When Bors saw that he was in so far countries as in the parts of

Babylon he departed from Sarras, and armed him and came to the sea, and

entered into a ship; and so it befell him in good adventure he came

into the realm of Logris; and he rode so fast till he came to Camelot

where the king was. And then was there great joy made of him in the

court, for they weened all he had been dead, forasmuch as he had been

so long out of the country. And when they had eaten, the king made

great clerks to come afore him, that they should chronicle of the high

adventures of the good knights. When Bors had told him of the

adventures of the Sangreal, such as had befallen him and his three

fellows, that was Launcelot, Percivale, Galahad, and himself, there

Launcelot told the adventures of the Sangreal that he had seen. All

this was made in great books, and put up in almeries at Salisbury. And

anon Sir Bors said to Sir Launcelot: Galahad, your own son, saluted you

by me, and after you King Arthur and all the court, and so did Sir

Percivale, for I buried them with mine own hands in the city of Sarras.

Also, Sir Launcelot, Galahad prayed you to remember of this unsiker

world as ye behight him when ye were together more than half a year.

This is true, said Launcelot; now I trust to God his prayer shall avail

me.

Then Launcelot took Sir Bors in his arms, and said: Gentle cousin, ye

are right welcome to me, and all that ever I may do for you and for

yours ye shall find my poor body ready at all times, while the spirit

is in it, and that I promise you faithfully, and never to fail. And wit

ye well, gentle cousin, Sir Bors, that ye and I will never depart

asunder whilst our lives may last. Sir, said he, I will as ye will.

_Thus endeth the history of the Sangreal, that was briefly drawn out of

French into English, the which is a story chronicled for one of the

truest and the holiest that is in this world, the which is the xvii

book._

_And here followeth the eighteenth book._

BOOK XVIII.

CHAPTER I. Of the joy King Arthur and the queen had of the achievement

of the Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again.

So after the quest of the Sangreal was fulfilled, and all knights that

were left alive were come again unto the Table Round, as the book of

the Sangreal maketh mention, then was there great joy in the court; and

in especial King Arthur and Queen Guenever made great joy of the

remnant that were come home, and passing glad was the king and the

queen of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Bors, for they had been passing long

away in the quest of the Sangreal.

Then, as the book saith, Sir Launcelot began to resort unto Queen

Guenever again, and forgat the promise and the perfection that he made

in the quest. For, as the book saith, had not Sir Launcelot been in his

privy thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly to the queen as he was

in seeming outward to God, there had no knight passed him in the quest

of the Sangreal; but ever his thoughts were privily on the queen, and

so they loved together more hotter than they did to-forehand, and had

such privy draughts together, that many in the court spake of it, and

in especial Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother, for he was ever

open-mouthed.

So befell that Sir Launcelot had many resorts of ladies and damosels

that daily resorted unto him, that besought him to be their champion,

and in all such matters of right Sir Launcelot applied him daily to do

for the pleasure of Our Lord, Jesu Christ. And ever as much as he might

he withdrew him from the company and fellowship of Queen Guenever, for

to eschew the slander and noise; wherefore the queen waxed wroth with

Sir Launcelot. And upon a day she called Sir Launcelot unto her

chamber, and said thus: Sir Launcelot, I see and feel daily that thy

love beginneth to slake, for thou hast no joy to be in my presence, but

ever thou art out of this court, and quarrels and matters thou hast

nowadays for ladies and gentlewomen more than ever thou wert wont to

have aforehand.

Ah madam, said Launcelot, in this ye must hold me excused for divers

causes; one is, I was but late in the quest of the Sangreal; and I

thank God of his great mercy, and never of my desert, that I saw in

that my quest as much as ever saw any sinful man, and so was it told

me. And if I had not had my privy thoughts to return to your love again

as I do, I had seen as great mysteries as ever saw my son Galahad,

outher Percivale, or Sir Bors; and therefore, madam, I was but late in

that quest. Wit ye well, madam, it may not be yet lightly forgotten the

high service in whom I did my diligent labour. Also, madam, wit ye well

that there be many men speak of our love in this court, and have you

and me greatly in await, as Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred; and madam,

wit ye well I dread them more for your sake than for any fear I have of

them myself, for I may happen to escape and rid myself in a great need,

where ye must abide all that will be said unto you. And then if that ye

fall in any distress through wilful folly, then is there none other

remedy or help but by me and my blood. And wit ye well, madam, the

boldness of you and me will bring us to great shame and slander; and

that were me loath to see you dishonoured. And that is the cause I take

upon me more for to do for damosels and maidens than ever I did

to-fore, that men should understand my joy and my delight is my

pleasure to have ado for damosels and maidens.

CHAPTER II. How the queen commanded Sir Launcelot to avoid the court,

and of the sorrow that Launcelot made.

All this while the queen stood still and let Sir Launcelot say what he

would. And when he had all said she brast out a-weeping, and so she

sobbed and wept a great while. And when she might speak she said:

Launcelot, now I well understand that thou art a false recreant knight

and a common lecher, and lovest and holdest other ladies, and by me

thou hast disdain and scorn. For wit thou well, she said, now I

understand thy falsehood, and therefore shall I never love thee no

more. And never be thou so hardy to come in my sight; and right here I

discharge thee this court, that thou never come within it; and I

forfend thee my fellowship, and upon pain of thy head that thou see me

no more. Right so Sir Launcelot departed with great heaviness, that

unnethe he might sustain himself for great dole-making.

Then he called Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, and told

them how the queen had forfended him the court, and so he was in will

to depart into his own country. Fair sir, said Sir Bors de Ganis, ye

shall not depart out of this land by mine advice. Ye must remember in

what honour ye are renowned, and called the noblest knight of the

world; and many great matters ye have in hand. And women in their

hastiness will do ofttimes that sore repenteth them; and therefore by

mine advice ye shall take your horse, and ride to the good hermitage

here beside Windsor, that sometime was a good knight, his name is Sir

Brasias, and there shall ye abide till I send you word of better

tidings. Brother, said Sir Launcelot, wit ye well I am full loath to

depart out of this realm, but the queen hath defended me so highly,

that meseemeth she will never be my good lady as she hath been. Say ye

never so, said Sir Bors, for many times or this time she hath been

wroth with you, and after it she was the first that repented it. Ye say

well, said Launcelot, for now will I do by your counsel, and take mine

horse and my harness, and ride to the hermit Sir Brasias, and there

will I repose me until I hear some manner of tidings from you; but,

fair brother, I pray you get me the love of my lady, Queen Guenever, an

ye may. Sir, said Sir Bors, ye need not to move me of such matters, for

well ye wot I will do what I may to please you.

And then the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, departed with right heavy

cheer suddenly, that none earthly creature wist of him, nor where he

was become, but Sir Bors. So when Sir Launcelot was departed, the queen

outward made no manner of sorrow in showing to none of his blood nor to

none other. But wit ye well, inwardly, as the book saith, she took

great thought, but she bare it out with a proud countenance as though

she felt nothing nor danger.

CHAPTER III. How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knight

enpoisoned, which Sir Mador laid on the queen.

And then the queen let make a privy dinner in London unto the knights

of the Round Table. And all was for to show outward that she had as

great joy in all other knights of the Table Round as she had in Sir

Launcelot. All only at that dinner she had Sir Gawaine and his

brethren, that is for to say Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Gareth,

and Sir Mordred. Also there was Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamore de

Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Ector de

Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Palomides, Safere his brother, Sir La Cote Male

Taile, Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Brandiles, Sir Kay le Seneschal,

Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Patrise, a knight of Ireland, Aliduk, Sir

Astamore, and Sir Pinel le Savage, the which was cousin to Sir Lamorak

de Galis, the good knight that Sir Gawaine and his brethren slew by

treason. And so these four-and-twenty knights should dine with the

queen in a privy place by themself, and there was made a great feast of

all manner of dainties.

But Sir Gawaine had a custom that he used daily at dinner and at

supper, that he loved well all manner of fruit, and in especial apples

and pears. And therefore whosomever dined or feasted Sir Gawaine would

commonly purvey for good fruit for him, and so did the queen for to

please Sir Gawaine; she let purvey for him all manner of fruit, for Sir

Gawaine was a passing hot knight of nature. And this Pinel hated Sir

Gawaine because of his kinsman Sir Lamorak de Galis; and therefore for

pure envy and hate Sir Pinel enpoisoned certain apples for to enpoison

Sir Gawaine. And so this was well unto the end of the meat; and so it

befell by misfortune a good knight named Patrise, cousin unto Sir Mador

de la Porte, to take a poisoned apple. And when he had eaten it he

swelled so till he brast, and there Sir Patrise fell down suddenly dead

among them.

Then every knight leapt from the board ashamed, and araged for wrath,

nigh out of their wits. For they wist not what to say; considering

Queen Guenever made the feast and dinner, they all had suspicion unto

her. My lady, the queen, said Gawaine, wit ye well, madam, that this

dinner was made for me, for all folks that know my condition understand

that I love well fruit, and now I see well I had near been slain;

therefore, madam, I dread me lest ye will be shamed. Then the queen

stood still and was sore abashed, that she nist not what to say. This

shall not so be ended, said Sir Mador de la Porte, for here have I lost

a full noble knight of my blood; and therefore upon this shame and

despite I will be revenged to the utterance. And there openly Sir Mador

appealed the queen of the death of his cousin, Sir Patrise. Then stood

they all still, that none would speak a word against him, for they all

had great suspicion unto the queen because she let make that dinner.

And the queen was so abashed that she could none other ways do, but

wept so heartily that she fell in a swoon. With this noise and cry came

to them King Arthur, and when he wist of that trouble he was a passing

heavy man.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there was

no knight would fight for her at the first time.

And ever Sir Mador stood still afore the king, and ever he appealed the

queen of treason; for the custom was such that time that all manner of

shameful death was called treason. Fair lords, said King Arthur, me

repenteth of this trouble, but the case is so I may not have ado in

this matter, for I must be a rightful judge; and that repenteth me that

I may not do battle for my wife, for as I deem this deed came never by

her. And therefore I suppose she shall not be all distained, but that

some good knight shall put his body in jeopardy for my queen rather

than she shall be brent in a wrong quarrel. And therefore, Sir Mador,

be not so hasty, for it may happen she shall not be all friendless; and

therefore desire thou thy day of battle, and she shall purvey her of

some good knight that shall answer you, or else it were to me great

shame, and to all my court.

My gracious lord, said Sir Mador, ye must hold me excused, for though

ye be our king in that degree, ye are but a knight as we are, and ye

are sworn unto knighthood as well as we; and therefore I beseech you

that ye be not displeased, for there is none of the four-and-twenty

knights that were bidden to this dinner but all they have great

suspicion unto the queen. What say ye all, my lords? said Sir Mador.

Then they answered by and by that they could not excuse the queen; for

why she made the dinner, and either it must come by her or by her

servants. Alas, said the queen, I made this dinner for a good intent,

and never for none evil, so Almighty God me help in my right, as I was

never purposed to do such evil deeds, and that I report me unto God.

My lord, the king, said Sir Mador, I require you as ye be a righteous

king give me a day that I may have justice. Well, said the king, I give

the day this day fifteen days that thou be ready armed on horseback in

the meadow beside Westminster. And if it so fall that there be any

knight to encounter with you, there mayst thou do the best, and God

speed the right. And if it so fall that there be no knight at that day,

then must my queen be burnt, and there she shall be ready to have her

judgment. I am answered, said Sir Mador. And every knight went where it

liked them.

