After that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as well of
contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great
conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples and
doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England came
and demanded me many and ofttimes, wherefore that I have not do made
and imprint the noble history of the Saint Greal, and of the most
renowned Christian king, first and chief of the three best Christian,
and worthy, king Arthur, which ought most to be remembered amongst us
Englishmen tofore all other Christian kings; for it is notoriously
known through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and the
best that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and
three Christian men. As for the Paynims, they were tofore the
Incarnation of Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of
whom the history is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second
Alexander the Great, and the third Julius Cæsar, Emperor of Rome, of
whom the histories be well known and had. And as for the three Jews,
which also were tofore the incarnation of our Lord, of whom the first
was duke Joshua which brought the children of Israel into the land of
behest, the second David king of Jerusalem, and the third Judas
Machabeus. Of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble
histories and acts. And since the said incarnation have been three
noble Christian men, stalled and admitted through the universal world
into the number of the nine best and worthy. Of whom was first the
noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purpose to write in this present book
here following. The second was Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of
whom the history is had in many places, both in French and in English.
And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose acts and life I
made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, king
Edward the Fourth. The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to
imprint the history of the said noble king and conqueror king Arthur,
and of his knights, with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the
death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming that I ought rather to
imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of Boloine, or any of
the other eight, considering that he was a man born within this realm,
and king and emperor of the same: and that there be in French divers
and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom I
answered that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur,
and that all such books as been made of him, be but feigned and fables,
because that some chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him
nothing, nor of his knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special
said, that in him that should say or think that there was never such a
king called Arthur, might well be aretted great folly and blindness.
For he said that there were many evidences of the contrary. First ye
may see his sepulchre in the monastery of Glastingbury. And also in
Policronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, and in the seventh
book the twenty-third chapter, where his body was buried, and after
found, and translated into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the
history of Bochas in his book _De Casu Principum_ part of his noble
acts, and also of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book
recounteth his life: and in divers places of England many remembrances
be yet of him, and shall remain perpetually, and also of his knights.
First in the abbey of Westminster, at St. Edward’s shrine, remaineth
the print of his seal in red wax closed in beryl, in which is written,
_Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie, Germanie, Dacie, Imperator_.
Item in the castle of Dover ye may see Gawaine’s scull, and Cradok’s
mantle: at Winchester the Round Table: in other places Launcelot’s
sword and many other things. Then all these things considered, there
can no man reasonably gainsay but that there was a king of this land
named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed
and taken for one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three
Christian men. And also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more
books made of his noble acts, than there be in England, as well in
Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as in French. And yet of record
remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of Camelot, the great
stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under the ground, and
royal vaults, which divers now living have seen. Wherefore it is a
marvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it
accordeth to the Word of God, which saith that no man is accepted for a
prophet in his own country. Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I
could not well deny but that there was such a noble king named Arthur,
and reputed one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the
Christian men. And many noble volumes be made of him and of his noble
knights in French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea, which be
not had in our maternal tongue. But in Welsh be many and also in
French, and some in English but no where nigh all. Wherefore, such as
have late been drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple
conning that God hath sent to me, under the favour and correction of
all noble lords and gentlemen, enprised to imprint a book of the noble
histories of the said king Arthur, and of certain of his knights, after
a copy unto me delivered, which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of
certain books of French, and reduced it into English. And I, according
to my copy, have down set it in print, to the intent that noble men may
see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds
that some knights used in those days, by which they came to honour, and
how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and
rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other
estates of what estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read
in this said book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in
their remembrance, and to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many
joyous and pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity,
gentleness, and chivalry. For herein may be seen noble chivalry,
courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship,
cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and leave
the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renommee. And for to
pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give
faith and belief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at
your liberty: but all is written for our doctrine, and for to beware
that we fall not to vice nor sin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by
the which we may come and attain to good fame and renown in this life,
and after this short and transitory life to come unto everlasting bliss
in heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed
Trinity. Amen.
Then to proceed forth in this said book, the which I direct unto all
noble princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that desire
to read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of the great
conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, sometime king of this noble
realm, then called Britain; I, William Caxton, simple person, present
this book following, which I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of
the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness,
humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful
histories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of
this volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book
chaptered, as hereafter shall by God’s grace follow. The First Book
shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror king Arthur,
and containeth xxviii chapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the
noble knight, and containeth xix chapters. The Third Book treateth of
the marriage of king Arthur to queen Guenever, with other matters, and
containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, how Merlin was assotted, and
of war made to king Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters. The Fifth
Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii
chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and
marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The Seventh Book
treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir Kay
Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of
the birth of Sir Tristram the noble knight, and of his acts, and
containeth xli chapters. The Ninth Book treateth of a knight named by
Sir Kay Le Cote male taille, and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth
xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other
marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviii chapters. The Eleventh
Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv
chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his madness,
and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahad
came first to king Arthur’s court, and the quest how the Sangreal was
begun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the
quest of the Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book
treateth of Sir Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth
Book treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth
xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book treateth of the Sangreal, and
containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book treateth of Sir
Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The Nineteenth
Book treateth of queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiii
chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur,
and containeth xxii chapters. The Twenty-first Book treateth of his
last departing, and how Sir Launcelot came to revenge his death, and
containeth xiii chapters. The sum is twenty-one books, which contain
the sum of five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall
follow hereafter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Table or Rubrysshe
of the
Content of Chapters.
Shortly of the First Book of King Arthur.
First how Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine his
wife, and of their departing suddenly again. Chap. i.
How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and how by the
means of Merlin he made the duchess his queen. Chap. ii.
Of the birth of king Arthur, and of his nouriture, and of the death of
king Uther Pendragon; and how Arthur was chosen king; and of wonders
and marvels of a sword that was taken out of a stone by the said
Arthur. Chap. iii.
How king Arthur pulled out the sword divers times. Chap. iv.
How king Arthur was crowned and how he made officers. Chap. v.
How king Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and what
kings and lords came to his feast. Chap. vi.
Of the first war that king Arthur had, and how he won the field. Chap.
vii.
How Merlin counselled king Arthur to send for king Ban and king Bors,
and of their counsel taken for the war. Chap. viii.
Of a great tourney made by king Arthur and the two kings Ban and Bors,
and how they went over the sea. Chap. ix.
How eleven kings gathered a great host against king Arthur. Chap. x.
Of a dream of the king with the hundred knights. Chap. xi.
How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur and his
host, and many great feats of the war. Chap. xii.
Yet of the same battle. Chap. xiii.
Yet more of the same battle. Chap. xiv.
Yet more of the said battle, and how it was ended by Merlin. Chap. xv.
