Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that most noble lady, that she should be so

destroyed; I had liefer, said Sir Launcelot, than all France, that I

had been there well armed. So when Sir Launcelot was armed and upon his

horse, he prayed the child of the queen’s chamber to warn Sir Lavaine

how suddenly he was departed, and for what cause. And pray him as he

loveth me, that he will hie him after me, and that he stint not until

he come to the castle where Sir Meliagrance abideth, or dwelleth; for

there, said Sir Launcelot, he shall hear of me an I am a man living,

and rescue the queen and the ten knights the which he traitorously hath

taken, and that shall I prove upon his head, and all them that hold

with him.

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot’s horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot

rode in a cart for to rescue the queen.

Then Sir Launcelot rode as fast as he might, and the book saith he took

the water at Westminster Bridge, and made his horse to swim over Thames

unto Lambeth. And then within a while he came to the same place thereas

the ten noble knights fought with Sir Meliagrance. And then Sir

Launcelot followed the track until that he came to a wood, and there

was a straight way, and there the thirty archers bade Sir Launcelot

turn again, and follow no longer that track. What commandment have ye

thereto, said Sir Launcelot, to cause me that am a knight of the Round

Table to leave my right way? This way shalt thou leave, other-else thou

shalt go it on thy foot, for wit thou well thy horse shall be slain.

That is little mastery, said Sir Launcelot, to slay mine horse; but as

for myself, when my horse is slain, I give right nought for you, not an

ye were five hundred more. So then they shot Sir Launcelot’s horse, and

smote him with many arrows; and then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse,

and went on foot; but there were so many ditches and hedges betwixt

them and him that he might not meddle with none of them. Alas for

shame, said Launcelot, that ever one knight should betray another

knight; but it is an old saw, A good man is never in danger but when he

is in the danger of a coward. Then Sir Launcelot went a while, and then

he was foul cumbered of his armour, his shield, and his spear, and all

that longed unto him. Wit ye well he was full sore annoyed, and full

loath he was for to leave anything that longed unto him, for he dread

sore the treason of Sir Meliagrance.

Then by fortune there came by him a chariot that came thither for to

fetch wood. Say me, carter, said Sir Launcelot, what shall I give thee

to suffer me to leap into thy chariot, and that thou bring me unto a

castle within this two mile? Thou shalt not come within my chariot,

said the carter, for I am sent for to fetch wood for my lord, Sir

Meliagrance. With him would I speak. Thou shalt not go with me, said

the carter. Then Sir Launcelot leapt to him, and gave him such a buffet

that he fell to the earth stark dead. Then the other carter, his

fellow, was afeard, and weened to have gone the same way; and then he

cried: Fair lord, save my life, and I shall bring you where ye will.

Then I charge thee, said Sir Launcelot, that thou drive me and this

chariot even unto Sir Meliagrance’s gate. Leap up into the chariot,

said the carter, and ye shall be there anon. So the carter drove on a

great wallop, and Sir Launcelot’s horse followed the chariot, with more

than a forty arrows broad and rough in him.

And more than an hour and an half Dame Guenever was awaiting in a bay

window with her ladies, and espied an armed knight standing in a

chariot. See, madam, said a lady, where rideth in a chariot a goodly

armed knight; I suppose he rideth unto hanging. Where? said the queen.

Then she espied by his shield that he was there himself, Sir Launcelot

du Lake. And then she was ware where came his horse ever after that

chariot, and ever he trod his guts and his paunch under his feet. Alas,

said the queen, now I see well and prove, that well is him that hath a

trusty friend. Ha, ha, most noble knight, said Queen Guenever, I see

well thou art hard bestead when thou ridest in a chariot. Then she

rebuked that lady that likened Sir Launcelot to ride in a chariot to

hanging. It was foul mouthed, said the queen, and evil likened, so for

to liken the most noble knight of the world unto such a shameful death.

O Jesu defend him and keep him, said the queen, from all mischievous

end. By this was Sir Launcelot come to the gates of that castle, and

there he descended down, and cried, that all the castle rang of it:

Where art thou, false traitor, Sir Meliagrance, and knight of the Table

Round? now come forth here, thou traitor knight, thou and thy

fellowship with thee; for here I am, Sir Launcelot du Lake, that shall

fight with you. And therewithal he bare the gate wide open upon the

porter, and smote him under his ear with his gauntlet, that his neck

brast a-sunder.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Meliagrance required forgiveness of the queen, and

how she appeased Sir Launcelot; and other matters.

When Sir Meliagrance heard that Sir Launcelot was there he ran unto

Queen Guenever, and fell upon his knee, and said: Mercy, madam, now I

put me wholly into your grace. What aileth you now? said Queen

Guenever; forsooth I might well wit some good knight would revenge me,

though my lord Arthur wist not of this your work. Madam, said Sir

Meliagrance, all this that is amiss on my part shall be amended right

as yourself will devise, and wholly I put me in your grace. What would

ye that I did? said the queen. I would no more, said Meliagrance, but

that ye would take all in your own hands, and that ye will rule my lord

Sir Launcelot; and such cheer as may be made him in this poor castle ye

and he shall have until to-morn, and then may ye and all they return

unto Westminster; and my body and all that I have I shall put in your

rule. Ye say well, said the queen, and better is peace than ever war,

and the less noise the more is my worship.

Then the queen and her ladies went down unto the knight, Sir Launcelot,

that stood wroth out of measure in the inner court, to abide battle;

and ever he bade: Thou traitor knight come forth. Then the queen came

to him and said: Sir Launcelot, why be ye so moved? Ha, madam, said Sir

Launcelot, why ask ye me that question? Meseemeth, said Sir Launcelot,

ye ought to be more wroth than I am, for ye have the hurt and the

dishonour, for wit ye well, madam, my hurt is but little for the

killing of a mare’s son, but the despite grieveth me much more than all

my hurt. Truly, said the queen, ye say truth; but heartily I thank you,

said the queen, but ye must come in with me peaceably, for all thing is

put in my hand, and all that is evil shall be for the best, for the

knight full sore repenteth him of the misadventure that is befallen

him. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, sith it is so that ye been accorded

with him, as for me I may not be again it, howbeit Sir Meliagrance hath

done full shamefully to me, and cowardly. Ah madam, said Sir Launcelot,

an I had wist ye would have been so soon accorded with him I would not

have made such haste unto you. Why say ye so, said the queen, do ye

forthink yourself of your good deeds? Wit you well, said the queen, I

accorded never unto him for favour nor love that I had unto him, but

for to lay down every shameful noise. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, ye

understand full well I was never willing nor glad of shameful slander

nor noise; and there is neither king, queen, nor knight, that beareth

the life, except my lord King Arthur, and you, madam, should let me,

but I should make Sir Meliagrance’s heart full cold or ever I departed

from hence. That wot I well, said the queen, but what will ye more? Ye

shall have all thing ruled as ye list to have it. Madam, said Sir

Launcelot, so ye be pleased I care not, as for my part ye shall soon

please.

Right so the queen took Sir Launcelot by the bare hand, for he had put

off his gauntlet, and so she went with him till her chamber; and then

she commanded him to be unarmed. And then Sir Launcelot asked where

were the ten knights that were wounded sore; so she showed them unto

Sir Launcelot, and there they made great joy of the coming of him, and

Sir Launcelot made great dole of their hurts, and bewailed them

greatly. And there Sir Launcelot told them how cowardly and traitorly

Meliagrance set archers to slay his horse, and how he was fain to put

himself in a chariot. Thus they complained everych to other; and full

fain they would have been revenged, but they peaced themselves because

of the queen. Then, as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot was called

many a day after le Chevaler du Chariot, and did many deeds, and great

adventures he had. And so leave we of this tale le Chevaler du Chariot,

and turn we to this tale.

So Sir Launcelot had great cheer with the queen, and then Sir Launcelot

made a promise with the queen that the same night Sir Launcelot should

come to a window outward toward a garden; and that window was y-barred

with iron, and there Sir Launcelot promised to meet her when all folks

were asleep. So then came Sir Lavaine driving to the gates, crying:

Where is my lord, Sir Launcelot du Lake? Then was he sent for, and when

Sir Lavaine saw Sir Launcelot, he said: My lord, I found well how ye

were hard bestead, for I have found your horse that was slain with

arrows. As for that, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you, Sir Lavaine, speak

ye of other matters, and let ye this pass, and we shall right it

another time when we best may.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen and lay

with her, and how Sir Meliagrance appeached the queen of treason.

Then the knights that were hurt were searched, and soft salves were

laid to their wounds; and so it passed on till supper time, and all the

cheer that might be made them there was done unto the queen and all her

knights. Then when season was, they went unto their chambers, but in no

wise the queen would not suffer the wounded knights to be from her, but

that they were laid within draughts by her chamber, upon beds and

pillows, that she herself might see to them, that they wanted nothing.

So when Sir Launcelot was in his chamber that was assigned unto him, he

called unto him Sir Lavaine, and told him that night he must go speak

with his lady, Dame Guenever. Sir, said Sir Lavaine, let me go with you

an it please you, for I dread me sore of the treason of Sir

Meliagrance. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you, but I will have

nobody with me. Then Sir Launcelot took his sword in his hand, and

privily went to a place where he had espied a ladder to-forehand, and

that he took under his arm, and bare it through the garden, and set it

up to the window, and there anon the queen was ready to meet him. And

then they made either to other their complaints of many divers things,

and then Sir Launcelot wished that he might have come into her. Wit ye

well, said the queen, I would as fain as ye, that ye might come in to

me. Would ye, madam, said Sir Launcelot, with your heart that I were

with you? Yea, truly, said the queen. Now shall I prove my might, said

Sir Launcelot, for your love; and then he set his hands upon the bars

of iron, and he pulled at them with such a might that he brast them

clean out of the stone walls, and therewithal one of the bars of iron

cut the brawn of his hands throughout to the bone; and then he leapt

into the chamber to the queen. Make ye no noise, said the queen, for my

wounded knights lie here fast by me. So, to pass upon this tale, Sir

Launcelot went unto bed with the queen, and he took no force of his

hurt hand, but took his pleasaunce and his liking until it was in the

dawning of the day; and wit ye well he slept not but watched, and when

he saw his time that he might tarry no longer he took his leave and

departed at the window, and put it together as well as he might again,

and so departed unto his own chamber; and there he told Sir Lavaine how

he was hurt. Then Sir Lavaine dressed his hand and staunched it, and

put upon it a glove, that it should not be espied; and so the queen lay

long in her bed until it was nine of the clock.

Then Sir Meliagrance went to the queen’s chamber, and found her ladies

there ready clothed. Jesu mercy, said Sir Meliagrance, what aileth you,

madam, that ye sleep thus long? And right therewithal he opened the

curtain for to behold her; and then was he ware where she lay, and all

the sheet and pillow was bebled with the blood of Sir Launcelot and of

his hurt hand. When Sir Meliagrance espied that blood, then he deemed

in her that she was false to the king, and that some of the wounded

knights had lain by her all that night. Ah, madam, said Sir

Meliagrance, now I have found you a false traitress unto my lord

Arthur; for now I prove well it was not for nought that ye laid these

wounded knights within the bounds of your chamber; therefore I will

call you of treason before my lord, King Arthur. And now I have proved

you, madam, with a shameful deed; and that they be all false, or some

of them, I will make good, for a wounded knight this night hath lain by

you. That is false, said the queen, and that I will report me unto them

all. Then when the ten knights heard Sir Meliagrance’s words, they

spake all in one voice and said to Sir Meliagrance: Thou sayest

falsely, and wrongfully puttest upon us such a deed, and that we will

make good any of us; choose which thou list of us when we are whole of

our wounds. Ye shall not, said Sir Meliagrance, away with your proud

language, for here ye may all see, said Sir Meliagrance, that by the

queen this night a wounded knight hath lain. Then were they all ashamed

when they saw that blood; and wit you well Sir Meliagrance was passing

glad that he had the queen at such an advantage, for he deemed by that

to hide his treason. So with this rumour came in Sir Launcelot, and

found them all at a great array.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged battle

against Sir Meliagrance; and how Sir Launcelot was taken in a trap.

