And so they shipped at Cardiff, and sailed unto Benwick: some men call

it Bayonne, and some men call it Beaune, where the wine of Beaune is.

But to say the sooth, Sir Launcelot and his nephews were lords of all

France, and of all the lands that longed unto France; he and his

kindred rejoiced it all through Sir Launcelot’s noble prowess. And then

Sir Launcelot stuffed and furnished and garnished all his noble towns

and castles. Then all the people of those lands came to Sir Launcelot

on foot and hands. And so when he had stablished all these countries,

he shortly called a parliament; and there he crowned Sir Lionel, King

of France; and Sir Bors [he] crowned him king of all King Claudas’

lands; and Sir Ector de Maris, that was Sir Launcelot’s youngest

brother, he crowned him King of Benwick, and king of all Guienne, that

was Sir Launcelot’s own land. And he made Sir Ector prince of them all,

and thus he departed.

Then Sir Launcelot advanced all his noble knights, and first he

advanced them of his blood; that was Sir Blamore, he made him Duke of

Limosin in Guienne and Sir Bleoberis he made him Duke of Poictiers, and

Sir Gahalantine he made him Duke of Querne, and Sir Galihodin he made

him Duke of Sentonge, and Sir Galihud he made him Earl of Perigot, and

Sir Menadeuke he made him Earl of Roerge, and Sir Villiars the Valiant

he made him Earl of Bearn, and Sir Hebes le Renoumes he made him Earl

of Comange, and Sir Lavaine he made him Earl of Arminak, and Sir Urre

he made him Earl of Estrake, and Sir Neroneus he made him Earl of

Pardiak, and Sir Plenorius he made Earl of Foise, and Sir Selises of

the Dolorous Tower he made him Earl of Masauke, and Sir Melias de Lile

he made him Earl of Tursauk, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse he made Earl

of the Launds, and Sir Palomides he made him Duke of the Provence, and

Sir Safere he made him Duke of Landok, and Sir Clegis he gave him the

Earldom of Agente, and Sir Sadok he gave the Earldom of Surlat, and Sir

Dinas le Seneschal he made him Duke of Anjou, and Sir Clarrus he made

him Duke of Normandy. Thus Sir Launcelot rewarded his noble knights and

many more, that meseemeth it were too long to rehearse.

CHAPTER XIX. How King Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready to

go over sea to make war on Sir Launcelot.

So leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble knights with him,

and return we again unto King Arthur and to Sir Gawaine, that made a

great host ready, to the number of threescore thousand; and all thing

was made ready for their shipping to pass over the sea, and so they

shipped at Cardiff. And there King Arthur made Sir Mordred chief ruler

of all England, and also he put Queen Guenever under his governance;

because Sir Mordred was King Arthur’s son, he gave him the rule of his

land and of his wife; and so the king passed the sea and landed upon

Sir Launcelot’s lands, and there he brent and wasted, through the

vengeance of Sir Gawaine, all that they might overrun.

When this word came to Sir Launcelot, that King Arthur and Sir Gawaine

were landed upon his lands, and made a full great destruction and

waste, then spake Sir Bors, and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, it is

shame that we suffer them thus to ride over our lands, for wit you

well, suffer ye them as long as ye will, they will do you no favour an

they may handle you. Then said Sir Lionel that was wary and wise: My

lord Sir Launcelot, I will give this counsel, let us keep our strong

walled towns until they have hunger and cold, and blow on their nails;

and then let us freshly set upon them, and shred them down as sheep in

a field, that aliens may take example for ever how they land upon our

lands.

Then spake King Bagdemagus to Sir Launcelot: Sir, your courtesy will

shende us all, and thy courtesy hath waked all this sorrow; for an they

thus over our lands ride, they shall by process bring us all to nought

whilst we thus in holes us hide. Then said Sir Galihud unto Sir

Launcelot: Sir, here be knights come of kings’ blood, that will not

long droop, and they are within these walls; therefore give us leave,

like as we be knights, to meet them in the field, and we shall slay

them, that they shall curse the time that ever they came into this

country. Then spake seven brethren of North Wales, and they were seven

noble knights; a man might seek in seven kings’ lands or he might find

such seven knights. Then they all said at once: Sir Launcelot, for

Christ’s sake let us out ride with Sir Galihud, for we be never wont to

cower in castles nor in noble towns.

Then spake Sir Launcelot, that was master and governor of them all: My

fair lords, wit you well I am full loath to ride out with my knights

for shedding of Christian blood; and yet my lands I understand be full

bare for to sustain any host awhile, for the mighty wars that whilom

made King Claudas upon this country, upon my father King Ban, and on

mine uncle King Bors; howbeit we will as at this time keep our strong

walls, and I shall send a messenger unto my lord Arthur, a treaty for

to take; for better is peace than always war.

So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damosel and a dwarf with her, requiring

King Arthur to leave his warring upon his lands; and so she start upon

a palfrey, and the dwarf ran by her side. And when she came to the

pavilion of King Arthur, there she alighted; and there met her a gentle

knight, Sir Lucan the Butler, and said: Fair damosel, come ye from Sir

Launcelot du Lake? Yea sir, she said, therefore I come hither to speak

with my lord the king. Alas, said Sir Lucan, my lord Arthur would love

Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine will not suffer him. And then he said: I

pray to God, damosel, ye may speed well, for all we that be about the

king would Sir Launcelot did best of any knight living. And so with

this Lucan led the damosel unto the king where he sat with Sir Gawaine,

for to hear what she would say. So when she had told her tale, the

water ran out of the king’s eyen, and all the lords were full glad for

to advise the king as to be accorded with Sir Launcelot, save all only

Sir Gawaine, and he said: My lord mine uncle, what will ye do? Will ye

now turn again, now ye are passed thus far upon this journey? all the

world will speak of your villainy. Nay, said Arthur, wit thou well, Sir

Gawaine, I will do as ye will advise me; and yet meseemeth, said

Arthur, his fair proffers were not good to be refused; but sithen I am

come so far upon this journey, I will that ye give the damosel her

answer, for I may not speak to her for pity, for her proffers be so

large.

CHAPTER XX. What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot; and how

King Arthur laid siege to Benwick, and other matters.

Then Sir Gawaine said to the damosel thus: Damosel, say ye to Sir

Launcelot that it is waste labour now to sue to mine uncle; for tell

him, an he would have made any labour for peace, he should have made it

or this time, for tell him now it is too late; and say that I, Sir

Gawaine, so send him word, that I promise him by the faith I owe unto

God and to knighthood, I shall never leave him till he have slain me or

I him. So the damosel wept and departed, and there were many weeping

eyen; and so Sir Lucan brought the damosel to her palfrey, and so she

came to Sir Launcelot where he was among all his knights. And when Sir

Launcelot had heard this answer, then the tears ran down by his cheeks.

And then his noble knights strode about him, and said: Sir Launcelot,

wherefore make ye such cheer, think what ye are, and what men we are,

and let us noble knights match them in midst of the field. That may be

lightly done, said Sir Launcelot, but I was never so loath to do

battle, and therefore I pray you, fair sirs, as ye love me, be ruled as

I will have you, for I will always flee that noble king that made me

knight. And when I may no further, I must needs defend me, and that

will be more worship for me and us all than to compare with that noble

king whom we have all served. Then they held their language, and as

that night they took their rest.

And upon the morn early, in the dawning of the day, as knights looked

out, they saw the city of Benwick besieged round about; and fast they

began to set up ladders, and then they defied them out of the town, and

beat them from the walls wightly. Then came forth Sir Gawaine well

armed upon a stiff steed, and he came before the chief gate, with his

spear in his hand, crying: Sir Launcelot, where art thou? is there none

of you proud knights dare break a spear with me? Then Sir Bors made him

ready, and came forth out of the town, and there Sir Gawaine

encountered with Sir Bors. And at that time he smote Sir Bors down from

his horse, and almost he had slain him; and so Sir Bors was rescued and

borne into the town. Then came forth Sir Lionel, brother to Sir Bors,

and thought to revenge him; and either feutred their spears, and ran

together; and there they met spitefully, but Sir Gawaine had such grace

that he smote Sir Lionel down, and wounded him there passing sore; and

then Sir Lionel was rescued and borne into the town. And this Sir

Gawaine came every day, and he failed not but that he smote down one

knight or other.

So thus they endured half a year, and much slaughter was of people on

both parties. Then it befell upon a day, Sir Gawaine came afore the

gates armed at all pieces on a noble horse, with a great spear in his

hand; and then he cried with a loud voice: Where art thou now, thou

false traitor, Sir Launcelot? Why hidest thou thyself within holes and

walls like a coward? Look out now, thou false traitor knight, and here

I shall revenge upon thy body the death of my three brethren. All this

language heard Sir Launcelot every deal; and his kin and his knights

drew about him, and all they said at once to Sir Launcelot: Sir

Launcelot, now must ye defend you like a knight, or else ye be shamed

for ever; for, now ye be called upon treason, it is time for you to

stir, for ye have slept over-long and suffered over-much. So God me

help, said Sir Launcelot, I am right heavy of Sir Gawaine’s words, for

now he charged me with a great charge; and therefore I wot it as well

as ye, that I must defend me, or else to be recreant.

