The Twentieth Book

The Twentieth Book

CHAP. I.

How Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred were busy upon Sir Gawaine for to disclose the love between Sir Launcelot and queen Guenever.

In May, when every lusty heart flourisheth and burgeneth; for as the season is lusty to behold and comfortable, so man and woman rejoice and gladden of summer coming with his fresh flowers: for winter, with his rough winds and blasts, causeth a lusty man and woman to cower and sit fast by the fire. So in this season, as in the month of May, it befell a great anger and unhap that stinted not till the flower of chivalry of all the world was destroyed and slain: and all was long upon two unhappy knights, the which were named Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred that were brethren unto Sir Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred had ever a privy hate unto the queen dame Guenever, and to Sir Launcelot, and daily and nightly they ever watched upon Sir Launcelot. So it mis-happed Sir Gawaine and all his brethren were in king Arthur’s chamber, and then Sir Agravaine said thus openly, and not in no counsel, that many knights might hear it, I marvel that we all be not ashamed both to see and to know how Sir Launcelot goeth with the queen, and all we know it so, and it is shamefully suffered of us all, that we all should suffer so noble a king as king Arthur is so to be shamed. Then spake Sir Gawaine, and said, Brother, Sir Agravaine, I pray you, and charge you, move no such matters no more afore me; for wit ye well, said Sir Gawaine, I will not be of your counsel. Truly, said Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, we will not be knowing, brother Agravaine, of your deeds. Then will I, said Sir Mordred. I believe well that, said Sir Gawaine, for ever, unto all unhappiness, brother Sir Mordred, thereto will ye grant, and I would that ye left all this, and made you not so busy, for I know, said Sir Gawaine, what will fall of it. Fall of it what fall may, said Sir Agravaine, I will disclose it to the king. Not by my counsel, said Sir Gawaine, for and there rise war and wrake betwixt Sir Launcelot and us, wit you well, brother, there will many kings and great lords hold with Sir Launcelot. Also, brother Sir Agravaine, said Sir Gawaine, ye must remember how ofttimes Sir Launcelot hath rescued the king and the queen, and the best of us all had been full cold at the heart-root, had not Sir Launcelot been better than we; and that hath he proved himself full oft. And as for my part, said Sir Gawaine, I will never be against Sir Launcelot, for one day’s deed, when he rescued me from king Carados of the dolorous tower, and slew him, and saved my life. Also, brother Sir Agravaine, and Sir Mordred, in likewise Sir Launcelot rescued you both, and three-score and two, from Sir Turquin. Me thinketh, brother, such kind deeds and kindness should be remembered. Do as ye list, said Sir Agravaine, for I will hide it no longer. With these words came to them king Arthur. Now, brother, stint your noise, said Sir Gawaine. We will not, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. Will ye so? said Sir Gawaine, then God speed you, for I will not hear your tales, nor be of your counsel. No more will I, said Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, for we will never say evil by that man: for because, said Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot made me knight, by no manner ought I to say ill of him. And therewithal they three departed, making great dole. Alas, said Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth, now is this realm wholly mischieved, and the noble fellowship of the Round Table shall be dispersed. So they departed.

CHAP. II.

How Sir Agravaine disclosed their love to king Arthur, and how king Arthur gave them licence to take him.

And then Sir Arthur asked them what noise they made. My lord, said Agravaine, I shall tell you that I may keep no longer. Here is I and my brother, Sir Mordred, brake unto my brother Sir Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and to Sir Gareth, how this we know all, that Sir Launcelot holdeth your queen, and hath done long, and we be your sister’s sons, and we may suffer it no longer; and all we wot that ye should be above Sir Launcelot, and ye are the king that made him knight, and, therefore, we will prove it that he is a traitor to your person. If it be so, said Sir Arthur, wit you well he is none other, but I would be loth to begin such a thing, but I might have proofs upon it; for Sir Launcelot is an hardy knight, and all ye know he is the best knight among us all, and, but if he be taken with the deed, he will fight with him that bringeth up the noise, and I know no knight that is able to match him. Therefore, and it be sooth as ye say, I would he were taken with the deed. For, as the French book saith, the king was full loth thereto, that any noise should be upon Sir Launcelot and his queen; for the king had a deeming, but he would not hear of it, for Sir Launcelot had done so much for him and for the queen so many times, that, wit ye well, the king loved him passingly well. My lord, said Sir Agravaine, ye shall ride to-morrow on hunting, and doubt ye not, Sir Launcelot will not go with you. Then when it draweth toward night, ye may send the queen word that ye will lie out all that night, and so may ye send for your cooks; and then, upon pain of death, we shall take him with the queen, and either we shall bring him to you dead or quick. I will well, said the king, then I counsel you, said the king, take with you sure fellowship. Sir, said Agravaine, my brother, Sir Mordred, and I will take with us twelve knights of the Round Table. Beware, said king Arthur, for I warn you ye shall find him wight. Let us deal, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. So on the morn, king Arthur rode on hunting, and sent word to the queen that he would be out all that night. Then Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred gat to them twelve knights, and did themselves in a chamber, in the castle of Carlisle, and these were their names: Sir Colgrevance, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Gingaline, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the mountain, Sir Astamore, Sir Gromore Somir Joure, Sir Curselaine, Sir Florence, Sir Lovel. So these twelve knights were with Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine. And all they were of Scotland, either of Sir Gawaine’s kin, either well willers to his brethren. So when the night came, Sir Launcelot told Sir Bors how he would go that night, and speak with the queen. Sir, said Sir Bors, ye shall not go this night, by my counsel. Why? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said Sir Bors, I dread me ever of Sir Agravaine, that waiteth you daily, to do you shame, and us all, and never gave my heart against no going that ever ye went to the queen, so much as now, for I mistrust that the king is out this night from the queen, because, peradventure, he hath lain some watch for you and the queen, and therefore I dread me sore of treason. Have ye no dread, said Sir Launcelot, for I shall go, and come again, and make no tarrying. Sir, said Sir Bors, that me sore repenteth, for I dread me sore that your going out this night shall wrath us all. Fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot, I marvel me much why ye say thus, sithen the queen hath sent for me, and wit ye well that I will not be so much a coward, but she shall understand I will see her good grace. God speed you well, said Sir Bors, and send you sound and safe again.

CHAP. III.

How Sir Launcelot was espied in the queen’s chamber, and how Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred came with twelve knights to slay him.

So Sir Launcelot departed, and took his sword under his arm, and so in his mantle that noble knight put himself in great jeopardy, and so he passed till he came to the queen’s chamber. And then, as the French book saith, there came Sir Agravaine, and Sir Mordred, with twelve knights with them of the Round Table, and they said with crying voice, Traitor knight, Sir Launcelot du Lake, now art thou taken. And thus they cried with a loud voice that all the court might hear it: and they all fourteen were armed at all points as they should fight in a battle. Alas, said queen Guenever, now are we mischieved both. Madam, said Sir Launcelot, is there here any armour within your chamber that I might cover my poor body withal, and if there be any, give it me, and I shall soon stint their malice. Truly, said the queen, I have none armour, shield, sword, nor spear, wherefore I dread me sore our long love is come to a mischievous end; for, I hear by their noise, there be many noble knights, and well I wot they be surely armed, against them ye may make no resistance; wherefore ye are likely to be slain, and then shall I be burnt. For, and ye might escape them, said the queen, I would not doubt but that ye would rescue me in what danger that ever I stood in. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, in all my life was I never bested that I should be thus shamefully slain for lack of mine armour. But ever in one Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred cried, Traitor knight, come out of the queen’s chamber, for wit thou well thou art so beset that thou shalt not escape. Oh mercy, said Sir Launcelot, this shameful cry and noise I may not suffer, for better were death at once, than thus to endure this pain. Then he took the queen in his arms, and kissed her, and said, Most noble christian queen, I beseech you, as ye have ever been my special good lady, and I at all times your true poor knight unto my power, and as I never failed you in right nor in wrong, since the first day that king Arthur made me knight, that ye will pray for my soul if that I here be slain. For well I am well assured that Sir Bors my nephew and all the remnant of my kin, with Sir Lavaine and Sir Urre, that they will not fail you to rescue you from the fire, and therefore, mine own lady, recomfort yourself whatsoever come of me, that ye go with Sir Bors my nephew, and Sir Urre, and they all will do you all the pleasure that they can or may, that ye shall live like a queen upon my lands. Nay, Launcelot, said the queen, wit thou well I will never live after thy days, but, and thou be slain, I will take my death as meekly for Jesu Christ’s sake, as ever did any Christian queen. Well, madam, said Launcelot, sith it is so that the day is come that our love must depart, wit you well I shall sell my life as dear as I may, and a thousand fold, said Sir Launcelot, I am more heavier for you than for myself. And now I had lever than to be lord of all Christendom, that I had sure armour upon me, that men might speak of my deeds or ever I were slain. Truly, said the queen, I would and it might please God that they would take me and slay me, and suffer you to escape. That shall never be, said Sir Launcelot. God defend me from such a shame, but Jesu be thou my shield and mine armour.

CHAP. IV.

How Sir Launcelot slew Sir Colgrevance, and armed him in his harness, and after slew Sir Agravaine and twelve of his fellows.

And therewith Sir Launcelot wrapped his mantle about his arm well and surely; and by then they had gotten a great form out of the hall, and therewithal they rashed at the door. Fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, leave your noise and your rashing, and I shall set open this door, and then may ye do with me what it liketh you. Come off then, said they all, and do it, for it availeth thee not to strive against us all, and therefore let us into this chamber, and we shall save thy life until thou come to king Arthur. Then Launcelot unbarred the door, and with his left hand he held it open a little so that but one man might come in at once. And so anon, there came striding a good knight, a much man and large, and his name was Colgrevance of Gore, and he with a sword strake at Sir Launcelot mightily, and he put aside the stroke, and gave him such a buffet upon the helmet that he fell groveling dead within the chamber door, and then Sir Launcelot with great might drew that dead knight within the chamber door; and then Sir Launcelot with the help of the queen and her ladies was lightly armed in Sir Colgrevance’s armour. And ever stood Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, crying, Traitor knight, come out of the queen’s chamber. Leave your noise, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Agravaine, for wit ye well, Sir Agravaine, ye shall not prison me this night, and therefore and ye do by my counsel, go ye all from this chamber door, and make not such crying and such manner of slander as ye do, for I promise you by my knighthood, and ye will depart and make no more noise, I shall as to-morn appear before you all, before the king, and then let it be seen which of you all, and either else ye all, will accuse me of treason, and there I shall answer you as a knight should, that hither I came to the queen for no manner of mal-engine, and that will I prove and make it good upon you with mine hands. Fie on thee traitor, said Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, we will have thee, maugre thy head, and slay thee if we list, for we let thee wit, we have the choice of king Arthur, to save thee or to slay thee. Ah sirs, said Sir Launcelot, is there none other grace with you? then keep yourself. So then Sir Launcelot set all open the chamber door, and mightily and knightly he strode in amongst them, and anon at the first buffet he slew Sir Agravaine, and twelve of his fellows within a little while after he laid them cold to the earth, for there was none of the twelve that might stand Sir Launcelot one buffet. Also Sir Launcelot wounded Sir Mordred, and he fled with all his might. And then Sir Launcelot returned again unto the queen, and said, Madam, now wit you well all our true love is brought to an end, for now will king Arthur ever be my foe, and therefore, madam, and it like you that I may have you with me, I shall save you from all manner adventures dangerous. That is not best, said the queen, me seemeth now ye have done so much harm, it will be best ye hold you still with this. And if ye see that as to-morn they will put me unto the death, then may ye rescue me as ye think best. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, for have ye no doubt while I am living I shall rescue you. And then he kissed her, and either gave other a ring, and so there he left the queen and went until his lodging.

CHAP. V.

How Sir Launcelot came to Sir Bors and told him how he had sped, and in what adventure he had been, and how he escaped.

When Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot, he was never so glad of his home coming as he was then. Mercy, said Sir Launcelot, why be ye all armed? What meaneth this? Sir, said Sir Bors, after that ye were departed from us, we all that be of your blood, and your well willers, were so troubled, that some of us lept out of our beds naked, and some in their dreams caught naked swords in their hands, therefore, said Sir Bors, we deem there is some great strife at hand; and then we all deemed that ye were betrapped with some treason, and therefore we made us thus ready, what need that ever ye were in. My fair nephew, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Bors, now shall ye wit all, that this night I was more harder bested than ever I was in my life, and yet I escaped. And so he told them all how, and in what manner, as ye have heard tofore. And therefore my fellows, said Sir Launcelot, I pray you all that ye will be of good heart in what need soever I stand, for now is war come to us all. Sir, said Sir Bors, all is welcome that God sendeth us, and we have had much weal with you and much worship, and therefore we will take the woe with you as we have taken the weal. And therefore they said all, there were many good knights, Look ye take no discomfort, for there nis no band of knights under heaven but that we shall be able to grieve them as much as they may us. And therefore discomfort not yourself by no manner, and ye shall gather together that we love, and that loveth us, and what that ye will have done shall be done. And therefore, Sir Launcelot, said they, we will take the woe with the weal. Gramercy, said Sir Launcelot, of your good comfort, for in my great distress, my fair nephew, ye comfort me greatly, and much I am beholden unto you. But this, my fair nephew, I would that ye did in all haste that ye may, or it be forth-days, that ye will look in their lodging that been lodged here nigh about the king, which will hold with me, and which will not, for now I would know which were my friends from my foes. Sir, said Sir Bors, I shall do my pain, and, or it be seven of the clock, I shall wit of such as ye have said before, who will hold with you.

Then Sir Bors called unto him Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, Sir Menadeuke, with Sir Villiers the Valiant, Sir Hebes le Renoumes, Sir Lavaine, Sir Urre of Hungary, Sir Nerouneus, Sir Plenorius: these two knights Sir Launcelot made, and the one he wan upon a bridge, and therefore they would never be against him. And Sir Harry le Fise du Lake and Sir Selises of the dolorous tower, and Sir Melias de Lile, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse, which was Sir Alisaunder’s le Orphelin’s son, because his mother, dame Alis le Beale Pilgrim, and she was kin unto Sir Launcelot, and he held with him. So there came Sir Palamides, and Sir Safere his brother, to hold with Sir Launcelot, and Sir Clegis of Sadok, and Sir Dinas, Sir Clarius of Cleremont. So these two and twenty knights drew them together; and by then they were armed on horseback, and promised Sir Launcelot to do what he would. Then there fell to them, what of Northgalis and of Cornwall, for Sir Lamorak’s sake and for Sir Tristram’s sake, to the number of a fourscore knights.

My lords, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well I have been, ever since I came into this country, well willed unto my lord king Arthur, and unto my lady queen Guenever, unto my power, and this night, because my lady the queen sent for me to speak with her, I suppose it was made by treason, howbeit I dare largely excuse her person, notwithstanding I was there by a forecast nigh slain, but, as God provided me, I escaped all their malice and treason. And then that noble knight, Sir Launcelot, told them all how he was hard bested in the queen’s chamber, and how and in what manner he escaped from them. And therefore, said Sir Launcelot, wit you well, my fair lords, I am sure there nis but war unto me and mine. And for because I have slain this night these knights, I wot well as is Sir Agravaine Sir Gawaine’s brother, and at the least twelve of his fellows, for this cause now I am sure of mortal war, for these knights were sent and ordained by king Arthur to betray me, and therefore the king will in this heat and malice judge the queen to the fire, and that may I not suffer, that she should be burnt for my sake. For, and I may be heard and suffered, and so taken, I will fight for the queen, that she is a true lady unto her lord. But the king in his heat I dread me will not take me as I ought to be taken.

CHAP. VI.

Of the counsel and advice which was taken by Sir Launcelot and by his friends for to save the queen.

My lord Sir Launcelot, said Sir Bors, by mine advice ye shall take the woe with the weal, and take it in patience, and thank God of it. And sithen it is fallen as it is, I counsel you keep yourself, for, and ye will yourself, there is no fellowship of knights christened that shall do you wrong. Also I will counsel you, my lord Sir Launcelot, that and my lady queen Guenever be in distress, insomuch as she is in pain for your sake, that ye knightly rescue her: and ye did other ways, all the world will speak of you shame to the world’s end, insomuch as ye were taken with her, whether ye did right or wrong. It is now your part to hold with the queen, that she be not slain and put to a mischievous death, for, and she so die, the shame shall be yours. Jesu defend me from shame, said Sir Launcelot, and keep and save my lady the queen from villainy and shameful death, and that she never be destroyed in my default: wherefore, my fair lords, my kin and my friends, what will ye do? Then they said all, We will do as ye will do. I put this to you, said Sir Launcelot, that if my lord Arthur by evil counsel will to-morn in his heat put my lady the queen to the fire, there to be burnt,—now, I pray you, counsel me what is best to do? Then they said all at once with one voice, Sir, us thinketh best, that ye knightly rescue the queen; insomuch as she shall be burnt, it is for your sake, and it is to suppose, and ye might be handled, ye should have the same death, or a more shamefuller death; and, sir, we say all, that ye have many times rescued her from death for other men’s quarrels, us seemeth it is more your worship that ye rescue the queen from this peril, insomuch she hath it for your sake.

Then Sir Launcelot stood still, and said, My fair lords, wit you well, I would be loth to do that thing that should dishonour you or my blood, and wit you well, I would be loth that my lady the queen should die a shameful death, but and it be so that ye will counsel me to rescue her, I must do much harm or I rescue her, and peradventure I shall there destroy some of my best friends, that should much repent me: and peradventure there be some, and they could well bring it about, or disobey my lord king Arthur, they would soon come to me, the which I were loth to hurt: and if so be that I rescue her, where shall I keep her? That shall be the least care of us all, said Sir Bors: how did the noble knight Sir Tristram by your good will? Kept not he with him La Beale Isoud near three year in Joyous Gard, the which was done by your elders’ device, and that same place is your own, and in likewise may ye do, and ye list, and take the queen lightly away, if it so be the king will judge her to be burnt, and in Joyous Gard ye may keep her long enough, until the heat of the king be past. And then shall ye bring again the queen to the king with great worship, and then, peradventure, ye shall have thank for her bringing home, and love and thank where other shall have maugre. That is hard to do, said Sir Launcelot, for by Sir Tristram I may have a warning. For when by means of treaties Sir Tristram brought again La Beale Isoud unto king Mark from Joyous Gard, look what befell on the end, how shamefully that false traitor king Mark slew him as he sat harping afore his lady La Beale Isoud, with a grounden glaive he thrust him in behind to the heart. It grieveth me, said Sir Launcelot, to speak of his death, for all the world may not find such a knight. All this is truth, said Sir Bors, but there is one thing shall courage you and us all: ye know well that king Arthur and king Mark were never like of conditions, for there was never yet man that could prove king Arthur untrue of his promise. So, to make short tale, they were all consented that for better or for worse, if so were that the queen were on that morn brought to the fire, shortly they all would rescue her. And so by the advice of Sir Launcelot they put them all in an enbushment in a wood as nigh Carlisle as they might. And there they abode still to wit what the king would do.