What array is this? said Sir Launcelot. Then Sir Meliagrance told them

what he had found, and showed them the queen’s bed. Truly, said Sir

Launcelot, ye did not your part nor knightly, to touch a queen’s bed

while it was drawn, and she lying therein; for I dare say my lord

Arthur himself would not have displayed her curtains, she being within

her bed, unless that it had pleased him to have lain down by her; and

therefore ye have done unworshipfully and shamefully to yourself. I wot

not what ye mean, said Sir Meliagrance, but well I am sure there hath

one of her wounded knights lain by her this night, and therefore I will

prove with my hands that she is a traitress unto my lord Arthur. Beware

what ye do, said Launcelot, for an ye say so, an ye will prove it, it

will be taken at your hands.

My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Meliagrance, I rede you beware what ye

do; for though ye are never so good a knight, as ye wot well ye are

renowned the best knight of the world, yet should ye be advised to do

battle in a wrong quarrel, for God will have a stroke in every battle.

As for that, said Sir Launcelot, God is to be dread; but as to that I

say nay plainly, that this night there lay none of these ten wounded

knights with my lady Queen Guenever, and that will I prove with my

hands, that ye say untruly in that now. Hold, said Sir Meliagrance,

here is my glove that she is traitress unto my lord, King Arthur, and

that this night one of the wounded knights lay with her. And I receive

your glove, said Sir Launcelot. And so they were sealed with their

signets, and delivered unto the ten knights. At what day shall we do

battle together? said Sir Launcelot. This day eight days, said Sir

Meliagrance, in the field beside Westminster. I am agreed, said Sir

Launcelot. But now, said Sir Meliagrance, sithen it is so that we must

fight together, I pray you, as ye be a noble knight, await me with no

treason, nor none villainy the meanwhile, nor none for you. So God me

help, said Sir Launcelot, ye shall right well wit I was never of no

such conditions, for I report me to all knights that ever have known

me, I fared never with no treason, nor I loved never the fellowship of

no man that fared with treason. Then let us go to dinner, said

Meliagrance, and after dinner ye and the queen and ye may ride all to

Westminster. I will well, said Sir Launcelot.

Then Sir Meliagrance said to Sir Launcelot: Pleaseth it you to see the

estures of this castle? With a good will, said Sir Launcelot. And then

they went together from chamber to chamber, for Sir Launcelot dread no

perils; for ever a man of worship and of prowess dreadeth least always

perils, for they ween every man be as they be; but ever he that fareth

with treason putteth oft a man in great danger. So it befell upon Sir

Launcelot that no peril dread, as he went with Sir Meliagrance he trod

on a trap and the board rolled, and there Sir Launcelot fell down more

than ten fathom into a cave full of straw; and then Sir Meliagrance

departed and made no fare as that he nist where he was.

And when Sir Launcelot was thus missed they marvelled where he was

become; and then the queen and many of them deemed that he was departed

as he was wont to do suddenly. For Sir Meliagrance made suddenly to put

away aside Sir Lavaine’s horse, that they might all understand that Sir

Launcelot was departed suddenly. So it passed on till after dinner; and

then Sir Lavaine would not stint until that he ordained litters for the

wounded knights, that they might be laid in them; and so with the queen

and them all, both ladies and gentlewomen and other, went unto

Westminster; and there the knights told King Arthur how Meliagrance had

appealed the queen of high treason, and how Sir Launcelot had received

the glove of him: And this day eight days they shall do battle afore

you. By my head, said King Arthur, I am afeard Sir Meliagrance hath

taken upon him a great charge; but where is Sir Launcelot? said the

king. Sir, said they all, we wot not where he is, but we deem he is

ridden to some adventures, as he is ofttimes wont to do, for he hath

Sir Lavaine’s horse. Let him be, said the king, he will be founden, but

if he be trapped with some treason.

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady,

and took a white courser and came for to keep his day.

So leave we Sir Launcelot lying within that cave in great pain; and

every day there came a lady and brought him his meat and his drink, and

wooed him, to have lain by him; and ever the noble knight, Sir

Launcelot, said her nay. Sir Launcelot, said she, ye are not wise, for

ye may never out of this prison, but if ye have my help; and also your

lady, Queen Guenever, shall be brent in your default, unless that ye be

there at the day of battle. God defend, said Sir Launcelot, that she

should be brent in my default; and if it be so, said Sir Launcelot,

that I may not be there, it shall be well understanded, both at the

king and at the queen, and with all men of worship, that I am dead,

sick, outher in prison. For all men that know me will say for me that I

am in some evil case an I be not there that day; and well I wot there

is some good knight either of my blood, or some other that loveth me,

that will take my quarrel in hand; and therefore, said Sir Launcelot,

wit ye well ye shall not fear me; and if there were no more women in

all this land but ye, I will not have ado with you. Then art thou

shamed, said the lady, and destroyed for ever. As for world’s shame,

Jesu defend me, and as for my distress, it is welcome whatsoever it be

that God sendeth me.

So she came to him the same day that the battle should be, and said:

Sir Launcelot, methinketh ye are too hard-hearted, but wouldest thou

but kiss me once I should deliver thee, and thine armour, and the best

horse that is within Sir Meliagrance’s stable. As for to kiss you, said

Sir Launcelot, I may do that and lose no worship; and wit ye well an I

understood there were any disworship for to kiss you I would not do it.

Then he kissed her, and then she gat him, and brought him to his

armour. And when he was armed, she brought him to a stable, where stood

twelve good coursers, and bade him choose the best. Then Sir Launcelot

looked upon a white courser the which liked him best; and anon he

commanded the keepers fast to saddle him with the best saddle of war

that there was; and so it was done as he bade. Then gat he his spear in

his hand, and his sword by his side, and commended the lady unto God,

and said: Lady, for this good deed I shall do you service if ever it be

in my power.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagrance

abode him in the field and dressed him to battle.

Now leave we Sir Launcelot wallop all that he might, and speak we of

Queen Guenever that was brought to a fire to be brent; for Sir

Meliagrance was sure, him thought, that Sir Launcelot should not be at

that battle; therefore he ever cried upon King Arthur to do him

justice, other-else bring forth Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then was the

king and all the court full sore abashed and shamed that the queen

should be brent in the default of Sir Launcelot. My lord Arthur, said

Sir Lavaine, ye may understand that it is not well with my lord Sir

Launcelot, for an he were alive, so he be not sick outher in prison,

wit ye well he would be here; for never heard ye that ever he failed

his part for whom he should do battle for. And therefore, said Sir

Lavaine, my lord, King Arthur, I beseech you give me license to do

battle here this day for my lord and master, and for to save my lady,

the queen. Gramercy gentle Sir Lavaine, said King Arthur, for I dare

say all that Sir Meliagrance putteth upon my lady the queen is wrong,

for I have spoken with all the ten wounded knights, and there is not

one of them, an he were whole and able to do battle, but he would prove

upon Sir Meliagrance’s body that it is false that he putteth upon my

queen. So shall I, said Sir Lavaine, in the defence of my lord, Sir

Launcelot, an ye will give me leave. Now I give you leave, said King

Arthur, and do your best, for I dare well say there is some treason

done to Sir Launcelot.

Then was Sir Lavaine armed and horsed, and suddenly at the lists’ end

he rode to perform this battle; and right as the heralds should cry:

Lesses les aler, right so came in Sir Launcelot driving with all the

force of his horse. And then Arthur cried: Ho! and Abide! Then was Sir

Launcelot called on horseback to-fore King Arthur, and there he told

openly to-fore the king and all, how Sir Meliagrance had served him

first to last. And when the king, and the queen, and all the lords,

knew of the treason of Sir Meliagrance they were all ashamed on his

behalf. Then was Queen Guenever sent for, and set by the king in great

trust of her champion. And then there was no more else to say, but Sir

Launcelot and Sir Meliagrance dressed them unto battle, and took their

spears; and so they came together as thunder, and there Sir Launcelot

bare him down quite over his horse’s croup. And then Sir Launcelot

alighted and dressed his shield on his shoulder, with his sword in his

hand, and Sir Meliagrance in the same wise dressed him unto him, and

there they smote many great strokes together; and at the last Sir

Launcelot smote him such a buffet upon the helmet that he fell on the

one side to the earth. And then he cried upon him aloud: Most noble

knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake, save my life, for I yield me unto you,

and I require you, as ye be a knight and fellow of the Table Round,

slay me not, for I yield me as overcome; and whether I shall live or

die I put me in the king’s hands and yours.

Then Sir Launcelot wist not what to do, for he had had liefer than all

the good of the world he might have been revenged upon Sir Meliagrance;

and Sir Launcelot looked up to the Queen Guenever, if he might espy by

any sign or countenance what she would have done. And then the queen

wagged her head upon Sir Launcelot, as though she would say: Slay him.

Full well knew Sir Launcelot by the wagging of her head that she would

have him dead; then Sir Launcelot bade him rise for shame and perform

that battle to the utterance. Nay, said Sir Meliagrance, I will never

arise until ye take me as yolden and recreant. I shall proffer you

large proffers, said Sir Launcelot, that is for to say, I shall unarm

my head and my left quarter of my body, all that may be unarmed, and

let bind my left hand behind me, so that it shall not help me, and

right so I shall do battle with you. Then Sir Meliagrance started up

upon his legs, and said on high: My lord Arthur, take heed to this

proffer, for I will take it, and let him be disarmed and bounden

according to his proffer. What say ye, said King Arthur unto Sir

Launcelot, will ye abide by your proffer? Yea, my lord, said Sir

Launcelot, I will never go from that I have once said.

Then the knights parters of the field disarmed Sir Launcelot, first his

head, and sithen his left arm, and his left side, and they bound his

left arm behind his back, without shield or anything, and then they

were put together. Wit you well there was many a lady and knight

marvelled that Sir Launcelot would jeopardy himself in such wise. Then

Sir Meliagrance came with his sword all on high, and Sir Launcelot

showed him openly his bare head and the bare left side; and when he

weened to have smitten him upon the bare head, then lightly he avoided

the left leg and the left side, and put his right hand and his sword to

that stroke, and so put it on side with great sleight; and then with

great force Sir Launcelot smote him on the helmet such a buffet that

the stroke carved the head in two parts. Then there was no more to do,

but he was drawn out of the field. And at the great instance of the

knights of the Table Round, the king suffered him to be interred, and

the mention made upon him, who slew him, and for what cause he was

slain; and then the king and the queen made more of Sir Launcelot du

Lake, and more he was cherished, than ever he was aforehand.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Urre came into Arthur’s court for to be healed of

his wounds, and how King Arthur would begin to handle him.

Then as the French book maketh mention, there was a good knight in the

land of Hungary, his name was Sir Urre, and he was an adventurous

knight, and in all places where he might hear of any deeds of worship

there would he be. So it happened in Spain there was an earl’s son, his

name was Alphegus, and at a great tournament in Spain this Sir Urre,

knight of Hungary, and Sir Alphegus of Spain encountered together for

very envy; and so either undertook other to the utterance. And by

fortune Sir Urre slew Sir Alphegus, the earl’s son of Spain, but this

knight that was slain had given Sir Urre, or ever he was slain, seven

great wounds, three on the head, and four on his body and upon his left

hand. And this Sir Alphegus had a mother, the which was a great

sorceress; and she, for the despite of her son’s death, wrought by her

subtle crafts that Sir Urre should never be whole, but ever his wounds

should one time fester and another time bleed, so that he should never

be whole until the best knight of the world had searched his wounds;

and thus she made her avaunt, wherethrough it was known that Sir Urre

should never be whole.

Then his mother let make an horse litter, and put him therein under two

palfreys; and then she took Sir Urre’s sister with him, a full fair

damosel, whose name was Felelolie; and then she took a page with him to

keep their horses, and so they led Sir Urre through many countries. For

as the French book saith, she led him so seven year through all lands

christened, and never she could find no knight that might ease her son.

So she came into Scotland and into the lands of England, and by fortune

she came nigh the feast of Pentecost until King Arthur’s court, that at

that time was holden at Carlisle. And when she came there, then she

made it openly to be known how that she was come into that land for to

heal her son.

