_How king Arthur held in Wales at a Pentecost a great feast, and what
kings and lords came to his feast._
Then the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast, that it
should be holden at Pentecost, after the incoronation of him at the
city of Carlion. Unto the feast came king Lot of Lothian and of Orkney
with five hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast king
Uriens of Gore with four hundred knights with him. Also there came to
that feast king Nentres of Garloth with seven hundred knights with him.
Also there came to the feast the king of Scotland with six hundred
knights with him, and he was but a young man. Also there came to the
feast a king that was called the king with the hundred knights, but he
and his men was passing well beseen at all points. Also there came the
king of Carados with five hundred knights. And king Arthur was glad of
their coming, for he wend that all the kings and knights had come for
great love, and for to have done him worship at his feast, wherefore
the king made great joy, and sent the kings and knights great presents.
But the kings would none receive, but rebuked the messengers
shamefully, and said they had no joy to receive no gifts of a beardless
boy that was come of low blood, and sent him word they would have none
of his gifts, but that they were come to give him gifts with hard
swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders: and therefore they came
thither, so they told to the messengers plainly, for it was great shame
to all them to see such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as
this land was. With this answer the messengers departed, and told to
king Arthur this answer. Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he
took him to a strong tower with five hundred good men with him: and all
the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siege tofore him, but king
Arthur was well victualled. And within fifteen days there came Merlin
among them into the city of Carlion. Then all the kings were passing
glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made
your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause. For he is
king Uther Pendragon’s son, born in wedlock of Igraine, the duke’s wife
of Tintagil. After the death of the duke thirteen days king Uther
Pendragon wedded fair Igraine. And who saith nay, he shall be king, and
overcome all his enemies; and, or he die, he shall be long king of all
England, and have under his obeisance Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and
more realms than I will now rehearse. Some of the kings had marvel of
Merlin’s words, and deemed well that it should be as he said: and some
of them laughed him to scorn, as king Lot: and more other called him a
witch. But then were they accorded with Merlin that king Arthur should
come out and speak with the kings, and to come safe and go safe, such
assurance was there made. So Merlin went unto king Arthur and told him
how he had done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak
with them, and spare them not, but answer them as their king and
chieftain, for ye shall overcome them all whether they will or nill.