So when the king and the queen were together the king asked the queen

how this case befell. The queen answered: So God me help, I wot not how

or in what manner. Where is Sir Launcelot? said King Arthur; an he were

here he would not grudge to do battle for you. Sir, said the queen, I

wot not where he is, but his brother and his kinsmen deem that he be

not within this realm. That me repenteth, said King Arthur, for an he

were here he would soon stint this strife. Then I will counsel you,

said the king, and unto Sir Bors: That ye will do battle for her for

Sir Launcelot’s sake, and upon my life he will not refuse you. For well

I see, said the king, that none of these four-and-twenty knights that

were with you at your dinner where Sir Patrise was slain, that will do

battle for you, nor none of them will say well of you, and that shall

be a great slander for you in this court. Alas, said the queen, and I

may not do withal, but now I miss Sir Launcelot, for an he were here he

would put me soon to my heart’s ease. What aileth you, said the king,

ye cannot keep Sir Launcelot upon your side? For wit ye well, said the

king, who that hath Sir Launcelot upon his part hath the most man of

worship in the world upon his side. Now go your way, said the king unto

the queen, and require Sir Bors to do battle for you for Sir

Launcelot’s sake.

CHAPTER V. How the queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how he

granted upon condition; and how he warned Sir Launcelot thereof.

So the queen departed from the king, and sent for Sir Bors into her

chamber. And when he was come she besought him of succour. Madam, said

he, what would ye that I did? for I may not with my worship have ado in

this matter, because I was at the same dinner, for dread that any of

those knights would have me in suspicion. Also, madam, said Sir Bors,

now miss ye Sir Launcelot, for he would not have failed you neither in

right nor in wrong, as ye have well proved when ye have been in danger;

and now ye have driven him out of this country, by whom ye and all we

were daily worshipped by; therefore, madam, I marvel how ye dare for

shame require me to do any thing for you, in so much ye have chased him

out of your country by whom we were borne up and honoured. Alas, fair

knight, said the queen, I put me wholly in your grace, and all that is

done amiss I will amend as ye will counsel me. And therewith she

kneeled down upon both her knees, and besought Sir Bors to have mercy

upon her: Outher I shall have a shameful death, and thereto I never

offended.

Right so came King Arthur, and found the queen kneeling afore Sir Bors;

then Sir Bors pulled her up, and said: Madam, ye do me great dishonour.

Ah, gentle knight, said the king, have mercy upon my queen, courteous

knight, for I am now in certain she is untruly defamed. And therefore,

courteous knight, said the king, promise her to do battle for her, I

require you for the love of Sir Launcelot. My lord, said Sir Bors, ye

require me the greatest thing that any man may require me; and wit ye

well if I grant to do battle for the queen I shall wrath many of my

fellowship of the Table Round. But as for that, said Bors, I will grant

my lord that for my lord Sir Launcelot’s sake, and for your sake I will

at that day be the queen’s champion unless that there come by adventure

a better knight than I am to do battle for her. Will ye promise me

this, said the king, by your faith? Yea sir, said Sir Bors, of that I

will not fail you, nor her both, but if there come a better knight than

I am, and then shall he have the battle. Then was the king and the

queen passing glad, and so departed, and thanked him heartily.

So then Sir Bors departed secretly upon a day, and rode unto Sir

Launcelot thereas he was with the hermit, Sir Brasias, and told him of

all their adventure. Ah Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, this is come happily

as I would have it, and therefore I pray you make you ready to do

battle, but look that ye tarry till ye see me come, as long as ye may.

For I am sure Mador is an hot knight when he is enchafed, for the more

ye suffer him the hastier will he be to battle. Sir, said Bors, let me

deal with him, doubt ye not ye shall have all your will. Then departed

Sir Bors from him and came to the court again. Then was it noised in

all the court that Sir Bors should do battle for the queen; wherefore

many knights were displeased with him, that he would take upon him to

do battle in the queen’s quarrel; for there were but few knights in all

the court but they deemed the queen was in the wrong, and that she had

done that treason.

So Sir Bors answered thus to his fellows of the Table Round: Wit ye

well, my fair lords, it were shame to us all an we suffered to see the

most noble queen of the world to be shamed openly, considering her lord

and our lord is the man of most worship in the world, and most

christened, and he hath ever worshipped us all in all places. Many

answered him again: As for our most noble King Arthur, we love him and

honour him as well as ye do, but as for Queen Guenever we love her not,

because she is a destroyer of good knights. Fair lords, said Sir Bors,

meseemeth ye say not as ye should say, for never yet in my days knew I

never nor heard say that ever she was a destroyer of any good knight.

But at all times as far as ever I could know she was a maintainer of

good knights; and ever she hath been large and free of her goods to all

good knights, and the most bounteous lady of her gifts and her good

grace, that ever I saw or heard speak of. And therefore it were shame,

said Sir Bors, to us all to our most noble king’s wife, an we suffered

her to be shamefully slain. And wit ye well, said Sir Bors, I will not

suffer it, for I dare say so much, the queen is not guilty of Sir

Patrise’s death, for she owed him never none ill will, nor none of the

four-and-twenty knights that were at that dinner; for I dare say for

good love she bade us to dinner, and not for no mal engine, and that I

doubt not shall be proved hereafter, for howsomever the game goeth,

there was treason among us. Then some said to Sir Bors: We may well

believe your words. And so some of them were well pleased, and some

were not so.

CHAPTER VI. How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for the

queen; and when he would fight how another discharged him.

The day came on fast until the even that the battle should be. Then the

queen sent for Sir Bors and asked him how he was disposed. Truly madam,

said he, I am disposed in likewise as I promised you, that is for to

say I shall not fail you, unless by adventure there come a better

knight than I am to do battle for you, then, madam, am I discharged of

my promise. Will ye, said the queen, that I tell my lord Arthur thus?

Do as it shall please you, madam. Then the queen went unto the king and

told him the answer of Sir Bors. Have ye no doubt, said the king, of

Sir Bors, for I call him now one of the best knights of the world, and

the most profitablest man. And thus it passed on until the morn, and

the king and the queen and all manner of knights that were there at

that time drew them unto the meadow beside Westminster where the battle

should be. And so when the king was come with the queen and many

knights of the Round Table, then the queen was put there in the

Constable’s ward, and a great fire made about an iron stake, that an

Sir Mador de la Porte had the better, she should be burnt: such custom

was used in those days, that neither for favour, neither for love nor

affinity, there should be none other but righteous judgment, as well

upon a king as upon a knight, and as well upon a queen as upon another

poor lady.

So in this meanwhile came in Sir Mador de la Porte, and took his oath

afore the king, that the queen did this treason until his cousin Sir

Patrise, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand for

hand, who that would say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors de

Ganis, and said: That as for Queen Guenever she is in the right, and

that will I make good with my hands that she is not culpable of this

treason that is put upon her. Then make thee ready, said Sir Mador, and

we shall prove whether thou be in the right or I. Sir Mador, said Sir

Bors, wit thou well I know you for a good knight. Not for then I shall

not fear you so greatly, but I trust to God I shall be able to

withstand your malice. But this much have I promised my lord Arthur and

my lady the queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the

uttermost, unless that there come a better knight than I am and

discharge me. Is that all? said Sir Mador, either come thou off and do

battle with me, or else say nay. Take your horse, said Sir Bors, and as

I suppose, ye shall not tarry long but ye shall be answered.

Then either departed to their tents and made them ready to horseback as

they thought best. And anon Sir Mador came into the field with his

shield on his shoulder and his spear in his hand; and so rode about the

place crying unto Arthur: Bid your champion come forth an he dare. Then

was Sir Bors ashamed and took his horse and came to the lists’ end. And

then was he ware where came from a wood there fast by a knight all

armed, upon a white horse, with a strange shield of strange arms; and

he came riding all that he might run, and so he came to Sir Bors, and

said thus: Fair knight, I pray you be not displeased, for here must a

better knight than ye are have this battle, therefore I pray you

withdraw you. For wit ye well I have had this day a right great

journey, and this battle ought to be mine, and so I promised you when I

spake with you last, and with all my heart I thank you of your good

will. Then Sir Bors rode unto King Arthur and told him how there was a

knight come that would have the battle for to fight for the queen. What

knight is he? said the king. I wot not, said Sir Bors, but such

covenant he made with me to be here this day. Now my lord, said Sir

Bors, here am I discharged.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the queen,

and how he overcame Sir Mador, and discharged the queen.

Then the king called to that knight, and asked him if he would fight

for the queen. Then he answered to the king: Therefore came I hither,

and therefore, sir king, he said, tarry me no longer, for I may not

tarry. For anon as I have finished this battle I must depart hence, for

I have ado many matters elsewhere. For wit you well, said that knight,

this is dishonour to you all knights of the Round Table, to see and

know so noble a lady and so courteous a queen as Queen Guenever is,

thus to be rebuked and shamed amongst you. Then they all marvelled what

knight that might be that so took the battle upon him. For there was

not one that knew him, but if it were Sir Bors.

Then said Sir Mador de la Porte unto the king: Now let me wit with whom

I shall have ado withal. And then they rode to the lists’ end, and

there they couched their spears, and ran together with all their might,

and Sir Mador’s spear brake all to pieces, but the other’s spear held,

and bare Sir Mador’s horse and all backward to the earth a great fall.

But mightily and suddenly he avoided his horse and put his shield afore

him, and then drew his sword, and bade the other knight alight and do

battle with him on foot. Then that knight descended from his horse

lightly like a valiant man, and put his shield afore him and drew his

sword; and so they came eagerly unto battle, and either gave other many

great strokes, tracing and traversing, racing and foining, and hurtling

together with their swords as it were wild boars. Thus were they

fighting nigh an hour, for this Sir Mador was a strong knight, and

mightily proved in many strong battles. But at the last this knight

smote Sir Mador grovelling upon the earth, and the knight stepped near

him to have pulled Sir Mador flatling upon the ground; and therewith

suddenly Sir Mador arose, and in his rising he smote that knight

through the thick of the thighs that the blood ran out fiercely. And

when he felt himself so wounded, and saw his blood, he let him arise

upon his feet. And then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he

fell to the earth flatling, and therewith he strode to him to have

pulled off his helm off his head. And then Sir Mador prayed that knight

to save his life, and so he yielded him as overcome, and released the

queen of his quarrel. I will not grant thee thy life, said that knight,

only that thou freely release the queen for ever, and that no mention

be made upon Sir Patrise’s tomb that ever Queen Guenever consented to

that treason. All this shall be done, said Sir Mador, I clearly

discharge my quarrel for ever.

Then the knights parters of the lists took up Sir Mador, and led him to

his tent, and the other knight went straight to the stair-foot where

sat King Arthur; and by that time was the queen come to the king, and

either kissed other heartily. And when the king saw that knight, he

stooped down to him, and thanked him, and in likewise did the queen;

and the king prayed him to put off his helmet, and to repose him, and

to take a sop of wine. And then he put off his helm to drink, and then

every knight knew him that it was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Anon as the

king wist that, he took the queen in his hand, and yode unto Sir

Launcelot, and said: Sir, grant mercy of your great travail that ye

have had this day for me and for my queen. My lord, said Sir Launcelot,

wit ye well I ought of right ever to be in your quarrel, and in my lady

the queen’s quarrel, to do battle; for ye are the man that gave me the

high order of knighthood, and that day my lady, your queen, did me

great worship, and else I had been shamed; for that same day ye made me

knight, through my hastiness I lost my sword, and my lady, your queen,

found it, and lapped it in her train, and gave me my sword when I had

need thereto, and else had I been shamed among all knights; and

therefore, my lord Arthur, I promised her at that day ever to be her

knight in right outher in wrong. Grant mercy, said the king, for this

journey; and wit ye well, said the king, I shall acquit your goodness.

And ever the queen beheld Sir Launcelot, and wept so tenderly that she

sank almost to the ground for sorrow that he had done to her so great

goodness where she shewed him great unkindness. Then the knights of his

blood drew unto him, and there either of them made great joy of other.

