTER II. How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous

and of the marvellous adventure of the sword in a stone.

Now fair sir, said Sir Launcelot, will ye come with me unto the court

of King Arthur? Nay, said he, I will not go with you as at this time.

Then he departed from them and took his two cousins with him, and so

they came unto Camelot by the hour of underne on Whitsunday. By that

time the king and the queen were gone to the minster to hear their

service. Then the king and the queen were passing glad of Sir Bors and

Sir Lionel, and so was all the fellowship. So when the king and all the

knights were come from service, the barons espied in the sieges of the

Round Table all about, written with golden letters: Here ought to sit

he, and he ought to sit here. And thus they went so long till that they

came to the Siege Perilous, where they found letters newly written of

gold which said: Four hundred winters and four and fifty accomplished

after the passion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be

fulfilled. Then all they said: This is a marvellous thing and an

adventurous. In the name of God, said Sir Launcelot; and then accompted

the term of the writing from the birth of our Lord unto that day. It

seemeth me said Sir Launcelot, this siege ought to be fulfilled this

same day, for this is the feast of Pentecost after the four hundred and

four and fifty year; and if it would please all parties, I would none

of these letters were seen this day, till he be come that ought to

enchieve this adventure. Then made they to ordain a cloth of silk, for

to cover these letters in the Siege Perilous.

Then the king bade haste unto dinner. Sir, said Sir Kay the Steward, if

ye go now unto your meat ye shall break your old custom of your court,

for ye have not used on this day to sit at your meat or that ye have

seen some adventure. Ye say sooth, said the king, but I had so great

joy of Sir Launcelot and of his cousins, which be come to the court

whole and sound, so that I bethought me not of mine old custom. So, as

they stood speaking, in came a squire and said unto the king: Sir, I

bring unto you marvellous tidings. What be they? said the king. Sir,

there is here beneath at the river a great stone which I saw fleet

above the water, and therein I saw sticking a sword. The king said: I

will see that marvel. So all the knights went with him, and when they

came to the river they found there a stone fleeting, as it were of red

marble, and therein stuck a fair rich sword, and in the pommel thereof

were precious stones wrought with subtle letters of gold. Then the

barons read the letters which said in this wise: Never shall man take

me hence, but only he by whose side I ought to hang, and he shall be

the best knight of the world.

When the king had seen the letters, he said unto Sir Launcelot: Fair

Sir, this sword ought to be yours, for I am sure ye be the best knight

of the world. Then Sir Launcelot answered full soberly: Certes, sir, it

is not my sword; also, Sir, wit ye well I have no hardiness to set my

hand to it, for it longed not to hang by my side. Also, who that

assayeth to take the sword and faileth of it, he shall receive a wound

by that sword that he shall not be whole long after. And I will that ye

wit that this same day shall the adventures of the Sangreal, that is

called the Holy Vessel, begin.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an

old man brought in Galahad.

Now, fair nephew, said the king unto Sir Gawaine, assay ye, for my

love. Sir, he said, save your good grace I shall not do that. Sir, said

the king, assay to take the sword and at my commandment. Sir, said

Gawaine, your commandment I will obey. And therewith he took up the

sword by the handles, but he might not stir it. I thank you, said the

king to Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, now wit

ye well this sword shall touch you so sore that ye shall will ye had

never set your hand thereto for the best castle of this realm. Sir, he

said, I might not withsay mine uncle’s will and commandment. But when

the king heard this he repented it much, and said unto Sir Percivale

that he should assay, for his love. And he said: Gladly, for to bear

Sir Gawaine fellowship. And therewith he set his hand on the sword and

drew it strongly, but he might not move it. Then were there no more

that durst be so hardy to set their hands thereto. Now may ye go to

your dinner, said Sir Kay unto the king, for a marvellous adventure

have ye seen. So the king and all went unto the court, and every knight

knew his own place, and set him therein, and young men that were

knights served them.

So when they were served, and all sieges fulfilled save only the Siege

Perilous, anon there befell a marvellous adventure, that all the doors

and windows of the palace shut by themself. Not for then the hall was

not greatly darked; and therewith they were all abashed both one and

other. Then King Arthur spake first and said: By God, fair fellows and

lords, we have seen this day marvels, but or night I suppose we shall

see greater marvels.