Then King Arthur let call that lady, and asked her the cause why she

brought that hurt knight into that land. My most noble king, said that

lady, wit you well I brought him hither for to be healed of his wounds,

that of all this seven year he might not be whole. And then she told

the king where he was wounded, and of whom; and how his mother had

discovered in her pride how she had wrought that by enchantment, so

that he should never be whole until the best knight of the world had

searched his wounds. And so I have passed through all the lands

christened to have him healed, except this land. And if I fail to heal

him here in this land, I will never take more pain upon me, and that is

pity, for he was a good knight, and of great nobleness. What is his

name? said Arthur. My good and gracious lord, she said, his name is Sir

Urre of the Mount. In good time, said the king, and sith ye are come

into this land, ye are right welcome; and wit you well here shall your

son be healed, an ever any Christian man may heal him. And for to give

all other men of worship courage, I myself will assay to handle your

son, and so shall all the kings, dukes, and earls that be here present

with me at this time; thereto will I command them, and well I wot they

shall obey and do after my commandment. And wit you well, said King

Arthur unto Urre’s sister, I shall begin to handle him, and search unto

my power, not presuming upon me that I am so worthy to heal your son by

my deeds, but I will courage other men of worship to do as I will do.

And then the king commanded all the kings, dukes, and earls, and all

noble knights of the Round Table that were there that time present, to

come into the meadow of Carlisle. And so at that time there were but an

hundred and ten of the Round Table, for forty knights were that time

away; and so here we must begin at King Arthur, as is kindly to begin

at him that was the most man of worship that was christened at that

time.

CHAPTER XI. How King Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many other

knights of the Round Table.

Then King Arthur looked upon Sir Urre, and the king thought he was a

full likely man when he was whole; and then King Arthur made him to be

taken down off the litter and laid him upon the earth, and there was

laid a cushion of gold that he should kneel upon. And then noble Arthur

said: Fair knight, me repenteth of thy hurt, and for to courage all

other noble knights I will pray thee softly to suffer me to handle your

wounds. Most noble christened king, said Urre, do as ye list, for I am

at the mercy of God, and at your commandment. So then Arthur softly

handled him, and then some of his wounds renewed upon bleeding. Then

the King Clarence of Northumberland searched, and it would not be. And

then Sir Barant le Apres that was called the King with the Hundred

Knights, he assayed and failed; and so did King Uriens of the land of

Gore; so did King Anguish of Ireland; so did King Nentres of Garloth;

so did King Carados of Scotland; so did the Duke Galahad, the haut

prince; so did Constantine, that was Sir Carados’ son of Cornwall; so

did Duke Chaleins of Clarance; so did the Earl Ulbause; so did the Earl

Lambaile; so did the Earl Aristause.

Then came in Sir Gawaine with his three sons, Sir Gingalin, Sir

Florence, and Sir Lovel, these two were begotten upon Sir Brandiles’

sister; and all they failed. Then came in Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris,

Sir Mordred, and the good knight, Sir Gareth, that was of very

knighthood worth all the brethren. So came knights of Launcelot’s kin,

but Sir Launcelot was not that time in the court, for he was that time

upon his adventures. Then Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de

Ganis, Sir Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantine,

Sir Galihodin, Sir Menaduke, Sir Villiars the Valiant, Sir Hebes le

Renoumes. All these were of Sir Launcelot’s kin, and all they failed.

Then came in Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir

Dinadan, Sir Bruin le Noire, that Sir Kay named La Cote Male Taile, and

Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Kay de Stranges, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir

Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the

Mountain, Sir Cardok, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and Sir Ozanna le Cure

Hardy.

Then came in Sir Astamor, and Sir Gromere, Grummor’s son, Sir Crosselm,

Sir Servause le Breuse, that was called a passing strong knight, for as

the book saith, the chief Lady of the Lake feasted Sir Launcelot and

Servause le Breuse, and when she had feasted them both at sundry times

she prayed them to give her a boon. And they granted it her. And then

she prayed Sir Servause that he would promise her never to do battle

against Sir Launcelot du Lake, and in the same wise she prayed Sir

Launcelot never to do battle against Sir Servause, and so either

promised her. For the French book saith, that Sir Servause had never

courage nor lust to do battle against no man, but if it were against

giants, and against dragons, and wild beasts. So we pass unto them that

at the king’s request made them all that were there at that high feast,

as of the knights of the Table Round, for to search Sir Urre: to that

intent the king did it, to wit which was the noblest knight among them.

Then came Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, Sir Tor, that was begotten upon

Aries, the cowherd’s wife, but he was begotten afore Aries wedded her,

and King Pellinore begat them all, first Sir Tor, Sir Aglovale, Sir

Durnore, Sir Lamorak, the most noblest knight one that ever was in

Arthur’s days as for a worldly knight, and Sir Percivale that was

peerless except Sir Galahad in holy deeds, but they died in the quest

of the Sangreal. Then came Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Lucan the

Butler, Sir Bedevere his brother, Sir Brandiles, Sir Constantine, Sir

Cador’s son of Cornwall, that was king after Arthur’s days, and Sir

Clegis, Sir Sadok, Sir Dinas le Seneschal of Cornwall, Sir Fergus, Sir

Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Clarrus of Cleremont, Sir Cloddrus, Sir

Hectimere, Sir Edward of Carnarvon, Sir Dinas, Sir Priamus, that was

christened by Sir Tristram the noble knight, and these three were

brethren; Sir Hellaine le Blank that was son to Sir Bors, he begat him

upon King Brandegoris’ daughter, and Sir Brian de Listinoise; Sir

Gautere, Sir Reynold, Sir Gillemere, were three brethren that Sir

Launcelot won upon a bridge in Sir Kay’s arms. Sir Guyart le Petite,

Sir Bellangere le Beuse, that was son to the good knight, Sir Alisander

le Orphelin, that was slain by the treason of King Mark. Also that

traitor king slew the noble knight Sir Tristram, as he sat harping

afore his lady La Beale Isoud, with a trenchant glaive, for whose death

was much bewailing of every knight that ever were in Arthur’s days;

there was never none so bewailed as was Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak,

for they were traitorously slain, Sir Tristram by King Mark, and Sir

Lamorak by Sir Gawaine and his brethren. And this Sir Bellangere

revenged the death of his father Alisander, and Sir Tristram slew King

Mark, and La Beale Isoud died swooning upon the corse of Sir Tristram,

whereof was great pity. And all that were with King Mark that were

consenting to the death of Sir Tristram were slain, as Sir Andred and

many other.

Then came Sir Hebes, Sir Morganore, Sir Sentraile, Sir Suppinabilis,

Sir Bellangere le Orgulous, that the good knight Sir Lamorak won in

plain battle; Sir Neroveus and Sir Plenorius, two good knights that Sir

Launcelot won; Sir Darras, Sir Harry le Fise Lake, Sir Erminide,

brother to King Hermaunce, for whom Sir Palomides fought at the Red

City with two brethren; and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, Sir

Edward of Orkney, Sir Ironside, that was called the noble Knight of the

Red Launds that Sir Gareth won for the love of Dame Liones, Sir Arrok

de Grevaunt, Sir Degrane Saunce Velany that fought with the giant of

the black lowe, Sir Epinogris, that was the king’s son of

Northumberland. Sir Pelleas that loved the lady Ettard, and he had died

for her love had not been one of the ladies of the lake, her name was

Dame Nimue, and she wedded Sir Pelleas, and she saved him that he was

never slain, and he was a full noble knight; and Sir Lamiel of Cardiff

that was a great lover. Sir Plaine de Fors, Sir Melleaus de Lile, Sir

Bohart le Cure Hardy that was King Arthur’s son, Sir Mador de la Porte,

Sir Colgrevance, Sir Hervise de la Forest Savage, Sir Marrok, the good

knight that was betrayed with his wife, for she made him seven year a

wer-wolf, Sir Persaunt, Sir Pertilope, his brother, that was called the

Green Knight, and Sir Perimones, brother to them both, that was called

the Red Knight, that Sir Gareth won when he was called Beaumains. All

these hundred knights and ten searched Sir Urre’s wounds by the

commandment of King Arthur.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his

wounds, and anon he was all whole, and how they thanked God.

Mercy Jesu, said King Arthur, where is Sir Launcelot du Lake that he is

not here at this time? Thus, as they stood and spake of many things,

there was espied Sir Launcelot that came riding toward them, and told

the king. Peace, said the king, let no manner thing be said until he be

come to us. So when Sir Launcelot espied King Arthur, he descended from

his horse and came to the king, and saluted him and them all. Anon as

the maid, Sir Urre’s sister, saw Sir Launcelot, she ran to her brother

thereas he lay in his litter, and said: Brother, here is come a knight

that my heart giveth greatly unto. Fair sister, said Sir Urre, so doth

my heart light against him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, for

my heart giveth unto him more than to all these that have searched me.

Then said Arthur unto Sir Launcelot: Ye must do as we have done; and

told Sir Launcelot what they had done, and showed him them all, that

had searched him. Jesu defend me, said Sir Launcelot, when so many

kings and knights have assayed and failed, that I should presume upon

me to enchieve that all ye, my lords, might not enchieve. Ye shall not

choose, said King Arthur, for I will command you for to do as we all

have done. My most renowned lord, said Sir Launcelot, ye know well I

dare not nor may not disobey your commandment, but an I might or durst,

wit you well I would not take upon me to touch that wounded knight in

that intent that I should pass all other knights; Jesu defend me from

that shame. Ye take it wrong, said King Arthur, ye shall not do it for

no presumption, but for to bear us fellowship, insomuch ye be a fellow

of the Table Round; and wit you well, said King Arthur, an ye prevail

not and heal him, I dare say there is no knight in this land may heal

him, and therefore I pray you, do as we have done.

And then all the kings and knights for the most part prayed Sir

Launcelot to search him; and then the wounded knight, Sir Urre, set him

up weakly, and prayed Sir Launcelot heartily, saying: Courteous knight,

I require thee for God’s sake heal my wounds, for methinketh ever

sithen ye came here my wounds grieve me not. Ah, my fair lord, said Sir

Launcelot, Jesu would that I might help you; I shame me sore that I

should be thus rebuked, for never was I able in worthiness to do so

high a thing. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down by the wounded knight

saying: My lord Arthur, I must do your commandment, the which is sore

against my heart. And then he held up his hands, and looked into the

east, saying secretly unto himself: Thou blessed Father, Son, and Holy

Ghost, I beseech thee of thy mercy, that my simple worship and honesty

be saved, and thou blessed Trinity, thou mayst give power to heal this

sick knight by thy great virtue and grace of thee, but, Good Lord,

never of myself. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Urre to let him see

his head; and then devoutly kneeling he ransacked the three wounds,

that they bled a little, and forthwith all the wounds fair healed, and

seemed as they had been whole a seven year. And in likewise he searched

his body of other three wounds, and they healed in likewise; and then

the last of all he searched the which was in his hand, and anon it

healed fair.

Then King Arthur and all the kings and knights kneeled down and gave

thankings and lovings unto God and to His Blessed Mother. And ever Sir

Launcelot wept as he had been a child that had been beaten. Then King

Arthur let array priests and clerks in the most devoutest manner, to

bring in Sir Urre within Carlisle, with singing and loving to God. And

when this was done, the king let clothe him in the richest manner that

could be thought; and then were there but few better made knights in

all the court, for he was passingly well made and bigly; and Arthur

asked Sir Urre how he felt himself. My good lord, he said, I felt

myself never so lusty. Will ye joust and do deeds of arms? said King

Arthur. Sir, said Urre, an I had all that longed unto jousts I would be

soon ready.

CHAPTER XIII. How there was a party made of an hundred knights against

an hundred knights, and of other matters.

Then Arthur made a party of hundred knights to be against an hundred

knights. And so upon the morn they jousted for a diamond, but there

jousted none of the dangerous knights; and so for to shorten this tale,

Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine jousted best that day, for there was none of

them but he overthrew and pulled down thirty knights; and then by the

assent of all the kings and lords, Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine were made

knights of the Table Round. And Sir Lavaine cast his love unto Dame

Felelolie, Sir Urre’s sister, and then they were wedded together with

great joy, and King Arthur gave to everych of them a barony of lands.