And so came all the knights of the Table Round that were there at that

time, and welcomed him. And then Sir Mador was had to leech-craft, and

Sir Launcelot was healed of his wound. And then there was made great

joy and mirths in that court.

CHAPTER VIII. How the truth was known by the Maiden of the Lake, and of

divers other matters.

And so it befell that the damosel of the lake, her name was Nimue, the

which wedded the good knight Sir Pelleas, and so she came to the court;

for ever she did great goodness unto King Arthur and to all his knights

through her sorcery and enchantments. And so when she heard how the

queen was an-angered for the death of Sir Patrise, then she told it

openly that she was never guilty; and there she disclosed by whom it

was done, and named him, Sir Pinel; and for what cause he did it, there

it was openly disclosed; and so the queen was excused, and the knight

Pinel fled into his country. Then was it openly known that Sir Pinel

enpoisoned the apples at the feast to that intent to have destroyed Sir

Gawaine, because Sir Gawaine and his brethren destroyed Sir Lamorak de

Galis, to the which Sir Pinel was cousin unto. Then was Sir Patrise

buried in the church of Westminster in a tomb, and thereupon was

written: Here lieth Sir Patrise of Ireland, slain by Sir Pinel le

Savage, that enpoisoned apples to have slain Sir Gawaine, and by

misfortune Sir Patrise ate one of those apples, and then suddenly he

brast. Also there was written upon the tomb that Queen Guenever was

appealed of treason of the death of Sir Patrise, by Sir Mador de la

Porte; and there was made mention how Sir Launcelot fought with him for

Queen Guenever, and overcame him in plain battle. All this was written

upon the tomb of Sir Patrise in excusing of the queen. And then Sir

Mador sued daily and long, to have the queen’s good grace; and so by

the means of Sir Launcelot he caused him to stand in the queen’s good

grace, and all was forgiven.

Thus it passed on till our Lady Day, Assumption. Within a fifteen days

of that feast the king let cry a great jousts and a tournament that

should be at that day at Camelot, that is Winchester; and the king let

cry that he and the King of Scots would joust against all that would

come against them. And when this cry was made, thither came many

knights. So there came thither the King of Northgalis, and King Anguish

of Ireland, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and Galahad, the

haut prince, and the King of Northumberland, and many other noble dukes

and earls of divers countries. So King Arthur made him ready to depart

to these jousts, and would have had the queen with him, but at that

time she would not, she said, for she was sick and might not ride at

that time. That me repenteth, said the king, for this seven year ye saw

not such a noble fellowship together except at Whitsuntide when Galahad

departed from the court. Truly, said the queen to the king, ye must

hold me excused, I may not be there, and that me repenteth. And many

deemed the queen would not be there because of Sir Launcelot du Lake,

for Sir Launcelot would not ride with the king, for he said that he was

not whole of the wound the which Sir Mador had given him; wherefore the

king was heavy and passing wroth. And so he departed toward Winchester

with his fellowship; and so by the way the king lodged in a town called

Astolat, that is now in English called Guildford, and there the king

lay in the castle.

So when the king was departed the queen called Sir Launcelot to her,

and said thus: Sir Launcelot, ye are greatly to blame thus to hold you

behind my lord; what, trow ye, what will your enemies and mine say and

deem? nought else but, See how Sir Launcelot holdeth him ever behind

the king, and so doth the queen, for that they would have their

pleasure together. And thus will they say, said the queen to Sir

Launcelot, have ye no doubt thereof.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a sleeve to

wear upon his helm at the request of a maid.

Madam, said Sir Launcelot, I allow your wit, it is of late come since

ye were wise. And therefore, madam, at this time I will be ruled by

your counsel, and this night I will take my rest, and to-morrow by time

I will take my way toward Winchester. But wit you well, said Sir

Launcelot to the queen, that at that jousts I will be against the king,

and against all his fellowship. Ye may there do as ye list, said the

queen, but by my counsel ye shall not be against your king and your

fellowship. For therein be full many hard knights of your blood, as ye

wot well enough, it needeth not to rehearse them. Madam, said Sir

Launcelot, I pray you that ye be not displeased with me, for I will

take the adventure that God will send me.

And so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard mass and brake his fast,

and so took his leave of the queen and departed. And then he rode so

much until he came to Astolat, that is Guildford; and there it happed

him in the eventide he came to an old baron’s place that hight Sir

Bernard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered into his lodging, King

Arthur espied him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he

took his lodging, and knew him full well. It is well, said King Arthur

unto the knights that were with him in that garden beside the castle, I

have now espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts to the

which we be gone toward; I undertake he will do marvels. Who is that,

we pray you tell us? said many knights that were there at that time. Ye

shall not wit for me, said the king, as at this time. And so the king

smiled, and went to his lodging.

So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in his

chamber, the old baron and hermit came to him making his reverence, and

welcomed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not Sir

Launcelot. Fair sir, said Sir Launcelot to his host, I would pray you

to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known.

Sir, said his host, ye shall have your desire, for meseemeth ye be one

of the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall shew you

friendship. Sir, wit you well I have two sons that were but late made

knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same day

he was made knight, that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have;

for that is not known I dare say but here, and in no place else. And my

youngest son hight Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall ride with

you unto that jousts; and he is of his age strong and wight, for much

my heart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore I

pray you, tell me your name, said Sir Bernard. As for that, said Sir

Launcelot, ye must hold me excused as at this time, and if God give me

grace to speed well at the jousts I shall come again and tell you. But

I pray you, said Sir Launcelot, in any wise let me have your son, Sir

Lavaine, with me, and that I may have his brother’s shield. All this

shall be done, said Sir Bernard.

This old baron had a daughter that was called that time the Fair Maiden

of Astolat. And ever she beheld Sir Launcelot wonderfully; and as the

book saith, she cast such a love unto Sir Launcelot that she could

never withdraw her love, wherefore she died, and her name was Elaine le

Blank. So thus as she came to and fro she was so hot in her love that

she besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon him at the jousts a token of

hers. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, an if I grant you that, ye may

say I do more for your love than ever I did for lady or damosel. Then

he remembered him he would go to the jousts disguised. And because he

had never fore that time borne no manner of token of no damosel, then

he bethought him that he would bear one of her, that none of his blood

thereby might know him, and then he said: Fair maiden, I will grant you

to wear a token of yours upon mine helmet, and therefore what it is,

shew it me. Sir, she said, it is a red sleeve of mine, of scarlet, well

embroidered with great pearls: and so she brought it him. So Sir

Launcelot received it, and said: Never did I erst so much for no

damosel. And then Sir Launcelot betook the fair maiden his shield in

keeping, and prayed her to keep that until that he came again; and so

that night he had merry rest and great cheer, for ever the damosel

Elaine was about Sir Launcelot all the while she might be suffered.

CHAPTER X. How the tourney began at Winchester, and what knights were

at the jousts; and other things.

So upon a day, on the morn, King Arthur and all his knights departed,

for their king had tarried three days to abide his noble knights. And

so when the king was ridden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them

ready to ride, and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeve

Sir Launcelot let carry with him. And so they took their leave at Sir

Bernard, the old baron, and at his daughter, the Fair Maiden of

Astolat. And then they rode so long till that they came to Camelot,

that time called Winchester; and there was great press of kings, dukes

earls, and barons, and many noble knights. But there Sir Launcelot was

lodged privily by the means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, that no

man in that town was ware what they were. And so they reposed them

there till our Lady Day, Assumption, as the great feast should be. So

then trumpets blew unto the field, and King Arthur was set on high upon

a scaffold to behold who did best. But as the French book saith, the

king would not suffer Sir Gawaine to go from him, for never had Sir

Gawaine the better an Sir Launcelot were in the field; and many times

was Sir Gawaine rebuked when Launcelot came into any jousts disguised.

Then some of the kings, as King Anguish of Ireland and the King of

Scots, were that time turned upon the side of King Arthur. And then on

the other party was the King of Northgalis, and the King with the

Hundred Knights, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the

haut prince. But these three kings and this duke were passing weak to

hold against King Arthur’s party, for with him were the noblest knights

of the world. So then they withdrew them either party from other, and

every man made him ready in his best manner to do what he might.

Then Sir Launcelot made him ready, and put the red sleeve upon his

head, and fastened it fast; and so Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine

departed out of Winchester privily, and rode until a little leaved wood

behind the party that held against King Arthur’s party, and there they

held them still till the parties smote together. And then came in the

King of Scots and the King of Ireland on Arthur’s party, and against

them came the King of Northumberland, and the King with the Hundred

Knights smote down the King of Northumberland, and the King with the

Hundred Knights smote down King Anguish of Ireland. Then Sir Palomides

that was on Arthur’s party encountered with Sir Galahad, and either of

them smote down other, and either party halp their lords on horseback

again. So there began a strong assail upon both parties. And then came

in Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir

Kay le Seneschal, Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Mordred, Sir Meliot

de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, Sir

Galleron of Galway. All these fifteen knights were knights of the Table

Round. So these with more other came in together, and beat aback the

King of Northumberland and the King of Northgalis. When Sir Launcelot

saw this, as he hoved in a little leaved wood, then he said unto Sir

Lavaine: See yonder is a company of good knights, and they hold them

together as boars that were chafed with dogs. That is truth, said Sir

Lavaine.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the field

against them of King Arthur’s court, and how Launcelot was hurt.

Now, said Sir Launcelot, an ye will help me a little, ye shall see

yonder fellowship that chaseth now these men in our side, that they

shall go as fast backward as they went forward. Sir, spare not, said

Sir Lavaine, for I shall do what I may. Then Sir Launcelot and Sir

Lavaine came in at the thickest of the press, and there Sir Launcelot

smote down Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir

Griflet, and all this he did with one spear; and Sir Lavaine smote down

Sir Lucan le Butler and Sir Bedevere. And then Sir Launcelot gat

another spear, and there he smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and

Sir Mordred, and Sir Meliot de Logris; and Sir Lavaine smote Ozanna le

Cure Hardy. And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and there he smote

on the right hand and on the left hand, and by great force he unhorsed

Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron; and then the knights of

the Table Round withdrew them aback, after they had gotten their horses

as well as they might. O mercy Jesu, said Sir Gawaine, what knight is

yonder that doth so marvellous deeds of arms in that field? I wot well

what he is, said King Arthur, but as at this time I will not name him.

Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I would say it were Sir Launcelot by his riding

and his buffets that I see him deal, but ever meseemeth it should not

be he, for that he beareth the red sleeve upon his head; for I wist him

never bear token at no jousts, of lady nor gentlewoman. Let him be,

said King Arthur, he will be better known, and do more, or ever he

depart.

Then the party that was against King Arthur were well comforted, and

then they held them together that beforehand were sore rebuked. Then

Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel called unto them the

knights of their blood, as Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir

Aliduke, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere le Beuse. So these

nine knights of Sir Launcelot’s kin thrust in mightily, for they were

all noble knights; and they, of great hate and despite that they had

unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight Sir Launcelot, and Sir

Lavaine, for they knew them not; and so they came hurling together, and

smote down many knights of Northgalis and of Northumberland. And when

Sir Launcelot saw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand; and there

encountered with him all at once Sir Bors, Sir Ector, and Sir Lionel,

and all they three smote him at once with their spears. And with force

of themself they smote Sir Launcelot’s horse to the earth; and by

misfortune Sir Bors smote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the

side, and the spear brake, and the head left still in his side.

When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie on the ground, he ran to the King

of Scots and smote him to the earth; and by great force he took his

horse, and brought him to Sir Launcelot, and maugre of them all he made

him to mount upon that horse. And then Launcelot gat a spear in his

hand, and there he smote Sir Bors, horse and man, to the earth. In the

same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel; and Sir Lavaine smote

down Sir Blamore de Ganis. And then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, for

he felt himself so sore y-hurt that he weened there to have had his

death. And then he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet on the helm that

he fell down to the earth in a swoon. And in the same wise he served

Sir Aliduke and Sir Galihud. And Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Bellangere,

that was the son of Alisander le Orphelin.