Then Sir Launcelot bade saddle his strongest horse, and bade let fetch

his arms, and bring all unto the gate of the tower; and then Sir

Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur, and said: My lord Arthur, and

noble king that made me knight, wit you well I am right heavy for your

sake, that ye thus sue upon me; and always I forbare you, for an I

would have been vengeable, I might have met you in midst of the field,

and there to have made your boldest knights full tame. And now I have

forborne half a year, and suffered you and Sir Gawaine to do what ye

would do; and now may I endure it no longer, for now must I needs

defend myself, insomuch Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of treason; the

which is greatly against my will that ever I should fight against any

of your blood, but now I may not forsake it, I am driven thereto as a

beast till a bay.

Then Sir Gawaine said: Sir Launcelot, an thou durst do battle, leave

thy babbling and come off, and let us ease our hearts. Then Sir

Launcelot armed him lightly, and mounted upon his horse, and either of

the knights gat great spears in their hands, and the host without stood

still all apart, and the noble knights came out of the city by a great

number, insomuch that when Arthur saw the number of men and knights, he

marvelled, and said to himself: Alas, that ever Sir Launcelot was

against me, for now I see he hath forborne me. And so the covenant was

made, there should no man nigh them, nor deal with them, till the one

were dead or yelden.

CHAPTER XXI. How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, and

how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt.

Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great way asunder, and

then they came together with all their horses’ might as they might run,

and either smote other in midst of their shields; but the knights were

so strong, and their spears so big, that their horses might not endure

their buffets, and so their horses fell to the earth; and then they

avoided their horses, and dressed their shields afore them. Then they

stood together and gave many sad strokes on divers places of their

bodies, that the blood brast out on many sides and places. Then had Sir

Gawaine such a grace and gift that an holy man had given to him, that

every day in the year, from underne till high noon, his might increased

those three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that caused Sir

Gawaine to win great honour. And for his sake King Arthur made an

ordinance, that all manner of battles for any quarrels that should be

done afore King Arthur should begin at underne; and all was done for

Sir Gawaine’s love, that by likelihood, if Sir Gawaine were on the one

part, he should have the better in battle while his strength endureth

three hours; but there were but few knights that time living that knew

this advantage that Sir Gawaine had, but King Arthur all only.

Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and when Sir Launcelot felt

his might evermore increase, Sir Launcelot wondered and dread him sore

to be shamed. For as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot weened, when

he felt Sir Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend and

none earthly man; wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and traversed, and

covered himself with his shield, and kept his might and his braide

during three hours; and that while Sir Gawaine gave him many sad

brunts, and many sad strokes, that all the knights that beheld Sir

Launcelot marvelled how that he might endure him; but full little

understood they that travail that Sir Launcelot had for to endure him.

And then when it was past noon Sir Gawaine had no more but his own

might. When Sir Launcelot felt him so come down, then he stretched him

up and stood near Sir Gawaine, and said thus: My lord Sir Gawaine, now

I feel ye have done; now my lord Sir Gawaine, I must do my part, for

many great and grievous strokes I have endured you this day with great

pain.

Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes and gave Sir Gawaine such a

buffet on the helmet that he fell down on his side, and Sir Launcelot

withdrew him from him. Why withdrawest thou thee? said Sir Gawaine; now

turn again, false traitor knight, and slay me, for an thou leave me

thus, when I am whole I shall do battle with thee again. I shall endure

you, Sir, by God’s grace, but wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, I will never

smite a felled knight. And so Sir Launcelot went into the city; and Sir

Gawaine was borne into King Arthur’s pavilion, and leeches were brought

to him, and searched and salved with soft ointments. And then Sir

Launcelot said: Now have good day, my lord the king, for wit you well

ye win no worship at these walls; and if I would my knights outbring,

there should many a man die. Therefore, my lord Arthur, remember you of

old kindness; and however I fare, Jesu be your guide in all places.

CHAPTER XXII. Of the sorrow that King Arthur made for the war, and of

another battle where also Sir Gawaine had the worse.

Alas, said the king, that ever this unhappy war was begun; for ever Sir

Launcelot forbeareth me in all places, and in likewise my kin, and that

is seen well this day by my nephew Sir Gawaine. Then King Arthur fell

sick for sorrow of Sir Gawaine, that he was so sore hurt, and because

of the war betwixt him and Sir Launcelot. So then they on King Arthur’s

part kept the siege with little war withoutforth; and they withinforth

kept their walls, and defended them when need was. Thus Sir Gawaine lay

sick three weeks in his tents, with all manner of leech-craft that

might be had. And as soon as Sir Gawaine might go and ride, he armed

him at all points, and start upon a courser, and gat a spear in his

hand, and so he came riding afore the chief gate of Benwick; and there

he cried on height: Where art thou, Sir Launcelot? Come forth, thou

false traitor knight and recreant, for I am here, Sir Gawaine, will

prove this that I say on thee.

All this language Sir Launcelot heard, and then he said thus: Sir

Gawaine, me repents of your foul saying, that ye will not cease of your

language; for you wot well, Sir Gawaine, I know your might and all that

ye may do; and well ye wot, Sir Gawaine, ye may not greatly hurt me.

Come down, traitor knight, said he, and make it good the contrary with

thy hands, for it mishapped me the last battle to be hurt of thy hands;

therefore wit thou well I am come this day to make amends, for I ween

this day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me. Jesu defend me, said

Sir Launcelot, that ever I be so far in your danger as ye have been in

mine, for then my days were done. But Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot,

ye shall not think that I tarry long, but sithen that ye so unknightly

call me of treason, ye shall have both your hands full of me. And then

Sir Launcelot armed him at all points, and mounted upon his horse, and

gat a great spear in his hand, and rode out at the gate. And both the

hosts were assembled, of them without and of them within, and stood in

array full manly. And both parties were charged to hold them still, to

see and behold the battle of these two noble knights. And then they

laid their spears in their rests, and they came together as thunder,

and Sir Gawaine brake his spear upon Sir Launcelot in a hundred pieces

unto his hand; and Sir Launcelot smote him with a greater might, that

Sir Gawaine’s horse’s feet raised, and so the horse and he fell to the

earth. Then Sir Gawaine deliverly avoided his horse, and put his shield

afore him, and eagerly drew his sword, and bade Sir Launcelot: Alight,

traitor knight, for if this mare’s son hath failed me, wit thou well a

king’s son and a queen’s son shall not fail thee.

Then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and dressed his shield afore him,

and drew his sword; and so stood they together and gave many sad

strokes, that all men on both parties had thereof passing great wonder.

But when Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawaine’s might so marvellously

increase, he then withheld his courage and his wind, and kept himself

wonder covert of his might; and under his shield he traced and

traversed here and there, to break Sir Gawaine’s strokes and his

courage; and Sir Gawaine enforced himself with all his might and power

to destroy Sir Launcelot; for as the French book saith, ever as Sir

Gawaine’s might increased, right so increased his wind and his evil

will. Thus Sir Gawaine did great pain unto Sir Launcelot three hours,

that he had right great pain for to defend him.

And when the three hours were passed, that Sir Launcelot felt that Sir

Gawaine was come to his own proper strength, then Sir Launcelot said

unto Sir Gawaine: Now have I proved you twice, that ye are a full

dangerous knight, and a wonderful man of your might; and many wonderful

deeds have ye done in your days, for by your might increasing you have

deceived many a full noble and valiant knight; and, now I feel that ye

have done your mighty deeds, now wit you well I must do my deeds. And

then Sir Launcelot stood near Sir Gawaine, and then Sir Launcelot

doubled his strokes; and Sir Gawaine defended him mightily, but

nevertheless Sir Launcelot smote such a stroke upon Sir Gawaine’s helm,

and upon the old wound, that Sir Gawaine sinked down upon his one side

in a swoon. And anon as he did awake he waved and foined at Sir

Launcelot as he lay, and said: Traitor knight, wit thou well I am not

yet slain, come thou near me and perform this battle unto the

uttermost. I will no more do than I have done, said Sir Launcelot, for

when I see you on foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see

you stand on your feet; but for to smite a wounded man that may not

stand, God defend me from such a shame. And then he turned him and went

his way toward the city. And Sir Gawaine evermore calling him traitor

knight, and said: Wit thou well Sir Launcelot, when I am whole I shall

do battle with thee again, for I shall never leave thee till that one

of us be slain. Thus as this siege endured, and as Sir Gawaine lay sick

near a month; and when he was well recovered and ready within three

days to do battle again with Sir Launcelot, right so came tidings unto

Arthur from England that made King Arthur and all his host to remove.

_Here followeth the xxi. book._

BOOK XXI.

CHAPTER I. How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of

England, and would have married the queen, his father’s wife.

As Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he did do make letters as

though that they came from beyond the sea, and the letters specified

that King Arthur was slain in battle with Sir Launcelot. Wherefore Sir

Mordred made a parliament, and called the lords together, and there he

made them to choose him king; and so was he crowned at Canterbury, and

held a feast there fifteen days; and afterward he drew him unto

Winchester, and there he took the Queen Guenever, and said plainly that

he would wed her which was his uncle’s wife and his father’s wife. And

so he made ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that they should be

wedded; wherefore Queen Guenever was passing heavy. But she durst not

discover her heart, but spake fair, and agreed to Sir Mordred’s will.

Then she desired of Sir Mordred for to go to London, to buy all manner

of things that longed unto the wedding. And because of her fair speech

Sir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to go. And so

when she came to London she took the Tower of London, and suddenly in

all haste possible she stuffed it with all manner of victual, and well

garnished it with men, and so kept it.

Then when Sir Mordred wist and understood how he was beguiled, he was

passing wroth out of measure. And a short tale for to make, he went and

laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and made many great

assaults thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot

great guns. But all might not prevail Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever

would never for fair speech nor for foul, would never trust to come in

his hands again.