CHAP. VII.

How Sir Mordred rode hastily to the king to tell him of the affray and death of Sir Agravaine and the other knights.

Now turn we again unto Sir Mordred, that when he was escaped from the noble knight Sir Launcelot, he anon gat his horse and mounted upon him, and rode unto king Arthur, sore wounded and smitten, and all for-bled. And there he told the king all how it was, and how they were all slain save himself all only. Mercy, how may this be, said the king; took ye him in the queen’s chamber? Yea, truly, said Sir Mordred, there we found him unarmed, and there he slew Colgrevance, and armed him in his armour. And all this he told the king, from the beginning to the ending. Ah, mercy, said the king, he is a marvellous knight of prowess. Alas, me sore repenteth, said the king, that ever Sir Launcelot should be against me. Now I am sure the noble fellowship of the Round Table is broken for ever, for with him will many a noble knight hold: and now it is fallen so, said the king, that I may not with my worship but the queen must suffer the death. So then there was made great ordinance in this heat, that the queen must be judged to the death. And the law was such in those days, that whatsoever they were, of what estate or degree, if they were found guilty of treason, there should be none other remedy but death, and either the men or the taking with the deed should be causer of their hasty judgment. And right so was it ordained for queen Guenever, because Sir Mordred was escaped sore wounded, and the death of thirteen knights of the Round Table:—these proofs and experiences caused king Arthur to command the queen to the fire, there to be burnt. Then spake Sir Gawaine and said: My lord Arthur, I would counsel you not to be over hasty, but that ye would put it in respite, this judgment of my lady the queen, for many causes. One it is, though it were so that Sir Launcelot were found in the queen’s chamber, yet it might be that he came thither for none evil, for ye know, my lord, said Sir Gawaine, that the queen is much beholden unto Sir Launcelot, more than unto any other knight, for oft-times he hath saved her life, and done battle for her when all the court refused the queen, and, peradventure, she sent for him for goodness and for none evil, to reward him for his good deeds that he had done to her in time past. And, peradventure, my lady the queen sent for him to that intent that Sir Launcelot should come to her good grace privily and secretly, weening to her that it was best so to do, in eschewing and dreading of slander. For oft-times we do many things that we ween it be for the best, and yet, peradventure, it turneth to the worst. For I dare say, said Sir Gawaine, that my lady your queen is to you both good and true. And as for Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I dare say he will make it good upon any knight living that will put upon himself villainy or shame, and in likewise he will make good for my lady dame Guenever. That I believe well, said king Arthur, but I will not that way with Sir Launcelot, for he trusteth so much upon his hands and his might that he doubteth no man, and therefore for my queen he shall never fight more, for she shall have the law. And if I may get Sir Launcelot, wit ye well he shall have a shameful death. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, that I may never see it. Why say ye so? said king Arthur, for sooth ye have no cause to love Sir Launcelot, for this night last past he slew your brother Sir Agravaine, a full good knight, and also almost he had slain your other brother Sir Mordred; and also there he slew thirteen noble knights; and also, Sir Gawaine, remember ye he slew two sons of yours, Sir Florence and Sir Lovel. My lord, said Sir Gawaine, of all this I have knowledge, of whose deaths I repent me sore, but insomuch I gave them warning, and told my brethren and my sons aforehand, what would fall in the end, insomuch they would not do by my counsel I will not meddle me thereof, nor revenge me nothing of their deaths, for I told them it was no bote to strive with Sir Launcelot; howbeit I am sorry of the death of my brethren and of my sons, for they are the causers of their own death. For oft-times I warned my brother Sir Agravaine, and I told him the perils the which be now fallen.

CHAP. VIII.

How Sir Launcelot and his kinsmen rescued the queen from the fire, and how he slew many knights.

Then said the noble king Arthur to Sir Gawaine, Dear nephew, I pray you make you ready in your best armour, with your brethren Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, to bring my queen to the fire, there to have her judgment, and receive the death. Nay, my most noble lord, said Sir Gawaine, that will I never do, for, wit you well, I will never be in that place where so noble a queen as is my lady dame Guenever shall take a shameful end. For wit you well, said Sir Gawaine, my heart will never serve me to see her die, and it shall never be said that even I was of your counsel of her death. Then, said the king to Sir Gawaine, suffer your brothers Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth to be there. My lord, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well they will be loth to be there present, because of many adventures the which be like there to fall, but they are young and full unable to say you nay. Then spake Sir Gaheris and the good knight Sir Gareth unto Sir Arthur, Sir, ye may well command us to be there, but wit you well it shall be sore against our will; but and we be there by your strait commandment, ye shall plainly hold us there excused, we will be there in peaceable wise, and bear none harness of war upon us. In the name of God, said the king, then make you ready, for she shall soon have her judgment anon. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, that ever I should endure to see this woefull day. So Sir Gawaine turned him, and wept heartily, and so he went into his chamber, and then the queen was led forth without Carlisle, and there she was despoiled into her smock. And so then her ghostly father was brought to her, to be shriven of her misdeeds. Then was there weeping, and wailing, and wringing of hands, of many lords and ladies. But there were but few in comparison that would bear any armour for to strength the death of the queen. Then was there one that Sir Launcelot had sent unto that place for to espy what time the queen should go unto her death. And anon, as he saw the queen despoiled into her smock, and so shriven, then he gave Sir Launcelot warning. Then was there but spurring and plucking up of horses, and right so they came to the fire, and who that stood against them, there they were slain, there might none withstand Sir Launcelot, so all that bare arms and withstood them, there were they slain—full many a noble knight. For there was slain Sir Belias le Orgulous, Sir Segwarides, Sir Griflet, Sir Brandiles, Sir Aglovale, Sir Tor, Sir Gauter, Sir Gillimer, Sir Reynold’s three brethren, Sir Damas, Sir Priamus, Sir Kay the stranger, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Herminde, Sir Pertilope, Sir Perimones, two brethren, that were called the green knight and the red knight. And so in this rashing and hurling as Sir Launcelot thrang here and there, it mishapped him to slay Gaheris and Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unaware, for, as the French book saith, Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris upon the brain pans, where through they were slain in the field, howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and so were they found dead among the thickest of the press. Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done and slain, and put to flight all that would withstand him, then he rode straight unto dame Guenever, and made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her, and then he made her to be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well the queen was glad that she was escaped from the death, and then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot. And so he rode his way with the queen, as the French book saith, unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a noble knight should do, and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelot many good knights, and many noble knights drew unto Sir Launcelot. When this was known openly, that king Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at debate, and many were full heavy of their debate.

CHAP. IX.

Of the sorrow and lamentation of king Arthur for the death of his nephews and other good knights, and also for the queen his wife.

So turn we again unto king Arthur, that when it was told him how, and in what manner of wise the queen was taken away from the fire, and when he heard of the death of his noble knights, and in especial for Sir Gaheris’ and Sir Gareth’s death, then the king swooned for pure sorrow. And when he awoke of his swoon, then he said, Alas that ever I bare crown upon my head, for now have I lost the fairest fellowship of noble knights that ever held Christian king together. Alas, my good knights be slain away from me, now within these two days I have lost forty knights, and also the noble fellowship of Sir Launcelot and his blood, for now I may never hold them together no more with my worship. Alas, that ever this war began. Now, fair fellows, said the king, I charge you that no man tell Sir Gawaine of the death of his two brethren, for I am sure, said the king, when Sir Gawaine heareth tell that Sir Gareth is dead, he will go nigh out of his mind. Mercy, said the king, why slew he Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris! for I dare say as for Sir Gareth he loved Sir Launcelot above all men earthly. That is truth, said some knights, but they were slain in the hurtling, as Sir Launcelot thrang in the thick of the press, and as they were unarmed he smote them, and wist not whom that he smote, and so unhappily they were slain. The death of them, said Arthur, will cause the greatest mortal war that ever was. I am sure, wist Sir Gawaine that Sir Gareth were slain, I should never have rest of him till I had destroyed Sir Launcelot’s kin and himself both, or else he to destroy me; and therefore, said the king, wit you well my heart was never so heavy as it is now, and much more I am sorrier for my good knights’ loss, than for the loss of my fair queen, for queens I might have enow, but such a fellowship of good knights shall never be together in no company; and now I dare say, said king Arthur, that there was never Christian king held such a fellowship together, and alas that ever Sir Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah, Agravaine, Agravaine, said the king, Jesu forgive it thy soul, for thine evil will, that thou and thy brother Sir Mordred haddest unto Sir Launcelot, hath caused all this sorrow. And ever among these complaints the king wept and swooned.

Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the queen was led away with Sir Launcelot, and nigh a twentyfour knights slain. O Jesu defend my brethren, said Sir Gawaine, for full well wist I that Sir Launcelot would rescue her, or else he would die in that field; and to say the truth he had not been a man of worship, had he not rescued the queen that day, in so much she should have been burnt for his sake: and as in that, said Sir Gawaine, he hath done but knightly, and as I would have done myself, and I had stood in like case. But where are my brethren? said Sir Gawaine, I marvel I hear not of them. Truly, said that man, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris be slain. Jesu defend, said Sir Gawaine, for all the world I would not that they were slain, and in especial my good brother Sir Gareth. Sir, said the man, he is slain, and that is great pity. Who slew him? said Sir Gawaine. Sir, said the man, Launcelot slew them both. That may I not believe, said Sir Gawaine, that he slew my brother Sir Gareth, for I dare say my brother Gareth loved him better than me and all his brethren, and the king both. Also I dare say, and Sir Launcelot had desired my brother Sir Gareth with him, he would have been with him against the king and us all, and therefore I may never believe that Sir Launcelot slew my brother. Sir, said this man, it is noised that he slew him.

CHAP. X.

How king Arthur at the request of Sir Gawaine concluded to make war against Sir Launcelot, and laid siege to his castle called Joyous Gard.

Alas, said Sir Gawaine, now is my joy gone. And then he fell down and swooned, and long he lay there as he had been dead. And then when he arose of his swoon, he cried out sorrowfully and said, Alas! And right so Sir Gawaine ran to the king crying and weeping, O king Arthur, mine uncle, my good brother Sir Gareth is slain, and so is my brother Sir Gaheris, the which were two noble knights. Then the king wept and he both, and so they fell on swooning. And when they were revived, then spake Sir Gawaine, Sir, I will go see my brother Sir Gareth. Ye may not see him, said the king, for I caused him to be interred, and Sir Gaheris both; for I well understood that ye would make over much sorrow, and the sight of Sir Gareth should have caused your double sorrow. Alas, my lord, said Sir Gawaine, how slew he my brother Sir Gareth? mine own good lord, I pray you tell me. Truly, said the king, I shall tell you as it is told me, Sir Launcelot slew him and Sir Gaheris both. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, they bare none arms against him, neither of them both. I wot not how it was, said the king, but, as it is said, Sir Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the press, and knew them not; and therefore let us shape a remedy for to revenge their deaths. My king, my lord, and mine uncle, said Sir Gawaine, wit you well, now I shall make you a promise that I shall hold by my knighthood, that from this day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot, until the one of us have slain the other: and therefore I require you, my lord and king, dress you to the war, for wit you well I will be revenged upon Sir Launcelot, and therefore, as ye will have my service and my love, now haste you thereto, and assay your friends. For I promise unto God, said Sir Gawaine, for the death of my brother Sir Gareth I shall seek Sir Launcelot throughout seven kings’ realms but I shall slay him, or else he shall slay me. Ye shall not need to seek him so far, said the king, for, as I hear say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous Gard, and much people draweth unto him as I hear say. That may I believe, said Sir Gawaine, but my lord, he said, assay your friends, and I will assay mine. It shall be done, said the king, and, as I suppose, I shall be big enough to draw him out of the biggest tower of his castle. So then the king sent letters and writs throughout all England, both in the length and the breadth, for to assummon all his knights. And so unto Arthur drew many knights, dukes, and earls, so that he had a great host. And when they were assembled, the king informed them all how Sir Launcelot had bereft him his queen. Then the king and all his host made them ready to lay siege about Sir Launcelot, where he lay within Joyous Gard. Thereof heard Sir Launcelot, and purveyed him of many good knights, for with him held many knights, and some for his own sake, and some for the queen’s sake. Thus they were on both parties well furnished and garnished of all manner of things that longed to the war. But king Arthur’s host was so big that Sir Launcelot would not abide him in the field, for he was full loth to do battle against the king; but Sir Launcelot drew him to his strong castle with all manner of victual, and as many noble men as he might suffice within the town and the castle. Then came king Arthur with Sir Gawaine, with an huge host, and laid a siege all about Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle, and there they made strong war on both parties. But in no wise Sir Launcelot would ride out nor go out of his castle of long time, neither he would none of his good knights to issue out, neither none of the town nor of the castle, until fifteen weeks were past.

CHAP. XI.

Of the communication between king Arthur and Sir Launcelot, and how king Arthur reproved him.

Then it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot looked over the walls, and spake on high unto king Arthur and Sir Gawaine, My lords both, wit ye well all is in vain that ye make at this siege, for here win ye no worship, but maugre and dishonour, for and it list me to come myself out, and my good knights, I should full soon make an end of this war. Come forth, said Arthur unto Launcelot, and thou darest, and I promise thee I shall meet thee in midst of the field. God defend me, said Sir Launcelot, that ever I should encounter with the most noble king that made me knight. Fie upon thy fair language, said the king, for wit you well, and trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my death day, for thou hast slain my good knights and full noble men of my blood, that I shall never recover again: also thou hast dishonoured my queen, and holden her many winters, and sithen like a traitor taken her from me by force. My most noble lord and king, said Sir Launcelot, ye may say what ye will, for ye wot well with yourself I will not strive, but there as ye say I have slain your good knights, I wot well that I have done so, and that me sore repenteth, but I was enforced to do battle with them, in saving of my life, or else I must have suffered them to have slain me. And as for my lady queen Guenever, except your person of your highness, and my lord Sir Gawaine, there is no knight under heaven that dare make it good upon me, that ever I was traitor unto your person. And where it pleaseth you to say that I have holden my lady your queen years and winters, unto that I shall make a large answer, and prove it upon any knight that beareth the life, except your person and Sir Gawaine, that my lady queen Guenever is a true lady unto your person, as any is living unto her lord, and that will I make good with my hands; howbeit, it hath liked her good grace to have me in charity, and to cherish me more than any other knight, and unto my power I again have deserved her love, for oft-times, my lord, ye have consented that she should be burnt and destroyed in your heat, and then it fortuned me to do battle for her, and or I departed from her adversary they confessed their untruth, and she full worshipfully excused. And at such times, my lord Arthur, said Sir Launcelot, ye loved me, and thanked me when I saved your queen from the fire, and then ye promised me for ever to be my good lord, and now me thinketh ye reward me full ill for my good service; and, my good lord, me seemeth I had lost a great part of my worship in my knighthood, and I had suffered my lady your queen to have been burnt, and insomuch she should have been burnt for my sake. For sithen I have done battles for your queen in other quarrels than in mine own, me seemeth now I had more right to do battle for her in right quarrel, and therefore my good and gracious lord, said Sir Launcelot, take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both fair, true, and good. Fie on thee, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, I let thee wit my lord mine uncle king Arthur shall have his queen and thee, maugre thy visage, and slay you both whether it please him. It may well be, said Sir Launcelot, but wit ye well, my lord Sir Gawaine, and me list to come out of this castle, ye should win me and the queen more harder than ever ye wan a strong battle. Fie on thy proud words, said Sir Gawaine; as for my lady the queen, I will never say of her shame, but thou false and recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, what cause hadst thou to slay my good brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee more than all my kin? Alas, thou madest him knight with thine own hands; why slewest thou him that loved thee so well? For to excuse me, said Sir Launcelot, it helpeth me not, but by the faith that I owe to the high order of knighthood, I should with as good will have slain my nephew Sir Bors de Ganis at that time: but alas, that ever I was so unhappy, said Launcelot, that I had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris. Thou liest, recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, thou slewest him in despite of me: and therefore wit thou well I shall make war to thee, and all the while that I may live. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot, for well I understand it helpeth me not to seek none accordment, while ye Sir Gawaine are so mischievously set. And if ye were not, I would not doubt to have the good grace of my lord Arthur. I believe it well, false recreant knight, said Sir Gawaine, for thou hast many long days overled me, and us all, and destroyed many of our good knights. Ye say as it pleaseth you, said Sir Launcelot, and yet may it never be said on me and openly proved, that ever I before cast of treason, slew no good knight, as, my lord Sir Gawaine, ye have done. And so did I never, but in my defence, that I was driven thereto, in saving of my life. Ah, false knight, said Sir Gawaine, that thou meanest by Sir Lamorak: wit thou well I slew him. Ye slew him not yourself, said Sir Launcelot, it had been over much on hand for you to have slain him, for he was one of the best knights christened of his age, and it was great pity of his death.

CHAP. XII.

How the cousins and kinsmen of Sir Launcelot excited him to go out to battle, and how they made them ready.