And by this was Sir Bors horsed, and then he came with Sir Ector and

Sir Lionel, and all they three smote with swords upon Sir Launcelot’s

helmet. And when he felt their buffets and his wound, the which was so

grievous, then he thought to do what he might while he might endure.

And then he gave Sir Bors such a buffet that he made him bow his head

passing low; and therewithal he raced off his helm, and might have

slain him; and so pulled him down, and in the same wise he served Sir

Ector and Sir Lionel. For as the book saith he might have slain them,

but when he saw their visages his heart might not serve him thereto,

but left them there. And then afterward he hurled into the thickest

press of them all, and did there the marvelloust deeds of arms that

ever man saw or heard speak of, and ever Sir Lavaine, the good knight,

with him. And there Sir Launcelot with his sword smote down and pulled

down, as the French book maketh mention, mo than thirty knights, and

the most part were of the Table Round; and Sir Lavaine did full well

that day, for he smote down ten knights of the Table Round.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the

field, and in what jeopardy Launcelot was.

Mercy Jesu, said Sir Gawaine to Arthur, I marvel what knight that he is

with the red sleeve. Sir, said King Arthur, he will be known or he

depart. And then the king blew unto lodging, and the prize was given by

heralds unto the knight with the white shield that bare the red sleeve.

Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, the King of Northgalis,

and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince, and

said unto Sir Launcelot: Fair knight, God thee bless, for much have ye

done this day for us, therefore we pray you that ye will come with us

that ye may receive the honour and the prize as ye have worshipfully

deserved it. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well if I have

deserved thanks I have sore bought it, and that me repenteth, for I am

like never to escape with my life; therefore, fair lords, I pray you

that ye will suffer me to depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt. I

take none force of none honour, for I had liefer to repose me than to

be lord of all the world. And therewithal he groaned piteously, and

rode a great wallop away-ward from them until he came under a wood’s

side.

And when he saw that he was from the field nigh a mile, that he was

sure he might not be seen, then he said with an high voice: O gentle

knight, Sir Lavaine, help me that this truncheon were out of my side,

for it sticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me. O mine own lord, said

Sir Lavaine, I would fain do that might please you, but I dread me sore

an I pull out the truncheon that ye shall be in peril of death. I

charge you, said Sir Launcelot, as ye love me, draw it out. And

therewithal he descended from his horse, and right so did Sir Lavaine;

and forthwithal Sir Lavaine drew the truncheon out of his side, and he

gave a great shriek and a marvellous grisly groan, and the blood brast

out nigh a pint at once, that at the last he sank down upon his

buttocks, and so swooned pale and deadly. Alas, said Sir Lavaine, what

shall I do? And then he turned Sir Launcelot into the wind, but so he

lay there nigh half an hour as he had been dead.

And so at the last Sir Launcelot cast up his eyes, and said: O Lavaine,

help me that I were on my horse, for here is fast by within this two

mile a gentle hermit that sometime was a full noble knight and a great

lord of possessions. And for great goodness he hath taken him to wilful

poverty, and forsaken many lands, and his name is Sir Baudwin of

Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon and a good leech. Now let see,

help me up that I were there, for ever my heart giveth me that I shall

never die of my cousin-germain’s hands. And then with great pain Sir

Lavaine halp him upon his horse. And then they rode a great wallop

together, and ever Sir Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth;

and so by fortune they came to that hermitage the which was under a

wood, and a great cliff on the other side, and a fair water running

under it. And then Sir Lavaine beat on the gate with the butt of his

spear, and cried fast: Let in for Jesu’s sake.

And there came a fair child to them, and asked them what they would.

Fair son, said Sir Lavaine, go and pray thy lord, the hermit, for God’s

sake to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded; and this day

tell thy lord I saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say

that any man did. So the child went in lightly, and then he brought the

hermit, the which was a passing good man. When Sir Lavaine saw him he

prayed him for God’s sake of succour. What knight is he? said the

hermit. Is he of the house of King Arthur, or not? I wot not, said Sir

Lavaine, what is he, nor what is his name, but well I wot I saw him do

marvellously this day as of deeds of arms. On whose party was he? said

the hermit. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, he was this day against King Arthur,

and there he won the prize of all the knights of the Round Table. I

have seen the day, said the hermit, I would have loved him the worse

because he was against my lord, King Arthur, for sometime I was one of

the fellowship of the Round Table, but I thank God now I am otherwise

disposed. But where is he? let me see him. Then Sir Lavaine brought the

hermit to him.

CHAPTER XIII. How Launcelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed

of his wound, and of other matters.

And when the hermit beheld him, as he sat leaning upon his saddle-bow

ever bleeding piteously, and ever the knight-hermit thought that he

should know him, but he could not bring him to knowledge because he was

so pale for bleeding. What knight are ye, said the hermit, and where

were ye born? My fair lord, said Sir Launcelot, I am a stranger and a

knight adventurous, that laboureth throughout many realms for to win

worship. Then the hermit advised him better, and saw by a wound on his

cheek that he was Sir Launcelot. Alas, said the hermit, mine own lord

why lain you your name from me? Forsooth I ought to know you of right,

for ye are the most noblest knight of the world, for well I know you

for Sir Launcelot. Sir, said he, sith ye know me, help me an ye may,

for God’s sake, for I would be out of this pain at once, either to

death or to life. Have ye no doubt, said the hermit, ye shall live and

fare right well. And so the hermit called to him two of his servants,

and so he and his servants bare him into the hermitage, and lightly

unarmed him, and laid him in his bed. And then anon the hermit

staunched his blood, and made him to drink good wine, so that Sir

Launcelot was well refreshed and knew himself; for in those days it was

not the guise of hermits as is nowadays, for there were none hermits in

those days but that they had been men of worship and of prowess; and

those hermits held great household, and refreshed people that were in

distress.

Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir Launcelot in the

hermitage. So when the kings were come together on both parties, and

the great feast should be holden, King Arthur asked the King of

Northgalis and their fellowship, where was that knight that bare the

red sleeve: Bring him afore me that he may have his laud, and honour,

and the prize, as it is right. Then spake Sir Galahad, the haut prince,

and the King with the Hundred Knights: We suppose that knight is

mischieved, and that he is never like to see you nor none of us all,

and that is the greatest pity that ever we wist of any knight. Alas,

said Arthur, how may this be, is he so hurt? What is his name? said

King Arthur. Truly, said they all, we know not his name, nor from

whence he came, nor whither he would. Alas, said the king, this be to

me the worst tidings that came to me this seven year, for I would not

for all the lands I wield to know and wit it were so that that noble

knight were slain. Know ye him? said they all. As for that, said

Arthur, whether I know him or know him not, ye shall not know for me

what man he is, but Almighty Jesu send me good tidings of him. And so

said they all. By my head, said Sir Gawaine, if it so be that the good

knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage and pity to all this land,

for he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw in a field handle

a spear or a sword; and if he may be found I shall find him, for I am

sure he nis not far from this town. Bear you well, said King Arthur, an

ye may find him, unless that he be in such a plight that he may not

wield himself. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, but wit I shall what he

is, an I may find him.

Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him upon hackneys, and rode all

about Camelot within six or seven mile, but so he came again and could

hear no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and all the

fellowship returned unto London again. And so as they rode by the way

it happed Sir Gawaine at Astolat to lodge with Sir Bernard thereas was

Sir Launcelot lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber to

repose him Sir Bernard, the old baron, came unto him, and his daughter

Elaine, to cheer him and to ask him what tidings, and who did best at

that tournament of Winchester. So God me help, said Sir Gawaine, there

were two knights that bare two white shields, but the one of them bare

a red sleeve upon his head, and certainly he was one of the best

knights that ever I saw joust in field. For I dare say, said Sir

Gawaine, that one knight with the red sleeve smote down forty knights

of the Table Round, and his fellow did right well and worshipfully. Now

blessed be God, said the Fair Maiden of Astolat, that that knight sped

so well, for he is the man in the world that I first loved, and truly

he shall be last that ever I shall love. Now, fair maid, said Sir

Gawaine, is that good knight your love? Certainly sir, said she, wit ye

well he is my love. Then know ye his name? said Sir Gawaine. Nay truly,

said the damosel, I know not his name nor from whence he cometh, but to

say that I love him, I promise you and God that I love him. How had ye

knowledge of him first? said Sir Gawaine.

CHAPTER XIV. How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and

there had knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot that bare the red sleeve.

Then she told him as ye have heard to-fore, and how her father betook

him her brother to do him service, and how her father lent him her

brother’s, Sir Tirre’s, shield: And here with me he left his own

shield. For what cause did he so? said Sir Gawaine. For this cause,

said the damosel, for his shield was too well known among many noble

knights. Ah fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, please it you let me have a

sight of that shield. Sir, said she, it is in my chamber, covered with

a case, and if ye will come with me ye shall see it. Not so, said Sir

Bernard till his daughter, let send for it.

So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the case, and when he

beheld that shield he knew anon that it was Sir Launcelot’s shield, and

his own arms. Ah Jesu mercy, said Sir Gawaine, now is my heart more

heavier than ever it was to-fore. Why? said Elaine. For I have great

cause, said Sir Gawaine. Is that knight that oweth this shield your

love? Yea truly, said she, my love he is, God would I were his love. So

God me speed, said Sir Gawaine, fair damosel ye have right, for an he

be your love ye love the most honourable knight of the world, and the

man of most worship. So me thought ever, said the damosel, for never or

that time, for no knight that ever I saw, loved I never none erst. God

grant, said Sir Gawaine, that either of you may rejoice other, but that

is in a great adventure. But truly, said Sir Gawaine unto the damosel,

ye may say ye have a fair grace, for why I have known that noble knight

this four-and-twenty year, and never or that day, I nor none other

knight, I dare make good, saw nor heard say that ever he bare token or

sign of no lady, gentlewoman, ne maiden, at no jousts nor tournament.

And therefore fair maiden, said Sir Gawaine, ye are much beholden to

him to give him thanks. But I dread me, said Sir Gawaine, that ye shall

never see him in this world, and that is great pity that ever was of

earthly knight. Alas, said she, how may this be, is he slain? I say not

so, said Sir Gawaine, but wit ye well he is grievously wounded, by all

manner of signs, and by men’s sight more likelier to be dead than to be

alive; and wit ye well he is the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, for by

this shield I know him. Alas, said the Fair Maiden of Astolat, how may

this be, and what was his hurt? Truly, said Sir Gawaine, the man in the

world that loved him best hurt him so; and I dare say, said Sir

Gawaine, an that knight that hurt him knew the very certainty that he

had hurt Sir Launcelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever came to

his heart.

Now fair father, said then Elaine, I require you give me leave to ride

and to seek him, or else I wot well I shall go out of my mind, for I

shall never stint till that I find him and my brother, Sir Lavaine. Do

as it liketh you, said her father, for me sore repenteth of the hurt of

that noble knight. Right so the maid made her ready, and before Sir

Gawaine, making great dole.

Then on the morn Sir Gawaine came to King Arthur, and told him how he

had found Sir Launcelot’s shield in the keeping of the Fair Maiden of

Astolat. All that knew I aforehand, said King Arthur, and that caused

me I would not suffer you to have ado at the great jousts, for I

espied, said King Arthur, when he came in till his lodging full late in

the evening in Astolat. But marvel have I, said Arthur, that ever he

would bear any sign of any damosel, for or now I never heard say nor

knew that ever he bare any token of none earthly woman. By my head,

said Sir Gawaine, the Fair Maiden of Astolat loveth him marvellously

well; what it meaneth I cannot say, and she is ridden after to seek

him. So the king and all came to London, and there Sir Gawaine openly

disclosed to all the court that it was Sir Launcelot that jousted best.