In the meanwhile came in a good old man, and an ancient, clothed all in

white, and there was no knight knew from whence he came. And with him

he brought a young knight, both on foot, in red arms, without sword or

shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side. And these words he said:

Peace be with you, fair lords. Then the old man said unto Arthur: Sir,

I bring here a young knight, the which is of king’s lineage, and of the

kindred of Joseph of Aramathie, whereby the marvels of this court, and

of strange realms, shall be fully accomplished.

CHAPTER IV. How the old man brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous and

set him therein, and how all the knights marvelled.

The king was right glad of his words, and said unto the good man: Sir,

ye be right welcome, and the young knight with you. Then the old man

made the young man to unarm him, and he was in a coat of red sendal,

and bare a mantle upon his shoulder that was furred with ermine, and

put that upon him. And the old knight said unto the young knight: Sir,

follow me. And anon he led him unto the Siege Perilous, where beside

sat Sir Launcelot; and the good man lift up the cloth, and found there

letters that said thus: This is the siege of Galahad, the haut prince.

Sir, said the old knight, wit ye well that place is yours. And then he

set him down surely in that siege. And then he said to the old man:

Sir, ye may now go your way, for well have ye done that ye were

commanded to do; and recommend me unto my grandsire, King Pelles, and

unto my lord Petchere, and say them on my behalf, I shall come and see

them as soon as ever I may. So the good man departed; and there met him

twenty noble squires, and so took their horses and went their way.

Then all the knights of the Table Round marvelled greatly of Sir

Galahad, that he durst sit there in that Siege Perilous, and was so

tender of age; and wist not from whence he came but all only by God;

and said: This is he by whom the Sangreal shall be enchieved, for there

sat never none but he, but he were mischieved. Then Sir Launcelot

beheld his son and had great joy of him. Then Bors told his fellows:

Upon pain of my life this young knight shall come unto great worship.

This noise was great in all the court, so that it came to the queen.

Then she had marvel what knight it might be that durst adventure him to

sit in the Siege Perilous. Many said unto the queen he resembled much

unto Sir Launcelot. I may well suppose, said the queen, that Sir

Launcelot begat him on King Pelles’ daughter, by the which he was made

to lie by, by enchantment, and his name is Galahad. I would fain see

him, said the queen, for he must needs be a noble man, for so is his

father that him begat, I report me unto all the Table Round.

So when the meat was done that the king and all were risen, the king

yede unto the Siege Perilous and lift up the cloth, and found there the

name of Galahad; and then he shewed it unto Sir Gawaine, and said: Fair

nephew, now have we among us Sir Galahad, the good knight that shall

worship us all; and upon pain of my life he shall enchieve the

Sangreal, right as Sir Launcelot had done us to understand. Then came

King Arthur unto Galahad and said: Sir, ye be welcome, for ye shall

move many good knights to the quest of the Sangreal, and ye shall

enchieve that never knights might bring to an end. Then the king took

him by the hand, and went down from the palace to shew Galahad the

adventures of the stone.

CHAPTER V. How King Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water to

Galahad, and how he drew out the sword.

The queen heard thereof, and came after with many ladies, and shewed

them the stone where it hoved on the water. Sir, said the king unto Sir

Galahad, here is a great marvel as ever I saw, and right good knights

have assayed and failed. Sir, said Galahad, that is no marvel, for this

adventure is not theirs but mine; and for the surety of this sword I

brought none with me, for here by my side hangeth the scabbard. And

anon he laid his hand on the sword, and lightly drew it out of the

stone, and put it in the sheath, and said unto the king: Now it goeth

better than it did aforehand. Sir, said the king, a shield God shall

send you. Now have I that sword that sometime was the good knight’s,

Balin le Savage, and he was a passing good man of his hands; and with

this sword he slew his brother Balan, and that was great pity, for he

was a good knight, and either slew other through a dolorous stroke that

Balin gave unto my grandfather King Pelles, the which is not yet whole,

nor not shall be till I heal him.