Well, well, said Sir Gawaine to Sir Launcelot, sithen thou upbraidest me of Sir Lamorak, wit thou well I shall never leave thee till I have thee at such avail that thou shalt not escape my hands. I trust you well enough, said Sir Launcelot, and ye may get me I shall get but little mercy. But, as the French book saith, the noble king Arthur would have taken his queen again, and have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine would not suffer him by no manner of mean. And then Sir Gawaine made many men to blow upon Sir Launcelot, and all at once they called him False recreant knight! Then when Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel heard this outcry, they called to them Sir Palamides, Sir Safere’s brother, and Sir Lavaine, with many more of their blood, and all they went unto Sir Launcelot, and said thus, My lord Sir Launcelot, wit ye well we have great scorn of the great rebukes that we heard Gawaine say to you; wherefore we pray you and charge you, as ye will have our service, keep us no longer within these walls, for wit you well, plainly, we will ride into the field, and do battle with them. For ye fare as a man that were afeard, and for all your fair speech it will not avail you. For wit you well, Sir Gawaine will not suffer you to be accorded with king Arthur: and therefore fight for your life, and your right, and ye dare. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, for to ride out of this castle and to do battle, I am full loth. Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto Sir Arthur and Sir Gawaine, My lords, I require you and beseech you, sithen that I am thus required and conjured to ride into the field, that neither you my lord king Arthur, nor you Sir Gawaine, come not into the field. What shall we do then? said Sir Gawaine, is this the king’s quarrel with thee to fight? and it is my quarrel to fight with thee Sir Launcelot, because of the death of my brother Sir Gareth. Then must I needs unto battle, said Sir Launcelot; now wit you well, my lord Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, ye will repent it whensoever I do battle with you. And so then they departed either from other, and then either party made them ready on the morn for to do battle, and great purveyance was made on both sides. And Sir Gawaine let purvey many knights for to wait upon Sir Launcelot for to overset him, and to slay him. And on the morn at undorne Sir Arthur was ready in the field with three great hosts, and then Sir Launcelot’s fellowship came out at three gates, in a full good array. And Sir Lionel came in the foremost battle, and Sir Launcelot came in the middle, and Sir Bors came out at the third gate. Thus they came in order and rule as full noble knights. And always Sir Launcelot charged all his knights in any wise to save king Arthur and Sir Gawaine.

CHAP. XIII.

How Sir Gawaine justed and smote down Sir Lionel, and how Sir Launcelot horsed king Arthur.

Then came forth Sir Gawaine from the king’s host, and he came before and proffered to just, and Sir Lionel was a fierce knight, and lightly he encountered with Sir Gawaine, and there Sir Gawaine smote Sir Lionel throughout the body, that he dashed to the earth like as he had been dead. And then Sir Ector de Maris and other more bare him into the castle. Then began a great stoure, and much people was slain, and ever Sir Launcelot did what he might to save the people on king Arthur’s party. For Sir Palamides, and Sir Bors, and Sir Safere overthrew many knights, for they were deadly knights, and Sir Blamor de Ganis, and Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, with Sir Bellangere le Beuse, these six knights did much harm. And ever king Arthur was nigh about Sir Launcelot to have slain him, and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and would not strike again. So Sir Bors encountered with king Arthur, and there with a spear Sir Bors smote him down; and so he alight and drew his sword, and said to Sir Launcelot, Shall I make an end of this war? and that he meant to have slain king Arthur. Not so hardy, said Sir Launcelot, upon pain of thy head, that thou touch him no more: for I will never see that most noble king, that made me knight, neither slain ne shamed. And therewithal Sir Launcelot alight off his horse, and took up the king, and horsed him again, and said thus, My lord Arthur, for God’s love stint this strife, for ye get here no worship and I would do mine utterance, but always I forbear you, and ye, nor none of yours, forbeareth me: my lord remember what I have done in many places, and now I am evil rewarded.

Then when king Arthur was on horseback, he looked upon Sir Launcelot, and then the tears brast out of his eyes, thinking on the great courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot, more than in any other man. And therewith the king rode his way, and might no longer behold him, and said, Alas, that ever this war began! And then either parties of the battles withdrew them to repose them, and buried the dead, and to the wounded men they laid soft salves, and thus they endured that night till on the morn, and on the morn by undorne they made them ready to do battle. And then Sir Bors led the forward. So upon the morn there came Sir Gawaine as brim as any boar, with a great spear in his hand, and when Sir Bors saw him, he thought to revenge his brother Sir Lionel of the despite that Sir Gawaine did him the other day. And so they that knew either other feutered their spears, and with all their mights of their horses and themselves they met together so felonously that either bare other through, and so they fell both to the earth; and then the battles joined, and there was much slaughter on both parties. Then Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bors, and sent him into the castle. But neither Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not of their wounds; for they were all holpen. Then Sir Lavaine and Sir Urre prayed Sir Launcelot to do his pain, and fight as they had done:—For we see ye forbear and spare, and that doth much harm, therefore we pray you spare not your enemies no more than they do you. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, I have no heart to fight against my lord Arthur, for ever me seemeth I do not as I ought to do. My lord, said Sir Palamides, though ye spare them all this day they will never give you thank; and if they may get you at avail ye are but dead. So then Sir Launcelot understood that they said him truth, and then he strained himself more than he did aforehand, and because his nephew Sir Bors was sore wounded. And then within a little while, by even-song time, Sir Launcelot and his party better stood, for their horses went in blood past the fetlocks, there was so much people slain. And then, for pity, Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, and suffered king Arthur’s party for to withdraw them on side. And then Sir Launcelot’s party withdrew them into his castle, and either party buried the dead bodies and put salve unto the wounded men. So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they on king Arthur’s party were not so orgulous as they were toforehand to do battle. Of this war was noised through all Christendom, and at the last it was noised afore the Pope; and he considering the great goodness of king Arthur and of Sir Launcelot, that was called the most noblest knights of the world, wherefore the Pope called unto him a noble clerk, that at that time was there present,—the French book saith it was the bishop of Rochester—and the Pope gave him bulls under lead unto king Arthur of England, charging him upon pain of interdicting of all England, that he take his queen dame Guenever unto him again, and accord with Sir Launcelot.

CHAP. XIV.

How the pope sent down his bulls to make peace, and how Sir Launcelot brought the queen to king Arthur.

So when this bishop was come to Carlisle he shewed the king these bulls. And when the king understood these bulls, he nist what to do: full fain he would have been accorded with Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine would not suffer him; but as for to have the queen, thereto he agreed. But in no wise Sir Gawaine would not suffer the king to accord with Sir Launcelot, but as for the queen he consented. And then the bishop had of the king his great seal, and his assurance, as he was a true anointed king, that Sir Launcelot should come safe and go safe, and that the queen should not be spoken unto, of the king, nor of none other, for no thing done afore time past. And of all these appointments the bishop brought with him sure assurance and writing, to shew Sir Launcelot. So when the bishop was come to Joyous Gard, there he shewed Sir Launcelot how the Pope had written to Arthur and unto him, and there he told him the perils if he withheld the queen from the king. It was never in my thought, said Launcelot, to withhold the queen from my lord Arthur; but in so much she should have been dead for my sake, me seemeth it was my part to save her life, and put her from that danger till better recover might come. And now I thank God, said Sir Launcelot, that the Pope hath made her peace; for God knoweth, said Sir Launcelot, I will be a thousand fold more gladder to bring her again than ever I was of her taking away,—with this, I may be sure to come safe and go safe, and that the queen shall have her liberty as she had before, and never for no thing that hath been surmised afore this time, she never from this day stand in no peril; for else, said Sir Launcelot, I dare adventure me to keep her from an harder shower than ever I kept her. It shall not need you, said the bishop, to dread so much: for wit you well the Pope must be obeyed; and it were not the Pope’s worship nor my poor honesty to wit you distressed, neither the queen, neither in peril nor shamed. And then he shewed Sir Launcelot all his writing, both from the Pope and from king Arthur. This is sure enough, said Sir Launcelot, for full well I dare trust my lord’s own writing and his seal, for he was never shamed of his promise.

Therefore, said Sir Launcelot unto the bishop, ye shall ride unto the king afore, and recommand me unto his good grace, and let him have knowledging that this same day eight days, by the grace of God, I myself shall bring my lady queen Guenever unto him. And then say ye unto my most redoubted king, that I will say largely for the queen, that I shall none except for dread, nor fear, but the king himself, and my lord Sir Gawaine, and that is more for the king’s love than for himself. So the bishop departed, and came to the king at Carlisle, and told him all how Sir Launcelot answered him: and then the tears brast out of the king’s eyes. Then Sir Launcelot purveyed him an hundred knights, and all were clothed in green velvet, and their horses trapped to their heels, and every knight held a branch of olive in his hand in tokening of peace, and the queen had four and twenty gentlewomen following her in the same wise, and Sir Launcelot had twelve coursers following him, and on every courser sat a young gentleman, and all they were arrayed in green velvet, with sarpis of gold about their quarters, and the horse trapped in the same wise down to the heels with many ouches, set with stones and pearls in gold, to the number of a thousand; and she and Sir Launcelot were clothed in white cloth of gold tissue, and right so as ye have heard, as the French book maketh mention, he rode with the queen from Joyous Gard to Carlisle, and so Sir Launcelot rode throughout Carlisle, and so in the castle, that all men might behold and wit you well there was many a weeping eye. And then Sir Launcelot himself alight, and avoided his horse, and took the queen, and so led her where king Arthur was in his seat, and Sir Gawaine sat afore him, and many other great lords. So when Sir Launcelot saw the king and Sir Gawaine, then he led the queen by the arm, and then he kneeled down, and the queen both. Wit you well, then was there many bold knights there with king Arthur that wept as tenderly as though they had seen all their kin afore them. So the king sat still, and said no word. And when Sir Launcelot saw his countenance, he arose and pulled up the queen with him, and thus he spake full knightly:—

CHAP. XV.

Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot.

My most redoubted king, ye shall understand, by the Pope’s commandment, and yours, I have brought to you my lady the queen, as right requireth; and if there be any knight, of whatsoever degree that he be, except your person, that will say or dare say but that she is true to you, I here myself, Sir Launcelot du Lake, will make it good upon his body that she is a true lady unto you: but liars ye have listened, and that has caused debate betwixt you and me. For time hath been, my lord Arthur, that ye have been greatly pleased with me, when I did battle for my lady your queen; and full well ye know my most noble king, that she hath been put to great wrong or this time, and sithen it pleased you at many times that I should fight for her, me seemeth, my good lord, I had more cause to rescue her from the fire, insomuch she should have been burnt for my sake. For they that told you those tales were liars, and so it fell upon them. For, by likelihood, had not the might of God been with me, I might never have endured fourteen knights, and they armed and afore purposed, and I unarmed and not purposed; for I was sent for unto my lady your queen, I wot not for what cause, but I was not so soon within the chamber door, but anon Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred called me traitor and recreant knight. They called thee right, said Sir Gawaine. My lord Sir Gawaine, said Sir Launcelot, in their quarrel they proved themselves not in the right. Well, well, Sir Launcelot, said king Arthur, I have given thee no cause to do to me as thou hast done, for I have worshipped thee and thine more than any of all my knights. My good lord, said Sir Launcelot, so ye be not displeased, ye shall understand I and mine have done you oft better service than any other knights have done in many divers places; and where ye have been full hard bested divers times, I have myself rescued you from many dangers, and ever unto my power I was glad to please you, and my lord Sir Gawaine both, in justs and tournaments, and in battles set, both on horseback and on foot, I have often rescued you, and my lord Sir Gawaine, and many more of your knights in many divers places. For now I will make avaunt, said Sir Launcelot, I will that ye all wit that yet I found never no manner of knight, but that I was over-hard for him, and I had done my utterance, thanked be God; howbeit I have been matched with good knights, as Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak, but ever I had a favour unto them, and a deeming what they were; and I take God to record, said Sir Launcelot, I never was wroth nor greatly heavy with no good knight, and I saw him busy about to win worship: and full glad I was ever when I found any knight that might endure me on horseback and on foot. Howbeit, Sir Carados of the dolorous tower was a full noble knight, and a passing strong man, and that wot ye, my lord Sir Gawaine; for he might well be called a noble knight, when he by fine force pulled you out of your saddle, and bound you overthwart afore him to his saddle bow; and there, my lord Sir Gawaine, I rescued you, and slew him afore your sight. Also I found his brother, Sir Turquin, in like wise leading Sir Gaheris your brother bounden afore him, and there I rescued your brother, and slew that Sir Turquin, and delivered threescore and four of my lord Arthur’s knights out of his prison. And now I dare say, said Sir Launcelot, I met never with so strong knights, nor so well fighting, as was Sir Carados and Sir Turquin, for I fought with them to the uttermost; and therefore, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, me seemeth ye ought of right for to remember this: for and I might have your good will, I would trust to God to have my lord Arthur’s good grace.

CHAP. XVI.

Of the communication between Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot, with much other language.

The king may do as he will, said Sir Gawaine, but wit thou well, Sir Launcelot, thou and I shall never be accorded while we live, for thou hast slain three of my brethren, and twain of them ye slew traitorly and piteously, for they bare none harness against thee, nor none would bear. God would they had been armed, said Sir Launcelot, for then had they been on live. And wit ye well, Sir Gawaine, as for Sir Gareth, I love none of my kinsmen so much as I did him, and ever while I live, said Sir Launcelot, I will bewail Sir Gareth’s death, not all only for the great fear that I have of you, but many causes causen me to be sorrowful. One is, for I made him knight; another is, I wot well he loved me above all other knights; and the third is, he was passing noble, true, courteous, and gentle, and well conditioned; the fourth is, I wist well, anon as I heard that Sir Gareth was dead, I should never after have your love, but everlasting war betwixt us; and also I wist well that ye would cause my noble lord Arthur for ever to be my mortal foe, and as Jesu be my help, said Sir Launcelot, I slew never Sir Gareth nor Sir Gaheris by my will, but alas, that ever they were unarmed that unhappy day. But thus much I shall offer me, said Sir Launcelot, if it may please the king’s good grace, and you, my lord Sir Gawaine: I shall first begin at Sandwich, and there I shall go in my shirt, barefoot, and at every ten miles end I will found, and cause to make an house of religion, of what order that ye will assign me, with an whole convent to sing and read day and night in especial for Sir Gareth’s sake and Sir Gaheris. And this shall I perform from Sandwich unto Carlisle; and every house shall have sufficient livelihood, and this shall I perform while I have any livelihood in Christendom, and there is none of all these religious places, but they shall be performed, furnished and garnished in all things as an holy place ought to be, I promise you faithfully. And this, Sir Gawaine, me thinketh were more fairer, holier, and more better to their souls, than ye my most noble king, and you, Sir Gawaine, to war upon me, for thereby shall ye get none avail. Then all knights and ladies that were there wept as they were mad, and the tears fell on king Arthur’s cheeks. Sir Launcelot, said Sir Gawaine, I have right well heard thy speech, and thy great proffers, but wit thou well, let the king do as it pleaseth him, I will never forgive my brothers’ death, and in especial the death of my brother Sir Gareth: and if mine uncle, king Arthur, will accord with thee, he shall lose my service: for wit thou well, thou art both false to the king and to me. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, he beareth not the life that may make that good, and if that ye, Sir Gawaine, will charge me with so high a thing, ye must pardon me, for then needs must I answer you. Nay, said Sir Gawaine, we are past that at this time, and that caused the Pope, for he hath charged mine uncle the king, that he shall take his queen again, and to accord with thee, Sir Launcelot, as for this season, and therefore thou shalt go safe, as thou camest. But in this land thou shalt not abide past fifteen days, such summons I give you;—so the king and we were consented and accorded, or thou camest hither; and else, said Sir Gawaine, wit thou well, that thou shouldest not have come here, but if it were maugre thy head. And if it were not for the Pope’s commandment, said Sir Gawaine, I should do battle with mine own body against thy body, and prove it upon thee that thou hast been both false unto mine uncle king Arthur, and to me both, and that shall I prove upon thy body when thou art departed from hence, wheresoever I find thee.

CHAP. XVII.

How Sir Launcelot departed from the king and from Joyous Gard over seaward, and what knights went with him.

Then Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks, and then he said thus: Alas, most noble christian realm, whom I have loved above all other realms, and in thee have I gotten a great part of my worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Truly me repenteth that ever I came in this realm that should be thus shamefully banished, undeserved and causeless. But fortune is so variant, and the wheel so movable, there is no constant abiding, and that may be proved by many old chronicles of noble Hector, and Troilus, and Alisander the mighty conqueror, and many other more. When they were most in their royalty, they alight lowest; and so fareth by me, said Sir Launcelot, for in this realm I had worship, and by me and mine all the whole Round Table hath been increased more in worship by me and my blood than by any other. And therefore wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, I may live upon my lands as well as any knight that here is. And if ye, most redoubted king, will come upon my lands with Sir Gawaine, to war upon me, I must endure you as well as I may. But as to you, Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I pray you charge me not with treason nor felony, for, and ye do, I must answer you. Do thou thy best, said Sir Gawaine, therefore hie thee fast that thou were gone, and wit thou well we shall soon come after, and break the strongest castle that thou hast upon thy head. That shall not need, said Sir Launcelot, for and I were as orgulous set as ye are, wit ye well I should meet with you in midst of the field. Make thou no more language, said Sir Gawaine, but deliver the queen from thee, and pike thee lightly out of this court. Well, said Sir Launcelot, and I had wist of this short coming, I would have advised me twice or that I had come hither; for and the queen had been so dear to me as ye noise her, I durst have kept her from the fellowship of the best knights under heaven. And then Sir Launcelot said unto Guenever, in hearing of the king and them all, Madam, now I must depart from you and this noble fellowship for ever; and sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say me well, and if ye be hard bestad by any false tongues, lightly, my lady, let send me word, and if any knight’s hands may deliver you by battle, I shall deliver you. And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen, and then he said all openly, Now let see what he be in this place, that dare say the queen is not true unto my lord Arthur: let see who will speak, and he dare speak. And therewith he brought the queen to the king, and then Sir Launcelot took his leave and departed; and there was neither king, duke ne earl, baron ne knight, lady nor gentlewoman, but all they wept as people out of their mind, except Sir Gawaine; and when the noble Sir Launcelot took his horse, to ride out of Carlisle, there was sobbing and weeping for pure dole of his departing; and so he took his way unto Joyous Gard, and then ever after he called it the Dolorous Gard. And thus departed Sir Launcelot from the court for ever. And so when he came to Joyous Gard, he called his fellowship unto him, and asked them what they would do. Then they answered all wholly together with one voice, they would as he would do. My fair fellows, said Sir Launcelot, I must depart out of this most noble realm, and now I shall depart it grieveth me sore, for I shall depart with no worship. For a banished man departed never out of no realm with no worship, and that is my heaviness, for ever I fear after my days that they shall chronicle upon me that I was banished out of this land; and else, my fair lords, be ye sure, and I had not dread shame, my lady queen Guenever and I should never have departed. Then spake many noble knights, as Sir Palamides, Sir Safir his brother, and Sir Bellangere le Beuse, and Sir Urre with Sir Lavaine, with many other, Sir, and ye be so disposed to abide in this country, we will never fail you; and if ye list not to abide in this land, there is none of the good knights that here be will fail you, for many causes. One is, all we that be not of your blood shall never be welcome to the court. And sithen it liked us to take a part with you in your distress and heaviness in this realm, wit you well it shall like us as well to go in other countries with you, and there to take such part as ye do. My fair lords, said Sir Launcelot, I well understand you, and, as I can, thank you: and ye shall understand such livelihood as I am born unto I shall depart with you, in this manner of wise, that is for to say, I shall depart all my livelihood and all my lands freely among you, and I myself will have as little as any of you, for have I sufficient that may long to my person, I will ask none other rich array; and I trust to God to maintain you on my lands as well as ever were maintained any knights. Then spake all the knights at once, He have shame that will leave you; for we all understand in this realm will be now no quiet, but ever strife and debate, now the fellowship of the Round Table is broken; for by the noble fellowship of the Round Table was king Arthur upborne, and by their nobleness the king and all his realm was in quiet and in rest. And a great part, they said all, was because of your nobleness.