Then came the Bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble clerk and an

holy man, and thus he said to Sir Mordred: Sir, what will ye do? will

ye first displease God and sithen shame yourself, and all knighthood?

Is not King Arthur your uncle, no farther but your mother’s brother,

and on her himself King Arthur begat you upon his own sister, therefore

how may you wed your father’s wife? Sir, said the noble clerk, leave

this opinion or I shall curse you with book and bell and candle. Do

thou thy worst, said Sir Mordred, wit thou well I shall defy thee. Sir,

said the Bishop, and wit you well I shall not fear me to do that me

ought to do. Also where ye noise where my lord Arthur is slain, and

that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this land.

Peace, thou false priest, said Sir Mordred, for an thou chafe me any

more I shall make strike off thy head. So the Bishop departed and did

the cursing in the most orgulist wise that might be done. And then Sir

Mordred sought the Bishop of Canterbury, for to have slain him. Then

the Bishop fled, and took part of his goods with him, and went nigh

unto Glastonbury; and there he was as priest hermit in a chapel, and

lived in poverty and in holy prayers, for well he understood that

mischievous war was at hand.

Then Sir Mordred sought on Queen Guenever by letters and sonds, and by

fair means and foul means, for to have her to come out of the Tower of

London; but all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly

and privily, that she had liefer slay herself than to be married with

him. Then came word to Sir Mordred that King Arthur had araised the

siege for Sir Launcelot, and he was coming homeward with a great host,

to be avenged upon Sir Mordred; wherefore Sir Mordred made write writs

to all the barony of this land, and much people drew to him. For then

was the common voice among them that with Arthur was none other life

but war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus

was Sir Arthur depraved, and evil said of. And many there were that

King Arthur had made up of nought, and given them lands, might not then

say him a good word. Lo ye all Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief

here was! for he that was the most king and knight of the world, and

most loved the fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were all

upholden, now might not these Englishmen hold them content with him. Lo

thus was the old custom and usage of this land; and also men say that

we of this land have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage.

Alas, this is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may no thing

please us no term. And so fared the people at that time, they were

better pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur; and

much people drew unto Sir Mordred, and said they would abide with him

for better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host to

Dover, for there he heard say that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so he

thought to beat his own father from his lands; and the most part of all

England held with Sir Mordred, the people were so new-fangle.

CHAPTER II. How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and

came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of the

death of Sir Gawaine.

And so as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King

Arthur with a great navy of ships, and galleys, and carracks. And there

was Sir Mordred ready awaiting upon his landing, to let his own father

to land upon the land that he was king over. Then there was launching

of great boats and small, and full of noble men of arms; and there was

much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron was laid

full low, on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous that there

might no manner of knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely

followed him; and so they landed maugre Sir Mordred and all his power,

and put Sir Mordred aback, that he fled and all his people.

So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were

dead. And then was noble Sir Gawaine found in a great boat, lying more

than half dead. When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low;

he went unto him; and there the king made sorrow out of measure, and

took Sir Gawaine in his arms, and thrice he there swooned. And then

when he awaked, he said: Alas, Sir Gawaine, my sister’s son, here now

thou liest; the man in the world that I loved most; and now is my joy

gone, for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine, I will discover me unto your

person: in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine affiance,

and now have I lost my joy of you both; wherefore all mine earthly joy

is gone from me. Mine uncle King Arthur, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well

my death-day is come, and all is through mine own hastiness and

wilfulness; for I am smitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot

gave me, on the which I feel well I must die; and had Sir Launcelot

been with you as he was, this unhappy war had never begun; and of all

this am I causer, for Sir Launcelot and his blood, through their

prowess, held all your cankered enemies in subjection and daunger. And

now, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall miss Sir Launcelot. But alas, I would

not accord with him, and therefore, said Sir Gawaine, I pray you, fair

uncle, that I may have paper, pen, and ink, that I may write to Sir

Launcelot a cedle with mine own hands.

And then when paper and ink was brought, then Gawaine was set up weakly

by King Arthur, for he was shriven a little to-fore; and then he wrote

thus, as the French book maketh mention: Unto Sir Launcelot, flower of

all noble knights that ever I heard of or saw by my days, I, Sir

Gawaine, King Lot’s son of Orkney, sister’s son unto the noble King

Arthur, send thee greeting, and let thee have knowledge that the tenth

day of May I was smitten upon the old wound that thou gavest me afore

the city of Benwick, and through the same wound that thou gavest me I

am come to my death-day. And I will that all the world wit, that I, Sir

Gawaine, knight of the Table Round, sought my death, and not through

thy deserving, but it was mine own seeking; wherefore I beseech thee,

Sir Launcelot, to return again unto this realm, and see my tomb, and

pray some prayer more or less for my soul. And this same day that I

wrote this cedle, I was hurt to the death in the same wound, the which

I had of thy hand, Sir Launcelot; for of a more nobler man might I not

be slain. Also Sir Launcelot, for all the love that ever was betwixt

us, make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all haste, that thou

mayst with thy noble knights rescue that noble king that made thee

knight, that is my lord Arthur; for he is full straitly bestead with a

false traitor, that is my half-brother, Sir Mordred; and he hath let

crown him king, and would have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so

had he done had she not put herself in the Tower of London. And so the

tenth day of May last past, my lord Arthur and we all landed upon them

at Dover; and there we put that false traitor, Sir Mordred, to flight,

and there it misfortuned me to be stricken upon thy stroke. And at the

date of this letter was written, but two hours and a half afore my

death, written with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my

heart’s blood. And I require thee, most famous knight of the world,

that thou wilt see my tomb. And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur

wept; and then they swooned both. And when they awaked both, the king

made Sir Gawaine to receive his Saviour. And then Sir Gawaine prayed

the king for to send for Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all

other knights.

And so at the hour of noon Sir Gawaine yielded up the spirit; and then

the king let inter him in a chapel within Dover Castle; and there yet

all men may see the skull of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir

Launcelot gave him in battle. Then was it told the king that Sir

Mordred had pight a new field upon Barham Down. And upon the morn the

king rode thither to him, and there was a great battle betwixt them,

and much people was slain on both parties; but at the last Sir Arthur’s

party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party fled unto Canterbury.

CHAPTER III. How after, Sir Gawaine’s ghost appeared to King Arthur,

and warned him that he should not fight that day.

And then the king let search all the towns for his knights that were

slain, and interred them; and salved them with soft salves that so sore

were wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then they

said that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur with wrong. And then King

Arthur drew him with his host down by the seaside, westward toward

Salisbury; and there was a day assigned betwixt King Arthur and Sir

Mordred, that they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not

far from the seaside; and this day was assigned on a Monday after

Trinity Sunday, whereof King Arthur was passing glad, that he might be

avenged upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred araised much people about

London, for they of Kent, Southsex, and Surrey, Estsex, and of

Southfolk, and of Northfolk, held the most part with Sir Mordred; and

many a full noble knight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king: but

they that loved Sir Launcelot drew unto Sir Mordred.

So upon Trinity Sunday at night, King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream,

and that was this: that him seemed he sat upon a chaflet in a chair,

and the chair was fast to a wheel, and thereupon sat King Arthur in the

richest cloth of gold that might be made; and the king thought there

was under him, far from him, an hideous deep black water, and therein

were all manner of serpents, and worms, and wild beasts, foul and

horrible; and suddenly the king thought the wheel turned up-so-down,

and he fell among the serpents, and every beast took him by a limb; and

then the king cried as he lay in his bed and slept: Help. And then

knights, squires, and yeomen, awaked the king; and then he was so

amazed that he wist not where he was; and then he fell a-slumbering

again, not sleeping nor thoroughly waking. So the king seemed verily

that there came Sir Gawaine unto him with a number of fair ladies with

him. And when King Arthur saw him, then he said: Welcome, my sister’s

son; I weened thou hadst been dead, and now I see thee alive, much am I

beholding unto Almighty Jesu. O fair nephew and my sister’s son, what

be these ladies that hither be come with you? Sir, said Sir Gawaine,

all these be ladies for whom I have foughten when I was man living, and

all these are those that I did battle for in righteous quarrel; and God

hath given them that grace at their great prayer, because I did battle

for them, that they should bring me hither unto you: thus much hath God

given me leave, for to warn you of your death; for an ye fight as

to-morn with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye

must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties. And

for the great grace and goodness that almighty Jesu hath unto you, and

for pity of you, and many more other good men there shall be slain, God

hath sent me to you of his special grace, to give you warning that in

no wise ye do battle as to-morn, but that ye take a treaty for a month

day; and proffer you largely, so as to-morn to be put in a delay. For

within a month shall come Sir Launcelot with all his noble knights, and

rescue you worshipfully, and slay Sir Mordred, and all that ever will

hold with him. Then Sir Gawaine and all the ladies vanished.

And anon the king called upon his knights, squires, and yeomen, and

charged them wightly to fetch his noble lords and wise bishops unto

him. And when they were come, the king told them his avision, what Sir

Gawaine had told him, and warned him that if he fought on the morn he

should be slain. Then the king commanded Sir Lucan the Butler, and his

brother Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them in

any wise, an they might, Take a treaty for a month day with Sir

Mordred, and spare not, proffer him lands and goods as much as ye think

best. So then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a

grim host of an hundred thousand men. And there they entreated Sir

Mordred long time; and at the last Sir Mordred was agreed for to have

Cornwall and Kent, by Arthur’s days: after, all England, after the days

of King Arthur.