How king Arthur, king Ban, and king Bors rescued king Leodegrance, and
other incidents. Chap. xvi.
How king Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how he saw the
questing beast. Chap. xvii.
How king Pellinore took Arthur’s horse and followed the questing beast,
and how Merlin met with Arthur. Chap. xviii.
How Ulfius appeached queen Igraine, Arthur’s mother, of treason; and
how a knight came and desired to have the death of his master
revenged. Chap. xix.
How Griflet was made knight and justed with a knight. Chap. xx.
How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land of
Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight. Chap. xxi.
How Merlin saved Arthur’s life, and threw an enchantment upon king
Pellinore, and made him to sleep. Chap. xxii.
How Arthur by the mean of Merlin got Excalibur his sword of the Lady of
the Lake. Chap. xxiii.
How tidings came to Arthur that king Ryons had overcome eleven kings,
and how he desired Arthur’s beard to trim his mantle. Chap. xxiv.
How all the children were sent for that were born on May-day, and how
Mordred was saved. Chap. xxv.
The Second Book.
Of a damsel which came girded with a sword, for to find a man of such
virtue to draw it out of the scabbard. Chap. i.
How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which
afterward was cause of his death. Chap. ii.
How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight’s head that had won the
sword, or the maiden’s head. Chap. iii.
How Merlin told the adventure of this damsel. Chap. iv.
How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and how he
justed and slew him. Chap. v.
How a damsel which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and how
Balin met with his brother Balan. Chap. vi.
How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how king Mark
of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them. Chap. vii.
How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world should
fight there, which were Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram. Chap. viii.
How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took king Ryons
and brought him to king Arthur. Chap. ix.
How king Arthur had a battle against Nero and king Lot of Orkney; and
how king Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve kings were slain.
Chap. x.
Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of Merlin how
Balin should give the dolorous stroke. Chap. xi.
How a sorrowful knight came tofore Arthur, and how Balin fetched him,
and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible. Chap. xii.
How Balin and the damsel met with a knight which was in like wise
slain, and how the damsel bled for the custom of a castle. Chap. xiii.
How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and there he
slew him to have his blood to heal therewith the son of his host.
Chap. xiv.
How Balin fought with king Pellam, and how his sword brake, and how he
gat a spear, wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke. Chap. xv.
How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would have
slain himself for love. Chap. xvi.
How that knight slew his love, and a knight with her; and after how he
slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode toward a castle
where he lost his life. Chap. xvii.
How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew other
unknown, till they were wounded to death. Chap. xviii.
How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin’s sword. Chap.
xix.
Here follow the Chapters of the Third Book.
How king Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever daughter to
Leodegrance, king of the land of Cameliard, with whom he had the
Round Table. Chap. i.
How the knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges
blessed by the bishop of Canterbury. Chap. ii.
How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired of king Arthur to make
his son knight. Chap. iii.
How Sir Tor was known for son of king Pellinore, and how Gawaine was
made knight. Chap. iv.
How at the feast of the wedding of king Arthur to Guenever, a white
hart came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a brachet
pinched the hart, which was taken away. Chap. v.
How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how two brethren
fought each against other for the hart. Chap. vi.
How the hart was chased into a castle, and there slain; and how Gawaine
slew a lady. Chap. vii.
How four knights fought against Sir Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they
were overcome and their lives saved at the request of four ladies.
Chap. viii.
How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his
adventure by the way. Chap. ix.
How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight assailed
him for the said brachet. Chap. x.
How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head at the
request of a lady. Chap. xi.
How king Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her
away, and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two
knights for that lady, of whom he slew that one at the first stroke.
Chap. xii.
How king Pellinore gat the lady, and brought her to Camelot to the
court of king Arthur. Chap. xiii.
How on the way he heard two knights as he lay by night in a valley, and
of other adventures. Chap. xiv.
How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to tell the
truth of his quest. Chap. xv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Fourth Book.
How Merlin was assotted, and doted on one of the ladies of the lake,
and how he was shut in a rock under a stone, and there died. Chap. i.
How five kings came into this land to war against king Arthur, and what
counsel Arthur had against them. Chap. ii.
How king Arthur had ado with them, and overthrew them, and slew the
five kings, and made the remnant to flee. Chap. iii.
How the battle was finished or he came, and how the king founded an
abbey where the battle was. Chap. iv.
How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus was
displeased. Chap. v.
How king Arthur, king Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul chased an hart,
and of their marvellous adventure. Chap. vi.
How Arthur took upon him to fight, to be delivered out of prison, and
also for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison. Chap. vii.
How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him to do battle
against Arthur. Chap. viii.
Of the battle between king Arthur and Accolon. Chap. ix.
How king Arthur’s sword that he fought with brake, and how he recovered
of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his enemy. Chap. x.
How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le fay, king Arthur’s
sister, and how she would have done slay him. Chap. xi.
How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the twenty knights,
and how Sir Accolon died. Chap. xii.
How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and how Sir Ewain
her son saved him. Chap. xiii.
How queen Morgan le fay made great sorrow for the death of Accolon, and
how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur. Chap. xiv.
How Morgan le fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and how
king Arthur returned home again. Chap. xv.
How the damsel of the lake saved king Arthur from a mantle which should
have burnt him. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ewain met with twelve fair damsels, and how
they complained on Sir Marhaus. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Marhaus justed with Sir Gawaine and Sir Ewain, and overthrew
them both. Chap. xviii.
How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Ewain met three damsels, and each
of them took one. Chap. xix.
How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady. Chap. xx.
How king Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner because he would
have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised him for to get
to him the love of his lady. Chap. xxi.
How Sir Gawaine came to the lady Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found them
sleeping. Chap. xxii.
How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard, by the mean of the damsel of the
lake, whom he loved ever after. Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Marhaus rode with the damsel, and how he came to the duke of
the South Marches. Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his six sons, and made them to
yield them. Chap. xxv.
How Sir Ewain rode with the damsel of sixty year of age, and how he gat
the prize at tourneying. Chap. xxvi.
How Sir Ewain fought with two knights, and overcame them. Chap. xxvii.
How at the year’s end all three knights with their three damsels met at
the fountain. Chap. xxviii.
Of the Fifth Book the Chapters follow.
How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to king Arthur to demand
truage for Britain. Chap. i.
How the kings and lords promised to king Arthur aid and help against
the Romans. Chap. ii.
How king Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained how the
realm should be governed in his absence. Chap. iii.
How king Arthur being shipped, and lying in his cabin, had a marvellous
dream, and of the exposition thereof. Chap. iv.
How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant, and how he
fought and conquered him. Chap. v.
How king Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were
assailed and escaped with worship. Chap. vi.