CHAP. XVIII.

How Sir Launcelot passed over the sea, and how he made great lords of the knights that went with him.

Truly, said Sir Launcelot, I thank you all of your good saying, howbeit, I wot well, in me was not all the stability of this realm. But in that I might I did my devoir, and well, I am sure, I knew many rebellions in my days that by me were appeased; and I trow we all shall hear of them in short space, and that me sore repenteth. For ever I dread me, said Sir Launcelot, that Sir Mordred will make trouble, for he is passing envious, and applieth him to trouble. So they were accorded to go with Sir Launcelot to his lands. And to make short tale, they trussed, and paid all that would ask them. And wholly an hundred knights departed with Sir Launcelot at once, and made their avows they would never leave him for weal nor for woe; and so they shipped at Cardiff, and sailed unto Benwick: some men call it Bayonne, and some men call it Beaume, where the wine of Beaume 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 unto Sir Launcelot on foot and hands. And so when he had established 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 also 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 Blamor he made him duke of Limosin in Guienne, and Sir Bleoberis he made him duke of Poictiers, and Sir Gahalantin 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 Villiers 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 him 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 Bewse he made him earl of the Landes, and Sir Palamides he made him duke of the Provence, and Sir Safir he made him duke of Langedok, and Sir Clegis he gave him the earldom of Agente, and Sir Sadok he gave him 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 me seemeth it were too long to rehearse.

CHAP. 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 king Arthur passed over the sea and landed upon Sir Launcelot’s lands, and there he burnt 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 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, and they may handle you. Then said Sir Lionel, that was ware and wise, My lord Sir Launcelot, I will give you 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 ensample for ever how they land upon our lands. Then spake king Bagdemagus to Sir Launcelot, Sir, your courtesy will shend us all, and thy courtesy hath waked all this sorrow: for, and 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 lands or he might find such seven knights: then they all said at once, Sir Launcelot, 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 loth to ride out with my knights, for shedding of christian blood; and yet my lands I understand be full bare to sustain any host a while, for the mighty wars that whilom made king Claudus 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 messager unto my lord Arthur, a treaty for to take, for better is peace than always war. So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damsel, 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 alight, and there met her a gentle knight Sir Lucan the butler, and said, Fair damsel, 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, damsel, ye may speed well, for all we that be about the king would that Sir Launcelot did best of any knight living. And so with this Lucan led the damsel 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 eyes, 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 past thus far upon this journey? all the world will speak of you villainy. Nay, said Arthur, wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, I will do as ye will advise me; and yet me seemeth, said Arthur, his fair proffers were not good to be refused: but sithen I am comen so far upon this journey, I will that ye give the damsel her answer, for I may not speak to her for pity, for her proffers be so large.

CHAP. XX.

What message Sir Gawaine sent to Sir Launcelot, and king Arthur laid siege to Benwick, and other matters.

Then Sir Gawaine said to the damsel thus: Damsel, say ye to Sir Launcelot, that it is waste labour, now to sue to mine uncle. For tell him, and 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 damsel wept and departed, and there were many weeping eyes: and so Sir Lucan brought the damsel 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 loth 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 farther, 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 mightily. 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 before 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 bad 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 forbear you, for, and 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 I may endure it no longer, 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, and thou darest 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 yielden.

CHAP. XXI.

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot did battle together, and how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt.

Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great way in sunder, 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 the 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 before king Arthur, should begin at underne, and all was done for Sir Gawaine’s love, that by likelihood if that Sir Gawaine were on the one part he should have the better in battle, while his strength endured 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 wend, when he felt Sir Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend and no earthly man, wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and traversed, and covered himself with his shield, and kept his might and his braid 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 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. Then 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 and 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 one of king Arthur’s pavilions, 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 out bring, 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.

CHAP. 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 sore hurt, and because of the war betwixt him and Sir Launcelot. So then they on king Arthur’s party kept the siege with little war withoutforth, and they withinforth kept their walls, and defended them when need was. Thus Sir Gawaine lay sick about 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 high, 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 repenteth 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, that I am come this day to make amends, for I ween this day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me. 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 an hundred pieces unto his hand, and Sir Launcelot smote him with a greater might, that Sir Gawaine’s horse 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 bad 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 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 you 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 foloweth the xxi book.

The Twenty-first Book.

CHAP. I.

How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be king of England, and would have married the queen, his uncle’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. And 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 further but your mother’s brother, and are ye not his son, therefore how may ye wed your father’s wife? Sir, said the noble clerk, leave this opinion, or else 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, and thou chafe me any more, I shall make strike off thy head. So the bishop departed, and did the curse in the most orgulous 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 sondes, 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 lever slay herself than to be married with him. Then came word to Sir Mordred that king Arthur had raised the siege from 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 of 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 us 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 all 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 party of all England held with Sir Mordred, the people were so new fangle.

CHAP. 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, galleys, and carracks. And there was Sir Mordred ready awaiting upon his landage, 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 the noble knight 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 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 danger: 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 schedule 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 tofore, 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 schedule, 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 mayest with thy noble knights rescue that noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord Arthur, for he is full straitly bestad 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 an 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 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 king Arthur that Sir Mordred had pitched 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 were slain on both parties. But at the last Sir Arthur’s party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party fled unto Canterbury.

CHAP. 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 sea side, westward toward Salisbury, and there was a day assigned between king Arthur and Sir Mordred, and they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not far from the sea side, 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 Southfolk, and of Northfolk, held the most party 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, fowl 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 on 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 wend thou hadst been dead, and now I see thee on live, much am I beholding unto Almighty Jesu. Oh, 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 had God given me leave, for to warn you of your death; for and 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 vision, 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 de butlere, and his brother Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them in any wise and 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 intreated Sir Mordred long time, and at the last Sir Mordred was agreed for to have Cornwall and Kent, by king Arthur’s days:—after, all England, after the days of king Arthur.

CHAP. 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 every each of them should bring fourteen persons. And they came with this word unto king 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 and 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,—And 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 upon me. And so they met as their pointment was, and so they were agreed and accorded thoroughly: and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right so came an adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot. And when the knight felt him stungen, 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 beames, 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 likewise. 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 ground, 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 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 on live but two knights, that was Sir Lucan de butlere, and his brother Sir Bedivere: and they full were sore wounded. Jesu mercy, said the king, where are all my noble knights becomen. 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 on live, and with Sir Mordred is none on live. 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 then 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’s 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 oft-times. And Sir Lucan de butlere and Sir Bedivere oft-times heaved him up, and so weakly they led him betwixt them both to a little chapel not far from the sea side. 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 went, he saw and hearkened by the moon-light, how the pillers and robbers were come into the field to pill and to rob many a full noble knight of broaches 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 mine advice, said Sir Lucan, it is best that we bring you to some town. I would it were so, said the king,—

CHAP. 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, my 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 bowels fell out of his body, and therewith the noble knight’s heart brast. And when king Arthur came to himself again, he beheld Sir Lucan how he lay foaming at the mouth, and part of his bowels lay at his feet. Alas, said the king, this is unto 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, and I might live myself the death of Sir Lucan would grieve me evermore; but my time hieth fast, said the king. Therefore, said Arthur, 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 haft were 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 as soon as he might he came again unto the king, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword into the water. What sawest 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 command 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 the waves wan. Ah traitor, untrue, said king Arthur, now hast thou betrayed me twice. Who would have wend that thou that hast been to me so lief and dear, and thou art named a noble knight, and would betray me for the riches 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 wouldest 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 him 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 mayest, 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 the 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.

CHAP. 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 groveling 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 a little before bishop of Canterbury, that Sir Mordred banished. Sir, said Sir 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 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 you better than ye ween that I do. Ye are the bold Bedivere, and the full noble duke Sir Lucan de butlere was your brother. Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all as ye have heard tofore. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit, that was tofore 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 authorized, nor more of the certainty of his death heard I never tell, 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 some time 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 Round Table, made it to be written.

CHAP. 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 yet say in many parts of England that king Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesu in 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 iacet Arthurus Rex quondam Rex que 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 wore 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.

CHAP. VIII.

How when Sir Launcelot 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 Gawaine sent me, on whose soul Jesu have mercy, that my lord Arthur is right hard bested. 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 enquired 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 showed 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 his 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 sung mass of Requiem. And there offered first Sir Launcelot and he offered an hundred pound, and then the seven kings offered forty pound a piece, 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 in 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 come 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 great pain and much disease, and I heard say that she is fled into the west country, therefore ye all that 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.

CHAP. 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 thou 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’s health; and yet I trust, through God’s grace, that after my death to have a sight of the blessed face of Christ, and at doomsday 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 mis-living. Now, sweet madam, said Sir Launcelot, would ye that I should 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 Sancgreal 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 Sancgreal, 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.

CHAP. 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 insure you faithfully I will ever take me to penance, and pray while my life lasteth, if that I may find any hermit either grey 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 that 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 alight, 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 knees, 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 Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, with more other of Sir Launcelot’s kin, look 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 alight, 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 Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Williars, Sir Clarrus, and Sir Gahalantine. So all these seven noble knights there abode still. And when they saw Sir Launcelot had taken him unto such perfection, they had no list 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, and a twelvemonth he sang mass. And there was none of these other knights but they read in books, and holp 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 fasting, 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 vision came to Launcelot thrice in one night.

CHAP. 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 ye disobey not the vision. Then Sir Launcelot took his seven fellows with him, and on foot they went from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little more than thirty miles. 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 before. 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 eyes. 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 burning 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 all his eight fellows. And then she was wrapped in cered cloth of Raines, from the top to the toe in thirty fold, 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 out 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 my heart, that I might not sustain myself. So the French book maketh mention.

CHAP. 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 eat but little meat, nor 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, and ever he was lying groveling 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 voice, Sir bishop, I pray you give to me all my rights 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 amended 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 then now I will say, therefore give me my rights. So when he was houseled and eneled, 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 Anwick, and some men say it was Bamborow. 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 went all to their beds, for they all lay in one chamber. And so after midnight, against day, the bishop that was hermit, as he lay in his bed asleep, he fell upon a great laughter: and therewith all the fellowship awoke, and came unto the bishop, and asked him what he ailed. Alas, 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 more angels than ever I saw men upon one day; and I saw the angels heave Sir Launcelot unto heaven, and the gates of heaven opened against him. It is but the vexing of dreams, 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 tofore that she was buried: and so the bishop and they altogether went with the corpse of Sir Launcelot daily, till they came to Joyous Gard, and ever they had an hundred torches burning 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 folk 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 year sought all England, Scotland, and Wales, seeking his brother Sir Launcelot.

CHAP. 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 alight 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 awaked 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 courtiest knight that ever bare shield; and thou were the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrode horse; and thou were the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved woman; and thou were the kindest man that ever strake with sword; and thou were the goodliest person 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 on loft 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 Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Williars le Valiant, Sir Clarrus of Cleremont; 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 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 Blamor, and Sir Bleoberis, went into the holy land, there as 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 whole 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 read this book of Arthur and his knights from the beginning to the ending, pray for me while I am on live 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 thys noble and Ioyous book entytled le morte Darthur / Notwithstondyng it treateth of the byrth / lyf / and actes of the sayd kynge Arthur / of his noble knyghtes of the rounde table / theyr meruayllous enquestes and aduentures / thachyeuyng of the sangreal / & in thende the dolourous deth & departyng out of thys world of them al / Whiche book was reduced in to englysshe by syr Thomas Malory knyght as afore is sayd / and by me deuyded in to xxi bookes chapytred and enprynted / and fynysshed in thabbey westmestre the last day of Iuyl the yere of our lord M/CCCC/lxxx/V/

¶ Caxton me fieri fecit.

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NOTE A.

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.’

NOTE B.

See Introduction, page xxxiv. note 3.

For those who may care to see more of the manner in which the text of the interpolated passages has been formed, I give the following specimens in detail.

The first is from the beginning of the 11th Chapter of Book XXI.

CAXTON.

‘Than syr Launcelot rose vp or day/& tolde the heremyte/It were wel done sayd the heremyte that ye made you redy/& that ye dyshobeye not the auysyon/Than syr Launcelot toke his vii felowes with hym/& on fote they yede from glastynburye to almysburye the whyche is lytel more than xxx myle/& thyder they came within two dayes for they were wayke and feble to goo/& whan syr Launcelot was come to almysburye within the Nunerye quene gweneuer deyed but halfe an oure afore/and the ladyes tolde syr Launcelot that quene Gueneuer tolde hem al or she passyd/that syr Launcelot had been preest nere a twelue monthe/& hyder he cometh as faste as he may to fetch my cors/& besyde my lord kyng Arthur he shal berye me/’

WYNKYN DE WORDE, 1498.

‘Thenne syre Launcelot rose vp or day. And tolde the heremyte. It were well doon sayd the heremyte/that ye made ye redy/and that ye dysobeye not the aduysyon. Thenē syr Launcelot toke his .vij. felowes w^t hym/& on fote they yede from Glastynbury to Almesbury. the whyche is lytyl more than .xxx. myle. And thyder they came wythin two dayes for they were weyke & feble to go. And whan syr Launcelot was come to Almesbury wythin the Nunnery/quene Gweneuer deyed but halfe an houre afore/And the ladyes tolde syr Launcelot/that quene Gweneuer tolde them all or she passyd/that syr Launcelot had be preest nere a twelue month and hither he cometh as fast as he may/to fetche my corps. And besyde my lorde kyng Arthur/he shal bury me.’

UPCOTT.

‘Than syr Launcelot rose vp or it was day, and tolde the heremyte therof. It were well done sayd the heremyte that ye made you redy, and that ye dysobeye not thys aduysyon. The[=n]e syr Launcelot toke his .vii felawes with hym, & on foote they yede from Glastynbury to Almesbury, the whyche is lytyl more than xxx myle. And thyder they came wythin two dayes for they were weyke and feble to go. And whan syr Launcelot was come to Almesbury wythin the Nonnery, quene Gweneuer deyed but halfe an houre afore. And the ladyes tolde syre Launcelot that quene Gueneuer tolde them all or she passyd, that syr Launcelot had been preest nere a twelue moneth, and hither he cometh as faste as he may for to fetche my corps. And besyde my lorde kynge Arthur he shal burye me.’

The last lines of the same Chapter are as follows:—

CAXTON.

‘For whan I remembre of hir beaulte and of hir noblesse that was bothe with hyr king & with hyr/So whan I sawe his corps and hir corps so lye togyders/truly myn herte wold not serue to susteyne my careful body/Also whan I remēbre me how by my defaut & myn orgule and my pryde/that they were bothe layed ful lowe that were pereles that euer was lyuyng of cristen people, wyt you wel sayd syr Launcelot/this remembred of there kyndnes and myn vnkyndnes sanke so to myn herte that I miȝt not susteyne myself so the frensshe book maketh mencyon.’

UPCOTT.

(Who follows Wynkyn de Worde exactly, except in the spelling, and in the insertion of ‘me’ after ‘wold not serue.’)

‘For whan I remembre & calle to mynde her beaute, bountee & noblesse, that was as wel wyth her kyng my lord Arthur as wyth her. And also whanne I saw the corses of that noble kinge & noble quene so lye to gyder in that colde graue made of erthe, that somtyme were so hyghly sette in moost honourable places, truly myn herte wolde not serue me to susteyne my wretchyd & carefull body. Also whan I remembre me how by my defawte myn orgulyte and my pride, that they were both layed full lowe whyche were pereles that euer were lyuenge of crysten peple, wyte yow wel sayd syr Launcelot, this remembred, of ther kyndnesse & of myn vnkyndnesse, sanke and enprest soo in to my herte that all my natural strengthe fayled me, so that I myghte not susteyne my selfe. Soo the frensshe boke makyth mencyon.’

The several colophons are as follows:—

CAXTON.

‘Thus endeth thys noble and Ioyous book entytled le morte Darthur/Notwithstondyng it treateth of the byrth/lyf/and actes of the sayd kynge Arthur/of his noble knyghtes of the rounde table/theyr meruayllous enquestes and aduentures/thachyeuyng of the sangreal/& in thende the dolourous deth & departyng out of thys world of them al/Whiche book was reduced in to englysshe by syr Thomas Malory knyght as afore is sayd/and by me deuyded in to xxi bookes chapytred and enprynted/and fynysshed in thabbey westmestre the last day of Iuyl the yere of our lord M/CCCC/lxxx/V/ Caxton me fieri fecit.’/

WYNKYN DE WORDE, 1498.

‘Thus endyth this noble and Ioyous boke entytled Le morte dathur. Notwythstondyng it treateth of the byrth lyf & actes of the sayd kynge Arthur of his noble knyghtes of the rounde table. theyr merueyllous enquestes & aduentures. thachyeuynge of the Sancgreall. And in the ende the dolorous deth. & depaytynge out of this worlde of them al. Whyche boke was reduced in to Englysshe by the well dysposyd knyghte afore namyd. And deuyde[d] into .xxi. bokes chapitred. & enprynt[ed] fyrst by Wylliam Caxton/on who[se] soule god haue mercy. And newel[ye] prynted. and chapitres of the sam[e ru-]brisshed at Westmestre, by Wynk[yn de] Worde y^e yere of our lord. M.C[CCC].lxxxxviij. and ended the .xxv [daye of] Marche. the same yere.’

AMES.

‘Thus endeth this noble and joyous boke, entytled La morte d’Arthur. Notwithstondyng it treateth of the byrth, lyf, and actes of the sayd Kynge Arthur, of his noble knyghts of the rounde table, theyr merueylous enquestes and aduentures, thacheuynge of the Sancgreal and in the ende the dolourous deth and depaytynge out of this worlde of them al; whyche boke was reduced into Englysshe by syr Thomas Malory, Knight, as afore is sayd, and by me devyded into xxi. bookes, chapitred and enprynted, and fynisshed in thabbey, Westmestre, the last day of Juyl, the yere of our Lord MCCCCLXXXV. Caxton me fieri fecit.’