CHAPTER IV. How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where

Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death.

Then were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should

meet betwixt both their hosts, and everych of them should bring

fourteen persons; and they came with this word unto Arthur. Then said

he: I am glad that this is done: and so he went into the field. And

when Arthur should depart, he warned all his host that an they see any

sword drawn: Look ye come on fiercely, and slay that traitor, Sir

Mordred, for I in no wise trust him. In like wise Sir Mordred warned

his host that: An ye see any sword drawn, look that ye come on

fiercely, and so slay all that ever before you standeth; for in no wise

I will not trust for this treaty, for I know well my father will be

avenged on me. And so they met as their appointment was, and so they

were agreed and accorded thoroughly; and wine was fetched, and they

drank. Right soon came an adder out of a little heath bush, and it

stung a knight on the foot. And when the knight felt him stung, he

looked down and saw the adder, and then he drew his sword to slay the

adder, and thought of none other harm. And when the host on both

parties saw that sword drawn, then they blew beams, trumpets, and

horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed them together. And

King Arthur took his horse, and said: Alas this unhappy day! and so

rode to his party. And Sir Mordred in like wise. And never was there

seen a more dolefuller battle in no Christian land; for there was but

rushing and riding, foining and striking, and many a grim word was

there spoken either to other, and many a deadly stroke. But ever King

Arthur rode throughout the battle of Sir Mordred many times, and did

full nobly as a noble king should, and at all times he fainted never;

and Sir Mordred that day put him in devoir, and in great peril. And

thus they fought all the long day, and never stinted till the noble

knights were laid to the cold earth; and ever they fought still till it

was near night, and by that time was there an hundred thousand laid

dead upon the down. Then was Arthur wood wroth out of measure, when he

saw his people so slain from him.

Then the king looked about him, and then was he ware, of all his host

and of all his good knights, were left no more alive but two knights;

that one was Sir Lucan the Butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, and

they were full sore wounded. Jesu mercy, said the king, where are all

my noble knights become? Alas that ever I should see this doleful day,

for now, said Arthur, I am come to mine end. But would to God that I

wist where were that traitor Sir Mordred, that hath caused all this

mischief. Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned upon his

sword among a great heap of dead men. Now give me my spear, said Arthur

unto Sir Lucan, for yonder I have espied the traitor that all this woe

hath wrought. Sir, let him be, said Sir Lucan, for he is unhappy; and

if ye pass this unhappy day ye shall be right well revenged upon him.

Good lord, remember ye of your night’s dream, and what the spirit of

Sir Gawaine told you this night, yet God of his great goodness hath

preserved you hitherto. Therefore, for God’s sake, my lord, leave off

by this, for blessed be God ye have won the field, for here we be three

alive, and with Sir Mordred is none alive; and if ye leave off now this

wicked day of destiny is past. Tide me death, betide me life, saith the

king, now I see him yonder alone he shall never escape mine hands, for

at a better avail shall I never have him. God speed you well, said Sir

Bedivere.

Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran toward Sir

Mordred, crying: Traitor, now is thy death-day come. And when Sir

Mordred heard Sir Arthur, he ran until him with his sword drawn in his

hand. And there King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield, with a

foin of his spear, throughout the body, more than a fathom. And when

Sir Mordred felt that he had his death wound he thrust himself with the

might that he had up to the bur of King Arthur’s spear. And right so he

smote his father Arthur, with his sword holden in both his hands, on

the side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the

brain-pan, and therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth;

and the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and there he swooned

ofttimes. And Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him

up. And so weakly they led him betwixt them both, to a little chapel

not far from the seaside. And when the king was there he thought him

well eased.

Then heard they people cry in the field. Now go thou, Sir Lucan, said

the king, and do me to wit what betokens that noise in the field. So

Sir Lucan departed, for he was grievously wounded in many places. And

so as he yede, he saw and hearkened by the moonlight, how that pillers

and robbers were come into the field, to pill and to rob many a full

noble knight of brooches, and beads, of many a good ring, and of many a

rich jewel; and who that were not dead all out, there they slew them

for their harness and their riches. When Sir Lucan understood this

work, he came to the king as soon as he might, and told him all what he

had heard and seen. Therefore by my rede, said Sir Lucan, it is best

that we bring you to some town. I would it were so, said the king.

CHAPTER V. How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into

the water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge.

But I may not stand, mine head works so. Ah Sir Launcelot, said King

Arthur, this day have I sore missed thee: alas, that ever I was against

thee, for now have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my

dream. Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere

the other part, and in the lifting the king swooned; and Sir Lucan fell

in a swoon with the lift, that the part of his guts fell out of his

body, and therewith the noble knight’s heart brast. And when the king

awoke, he beheld Sir Lucan, how he lay foaming at the mouth, and part

of his guts lay at his feet. Alas, said the king, this is to me a full

heavy sight, to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he would

have holpen me, that had more need of help than I. Alas, he would not

complain him, his heart was so set to help me: now Jesu have mercy upon

his soul! Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. Leave

this mourning and weeping, said the king, for all this will not avail

me, for wit thou well an I might live myself, the death of Sir Lucan

would grieve me evermore; but my time hieth fast, said the king.

Therefore, said Arthur unto Sir Bedivere, take thou Excalibur, my good

sword, and go with it to yonder water side, and when thou comest there

I charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come again and tell me

what thou there seest. My lord, said Bedivere, your commandment shall

be done, and lightly bring you word again.

So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld that noble sword,

that the pommel and the haft was all of precious stones; and then he

said to himself: If I throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shall

never come good, but harm and loss. And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur

under a tree. And so, as soon as he might, he came again unto the king,

and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword in the

water. What saw thou there? said the king. Sir, he said, I saw nothing

but waves and winds. That is untruly said of thee, said the king,

therefore go thou lightly again, and do my commandment; as thou art to

me lief and dear, spare not, but throw it in. Then Sir Bedivere

returned again, and took the sword in his hand; and then him thought

sin and shame to throw away that noble sword, and so eft he hid the

sword, and returned again, and told to the king that he had been at the

water, and done his commandment. What saw thou there? said the king.

Sir, he said, I saw nothing but the waters wap and waves wan. Ah,

traitor untrue, said King Arthur, now hast thou betrayed me twice. Who

would have weened that, thou that hast been to me so lief and dear? and

thou art named a noble knight, and would betray me for the richness of

the sword. But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying putteth me

in great jeopardy of my life, for I have taken cold. And but if thou do

now as I bid thee, if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee with mine

own hands; for thou wouldst for my rich sword see me dead.

Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it

up, and went to the water side; and there he bound the girdle about the

hilts, and then he threw the sword as far into the water as he might;

and there came an arm and an hand above the water and met it, and

caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished, and then vanished

away the hand with the sword in the water. So Sir Bedivere came again

to the king, and told him what he saw. Alas, said the king, help me

hence, for I dread me I have tarried over long. Then Sir Bedivere took

the king upon his back, and so went with him to that water side. And

when they were at the water side, even fast by the bank hoved a little

barge with many fair ladies in it, and among them all was a queen, and

all they had black hoods, and all they wept and shrieked when they saw

King Arthur. Now put me into the barge, said the king. And so he did

softly; and there received him three queens with great mourning; and so

they set them down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head.

And then that queen said: Ah, dear brother, why have ye tarried so long

from me? alas, this wound on your head hath caught over-much cold. And

so then they rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all those

ladies go from him. Then Sir Bedivere cried: Ah my lord Arthur, what

shall become of me, now ye go from me and leave me here alone among

mine enemies? Comfort thyself, said the king, and do as well as thou

mayst, for in me is no trust for to trust in; for I will into the vale

of Avilion to heal me of my grievous wound: and if thou hear never more

of me, pray for my soul. But ever the queens and ladies wept and

shrieked, that it was pity to hear. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had

lost the sight of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took the

forest; and so he went all that night, and in the morning he was ware

betwixt two holts hoar, of a chapel and an hermitage.

CHAPTER VI. How Sir Bedivere found him on the morrow dead in an

hermitage, and how he abode there with the hermit.

Then was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went; and when he came into

the chapel, he saw where lay an hermit grovelling on all four, there

fast by a tomb was new graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere he knew

him well, for he was but little to-fore Bishop of Canterbury, that Sir

Mordred flemed. Sir, said Bedivere, what man is there interred that ye

pray so fast for? Fair son, said the hermit, I wot not verily, but by

deeming. But this night, at midnight, here came a number of ladies, and

brought hither a dead corpse, and prayed me to bury him; and here they

offered an hundred tapers, and they gave me an hundred besants. Alas,

said Sir Bedivere, that was my lord King Arthur, that here lieth buried

in this chapel. Then Sir Bedivere swooned; and when he awoke he prayed

the hermit he might abide with him still there, to live with fasting

and prayers. For from hence will I never go, said Sir Bedivere, by my

will, but all the days of my life here to pray for my lord Arthur. Ye

are welcome to me, said the hermit, for I know ye better than ye ween

that I do. Ye are the bold Bedivere, and the full noble duke, Sir Lucan

the Butler, was your brother. Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all as

ye have heard to-fore. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit that

was to-fore Bishop of Canterbury, and there Sir Bedivere put upon him

poor clothes, and served the hermit full lowly in fasting and in

prayers.