How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment, for to have taken his
knights, being prisoners, and how they were letted. Chap. vii.
How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also of the
great battle between Arthur and Lucius. Chap. viii.
How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the Romans,
entered into Almaine, and so into Italy. Chap. ix.
Of a battle done by Gawaine against a Saracen, which after was yielden
and became Christian. Chap. x.
How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their beasts, and of
a great battle. Chap. xi.
How Sir Gawaine returned to king Arthur with his prisoners, and how the
king won a city, and how he was crowned emperor. Chap. xii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Sixth Book.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court for to seek
adventures, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping, and was taken.
Chap. i.
How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how he was taken
by Sir Turquine. Chap. ii.
How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by enchantment he was
taken and led into a castle. Chap. iii.
How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damsel. Chap. iv.
How a knight found Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the
knight. Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot was received of king Bagdemagus’s daughter, and he
made his complaint to her father. Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met with Sir
Turquine leading Sir Gaheris. Chap. vii.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together. Chap. viii.
How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bad Sir Gaheris
deliver all the prisoners. Chap. ix.
How Sir Launcelot rode with the damsel and slew a knight that
distressed all ladies, and also a villain that kept a bridge. Chap. x.
How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free. Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay’s harness, and how he smote
down a knight. Chap. xii.
How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the Round Table, and
overthrew them. Chap. xiii.
How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a
dead knight, and how he after was required of a damsel to heal her
brother. Chap. xiv.
How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous, and gat there of a
dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword. Chap. xv.
How Sir Launcelot, at the request of a lady, recovered a falcon, by
which he was deceived. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife to have slain
her, and how he said to him. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Launcelot came to king Arthur’s court, and how there were
recounted all his noble feats and acts. Chap. xviii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Seventh Book.
How Beaumains came to king Arthur’s court, and demanded three petitions
of king Arthur. Chap. i.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay mocked
Beaumains, and of a damsel which desired a knight for to fight for a
lady. Chap. ii.
How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted to him, and
how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot. Chap. iii.
How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield,
and how he justed and fought with Sir Launcelot. Chap. iv.
How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed
knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damsel. Chap. v.
How Sir Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage. Chap. vi.
How Beaumains fought with the knight of the black lands, and fought
with him till he fell down and died. Chap. vii.
How the brother of the knight that was slain met with Beaumains, and
fought with Beaumains till he was yielden. Chap. viii.
How the damsel ever rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit
at her table, but called him kitchen boy. Chap. ix.
How the third brother, called the red knight, jousted and fought
against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him. Chap. x.
How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damsel, and he suffered
it patiently. Chap. xi.
How Sir Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of inde, and made him to be
yielden. Chap. xii.
Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and how
he told him that his name was Sir Gareth. Chap. xiii.
How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister how she had
brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had achieved.
Chap. xiv.
How the damsel and Beaumains came to the siege, and came to a sycamore
tree, and there Beaumains blew an horn, and then the knight of the
red lands came to fight with him. Chap. xv.
How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and how they
began their battle. Chap. xvi.
How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and would have
slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his life, and
made him to yield him to the lady. Chap. xvii.
How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto king
Arthur’s court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy. Chap. xviii.
How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the castle the
gates were closed against him, and of the words that the lady said to
him. Chap. xix.
How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the
castle where he was. Chap. xx.
How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the presence of his
lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their love. Chap. xxi.
How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir Gareth, and he,
sore hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight’s head. Chap. xxii.
How the said knight came again the next night, and was beheaded again.
And how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that Sir Gareth had
overcome came and yielded them to king Arthur. Chap. xxiii.
How king Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where Sir Gareth
was. Chap. xxiv.
How the queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and Sir
Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing. Chap. xxv.
How king Arthur sent for the lady Liones, and how she let cry a tourney
at her castle, where as came many knights. Chap. xxvi.
How king Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how the
lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights encountered.
Chap. xxvii.
How the knights bare them in battle. Chap. xxviii.
Yet of the said tournament. Chap. xxix.
How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he escaped out of the
field. Chap. xxx.
How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and how he
justed with a knight and slew him. Chap. xxxi.
How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty
ladies, and how he slew him. Chap. xxxii.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth fought each against other, and how they
knew each other by the damsel Linet. Chap. xxxiii.
How Sir Gareth acknowledged that they loved each other to king Arthur,
and of the appointment of their wedding. Chap. xxxiv.
Of the great royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the
wedding, and of the justs at the feast. Chap. xxxv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Eighth Book.
How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at his
birth, wherefore she named him Tristram. Chap. i.
How the step-mother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for to have
poisoned Sir Tristram. Chap. ii.
How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him named
Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt. Chap. iii.
How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall, or
else he would fight therefore. Chap. iv.
How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of
Cornwall, and how he was made knight. Chap. v.
How Sir Tristram arrived into the island for to furnish the battle with
Sir Marhaus. Chap. vi.
How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus, and achieved his battle,
and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship. Chap. vii.
How Sir Marhaus, after that he was arrived in Ireland, died of the
stroke that Tristram had given to him, and how Tristram was hurt.
Chap. viii.
How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud, for to be
healed of his wound. Chap. ix.
How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland, and there
made Palamides to bear no harness in a year. Chap. x.
How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother, Sir
Marhaus, by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was. Chap. xi.
How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud out of
Ireland for to come into Cornwall. Chap. xii.
How Sir Tristram and king Mark hurt each other for the love of a
knight’s wife. Chap. xiii.
How Sir Tristram came to the lady, and how her husband fought with Sir
Tristram. Chap. xiv.
How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in king Mark’s court, whom
he took away, and how he was fought with. Chap. xv.
How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round Table. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady
was put to choice to whom she would go. Chap. xvii.
How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how
she desired to go to her husband. Chap. xviii.
How king Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and
how by fortune he arrived into England. Chap. xix.
How king Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to king Arthur’s court
for treason. Chap. xx.
How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail told
him of king Anguish. Chap. xxi.
How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary, and
how his adversary would never yield him. Chap. xxii.
How Sir Blamor desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir Tristram
spared him, and how they took appointment. Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for king Mark, and how Sir
Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink. Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he fought for her
beauty, and smote off another lady’s head. Chap. xxv.
How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off his
head. Chap. xxvi.
How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded
him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot. Chap. xxvii.
How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of
the rescue of Sir Gawaine. Chap. xxviii.
Of the wedding of king Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her
maid, and of Palamides. Chap. xxix.
How Palamides demanded queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode after to
rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud. Chap. xxx.
How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought
with him, and by the mean of Isoud the battle ceased. Chap. xxxi.
How Sir Tristram brought queen Isoud home, and of the debate of king
Mark and Sir Tristram. Chap. xxxii.