CHAPTER XV. Of the sorrow that Sir Bors had for the hurt of Launcelot;

and of the anger that the queen had because Launcelot bare the sleeve.

And when Sir Bors heard that, wit ye well he was an heavy man, and so

were all his kinsmen. But when Queen Guenever wist that Sir Launcelot

bare the red sleeve of the Fair Maiden of Astolat she was nigh out of

her mind for wrath. And then she sent for Sir Bors de Ganis in all the

haste that might be. So when Sir Bors was come to-fore the queen, then

she said: Ah Sir Bors, have ye heard say how falsely Sir Launcelot hath

betrayed me? Alas madam, said Sir Bors, I am afeard he hath betrayed

himself and us all. No force, said the queen, though he be destroyed,

for he is a false traitor-knight. Madam, said Sir Bors, I pray you say

ye not so, for wit you well I may not hear such language of him. Why

Sir Bors, said she, should I not call him traitor when he bare the red

sleeve upon his head at Winchester, at the great jousts? Madam, said

Sir Bors, that sleeve-bearing repenteth me sore, but I dare say he did

it to none evil intent, but for this cause he bare the red sleeve that

none of his blood should know him. For or then we, nor none of us all,

never knew that ever he bare token or sign of maid, lady, ne

gentlewoman. Fie on him, said the queen, yet for all his pride and

bobaunce there ye proved yourself his better. Nay madam, say ye never

more so, for he beat me and my fellows, and might have slain us an he

had would. Fie on him, said the queen, for I heard Sir Gawaine say

before my lord Arthur that it were marvel to tell the great love that

is between the Fair Maiden of Astolat and him. Madam, said Sir Bors, I

may not warn Sir Gawaine to say what it pleased him; but I dare say, as

for my lord, Sir Launcelot, that he loveth no lady, gentlewoman, nor

maid, but all he loveth in like much. And therefore madam, said Sir

Bors, ye may say what ye will, but wit ye well I will haste me to seek

him, and find him wheresomever he be, and God send me good tidings of

him. And so leave we them there, and speak we of Sir Launcelot that lay

in great peril.

So as fair Elaine came to Winchester she sought there all about, and by

fortune Sir Lavaine was ridden to play him, to enchafe his horse. And

anon as Elaine saw him she knew him, and then she cried aloud until

him. And when he heard her anon he came to her, and then she asked her

brother how did my lord, Sir Launcelot. Who told you, sister, that my

lord’s name was Sir Launcelot? Then she told him how Sir Gawaine by his

shield knew him. So they rode together till that they came to the

hermitage, and anon she alighted.

So Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Launcelot; and when she saw him

lie so sick and pale in his bed she might not speak, but suddenly she

fell to the earth down suddenly in a swoon, and there she lay a great

while. And when she was relieved, she shrieked and said: My lord, Sir

Launcelot, alas why be ye in this plight? and then she swooned again.

And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to take her up: And bring her

to me. And when she came to herself Sir Launcelot kissed her, and said:

Fair maiden, why fare ye thus? ye put me to pain; wherefore make ye no

more such cheer, for an ye be come to comfort me ye be right welcome;

and of this little hurt that I have I shall be right hastily whole by

the grace of God. But I marvel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my

name? Then the fair maiden told him all how Sir Gawaine was lodged with

her father: And there by your shield he discovered your name. Alas,

said Sir Launcelot, that me repenteth that my name is known, for I am

sure it will turn unto anger. And then Sir Launcelot compassed in his

mind that Sir Gawaine would tell Queen Guenever how he bare the red

sleeve, and for whom; that he wist well would turn into great anger.

So this maiden Elaine never went from Sir Launcelot, but watched him

day and night, and did such attendance to him, that the French book

saith there was never woman did more kindlier for man than she. Then

Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to make aspies in Winchester for Sir

Bors if he came there, and told him by what tokens he should know him,

by a wound in his forehead. For well I am sure, said Sir Launcelot,

that Sir Bors will seek me, for he is the same good knight that hurt

me.

CHAPTER XVI. How Sir Bors sought Launcelot and found him in the

hermitage, and of the lamentation between them.

Now turn we unto Sir Bors de Ganis that came unto Winchester to seek

after his cousin Sir Launcelot. And so when he came to Winchester, anon

there were men that Sir Lavaine had made to lie in a watch for such a

man, and anon Sir Lavaine had warning; and then Sir Lavaine came to

Winchester and found Sir Bors, and there he told him what he was, and

with whom he was, and what was his name. Now fair knight, said Sir

Bors, I require you that ye will bring me to my lord, Sir Launcelot.

Sir, said Sir Lavaine, take your horse, and within this hour ye shall

see him. And so they departed, and came to the hermitage.

And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot lie in his bed pale and

discoloured, anon Sir Bors lost his countenance, and for kindness and

pity he might not speak, but wept tenderly a great while. And then when

he might speak he said thus: O my lord, Sir Launcelot, God you bless,

and send you hasty recover; and full heavy am I of my misfortune and of

mine unhappiness, for now I may call myself unhappy. And I dread me

that God is greatly displeased with me, that he would suffer me to have

such a shame for to hurt you that are all our leader, and all our

worship; and therefore I call myself unhappy. Alas that ever such a

caitiff-knight as I am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the

most noblest knight of the world. Where I so shamefully set upon you

and overcharged you, and where ye might have slain me, ye saved me; and

so did not I, for I and your blood did to you our utterance. I marvel,

said Sir Bors, that my heart or my blood would serve me, wherefore my

lord, Sir Launcelot, I ask your mercy. Fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot,

ye be right welcome; and wit ye well, overmuch ye say for to please me,

the which pleaseth me not, for why I have the same I sought; for I

would with pride have overcome you all, and there in my pride I was

near slain, and that was in mine own default, for I might have given

you warning of my being there. And then had I had no hurt, for it is an

old said saw, there is hard battle thereas kin and friends do battle

either against other, there may be no mercy but mortal war. Therefore,

fair cousin, said Sir Launcelot, let this speech overpass, and all

shall be welcome that God sendeth; and let us leave off this matter and

let us speak of some rejoicing, for this that is done may not be

undone; and let us find a remedy how soon that I may be whole.

Then Sir Bors leaned upon his bedside, and told Sir Launcelot how the

queen was passing wroth with him, because he wore the red sleeve at the

great jousts; and there Sir Bors told him all how Sir Gawaine

discovered it: By your shield that ye left with the Fair Maiden of

Astolat. Then is the queen wroth, said Sir Launcelot and therefore am I

right heavy, for I deserved no wrath, for all that I did was because I

would not be known. Right so excused I you, said Sir Bors, but all was

in vain, for she said more largelier to me than I to you now. But is

this she, said Sir Bors, that is so busy about you, that men call the

Fair Maiden of Astolat? She it is, said Sir Launcelot, that by no means

I cannot put her from me. Why should ye put her from you? said Sir

Bors, she is a passing fair damosel, and a well beseen, and well

taught; and God would, fair cousin, said Sir Bors, that ye could love

her, but as to that I may not, nor I dare not, counsel you. But I see

well, said Sir Bors, by her diligence about you that she loveth you

entirely. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors,

she is not the first that hath lost her pain upon you, and that is the

more pity: and so they talked of many more things. And so within three

days or four Sir Launcelot was big and strong again.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might bear

arms, and how his wounds brast out again.

Then Sir Bors told Sir Launcelot how there was sworn a great tournament

and jousts betwixt King Arthur and the King of Northgalis, that should

be upon All Hallowmass Day, beside Winchester. Is that truth? said Sir

Launcelot; then shall ye abide with me still a little while until that

I be whole, for I feel myself right big and strong. Blessed be God,

said Sir Bors. Then were they there nigh a month together, and ever

this maiden Elaine did ever her diligent labour night and day unto Sir

Launcelot, that there was never child nor wife more meeker to her

father and husband than was that Fair Maiden of Astolat; wherefore Sir

Bors was greatly pleased with her.

So upon a day, by the assent of Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, and Sir

Lavaine, they made the hermit to seek in woods for divers herbs, and so

Sir Launcelot made fair Elaine to gather herbs for him to make him a

bain. In the meanwhile Sir Launcelot made him to arm him at all pieces;

and there he thought to assay his armour and his spear, for his hurt or

not. And so when he was upon his horse he stirred him fiercely, and the

horse was passing lusty and fresh because he was not laboured a month

afore. And then Sir Launcelot couched that spear in the rest. That

courser leapt mightily when he felt the spurs; and he that was upon

him, the which was the noblest horse of the world, strained him

mightily and stably, and kept still the spear in the rest; and

therewith Sir Launcelot strained himself so straitly, with so great

force, to get the horse forward, that the button of his wound brast

both within and without; and therewithal the blood came out so fiercely

that he felt himself so feeble that he might not sit upon his horse.

And then Sir Launcelot cried unto Sir Bors: Ah, Sir Bors and Sir

Lavaine, help, for I am come to mine end. And therewith he fell down on

the one side to the earth like a dead corpse. And then Sir Bors and Sir

Lavaine came to him with sorrow-making out of measure. And so by

fortune the maiden Elaine heard their mourning, and then she came

thither; and when she found Sir Launcelot there armed in that place she

cried and wept as she had been wood; and then she kissed him, and did

what she might to awake him. And then she rebuked her brother and Sir

Bors, and called them false traitors, why they would take him out of

his bed; there she cried, and said she would appeal them of his death.

With this came the holy hermit, Sir Baudwin of Brittany, and when he

found Sir Launcelot in that plight he said but little, but wit ye well

he was wroth; and then he bade them: Let us have him in. And so they

all bare him unto the hermitage, and unarmed him, and laid him in his

bed; and evermore his wound bled piteously, but he stirred no limb of

him. Then the knight-hermit put a thing in his nose and a little deal

of water in his mouth. And then Sir Launcelot waked of his swoon, and

then the hermit staunched his bleeding. And when he might speak he

asked Sir Launcelot why he put his life in jeopardy. Sir, said Sir

Launcelot, because I weened I had been strong, and also Sir Bors told

me that there should be at All Hallowmass a great jousts betwixt King

Arthur and the King of Northgalis, and therefore I thought to assay it

myself whether I might be there or not. Ah, Sir Launcelot, said the

hermit, your heart and your courage will never be done until your last

day, but ye shall do now by my counsel. Let Sir Bors depart from you,

and let him do at that tournament what he may: And by the grace of God,

said the knight-hermit, by that the tournament be done and ye come

hither again, Sir Launcelot shall be as whole as ye, so that he will be

governed by me.

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot;

and of the tourney, and to whom the prize was given.

Then Sir Bors made him ready to depart from Sir Launcelot; and then Sir

Launcelot said: Fair cousin, Sir Bors, recommend me unto all them unto

whom me ought to recommend me unto. And I pray you, enforce yourself at

that jousts that ye may be best, for my love; and here shall I abide

you at the mercy of God till ye come again. And so Sir Bors departed

and came to the court of King Arthur, and told them in what place he

had left Sir Launcelot. That me repenteth, said the king, but since he

shall have his life we all may thank God. And there Sir Bors told the

queen in what jeopardy Sir Launcelot was when he would assay his horse.

And all that he did, madam, was for the love of you, because he would

have been at this tournament. Fie on him, recreant knight, said the

queen, for wit ye well I am right sorry an he shall have his life. His

life shall he have, said Sir Bors, and who that would otherwise, except

you, madam, we that be of his blood should help to short their lives.

But madam, said Sir Bors, ye have been oft-times displeased with my

lord, Sir Launcelot, but at all times at the end ye find him a true

knight: and so he departed.