Thus of Arthur I find never more written in books that be authorised,

nor more of the very certainty of his death heard I never read, but

thus was he led away in a ship wherein were three queens; that one was

King Arthur’s sister, Queen Morgan le Fay; the other was the Queen of

Northgalis; the third was the Queen of the Waste Lands. Also there was

Nimue, the chief lady of the lake, that had wedded Pelleas the good

knight; and this lady had done much for King Arthur, for she would

never suffer Sir Pelleas to be in no place where he should be in danger

of his life; and so he lived to the uttermost of his days with her in

great rest. More of the death of King Arthur could I never find, but

that ladies brought him to his burials; and such one was buried there,

that the hermit bare witness that sometime was Bishop of Canterbury,

but yet the hermit knew not in certain that he was verily the body of

King Arthur: for this tale Sir Bedivere, knight of the Table Round,

made it to be written.

CHAPTER VII. Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur;

and how Queen Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury.

Yet some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead,

but had by the will of our Lord Jesu into another place; and men say

that he shall come again, and he shall win the holy cross. I will not

say it shall be so, but rather I will say: here in this world he

changed his life. But many men say that there is written upon his tomb

this verse: _Hic jacet Arthurus, Rex quondam, Rexque futurus._ Thus

leave I here Sir Bedivere with the hermit, that dwelled that time in a

chapel beside Glastonbury, and there was his hermitage. And so they

lived in their prayers, and fastings, and great abstinence. And when

Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was slain, and all the noble

knights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant, then the queen stole away,

and five ladies with her, and so she went to Almesbury; and there she

let make herself a nun, and ware white clothes and black, and great

penance she took, as ever did sinful lady in this land, and never

creature could make her merry; but lived in fasting, prayers, and

alms-deeds, that all manner of people marvelled how virtuously she was

changed. Now leave we Queen Guenever in Almesbury, a nun in white

clothes and black, and there she was Abbess and ruler as reason would;

and turn we from her, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake.

CHAPTER VIII. How when Sir Lancelot heard of the death of King Arthur,

and of Sir Gawaine, and other matters, he came into England.

And when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred was crowned king in

England, and made war against King Arthur, his own father, and would

let him to land in his own land; also it was told Sir Launcelot how

that Sir Mordred had laid siege about the Tower of London, because the

queen would not wed him; then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure,

and said to his kinsmen: Alas, that double traitor Sir Mordred, now me

repenteth that ever he escaped my hands, for much shame hath he done

unto my lord Arthur; for all I feel by the doleful letter that my lord

Sir Gawaine sent me, on whose soul Jesu have mercy that my lord Arthur

is full hard bestead. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should live

to hear that most noble king that made me knight thus to be overset

with his subject in his own realm. And this doleful letter that my

lord, Sir Gawaine, hath sent me afore his death, praying me to see his

tomb, wit you well his doleful words shall never go from mine heart,

for he was a full noble knight as ever was born; and in an unhappy hour

was I born that ever I should have that unhap to slay first Sir

Gawaine, Sir Gaheris the good knight, and mine own friend Sir Gareth,

that full noble knight. Alas, I may say I am unhappy, said Sir

Launcelot, that ever I should do thus unhappily, and, alas, yet might I

never have hap to slay that traitor, Sir Mordred.

Leave your complaints, said Sir Bors, and first revenge you of the

death of Sir Gawaine; and it will be well done that ye see Sir

Gawaine’s tomb, and secondly that ye revenge my lord Arthur, and my

lady, Queen Guenever. I thank you, said Sir Launcelot, for ever ye will

my worship.

Then they made them ready in all the haste that might be, with ships

and galleys, with Sir Launcelot and his host to pass into England. And

so he passed over the sea till he came to Dover, and there he landed

with seven kings, and the number was hideous to behold. Then Sir

Launcelot spered of men of Dover where was King Arthur become. Then the

people told him how that he was slain, and Sir Mordred and an hundred

thousand died on a day; and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the

first battle at his landing, and there was good Sir Gawaine slain; and

on the morn Sir Mordred fought with the king upon Barham Down, and

there the king put Sir Mordred to the worse. Alas, said Sir Launcelot,

this is the heaviest tidings that ever came to me. Now, fair sirs, said

Sir Launcelot, shew me the tomb of Sir Gawaine. And then certain people

of the town brought him into the castle of Dover, and shewed him the

tomb. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down and wept, and prayed heartily for

his soul. And that night he made a dole, and all they that would come

had as much flesh, fish, wine and ale, and every man and woman had

twelve pence, come who would. Thus with his own hand dealt he this

money, in a mourning gown; and ever he wept, and prayed them to pray

for the soul of Sir Gawaine. And on the morn all the priests and clerks

that might be gotten in the country were there, and sang mass of

Requiem; and there offered first Sir Launcelot, and he offered an

hundred pound; and then the seven kings offered forty pound apiece; and

also there was a thousand knights, and each of them offered a pound;

and the offering dured from morn till night, and Sir Launcelot lay two

nights on his tomb in prayers and weeping.

Then on the third day Sir Launcelot called the kings, dukes, earls,

barons, and knights, and said thus: My fair lords, I thank you all of

your coming into this country with me, but we came too late, and that

shall repent me while I live, but against death may no man rebel. But

sithen it is so, said Sir Launcelot, I will myself ride and seek my

lady, Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath had great pain and

much disease; and I heard say that she is fled into the west. Therefore

ye all shall abide me here, and but if I come again within fifteen

days, then take your ships and your fellowship, and depart into your

country, for I will do as I say to you.

CHAPTER IX. How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the Queen Guenever, and

how he found her at Almesbury.

Then came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said: My lord Sir Launcelot, what

think ye for to do, now to ride in this realm? wit ye well ye shall

find few friends. Be as be may, said Sir Launcelot, keep you still

here, for I will forth on my journey, and no man nor child shall go

with me. So it was no boot to strive, but he departed and rode

westerly, and there he sought a seven or eight days; and at the last he

came to a nunnery, and then was Queen Guenever ware of Sir Launcelot as

he walked in the cloister. And when she saw him there she swooned

thrice, that all the ladies and gentlewomen had work enough to hold the

queen up. So when she might speak, she called ladies and gentlewomen to

her, and said: Ye marvel, fair ladies, why I make this fare. Truly, she

said, it is for the sight of yonder knight that yonder standeth;

wherefore I pray you all call him to me.

When Sir Launcelot was brought to her, then she said to all the ladies:

Through this man and me hath all this war been wrought, and the death

of the most noblest knights of the world; for through our love that we

have loved together is my most noble lord slain. Therefore, Sir

Launcelot, wit thou well I am set in such a plight to get my soul-heal;

and yet I trust through God’s grace that after my death to have a sight

of the blessed face of Christ, and at domesday to sit on his right

side, for as sinful as ever I was are saints in heaven. Therefore, Sir

Launcelot, I require thee and beseech thee heartily, for all the love

that ever was betwixt us, that thou never see me more in the visage;

and I command thee, on God’s behalf, that thou forsake my company, and

to thy kingdom thou turn again, and keep well thy realm from war and

wrack; for as well as I have loved thee, mine heart will not serve me

to see thee, for through thee and me is the flower of kings and knights

destroyed; therefore, Sir Launcelot, go to thy realm, and there take

thee a wife, and live with her with joy and bliss; and I pray thee

heartily, pray for me to our Lord that I may amend my misliving. Now,

sweet madam, said Sir Launcelot, would ye that I should now return

again unto my country, and there to wed a lady? Nay, madam, wit you

well that shall I never do, for I shall never be so false to you of

that I have promised; but the same destiny that ye have taken you to, I

will take me unto, for to please Jesu, and ever for you I cast me

specially to pray. If thou wilt do so, said the queen, hold thy

promise, but I may never believe but that thou wilt turn to the world

again. Well, madam, said he, ye say as pleaseth you, yet wist you me

never false of my promise, and God defend but I should forsake the

world as ye have done. For in the quest of the Sangreal I had forsaken

the vanities of the world had not your lord been. And if I had done so

at that time, with my heart, will, and thought, I had passed all the

knights that were in the Sangreal except Sir Galahad, my son. And

therefore, lady, sithen ye have taken you to perfection, I must needs

take me to perfection, of right. For I take record of God, in you I

have had mine earthly joy; and if I had found you now so disposed, I

had cast me to have had you into mine own realm.

CHAPTER X. How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the Archbishop

of Canterbury was, and how he took the habit on him.

But sithen I find you thus disposed, I ensure you faithfully, I will

ever take me to penance, and pray while my life lasteth, if I may find

any hermit, either gray or white, that will receive me. Wherefore,

madam, I pray you kiss me and never no more. Nay, said the queen, that

shall I never do, but abstain you from such works: and they departed.

But there was never so hard an hearted man but he would have wept to

see the dolour that they made; for there was lamentation as they had

been stung with spears; and many times they swooned, and the ladies

bare the queen to her chamber.

And Sir Launcelot awoke, and went and took his horse, and rode all that

day and all night in a forest, weeping. And at the last he was ware of

an hermitage and a chapel stood betwixt two cliffs; and then he heard a

little bell ring to mass, and thither he rode and alighted, and tied

his horse to the gate, and heard mass. And he that sang mass was the

Bishop of Canterbury. Both the Bishop and Sir Bedivere knew Sir

Launcelot, and they spake together after mass. But when Sir Bedivere

had told his tale all whole, Sir Launcelot’s heart almost brast for

sorrow, and Sir Launcelot threw his arms abroad, and said: Alas, who

may trust this world. And then he kneeled down on his knee, and prayed

the Bishop to shrive him and assoil him. And then he besought the

Bishop that he might be his brother. Then the Bishop said: I will

gladly; and there he put an habit upon Sir Launcelot, and there he

served God day and night with prayers and fastings.