How Sir Lamorak justed with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the
request of king Mark smote his horse down. Chap. xxxiii.
How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to king Mark in despite of Sir Tristram,
and how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel. Chap. xxxiv.
How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of queen Isoud, which was
put in a lazarcote, and how Tristram was hurt. Chap. xxxv.
How Sir Tristram served in war the king Howell of Britain and slew his
adversary in the field. Chap. xxxvi.
How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court
of king Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak. Chap. xxxvii.
How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how he met there
with Sir Lamorak. Chap. xxxviii.
How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon and overcame him, and made Sir
Lamorak lord of the isle. Chap. xxxix.
How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met with Sir
Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot. Chap. xl.
How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir
Belliance his brother. Chap. xli.
Here follow the Chapters of the Ninth Book.
How a young man came into the court of king Arthur, and how Sir Kay
called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile. Chap. i.
How a damsel came unto the court and desired a knight to take on him an
inquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprized. Chap. ii.
How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king’s fool, and of
the rebuke that he had of the damsel. Chap. iii.
How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how he
escaped by the mean of a lady. Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male Taile,
and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male Taile was
prisoner. Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian,
and how he delivered the prisoners. Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot met with the damsel named Maledisant, and named her
the damsel Bienpensant. Chap. vii.
How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by Sir
Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren. Chap. viii.
How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the castle of
Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table. Chap. ix.
How La Beale Isoud sent letters unto Sir Tristram by her maid
Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram. Chap. x.
How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how they fought,
and after accorded never to fight together. Chap. xi.
How Sir Palamides followed the questing beast, and how he smote down
both Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear. Chap. xii.
How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagance, and fought together for the
beauty of queen Guenever. Chap. xiii.
How Sir Meliagance told for what cause they fought, and how Sir Lamorak
justed with king Arthur. Chap. xiv.
How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken of the
knights of Cornwall, and how they justed. Chap. xv.
How king Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and how Sir
Tristram saved his life. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius began to love
La Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed, and was
so long in a forest till he was out of his mind. Chap. xviii.
How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how Palamides sent a
damsel to seek Tristram, and how Palamides met with king Mark. Chap.
xix.
How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La Beale Isoud
would have slain herself. Chap. xx.
How king Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be borne home
to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a brachet. Chap. xxi.
How king Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir Tristram out
of Cornwall the term of ten year. Chap. xxii.
How a damsel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty knights,
and how Sir Tristram fought with them. Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they must just
with two knights. Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Tristram justed with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramor le Desirous, and
how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from Morgan le Fay. Chap. xxv.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have fought against the thirty
knights, but they durst not come out. Chap. xxvi.
How damsel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how she
delivered letters to him from Beale Isoud. Chap. xxvii.
How Sir Tristram had a fall of Sir Palamides, and how Launcelot
overthrew two knights. Chap. xxviii.
How Sir Launcelot justed with Palamides and overthrew him, and after he
was assailed with twelve knights. Chap. xxix.
How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and there
he had the prize. Chap. xxx.
How Sir Tristram returned against king Arthur’s party, because he saw
Sir Palamides on that party. Chap. xxxi.
How Sir Tristram found Palamides by a well, and brought him with him to
his lodging. Chap. xxxii.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides, and how he justed with king
Arthur, and other feats. Chap. xxxiii.
How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote
down Sir Palamides. Chap. xxxiv.
How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir
Launcelot gave it unto Sir Tristram. Chap. xxxv.
How Sir Palamides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the
quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram. Chap.
xxxvi.
How Sir Tristram, Sir Palamides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in
prison. Chap. xxxvii.
How king Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir Tristram: some of
Arthur’s knights justed with knights of Cornwall. Chap. xxxviii.
Of the treason of king Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote him down, and
Andred his cousin. Chap. xxxix.
How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palamides, and Sir Dinadan had been
long in prison they were delivered. Chap. xl.
How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and how Sir
Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay. Chap. xli.
How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the
paramour of Morgan le Fay. Chap. xlii.
How Morgan le Fay buried her paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir
Launcelot and his kin. Chap. xliii.
How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay had
delivered him. Chap. xliv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Tenth Book.
How Sir Tristram justed and smote down king Arthur, because he told him
not the cause why he bare that shield. Chap. i.
How Sir Tristram saved Sir Palamides’ life, and how they promised to
fight together within a fortnight. Chap. ii.
How Sir Tristram sought a strong knight that had smitten him down, and
many other knights of the Round Table. Chap. iii.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramor le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas
le Savage. Chap. iv.
How Sir Tristram met at the perron with Sir Launcelot, and how they
fought together unknown. Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot brought Sir Tristram to the court, and of the great
joy that the king and other made for the coming of Sir Tristram.
Chap. vi.
How for despite of Sir Tristram king Mark came with two knights into
England, and how he slew one of the knights. Chap. vii.
How king Mark came to a fountain where he found Sir Lamorak complaining
for the love of king Lot’s wife. Chap. viii.
How king Mark, Sir Lamorak, and Sir Dinadan came to a castle, and how
king Mark was known there. Chap. ix.
How Sir Berluse met with king Mark, and how Sir Dinadan took his part.
Chap. x.
How king Mark mocked Sir Dinadan, and how they met with six knights of
the Round Table. Chap. xi.
How the six knights sent Sir Dagonet to just with king Mark, and how
king Mark refused him. Chap. xii.
How Sir Palamides by adventure met king Mark flying, and how he
overthrew Dagonet and other knights. Chap. xiii.
How king Mark and Sir Dinadan heard Sir Palamides making great sorrow
and mourning for La Beale Isoud. Chap. xiv.
How king Mark had slain Sir Amant wrongfully tofore king Arthur, and
Sir Launcelot fetched king Mark to king Arthur. Chap. xv.
How Sir Dinadan told Sir Palamides of the battle between Sir Launcelot
and Sir Tristram. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Lamorak justed with divers knights of the castle, wherein was
Morgan le Fay. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Palamides would have justed for Sir Lamorak with the knights of
the castle. Chap. xviii.
How Sir Lamorak justed with Sir Palamides and hurt him grievously.
Chap. xix.
How it was told Sir Launcelot that Dagonet chased king Mark, and how a
knight overthrew him and six knights. Chap. xx.
How king Arthur let do cry a justs, and how Sir Lamorak came in and
overthrew Sir Gawaine and many other. Chap. xxi.
How king Arthur made king Mark to be accorded with Sir Tristram, and
how they departed toward Cornwall. Chap. xxii.
How Sir Percivale was made knight of king Arthur, and how a dumb maid
spake, and brought him to the Round Table. Chap. xxiii.