HARLEIAN CATALOGUE.

‘The Byrth, Lyf, and Actes of Kyng Arthur; of his noble Knyghtes of the Rounde Table, theyr marvayllous Enquestes and Adventures; the Achyeviyng of the Sang real; and in the end le Morte d’Arthur, with the dolourous Deth and Departyng out of thys world of them Al. Whiche Book was reduced to the Englysshe, by Syr Thomas Malory Knyght, and by me (W. Caxton) devyded into 21 bookes, chaptyred and emprynted, and fynyshed in th’ Abbey Westmestre, the last day of July, the yere of our Lord 1485.’

UPCOTT.

‘Thus endeth this noble & joyous booke entytled La Mort dathur. Notwythstanding it treateth of the byrth, lyf & actes of the sayd Kynge Arthur, & of his noble knyghtes of the Rounde Table, theyr marueyllous Enquestes & aduentures, thacheyuyng of the Sang real, and in the ende le Morte darthur with the dolourous deth and departyng out of thys worlde of them al. Whiche booke was reduced in to Englysshe by Syr Thomas Malory knyght as afore is sayd, and by me deuyded in to xxi bookes chaptyred and emprynted and fynysshed in thabbey Westmestre the last day of July the yere of our lord MCCCCLXXXV. Caxton me fieri fecit.’

On a comparison of these colophons we see that the article La is only in Ames: the spelling of dathur is peculiar to Wynkyn de Worde, who has it also in another passage; the words le Morte darthur with are in the Harleian Catalogue only: as afore is said is in neither of these, but it is in Ames: the peculiar mode of writing Sang real[47], and the spelling of chaptyred, emprynted, July, are those of the Harleian Catalogue: the & introduced after Arthur in the second line is only in Upcott. Caxton me fieri fecit is in Ames, but not in the Harleian Catalogue.

When I say in Ames or the Harleian Catalogue only, it will be understood that I include with the colophon of the former its modernised copy in Dibdin; and with that of the latter its copies in Herbert and the Biographia Britannica; the references to all which I have given in the passage of the Introduction to which this is a Note. The first words of the colophon are omitted in the Harleian Catalogue, which gives it as the title of the book, as do the Biographia Britannica and Herbert. The framer of the Catalogue probably quotes directly, though inaccurately, from the Harleian (now the Osterley) Morte Darthur: and Ames must have made his extract independently from the same volume. Dibdin attributes both the Harleian Catalogue and the article in the Biographia Britannica to Oldys.

-----

Footnote 1:

‘A braver soldier never couched lance, A gentler heart did never sway in court.’

First part of Henry VI. iii. 2.

Footnote 2:

Le Morte Darthur, edited from the Harleian MS. 2252, in the British Museum, by F. T. Furnivall, 1864.

Footnote 3:

The council of devils seems to have suggested that in Paradise Lost.

Footnote 4:

Geoffrey of Monmouth afterwards Bishop of St. Asaph wrote, or as he tells us, translated from a work in the British tongue his Historiae Brithonum early in the 12th century.

Footnote 5:

Itinerary, ii. pp. 38, 39; Hearne, 1711.

Footnote 6:

Somersetshire Illustrated, by John Strachey, MS. 1736.

Footnote 7:

Polyolbion, 3rd Song.

Footnote 8:

Camelot: a Lecture delivered in 1889 by the Rev. J. H. Bennett. See also Proceedings of the Somersetshire Archæological Society, 1890.

Footnote 9:

Gervasii Tilburiensis Otia Imperialia, Decisio ii. cap. xii, de Insulis Mediterranei, in vol. I of ‘Scriptores Rerum Brunsvicensium Illustrationi inservientes: Cura G. G. Leibnitzii, Hanov. MDCCVII.’ Gervase of Tilbury wrote about the beginning of the thirteenth century. He was at the Peace of Venice in 1177 A. D.; was Chancellor and Marshall of the kingdom of Arles about the year 1200; and died in 1235.

Footnote 10:

‘Renaissance in Italy,’ by J. A. Symonds, iv. 17.

Footnote 11:

The passage, which also recounts the names of Ewaine, Gawaine, and Launcelot du Lac, is found in a charming episode in ‘The Complaynt of Scotland’ (written in 1548, and edited in 1801 by G. J. Leyden), in which the author tells how he went into the country to refresh his weary mind and body, and there fell in with a party of shepherds and shepherds’ wives and servants, who amused themselves with telling a number of stories, classical and romantic, of which he gives the names. It is a prose idyll, which reminds us of the Canterbury Tales, and the Vision of Piers Plowman, in the love of nature and the love of story-telling which it displays. Here, and in the passage from Gervase, I quote from the originals; but my attention was first directed to these by Sir George Webb Dasent’s quotations in his ‘Popular Tales from the Norse,’ p. xxix.

Footnote 12:

Roquefort, Glossaire de Langue Romane, art. ‘Graal:’ where are also given the original passages from the first three romances named in the text.

Footnote 13:

Caffari Annales Genuenses in Muratori’s Italicarum Rerum Scriptores, Tom. VI: Bent’s Genoa; and Dunlop’s History of Fiction, edited by H. Wilson, Vol. I, Supplementary Note on the Sangreal.

Footnote 14:

‘Pall Mall Gazette’ of June 23, 1868.

Footnote 15:

‘The Schoolmaster,’ by Roger Ascham; Book I. The Schoolmaster was published by his widow, in 1570.

Footnote 16:

‘Oh, may my lot grant such a friend who knows The art to crown with bays a poet’s brows, If ever in the coming time my lay Our native kings shall call again to-day, Shall call up Arthur, even in worlds below Preparing wars against the heathen foe; Or tell of that great fellowship renown’d The high-souled heroes of the Table Round, And break, if God his present aid affords, The Saxons’ serried bands with British swords.’

It is curious to note that Milton with all his learning should, like Malory and Caxton, have spoken of the Britons as English, and the Saxons as foreigners—a popular misuse of names which still makes the Lowland Scotch complain if they are called English instead of British, though they are in fact more English than the English in language and in blood.

Footnote 17:

‘There be 2 Lordshipps lyenge not very far from Ripon ... Malory hath Hutton Coniers. Thes Lands cam to their Aunciters by two Dowghtars, Heirs generall of that Coniers. Malory hath another place caullyd Highe Studly, a litle from Fountaines.’ Leland’s Itinerary, viii. 2. p. 55. Hearne, 1712.

Footnote 18:

These two dates are obligingly given me by G. W. Tomlinson, Esq., Secretary of the Yorkshire Archæological Society.

Footnote 19:

Noble’s Spanish Armada List, 1886, p. 42.

Footnote 20:

Brown’s Genesis of the United States, 1890. Vol. I, p. 211; Vol. II, p. 940.

Footnote 21:

Burton’s Description of Leicestershire, pp. 140, 262.

Footnote 22:

Kirby’s Register of the Wardens, Fellows, and Scholars of Winchester, 1888, quoted by Mr. L. Johnson in the Academy, September 20th, 1890.

Footnote 23:

Le Morte Darthur, edited by H. Oskar Sommer, Ph.D. Vol. III, p. 335.

Footnote 24:

‘The Biography and Typography of William Caxton, England’s First Printer,’ by William Blades, 8vo, 1877, p. 22. In this, and in his larger work, ‘Life and Typography of William Caxton, England’s First Printer,’ 2 vols. 4to, 1861-1863, Mr. Blades has given a very learned and complete history of Caxton and his times so far as they relate to him.

Footnote 25:

‘like a circle in the water, Which never ceaseth to enlarge itself Till by broad spreading it do reach the bank.’

See First part of King Henry VI, i. 2, and the Variorum notes thereon.

Footnote 26:

Englishmen, who feel shame and sorrow for the loss of the only perfect first copy of our National Epic, may yet be glad to know it has an honoured place with our worthier kinsfolk across the Atlantic, in the rich library and museum of Mr. and Mrs. Abby Pope:

‘And, so sepulchred, in such pomp doth lie, That kings, for such a tomb, would wish to die.’

Footnote 27:

Dibdin’s Typographical Antiquities, 1810, vol. i, pp. 242, 254.

Footnote 28:

Dibdin’s Supplement to the Bibliotheca Spenceriana, vol. ii. p. 213; or Ædes Althorpianæ, vol. vi. p. 213. I would here express my thanks to Earl Spencer for sending to the British Museum for my use his Caxton, and his unique copy of Wynkyn de Worde’s first edition of Morte Darthur, as also for favouring me with details of information respecting the former; and to the Earl of Jersey for permitting me to examine his Caxton at Osterley.

Footnote 29:

‘Caxton followed the usage of the scribes in this particular; for, with one exception only, and at the very end of his career, where the title of the book is printed alone in the centre of the first page, his books appear without any title page whatever. Wynkyn de Worde adopted the use of title-pages immediately after the death of his master.’ Biography and Typography of William Caxton, England’s first printer, p. 45. By William Blades, 1877.

Footnote 30:

As the passage is worth preserving I have given it at the end of the volume, Note A, p. 488.

Footnote 31:

Vol. i, p. xxviii.

Footnote 32:

Ibid. p. lviii.

Footnote 33:

The pages are vol. i, p. 167, line 18, to p. 169, line 17; p. 275, third line from bottom, to p. 279, line 5 from bottom; vol. ii, p. 202, line 13, to p. 204, line 14; p. 446, line 5, to end of 455.

Footnote 34:

An account of these interpolations was given by me in the Athenæum of Sept. 7 and Dec. 10, 1867, and Feb. 10, 1868.

Footnote 35:

Typographical Antiquities, by Ames and Herbert, 1785, vol. i, p. 61; Ibid. enlarged by Dibdin, 1810, vol. i, p. 253. The ‘Additions’ are at the end of vol. iii. of Herbert’s edition.

Footnote 36:

Catalogus Bibl. Harleianæ, 1744, vol. iii, no. 372.

Footnote 37:

See note B at the end of the volume, p. 488.

Footnote 38:

Even the learned M.M. Gaston Paris and Ulrich, say, in reference to editions of Le Morte Darthur, ‘La plus commode à lire, parce que le langage y est discrètement rajeuni, est l’édition donnée chez Macmillan en 1868 par Sir Edw. Strachey.’

Footnote 39:

Sybel’s History of the Crusades, English Translation, p. 11.

Footnote 40:

For this distinction I am indebted to my friend the late Rev. F. D. Maurice, whose genius lights up every subject it approaches.

Footnote 41:

Valiant.

Footnote 42:

Having gone to find adventures in Prussia with the Teutonic knights who carried on war with the still Pagan Lithuania, he had been often placed at the head of the table above the like adventurers from other nations, in compliment to his especial merit.

Footnote 43:

Ridden in arms.

Footnote 44:

Praise.

Footnote 45:

It appears from Morte Arthur, p. 474, that London was the proper place to go to, ‘to buy all manner of things that longed unto a wedding.’

Footnote 46:

For facts my principal authorities—whose words I have frequently availed myself of—are Mills’s History of Chivalry, which alone almost exhausts the subject; Gibbon’s Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; Godwin’s Life of Chaucer; Scott’s Essay on Chivalry; Lord Berner’s Froissart; and Southey’s Introduction to Amadis of Gaul.

Footnote 47:

The division of the word indicates that the writer adopts the plausible notion that Sangreal means Real (or Royal) Blood; and no doubt in ancient as well as modern times the spelling and sound would suggest this meaning: but Roquefort shows clearly that the other is the proper explanation, both in etymology and (so to speak) historically. And Helinand, a monk of Fromont (A.D. 717), gives the Latin Gradale, which supplies the link between Graal and Crater from which Roquefort derives the former. Helinand’s words are,—‘Hoc tempore, in Britannia, cuidam eremitae monstrata est mirabilis quaedam visio per angelum de sancto Josepho decurione nobili qui corpus Domini deposuit de cruce, et de catino illo vel paropside in quo Dominus coenavit cum discipulis suis; de qua ab eodem eremita descripta est historia quae dicitur de Gradal. Gradalis autem vel Gradale dicitur Gallicè scutella lata et aliquantulum profunda in qua pretiosae dapes, cum suo jure, divitibus solent apponi, et dicitur nomine Graal.... Hanc historiam latine scriptam invenire non potui, sed tantum Gallicè scripta habetur a quibusdam proceribus, nec facile ut aiunt tota inveniri potest.’ Helinandi Historia, quoted in L’Essai Historique et Literaire sur l’Abbaye de Fécamp par Leroux de Lincy, Rouen, 1840.

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GLOSSARY AND INDEX.

The following Index includes a Glossary of words now obsolete, or used with new meanings. Those proper names which in the text are spelt in more than one way, or have different epithets, are repeated in each of such forms, but without cross references. These have not been thought necessary, as their absence can hardly lead to mistake as to the identity of the names.

Abbey of La Beale Adventure, 77.

Abblasoure, place of, 359.

Abel, 395, 396.

Abelleus, 71.

Ablamor of the Marsh, 68.

Accolon of Gaul, Sir, 57; hunts with Arthur, 79; finds himself by a deep well, 80; gets Excalibur and nearly kills Arthur, 82; dies, 84; 86.

Adam, 395.

Adder stings and produces a war, 478.

Adtherp, Sir, 186, 187.

Affrike, 100.

Africa, 108.

Agente, earldom of, 469.

Aglavale, Sir, 259.

Aglovale, Sir, 152, 281, 333, 362, 448; is slain, 459.

Agravaine, Sir, 42, 56, 139, 150, 152; marries, 160; 169, 248, 250, 261, 279, 290; is open mouthed, 412; 421, 431, 434, 438, 448, 450; accuses Sir Launcelot and Guenever, 451; tries to capture Sir Launcelot and is slain, 454.

Aguarus, 373.

Agwisance of Ireland, king, 35, 36, 152, 154.

Alakuke, lord, 104.

Albans, St., 28.

Alexander, 108.

Alexandria, 108.

Alice La Beale Pilgrim, 273.

Aliduke, Sir, 118, 413, 421.

Aligement, alleviation, 390.

Alis le Beale Pilgrim, dame, 455.

Alisander le Orphelin, 268, 270, 273, 422, 448.

Alisander the mighty conqueror, 467.

Alisandrie, country of, 100.

Allardin of the Isles, 67.

Allegiance, alleviation, 43.

Allein, 246.

Allhallowmas, 29, 33.

Almain, 100, 106, 107.

Almerie, cupboard, 411.

Almesbury, 481, 484. See Introduction, p. xviii.

Alphegus, Sir, 446.

Alther, of us all, 84.

Amant, 245, 251.

Ambage, country of, 100.

Ambler, 263.

And, if, 142.

Andred, Sir, 188, 190, 213, 264, 449.

Andret, Sir, 174.

Andrew, Sir, 232.

Anglides (prince Boudwin’s wife), 267.

Anguish of Ireland, king, 164, 168, 171, 177, 179, 181, 184, 419, 434.

Anguish of Scotland, king, 99.

Anguissance of Ireland, king, 448.

Aniause, king, 382, 383, 387.

Anjou, duke of, 469.

Annecians, 40.

Annowre (a sorceress), 209.

Ansirus, duke (the pilgrim), 273.

Antemes, 41.

Anwick, 486.

Arabe, mount of, 103.

Arabie, 100.

Arbray, castle of, 283.

Archade, 277.

Archbishop of Canterbury, 28, 30.

Aretted, reckoned, 1.

Arguis, Sir, 264.

Argustus, 377.

Aries (the cowherd), 65.

Aries le Vaysher, 248.

Aristance, Sir, 282.

Aristause, earl, 448.

Arminak, earl of, 469.

Arnold de Breusse, 139, 149.

Arnold, Sir, 152.

Arrage, country of, 100.

Arrok de Grevant, Sir, 449.

Arrouse, earl, 277.

Arroy, country and forest of, 89.

Arthur is born, 27; pulls the sword out of the stone, 29; made king, 30; fights, 32; 35, 36, 39; falls in love, 41; first sees Guenever, 41; dreams a dream, 42; wants the quest, 43; is made known to Igraine, 44; fights, 46; gets a sword, 47; 53; fights Nero, 56; is sick, 57; loves Guenever, 64; marries, 66; 74; is warned by Merlin to keep his sword and scabbard, 75; fights with five kings, 77; rides his horse to death, 79; finds himself in prison, 79; fights Sir Accolon, and is nearly killed, 81; goes to an abbey and recovers, 84; follows his sister for the scabbard, 86; 95; Roman Emperor sends to him for tribute, 98; his splendour, 100; ordains two governors to act while he goes to war with the Emperor of Rome, 101; dreams of an encounter between a boar and a dragon, ib.; giant crushes his ribs, 103; embraces his knights after battle, 105; crowned at Rome by the Pope, 110; 116, 120, 127, 133, 135, 137, 139, 145, 148; holds a tournament at Avilion, 152; 156, 161, 167, 177, 187, 196; justs with Sir Lamorak, 208; cuts off the head of the Lady, 210; 223; fights, 226; 228, 236; fights Sir Tristram, 238; 243, 251, 256, 262, 274, 279; cries a just, 286; is at Lonazep, 303; justs with Sir Dinadan, 305; visits Sir Tristram, 315; 330; Sir Launcelot returns to him, 344; sees marvels, 350; glad to see the remnant of his knights, 411; 415; holds a tourney at Winchester, 420; 425; justs, 434; 449; hears the charge against Guenever, 452; faints, 459; lays siege to Joyous Gard, 461; goes to war with Sir Launcelot, 470; his life is war and strife, 475; returns to Dover and fights, 476; has a dream, 477; kills Sir Mordred, 479; received by three queens in a barge, 480.

Arundel, castle of, 268.

Asia, 100.

Assoil, absolve, 365.

Assotted, besotted, doting, 75, 274.

Astamore, Sir, 448, 452.

Astlabor, king, 318, 320.

Astolat (town of Gilford), 419.

Astomore, Sir, 413.

Astonied, stunned, 117, 123.

Attaint, fatigued, exhausted, 384.

Avail, lower, 110.

Avaunt, boast, 447.

Avelion, Avelon, the Isle of Apples, on which Glastonbury stood, 49.

Aventer, couch spear, 62.

Avilion, Isle of, 151, 152; vale of, 480.

Avoid quit leave, 103.