And this Sir Urre would never go from Sir Launcelot, but he and Sir

Lavaine awaited evermore upon him; and they were in all the court

accounted for good knights, and full desirous in arms; and many noble

deeds they did, for they would have no rest, but ever sought

adventures.

Thus they lived in all that court with great noblesse and joy long

time. But every night and day Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother,

awaited Queen Guenever and Sir Launcelot du Lake to put them to a

rebuke and shame. And so I leave here of this tale, and overskip great

books of Sir Launcelot du Lake, what great adventures he did when he

was called Le Chevaler du Chariot. For as the French book saith,

because of despite that knights and ladies called him the knight that

rode in the chariot like as he were judged to the gallows, therefore in

despite of all them that named him so, he was carried in a chariot a

twelvemonth, for, but little after that he had slain Sir Meliagrance in

the queen’s quarrel, he never in a twelvemonth came on horseback. And

as the French book saith, he did that twelvemonth more than forty

battles. And because I have lost the very matter of Le Chevaier du

Chariot, I depart from the tale of Sir Launcelot, and here I go unto

the morte of King Arthur; and that caused Sir Agravaine.

_Explicit liber xix. And hereafter followeth the most piteous history

of the morte of King Arthur, the which is the twentieth book._

BOOK XX.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine

for to disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and Queen Guenever.

In May when every lusty heart flourisheth and bourgeoneth, for as the

season is lusty to behold and comfortable, so man and woman rejoice and

gladden of summer coming with his fresh flowers: for winter with his

rough winds and blasts causeth a lusty man and woman to cower and sit

fast by the fire. So in this season, as in the month of May, it befell

a great anger and unhap that stinted not till the flower of chivalry of

all the world was destroyed and slain; and all was long upon two

unhappy knights the which were named Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that

were brethren unto Sir Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred

had ever a privy hate unto the queen Dame Guenever and to Sir

Launcelot, and daily and nightly they ever watched upon Sir Launcelot.

So it mishapped, Sir Gawaine and all his brethren were in King Arthur’s

chamber; and then Sir Agravaine said thus openly, and not in no

counsel, that many knights might hear it: I marvel that we all be not

ashamed both to see and to know how Sir Launcelot lieth daily and

nightly by the queen, and all we know it so; and it is shamefully

suffered of us all, that we all should suffer so noble a king as King

Arthur is so to be shamed.

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: Brother Sir Agravaine, I pray you and

charge you move no such matters no more afore me, for wit you well,

said Sir Gawaine, I will not be of your counsel. So God me help, said

Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, we will not be knowing, brother Agravaine,

of your deeds. Then will I, said Sir Mordred. I lieve well that, said

Sir Gawaine, for ever unto all unhappiness, brother Sir Mordred,

thereto will ye grant; and I would that ye left all this, and made you

not so busy, for I know, said Sir Gawaine, what will fall of it. Fall

of it what fall may, said Sir Agravaine, I will disclose it to the

king. Not by my counsel, said Sir Gawaine, for an there rise war and

wrack betwixt Sir Launcelot and us, wit you well brother, there will

many kings and great lords hold with Sir Launcelot. Also, brother Sir

Agravaine, said Sir Gawaine, ye must remember how ofttimes Sir

Launcelot hath rescued the king and the queen; and the best of us all

had been full cold at the heart-root had not Sir Launcelot been better

than we, and that hath he proved himself full oft. And as for my part,

said Sir Gawaine, I will never be against Sir Launcelot for one day’s

deed, when he rescued me from King Carados of the Dolorous Tower, and

slew him, and saved my life. Also, brother Sir Agravaine and Sir

Mordred, in like wise Sir Launcelot rescued you both, and threescore

and two, from Sir Turquin. Methinketh brother, such kind deeds and

kindness should be remembered. Do as ye list, said Sir Agravaine, for I

will lain it no longer. With these words came to them King Arthur. Now

brother, stint your noise, said Sir Gawaine. We will not, said Sir

Agravaine and Sir Mordred. Will ye so? said Sir Gawaine; then God speed

you, for I will not hear your tales ne be of your counsel. No more will

I, said Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for we will never say evil by that

man; for because, said Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot made me knight, by no

manner owe I to say ill of him: and therewithal they three departed,

making great dole. Alas, said Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth, now is this

realm wholly mischieved, and the noble fellowship of the Round Table

shall be disparpled: so they departed.

CHAPTER II. How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to King Arthur, and

how King Arthur gave them licence to take him.

And then Sir Arthur asked them what noise they made. My lord, said

Agravaine, I shall tell you that I may keep no longer. Here is I, and

my brother Sir Mordred, brake unto my brothers Sir Gawaine, Sir

Gaheris, and to Sir Gareth, how this we know all, that Sir Launcelot

holdeth your queen, and hath done long; and we be your sister’s sons,

and we may suffer it no longer, and all we wot that ye should be above

Sir Launcelot; and ye are the king that made him knight, and therefore

we will prove it, that he is a traitor to your person.

If it be so, said Sir Arthur, wit you well he is none other, but I

would be loath to begin such a thing but I might have proofs upon it;

for Sir Launcelot is an hardy knight, and all ye know he is the best

knight among us all; and but if he be taken with the deed, he will

fight with him that bringeth up the noise, and I know no knight that is

able to match him. Therefore an it be sooth as ye say, I would he were

taken with the deed. For as the French book saith, the king was full

loath thereto, that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and his

queen; for the king had a deeming, but he would not hear of it, for Sir

Launcelot had done so much for him and the queen so many times, that

wit ye well the king loved him passingly well. My lord, said Sir

Agravaine, ye shall ride to-morn a-hunting, and doubt ye not Sir

Launcelot will not go with you. Then when it draweth toward night, ye

may send the queen word that ye will lie out all that night, and so may

ye send for your cooks, and then upon pain of death we shall take him

that night with the queen, and outher we shall bring him to you dead or

quick. I will well, said the king; then I counsel you, said the king,

take with you sure fellowship. Sir, said Agravaine, my brother, Sir

Mordred, and I, will take with us twelve knights of the Round Table.

Beware, said King Arthur, for I warn you ye shall find him wight. Let

us deal, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred.

So on the morn King Arthur rode a-hunting, and sent word to the queen

that he would be out all that night. Then Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred

gat to them twelve knights, and hid themself in a chamber in the Castle

of Carlisle, and these were their names: Sir Colgrevance, Sir Mador de

la Porte, Sir Gingaline, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Petipase of

Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the Mountain, Sir

Astamore, Sir Gromore Somir Joure, Sir Curselaine, Sir Florence, Sir

Lovel. So these twelve knights were with Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine,

and all they were of Scotland, outher of Sir Gawaine’s kin, either

well-willers to his brethren.

So when the night came, Sir Launcelot told Sir Bors how he would go

that night and speak with the queen. Sir, said Sir Bors, ye shall not

go this night by my counsel. Why? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir

Bors, I dread me ever of Sir Agravaine, that waiteth you daily to do

you shame and us all; and never gave my heart against no going, that

ever ye went to the queen, so much as now; for I mistrust that the king

is out this night from the queen because peradventure he hath lain some

watch for you and the queen, and therefore I dread me sore of treason.

Have ye no dread, said Sir Launcelot, for I shall go and come again,

and make no tarrying. Sir, said Sir Bors, that me repenteth, for I

dread me sore that your going out this night shall wrath us all. Fair

nephew, said Sir Launcelot, I marvel much why ye say thus, sithen the

queen hath sent for me; and wit ye well I will not be so much a coward,

but she shall understand I will see her good grace. God speed you well,

said Sir Bors, and send you sound and safe again.

CHAPTER III. How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen’s chamber, and

how Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay him.

So Sir Launcelot departed, and took his sword under his arm, and so in

his mantle that noble knight put himself in great Jeopardy; and so he

passed till he came to the queen’s chamber, and then Sir Launcelot was

lightly put into the chamber. And then, as the French book saith, the

queen and Launcelot were together. And whether they were abed or at

other manner of disports, me list not hereof make no mention, for love

that time was not as is now-a-days. But thus as they were together,

there came Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, with twelve knights with them

of the Round Table, and they said with crying voice: Traitor-knight,

Sir Launcelot du Lake, now art thou taken. And thus they cried with a

loud voice, that all the court might hear it; and they all fourteen

were armed at all points as they should fight in a battle. Alas said

Queen Guenever, now are we mischieved both Madam, said Sir Launcelot,

is there here any armour within your chamber, that I might cover my

poor body withal? An if there be any give it me, and I shall soon stint

their malice, by the grace of God. Truly, said the queen, I have none

armour, shield, sword, nor spear; wherefore I dread me sore our long

love is come to a mischievous end, for I hear by their noise there be

many noble knights, and well I wot they be surely armed, and against

them ye may make no resistance. Wherefore ye are likely to be slain,

and then shall I be brent. For an ye might escape them, said the queen,

I would not doubt but that ye would rescue me in what danger that ever

I stood in. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, in all my life thus was I never

bestead, that I should be thus shamefully slain for lack of mine

armour.

But ever in one Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred cried: Traitor-knight,

come out of the queen’s chamber, for wit thou well thou art so beset

that thou shalt not escape. O Jesu mercy, said Sir Launcelot, this

shameful cry and noise I may not suffer, for better were death at once

than thus to endure this pain. Then he took the queen in his arms, and

kissed her, and said: Most noble Christian queen, I beseech you as ye

have been ever my special good lady, and I at all times your true poor

knight unto my power, and as I never failed you in right nor in wrong

sithen the first day King Arthur made me knight, that ye will pray for

my soul if that I here be slain; for well I am assured that Sir Bors,

my nephew, and all the remnant of my kin, with Sir Lavaine and Sir

Urre, that they will not fail you to rescue you from the fire; and

therefore, mine own lady, recomfort yourself, whatsomever come of me,

that ye go with Sir Bors, my nephew, and Sir Urre, and they all will do

you all the pleasure that they can or may, that ye shall live like a

queen upon my lands. Nay, Launcelot, said the queen, wit thou well I

will never live after thy days, but an thou be slain I will take my

death as meekly for Jesu Christ’s sake as ever did any Christian queen.

Well, madam, said I-auncelot, sith it is so that the day is come that

our love must depart, wit you well I shall sell my life as dear as I

may; and a thousandfold, said Sir Launcelot, I am more heavier for you

than for myself. And now I had liefer than to be lord of all

Christendom, that I had sure armour upon me, that men might speak of my

deeds or ever I were slain. Truly, said the queen, I would an it might

please God that they would take me and slay me, and suffer you to

escape. That shall never be, said Sir Launcelot, God defend me from

such a shame, but Jesu be Thou my shield and mine armour!

CHAPTER IV. How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in

his harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve of his fellows.

And therewith Sir Launcelot wrapped his mantle about his arm well and

surely; and by then they had gotten a great form out of the hall, and

therewithal they rashed at the door. Fair lords, said Sir Launcelot,

leave your noise and your rashing, and I shall set open this door, and

then may ye do with me what it liketh you. Come off then, said they

all, and do it, for it availeth thee not to strive against us all; and

therefore let us into this chamber, and we shall save thy life until

thou come to King Arthur. Then Launcelot unbarred the door, and with

his left hand he held it open a little, so that but one man might come

in at once; and so there came striding a good knight, a much man and

large, and his name was Colgrevance of Gore, and he with a sword struck

at Sir Launcelot mightily; and he put aside the stroke, and gave him

such a buffet upon the helmet, that he fell grovelling dead within the

chamber door. And then Sir Launcelot with great might drew that dead

knight within the chamber door; and Sir Launcelot with help of the

queen and her ladies was lightly armed in Sir Colgrevance’s armour.

And ever stood Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred crying: Traitor-knight,

come out of the queen’s chamber. Leave your noise, said Sir Launcelot

unto Sir Agravaine, for wit you well, Sir Agravaine, ye shall not

prison me this night; and therefore an ye do by my counsel, go ye all

from this chamber door, and make not such crying and such manner of

slander as ye do; for I promise you by my knighthood, an ye will depart

and make no more noise, I shall as to-morn appear afore you all before

the king, and then let it be seen which of you all, outher else ye all,

that will accuse me of treason; and there I shall answer you as a

knight should, that hither I came to the queen for no manner of mal

engin, and that will I prove and make it good upon you with my hands.