And then every knight of the Round Table that were there at that time

present made them ready to be at that jousts at All Hallowmass, and

thither drew many knights of divers countries. And as All Hallowmass

drew near, thither came the King of Northgalis, and the King with the

Hundred Knights, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince, of Surluse, and

thither came King Anguish of Ireland, and the King of Scots. So these

three kings came on King Arthur’s party. And so that day Sir Gawaine

did great deeds of arms, and began first. And the heralds numbered that

Sir Gawaine smote down twenty knights. Then Sir Bors de Ganis came in

the same time, and he was numbered that he smote down twenty knights;

and therefore the prize was given betwixt them both, for they began

first and longest endured. Also Sir Gareth, as the book saith, did that

day great deeds of arms, for he smote down and pulled down thirty

knights. But when he had done these deeds he tarried not but so

departed, and therefore he lost his prize. And Sir Palomides did great

deeds of arms that day, for he smote down twenty knights, but he

departed suddenly, and men deemed Sir Gareth and he rode together to

some manner adventures.

So when this tournament was done Sir Bors departed and rode till he

came to Sir Launcelot, his cousin; and then he found him walking on his

feet, and there either made great joy of other; and so Sir Bors told

Sir Launcelot of all the Jousts like as ye have heard. I marvel, said

Sir Launcelot, that Sir Gareth, when he had done such deeds of arms,

that he would not tarry. Thereof we marvelled all, said Sir Bors, for

but if it were you, or Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, I saw

never knight bear down so many in so little a while as did Sir Gareth:

and anon he was gone we wist not where. By my head, said Sir Launcelot,

he is a noble knight, and a mighty man and well breathed; and if he

were well assayed, said Sir Launcelot I would deem he were good enough

for any knight that beareth the life; and he is a gentle knight,

courteous, true, and bounteous, meek, and mild, and in him is no manner

of mal engin, but plain, faithful, and true.

So then they made them ready to depart from the hermit. And so upon a

morn they took their horses and Elaine le Blank with them; and when

they came to Astolat there were they well lodged, and had great cheer

of Sir Bernard, the old baron, and of Sir Tirre, his son. And so upon

the morn when Sir Launcelot should depart, fair Elaine brought her

father with her, and Sir Lavaine, and Sir Tirre, and thus she said:

CHAPTER XIX. Of the great lamentation of the Fair Maid of Astolat when

Launcelot should depart, and how she died for his love.

My lord, Sir Launcelot, now I see ye will depart; now fair knight and

courteous knight, have mercy upon me, and suffer me not to die for thy

love. What would ye that I did? said Sir Launcelot. I would have you to

my husband, said Elaine. Fair damosel, I thank you, said Sir Launcelot,

but truly, said he, I cast me never to be wedded man. Then, fair

knight, said she, will ye be my paramour? Jesu defend me, said Sir

Launcelot, for then I rewarded your father and your brother full evil

for their great goodness. Alas, said she, then must I die for your

love. Ye shall not so, said Sir Launcelot, for wit ye well, fair

maiden, I might have been married an I had would, but I never applied

me to be married yet; but because, fair damosel, that ye love me as ye

say ye do, I will for your good will and kindness show you some

goodness, and that is this, that wheresomever ye will beset your heart

upon some good knight that will wed you, I shall give you together a

thousand pound yearly to you and to your heirs; thus much will I give

you, fair madam, for your kindness, and always while I live to be your

own knight. Of all this, said the maiden, I will none, for but if ye

will wed me, or else be my paramour at the least, wit you well, Sir

Launcelot, my good days are done. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, of

these two things ye must pardon me.

Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon; and then women

bare her into her chamber, and there she made over much sorrow; and

then Sir Launcelot would depart, and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he

would do. What should I do, said Sir Lavaine, but follow you, but if ye

drive me from you, or command me to go from you. Then came Sir Bernard

to Sir Launcelot and said to him: I cannot see but that my daughter

Elaine will die for your sake. I may not do withal, said Sir Launcelot,

for that me sore repenteth, for I report me to yourself, that my

proffer is fair; and me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, that she loveth

me as she doth; I was never the causer of it, for I report me to your

son I early ne late proffered her bounté nor fair behests; and as for

me, said Sir Launcelot, I dare do all that a knight should do that she

is a clean maiden for me, both for deed and for will. And I am right

heavy of her distress, for she is a full fair maiden, good and gentle,

and well taught. Father, said Sir Lavaine, I dare make good she is a

clean maiden as for my lord Sir Launcelot; but she doth as I do, for

sithen I first saw my lord Sir Launcelot, I could never depart from

him, nor nought I will an I may follow him.

Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they departed, and came unto

Winchester. And when Arthur wist that Sir Launcelot was come whole and

sound the king made great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawaine and all

the knights of the Round Table except Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.

Also Queen Guenever was wood wroth with Sir Launcelot, and would by no

means speak with him, but estranged herself from him; and Sir Launcelot

made all the means that he might for to speak with the queen, but it

would not be.

Now speak we of the Fair Maiden of Astolat that made such sorrow day

and night that she never slept, ate, nor drank, and ever she made her

complaint unto Sir Launcelot. So when she had thus endured a ten days,

that she feebled so that she must needs pass out of this world, then

she shrived her clean, and received her Creator. And ever she

complained still upon Sir Launcelot. Then her ghostly father bade her

leave such thoughts. Then she said, why should I leave such thoughts?

Am I not an earthly woman? And all the while the breath is in my body I

may complain me, for my belief is I do none offence though I love an

earthly man; and I take God to my record I loved never none but Sir

Launcelot du Lake, nor never shall, and a clean maiden I am for him and

for all other; and sithen it is the sufferance of God that I shall die

for the love of so noble a knight, I beseech the High Father of Heaven

to have mercy upon my soul, and upon mine innumerable pains that I

suffered may be allegeance of part of my sins. For sweet Lord Jesu,

said the fair maiden, I take Thee to record, on Thee I was never great

offencer against thy laws; but that I loved this noble knight, Sir

Launcelot, out of measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not

withstand the fervent love wherefore I have my death.

And then she called her father, Sir Bernard, and her brother, Sir

Tirre, and heartily she prayed her father that her brother might write

a letter like as she did indite it: and so her father granted her. And

when the letter was written word by word like as she devised, then she

prayed her father that she might be watched until she were dead. And

while my body is hot let this letter be put in my right hand, and my

hand bound fast with the letter until that I be cold; and let me be put

in a fair bed with all the richest clothes that I have about me, and so

let my bed and all my richest clothes be laid with me in a chariot unto

the next place where Thames is; and there let me be put within a

barget, and but one man with me, such as ye trust to steer me thither,

and that my barget be covered with black samite over and over: thus

father I beseech you let it be done. So her father granted it her

faithfully, all things should be done like as she had devised. Then her

father and her brother made great dole, for when this was done anon she

died. And so when she was dead the corpse and the bed all was led the

next way unto Thames, and there a man, and the corpse, and all, were

put into Thames; and so the man steered the barget unto Westminster,

and there he rowed a great while to and fro or any espied it.

CHAPTER XX. How the corpse of the Maid of Astolat arrived to-fore King

Arthur, and of the burying, and how Sir Launcelot offered the

mass-penny.

So by fortune King Arthur and the Queen Guenever were speaking together

at a window, and so as they looked into Thames they espied this black

barget, and had marvel what it meant. Then the king called Sir Kay, and

showed it him. Sir, said Sir Kay, wit you well there is some new

tidings. Go thither, said the king to Sir Kay, and take with you Sir

Brandiles and Agravaine, and bring me ready word what is there. Then

these four knights departed and came to the barget and went in; and

there they found the fairest corpse lying in a rich bed, and a poor man

sitting in the barget’s end, and no word would he speak. So these four

knights returned unto the king again, and told him what they found.

That fair corpse will I see, said the king. And so then the king took

the queen by the hand, and went thither.

Then the king made the barget to be holden fast, and then the king and

the queen entered with certain knights with them; and there he saw the

fairest woman lie in a rich bed, covered unto her middle with many rich

clothes, and all was of cloth of gold, and she lay as though she had

smiled. Then the queen espied a letter in her right hand, and told it

to the king. Then the king took it and said: Now am I sure this letter

will tell what she was, and why she is come hither. So then the king

and the queen went out of the barget, and so commanded a certain man to

wait upon the barget.

And so when the king was come within his chamber, he called many

knights about him, and said that he would wit openly what was written

within that letter. Then the king brake it, and made a clerk to read

it, and this was the intent of the letter. Most noble knight, Sir

Launcelot, now hath death made us two at debate for your love. I was

your lover, that men called the Fair Maiden of Astolat; therefore unto

all ladies I make my moan, yet pray for my soul and bury me at least,

and offer ye my mass-penny: this is my last request. And a clean maiden

I died, I take God to witness: pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou

art peerless. This was all the substance in the letter. And when it was

read, the king, the queen, and all the knights wept for pity of the

doleful complaints. Then was Sir Launcelot sent for; and when he was

come King Arthur made the letter to be read to him.

And when Sir Launcelot heard it word by word, he said: My lord Arthur,

wit ye well I am right heavy of the death of this fair damosel: God

knoweth I was never causer of her death by my willing, and that will I

report me to her own brother: here he is, Sir Lavaine. I will not say

nay, said Sir Launcelot, but that she was both fair and good, and much

I was beholden unto her, but she loved me out of measure. Ye might have

shewed her, said the queen, some bounty and gentleness that might have

preserved her life. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, she would none other

ways be answered but that she would be my wife, outher else my

paramour; and of these two I would not grant her, but I proffered her,

for her good love that she shewed me, a thousand pound yearly to her,

and to her heirs, and to wed any manner knight that she could find best

to love in her heart. For madam, said Sir Launcelot, I love not to be

constrained to love; for love must arise of the heart, and not by no

constraint. That is truth, said the king, and many knight’s love is

free in himself, and never will be bounden, for where he is bounden he

looseth himself.

Then said the king unto Sir Launcelot: It will be your worship that ye

oversee that she be interred worshipfully. Sir, said Sir Launcelot,

that shall be done as I can best devise. And so many knights yede

thither to behold that fair maiden. And so upon the morn she was

interred richly, and Sir Launcelot offered her mass-penny; and all the

knights of the Table Round that were there at that time offered with

Sir Launcelot. And then the poor man went again with the barget. Then

the queen sent for Sir Launcelot, and prayed him of mercy, for why that

she had been wroth with him causeless. This is not the first time, said

Sir Launcelot, that ye had been displeased with me causeless, but,

madam, ever I must suffer you, but what sorrow I endure I take no

force. So this passed on all that winter, with all manner of hunting

and hawking, and jousts and tourneys were many betwixt many great

lords, and ever in all places Sir Lavaine gat great worship, so that he

was nobly renowned among many knights of the Table Round.

CHAPTER XXI. Of great jousts done all a Christmas, and of a great

jousts and tourney ordained by King Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot.

Thus it passed on till Christmas, and then every day there was jousts

made for a diamond, who that jousted best should have a diamond. But

Sir Launcelot would not joust but if it were at a great jousts cried.

But Sir Lavaine jousted there all that Christmas passingly well, and

best was praised, for there were but few that did so well. Wherefore

all manner of knights deemed that Sir Lavaine should be made knight of

the Table Round at the next feast of Pentecost. So at-after Christmas

King Arthur let call unto him many knights, and there they advised

together to make a party and a great tournament and jousts. And the

King of Northgalis said to Arthur, he would have on his party King

Anguish of Ireland, and the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King

of Northumberland, and Sir Galahad, the haut prince. And so these four

kings and this mighty duke took part against King Arthur and the

knights of the Table Round. And the cry was made that the day of the

jousts should be beside Westminster upon Candlemas Day, whereof many

knights were glad, and made them ready to be at that jousts in the

freshest manner.