Thus the great host abode at Dover. And then Sir Lionel took fifteen

lords with him, and rode to London to seek Sir Launcelot; and there Sir

Lionel was slain and many of his lords. Then Sir Bors de Ganis made the

great host for to go home again; and Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir

Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, with more other of Sir Launcelot’s kin, took on

them to ride all England overthwart and endlong, to seek Sir Launcelot.

So Sir Bors by fortune rode so long till he came to the same chapel

where Sir Launcelot was; and so Sir Bors heard a little bell knell,

that rang to mass; and there he alighted and heard mass. And when mass

was done, the Bishop Sir Launcelot, and Sir Bedivere, came to Sir Bors.

And when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot in that manner clothing, then he

prayed the Bishop that he might be in the same suit. And so there was

an habit put upon him, and there he lived in prayers and fasting. And

within half a year, there was come Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir

Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiars, Sir Clarras, and Sir Gahalantine.

So all these seven noble knights there abode still. And when they saw

Sir Launcelot had taken him to such perfection, they had no lust to

depart, but took such an habit as he had.

Thus they endured in great penance six year; and then Sir Launcelot

took the habit of priesthood of the Bishop, and a twelvemonth he sang

mass. And there was none of these other knights but they read in books,

and holp for to sing mass, and rang bells, and did bodily all manner of

service. And so their horses went where they would, for they took no

regard of no worldly riches. For when they saw Sir Launcelot endure

such penance, in prayers, and fastings, they took no force what pain

they endured, for to see the noblest knight of the world take such

abstinence that he waxed full lean. And thus upon a night, there came a

vision to Sir Launcelot, and charged him, in remission of his sins, to

haste him unto Almesbury: And by then thou come there, thou shalt find

Queen Guenever dead. And therefore take thy fellows with thee, and

purvey them of an horse bier, and fetch thou the corpse of her, and

bury her by her husband, the noble King Arthur. So this avision came to

Sir Launcelot thrice in one night.

CHAPTER XI. How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to Almesbury,

and found there Queen Guenever dead, whom they brought to Glastonbury.

Then Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the hermit. It were well

done, said the hermit, that ye made you ready, and that you disobey not

the avision. Then Sir Launcelot took his eight fellows with him, and on

foot they yede from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little more

than thirty mile. And thither they came within two days, for they were

weak and feeble to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesbury

within the nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an hour afore. And the

ladies told Sir Launcelot that Queen Guenever told them all or she

passed, that Sir Launcelot had been priest near a twelvemonth, And

hither he cometh as fast as he may to fetch my corpse; and beside my

lord, King Arthur, he shall bury me. Wherefore the queen said in

hearing of them all: I beseech Almighty God that I may never have power

to see Sir Launcelot with my worldly eyen; and thus, said all the

ladies, was ever her prayer these two days, till she was dead. Then Sir

Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not greatly, but sighed. And so

he did all the observance of the service himself, both the dirige, and

on the morn he sang mass. And there was ordained an horse bier; and so

with an hundred torches ever brenning about the corpse of the queen,

and ever Sir Launcelot with his eight fellows went about the horse

bier, singing and reading many an holy orison, and frankincense upon

the corpse incensed. Thus Sir Launcelot and his eight fellows went on

foot from Almesbury unto Glastonbury.

And when they were come to the chapel and the hermitage, there she had

a dirige, with great devotion. And on the morn the hermit that sometime

was Bishop of Canterbury sang the mass of Requiem with great devotion.

And Sir Launcelot was the first that offered, and then also his eight

fellows. And then she was wrapped in cered cloth of Raines, from the

top to the toe, in thirtyfold, and after she was put in a web of lead,

and then in a coffin of marble. And when she was put in the earth Sir

Launcelot swooned, and lay long still, while the hermit came and awaked

him, and said: Ye be to blame, for ye displease God with such manner of

sorrow-making. Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I trust I do not displease

God, for He knoweth mine intent. For my sorrow was not, nor is not for

any rejoicing of sin, but my sorrow may never have end. For when I

remember of her beauty, and of her noblesse, that was both with her

king and with her, so when I saw his corpse and her corpse so lie

together, truly mine heart would not serve to sustain my careful body.

Also when I remember me how by my default, mine orgule and my pride,

that they were both laid full low, that were peerless that ever was

living of Christian people, wit you well, said Sir Launcelot, this

remembered, of their kindness and mine unkindness, sank so to mine

heart, that I might not sustain myself. So the French book maketh

mention.

CHAPTER XII. How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose

body was borne to Joyous Gard for to be buried.

Then Sir Launcelot never after ate but little meat, ne drank, till he

was dead. For then he sickened more and more, and dried, and dwined

away. For the Bishop nor none of his fellows might not make him to eat,

and little he drank, that he was waxen by a cubit shorter than he was,

that the people could not know him. For evermore, day and night, he

prayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken sleep; ever he was lying

grovelling on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guenever. And there was

no comfort that the Bishop, nor Sir Bors, nor none of his fellows,

could make him, it availed not. So within six weeks after, Sir

Launcelot fell sick, and lay in his bed; and then he sent for the

Bishop that there was hermit, and all his true fellows. Then Sir

Launcelot said with dreary steven: Sir Bishop, I pray you give to me

all my rites that longeth to a Christian man. It shall not need you,

said the hermit and all his fellows, it is but heaviness of your blood,

ye shall be well mended by the grace of God to-morn. My fair lords,

said Sir Launcelot, wit you well my careful body will into the earth, I

have warning more than now I will say; therefore give me my rites. So

when he was houseled and anealed, and had all that a Christian man

ought to have, he prayed the Bishop that his fellows might bear his

body to Joyous Gard. Some men say it was Alnwick, and some men say it

was Bamborough. Howbeit, said Sir Launcelot, me repenteth sore, but I

made mine avow sometime, that in Joyous Gard I would be buried. And

because of breaking of mine avow, I pray you all, lead me thither. Then

there was weeping and wringing of hands among his fellows.

So at a season of the night they all went to their beds, for they all

lay in one chamber. And so after midnight, against day, the Bishop

[that] then was hermit, as he lay in his bed asleep, he fell upon a

great laughter. And therewith all the fellowship awoke, and came to the

Bishop, and asked him what he ailed. Ah Jesu mercy, said the Bishop,

why did ye awake me? I was never in all my life so merry and so well at

ease. Wherefore? said Sir Bors. Truly said the Bishop, here was Sir

Launcelot with me with mo angels than ever I saw men in one day. And I

saw the angels heave up Sir Launcelot unto heaven, and the gates of

heaven opened against him. It is but dretching of swevens, said Sir

Bors, for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth nothing but good. It may

well be, said the Bishop; go ye to his bed, and then shall ye prove the

sooth. So when Sir Bors and his fellows came to his bed they found him

stark dead, and he lay as he had smiled, and the sweetest savour about

him that ever they felt.

Then was there weeping and wringing of hands, and the greatest dole

they made that ever made men. And on the morn the Bishop did his mass

of Requiem, and after, the Bishop and all the nine knights put Sir

Launcelot in the same horse bier that Queen Guenever was laid in

to-fore that she was buried. And so the Bishop and they all together

went with the body of Sir Launcelot daily, till they came to Joyous

Gard; and ever they had an hundred torches brenning about him. And so

within fifteen days they came to Joyous Gard. And there they laid his

corpse in the body of the quire, and sang and read many psalters and

prayers over him and about him.

And ever his visage was laid open and naked, that all folks might

behold him. For such was the custom in those days, that all men of

worship should so lie with open visage till that they were buried. And

right thus as they were at their service, there came Sir Ector de

Maris, that had seven years sought all England, Scotland, and Wales,

seeking his brother, Sir Launcelot.

CHAPTER XIII. How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead, and

how Constantine reigned next after Arthur; and of the end of this book.

And when Sir Ector heard such noise and light in the quire of Joyous

Gard, he alighted and put his horse from him, and came into the quire,

and there he saw men sing and weep. And all they knew Sir Ector, but he

knew not them. Then went Sir Bors unto Sir Ector, and told him how

there lay his brother, Sir Launcelot, dead; and then Sir Ector threw

his shield, sword, and helm from him. And when he beheld Sir

Launcelot’s visage, he fell down in a swoon. And when he waked it were

hard any tongue to tell the doleful complaints that he made for his

brother. Ah Launcelot, he said, thou were head of all Christian

knights, and now I dare say, said Sir Ector, thou Sir Launcelot, there

thou liest, that thou were never matched of earthly knight’s hand. And

thou were the courteoust knight that ever bare shield. And thou were

the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrad horse. And thou were

the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved woman. And thou were

the kindest man that ever struck with sword. And thou were the

goodliest person that ever came among press of knights. And thou was

the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies.

And thou were the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear

in the rest. Then there was weeping and dolour out of measure.

Thus they kept Sir Launcelot’s corpse aloft fifteen days, and then they

buried it with great devotion. And then at leisure they went all with

the Bishop of Canterbury to his hermitage, and there they were together

more than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir Cador’s son of

Cornwall, was chosen king of England. And he was a full noble knight,

and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this King Constantine

sent for the Bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where he was. And

so he was restored unto his Bishopric, and left that hermitage. And Sir

Bedivere was there ever still hermit to his life’s end. Then Sir Bors

de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihud, Sir

Galihodin, Sir Blamore, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiars le Valiant, Sir

Clarrus of Clermont, all these knights drew them to their countries.