Fie on thee, traitor, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, we will have

thee maugre thy head, and slay thee if we list; for we let thee wit we

have the choice of King Arthur to save thee or to slay thee. Ah sirs,

said Sir Launcelot, is there none other grace with you? then keep

yourself.

So then Sir Launcelot set all open the chamber door, and mightily and

knightly he strode in amongst them; and anon at the first buffet he

slew Sir Agravaine. And twelve of his fellows after, within a little

while after, he laid them cold to the earth, for there was none of the

twelve that might stand Sir Launcelot one buffet. Also Sir Launcelot

wounded Sir Mordred, and he fled with all his might. And then Sir

Launcelot returned again unto the queen, and said: Madam, now wit you

well all our true love is brought to an end, for now will King Arthur

ever be my foe; and therefore, madam, an it like you that I may have

you with me, I shall save you from all manner adventures dangerous.

That is not best, said the queen; meseemeth now ye have done so much

harm, it will be best ye hold you still with this. And if ye see that

as to-morn they will put me unto the death, then may ye rescue me as ye

think best. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, for have ye no doubt,

while I am living I shall rescue you. And then he kissed her, and

either gave other a ring; and so there he left the queen, and went

until his lodging.

CHAPTER V. How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors, and told him how he had

sped, and in what adventure he had been, and how he had escaped.

When Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot he was never so glad of his home-coming

as he was then. Jesu mercy, said Sir Launcelot, why be ye all armed:

what meaneth this? Sir, said Sir Bors, after ye were departed from us,

we all that be of your blood and your well-willers were so dretched

that some of us leapt out of our beds naked, and some in their dreams

caught naked swords in their hands; therefore, said Sir Bors, we deem

there is some great strife at hand; and then we all deemed that ye were

betrapped with some treason, and therefore we made us thus ready, what

need that ever ye were in.

My fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Bors, now shall ye wit all,

that this night I was more harder bestead than ever I was in my life,

and yet I escaped. And so he told them all how and in what manner, as

ye have heard to-fore. And therefore, my fellows, said Sir Launcelot, I

pray you all that ye will be of good heart in what need somever I

stand, for now is war come to us all. Sir, said Bors, all is welcome

that God sendeth us, and we have had much weal with you and much

worship, and therefore we will take the woe with you as we have taken

the weal. And therefore, they said all (there were many good knights),

look ye take no discomfort, for there nis no bands of knights under

heaven but we shall be able to grieve them as much as they may us. And

therefore discomfort not yourself by no manner, and we shall gather

together that we love, and that loveth us, and what that ye will have

done shall be done. And therefore, Sir Launcelot, said they, we will

take the woe with the weal. Grant mercy, said Sir Launcelot, of your

good comfort, for in my great distress, my fair nephew, ye comfort me

greatly, and much I am beholding unto you. But this, my fair nephew, I

would that ye did in all haste that ye may, or it be forth days, that

ye will look in their lodging that be lodged here nigh about the king,

which will hold with me, and which will not, for now I would know which

were my friends from my foes. Sir, said Sir Bors, I shall do my pain,

and or it be seven of the clock I shall wit of such as ye have said

before, who will hold with you.

Then Sir Bors called unto him Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir

Blamore de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantine, Sir

Galihodin, Sir Galihud, Sir Menadeuke Sir Villiers the Valiant, Sir

Hebes le Renoumes, Sir Lavaine Sir Urre of Hungary, Sir Nerounes, Sir

Plenorius. These two knights Sir Launcelot made, and the one he won

upon a bridge, and therefore they would never be against him. And Harry

le Fise du Lake, and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, and Sir Melias

de Lile, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse, that was Sir Alisander’s son Le

Orphelin, because his mother Alice le Beale Pellerin and she was kin

unto Sir Launcelot, and he held with him. So there came Sir Palomides

and Sir Safere, his brother, to hold with Sir Launcelot, and Sir Clegis

of Sadok, and Sir Dinas, Sir Clarius of Cleremont. So these

two-and-twenty knights drew them together, and by then they were armed

on horseback, and promised Sir Launcelot to do what he would. Then

there fell to them, what of North Wales and of Cornwall, for Sir

Lamorak’s sake and for Sir Tristram’s sake, to the number of a

fourscore knights.

My lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well, I have been ever since I

came into this country well willed unto my lord, King Arthur, and unto

my lady, Queen Guenever, unto my power; and this night because my lady

the queen sent for me to speak with her, I suppose it was made by

treason, howbeit I dare largely excuse her person, notwithstanding I

was there by a forecast near slain, but as Jesu provided me I escaped

all their malice and treason. And then that noble knight Sir Launcelot

told them all how he was hard bestead in the queen’s chamber, and how

and in what manner he escaped from them. And therefore, said Sir

Launcelot, wit you well, my fair lords, I am sure there nis but war

unto me and mine. And for because I have slain this night these

knights, I wot well, as is Sir Agravaine Sir Gawaine’s brother, and at

the least twelve of his fellows, for this cause now I am sure of mortal

war, for these knights were sent and ordained by King Arthur to betray

me. And therefore the king will in his heat and malice judge the queen

to the fire, and that may I not suffer, that she should be brent for my

sake; for an I may be heard and suffered and so taken, I will fight for

the queen, that she is a true lady unto her lord; but the king in his

heat I dread me will not take me as I ought to be taken.

CHAPTER VI. Of the counsel and advice that was taken by Sir Launcelot

and his friends for to save the queen.

My lord, Sir Launcelot, said Sir Bors, by mine advice ye shall take the

woe with the weal, and take it in patience, and thank God of it. And

sithen it is fallen as it is, I counsel you keep yourself, for an ye

will yourself, there is no fellowship of knights christened that shall

do you wrong. Also I will counsel you my lord, Sir Launcelot, than an

my lady, Queen Guenever, be in distress, insomuch as she is in pain for

your sake, that ye knightly rescue her; an ye did otherwise, all the

world will speak of you shame to the world’s end. Insomuch as ye were

taken with her, whether ye did right or wrong, it is now your part to

hold with the queen, that she be not slain and put to a mischievous

death, for an she so die the shame shall be yours. Jesu defend me from

shame, said Sir Launcelot, and keep and save my lady the queen from

villainy and shameful death, and that she never be destroyed in my

default; wherefore my fair lords, my kin, and my friends, said Sir

Launcelot, what will ye do? Then they said all: We will do as ye will

do. I put this to you, said Sir Launcelot, that if my lord Arthur by

evil counsel will to-morn in his heat put my lady the queen to the fire

there to be brent, now I pray you counsel me what is best to do. Then

they said all at once with one voice: Sir, us thinketh best that ye

knightly rescue the queen, insomuch as she shall be brent it is for

your sake; and it is to suppose, an ye might be handled, ye should have

the same death, or a more shamefuler death. And sir, we say all, that

ye have many times rescued her from death for other men’s quarrels, us

seemeth it is more your worship that ye rescue the queen from this

peril, insomuch she hath it for your sake.

Then Sir Launcelot stood still, and said: My fair lords, wit you well I

would be loath to do that thing that should dishonour you or my blood,

and wit you well I would be loath that my lady, the queen, should die a

shameful death; but an it be so that ye will counsel me to rescue her,

I must do much harm or I rescue her; and peradventure I shall there

destroy some of my best friends, that should much repent me; and

peradventure there be some, an they could well bring it about, or

disobey my lord King Arthur, they would soon come to me, the which I

were loath to hurt. And if so be that I rescue her, where shall I keep

her? That shall be the least care of us all, said Sir Bors. How did the

noble knight Sir Tristram, by your good will? kept not he with him La

Beale Isoud near three year in Joyous Gard? the which was done by your

alther device, and that same place is your own; and in likewise may ye

do an ye list, and take the queen lightly away, if it so be the king

will judge her to be brent; and in Joyous Gard ye may keep her long

enough until the heat of the king be past. And then shall ye bring

again the queen to the king with great worship; and then peradventure

ye shall have thank for her bringing home, and love and thank where

other shall have maugre.

That is hard to do, said Sir Launcelot, for by Sir Tristram I may have

a warning, for when by means of treaties, Sir Tristram brought again La

Beale Isoud unto King Mark from Joyous Gard, look what befell on the

end, how shamefully that false traitor King Mark slew him as he sat

harping afore his lady La Beale Isoud, with a grounden glaive he thrust

him in behind to the heart. It grieveth me, said Sir Launcelot, to

speak of his death, for all the world may not find such a knight. All

this is truth, said Sir Bors, but there is one thing shall courage you

and us all, ye know well King Arthur and King Mark were never like of

conditions, for there was never yet man could prove King Arthur untrue

of his promise.

So to make short tale, they were all consented that for better outher

for worse, if so were that the queen were on that morn brought to the

fire, shortly they all would rescue her. And so by the advice of Sir

Launcelot, they put them all in an embushment in a wood, as nigh

Carlisle as they might, and there they abode still, to wit what the

king would do.

CHAPTER VII. How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king, to tell him of

the affray and death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights.

Now turn we again unto Sir Mordred, that when he was escaped from the

noble knight, Sir Launcelot, he anon gat his horse and mounted upon

him, and rode unto King Arthur, sore wounded and smitten, and all

forbled; and there he told the king all how it was, and how they were

all slain save himself all only. Jesu mercy, how may this be? said the

king; took ye him in the queen’s chamber? Yea, so God me help, said Sir

Mordred, there we found him unarmed, and there he slew Colgrevance, and

armed him in his armour; and all this he told the king from the

beginning to the ending. Jesu mercy, said the king, he is a marvellous

knight of prowess. Alas, me sore repenteth, said the king, that ever

Sir Launcelot should be against me. Now I am sure the noble fellowship

of the Round Table is broken for ever, for with him will many a noble

knight hold; and now it is fallen so, said the king, that I may not

with my worship, but the queen must suffer the death. So then there was

made great ordinance in this heat, that the queen must be judged to the

death. And the law was such in those days that whatsomever they were,

of what estate or degree, if they were found guilty of treason, there

should be none other remedy but death; and outher the men or the taking

with the deed should be causer of their hasty judgment. And right so

was it ordained for Queen Guenever, because Sir Mordred was escaped

sore wounded, and the death of thirteen knights of the Round Table.

These proofs and experiences caused King Arthur to command the queen to

the fire there to be brent.

Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said: My lord Arthur, I would counsel you

not to be over-hasty, but that ye would put it in respite, this

judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes. One it is, though it

were so that Sir Launcelot were found in the queen’s chamber, yet it

might be so that he came thither for none evil; for ye know my lord,

said Sir Gawaine, that the queen is much beholden unto Sir Launcelot,

more than unto any other knight, for ofttimes he hath saved her life,

and done battle for her when all the court refused the queen; and

peradventure she sent for him for goodness and for none evil, to reward

him for his good deeds that he had done to her in times past. And

peradventure my lady, the queen, sent for him to that intent that Sir

Launcelot should come to her good grace privily and secretly, weening

to her that it was best so to do, in eschewing and dreading of slander;

for ofttimes we do many things that we ween it be for the best, and yet

peradventure it turneth to the worst. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine,

my lady, your queen, is to you both good and true; and as for Sir

Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I dare say he will make it good upon any

knight living that will put upon himself villainy or shame, and in like

wise he will make good for my lady, Dame Guenever.