Awk, backward, 182.

Babylon, 410.

Bachelors, knights, 37.

Bagdemagus, king, 78, 114, 116, 128, 152, 169, 275; nearly killed, 355; 405, 470.

Balan, 42, 53, 57; is slain, 62.

Balin le Savage, 42, 49, 52, 57; slays Garlon, 59; is slain, 62; 351.

Bamborow, 486.

Ban of Benwick, king, 32, 38, 41, 75, 224.

Bandes, king, 279.

Baptism, 280.

Barant le Apres, Sir, called king with the hundred knights, 448.

Barbers, 107.

Barbican, 103; an outwork to defend the gate of a castle, 156.

Barflete (in Flanders), 101.

Barget, a little barge, 431.

Barham Down, near Canterbury, 477. Mr. Wright says it is the site of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, which, no doubt, suggested that a battle had been fought there.

Baronage, 265.

Barony, 96, 450.

Basdemegus, 57.

Battle, 264.

Battles, armies, battalions, 105, 265.

Baudwin of Britain, Sir, 30, 31, 101; is a surgeon, 423; 428.

Bayonne, 469.

Beale Isould, 101.

Beale-Valet, castle of, 262.

Beame, trumpet, 478.

Bearn, earl of, 469.

Beaumains (Fair-hands), 129; is called a kitchen-boy, 135; 140; beats the red knight of the red lawns, 143; 148.

Beaume (Bayonne), 469.

Bedegraine, forest of, 34; castle of, 35; 41; battle of, 42.

Bedivere, Sir, 102, 103, 152, 421, 434, 448, 478; throws Excalibur into the water, 480; finds where Arthur is buried, 481; meets with Sir Launcelot, 484; is an hermit, 487.

Bee, ring, bracelet, or other ornament, 159.

Behest, promise, 209.

Behight, promise, 411.

Behote, promise, 168.

Belias le Orgulous, Sir, is slain, 459.

Belinus, king of Britain, 99.

Bellangere (a constable), 268.

Bellangere le Orgulous, Sir, 449.

Bellaus, 40.

Bellengerus le Beuse, 274, 421, 448, 455, 468.

Belleus, Sir, 115; wounded by Launcelot, 115; 128.

Belliance le Orgulous, Sir, 198.

Bellias of Flanders, 37.

Bendelaine, Sir, 157.

Benoye, country of, 274, 343.

Benwick, city of, 33; 34, 41; land of, 75; some call it Bayonne, 469; 471.

Berel, Sir, 104.

Berluse, Sir, 247.

Bernard of Astolat, Sir, 419, 420, 429.

Berrant le Apres, king, 295.

Bersules, Sir, 245, 251.

Bertelot, Sir, 338.

Bery, apparently meant for Bere, bier, or bear, 385.

Besaunt, a gold coin first coined at Byzantium, 95, 481.

Beseen, adorned, clothed, 51.

Bestad, Bested, beset, 476.

Betaught, recommended, 359.

Betid, happened, was; or, beat, 141, 332.

Bishop, the first, 407.

Black, all, 133.

Blamore de Ganis, Sir, 139, 173, 176, 179, 224, 230, 277, 413, 421, 448; made a duke, 469; 484.

Bleise, 41.

Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir, 38, 139, 154, 173, 175, 177, 179, 199, 208, 223, 231, 275, 278, 287, 317, 413, 421, 435, 448; made a duke, 469; 484.

Bliant, Sir, 338; castle of, 341.

Bloias de la Flandres, 37.

Blois de la Case, 40.

Board, deck, 370.

Bobart le Cure Hardy, Sir, Arthur’s son, 449.

Bole, trunk of a tree, 126.

Book, swear upon a, 230, 259.

Boot, help, 162.

Borre, 41.

Bors de Ganis, Sir, 89, 103, 105, 139, 152, 154, 218, 230, 328; sees a dragon, 330; 333, 343, 381; joins in the quest, 383; 387, 390, 392, 397, 401, 407; has his adventures chronicled, 411; 413, 421; finds Sir Launcelot ill, 427; 435, 448; is crowned, 469; 482.

Bors of Gaul, king, 32, 38, 41.

Boudwin, Sir, 267.

Brabant, 107.

Brachet, a small scenting dog, 66, 70, 79, 123, 165, 215.

Bragwaine, dame, 181, 185, 191, 205, 215, 220, 225, 230.

Braid, hastiness, 472.

Brain-pan, 167, 184.

Brandegore, king, 343.

Brandegoris of Stranggore, king, 35, 56.

Brandel, Sir, 118.

Brandiles, Sir, 152, 205, 209, 248, 250, 256, 413, 421, 431, 438, 448; is slain, 459.

Brasias, Sir, 413; a hermit, 415.

Brast, brake, 117.

Brastias, Sir, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 36, 433.

Brawn, muscular part of the hand, palm, 443.

Brenius, king of Britain, 99.

Breunor, Sir, 181.

Breuse Saunce Pité, Sir, 178, 201, 220, 230, 235, 239, 261, 270, 277, 287, 301, 339.

Brewnor le Noire, Sir, 129, 197; is La Cote Male Taile, 205.

Brian de Listinoise, Sir, 118, 448.

Brian of the Forest, 67.

Brian of the Isles, 73, 152, 202, 205.

Briant, 37.

Briant de la Forest Savage, 40.

Briant of North Wales, Sir, 222.

Bridge, of iron and steel, 63.

Brim, furious, 464.

Brisen, dame, 327, 328, 331, 340.

Britain, 106; Petit, 237; Great, 356; people Christianized, ib.

Britany, country of, 102; duchess of, ib., 151; 161, 168, 191, 205.

Britons, 38; full of pride and boast, 103; 105.

Broche, split, pierce, 39.

Bromel la Pleche, Sir, 328.

Browis, broth, pottage, 129.

Bruin, le Noire, Sir, 448.

Buffet, blow, 72, 73, 82.

Bulls from the Pope, 464.

Bur, an iron ring on the spear, to prevent the hand slipping, 479.

Burbling, bubbling, 240.

Burgen, bud, blossom, 451.

Burgoyne, 100, 103.

Bushment, surprise party (embushment, 34), 103, 110.

Cador of Cornwall, Sir, 99, 104.

Cain, 395.

Calabre, country of, 100.

Caliburn (one of the strongest of Pavie), 104.

Calidone, 393.

Cambenet, duke of, 35, 38.

Cambines, duke, 282.

Cameliard, country of, 41, 64, 270.

Camelot, see Introduction, p. xvi., 49, 53, 56, 63, 66, 68, 70, 73, 75, 77, 79, 84, 98, 177, 203; river of, 239; 242, 246, 251, 253, 257, 261, 317, 330, 344, 348, 352, 381, 405, 411, 418.

Candlemas, 30.

Canterbury, bishop of, 65; Mordred crowned here, 474; bishop of, defies Mordred, 475; 477; buries Arthur, 481; bishop of, 484; 485, 487.

Capadoce, country of, 100.

Carados, king of, 31, 35, 37, 38.

Carados, Sir, 92, 118, 152, 177, 179, 184, 204, 219, 224, 226, 270, 448.

Carados of Scotland, king, 448.

Carbonek, castle of, 366, 392, 404, 407.

Car de Gomeret, 270.

Cardican, castle of, 335.

Cardiff, captain of, 107; place, 209; take ship at, 469; 470.

Cardoile, 76.

Cardoile, the Anglo-Norman form of Carlisle, 76. See Introduction, p. xv.

Cardok, Sir, 448.

Cardol, 33.

Carlion, see Introduction, p. xv., 30, 35, 42, 43, 48, 130, 148, 262.

Carlisle, 347, 447, 450, 458, 464, 467.

Carrack, ship, 476.

Carteloise, castle of, 397.

Case, castle of, 327.

Cast, a portion or set of loaves baked together, 140.

Castle Blank, 338.

Castor, Sir, 340.

Cateland, country of, 100.

Caulas, 40.

Caxton’s preface, 1.

Cayer, 100.

Cered, waxed, 485.

Chafe, heat, 106.

Chaflet, platform, 477.

Chaleins of Clarance, duke, 277, 281, 434, 448.

Champayne, 103.

Chariot, castle, 113.

Chestelaine, Sir, 109.

Child, squire, or young knight, 109, 392.

Chivalry, flower of, 76.

Christ, Lord Jesus, 60, 352, 394.

Christendom, 75, 83, 87, 99, 299, 395, 464.

Christmas, 28.

Church, 28, 395.

Churl, peasant, boor, 120.

Clariance de la Forest Savage, 36.

Clariance of Northumberland, king, 35, 36, 448.

Clarisin, the countess, 110.

Clarrus of Cleremont, Sir, 448, 455, 469, 484, 487.

Claudas, king, 32, 34, 41, 75, 100, 330, 470.

Claudine, 409.

Clegis, Sir, 107, 448.

Clegis of Sadok, Sir, 455, 469.

Cleped, called, 409.

Cleremond, Sir, 107.

Cloddrus, Sir, 448.

Cloth of gold, 33.

Coasted, kept at the side, in a parallel course, 433.

Cogge, cock, i.e. cock-boat, 101.

Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction, 241, 302.

Colgrevance, Sir, 218, 389, 449, 452.

Colgrevaunce de Gorre, Sir, 40.

Collibe, sea of, 392.

Cologne, 100.

Colombe, 54, 243.

Comange, earl of, 469.

Commonalty, 228.

Commons, 30, 81; children of, 102.

Constantine, son of queen Heleine, 99; country of, 102.

Constantine, Sir (Sir Cador’s son). Arthur wishes him to be his heir, 101, 448; was chosen king after Arthur, 487.

Corbin, bridge of, 326; 330; city of, 340.

Corneus, duke, 33.

Cornwall, 25, 49, 75, 96, 151, 161, 163, 165, 174, 177, 181, 193, 205, 232, 249, 259, 262, 266, 268, 286, 478.

Coronation, 30.

Corsabrin, Sir, 279.

Courtelage, court-yard, or garden, 94, 121, 379.

Covin, deceit, plot, 360.

Cradelmas, king, 35, 37.

Cradelment of North Wales, king, 37.

Croft, vault, 406.

Crosselme, Sir, 448.

Curselaine, Sir, 452.

Cyprus, 100.

Daffish, foolish, 236.

Dagonet, Sir (Arthur’s fool), 199, 212, 249, 256.

Dalan, 261.

Damas, Sir, 79, 81, 459.

Damaske, country of, 100.

Damiete, 100.

Daname, Sir, 230.

Darras, Sir, 229, 230, 449.

David, 395.

Debate, strife, 459.

Debonair, courteous, 394.

Defoil, trample under foot, overcome, 200.

Degrane, Sance Vilany, Sir, 449.

Delectable Isle, 297.

Deliverly, actively, 473.

Denmark, king of, 76, 357.

Depart, part, 483.

De Vance, lady, 55.

Devise, look carefully at, 402.

Devoir, knightly duty, 149, 469.

Diamond, justed for daily, 432.

Dight, dressed, 79.

Dinadan, Sir, 129, 152, 216, 227, 246, 253, 257, 261, 276, 280; forced into woman’s garment, 282; best jester, 290; 317, 448.

Dinant, Sir, 214.

Dinas, Sir, 153, 167, 188, 215, 232, 263, 268; rises against king Mark, 284; 448, 455, 469.

Disworship, disgrace, 67.

Dodinas le Savage, Sir, 96, 154, 169, 175, 228, 241, 302, 421, 438, 448.

Dole, grief, 45.

Dolphine, 108.

Dornar, Sir, 259.

Dornard, Sir, 281.

Dover, 34, 110, 475; castle, 477, 482, 484.

Dragon (description of), 101; spitting fire, 326.

Draughts, apparently recesses parted off from the main room, 442.

Dress, turn towards, address, 402.

Driant, Sir, 188, 218, 448; is slain, 459.

Dromon, a vessel of war, 101.

Duresse, bondage, 357.

Durnore, Sir, 448.

Dutchmen, duke of, 109.

Dwarf, attendant, 53, 69, 80, 90.

Dwine, dwindle, 485.

Easter, 30.

Eastland, queen of, 113.

Ebel, Sir, 296, 300.

Ector, Sir, takes charge of the infant Arthur, 27; 44.

Ector de Maris, Sir, 112, 118, 123, 127, 139, 152, 177, 210, 224, 230, 237, 258, 275, 278, 287, 316, 333; is healed by the Sancgreal, 337; 342, 377, 405, 412, 421, 435, 448; is crowned, 469; 484; finds Sir Launcelot dead, 486.

Edward of Carnarvan, Sir, 448.

Edward of Orkney, Sir, 304, 449.

Edward of the Red Castle, Sir, 96.

Edward the Fourth, 487.

Eft, again, 480.

Eftures, passages, 444.

Egglame, 47.

Egypt, 100; king of, 106.

Elaine (king Ban’s wife), 75.

Elaine (king Nentres’ wife), 27.

Elaine (king Pelles’ daughter), 327; sees Sir Launcelot mad, 340; 344, 375; is dead, 405.

Elaine le Blank, 420; seeks Sir Launcelot, 425; dies for Sir Launcelot and is put in a barget, 431; the letter is taken from her dead hand, 432.

Elamie, country of, 100.

Eleine, slew herself, 74.

Elian le Blank, 382.

Elias, Sir (a captain), 263, 264; fights Sir Tristram, 266.

Elias de Gomeret, 270.

Eliazar, 377, 407.

Eliot (an harper), 263, 267.

Elis la Noire, 277.

Elise, Sir, 279.

Elizabeth, queen, 161, 165.

Emerause, 40.

Enchafe, heat, 372.

Enchantress, 327.

Eneled, anointed (with extreme unction), 486.

England, 27, 31, 49, 97, 111, 151, 168, 177, 191, 283, 330, 333, 341, 447; writs sent, 461; 464.

Englishmen, 475.

Epinegris, 289.

Epinogrus, Sir, 152, 301, 318, 421, 449.

Erminide, Sir, 449.

Erst, before, 254.

Ertaine, country of, 100.

Ertanax (a fish), 393.

Estates, 87, 228, 281.

Estorause, king, 409.

Estrake, earl of, 469.

Estsex, Essex, 477.

Ethelwold, Sir, 109.

Ethiope, king of, 106.

Ettard, 91, 94.

Eufrates, flood of, 393.

Euphrates, river of, 100.

Europe, 100.

Eustace of Cambenet, duke, 36.

Evangelists, 26, 74, 399.

Eve, 395.

Evelake, king, 356, 357, 367, 375.

Ewaine le Blanchemains, Sir, 27, 57.

Excalibur (Cut-steel), 32, 51, 57; sent to Sir Accolon, 80; 81, 105; is thrown into the water, 479.

Faramon of France, king, 165.

Feldenak, Sir, 104.

Felelolie, dame, 447, 450.

Fellowship, 177, 178, 191, 258, 459.

Felot of Langduk, Sir, 70.

Felot of Listinoise, Sir, 96.

Ferant of Spain, Sir, 109.

Fergus, earl, 95, 212.

Fergus, Sir, 262, 268, 448.

Fewter, put spear in the rest, 107.

Fiend, comes out of a tomb, 357, 369; chief one, 372.

Fig tree cursed by our Lord, 365.

Flacket, flask, 181.

Flanders, 100, 107.

Flannedrius, 40.

Florence, Sir, 107, 109, 448, 452.

Floridas, Sir, 109, 110.

Floris, Sir, 110.

Foining, push in fencing, 131, 136, 142.

Foise, earl of, 469.

Footmen, 34, 39.

Fordo, undo, 74.

Forthdays, late in the day, 455.

Forthink, grieve, 379; repent, 74.

Foster, forester, 381.

Four Stones, castle of, 53.

France, 32, 100, 102; marshal of, 103; 161, 163, 168, 330; lords of, 469.

Frol of the Out Isles, Sir, 195.

Gad, spike or knob of iron or steel, 373.

Gahalantine, Sir, 448; made a duke, 469; 484.

Gahalatine, Sir, 115, 116, 128.

Gaheris, Sir, 42, 56, 66, 87, 117, 127, 139, 150, 152, 160, 169, 197, 213, 223, 227, 231, 260, 277, 279, 281, 290, 334, 413, 421, 434, 448; is slain, 459.

Gainest, readiest, 145.

Gainus, Sir, 103.

Galacie, country of, 100.

Galagars, Sir, chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78.

Galahad, Sir, 60, 63, 75, 183, 325; is born, 328; is made a knight, 349; sits in the siege perilous, 350; his lineage, 352; takes the white shield, 355; attacks the Castle of Maidens, 360; strikes down his father, 362; 375, 381, 397; meets Sir Launcelot on board ship, 402; goes in quest of the Sancgreal, 402; dies, 410.

Galahalt, Sir, 257, 274; hates fish, 281; of the Long Isles, 293; 419, 424, 434, 448.

Galahault, Sir, 152.

Galapas (a giant), 105.

Galardoun, 241.

Galatine (Sir Gawaine’s good sword), 104, 107.

Galihodin, Sir, 152, 154, 282, 301, 413, 421, 435, 448; is made a duke, 469; 484.

Galihud, Sir, 152, 154, 230, 413, 421, 435; made an earl, 469; 484.

Galind, Sir, 118.

Galiodin, 230.

Galleron of Galway, Sir, 246, 421, 448.

Ganis, abbey and castle of, 231.

Garaunt, 270.

Gareth of Orkney, Sir (Beaumains), 42; 56, 131, 145, 150, 152, 158, 292, 296, 303, 317, 361, 413; smites down thirty knights, 435; 448; is slain, 459.

Garlon, 58.

Garlot, land of, 27.

Garnish of the Mount, 60.

Gaul, 34, 375.

Gaunter, Sir, 122, 152.

Gautere, Sir, 448; is slain, 459.

Gawaine, Sir, 27, 35.

Gawaine, Sir, (Arthur’s nephew), 42, 56, 58, 63; Arthur promises to make him a knight, 65; follows the hart, 67; kills a lady, 69; 75, 77; chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78; fights Sir Marhaus, 88; 91, 95, 96; smites off Sir Gainus’ head, 103; 107; fights with Sir Priamus, 108; 116, 123, 125, 128, 139, 145, 149, 152, 154, 158, 169, 184, 196, 219, 229; is beaten by Sir Lamorak, 258; 261, 279, 288, 302, 326, 333; tries to pull the sword out, 350; takes up the quest of the holy Graile, 353; 361, 377, 405, 413, 434, 448; asks Arthur not to be hasty in burning Guenever, 457; loses his brothers, 460; will not forgive Sir Launcelot, 467; fights, 473; writes to Sir Launcelot, and dies, 476.