Therewith the king and all espied where came riding down the river a

lady on a white palfrey toward them. Then she saluted the king and the

queen, and asked if that Sir Launcelot was there. And then he answered

himself: I am here, fair lady. Then she said all with weeping: How your

great doing is changed sith this day in the morn. Damosel, why say you

so? said Launcelot. I say you sooth, said the damosel, for ye were this

day the best knight of the world, but who should say so now, he should

be a liar, for there is now one better than ye, and well it is proved

by the adventures of the sword whereto ye durst not set to your hand;

and that is the change and leaving of your name. Wherefore I make unto

you a remembrance, that ye shall not ween from henceforth that ye be

the best knight of the world. As touching unto that, said Launcelot, I

know well I was never the best. Yes, said the damosel, that were ye,

and are yet, of any sinful man of the world. And, Sir king, Nacien, the

hermit, sendeth thee word, that thee shall befall the greatest worship

that ever befell king in Britain; and I say you wherefore, for this day

the Sangreal appeared in thy house and fed thee and all thy fellowship

of the Round Table. So she departed and went that same way that she

came.

CHAPTER VI. How King Arthur had all the knights together for to joust

in the meadow beside Camelot or they departed.

Now, said the king, I am sure at this quest of the Sangreal shall all

ye of the Table Round depart, and never shall I see you again whole

together; therefore I will see you all whole together in the meadow of

Camelot to joust and to tourney, that after your death men may speak of

it that such good knights were wholly together such a day. As unto that

counsel and at the king’s request they accorded all, and took on their

harness that longed unto jousting. But all this moving of the king was

for this intent, for to see Galahad proved; for the king deemed he

should not lightly come again unto the court after his departing. So

were they assembled in the meadow, both more and less. Then Sir

Galahad, by the prayer of the king and the queen, did upon him a noble

jesseraunce, and also he did on his helm, but shield would he take none

for no prayer of the king. And then Sir Gawaine and other knights

prayed him to take a spear. Right so he did; and the queen was in a

tower with all her ladies, for to behold that tournament. Then Sir

Galahad dressed him in midst of the meadow, and began to break spears

marvellously, that all men had wonder of him; for he there surmounted

all other knights, for within a while he had defouled many good knights

of the Table Round save twain, that was Sir Launcelot and Sir

Percivale.

CHAPTER VII. How the queen desired to see Galahad; and how after, all

the knights were replenished with the Holy Sangreal, and how they

avowed the enquest of the same.

Then the king, at the queen’s request, made him to alight and to unlace

his helm, that the queen might see him in the visage. When she beheld

him she said: Soothly I dare well say that Sir Launcelot begat him, for

never two men resembled more in likeness, therefore it nis no marvel

though he be of great prowess. So a lady that stood by the queen said:

Madam, for God’s sake ought he of right to be so good a knight? Yea,

forsooth, said the queen, for he is of all parties come of the best

knights of the world and of the highest lineage; for Sir Launcelot is

come but of the eighth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, and Sir

Galahad is of the ninth degree from our Lord Jesu Christ, therefore I

dare say they be the greatest gentlemen of the world.

And then the king and all estates went home unto Camelot, and so went

to evensong to the great minster, and so after upon that to supper, and

every knight sat in his own place as they were toforehand. Then anon

they heard cracking and crying of thunder, that them thought the place

should all to-drive. In the midst of this blast entered a sunbeam more

clearer by seven times than ever they saw day, and all they were

alighted of the grace of the Holy Ghost. Then began every knight to

behold other, and either saw other, by their seeming, fairer than ever

they saw afore. Not for then there was no knight might speak one word a

great while, and so they looked every man on other as they had been

dumb. Then there entered into the hall the Holy Grail covered with

white samite, but there was none might see it, nor who bare it. And

there was all the hall fulfilled with good odours, and every knight had

such meats and drinks as he best loved in this world. And when the Holy

Grail had been borne through the hall, then the holy vessel departed

suddenly, that they wist not where it became: then had they all breath

to speak. And then the king yielded thankings to God, of His good grace

that he had sent them. Certes, said the king, we ought to thank our

Lord Jesu greatly for that he hath shewed us this day, at the reverence

of this high feast of Pentecost.