That I believe well, said King Arthur, but I will not that way with Sir

Launcelot, for he trusteth so much upon his hands and his might that he

doubteth no man; and therefore for my queen he shall never fight more,

for she shall have the law. And if I may get Sir Launcelot, wit you

well he shall have a shameful death. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine,

that I may never see it. Why say ye so? said King Arthur; forsooth ye

have no cause to love Sir Launcelot, for this night last past he slew

your brother, Sir Agravaine, a full good knight, and almost he had

slain your other brother, Sir Mordred, and also there he slew thirteen

noble knights; and also, Sir Gawaine, remember you he slew two sons of

yours, Sir Florence and Sir Lovel. My lord, said Sir Gawaine, of all

this I have knowledge, of whose deaths I repent me sore; but insomuch I

gave them warning, and told my brethren and my sons aforehand what

would fall in the end, insomuch they would not do by my counsel, I will

not meddle me thereof, nor revenge me nothing of their deaths; for I

told them it was no boot to strive with Sir Launcelot. Howbeit I am

sorry of the death of my brethren and of my sons, for they are the

causers of their own death; for ofttimes I warned my brother Sir

Agravaine, and I told him the perils the which be now fallen.

CHAPTER VIII. How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from

the fire, and how he slew many knights.

Then said the noble King Arthur to Sir Gawaine: Dear nephew, I pray you

make you ready in your best armour, with your brethren, Sir Gaheris and

Sir Gareth, to bring my queen to the fire, there to have her judgment

and receive the death. Nay, my most noble lord, said Sir Gawaine, that

will I never do; for wit you well I will never be in that place where

so noble a queen as is my lady, Dame Guenever, shall take a shameful

end. For wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, my heart will never serve me

to see her die; and it shall never be said that ever I was of your

counsel of her death.

Then said the king to Sir Gawaine: Suffer your brothers Sir Gaheris and

Sir Gareth to be there. My lord, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well they

will be loath to be there present, because of many adventures the which

be like there to fall, but they are young and full unable to say you

nay. Then spake Sir Gaheris, and the good knight Sir Gareth, unto Sir

Arthur: Sir, ye may well command us to be there, but wit you well it

shall be sore against our will; but an we be there by your strait

commandment ye shall plainly hold us there excused: we will be there in

peaceable wise, and bear none harness of war upon us. In the name of

God, said the king, then make you ready, for she shall soon have her

judgment anon. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, that ever I should endure to see

this woful day. So Sir Gawaine turned him and wept heartily, and so he

went into his chamber; and then the queen was led forth without

Carlisle, and there she was despoiled into her smock. And so then her

ghostly father was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then

was there weeping, and wailing, and wringing of hands, of many lords

and ladies, but there were but few in comparison that would bear any

armour for to strength the death of the queen.

Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent unto that place for to

espy what time the queen should go unto her death; and anon as he saw

the queen despoiled into her smock, and so shriven, then he gave Sir

Launcelot warning. Then was there but spurring and plucking up of

horses, and right so they came to the fire. And who that stood against

them, there were they slain; there might none withstand Sir Launcelot,

so all that bare arms and withstood them, there were they slain, full

many a noble knight. For there was slain Sir Belliance le Orgulous, Sir

Segwarides, Sir Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor; Sir

Gauter, Sir Gillimer, Sir Reynolds’ three brethren; Sir Damas, Sir

Priamus, Sir Kay the Stranger, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Herminde;

Sir Pertilope, Sir Perimones, two brethren that were called the Green

Knight and the Red Knight. And so in this rushing and hurling, as Sir

Launcelot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris and

Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unware. For as

the French book saith, Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris

upon the brain-pans, wherethrough they were slain in the field; howbeit

in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and so were they found dead

among the thickest of the press.

Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and slain and put to flight all

that would withstand him, then he rode straight unto Dame Guenever, and

made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her; and then he made her to

be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well the

queen was glad that she was escaped from the death. And then she

thanked God and Sir Launcelot; and so he rode his way with the queen,

as the French book saith, unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a

noble knight should do; and many great lords and some kings sent Sir

Launcelot many good knights, and many noble knights drew unto Sir

Launcelot. When this was known openly, that King Arthur and Sir

Launcelot were at debate, many knights were glad of their debate, and

many were full heavy of their debate.

CHAPTER IX. Of the sorrow and lamentation of King Arthur for the death

of his nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen, his

wife.

So turn we again unto King Arthur, that when it was told him how and in

what manner of wise the queen was taken away from the fire, and when he

heard of the death of his noble knights, and in especial of Sir Gaheris

and Sir Gareth’s death, then the king swooned for pure sorrow. And when

he awoke of his swoon, then he said: Alas, that ever I bare crown upon

my head! for now have I lost the fairest fellowship of noble knights

that ever held Christian king together. Alas, my good knights be slain

away from me: now within these two days I have lost forty knights, and

also the noble fellowship of Sir Launcelot and his blood, for now I may

never hold them together no more with my worship. Alas that ever this

war began. Now fair fellows, said the king, I charge you that no man

tell Sir Gawaine of the death of his two brethren; for I am sure, said

the king, when Sir Gawaine heareth tell that Sir Gareth is dead he will

go nigh out of his mind. Mercy Jesu, said the king, why slew he Sir

Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for I dare say as for Sir Gareth he loved Sir

Launcelot above all men earthly. That is truth, said some knights, but

they were slain in the hurtling as Sir Launcelot thrang in the thick of

the press; and as they were unarmed he smote them and wist not whom

that he smote, and so unhappily they were slain. The death of them,

said Arthur, will cause the greatest mortal war that ever was; I am

sure, wist Sir Gawaine that Sir Gareth were slain, I should never have

rest of him till I had destroyed Sir Launcelot’s kin and himself both,

outher else he to destroy me. And therefore, said the king, wit you

well my heart was never so heavy as it is now, and much more I am

sorrier for my good knights’ loss than for the loss of my fair queen;

for queens I might have enow, but such a fellowship of good knights

shall never be together in no company. And now I dare say, said King

Arthur, there was never Christian king held such a fellowship together;

and alas that ever Sir Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah

Agravaine, Agravaine, said the king, Jesu forgive it thy soul, for

thine evil will, that thou and thy brother Sir Mordred hadst unto Sir

Launcelot, hath caused all this sorrow: and ever among these complaints

the king wept and swooned.

Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the queen was

led away with Sir Launcelot, and nigh a twenty-four knights slain. O

Jesu defend my brethren, said Sir Gawaine, for full well wist I that

Sir Launcelot would rescue her, outher else he would die in that field;

and to say the truth he had not been a man of worship had he not

rescued the queen that day, insomuch she should have been brent for his

sake. And as in that, said Sir Gawaine, he hath done but knightly, and

as I would have done myself an I had stood in like case. But where are

my brethren? said Sir Gawaine, I marvel I hear not of them. Truly, said

that man, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris be slain. Jesu defend, said Sir

Gawaine, for all the world I would not that they were slain, and in

especial my good brother, Sir Gareth. Sir, said the man, he is slain,

and that is great pity. Who slew him? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said the

man, Launcelot slew them both. That may I not believe, said Sir

Gawaine, that ever he slew my brother, Sir Gareth; for I dare say my

brother Gareth loved him better than me, and all his brethren, and the

king both. Also I dare say, an Sir Launcelot had desired my brother Sir

Gareth, with him he would have been with him against the king and us

all, and therefore I may never believe that Sir Launcelot slew my

brother. Sir, said this man, it is noised that he slew him.

CHAPTER X. How King Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to

make war against Sir Launcelot, and laid siege to his castle called

Joyous Gard.

Alas, said Sir Gawaine, now is my joy gone. And then he fell down and

swooned, and long he lay there as he had been dead. And then, when he

arose of his swoon, he cried out sorrowfully, and said: Alas! And right

so Sir Gawaine ran to the king, crying and weeping: O King Arthur, mine

uncle, my good brother Sir Gareth is slain, and so is my brother Sir

Gaheris, the which were two noble knights. Then the king wept, and he

both; and so they fell a-swooning. And when they were revived then

spake Sir Gawaine: Sir, I will go see my brother, Sir Gareth. Ye may

not see him, said the king, for I caused him to be interred, and Sir

Gaheris both; for I well understood that ye would make over-much

sorrow, and the sight of Sir Gareth should have caused your double

sorrow. Alas, my lord, said Sir Gawaine, how slew he my brother, Sir

Gareth? Mine own good lord I pray you tell me. Truly, said the king, I

shall tell you how it is told me, Sir Launcelot slew him and Sir

Gaheris both. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, they bare none arms against him,

neither of them both. I wot not how it was, said the king, but as it is

said, Sir Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the press and

knew them not; and therefore let us shape a remedy for to revenge their

deaths.

My king, my lord, and mine uncle, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well now I

shall make you a promise that I shall hold by my knighthood, that from

this day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot until the one of us have

slain the other. And therefore I require you, my lord and king, dress

you to the war, for wit you well I will be revenged upon Sir Launcelot;

and therefore, as ye will have my service and my love, now haste you

thereto, and assay your friends. For I promise unto God, said Sir

Gawaine, for the death of my brother, Sir Gareth, I shall seek Sir

Launcelot throughout seven kings’ realms, but I shall slay him or else

he shall slay me. Ye shall not need to seek him so far, said the king,

for as I hear say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous

Gard; and much people draweth unto him, as I hear say. That may I

believe, said Sir Gawaine; but my lord, he said, assay your friends,

and I will assay mine. It shall be done, said the king, and as I

suppose I shall be big enough to draw him out of the biggest tower of

his castle.

So then the king sent letters and writs throughout all England, both in

the length and the breadth, for to assummon all his knights. And so

unto Arthur drew many knights, dukes, and earls, so that he had a great

host. And when they were assembled, the king informed them how Sir

Launcelot had bereft him his queen. Then the king and all his host made

them ready to lay siege about Sir Launcelot, where he lay within Joyous

Gard. Thereof heard Sir Launcelot, and purveyed him of many good

knights, for with him held many knights; and some for his own sake, and

some for the queen’s sake. Thus they were on both parties well

furnished and garnished of all manner of thing that longed to the war.

But King Arthur’s host was so big that Sir Launcelot would not abide

him in the field, for he was full loath to do battle against the king;

but Sir Launcelot drew him to his strong castle with all manner of

victual, and as many noble men as he might suffice within the town and

the castle. Then came King Arthur with Sir Gawaine with an huge host,

and laid a siege all about Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the

castle, and there they made strong war on both parties. But in no wise

Sir Launcelot would ride out, nor go out of his castle, of long time;

neither he would none of his good knights to issue out, neither none of

the town nor of the castle, until fifteen weeks were past.

CHAPTER XI. Of the communication between King Arthur and Sir Launcelot,

and how King Arthur reproved him.

Then it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot looked over

the walls, and spake on high unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine: My lords

both, wit ye well all is in vain that ye make at this siege, for here

win ye no worship but maugre and dishonour; for an it list me to come

myself out and my good knights, I should full soon make an end of this

war. Come forth, said Arthur unto Launcelot, an thou durst, and I

promise thee I shall meet thee in midst of the field. God defend me,

said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should encounter with the most noble

king that made me knight. Fie upon thy fair language, said the king,

for wit you well and trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my

death day; for thou hast slain my good knights, and full noble men of

my blood, that I shall never recover again. Also thou hast lain by my

queen, and holden her many winters, and sithen like a traitor taken her

from me by force.

My most noble lord and king, said Sir Launcelot, ye may say what ye

will, for ye wot well with yourself will I not strive; but thereas ye

say I have slain your good knights, I wot well that I have done so, and

that me sore repenteth; but I was enforced to do battle with them in

saving of my life, or else I must have suffered them to have slain me.

And as for my lady, Queen Guenever, except your person of your

highness, and my lord Sir Gawaine, there is no knight under heaven that

dare make it good upon me, that ever I was a traitor unto your person.

And where it please you to say that I have holden my lady your queen

years and winters, unto that I shall ever make a large answer, and

prove it upon any knight that beareth the life, except your person and

Sir Gawaine, that my lady, Queen Guenever, is a true lady unto your

person as any is living unto her lord, and that will I make good with

my hands. Howbeit it hath liked her good grace to have me in chierte,

and to cherish me more than any other knight; and unto my power I again

have deserved her love, for ofttimes, my lord, ye have consented that

she should be brent and destroyed, in your heat, and then it fortuned

me to do battle for her, and or I departed from her adversary they

confessed their untruth, and she full worshipfully excused. And at such

times, my lord Arthur, said Sir Launcelot, ye loved me, and thanked me

when I saved your queen from the fire; and then ye promised me for ever

to be my good lord; and now methinketh ye reward me full ill for my

good service. And my good lord, meseemeth I had lost a great part of my

worship in my knighthood an I had suffered my lady, your queen, to have

been brent, and insomuch she should have been brent for my sake. For

sithen I have done battles for your queen in other quarrels than in

mine own, meseemeth now I had more right to do battle for her in right

quarrel. And therefore my good and gracious lord, said Sir Launcelot,

take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both fair, true, and

good.