Howbeit King Constantine would have had them with him, but they would

not abide in this realm. And there they all lived in their countries as

holy men. And some English books make mention that they went never out

of England after the death of Sir Launcelot, but that was but favour of

makers. For the French book maketh mention, and is authorised, that Sir

Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Blamore, and Sir Bleoberis, went into the Holy

Land thereas Jesu Christ was quick and dead, and anon as they had

stablished their lands. For the book saith, so Sir Launcelot commanded

them for to do, or ever he passed out of this world. And these four

knights did many battles upon the miscreants or Turks. And there they

died upon a Good Friday for God’s sake.

_Here is the end of the book of King Arthur, and of his noble knights

of the Round Table, that when they were whole together there was ever

an hundred and forty. And here is the end of the death of Arthur. I

pray you all, gentlemen and gentlewomen that readeth this book of

Arthur and his knights, from the beginning to the ending, pray for me

while I am alive, that God send me good deliverance, and when I am

dead, I pray you all pray for my soul. For this book was ended the

ninth year of the reign of King Edward the Fourth, by Sir Thomas

Maleore, knight, as Jesu help him for his great might, as he is the

servant of Jesu both day and night._

_Thus endeth this noble and joyous book entitled Le Morte Darthur.

Notwithstanding it treateth of the birth, life, and acts of the said

King Arthur, of his noble knights of the Round Table, their marvellous

enquests and adventures, the achieving of the Sangreal, and in the end

the dolorous death and departing out of this world of them all. Which

book was reduced into English by Sir Thomas Malory, knight, as afore is

said, and by me divided into twenty-one books, chaptered and emprinted,

and finished in the abbey, Westminster, the last day of July the year

of our Lord MCCCCLXXXV._

_Caxton me fieri fecit._

GLOSSARY

Abashed, abased, lowered,

Abate, depress, calm,

Abought, paid for,

Abraid, started,

Accompted, counted,

Accorded, agreed,

Accordment, agreement,

Acquit, repay,

Actually, actively,

Adoubted, afraid,

Advision, vision,

Afeard, afraid,

Afterdeal, disadvantage,

Againsay, retract,

Aknown, known,

Aligement, alleviation,

Allegeance, alleviation,

Allow, approve,

Almeries, chests,

Alther, gen. pl., of all,

Amounted, mounted,

Anealed, anointed,

Anguishly, in pain,

Anon, at once,

Apair, weaken,

Apparelled, fitted up,

Appeach, impeach,

Appealed, challenged, accused,

Appertices, displays,

Araged, enraged, ; confused,

Araised, raised,

Arase, obliterate,

Areared, reared,

Armyvestal, martial,

Array, plight, state of affairs,

Arrayed, situated,

Arson, saddle-bow,

Askance, casually,

Assoiled, absolved,

Assotted, infatuated,

Assummon, summon,

Astonied, amazed, stunned,

At, of, by,

At-after, after,

Attaint, overcome,

Aumbries, chests,

Avail (at), at an advantage,

Avaled, lowered,

Avaunt, boast,

Aventred, couched,

Avised, be advised, take thought,

Avision, vision,

Avoid, quit,

Avoided, got clear off,

Avow, vow,

Await of (in), in watch for,

Awayward, away,

Awke, sideways,

Bachelors, probationers for knighthood

Bain, bath,

Barbican, gate-tower,

Barget, little ship,

Battle, division of an army,

Bawdy, dirty,

Beams, trumpets,

Be-closed, enclosed,

Become, pp., befallen, gone to,

Bedashed, splashed,

Behests, promises,

Behight, promised,

Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to,

Behote, promised,

Benome, deprived, taken away,

Besants, gold coins,

Beseek, beseech,

Beseen, appointed, arrayed,

Beskift, shove off,

Bested, beset,

Betaken, entrusted,

Betaught, entrusted, recommended,

Betid, happened,

Betook, committed, entrusted,

Bevered, quivered,

Board, sb., deck,

Bobaunce, boasting, pride,

Boishe, bush, branch of a tree,

Boistous, rough,

Bole, trunk of a tree,

Boot, remedy,

Borrow out, redeem,

Borrows, pledges,

Bote, remedy,

Bound, ready,

Bourded, jested,

Bourder, jester,

Braced, embraced,

Brachet, little hound,

Braide, quick movement,

Brast, burst, break,

Breaths, breathing holes,

Brief, shorten,

Brim, fierce, furious,

Brised, broke,

Broached, pierced,

Broaches, spits,

Bur, hand-guard of a spear,

Burble, bubble,

Burbling, bubbling,

Burgenetts, buds, blossoms,

Bushment, ambush,

By and by, immediately,

Bywaryed, expended, bestowed,

Canel bone, collar bone,

Cankered, inveterate,

Cantel, slice, strip,

Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles,

Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time,

Cast, ref: v., propose,

Cedle, schedule, note,

Cere, wax over, embalm,; cerel,

Certes, certainly,

Chafe, heat, decompose,; chafed, heated,

Chaflet, platform, scaffold,

Champaign, open country,

Chariot (Fr charette), cart,

Cheer, countenance, entertainment,

Chierte, dearness,

Chrism, anointing oil,

Clatter, talk confusedly,

Cleight, clutched,

Cleped, called,

Clipping, embracing,

Cog, small boat,

Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction,

Coif, head-piece,

Comfort, strengthen, help,

Cominal, common,

Complished, complete,

Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful,

Conserve, preserve,

Conversant, abiding in,

Cording, agreement,

Coronal, circlet,

Cost, side,

Costed, kept up with,

Couched, lay,

Courage, encourage,

Courtelage, courtyard,

Covert, sheltered,

Covetise, covetousness,

Covin, deceit,

Cream, oil,

Credence, faith,

Croup, crupper,

Curteist, most courteous,

Daffish, foolish,

Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of,

Dawed, v tr., revived, intr. dawned,

Deadly, mortal, human,

Deal, part, portion,

Debate, quarrel, strife,

Debonair, courteous,

Deceivable, deceitful,

Defaded, faded,

Default, fault,

Defend, forbid,; defended,; forbidden,

Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered,

Degree (win the), rank, superiority,

Delibered, determined,

Deliverly, adroitly,

Departed, divided,

Departition, departure,

Dere, harm,

Descrive, describe,

Despoiled, stripped,

Detrenched, cut to pieces,

Devised, looked carefully at,

Devoir, duty, service,

Did off, doffed,

Dight, prepared,

Dindled, trembled,

Disadventure, misfortune,

Discover, reveal,

Disherited, disinherited,

Disparpled, scattered,

Dispenses, expenses,

Disperplyd, scattered,

Dispoiled, stripped,

Distained, sullied, dishonoured,

Disworship, shame,

Dole, gift of alms,

Dole, sorrow,

Domineth, dominates, rules,

Don, gift,

Doted, foolish,

Doubted, redoubtable,

Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses,

Drenched, drowned,

Dress, make ready,

Dressed up, raised,

Dretched, troubled in sleep,

Dretching, being troubled in sleep,

Dromounds, war vessels,

Dure, endure, last,; dured,; during,

Duresse, bondage, hardship,

Dwined, dwindled,

Eased, entertained,

Eft, after, again,

Eftures, passages,

Embattled, ranged for battle,

Embushed, concealed in the woods,

Eme, uncle,

Empoison, poison,

Emprised, undertook,

Enbraid,

Enchafe, heat,; enchafed, heated,

Enchieve, achieve,

Endlong, alongside of,

Enewed, painted,

Enforce, constrain,

Engine, device,

Enow, enough,

Enquest, enterprise,

Ensured, assured,

Entermete, intermeddle,

Errant, wandering,

Estates, ranks,

Even hand, at an equality,

Evenlong, along,

Everych, each, every one,

Faiter, vagabond,

Fare, sb., ado, commotion,

Faren, pp., treated,

Faute, lack,; fauted, lacked,

Fealty, oath of fidelity,

Fear, frighten,

Feute, trace, track,

Feuter, set in rest, couch,

Feutred, set in socket,

Fiaunce, affiance, promise,

Flang, flung,; rushed,

Flatling, prostrate,

Fleet, float,

Flemed, put to flight,

Flittered, fluttered,

Foiled, defeated, shamed,

Foined, thrust,

Foining, thrusting,

Foins, thrusts,

Foot-hot, hastily,

For-bled, spent with bleeding,

Force (no), no concern,

Fordeal, advantage,

Fordo, destroy,; fordid,

Forecast, preconcerted plot,

For-fared, worsted,

Forfend, forbid,

Forfoughten, weary with fighting,

Forhewn, hewn to pieces,

Forjousted, tired with jousting,

Forthinketh, repents,

Fortuned, happened,

Forward, vanguard,

Forwowmded, sorely wounded,

Free, noble,

Freshed,

Froward, away from,

Gad, wedge or spike of iron,

Gainest, readiest,

Gar, cause,

Gart, compelled,

Gentily, like a gentleman,

Gerfalcon, a fine hawk,

Germane, closely allied,

Gest, deed, story,

Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe,

Glaive, sword,

Glasting, barking,

Glatisant, barking, yelping,

Gobbets, lumps,

Graithed, made ready,

Gree, degree, superiority,

Greed, pp., pleased, content,

Grescs, steps,

Grimly, ugly,

Grovelling, on his face,