How Sir Lamorak visited king Lot’s wife, and how Sir Gaheris slew her
which was his own mother. Chap. xxiv.
How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred met with a knight fleeing, and how
they both were overthrown, and of Sir Dinadan. Chap. xxv.
How king Arthur, the queen, and Launcelot received letters out of
Cornwall, and of the answer again. Chap. xxvi.
How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received from king
Mark, and of Dinadan, which made a lay of king Mark. Chap. xxvii.
How Sir Tristram was hurt, and of a war made to king Mark; and of Sir
Tristram, how he promised to rescue him. Chap. xxviii.
How Sir Tristram overcame the battle, and how Elias desired a man to
fight body for body. Chap. xxix.
How Sir Elias and Sir Tristram fought together for the truage, and how
Sir Tristram slew Elias in the field. Chap. xxx.
How at a great feast that king Mark made, an harper came and sang the
lay that Dinadan had made. Chap. xxxi.
How king Mark slew by treason his brother Boudwin, for good service
that he had done to him. Chap. xxxii.
How Anglides, Boudwin’s wife, escaped with her young son, Alisander le
Orphelin, and came to the castle of Arundel. Chap. xxxiii.
How Anglides gave the bloody doublet to Alisander her son the same day
that he was made knight, and the charge withal. Chap. xxxiv.
How it was told to king Mark of Alisander, and how he would have slain
Sir Sadok for saving of his life. Chap. xxxv.
How Sir Alisander wan the prize at a tournament, and of Morgan le Fay;
and how he fought with Sir Malgrin and slew him. Chap. xxxvi.
How queen Morgan le Fay had Alisander in her castle, and how she healed
his wounds. Chap. xxxvii.
How Alisander was delivered from the queen Morgan le Fay by the means
of a damsel. Chap. xxxviii.
How Alisander met with Alice la Beale Pilgrim, and how he justed with
two knights; and after of him and of Sir Mordred. Chap. xxxix.
How Sir Galahalt did do cry a justs in Surluse, and queen Guenever’s
knights should just against all that would come. Chap. xl.
How Sir Launcelot fought in the tournament, and how Sir Palamides did
arms there for a damsel. Chap. xli.
How Sir Galahalt and Palamides fought together, and of Sir Dinadan and
Sir Galahalt. Chap. xlii.
How Sir Archad appealed Sir Palamides of treason, and how Sir Palamides
slew him. Chap. xliii.
Of the third day, and how Sir Palamides justed with Sir Lamorak, and
other things. Chap. xliv.
Of the fourth day, and of many great feats of arms. Chap. xlv.
Of the fifth day, and how Sir Lamorak behaved him. Chap. xlvi.
How Sir Palamides fought with Corsabrin for a lady, and how Palamides
slew Corsabrin. Chap. xlvii.
Of the sixth day, and what then was done. Chap. xlviii.
Of the seventh battle, and how Sir Launcelot, being disguised like a
maid, smote down Sir Dinadan. Chap. xlix.
How by treason Sir Tristram was brought to a tournament for to have
been slain, and how he was put in prison. Chap. l.
How king Mark let do counterfeit letters from the Pope, and how Sir
Percivale delivered Sir Tristram out of prison. Chap. li.
How Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud came into England, and how Sir
Launcelot brought them to Joyous Gard. Chap. lii.
How by the counsel of La Beale Isoud Sir Tristram rode armed, and how
he met with Sir Palamides. Chap. liii.
Of Sir Palamides, and how he met with Sir Bleoberis and with Sir Ector,
and of Sir Percivale. Chap. liv.
How Sir Tristram met with Sir Dinadan, and of their devices, and what
he said to Sir Gawaine’s brethren. Chap. lv.
How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, and how Sir
Dinadan was sent for by La Beale Isoud. Chap. lvi.
How Sir Dinadan met with Sir Tristram, and with justing with Sir
Palamides Sir Dinadan knew him. Chap. lvii.
How they approached the castle Lonazep, and of other devices of the
death of Sir Lamorak. Chap. lviii.
How they came to Humber bank, and how they found a ship there, wherein
lay the body of king Hermance. Chap. lix.
How Sir Tristram with his fellowship came and were with an host which
after fought with Sir Tristram; and other matters. Chap. lx.
How Palamides went for to fight with two brethren for the death of king
Hermance. Chap. lxi.
The copy of the letter written for to revenge the king’s death, and how
Sir Palamides fought for to have the battle. Chap. lxii.
Of the preparation of Sir Palamides and the two brethren that should
fight with him. Chap. lxiii.
Of the battle between Sir Palamides and the two brethren, and how the
two brethren were slain. Chap. lxiv.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides met Breuse Saunce Pite, and how Sir
Tristram and La Beale Isoud went unto Lonazep. Chap. lxv.
How Sir Palamides justed with Sir Galihodin and after with Sir Gawaine,
and smote them down. Chap. lxvi.
How Sir Tristram and his fellowship came unto the tournament of
Lonazep; and of divers justs and matters. Chap. lxvii.
How Sir Tristram and his fellowship justed, and of the noble feats that
they did in that tourneying. Chap. lxviii.
How Sir Tristram was unhorsed and smitten down by Sir Launcelot, and
after that Sir Tristram smote down king Arthur. Chap. lxix.
How Sir Tristram changed his harness and it was all red, and how he
demeaned him, and how Sir Palamides slew Launcelot’s horse. Chap. lxx.
How Sir Launcelot said to Sir Palamides, and how the prize of that day
was given unto Sir Palamides. Chap. lxxi.
How Sir Dinadan provoked Sir Tristram to do well. Chap. lxxii.
How king Arthur and Sir Launcelot came to see La Beale Isoud, and how
Palamides smote down king Arthur. Chap. lxxiii.
How the second day Palamides forsook Sir Tristram, and went to the
contrary part against him. Chap. lxxiv.
How Sir Tristram departed out of the field, and awaked Sir Dinadan, and
changed his array into black. Chap. lxxv.
How Sir Palamides changed his shield and his armour for to hurt Sir
Tristram, and how Sir Launcelot did to Sir Tristram. Chap. lxxvi.
How Sir Tristram departed with La Beale Isoud, and how Sir Palamides
followed and excused him. Chap. lxxvii.
How king Arthur and Sir Launcelot came into their pavilions as they sat
at supper, and of Palamides. Chap. lxxviii.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides did the next day, and how king
Arthur was unhorsed. Chap. lxxix.
How Sir Tristram turned to king Arthur’s side, and how Sir Palamides
would not. Chap. lxxx.
How Sir Bleoberis and Sir Ector reported to queen Guenever of the
beauty of La Beale Isoud. Chap. lxxxi.