Fie on thee, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine; I let thee wit my

lord, mine uncle, King Arthur, shall have his queen and thee, maugre

thy visage, and slay you both whether it please him. It may well be,

said Sir Launcelot, but wit you well, my lord Sir Gawaine, an me list

to come out of this castle ye should win me and the queen more harder

than ever ye won a strong battle. Fie on thy proud words, said Sir

Gawaine; as for my lady, the queen, I will never say of her shame. But

thou, false and recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, what cause hadst

thou to slay my good brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee more than all

my kin? Alas thou madest him knight thine own hands; why slew thou him

that loved thee so well? For to excuse me, said Sir Launcelot, it

helpeth me not, but by Jesu, and by the faith that I owe to the high

order of knighthood, I should with as good will have slain my nephew,

Sir Bors de Ganis, at that time. But alas that ever I was so unhappy,

said Launcelot, that I had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris.

Thou liest, recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, thou slewest him in

despite of me; and therefore, wit thou well I shall make war to thee,

and all the while that I may live. That me repenteth, said Sir

Launcelot; for well I understand it helpeth not to seek none accordment

while ye, Sir Gawaine, are so mischievously set. And if ye were not, I

would not doubt to have the good grace of my lord Arthur. I believe it

well, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine; for thou hast many long

days overled me and us all, and destroyed many of our good knights. Ye

say as it pleaseth you, said Sir Launcelot; and yet may it never be

said on me, and openly proved, that ever I by forecast of treason slew

no good knight, as my lord, Sir Gawaine, ye have done; and so did I

never, but in my defence that I was driven thereto, in saving of my

life. Ah, false knight, said Sir Gawaine, that thou meanest by Sir

Lamorak: wit thou well I slew him. Ye slew him not yourself, said Sir

Launcelot; it had been overmuch on hand for you to have slain him, for

he was one of the best knights christened of his age, and it was great

pity of his death.

CHAPTER XII. How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him

to go out to battle, and how they made them ready.

Well, well, said Sir Gawaine to Launcelot, sithen thou enbraidest me of

Sir Lamorak, wit thou well I shall never leave thee till I have thee at

such avail that thou shalt not escape my hands. I trust you well

enough, said Sir Launcelot, an ye may get me I get but little mercy.

But as the French book saith, the noble King Arthur would have taken

his queen again, and have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir

Gawaine would not suffer him by no manner of mean. And then Sir Gawaine

made many men to blow upon Sir Launcelot; and all at once they called

him false recreant knight.

Then when Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, heard

this outcry, they called to them Sir Palomides, Sir Safere’s brother,

and Sir Lavaine, with many more of their blood, and all they went unto

Sir Launcelot, and said thus: My lord Sir Launcelot, wit ye well we

have great scorn of the great rebukes that we heard Gawaine say to you;

wherefore we pray you, and charge you as ye will have our service, keep

us no longer within these walls; for wit you well plainly, we will ride

into the field and do battle with them; for ye fare as a man that were

afeard, and for all your fair speech it will not avail you. For wit you

well Sir Gawaine will not suffer you to be accorded with King Arthur,

and therefore fight for your life and your right, an ye dare. Alas,

said Sir Launcelot, for to ride out of this castle, and to do battle, I

am full loath.

Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto Sir Arthur and Sir Gawaine: My

lords, I require you and beseech you, sithen that I am thus required

and conjured to ride into the field, that neither you, my lord King

Arthur, nor you Sir Gawaine, come not into the field. What shall we do

then? said Sir Gawaine, [N]is this the king’s quarrel with thee to

fight? and it is my quarrel to fight with thee, Sir Launcelot, because

of the death of my brother Sir Gareth. Then must I needs unto battle,

said Sir Launcelot. Now wit you well, my lord Arthur and Sir Gawaine,

ye will repent it whensomever I do battle with you.

And so then they departed either from other; and then either party made

them ready on the morn for to do battle, and great purveyance was made

on both sides; and Sir Gawaine let purvey many knights for to wait upon

Sir Launcelot, for to overset him and to slay him. And on the morn at

underne Sir Arthur was ready in the field with three great hosts. And

then Sir Launcelot’s fellowship came out at three gates, in a full good

array; and Sir Lionel came in the foremost battle, and Sir Launcelot

came in the middle, and Sir Bors came out at the third gate. Thus they

came in order and rule, as full noble knights; and always Sir Launcelot

charged all his knights in any wise to save King Arthur and Sir

Gawaine.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Gawaine jousted and smote down Sir Lionel, and

how Sir Launcelot horsed King Arthur.

Then came forth Sir Gawaine from the king’s host, and he came before

and proffered to joust. And Sir Lionel was a fierce knight, and lightly

he encountered with Sir Gawaine; and there Sir Gawaine smote Sir Lionel

through out the body, that he dashed to the earth like as he had been

dead; and then Sir Ector de Maris and other more bare him into the

castle. Then there began a great stour, and much people was slain; and

ever Sir Launcelot did what he might to save the people on King

Arthur’s party, for Sir Palomides, and Sir Bors, and Sir Safere,

overthrew many knights, for they were deadly knights. And Sir Blamore

de Ganis, and Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, with Sir Bellangere le Beuse,

these six knights did much harm; and ever King Arthur was nigh about

Sir Launcelot to have slain him, and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and

would not strike again. So Sir Bors encountered with King Arthur, and

there with a spear Sir Bors smote him down; and so he alighted and drew

his sword, and said to Sir Launcelot: Shall I make an end of this war?

and that he meant to have slain King Arthur. Not so hardy, said Sir

Launcelot, upon pain of thy head, that thou touch him no more, for I

will never see that most noble king that made me knight neither slain

ne shamed. And therewithal Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse and

took up the king and horsed him again, and said thus: My lord Arthur,

for God’s love stint this strife, for ye get here no worship, and I

would do mine utterance, but always I forbear you, and ye nor none of

yours forbeareth me; my lord, remember what I have done in many places,

and now I am evil rewarded.

Then when King Arthur was on horseback, he looked upon Sir Launcelot,

and then the tears brast out of his eyen, thinking on the great

courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot more than in any other man; and

therewith the king rode his way, and might no longer behold him, and

said: Alas, that ever this war began. And then either parties of the

battles withdrew them to repose them, and buried the dead, and to the

wounded men they laid soft salves; and thus they endured that night

till on the morn. And on the morn by underne they made them ready to do

battle. And then Sir Bors led the forward.

So upon the morn there came Sir Gawaine as brim as any boar, with a

great spear in his hand. And when Sir Bors saw him he thought to

revenge his brother Sir Lionel of the despite that Sir Gawaine did him

the other day. And so they that knew either other feutred their spears,

and with all their mights of their horses and themselves, they met

together so felonously that either bare other through, and so they fell

both to the earth; and then the battles joined, and there was much

slaughter on both parties. Then Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bors, and

sent him into the castle; but neither Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not

of their wounds, for they were all holpen. Then Sir Lavaine and Sir

Urre prayed Sir Launcelot to do his pain, and fight as they had done;

For we see ye forbear and spare, and that doth much harm; therefore we

pray you spare not your enemies no more than they do you. Alas, said

Sir Launcelot, I have no heart to fight against my lord Arthur, for

ever meseemeth I do not as I ought to do. My lord, said Sir Palomides,

though ye spare them all this day they will never con you thank; and if

they may get you at avail ye are but dead. So then Sir Launcelot

understood that they said him truth; and then he strained himself more

than he did aforehand, and because his nephew Sir Bors was sore

wounded. And then within a little while, by evensong time, Sir

Launcelot and his party better stood, for their horses went in blood

past the fetlocks, there was so much people slain. And then for pity

Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, and suffered King Arthur’s party

for to withdraw them aside. And then Sir Launcelot’s party withdrew

them into his castle, and either parties buried the dead, and put salve

unto the wounded men.

So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they on King Arthur’s party were not so

orgulous as they were toforehand to do battle. Of this war was noised

through all Christendom, and at the last it was noised afore the Pope;

and he considering the great goodness of King Arthur, and of Sir

Launcelot, that was called the most noblest knights of the world,

wherefore the Pope called unto him a noble clerk that at that time was

there present; the French book saith, it was the Bishop of Rochester;

and the Pope gave him bulls under lead unto King Arthur of England,

charging him upon pain of interdicting of all England, that he take his

queen Dame Guenever unto him again, and accord with Sir Launcelot.

CHAPTER XIV. How the Pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how

Sir Launcelot brought the queen to King Arthur.

So when this Bishop was come to Carlisle he shewed the king these

bulls. And when the king understood these bulls he nist what to do:

full fain he would have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir

Gawaine would not suffer him; but as for to have the queen, thereto he

agreed. But in nowise Sir Gawaine would not suffer the king to accord

with Sir Launcelot; but as for the queen he consented. And then the

Bishop had of the king his great seal, and his assurance as he was a

true anointed king that Sir Launcelot should come safe, and go safe,

and that the queen should not be spoken unto of the king, nor of none

other, for no thing done afore time past; and of all these appointments

the Bishop brought with him sure assurance and writing, to shew Sir

Launcelot.

So when the Bishop was come to Joyous Gard, there he shewed Sir

Launcelot how the Pope had written to Arthur and unto him, and there he

told him the perils if he withheld the queen from the king. It was

never in my thought, said Launcelot, to withhold the queen from my lord

Arthur; but, insomuch she should have been dead for my sake, meseemeth

it was my part to save her life, and put her from that danger, till

better recover might come. And now I thank God, said Sir Launcelot,

that the Pope hath made her peace; for God knoweth, said Sir Launcelot,

I will be a thousandfold more gladder to bring her again, than ever I

was of her taking away; with this, I may be sure to come safe and go

safe, and that the queen shall have her liberty as she had before; and

never for no thing that hath been surmised afore this time, she never

from this day stand in no peril. For else, said Sir Launcelot, I dare

adventure me to keep her from an harder shour than ever I kept her. It

shall not need you, said the Bishop, to dread so much; for wit you

well, the Pope must be obeyed, and it were not the Pope’s worship nor

my poor honesty to wit you distressed, neither the queen, neither in

peril, nor shamed. And then he shewed Sir Launcelot all his writing,

both from the Pope and from King Arthur. This is sure enough, said Sir

Launcelot, for full well I dare trust my lord’s own writing and his

seal, for he was never shamed of his promise. Therefore, said Sir

Launcelot unto the Bishop, ye shall ride unto the king afore, and

recommend me unto his good grace, and let him have knowledging that

this same day eight days, by the grace of God, I myself shall bring my

lady, Queen Guenever, unto him. And then say ye unto my most redoubted

king, that I will say largely for the queen, that I shall none except

for dread nor fear, but the king himself, and my lord Sir Gawaine; and

that is more for the king’s love than for himself.

So the Bishop departed and came to the king at Carlisle, and told him

all how Sir Launcelot answered him; and then the tears brast out of the

king’s eyen. Then Sir Launcelot purveyed him an hundred knights, and

all were clothed in green velvet, and their horses trapped to their

heels; and every knight held a branch of olive in his hand, in tokening

of peace. And the queen had four-and-twenty gentlewomen following her

in the same wise; and Sir Launcelot had twelve coursers following him,

and on every courser sat a young gentleman, and all they were arrayed

in green velvet, with sarps of gold about their quarters, and the horse

trapped in the same wise down to the heels, with many ouches, y-set

with stones and pearls in gold, to the number of a thousand. And she

and Sir Launcelot were clothed in white cloth of gold tissue; and right

so as ye have heard, as the French book maketh mention, he rode with

the queen from Joyous Gard to Carlisle. And so Sir Launcelot rode

throughout Carlisle, and so in the castle, that all men might behold;

and wit you well there was many a weeping eye. And then Sir Launcelot

himself alighted and avoided his horse, and took the queen, and so led

her where King Arthur was in his seat: and Sir Gawaine sat afore him,

and many other great lords. So when Sir Launcelot saw the king and Sir

Gawaine, then he led the queen by the arm, and then he kneeled down,

and the queen both. Wit you well then was there many bold knight there

with King Arthur that wept as tenderly as though they had seen all

their kin afore them. So the king sat still, and said no word. And when

Sir Launcelot saw his countenance, he arose and pulled up the queen

with him, and thus he spake full knightly.