Then Queen Guenever sent for Sir Launcelot, and said thus: I warn you

that ye ride no more in no jousts nor tournaments but that your kinsmen

may know you. And at these jousts that shall be ye shall have of me a

sleeve of gold; and I pray you for my sake enforce yourself there, that

men may speak of you worship; but I charge you as ye will have my love,

that ye warn your kinsmen that ye will bear that day the sleeve of gold

upon your helmet. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, it shall be done. And so

either made great joy of other. And when Sir Launcelot saw his time he

told Sir Bors that he would depart, and have no more with him but Sir

Lavaine, unto the good hermit that dwelt in that forest of Windsor; his

name was Sir Brasias; and there he thought to repose him, and take all

the rest that he might, because he would be fresh at that day of

jousts.

So Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed, that no creature wist where

he was become, but the noble men of his blood. And when he was come to

the hermitage, wit ye well he had good cheer. And so daily Sir

Launcelot would go to a well fast by the hermitage, and there he would

lie down, and see the well spring and burble, and sometime he slept

there. So at that time there was a lady dwelt in that forest, and she

was a great huntress, and daily she used to hunt, and ever she bare her

bow with her; and no men went never with her, but always women, and

they were shooters, and could well kill a deer, both at the stalk and

at the trest; and they daily bare bows and arrows, horns and

wood-knives, and many good dogs they had, both for the string and for a

bait. So it happed this lady the huntress had abated her dog for the

bow at a barren hind, and so this barren hind took the flight over

hedges and woods. And ever this lady and part of her women costed the

hind, and checked it by the noise of the hounds, to have met with the

hind at some water; and so it happed, the hind came to the well whereas

Sir Launcelot was sleeping and slumbering. And so when the hind came to

the well, for heat she went to soil, and there she lay a great while;

and the dog came after, and umbecast about, for she had lost the very

perfect feute of the hind. Right so came that lady the huntress, that

knew by the dog that she had, that the hind was at the soil in that

well; and there she came stiffly and found the hind, and she put a

broad arrow in her bow, and shot at the hind, and over-shot the hind;

and so by misfortune the arrow smote Sir Launcelot in the thick of the

buttock, over the barbs. When Sir Launcelot felt himself so hurt, he

hurled up woodly, and saw the lady that had smitten him. And when he

saw she was a woman, he said thus: Lady or damosel, what that thou be,

in an evil time bear ye a bow; the devil made you a shooter.

CHAPTER XXII. How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman

came to an hermit, and of other matters.

Now mercy, fair sir, said the lady, I am a gentlewoman that useth here

in this forest hunting, and God knoweth I saw ye not; but as here was a

barren hind at the soil in this well, and I weened to have done well,

but my hand swerved. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, ye have mischieved me.

And so the lady departed, and Sir Launcelot as he might pulled out the

arrow, and left that head still in his buttock, and so he went weakly

to the hermitage ever more bleeding as he went. And when Sir Lavaine

and the hermit espied that Sir Launcelot was hurt, wit you well they

were passing heavy, but Sir Lavaine wist not how that he was hurt nor

by whom. And then were they wroth out of measure.

Then with great pain the hermit gat out the arrow’s head out of Sir

Launcelot’s buttock, and much of his blood he shed, and the wound was

passing sore, and unhappily smitten, for it was in such a place that he

might not sit in no saddle. Have mercy, Jesu, said Sir Launcelot, I may

call myself the most unhappiest man that liveth, for ever when I would

fainest have worship there befalleth me ever some unhappy thing. Now so

Jesu me help, said Sir Launcelot, and if no man would but God, I shall

be in the field upon Candlemas Day at the jousts, whatsomever fall of

it: so all that might be gotten to heal Sir Launcelot was had.

So when the day was come Sir Launcelot let devise that he was arrayed,

and Sir Lavaine, and their horses, as though they had been Saracens;

and so they departed and came nigh to the field. The King of Northgalis

with an hundred knights with him, and the King of Northumberland

brought with him an hundred good knights, and King Anguish of Ireland

brought with him an hundred good knights ready to joust, and Sir

Galahad, the haut prince, brought with him an hundred good knights, and

the King with the Hundred Knights brought with him as many, and all

these were proved good knights. Then came in King Arthur’s party; and

there came in the King of Scots with an hundred knights, and King

Uriens of Gore brought with him an hundred knights, and King Howel of

Brittany brought with him an hundred knights, and Chaleins of Clarance

brought with him an hundred knights, and King Arthur himself came into

the field with two hundred knights, and the most part were knights of

the Table Round, that were proved noble knights; and there were old

knights set in scaffolds for to judge, with the queen, who did best.

CHAPTER XXIII. How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and other

men also.

Then they blew to the field; and there the King of Northgalis

encountered with the King of Scots, and there the King of Scots had a

fall; and the King of Ireland smote down King Uriens; and the King of

Northumberland smote down King Howel of Brittany; and Sir Galahad, the

haut prince, smote down Chaleins of Clarance. And then King Arthur was

wood wroth, and ran to the King with the Hundred Knights, and there

King Arthur smote him down; and after with that same spear King Arthur

smote down three other knights. And then when his spear was broken King

Arthur did passingly well; and so therewithal came in Sir Gawaine and

Sir Gaheris, Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, and there everych of them

smote down a knight, and Sir Gawaine smote down four knights; and then

there began a strong medley, for then there came in the knights of

Launcelot’s blood, and Sir Gareth and Sir Palomides with them, and many

knights of the Table Round, and they began to hold the four kings and

the mighty duke so hard that they were discomfit; but this Duke

Galahad, the haut prince, was a noble knight, and by his mighty prowess

of arms he held the knights of the Table Round strait enough.

All this doing saw Sir Launcelot, and then he came into the field with

Sir Lavaine as it had been thunder. And then anon Sir Bors and the

knights of his blood espied Sir Launcelot, and said to them all: I warn

you beware of him with the sleeve of gold upon his head, for he is

himself Sir Launcelot du Lake; and for great goodness Sir Bors warned

Sir Gareth. I am well apaid, said Sir Gareth, that I may know him. But

who is he, said they all, that rideth with him in the same array? That

is the good and gentle knight Sir Lavaine, said Sir Bors. So Sir

Launcelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and there by force Sir

Launcelot smote down Sir Gawaine and his horse to the earth, and so he

smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and also he smote down Sir

Mordred, and all this was with one spear. Then Sir Lavaine met with Sir

Palomides, and either met other so hard and so fiercely that both their

horses fell to the earth. And then were they horsed again, and then met

Sir Launcelot with Sir Palomides, and there Sir Palomides had a fall;

and so Sir Launcelot or ever he stint, as fast as he might get spears,

he smote down thirty knights, and the most part of them were knights of

the Table Round; and ever the knights of his blood withdrew them, and

made them ado in other places where Sir Launcelot came not.

And then King Arthur was wroth when he saw Sir Launcelot do such deeds;

and then the king called unto him Sir Gawaine, Sir Mordred, Sir Kay,

Sir Griflet, Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedivere, Sir Palomides, Sir

Safere, his brother; and so the king with these nine knights made them

ready to set upon Sir Launcelot, and upon Sir Lavaine. All this espied

Sir Bors and Sir Gareth. Now I dread me sore, said Sir Bors, that my

lord, Sir Launcelot, will be hard matched. By my head, said Sir Gareth,

I will ride unto my lord Sir Launcelot, for to help him, fall of him

what fall may, for he is the same man that made me knight. Ye shall not

so, said Sir Bors, by my counsel, unless that ye were disguised. Ye

shall see me disguised, said Sir Gareth; and therewithal he espied a

Welsh knight where he was to repose him, and he was sore hurt afore by

Sir Gawaine, and to him Sir Gareth rode, and prayed him of his

knighthood to lend him his shield for his. I will well, said the Welsh

knight. And when Sir Gareth had his shield, the book saith it was

green, with a maiden that seemed in it.

Then Sir Gareth came driving to Sir Launcelot all that he might and

said: Knight, keep thyself, for yonder cometh King Arthur with nine

noble knights with him to put you to a rebuke, and so I am come to bear

you fellowship for old love ye have shewed me. Gramercy, said Sir

Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Gareth, encounter ye with Sir Gawaine, and I

shall encounter with Sir Palomides; and let Sir Lavaine match with the

noble King Arthur. And when we have delivered them, let us three hold

us sadly together. Then came King Arthur with his nine knights with

him, and Sir Launcelot encountered with Sir Gawaine, and gave him such

a buffet that the arson of his saddle brast, and Sir Gawaine fell to

the earth. Then Sir Gareth encountered with the good knight Sir

Palomides, and he gave him such a buffet that both his horse and he

dashed to the earth. Then encountered King Arthur with Sir Lavaine, and

there either of them smote other to the earth, horse and all, that they

lay a great while. Then Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Agravaine, and Sir

Gaheris, and Sir Mordred; and Sir Gareth smote down Sir Kay, and Sir

Safere, and Sir Griflet. And then Sir Lavaine was horsed again, and he

smote down Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedevere and then there began

great throng of good knights.

Then Sir Launcelot hurtled here and there, and raced and pulled off

helms, so that at that time there might none sit him a buffet with

spear nor with sword; and Sir Gareth did such deeds of arms that all

men marvelled what knight he was with the green shield, for he smote

down that day and pulled down mo than thirty knights. And, as the

French book saith, Sir Launcelot marvelled; when he beheld Sir Gareth

do such deeds, what knight he might be; and Sir Lavaine pulled down and

smote down twenty knights. Also Sir Launcelot knew not Sir Gareth for

an Sir Tristram de Liones, outher Sir Lamorak de Galis had been alive,

Sir Launcelot would have deemed he had been one of them twain. So ever

as Sir Launcelot Sir Gareth, Sir Lavaine fought, and on the one side

Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Lionel, Sir Lamorak de Galis, Sir

Bleoberis, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Pelleas, and with mo other

of King Ban’s blood fought upon another party, and held the King with

the Hundred Knights and the King of Northumberland right strait.

CHAPTER XXIV. How King Arthur marvelled much of the jousting in the

field, and how he rode and found Sir Launcelot.

So this tournament and this jousts dured long, till it was near night,

for the knights of the Round Table relieved ever unto King Arthur; for

the king was wroth out of measure that he and his knights might not

prevail that day. Then Sir Gawaine said to the king: I marvel where all

this day [be] Sir Bors de Ganis and his fellowship of Sir Launcelot’s

blood, I marvel all this day they be not about you: it is for some

cause said Sir Gawaine. By my head, said Sir Kay, Sir Bors is yonder

all this day upon the right hand of this field, and there he and his

blood do more worshipfully than we do. It may well be, said Sir

Gawaine, but I dread me ever of guile; for on pain of my life, said Sir

Gawaine, this knight with the red sleeve of gold is himself Sir

Launcelot, I see well by his riding and by his great strokes; and the

other knight in the same colours is the good young knight, Sir Lavaine.

Also that knight with the green shield is my brother, Sir Gareth, and

yet he hath disguised himself, for no man shall never make him be

against Sir Launcelot, because he made him knight. By my head, said

Arthur, nephew, I believe you; therefore tell me now what is your best

counsel. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall have my counsel: let blow unto

lodging, for an he be Sir Launcelot du Lake, and my brother, Sir

Gareth, with him, with the help of that good young knight, Sir Lavaine,

trust me truly it will be no boot to strive with them but if we should

fall ten or twelve upon one knight, and that were no worship, but

shame. Ye say truth, said the king; and for to say sooth, said the

king, it were shame to us so many as we be to set upon them any more;

for wit ye well, said King Arthur, they be three good knights, and

namely that knight with the sleeve of gold.