How Palamides complained by a well, and how Epinogris came and found
him, and of their both sorrows. Chap. lxxxii.
How Sir Palamides brought to Sir Epinogris his lady, and how Sir
Palamides and Sir Safire were assailed. Chap. lxxxiii.
How Sir Palamides and Sir Safire conducted Sir Epinogris to his castle,
and of other adventures. Chap. lxxxiv.
How Sir Tristram made him ready to rescue Sir Palamides, but Sir
Launcelot rescued him or he came. Chap. lxxxv.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot, with Palamides, came to Joyous
Gard, and of Palamides and Sir Tristram. Chap. lxxxvi.
How there was a day set between Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides for to
fight, and how Sir Tristram was hurt. Chap. lxxxvii.
How Sir Palamides kept his day to have foughten but Sir Tristram might
not come, and other things. Chap. lxxxviii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Eleventh Book.
How Sir Launcelot rode on his adventure, and how he helped a dolorous
lady from her pain, and how that he fought with a dragon. Chap. i.
How Sir Launcelot came to Pelles, and of the Sangreal, and how he begat
Galahad on Elaine, king Pelles’ daughter. Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot was displeased when he knew that he had been
deceived, and how Galahad was born. Chap. iii.
How Sir Bors came to dame Elaine and saw Galahad, and how he was fed
with the Sangreal. Chap. iv.
How Sir Bors made Sir Pedivere to yield him, and of marvellous
adventures that he had, and how he achieved them. Chap. v.
How Sir Bors departed; and how Sir Launcelot was rebuked of the queen
Guenever, and of his excuse. Chap. vi.
How dame Elaine, Galahad’s mother, came in great estate to Camelot, and
how Sir Launcelot behaved him there. Chap. vii.
How dame Brisen by enchantment brought Sir Launcelot to Elaine, and how
queen Guenever rebuked him. Chap. viii.
How dame Elaine was commanded by queen Guenever to avoid the court, and
how Sir Launcelot became mad. Chap. ix.
What sorrow queen Guenever made for Sir Launcelot, and how he was
sought by knights of his kin. Chap. x.
How a servant of Sir Aglovale’s was slain, and what vengeance Sir
Aglovale and Sir Percivale did therefore. Chap. xi.
How Sir Percivale departed secretly from his brother, and how he loosed
a knight bound with a chain; and of other things. Chap. xii.
How Sir Percivale met with Sir Ector, and how they fought long, and
each had almost slain other. Chap. xiii.
How by miracle they were both made whole by the coming of the holy
vessel of Sangreal. Chap. xiv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Twelfth Book.
How Sir Launcelot in his madness took a sword and fought with a knight,
and after lept into a bed. Chap. i.
How Sir Launcelot was carried in an horse-litter, and how Sir Launcelot
rescued Sir Bliaunt his host. Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot fought against a boar and slew him, and how he was
hurt and brought to an hermitage. Chap. iii.
How Sir Launcelot was known by dame Elaine, and was borne into a
chamber, and after healed by the Sangreal. Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot, after that he was whole and had his mind, he was
ashamed, and how that Elaine desired a castle for him. Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot came into the Joyous Isle, and there he named himself
le Chevalier Mal Fet. Chap. vi.
Of a great tourneying in the Joyous Isle, and how Sir Percivale and Sir
Ector came thither and Sir Percivale fought with him. Chap. vii.
How each of them knew other, and of their courtesy; and how his brother
Ector came unto him, and of their joy. Chap. viii.
How Sir Bors and Sir Lionel came to king Brandegore, and how Sir Bors
took his son Heline le Blank, and of Sir Launcelot. Chap. ix.
How Sir Launcelot, with Sir Percivale and Sir Ector, came to the court,
and of the great joy of him. Chap. x.
How La Beale Isoud counselled Sir Tristram to go unto the court to the
great feast of Pentecost. Chap. xi.
How Sir Tristram departed unarmed and met with Sir Palamides, and how
they smote each other, and how Palamides forbare him. Chap. xii.
How Sir Tristram gat him harness of a knight which was hurt, and how he
overthrew Sir Palamides. Chap. xiii.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Palamides fought long together, and after
accorded; and how Sir Tristram made him to be christened. Chap. xiv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Thirteenth Book.
How at the Vigil of the feast of Pentecost entered into the hall before
king Arthur a damsel, and desired Sir Launcelot for to come and dub a
knight, and how he went with her. Chap. i.
How the letters were found written in the Siege Perilous, and of the
marvellous adventure of the sword in a stone. Chap. ii.
How Sir Gawaine assayed to draw out the sword, and how an old man
brought in Galahad. Chap. iii.
How the old man brought Galahad to the Siege Perilous, and set him
therein, and how all the knights marvelled. Chap. iv.
How king Arthur shewed the stone hoving on the water to Galahad, and
how he drew out the sword. Chap. v.
How king Arthur had all the knights together for to just in the meadow
beside Winchester or they departed. Chap. vi.
How the queen desired to see Galahad; and after all the knights were
replenished with the holy Sangreal, and how all they avowed the
enquest of the same. Chap. vii.
How great sorrow was made of the king and ladies for the departing of
the knights, and how they departed. Chap. viii.
How Galahad gat him a shield, and how they sped that presumed to take
down the said shield. Chap. ix.
How Galahad departed with the shield, and how king Evelake had received
this shield of Joseph of Aramathye. Chap. x.
How Joseph made a cross on the white shield with his blood, and how
Galahad was by a monk brought to a tomb. Chap. xi.
Of the marvel that Sir Galahad saw and heard in the tomb, and how he
made Melias knight. Chap. xii.
Of the adventure that Melias had, and how Galahad revenged him, and how
Melias was carried into an abbey. Chap. xiii.
How Galahad departed, and how he was commanded to go to the castle of
maidens to destroy the wicked custom. Chap. xiv.
How Sir Galahad fought with the knights of the castle, and destroyed
the wicked custom. Chap. xv.
How Sir Gawaine came to the abbey for to follow Galahad, and how he was
shriven to a hermit. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Galahad met with Sir Launcelot and with Sir Percivale, and
smote them down, and departed from them. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Launcelot, half sleeping and half waking, saw a sick man borne
in a litter, and how he was healed with the Sangreal. Chap. xviii.
How a voice spake to Sir Launcelot, and how he found his horse and his
helm borne away, and after went afoot. Chap. xix.
How Sir Launcelot was shriven, and what sorrow he made; and of good
ensamples which were shewed to him. Chap. xx.
Here follow the Chapters of the Fourteenth Book.
How Sir Percivale came to a recluse and asked counsel, and how she told
him that she was his aunt. Chap. i.
How Merlin likened the Round Table to the world, and how the knights
that should achieve the Sangreal should be known. Chap. ii.
