_See Introduction, page xxxii. note 1_.
‘Oh ye mighty and pompous lords, shining in the glory transitory of
this unstable life, as in reigning over realms great, and mighty
countries, fortified with strong castles and towers, edified with many
a rich city. Ye also, ye fierce and mighty chivalers, so valiant in
adventurous deeds of arms, behold, behold, see how this mighty
conqueror Arthur, whom in his human life all the world doubted—ye
also, the noble queen Guenever, that sometime sat in her chair adorned
with gold, pearls, and precious stones, now lie full low in obscure
foss or pit covered with clods of earth and clay. Behold also this
mighty champion Launcelot, peerless of knighthood, see now how he lieth
groveling on the cold mould, now being so feeble and faint that
sometime was so terrible, how and in what manner ought ye to be so
desirous of the mundane honour so dangerous. Therefore me thinketh this
present book called La Morte Darthur is right necessary often to be
read, for in it shall ye find the gracious, knightly, and virtuous war
of most noble knights of the world, whereby they gat praising
continual. Also me seemeth by the oft reading thereof ye shall greatly
desire to accustom yourself in following of those gracious knightly
deeds, that is to say, to dread God, and to love rightwiseness,
faithfully and courageously to serve your sovereign prince. And the
more that God hath given you the triumphal honour the meeker ye ought
to be, ever fearing the unstableness of this deceivable world. And so I
pass over, and turn again to my matter.’