Gawdelin, Sir, 334.

Genoese warriors, 100.

Gerfalcon, the finest kind of hawk, 96.

Gerin, Sir, 280.

Gerine le Grose, 272.

Germany, 106.

Gest, deed, story, 123.

Gherard, Sir, 109.

Gherard de Breusse, 139, 149.

Ghost, Holy, 352, 364, 381, 395.

Giant of St. Michael’s Mount; sits at supper gnawing a man’s limbs, twelve children are being broached on spits, 102; is killed by Arthur, 103.

Gilbert, Sir, 124, 125.

Gilford, 419.

Gillemere, Sir, 448; is slain, 459.

Gilmere, Sir, 122.

Gingalin, Sir, 211, 448, 452.

Gisarm, two-edged battle-axe, 96.

Glaive, a long blade at the end of a lance, a sword, 70.

Glasting, 287. See Questing.

Glastonbury, 475, 481, 484. See Introduction, p. xviii.

Glatisant (the questing beast), 207, 250, 256, 286, 299; is followed by Sir Palamides, 348.

Gobbets, lumps, 148.

God, 326.

Godard, garrison of, 108.

Godelake, Sir, 152.

Goneries, Sir, 275.

Goodewin, Sir, 334.

Goothe, castle of, 366.

Gore, land of, 27, 35, 86, 113, 152, 285, 406.

Gouvernail (Sir Tristram’s tutor), 163, 166, 174, 178, 187, 190, 205, 220, 241.

Graale, holy, 327; its entrance into the hall, 352; 401. See Sangreal.

Gracian, 34.

Graciens le Castlein, 40.

Gramercy (written Grant mercy, 418); great thanks, 71.

Grastian, 34.

Gratian, 41.

Gree, degree, prize, 220.

Greece, Hart of, a fat deer, 323.

Greece, 100.

Griflet, Sir, 33, 36.

Griflet, le Fise de Dieu, Sir, 40, 45, 76; is chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78; 169, 249, 303, 362, 421, 435, 448; is slain, 459.

Gringamore, Sir, 144, 147, 151.

Grip, earl, 191.

Gromere, Sir, 448.

Gromore Somir Joure, Sir, 452.

Grummore Grummursum, Sir, 152.

Guenever, 41, 64; is married, 66; 74; goes with Arthur to battle, 76; 85; left in care of two governors by Arthur, 101; 102; meets Arthur at Sandwich, 111; 113, 119, 121, 122, 125, 127, 153, 187, 192, 197, 207, 225, 236, 253, 262, 274, 278; falls with laughter, 282; 285, 318, 327, 330; is angry with Sir Launcelot, 332; spends £20,000 to find Sir Launcelot, 344; sorrows over the separation of the Round Table Knights, 353; complains to Sir Launcelot, 412; is suspected of poisoning, 413; the trial, 416; is angry, 426; was a true lover, 437; goes a-Maying, 437; is captured, 438; rescued by Sir Launcelot, 441; sees Sir Launcelot at night, 443; wants her accuser killed, 446; is watched, 450; led out for judgment, 458; rescued by Sir Launcelot, 459; is given back to Arthur, 468; Sir Mordred tries to wed her, 474; makes herself a nun, 481; is found by Sir Launcelot in a nunnery, 483; dies and is buried, 485.

Guerdonless, without reward, 323.

Guiart le Petite, Sir, 448.

Guienne, king of, 469.

Gumret le Petit, 169.

Guy, Sir, 270.

Guynas de Bloy, 40.

Gwenbaus, 34.

Gwimiart de Bloi, 36.

Gwinas, Sir, 37.

Haberjon, see Hauberk. When the ‘chausses’ or mail leggings were united with the Hauberk the whole was called an Haberjon, 385.

Hackneys, 34, 178, 229.

Hair, hair-shirt, 373.

Hale and how! pull ho! the cry of sailors, 141.

Halp, Holp, helped, 95.

Halse, embrace, 178.

Handfast, betrothed, 272.

Handsel, payment, earnest-money, 174.

Hard Rock, castle of, 235.

Harlon, king, 377.

Harness, armour, 111.

Harnessed, furnished, set, 189.

Harry le Fise Lake, Sir, 287, 449, 455.

Harsouse le Berbuse, 273.

Hart, white, 66, 399.

Harvis de les Marches, 273.

Hauberk, coat or frock of mail, made of plates or chain-links sewn upon leather, 39.

Haut, high, noble, 183.

Hebes le Renoumes, Sir, 169, 448, 455, 469.

Hectimere, Sir, 448.

Hector, 108, 467.

Helake, Sir, 299.

Heleine, queen, 99.

Helin le Blank, 343, 344.

Helior le Preuse, Sir, 319.

Helius, Sir, murders King Hermance, 297, 299.

Hellaine le Blank, Sir, 448.

Hellawes (the sorceress), 125.

Hellias le Grose, 375.

Hemison, Sir, 236; dies, 237.

Herawd, lord, 104.

Herb, holy, 78.

Heringdale, lord, 104.

Herlews le Berbeus, 58.

Hermance of the Red City, king, 294, 297, 449.

Hermel, duke, 60.

Hermind, Sir, 298; is slain, 459.

Hermits, who they were, 424.

Hermonil, country of, 100.

Hernox, earl, 398.

Hervin, 388.

Hervis de Revel, Sir, 56; chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78.

Hervise de la Forest Savage, Sir, 449.

Hew de la Montaine, 222.

Hewgon, Sir, 273.

Hight, was called, 25.

Ho! halt! the word for stopping a tournament, 40, 278.

Holt, a hill with a grove on it, 480. The ‘two holts hoar’ are described as ‘two cliffs,’ 484; 107.

Holts, 107.

Hontzlake of Wentland, 72.

Horse-litter, 27, 55, 272.

Houselled, To be, to receive the sacrament, 260.

Hove, hover, stand, 97.

Howell, Sir, Duke of Brittany (Arthur’s cousin), 102, 162, 191, 195, 434.

Hue of the Red Castle, Sir, 96.

Humber, 76, 77; bank, 294; 297.

Hungary, land of, 446.

Huntress, shoots Sir Launcelot, 433, 436.

Hurlame, king, 393.

Hurtle, dash, 138.

Ider, Sir, 99.

Idres of Cornwall, king, 35, 36, 38, 42.

Idrus, Sir, 104.

Igraine, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 42, 43, 120.

Inde, 100.

Inde, dark blue, 38, 137.

Intermeddle, intermix, 404.

Ireland, 31, 48; king of, 76; 95, 106, 151, 161; queen of, 164; 166, 168; king accused of treason, 177; 179, 246, 286.

Ironside, Sir (the red knight of the red lawns), 149, 151; is made a knight of the Table Round, 160; 413, 438, 449.

Isle of Longtainse, king of the, 76.

Isoud la Blanche Mains, 191, 194, 237.

Israel, people of, 402.

Italy, 100.

Jagent, castle of, 246.

Jerusalem, 273, 284, 365.

Jesseraunt, a sort of cuirass, of back and breast plates, 31.

Jesus, 28.

Jonas, 375.

Jordanus, Sir, 26, (Jordans) 27.

Joseph of Arimathea, 60, 326, 350, 356, 375, 406.

Joshua, duke, 108, 396.

Journey, day’s work, 268.

Joyous Gard, castle of, 177, 285, 301, 317, 321, 325, 345, 456; Guenever is taken to, 459; is besieged, 461; now Dolorous Gard, 468; some say it was Anwick, and some Bamborow, 486. See Introduction, p. xviii.

Joyous Isle, 342.

Jubance (a giant), 109.

Judgment, alike for rich and poor, 416.

Julius Cesar, 98.

Kainus le Strange, Sir, 315.

Kay, Sir, 29, 30, 34, 36, 56; kills two kings, 77; is chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78; smites off the giant’s head, 103; 105, 118; life saved by Sir Launcelot, 121; 123, 127, 129, 131, 152, 169, 205, 209, 219, 232, 243, 316, 336, 349, 413, 421, 431, 448.

Kay de Stranges, Sir, 448; is slain, 459.

Kehydius, Sir (king Howel’s son), 191, 192, 194, 205, 211.

Kent, 477, 478.

King, 30, 233.

Kink-Kenadon, castle of, 128, 159.

Knave, 108.

Knight (how made), 65; errant, 84; 89, 94, 147, 206, 233, 280.

La Beale Isoud, 168, 170, 179, 184, 186, 190, 192, 205, 211, 215, 225, 232, 236, 251, 253, 262, 266, 268; loses Sir Tristram, 283; leaves her husband, 285; jokes Sir Dinadan, 290; 304; calls Sir Palamides a felon, 314; 325, 345, 449.

La Beale Regard, castle of, 272.

La Cote Male Taile, 129, 152, 154; the evil-shapen coat, 197; 203; marries, 205; 413.

Labor, king, 393.

Ladinas, 34.

Ladinas de la Rouse, 40.

Ladinas of the Forest Savage, Sir, 438.

Ladyday, 269.

Lake, king of the, 78.

Lake, lady of the, 47, 51; buried, 52; 78, 210, 448.

Lambaile, earl of, 282, 448.

Lambegus, Sir, 186, 187, 190, 448; is slain, 459.

Lambeth, 440.

Lamerake of Wales, 47.

Lamiel of Cardiff, Sir, 449.

Lamorak de Galis, Sir, 135, 139, 140, 152, 160, 188, 190, 192, 194, 197, 206, 226, 245; fights Sir Palamides, 256; justs, 258; 278, 288; how he was murdered, 293; 334, 413, 435, 448.

Lanceor, Sir, 52, 54, 242.

Landes, earl of the, 469.

Langedok, duke of, 469.

Lardans, 37.

Largesse, bounty, 308.

Laton, a mixed metal, like brass, 57.

Launcelot de Lake, Sir, 54, 63, 64, 75, 89, 98, 99, 101, 104; is the first knight, 111; seeks Sir Lionel, 116; fights Sir Turquine, 117; slays two giants, 120; overthrows four knights, 123; climbs a tree for a falcon, 126; 129, 135, 139, 149, 152, 161, 164, 170, 176, 184, 197, 201, 208, 222; justs with Sir Tristram, 227; 230, 237, 243; fetches king Mark, 252; 258, 270, 274, 278; justs with Sir Tristram, 305; 313; is pulled from his horse, 316; 325; sees Elaine 327; ran mad two years, 332; healed by Sancgreal, 340; returns to Arthur’s court, 344; not the best knight, 352; his lineage, 352; is felled by his son, 362; hindered by his sin from doing holy things, 363; seeks the adventures of the Sancgreal, 374; meets his son on board ship, 402; 411; is forbidden the court by Guenever, 412; fights for the queen, 417; watched day and night by Elaine, 426; is like a corpse, 428; buries Elaine, and is in the queen’s favour again, 432; smites down fifty knights, 435; goes to Guenever’s relief, 440; falls into a trap, 444; slays Sir Meliagrance, 446; heals Sir Urre, 450; found in the queen’s chamber, 453; fights against Arthur and takes his queen, 459; is besieged, 461; pleads his cause before Arthur, 465; goes to France, and rewards his fellowship, 469; fights with Sir Gawaine, 473; returns to England, and finds Guenever in a nunnery, 482; buries Guenever, and why he faints, 485; his character, 486; is buried, 487.

Laurel, dame, 160.

Lavaine, Sir, 420, 430; smites Arthur to the earth, 435; 443; made a knight of the Table Round, 450; 455, 468, 469.

Lawn, an open space in a forest, 90.

Lay, a song, 263.

Lazar-cote, a hut for keeping lepers in, 190.

Le Chevaler du Chariot, 442, 450.

Le Chevaler Mal Fet, 341, 344.

Leach, physician, surgeon, 45, 283, 400.

Leodegrance of Cameliard, king, 41, 42, 64.

Leomie, Sir (king), 105.

Lesses les aler, herald’s cry, 445.

Let to, hinder from, 476.

Letters, 32.

Lever, rather, 102.

Lianour, duke, 360.

Libbard, leopard, 207.

Lief, dear, 480.

Lile of Avelion, 49, 52.

Limosin, duke of, 469.

Linet, 139, 140, 143, 145, 151, 158; marries Sir Gaheris, 160.

Lion, 37, 197, 326, 369.

Lionel, Sir, 103, 111, 115, 118, 152, 230, 333, 343; said to be dead, 385; rides over Sir Bors, 388; cloud separates, 390; 405, 412, 421, 435, 448; is crowned, 469; is slain, 484.

Liones, 139, 141, 145, 147, 150, 152; marries Sir Gareth, 160.

Liones, country of, 162; 165; castle of, 283.

Liones, sometimes said to be a supposed tract of country called Lionesse, between the Land’s End and the Scilly Isles, now submerged. But more probably St. Pol de Leon in Brittany is meant.

Lionors, 41.

Lionses, 33, 38.

Lionses of Payarne, 41.

Lisais, 375.

Listinoise, country of, 286; king of, 302.

Little Britain, king of, 99; realm of, 100.

Logris, realm of, 194, 213, 231, 285, 297, 341, 392, 393, 405, 408. Loegria, Saxon Britain.

Lombardy, warriors of, 100; 107; lords of, 108.

Lonazep, castle of, 286, 293, 301.

London, 28, 30, 33, 49, 64, 413; Arthur returns to, 424; tower of, besieged, 475, 477.

Longius, 60.

Loraine, 107; duke of, 108; duchy of, 110.

Loraine le Savage, 74.

Lords, 30.

Lot, king of Lothian and of Orkney, 27; 31, 35, 36, 37, 40, 56, 58, 139.

Loth, hateful, 179.

Lotless, without a share, 242.

Love, as it is and was, 437.

Lovel, Sir, 448, 452.

Lowe, hillock or tumulus, 449.

Lubber, clumsy fellow, 132.

Luca the botteler, Sir, 448, 470, 478; dies, 479.

Lucan (the butler), Sir, 230, 435.

Lucanere de Buttelere, Sir, 310, 421.

Lucas, Sir, 33, 36.

Lucius, emperor, sends to Arthur for truage, 98; 100; goes to war with Arthur, 103; is killed by Arthur, 106.

Lyly, king of, 104.

Maccabæus, 108.

Macedone, 100.

Madok de la Montaine, Sir, 222.

Mador de la Porte, Sir, 115, 116, 128, 278, 413; accuses the queen of poisoning, 414; fights with Sir Launcelot, 417; 449, 452.

Magons, traitors of, 283.

Magouns, castle of, 268.

Maidens, castle of, 219, 225, 228, 293, 359.

Maker, author, poet, 487.

Mal-ease, bad plight, 196.

Maledisant, damsel, 199; called Bienpensant, 203; called Beauvivante, 205.

Malegrine, Sir, 152.

Mal-engine, evil design, 416.

Maleore, Sir Thomas, 487.

Malgrine, Sir, 153, 270.

Manassen, 86.

Manna, 402.

Mantle, richest (burns the wearer), 87.

Manuel, 375.

Marches, 42.

Margawse, 27.

Marhalt, king of Ireland, 302.

Marhaus, Sir, 88; fights the duke and his six sons, 95; kills the giant Taulurd, 96; is killed, 98; 105, 118, 164; is beaten by Sir Tristram, 166; 179.

Mariet de la Roche, 40.

Mark, a king of Cornwall, 54, 101, 161, 164, 167, 173, 181, 184, 187, 190, 194, 213, 231, 246; runs away, 249; 252, 256; is called king Fox, 262; murders his brother, 268; plans Sir Tristram’s death, 283; is put in prison, 285; 449.

Marrok, Sir, 105, 449.

Marsil, king, 277.

Mary, Saint, 384, 396, 399.

Masauke, earl of, 469.

Mass-penny, sum of money offered, 432.

Masteries, 129.

Matchcold, having holes within the parapet of the walls for pouring stones or molten lead through, 135.

Matto le Breune, Sir, 213.

Maugre, in spite of, 72; misfortune, 461.

Maurel, Sir, 105.

May, when every lusty heart blossoms, 437; 451, 476.

May-day, 48.

Measle, disease, 400.

Meddle, mix, 294.

Meleaus, de Lile, Sir, 449.

Meliaganus, Sir, 152.

Meliagaunce, Sir (Bagdemagus’s son), 207, 275; loves Guenever, 438; fights for her, 439; accuses her of treason, 443.

Meliagrance, Sir, is smitten by Sir Launcelot, 446.

Melias de Lile, Sir, 357, 359, 455, 469.

Meliganus, 154.

Meliodas, king of Liones, 161, 165, 172.

Melion de Tartare, Sir, 333.

Melion of the mountain, Sir, 448, 452.

Meliot, castle of, 57.

Meliot de Logres, Sir, 124, 128, 152, 421, 448, 452.

Meliot of Logurs, Sir, 73.

Melot de la Roche, 36.

Menaduke, Sir, 448, 455; made an earl, 469.

Meniver, 338.

Merlin, 26; met by Ulfius, ib.; sees Uther, ib., 27; comes to Carlion, 31; 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 43, 46, 49, 52, 54; deceives king Lot, 56; 63; warns Arthur of Guenever, 64; 74; falls in a dotage on Nimue, 75; a devil’s son, ib.; is found under a stone, 78; 85, 162, 242, 299; made the Round Table in tokening of the roundness of the world, 366.

Mickle, much, 26.

Milan, 110.

Miles, 44, 74.

Minster, 349.

Minstrel, 267.

Miscreant, misbeliever, 487.

Moises land, marquis of, 109.

Mondrames, 356.

Mordrains, king, 394, 406.

Mordred, Sir, 49, 57, 115, 116, 128, 199, 229, 248, 261, 274, 279, 336, 412, 421, 435, 448; takes Arthur sad news, 457; will make trouble, 469; has the rule of Arthur’s land, 470; usurps England, and tries to wed Guenever, 474; is beaten by Arthur, 476; is killed, 479.

Morgan le Fay (Arthur’s sister), 27, 44, 57, 78, 80, 83; wishes to slay her husband, 85; shapes herself, horse and man, unto a stone, 86; 113, 189, 193, 220, 235, 237, 263, 270, 326, 328; takes Arthur, 481.

Morganore, king, 38, 449.

Morganore, Sir, 37, 177.

Morgawse, queen (Arthur’s sister), 56, 139; the fairest, 208.

Morians, 40.