How Sir Percivale came into a monastery where he found king Evelake,
which was an old man. Chap. iii.
How Sir Percivale saw many men of arms bearing a dead knight, and how
he fought against them. Chap. iv.
How a yeoman desired him to get again an horse, and how Sir Percivale’s
hackney was slain, and how he gat an horse. Chap. v.
Of the great danger that Sir Percivale was in by his horse, and how he
saw a serpent and a lion fight. Chap. vi.
Of the vision that Sir Percivale saw, and how his vision was expounded,
and of his lion. Chap. vii.
How Sir Percivale saw a ship coming to him-ward, and how the lady of
the ship told him of her disheritance. Chap. viii.
How Sir Percivale promised her help, and how he required her of love,
and how he was saved from the fiend. Chap. ix.
How Sir Percivale for penance rove himself through the thigh; and how
she was known for the devil. Chap. x.
Here followeth the Fifteenth Book, which is of Sir Launcelot.
How Sir Launcelot came into a chapel, where he found dead, in a white
shirt, a man of religion of an hundred winter old. Chap. i.
Of a dead man, how men would have hewen him, and it would not be; and
how Sir Launcelot took the hair of the dead man. Chap. ii.
Of a vision that Sir Launcelot had, and how he told it to an hermit,
and desired counsel of him. Chap. iii.
How the hermit expounded to Sir Launcelot his vision, and told him that
Sir Galahad was his son. Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot justed with many knights, and he was taken. Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot told his vision unto a woman, and how she expounded
it to him. Chap. vi.
Here follow the Chapters of the Sixteenth Book.
How Sir Gawaine was nigh weary of the quest of Sangreal, and of his
marvellous dream. Chap. i.
Of the vision of Sir Ector, and how he justed with Sir Uwaine les
Avoutres, his sworn brother. Chap. ii.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector came to an hermitage to be confessed, and
how they told to the hermit their visions. Chap. iii.
How the hermit expounded their vision. Chap. iv.
Of the good counsel that the hermit gave to them. Chap. v.
How Sir Bors met with an hermit, and how he was confessed to him, and
of his penance enjoined to him. Chap. vi.
How Sir Bors was lodged with a lady, and how he took on him for to
fight against a champion for her land. Chap. vii.
Of a vision which Sir Bors had that night, and how he fought and
overcame his adversary. Chap. viii.
How the lady was restored to her lands by the battle of Sir Bors, and
of his departing, and how he met Sir Lionel taken and beaten with
thorns, and also of a maid which should have been dishonoured. Chap.
ix.
How Sir Bors left to rescue his brother, and rescued the damsel; and
how it was told him that Lionel was dead. Chap. x.
How Sir Bors told his dream to a priest which he had dreamed, and of
the counsel that the priest gave to him. Chap. xi.
How the devil in a woman’s likeness would have tempted Sir Bors, and
how by God’s grace he escaped. Chap. xii.
Of the holy communication of an abbot to Sir Bors, and how the abbot
counselled him. Chap. xiii.
How Sir Bors met with his brother Sir Lionel, and how Sir Lionel would
have slain Sir Bors. Chap. xiv.
How Sir Colgrevance fought against Sir Lionel for to save Sir Bors, and
how the hermit was slain. Chap. xv.
How Sir Lionel slew Sir Colgrevance, and how after he would have slain
Sir Bors. Chap. xvi.
How there came a voice which charged Sir Bors to touch not him, and of
a cloud that came between them. Chap. xvii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Seventeenth Book.
How Sir Galahad fought at a tournament, and how he was known of Sir
Gawaine and Sir Ector de Maris. Chap. i.
How Sir Galahad rode with a damsel, and came to the ship whereas Sir
Bors and Sir Percivale were in. Chap. ii.
How Sir Galahad entered into the ship, and of a fair bed therein, with
other marvellous things, and of a sword. Chap. iii.
Of the marvels of the sword and of the scabbard. Chap. iv.
How king Pelles was smitten through both thighs because he drew the
sword, and other marvellous histories. Chap. v.
How Solomon took David’s sword by the counsel of his wife, and of other
matters marvellous. Chap. vi.
A wonderful tale of king Solomon and his wife. Chap. vii.
How Galahad and his fellows came to a castle, and how they were fought
withal, and how they slew their adversaries, and other matters. Chap.
viii.
How the three knights, with Percivale’s sister, came into the waste
forest, and of an hart and four lions and other things. Chap. ix.
How they were desired of a strange custom, the which they would not
obey; and how they fought and slew many knights. Chap. x.
How Sir Percivale’s sister bled a dish full of blood for to heal a
lady; wherefore she died; and how that the body was put in a ship.
Chap. xi.
How Galahad and Percivale found in a castle many tombs of maidens that
had bled to death. Chap. xii.
How Sir Launcelot entered into the ship where Sir Percivale’s sister
lay dead; and how he met with Sir Galahad his son. Chap. xiii.
How a knight brought unto Sir Galahad an horse, and had him come from
his father Sir Launcelot. Chap. xiv.
How Sir Launcelot was tofore the door of the chamber wherein the holy
Sangreal was. Chap. xv.
How Sir Launcelot had lain fourteen days and as many night as a dead
man, and other divers matters. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot returned towards Logris, and of other adventures
which he saw in the way. Chap. xvii.
How Galahad came to king Mordrains, and of other matters and
adventures. Chap. xviii.
How Sir Percivale and Sir Bors met with Sir Galahad, and how they came
to the castle of Carbonek, and other matters. Chap. xix.
How Galahad and his fellows were fed of the holy Sangreal, and how our
Lord appeared to them, and other things. Chap. xx.
How Galahad anointed with the blood of the spear the maimed king, and
of other adventures. Chap. xxi.
How they were fed with the Sangreal while they were in prison, and how
Galahad was made king. Chap. xxii.
Of the sorrow that Percivale and Bors made when Galahad was dead; and
of Percivale how he died, and other matters. Chap. xxiii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Eighteenth Book.
Of the joy of king Arthur and the queen had of the achievement of the
Sangreal; and how Launcelot fell to his old love again. Chap. i.
How the queen commanded Sir Launcelot to avoid the court, and of the
sorrow that Launcelot made. Chap. ii.
How at a dinner that the queen made there was a knight poisoned, which
Sir Mador laid on the queen. Chap. iii.
How Sir Mador appeached the queen of treason, and there was no knight
would fight for her at the first time. Chap. iv.
How the queen required Sir Bors to fight for her, and how he granted
upon condition; and how he warned Sir Launcelot thereof. Chap. v.