So then they blew unto lodging; but forthwithal King Arthur let send

unto the four kings, and to the mighty duke, and prayed them that the

knight with the sleeve of gold depart not from them, but that the king

may speak with him. Then forthwithal King Arthur alighted and unarmed

him, and took a little hackney and rode after Sir Launcelot, for ever

he had a spy upon him. And so he found him among the four kings and the

duke; and there the king prayed them all unto supper, and they said

they would with good will. And when they were unarmed then King Arthur

knew Sir Launcelot, Sir Lavaine, and Sir Gareth. Ah, Sir Launcelot,

said King Arthur, this day ye have heated me and my knights.

So they yede unto Arthur’s lodging all together, and there was a great

feast and great revel, and the prize was given unto Sir Launcelot; and

by heralds they named him that he had smitten down fifty knights, and

Sir Gareth five-and-thirty, and Sir Lavaine four-and-twenty knights.

Then Sir Launcelot told the king and the queen how the lady huntress

shot him in the forest of Windsor, in the buttock, with an broad arrow,

and how the wound thereof was that time six inches deep, and in like

long. Also Arthur blamed Sir Gareth because he left his fellowship and

held with Sir Launcelot. My lord, said Sir Gareth, he made me a knight,

and when I saw him so hard bestead, methought it was my worship to help

him, for I saw him do so much, and so many noble knights against him;

and when I understood that he was Sir Launcelot du Lake, I shamed to

see so many knights against him alone. Truly, said King Arthur unto Sir

Gareth, ye say well, and worshipfully have ye done and to yourself

great worship; and all the days of my life, said King Arthur unto Sir

Gareth, wit you well I shall love you, and trust you the more better.

For ever, said Arthur, it is a worshipful knight’s deed to help another

worshipful knight when he seeth him in a great danger; for ever a

worshipful man will be loath to see a worshipful man shamed; and he

that is of no worship, and fareth with cowardice, never shall he show

gentleness, nor no manner of goodness where he seeth a man in any

danger, for then ever will a coward show no mercy; and always a good

man will do ever to another man as he would be done to himself. So then

there were great feasts unto kings and dukes, and revel, game, and

play, and all manner of noblesse was used; and he that was courteous,

true, and faithful, to his friend was that time cherished.

CHAPTER XXV. How true love is likened to summer.

And thus it passed on from Candlemass until after Easter, that the

month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and

to bring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and

flourish in May, in like wise every lusty heart that is in any manner a

lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds. For it giveth unto all

lovers courage, that lusty month of May, in something to constrain him

to some manner of thing more in that month than in any other month, for

divers causes. For then all herbs and trees renew a man and woman, and

likewise lovers call again to their mind old gentleness and old

service, and many kind deeds that were forgotten by negligence. For

like as winter rasure doth alway arase and deface green summer, so

fareth it by unstable love in man and woman. For in many persons there

is no stability; for we may see all day, for a little blast of winter’s

rasure, anon we shall deface and lay apart true love for little or

nought, that cost much thing; this is no wisdom nor stability, but it

is feebleness of nature and great disworship, whosomever useth this.

Therefore, like as May month flowereth and flourisheth in many gardens,

so in like wise let every man of worship flourish his heart in this

world, first unto God, and next unto the joy of them that he promised

his faith unto; for there was never worshipful man or worshipful woman,

but they loved one better than another; and worship in arms may never

be foiled, but first reserve the honour to God, and secondly the

quarrel must come of thy lady: and such love I call virtuous love.

But nowadays men can not love seven night but they must have all their

desires: that love may not endure by reason; for where they be soon

accorded and hasty heat, soon it cooleth. Right so fareth love

nowadays, soon hot soon cold: this is no stability. But the old love

was not so; men and women could love together seven years, and no

licours lusts were between them, and then was love, truth, and

faithfulness: and lo, in like wise was used love in King Arthur’s days.

Wherefore I liken love nowadays unto summer and winter; for like as the

one is hot and the other cold, so fareth love nowadays; therefore all

ye that be lovers call unto your remembrance the month of May, like as

did Queen Guenever, for whom I make here a little mention, that while

she lived she was a true lover, and therefore she had a good end.

_Explicit liber Octodecimus. And here followeth liber xix._

BOOK XIX.

CHAPTER I. How Queen Guenever rode a-Maying with certain knights of the

Round Table and clad all in green.

So it befell in the month of May, Queen Guenever called unto her

knights of the Table Round; and she gave them warning that early upon

the morrow she would ride a-Maying into woods and fields beside

Westminster. And I warn you that there be none of you but that he be

well horsed, and that ye all be clothed in green, outher in silk outher

in cloth; and I shall bring with me ten ladies, and every knight shall

have a lady behind him, and every knight shall have a squire and two

yeomen; and I will that ye all be well horsed. So they made them ready

in the freshest manner. And these were the names of the knights: Sir

Kay le Seneschal, Sir Agravaine, Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramore le

Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Ladinas

of the Forest Savage, Sir Persant of Inde, Sir Ironside, that was

called the Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Pelleas, the lover; and

these ten knights made them ready in the freshest manner to ride with

the queen. And so upon the morn they took their horses with the queen,

and rode a-Maying in woods and meadows as it pleased them, in great joy

and delights; for the queen had cast to have been again with King

Arthur at the furthest by ten of the clock, and so was that time her

purpose.

Then there was a knight that hight Meliagrance, and he was son unto

King Bagdemagus, and this knight had at that time a castle of the gift

of King Arthur within seven mile of Westminster. And this knight, Sir

Meliagrance, loved passing well Queen Guenever, and so had he done long

and many years. And the book saith he had lain in await for to steal

away the queen, but evermore he forbare for because of Sir Launcelot;

for in no wise he would meddle with the queen an Sir Launcelot were in

her company, outher else an he were near-hand her. And that time was

such a custom, the queen rode never without a great fellowship of men

of arms about her, and they were many good knights, and the most part

were young men that would have worship; and they were called the

Queen’s Knights, and never in no battle, tournament, nor jousts, they

bare none of them no manner of knowledging of their own arms, but plain

white shields, and thereby they were called the Queen’s Knights. And

then when it happed any of them to be of great worship by his noble

deeds, then at the next Feast of Pentecost, if there were any slain or

dead, as there was none year that there failed but some were dead, then

was there chosen in his stead that was dead the most men of worship,

that were called the Queen’s Knights. And thus they came up all first,

or they were renowned men of worship, both Sir Launcelot and all the

remnant of them.

But this knight, Sir Meliagrance, had espied the queen well and her

purpose, and how Sir Launcelot was not with her, and how she had no men

of arms with her but the ten noble knights all arrayed in green for

Maying. Then he purveyed him a twenty men of arms and an hundred

archers for to destroy the queen and her knights, for he thought that

time was best season to take the queen.

CHAPTER II. How Sir Meliagrance took the queen and her knights, which

were sore hurt in fighting.

So as the queen had Mayed and all her knights, all were bedashed with

herbs, mosses and flowers, in the best manner and freshest. Right so

came out of a wood Sir Meliagrance with an eight score men well

harnessed, as they should fight in a battle of arrest, and bade the

queen and her knights abide, for maugre their heads they should abide.

Traitor knight, said Queen Guenever, what cast thou for to do? Wilt

thou shame thyself? Bethink thee how thou art a king’s son, and knight

of the Table Round, and thou to be about to dishonour the noble king

that made thee knight; thou shamest all knighthood and thyself, and me,

I let thee wit, shalt thou never shame, for I had liefer cut mine own

throat in twain rather than thou shouldest dishonour me. As for all

this language, said Sir Meliagrance, be it as it be may, for wit you

well, madam, I have loved you many a year, and never or now could I get

you at such an advantage as I do now, and therefore I will take you as

I find you.

Then spake all the ten noble knights at once and said: Sir Meliagrance,

wit thou well ye are about to jeopard your worship to dishonour, and

also ye cast to jeopard our persons howbeit we be unarmed. Ye have us

at a great avail, for it seemeth by you that ye have laid watch upon

us; but rather than ye should put the queen to a shame and us all, we

had as lief to depart from our lives, for an if we other ways did, we

were shamed for ever. Then said Sir Meliagrance: Dress you as well ye

can, and keep the queen. Then the ten knights of the Table Round drew

their swords, and the other let run at them with their spears, and the

ten knights manly abode them, and smote away their spears that no spear

did them none harm. Then they lashed together with swords, and anon Sir

Kay, Sir Sagramore, Sir Agravaine, Sir Dodinas, Sir Ladinas, and Sir

Ozanna were smitten to the earth with grimly wounds. Then Sir

Brandiles, and Sir Persant, Sir Ironside, Sir Pelleas fought long, and

they were sore wounded, for these ten knights, or ever they were laid

to the ground, slew forty men of the boldest and the best of them.

So when the queen saw her knights thus dolefully wounded, and needs

must be slain at the last, then for pity and sorrow she cried Sir

Meliagrance: Slay not my noble knights, and I will go with thee upon

this covenant, that thou save them, and suffer them not to be no more

hurt, with this, that they be led with me wheresomever thou leadest me,

for I will rather slay myself than I will go with thee, unless that

these my noble knights may be in my presence. Madam, said Meliagrance,

for your sake they shall be led with you into mine own castle, with

that ye will be ruled, and ride with me. Then the queen prayed the four

knights to leave their fighting, and she and they would not depart.

Madam, said Sir Pelleas, we will do as ye do, for as for me I take no

force of my life nor death. For as the French book saith, Sir Pelleas

gave such buffets there that none armour might hold him.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and

how Sir Meliagrance laid a bushment for Launcelot.

Then by the queen’s commandment they left battle, and dressed the

wounded knights on horseback, some sitting, some overthwart their

horses, that it was pity to behold them. And then Sir Meliagrance

charged the queen and all her knights that none of all her fellowship

should depart from her; for full sore he dread Sir Launcelot du Lake,

lest he should have any knowledging. All this espied the queen, and

privily she called unto her a child of her chamber that was swiftly

horsed, to whom she said: Go thou, when thou seest thy time, and bear

this ring unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and pray him as he loveth me that

he will see me and rescue me, if ever he will have joy of me; and spare

not thy horse, said the queen, neither for water, neither for land. So

the child espied his time, and lightly he took his horse with the

spurs, and departed as fast as he might. And when Sir Meliagrance saw

him so flee, he understood that it was by the queen’s commandment for

to warn Sir Launcelot. Then they that were best horsed chased him and

shot at him, but from them all the child went suddenly. And then Sir

Meliagrance said to the queen: Madam, ye are about to betray me, but I

shall ordain for Sir Launcelot that he shall not come lightly at you.

And then he rode with her, and they all, to his castle, in all the

haste that they might. And by the way Sir Meliagrance laid in an

embushment the best archers that he might get in his country, to the

number of thirty, to await upon Sir Launcelot, charging them that if

they saw such a manner of knight come by the way upon a white horse,

that in any wise they slay his horse, but in no manner of wise have not

ado with him bodily, for he is over-hardy to be overcome.

So this was done, and they were come to his castle, but in no wise the

queen would never let none of the ten knights and her ladies out of her

sight, but always they were in her presence; for the book saith, Sir

Meliagrance durst make no masteries, for dread of Sir Launcelot,

insomuch he deemed that he had warning. So when the child was departed

from the fellowship of Sir Meliagrance, within a while he came to

Westminster, and anon he found Sir Launcelot. And when he had told his

message, and delivered him the queen’s ring: Alas, said Sir Launcelot,

now I am shamed for ever, unless that I may rescue that noble lady from

dishonour. Then eagerly he asked his armour; and ever the child told

Sir Launcelot how the ten knights fought marvellously, and how Sir

Pelleas, and Sir Ironside, and Sir Brandiles, and Sir Persant of Inde,

fought strongly, but namely Sir Pelleas, there might none withstand

him; and how they all fought till at the last they were laid to the

earth; and then the queen made appointment for to save their lives, and

go with Sir Meliagrance.