Guerdonless, without reward,

Guise, fashion,

Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached,

Hair, a hair-shirt,

Hale and how, a sailor's cry,

Halp, helped,

Halsed, embraced,

Halsing, embracing,

Handfast, betrothed,

Handsel, earnest-money,

Hangers, testicles,

Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings,

Harness, armour,

Hart of greese, fat deer,

Hauberk, coat of mail,

Haut, high, noble,

Hauteyn, haughty,

Heavy, sad,

Hete, command,

Hide, skin,

Hied, hurried,

High (on), aloud,

Higher hand, the uppermost,

Hight, called,

Hilled, covered, concealed,

Holden, held,

Holp, helped,

Holts, woods,

Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint,

Houselled, to be given the Eucharist,

Hoved, hovered, waited about,

Hurled, dashed, staggered,; hurling,

Hurtle, dash,

Incontinent, forthwith,

Ind, dark blue,

Infellowship, join in fellowship,

In like, alike,

Intermit, interpose,

Japer, jester,

Japes, jests,

Jesseraunt, a short cuirass,

Keep, sb., care,

Keep, s., care, reck,

Kemps, champions,

Kind, nature,

Kindly, natural,

Knights parters, marshals,

Know, acknowledge,

Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession,

Lain, conceal,

Langering, sauntering,

Lapped, took in her lap,

Large, generous,

Largeness, liberality,

Laton, latten, brass,

Laund, waste plain,

Layne, conceal,

Lazar-cot, leper-house,

Learn, teach,

Lears, cheeks,

Leaved, leafy,

Lecher, fornicator,

Leech, physician,

Leman, lover,

Let, caused to,

Let, hinder,

Lewdest, most ignorant,

Licours lecherous,

Lief, dear,

Liefer, more gladly,

Lieve, believe,

Limb-meal, limb from limb,

List, desire, pleasure,

Lithe, joint,

Longing unto, belonging to,

Long on (upon), because of,

Loos, praise,

Lotless, without a share,

Loveday, day for. settling disputes,

Loving, praising,

Lunes, leashes, strings,

Lusk, lubber,

Lusts, inclinations,

Maims, wounds,

Makeless, matchless,

Makers, authors, poets,

Mas,ease, discomfort,

Mal engine, evil design,

Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap,

Marches, borders,

Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead,

Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence,

Maugre, sb., despite,

Measle, disease,

Medled, mingled,

Medley, melee, general encounter,

Meiny, retinue,

Mickle, much,

Minever, ermine,

Mischieved, hurt,

Mischievous, painful,

Miscorr fort, discomfort,

Miscreature, unbeliever,

Missay, revile,; missaid,

Mo, more,

More and less, rich and poor,

Motes, notes on a horn,

Mount~ lance, amount of, extent,

Much, great,

Naked, unarmed,

Namely, especially,

Ne, nor,

Near-hand, nearly,; near,

Needly, needs, on your own compulsion,

Nesh, soft, tender,

Nigh-hand, nearly,

Nill, will not,

Nilt, will not,

Nis, ne is, is not,

Nist, ne wist, knew not,

Noblesse, nobleness,

Nobley, nobility, splendour,

Noised, reported,

Nold, would not,

Noseling, on his nose,

Not for then, nevertheless,

Notoyrly, notoriously,

Noyous, hurtful,

Obeissance, obedience,

Or, before,

Orgule, haughtiness,

Orgulist, haughtiest,

Orgulite, pride, arrogance,

Orgulous, proud,

Other, or,

Ouches, jewels,

Ought, owned,

Outcept, except,

Outher, or,

Out-taken, except,

Over-evening, last night,

Overget, overtake,

Overhylled, covered,

Over-led, domineered over,

Overlong, the length of,

Overslip, pass,

Overthwart, adj., cross,

Overthwart, sb., mischance,

Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length,

Painture, painting,

Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse,

Paltocks, short coats,

Parage, descent,

Pareil, like,

Passing, surpassingly,

Paynim, pagan,

Pensel, pennon,

Perclos, partition,

Perdy, par Dieu,

Perigot, falcon,

Perish, destroy,

Peron, tombstone,

Pight, pitched,

Pike, steal away,

Piked, stole,

Pillers, plunderers,

Pilling, plundering,

Pleasaunce, pleasure,

Plenour, complete,

Plump, sb., cluster,

Pointling, aiming,

Pont, bridge,

Port, gate,

Posseded, possessed,

Potestate, governor,

Precessours, predecessors,

Press, throng,

Pretendeth, belongs to,

Pricker, hard rider,

Pricking, spurring,

Prime, A.M.,

Prise, capture,

Puissance, power,

Purfle, trimming,

Purfled, embroidered,

Purvey, provide,

Quarrels, arrowheads,

Questing, barking,

Quick, alive,

Quit, repaid,; acquitted, behaved,

Raced (rased), tore,

Rack (of bulls), herd,

Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth,

Ramping, raging,

Range, rank, station,

Ransacked, searched,

Rashed, fell headlong,

Rashing, rushing,

Rasing, rushing,

Rasure,

Raundon, impetuosity,

Rear, raise,

Rechate, note of recall,

Recomforted, comforted, cheered,

Recounter, rencontre, encounter,

Recover, rescue,

Rede, advise, ; sb., counsel,

Redounded, glanced back,

Religion, religious order,

Reneye, deny,

Report, refer,

Resemblaunt; semblance,

Retrayed, drew back,

Rightwise, rightly,

Rivage, shore,

Romed, roared,

Roted, practised,

Rove, cleft,

Rownsepyk, a branch,

Sacring, consecrating,

Sad, serious,

Sadly, heartily, earnestly,

Salle, room,

Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver

threads,

Sangreal, Holy Grail,

Sarps, girdles,

Saw, proverb,

Scathes, harms, hurts,

Scripture, writing,

Search, probe wounds,

Selar, canopy,

Semblable, like,

Semblant, semblance,

Sendal, fine cloth,

Sennight, week,

Servage, slavery,

Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them,

Shaft-mon, handbreadth,

Shaw, thicket,

Sheef, thrust,

Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week,

Shend, harm,

Shenship, disgrace,

Shent, undone, blamed,

Shour, attack,

Shrew, rascal,

Shrewd, knavish,

Sib, akin to,

Sideling, sideways,

Siege, seat,

Signified, likened,

Siker, sure,

Sikerness, assurance,

Sith, since,

Sithen, afterwards, since,

Skift, changed,

Slade, valley,

Slake, glen,

Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water,

Sonds, messages,

Sort, company,

Sperd, bolted,

Spere, ask, inquire,

Spered, asked,

Sperhawk, sparrowhawk,

Sprent, sprinkled,

Stale, station,

Stark, thoroughly,

Stead, place,

Stert, started, rose quickly,

Steven, appointment,; steven ser. appointment made,

Steven, voice,

Stigh, path,

Stilly, silently,

Stint, fixed revenue,

Stonied, astonished,; became confused,

Stour, battle,

Strain, race, descent,

Strait, narrow,

Straked, blew a horn,

Sue, pursue,

Sued, pursued,

Surcingles, saddle girths,

Swang, swung,

Sweven, dream,

Swough, sound of wind,

Talent, desire,

Tallages, taxes,

Tallies, taxes,

Tamed, crushed,

Tatches, qualities,

Tene, sorrow,

Term, period of time,

Thilk, that same,

Tho, then,

Thrang, pushed,

Thrulled, pushed,

Till, to,

To-brast, burst,

To-fore, before,

To-morn, to-morrow,

Took, gave,

To-rove, broke up,

To-shivered, broken to pieces,

Traced, advanced and retreated,

Trains, devices, wiles,

Trasing, pressing forward,

Travers (met at), came across,

Traverse, slantwise,

Traversed, moved sideways,

Tray, grief,

Treatise, treaty,

Tree, timber,

Trenchant, cutting, sharp,

Tres:, hunting term,

Truage, tribute,

Trussed, packed,

Ubblie, wafer, Host,

Umbecast, cast about,

Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes,

Umbre, shade,

Unavised, thoughtlessly,

Uncouth, strange,

Underne, - A.M.,

Ungoodly, rudely,

Unhappy, unlucky,

Unhilled, uncovered,

Unr the, scarcely,

Unsicker, unstable,

Unwimpled, uncovered,

Unwrast, untwisted, unbound,

Upright, flat on the back,

Up-so-down, upside down,

Ure, usage,

Utas, octave of a festival,

Utterance, uttermost,

Varlet, servant,

Venery, hunting,

Ven ails, breathing holes,

Villain, man of low birth,

Visors, the perforated parts of helmets,

Voided, slipped away from,

Wagging, shaking,

Waited, watched,

Waits, watches,

Wallop, gallop,

Wanhope, despair,

Wap, ripple,

Ware, aware,

Warison, reward,

Warn, forbid, refuse,

Weeds, garments,

Weltered, rolled about,

Wend, thought,

Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic,

Where, whereas,

Wide-where, over wide space,

Wield, possess, have power over,

Wield himself, come to himself,

Wight, brave, strong,

Wightly, swiftly,

Wildsome, desolate,

Wimpled, with the head covered,

Win, make way,

Wite, v., blame,

Within-forth, on the inside,

Without-forth, on the outside,

Wittiest, cleverest,

Wittily, cleverly,

Witting, knowledge,

Wold or nold, would or would not,

Wonder, adj., wondrous,

Wonder, adv., wondrously,

Wonderly, wonderfully,

Wood, mad,

Woodness, madness,

Wood shaw, thicket of the wood,

Worship, honour,

Worshipped, cause to be honoured,

Worts, roots,

Wot, know,

Wrack, destruction,

Wroken, wreaked,

Wrothe, twisted,

Yede, ran,

Yelden, yielded,

Yerde, stick, stem,

Yode, went,

Yolden, yielded,

Y-wis, certainly,