How at the day Sir Bors made him ready for to fight for the queen; and
when he should fight how another discharged him. Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot fought against Sir Mador for the queen, and how he
overcame Sir Mador and discharged the queen. Chap. vii.
How the truth was known by the maiden of the lake, and of divers other
matters. Chap. viii.
How Sir Launcelot rode to Astolat, and received a sleeve to bear upon
his helm at the request of a maid. Chap. ix.
How the tourney began at Winchester, and what knights were at the
justs, and other things. Chap. x.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine entered in the field against them of
king Arthur’s court, and how Launcelot was hurt. Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of the field, and in
what jeopardy Launcelot was. Chap. xii.
How Launcelot was brought to an hermit for to be healed of his wound,
and of other matters. Chap. xiii.
How Sir Gawaine was lodged with the lord of Astolat, and there had
knowledge that it was Sir Launcelot that bare the red sleeve. Chap.
xiv.
Of the sorrow that Sir Bors had for the hurt of Launcelot; and of the
anger that the queen had because Launcelot bore the sleeve. Chap. xv.
How Sir Bors sought Launcelot and found him in the hermitage, and of
the lamentation between them. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot armed him to assay if he might bear arms, and how his
wound burst out again. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Bors returned and told tidings of Sir Launcelot, and of the
tourney, and to whom the prize was given. Chap. xviii.
Of the great lamentation of the fair maid of Astolat when Launcelot
should depart, and how she died for his love. Chap. xix.
How the corpse of the maid of Astolat arrived tofore king Arthur, and
of the burying, and how Sir Launcelot offered the mass-penny. Chap.
xx.
Of great justs done all a Christmas, and of a great justs and tourney
ordained by king Arthur, and of Sir Launcelot. Chap. xxi.
How Launcelot after that he was hurt of a gentlewoman came to an
hermit, and of other matters. Chap. xxii.
How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the justs, and other men also. Chap.
xxiii.
How king Arthur marvelled much of the justing in the field, and how he
rode and found Sir Launcelot. Chap. xxiv.
How true love is likened to summer. Chap. xxv.
Here follow the Chapters of the Nineteenth Book.
How queen Guenever rode on Maying with certain knights of the Round
Table and clad all in green. Chap. i.
How Sir Meliagraunce took the queen and all her knights, which were
sore hurt in fighting. Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot had word how the queen was taken, and how Sir
Meliagraunce laid a bushment for Launcelot. Chap. iii.
How Sir Launcelot’s horse was slain, and how Sir Launcelot rode in a
cart for to rescue the queen. Chap. iv.
How Sir Meliagraunce required forgiveness of the queen, and how she
appeased Sir Launcelot, and other matters. Chap. v.
How Sir Launcelot came in the night to the queen, and how Sir
Meliagraunce appeached the queen of treason. Chap. vi.
How Sir Launcelot answered for the queen, and waged battle against Sir
Meliagraunce. And how Sir Launcelot was taken in a trap. Chap. vii.
How Sir Launcelot was delivered out of prison by a lady, and took a
white courser, and came for to keep his day. Chap. viii.
How Sir Launcelot came the same time that Sir Meliagraunce abode him in
the field, and dressed him to battle. Chap. ix.
How Sir Urre came into Arthur’s court for to be healed of his wounds,
and how king Arthur would begin to handle him. Chap. x.
How king Arthur handled Sir Urre, and after him many other knights of
the Round Table. Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot was commanded by Arthur to handle his wounds, and
anon he was all whole, and how they thanked God. Chap. xii.
How there was a party made of an hundred knights against an hundred
knights, and of other matters. Chap. xiii.
Here followeth the Book of the Piteous History which is of the Morte or
Death of king Arthur, and the Chapters of the Twentieth Book.
How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine for to
disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and queen Guenever. Chap. i.
How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to king Arthur, and how king
Arthur gave them licence to take him. Chap. ii.
How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen’s chamber, and how Sir
Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay him. Chap.
iii.
How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in his harness,
and after slew Sir Agravaine and twelve of his fellows. Chap. iv.
How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors and told him how he had sped, and in
what adventure he had been, and how he escaped. Chap. v.
Of the counsel and advice which was taken by Sir Launcelot and by his
friends for to save the queen. Chap. vi.
How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king to tell him of the affray and
death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights. Chap. vii.
How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire, and
how he slew many knights. Chap. viii.
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.
Chap. ix.
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. Chap. x.
Of the communication between king Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and how
king Arthur reproved him. Chap. xi.
How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him to go out to
battle, and how they made them ready. Chap. xii.
How Sir Gawaine justed and smote down Sir Lionel, and how Sir Launcelot
horsed king Arthur. Chap. xiii.
How the pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how Sir Launcelot
brought the queen to king Arthur. Chap. xiv.
Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and what
language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot. Chap. xv.
Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot, with much
other language. Chap. xvi.
How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from Joyous Gard over
seaward, and what knights went with him. Chap. xvii.
How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made great lords of
the knights that went with him. Chap. xviii.
How king Arthur and Sir Gawaine made a great host ready to go over sea
to make war on Sir Launcelot. Chap. xix.
What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot, and king Arthur laid
siege to Benwick, and other matters. Chap. xx.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot did battle together, and how Sir
Gawaine was overthrown and hurt. Chap. xxi.
Of the sorrow that king Arthur made for the war, and of another battle
where also Sir Gawaine had the worse. Chap. xxii.
Here follow the Chapters of the Twenty-first Book.
How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be king of England, and
would have married the queen, his uncle’s wife. Chap. i.
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. Chap. ii.
How after Sir Gawaine’s ghost appeared to king Arthur, and warned him
that he should not fight that day. Chap. iii.
How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred was
slain, and Arthur hurt to the death. Chap. iv.
How king Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the water,
and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge. Chap. v.
How Sir Bedivere found him on the morrow dead in an hermitage, and how
he abode there with the hermit. Chap. vi.
Of the opinion of some men of the death of king Arthur; and how queen
Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury. Chap. vii.
How when Sir Launcelot heard of the death of king Arthur, and of Sir
Gawaine, and other matters, he came into England. Chap. viii.
How Sir Launcelot departed to seek the queen Guenever, and how he found
at Almesbury. Chap. ix.
How Sir Launcelot came to the hermitage where the archbishop of
Canterbury was, and how he took the habit on him. Chap. x.
How Sir Launcelot went with his seven fellows to Almesbury, and found
there queen Guenever dead, whom they brought to Glastonbury. Chap. xi.
How Sir Launcelot began to sicken, and after died, whose body was borne
to Joyous Gard for to be buried. Chap. xii.
How Sir Ector found Sir Launcelot his brother dead. And how Constantine
reigned next after Arthur, and of the end of this Book. Chap. xiii.
Explicit the Table.
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