CHAPTER XV. Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir

Launcelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot.

My most redoubted king, ye shall understand, by the Pope’s commandment

and yours, I have brought to you my lady the queen, as right requireth;

and if there be any knight, of whatsomever degree that he be, except

your person, that will say or dare say but that she is true and clean

to you, I here myself, Sir Launcelot du Lake, will make it good upon

his body, that she is a true lady unto you; but liars ye have listened,

and that hath caused debate betwixt you and me. For time hath been, my

lord Arthur, that ye have been greatly pleased with me when I did

battle for my lady, your queen; and full well ye know, my most noble

king, that she hath been put to great wrong or this time; and sithen it

pleased you at many times that I should fight for her, meseemeth, my

good lord, I had more cause to rescue her from the fire, insomuch she

should have been brent for my sake. For they that told you those tales

were liars, and so it fell upon them; for by likelihood had not the

might of God been with me, I might never have endured fourteen knights,

and they armed and afore purposed, and I unarmed and not purposed. For

I was sent for unto my lady your queen, I wot not for what cause; but I

was not so soon within the chamber door, but anon Sir Agravaine and Sir

Mordred called me traitor and recreant knight. They called thee right,

said Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, in their

quarrel they proved themselves not in the right. Well well, Sir

Launcelot, said the king, I have given thee no cause to do to me as

thou hast done, for I have worshipped thee and thine more than any of

all my knights.

My good lord, said Sir Launcelot, so ye be not displeased, ye shall

understand I and mine have done you oft better service than any other

knights have done, in many divers places; and where ye have been full

hard bestead divers times, I have myself rescued you from many dangers;

and ever unto my power I was glad to please you, and my lord Sir

Gawaine; both in jousts, and tournaments, and in battles set, both on

horseback and on foot, I have often rescued you, and my lord Sir

Gawaine, and many mo of your knights in many divers places. For now I

will make avaunt, said Sir Launcelot, I will that ye all wit that yet I

found never no manner of knight but that I was overhard for him, an I

had done my utterance, thanked be God; howbeit I have been matched with

good knights, as Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak, but ever I had a favour

unto them and a deeming what they were. And I take God to record, said

Sir Launcelot, I never was wroth nor greatly heavy with no good knight

an I saw him busy about to win worship; and glad I was ever when I

found any knight that might endure me on horseback and on foot: howbeit

Sir Carados of the Dolorous Tower was a full noble knight and a passing

strong man, and that wot ye, my lord Sir Gawaine; for he might well be

called a noble knight when he by fine force pulled you out of your

saddle, and bound you overthwart afore him to his saddle bow; and

there, my lord Sir Gawaine, I rescued you, and slew him afore your

sight. Also I found his brother, Sir Turquin, in likewise leading Sir

Gaheris, your brother, bounden afore him; and there I rescued your

brother and slew that Turquin, and delivered three-score-and-four of my

lord Arthur’s knights out of his prison. And now I dare say, said Sir

Launcelot, I met never with so strong knights, nor so well fighting, as

was Sir Carados and Sir Turquin, for I fought with them to the

uttermost. And therefore, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine,

meseemeth ye ought of right to remember this; for, an I might have your

good will, I would trust to God to have my lord Arthur’s good grace.

CHAPTER XVI. Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir

Launcelot, with much other language.

The king may do as he will, said Sir Gawaine, but wit thou well, Sir

Launcelot, thou and I shall never be accorded while we live, for thou

hast slain three of my brethren; and two of them ye slew traitorly and

piteously, for they bare none harness against thee, nor none would

bear. God would they had been armed, said Sir Launcelot, for then had

they been alive. And wit ye well Sir Gawaine, as for Sir Gareth, I love

none of my kinsmen so much as I did him; and ever while I live, said

Sir Launcelot, I will bewail Sir Gareth’s death, not all only for the

great fear I have of you, but many causes cause me to be sorrowful. One

is, for I made him knight; another is, I wot well he loved me above all

other knights; and the third is, he was passing noble, true, courteous,

and gentle, and well conditioned; the fourth is, I wist well, anon as I

heard that Sir Gareth was dead, I should never after have your love,

but everlasting war betwixt us; and also I wist well that ye would

cause my noble lord Arthur for ever to be my mortal foe. And as Jesu be

my help, said Sir Launcelot, I slew never Sir Gareth nor Sir Gaheris by

my will; but alas that ever they were unarmed that unhappy day. But

thus much I shall offer me, said Sir Launcelot, if it may please the

king’s good grace, and you, my lord Sir Gawaine, I shall first begin at

Sandwich, and there I shall go in my shirt, barefoot; and at every ten

miles’ end I will found and gar make an house of religion, of what

order that ye will assign me, with an whole convent, to sing and read,

day and night, in especial for Sir Gareth’s sake and Sir Gaheris. And

this shall I perform from Sandwich unto Carlisle; and every house shall

have sufficient livelihood. And this shall I perform while I have any

livelihood in Christendom; and there nis none of all these religious

places, but they shall be performed, furnished and garnished in all

things as an holy place ought to be, I promise you faithfully. And

this, Sir Gawaine, methinketh were more fairer, holier, and more better

to their souls, than ye, my most noble king, and you, Sir Gawaine, to

war upon me, for thereby shall ye get none avail.

Then all knights and ladies that were there wept as they were mad, and

the tears fell on King Arthur’s cheeks. Sir Launcelot, said Sir

Gawaine, I have right well heard thy speech, and thy great proffers,

but wit thou well, let the king do as it pleased him, I will never

forgive my brothers’ death, and in especial the death of my brother,

Sir Gareth. And if mine uncle, King Arthur, will accord with thee, he

shall lose my service, for wit thou well thou art both false to the

king and to me. Sir, said Launcelot, he beareth not the life that may

make that good; and if ye, Sir Gawaine, will charge me with so high a

thing, ye must pardon me, for then needs must I answer you. Nay, said

Sir Gawaine, we are past that at this time, and that caused the Pope,

for he hath charged mine uncle, the king, that he shall take his queen

again, and to accord with thee, Sir Launcelot, as for this season, and

therefore thou shalt go safe as thou camest. But in this land thou

shalt not abide past fifteen days, such summons I give thee: so the

king and we were consented and accorded or thou camest. And else, said

Sir Gawaine, wit thou well thou shouldst not have come here, but if it

were maugre thy head. And if it were not for the Pope’s commandment,

said Sir Gawaine, I should do battle with mine own body against thy

body, and prove it upon thee, that thou hast been both false unto mine

uncle King Arthur, and to me both; and that shall I prove upon thy

body, when thou art departed from hence, wheresomever I find thee.

CHAPTER XVII. How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from Joyous

Gard over seaward, and what knights went with him.

Then Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks,

and then he said thus: Alas, most noble Christian realm, whom I have

loved above all other realms, and in thee I have gotten a great part of

my worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Truly me repenteth

that ever I came in this realm, that should be thus shamefully

banished, undeserved and causeless; but fortune is so variant, and the

wheel so moveable, there nis none constant abiding, and that may be

proved by many old chronicles, of noble Ector, and Troilus, and

Alisander, the mighty conqueror, and many mo other; when they were most

in their royalty, they alighted lowest. And so fareth it by me, said

Sir Launcelot, for in this realm I had worship, and by me and mine all

the whole Round Table hath been increased more in worship, by me and

mine blood, than by any other. And therefore wit thou well, Sir

Gawaine, I may live upon my lands as well as any knight that here is.

And if ye, most redoubted king, will come upon my lands with Sir

Gawaine to war upon me, I must endure you as well as I may. But as to

you, Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I pray you charge me not with

treason nor felony, for an ye do, I must answer you. Do thou thy best,

said Sir Gawaine; therefore hie thee fast that thou were gone, and wit

thou well we shall soon come after, and break the strongest castle that

thou hast, upon thy head. That shall not need, said Sir Launcelot, for

an I were as orgulous set as ye are, wit you well I should meet you in

midst of the field. Make thou no more language, said Sir Gawaine, but

deliver the queen from thee, and pike thee lightly out of this court.

Well, said Sir Launcelot, an I had wist of this short coming, I would

have advised me twice or that I had come hither; for an the queen had

been so dear to me as ye noise her, I durst have kept her from the

fellowship of the best knights under heaven.

And then Sir Launcelot said unto Guenever, in hearing of the king and

them all: Madam, now I must depart from you and this noble fellowship

for ever; and sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say me

well; and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues, lightly my lady

send me word, and if any knight’s hands may deliver you by battle, I

shall deliver you. And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen; and

then he said all openly. Now let see what he be in this place that dare

say the queen is not true unto my lord Arthur, let see who will speak

an he dare speak. And therewith he brought the queen to the king, and

then Sir Launcelot took his leave and departed; and there was neither

king, duke, nor earl, baron nor knight, lady nor gentlewoman, but all

they wept as people out of their mind, except Sir Gawaine. And when the

noble Sir Launcelot took his horse to ride out of Carlisle, there was

sobbing and weeping for pure dole of his departing; and so he took his

way unto Joyous Gard. And then ever after he called it the Dolorous

Gard. And thus departed Sir Launcelot from the court for ever.

And so when he came to Joyous Gard he called his fellowship unto him,

and asked them what they would do. Then they answered all wholly

together with one voice they would as he would do. My fair fellows,

said Sir Launcelot, I must depart out of this most noble realm, and now

I shall depart it grieveth me sore, for I shall depart with no worship,

for a flemed man departed never out of a realm with no worship; and

that is my heaviness, for ever I fear after my days that men shall

chronicle upon me that I was flemed out of this land; and else, my fair

lords, be ye sure, an I had not dread shame, my lady, Queen Guenever,

and I should never have departed.

Then spake many noble knights, as Sir Palomides, Sir Safere his

brother, and Sir Bellingere le Beuse, and Sir Urre, with Sir Lavaine,

with many others: Sir, an ye be so disposed to abide in this land we

will never fail you; and if ye list not to abide in this land there nis

none of the good knights that here be will fail you, for many causes.

One is, all we that be not of your blood shall never be welcome to the

court. And sithen it liked us to take a part with you in your distress

and heaviness in this realm, wit you well it shall like us as well to

go in other countries with you, and there to take such part as ye do.

My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, I well understand you, and as I can,

thank you: and ye shall understand, such livelihood as I am born unto I

shall depart with you in this manner of wise; that is for to say, I

shall depart all my livelihood and all my lands freely among you, and I

myself will have as little as any of you, for have I sufficient that

may long to my person, I will ask none other rich array; and I trust to

God to maintain you on my lands as well as ever were maintained any

knights. Then spake all the knights at once: He have shame that will

leave you; for we all understand in this realm will be now no quiet,

but ever strife and debate, now the fellowship of the Round Table is

broken; for by the noble fellowship of the Round Table was King Arthur

upborne, and by their noblesse the king and all his realm was in quiet

and rest, and a great part they said all was because of your noblesse.

CHAPTER XVIII. How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made

great lords of the knights that went with him.

Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you all of your good saying,

howbeit, I wot well, in me was not all the stability of this realm, but

in that I might I did my devoir; and well I am sure I knew many

rebellions in my days that by me were peaced, and I trow we all shall

hear of them in short space, and that me sore repenteth. For ever I

dread me, said Sir Launcelot, that Sir Mordred will make trouble, for

he is passing envious and applieth him to trouble. So they were

accorded to go with Sir Launcelot to his lands; and to make short tale,

they trussed, and paid all that would ask them; and wholly an hundred

knights departed with Sir Launcelot at once, and made their avows they

would never leave him for weal nor for woe.