Moris, Sir, 105.

Moris de la Roche, 37.

Morris, forest of, 232.

Mortaise, water of, 149; 371, 401.

Mountenance, extent, 131, 256.

Nabon le Noire, Sir, 192.

Nacien (the hermit), 352; says how the quest should be made, 353; 375; interprets dreams, 380; 394.

Nanowne le Petite, Sir, 192.

Nappus, 375.

Naram, 48.

Nauntes, city of, 42.

Navy, 101, 267, 475.

Ne, nor, 99.

Nentres, of Garlot, king, 27, 31, 35, 36, 42, 448.

Nero, 42, 55.

Neroreneus, Sir, 455, 469.

Nerovens de Lile, Sir, 201, 202, 449.

Nigramous, lady of the castle, 125.

Nigromancy, 27.

Nimue, 73; Merlin falls in a dotage on, 75; 94, 210, 418, 449, 481.

Nobley, splendour, 244.

Normandy, duke of, 469.

Northfolk, 477.

Northgalis, queen of, 113; king of, 114; 116, 125, 128, 219, 222, 228, 270, 275, 277, 305; queen of, 326; king of, 419; 428, 434; queen of, 481.

Northumberland, 41, 50, 51, 63, 152, 286; king of, 420; 434.

Noseling, on his nose, 395.

Noyous, injurious, 398.

Nunnery, 27, 185.

Nuns, 84, 85, 348.

Ontzlake, Sir, 79, 81.

Orgule, pride, 485.

Orgulous, haughty, 475.

Orgulous, castle, 199.

Orkney, queen of, 150, 151, 153, 158.

Osanna, Sir, 96.

Ossaise of Surluse, Sir, 281.

Ouche, jewelled ornament, 465.

Out Isles, queen of, 113.

Overthwart, across, 134, 143.

Ozana le Cure Hardy, Sir, 248, 250, 421, 438, 484.

Pageant, 316.

Palamides the Saracen, Sir, 43, 139, 152, 168, 179, 185, 199, 207, 225, 227, 234, 240; follows the questing beast, 250; 253, 256, 275, 287; hates Sir Tristram, 292; slays two knights, 299; 304; justs with Sir Ector, 305; is a traitor, 312; his woe, 318; sees his faded visage in a well, 323; 345, 413, 421, 434, 455, 468; made a duke, 469.

Paltock (paletot), a coat with sleeves, 108.

Pampoille, country of, 100.

Paradise, 108, 395.

Pardiak, earl of, 469.

Paris, 104, 105, 108.

Parliament is called, 469, 474.

Pase, earl of, 272.

Passe-Brewel (Tristram’s horse), 220.

Patrise, Sir, is poisoned, 413; 418.

Pavia, 110.

Payarne, country of, 33.

Paynim, 231, 280, 356.

Pedivere, Sir, cuts his wife’s head off, 127; 329.

Pellam of Listengise, king, 59, 63.

Pellandris, 204.

Pelleas, Sir, 89; smites down ten knights, 90; 98, 122, 418, 435, 438, 449.

Pelles, king, 326, 330, 351, 375, 395, 404, 407.

Pellinore, king, 43, 46, 48, 56, 66, 72, 75; sent for by Arthur to go with him to fight, 76; 193, 218, 256, 334, 393.

Pellogris, 204.

Pellounes, Sir, 221.

Pelownes, castle of, 321.

Pelowres, Pillers, men who fight for pillage, 281.

Pendragon, castle of, 201, 202.

Pensel, small flag, 280.

Pentecost, 30; feast of, 97; 98, 125, 128, 148, 345; feast of, and holy graile, 353; 432.

Percard, Sir, 134; the black knight, 138; 149.

Perch, pierce, 184.

Percivale de Galis, Sir, 47, 139, 152, 259; seeks Sir Tristram, 284; 287, 333; prays, 337; 342, 350, 362; comes to a recluse, 365; one of the men that most believed in Christ, 369; punishes his own flesh, 372; 393, 398; lays his dead sister in a barge, 401; dies, 410; 448.

Perclose, enclosure, 367.

Perdy (per Dieu), truly, 144, 155.

Perigot (peregrine), a kind of falcon, 125.

Perigot, earl of, 469.

Perimones, Sir (the red knight), 138, 148, 153, 160, 449; is slain, 459.

Perin de la Montaine, 273.

Perin de Mountbeliard, 58.

Peris de Forest Savage, Sir, 119.

Peron, tombstone, 239.

Persant of Inde, Sir, 137, 139, 140, 148, 151, 153, 160, 413, 438, 449.

Persides de Bloise, Sir, 221, 226, 228; bound to a stone, 335.

Pertilope, Sir, 449, 459.

Pertolepe, Sir (the green knight), 138, 148, 160.

Peschour, king, 363.

Petchere, lord, 351.

Petersaint, land of, 110.

Petipase of Winchelsea, Sir, 70, 152, 448.

Phariance, Sir, 33, 38, 41.

Phelot, Sir, 125.

Pight, pitched, 25.

Pike, take away, 237, 468.

Piller, plunderer, 479.

Pillounes, 204.

Pinel, 36.

Pinel le Savage, Sir, tries to poison Sir Gawaine, 413; flies, 418.

Placidas, Sir, 34.

Plaine de Amoure, Sir, 203.

Plaine de Force, Sir, 203, 449.

Plains, earl of, 388.

Pleasance, land of, 110.

Plenorius, Sir, 203, 205, 449, 455, 469.

Pluere, castle of (weeping castle), 181.

Plump, clump of trees, 40.

Poictiers, duke of, 469.

Pointment, appointment, 478.

Pomitain, island of, 277.

Pope of Rome, 127, 284; threatens Arthur, 464.

Portingale, country of, 100.

Potestate, 106.

Pounce, country, 100.

Priamus, Sir, 108; is christened, and made a knight of the Table Round, 110; 448; is slain, 459.

Pricker, light rider, 108.

Pricking, riding, 368.

Pridam le Noire, 382, 383.

Prise, the note blown on the death of the stag, 79.

Prisoner, 231.

Provence, duke of the, 469.

Prowess, 78, 79, 82, 104.

Pursuivants, messengers, 219.

Purvey, provide, 28, 49.

Quarel, a bolt from a crossbow, 330.

Querne, duke of, 469.

Quest, 43, 75, 196, 198, 230, 286.

Questing, baying, giving tongue as hounds do, 43, 207, 250.

Rack of bulls, herd, 378.

Raines, a town in Brittany, famous for fine cloth, 485.

Ransack, examine, 104.

Rash, tear off (arracher), 118. Also rush.

Rasure, cutting wind, 437.

Raynold, Sir, 122.

Rechate, recal, 286.

Recreant, 82, 83.

Red Castle, 96. Powys Castle, so called in Welsh.

Red City, 296, 298.

Rede, counsel, 157, 443.

Reynold, Sir, 448.

Rience of North Wales, king, 41, 42. See Ryons.

Rivage, shore, 409.

Roche-dure, 237.

Rochester, bishop of, 464.

Rock, lady of the, 96.

Roerge, earl of, 469.

Romans, 99; fight with the Britons, 104.

Rome, 111, 127, 161.

Rome, emperor of, 45, 98.

Rome, growl, roar, 101.

Roted, practised, 271.

Rounspik, a branch with other branches growing out of it, 126.

Rowse, duke de la, 156, 160.

Ryons, king, 48, 52; brought to Arthur, 55. See Rience.

Sacring, consecrating, 367.

Sad, heavy: Sadly, steadily, 435.

Sadok, Sir, 152, 268, 283, 304, 448, 469.

Safere, Sir, 152, 253, 256, 270, 278, 320, 413, 421, 435, 455, 468.

Sagramore le Desirous, Sir, 96, 123, 127, 152, 169, 174, 176, 219, 226, 241, 273, 302, 333, 399, 421, 438, 448.

Sagwarides, Sir, 152, 172, 192, 194, 253, 295; is slain, 459.

Saint Michael’s mount, a famous place of pilgrimage in Normandy, 102.

Saint Stephen’s, church of, 56, 66.

Salisbury, 57, 411, 477.

Samite, rich silk sometimes interwoven with gold or silver, 370.

Sanam, earl, 41.

Sandwich, 100, 101, 111, 467.

Sangreal (Sancgreal, the holy greal, graale, or grail. See Introduction, p. xviii.), 57, 58; quest of, 60; book of, 63; adventures of, 64; 78, 98; quest of, 262; 326; is seen, 327; 329; what it is, 337; 340; Sir Galahad is to achieve it, 351; 361, 363, 366, 370, 379; appears not to sinners, 381; 403, 407, 409, 411; quest of, 483; its etymology, 491.

Saracens, 40, 42 (or infidels), 100; 104, 106; of Southland, 108; 187, 267, 279, 284, 356.

Sarpi, girdle, 465.

Sarras, city of, 356; 367, 401, 407; the spiritual place, 408.

Sasere, Sir, 139.

Sauseise, 275.

Scaffolds, 116, 136, 278.

Schedule, letter, 476.

Scotland, 30; king of, 31; 49, 97, 151; king of, 152; 168, 285, 333, 397; king of, 420; 447.

Scots, king of, 177, 434.

Scout-watch, 35.

Search, examine by a surgeon, 167.

Selises, 303.

Selises, Sir, 449, 455, 469.

Selivant, Sir, 338, 339.

Semound the Valiant, 276.

Sendal, cloth of, a thin silk, 106, 114.

Seneschal, the chief officer, whether of the household or of the dominions of a sovereign, 29, 232.

Sentonge, duke of, 469.

Sentraile, Sir, 449.

Sentraille de Lushon, Sir, 190.

Servage, Isle of, 192, 194.

Servause le Breuse, Sir, 448.

Sessoin (perhaps Soissons), Saxony, 263; people, 264; Sessoyne, land of, 105.

Severn, river, 359.

Sewer, the officer who set on the dishes and tasted them, 160.

Shaftmon, a measure from the top of the extended thumb to the other end of the fist or palm, about six inches, 147.

Shawe, thicket, 233.

Shend, damage, 470.

Shenship, 346.

Shent, confounded, disgraced, 141.

Sherwood, forest of, 41.

Shield, 236, 237.

Ship, 79.

Shrew, rascal, scamp, 280.

Shrewd, evil, 217.

Siege Perilous, 66, 326; sat in by Galahad, 348; 349; taken by Sir Galahad, 350; 366.

Siege, seat, 65, 78, 137.

Simeon, 406.

Sith, since, 361.

Sithen, since, 118.

Slade, 132.

Slake, ditch, ravine, 114.

Soil, To go to, hunting term for taking to the water, 433.

Soleise, king of, 76.

Solomon, 395, 397.

Sondes, sendings, messages, 475.

Sorceress, 447.

Sorhaute, 42.

Sorlouse of the Forest, 67.

Soul, how it left the body, 280.

Southfolk, 477.

South Marches, duke of, 95.

Southsex, 268, 477.

Sowdan of Surrey, 106.

Spain, 446.

Spaniards, 100.

Spere, ask, 362.

Spolute, 110.

Stalk, a hunting term, 433.

Stole, part of a priest’s dress, worn round the neck, 373.

Stonied, stunned, 132.

Stour, battle, 383, 463.

Straight Marches, king of the, 307.

Straked, blew a horn, 215.

Sue, follow, 361.

Suffragan, 347.

Supper, 79.

Suppinabiles, Sir, 191, 449.

Suppings, 215.

Surgeons, 106, 167.

Surlat, earldom of, 469.

Surluse, country of, 203, 234, 274, 280, 286, 293, 302.

Surrey, 477.

Surrie, country of, 100.

Sword, 28, 29; in the red stone, 349; 393.

Swough, sound, 100.

Table Round, 30, 41, 64, 66, 77, 78, 95, 98, 100, 101, 106, 109, 111, 112, 115, 117, 118; one hundred and fifty the complement of, 128; 149, 152, 154, 158, 164, 173, 195, 202; feast of, 241; 258, 282, 287, 304, 315; is to be broken, 327; 350; Arthur’s fear of, 353; is entered into the quest, 363; 389; more than half the knights are slain, 405; the remnant meets again, 411; 423, 434, 438; the knights’ names, 448; fellowship of the, broken for ever, 457; 469, 487.

Taches, qualities, disposition, 163.

Tallages, taxes, 99.

Tarce, country of, 100.

Taulas, 96.

Tauleas (a giant), 214.

Taulurd (a giant), 96.

Teen, grief, 107.

Terrabil, castle of, 25, 26, 53, 56.

Thames, river, 431, 440.

Thrall, 361.

Thring, push, press, 459.

Thrull, pierce, 200.

Tintagil, duke of, 25; 26; castle of (a castle in Cornwall, the ruins of which still exist), 26; 120, 164, 167, 172, 213, 233, 262, 283.

Tirre, Sir, 420, 425, 430.

To brast, To-shiver, &c., break to pieces, 331.

Tolleme la Feintes, king, 356.

Tor (the cowherd’s son), 65, 69, 75; is chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78; 152; (called) Sir Tor le Fise de Vayshoure, 209; 259, 448; is slain, 459.

Tor le Fise Aries, Sir, 247.

Tournament, 153, 168, 223, 283, 385, 434.

Trasing and rasing, dodging and striking, 117.

Travers, At, coming across them, 407.

Treason, 177; what it included, 414; its punishment, 457.

Tremble, port of, 110.

Trent, 30, 35.

Trest, 433; a term of hunting, the technical meaning of which I cannot find: but the word is in Romance the participle of Trere, tirer, trahere.

Trian, Sir, 246.

Trinity, Holy, 356, 409.

Tristram de Liones, Sir, 54, 89, 96; kills Sir Marhaus, 98; 101, 122, 135, 139, 152, 160; why he was so named, 162; book of, 163; overcomes Sir Marhaus, 166; calls himself Tramtrist, 168; 171, 175, 178; kills Sir Brunor and his lady, 183; 187, 190; marries, 191; 194, 205, 209; goes mad, 212; recounts his adventures, 216; is a devil and no man, 224; justs with Sir Launcelot, 227; is imprisoned, 231; 234, 238, 244, 252, 258; at Tintagil, 264; fights Sir Elias, 266; attempt to kill, 283; is the best chaser and horn-blower: all good terms of venery and hunting came from, 286, 291; sees the dead knight with a letter, 294; justs at Lonazep, 304; Sir Palamides envies, 313; smites down Arthur, 316; has a wound six inches deep, 325; 345, 448.

Troilus, 467.

Truage, tribute, 98.

Truss, take up, pack up, make ready, 369, 469.

Turkey, country of, 100.

Turks, 487.

Turnance, Isle of, 394.

Turquine, Sir, 112; is killed by Sir Launcelot, 118; 127, 152.

Tursauk, earl of, 469.

Tuscany, warriors of, 100; country of, 107; 110.

Ubbley, sacramental bread, 408.

Ulbause, earl, 448.

Ulbawes of Surluse, earl, 281.

Ulfin, Sir, 392.

Ulfius, Sir, seeks Merlin, 26; 28, 30, 33, 36, 44.

Umbecast, cast about, 433.

Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes, 197.

Underne, Undorne, nine in the morning, 144, 463.

Unhappy, causing ill luck, 479.

Unnethe, scarcely, 92.

Unwimple, to uncover, to show, 273.

Unwrast, untwisted, unbound, 190.

Urbine, city of, 110.

Urein, 310.

Urience of the land of Gore, king, 448.

Uriens, king (Arthur’s brother-in-law), 27, 31, 35, 37, 42, 57; chosen a knight of the Table Round, 78; 79; his wife wants to kill him, 85; 87, 152, 379, 434.

Urre, Sir, 446; made a knight of the Table Round, 450; 455, 468, 469.

Utas, eighth day of a festival, 100.

Utas of Hilary, 100.

Uther Pendragon, sends for Tintagil, lays siege to Terrabil, 25; sees Merlin, 26; marries Igraine, 27; dies, 28; 30, 31, 43, 44, 64, 121.

Utterance, uttermost (outrance), 199.

Uwaine le Blanchemains, Sir (king Uriens’ son), 85; suspected and sent from court 87; fights Sir Marhaus, 88; smites thirty knights, 96; 97, 99, 123, 127, 152, 230, 232, 238, 248, 256, 279, 302, 333, 355.

Uwaine les Adventurous, 248.

Uwaine les Avoutres, Sir, 152, 361, 379, 448.

Vagon, castle of, lord of, 354.

Vains, 273.

Vale, earl de, 373.

Vale, king of the, 76.

Varlet, servant, 290.

Vawse, lady de, 95.

Venery, hunting, 163.

Ventails, breathing holes, 295.

Vermins, 286.

Vicecount, vale of, 110.

Villiars, Sir, 448, 455, 469.

Viterbe, 110.

Wade, 135.

Waits, watchmen, 156.

Wales, 27, 30, 31, 49, 76; king of, 77; march of, 96; 97; west, 99; 128, 161, 168, 192, 194, 205, 209, 219, 262, 284, 286, 333, 375.

Wallop, gallop, 45, 72.

Wandesborow, 40; castle of, 42.

Wap, strike, move quickly, 480. Mr. Tennyson renders ‘Wap and wan’ by ‘lapping on the crag.’

Warison, reward, 216.

Waste Lands, queen of the, 365; takes Arthur, 481.

Web of lead, a thin sheet of, 485.

Weeds, dress, 308, 399.

Weld, possess, 151.

Well, Galahad’s, 406.

Wend, thought, 97.

Werwolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic, 449.

Westminster, 414, 416; church of, 418; 431, 437; bridge, 440; 444.

Wight, active, brave, 135, 200.

Williars le Valiant, Sir, 484, 487.

Winchester (i. e. Camelot), 63; 127, 344, 418, 427, 474.

Windesan, city of, 42.

Windsor, 412; forest of, 433.

Wisshard, Sir, 107, 108.

Witch, 31.

Witchcraft, 51.

Wood, mad, 332.

Worship, honour, 197, 415.

Worts, herbs, 379.

Wrake, wrack, destruction, 451.

York, parliament held at, 100.

Yule, Christmas, 108.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transcriber's Notes

When italics were used in the original book, the corresponding text has been surrounded by underscores. Superscripted letters have been preceded by ^, and the letter n with a macron above it has been represented as [=n].

Some presumed printer's errors have been corrected, including normalizing punctuation. Unusual spellings and alternate spellings were preserved as printed, except where noted below. The variable spelling of proper names is addressed by the editor in the introduction (here) and in the preamble to the Index and Glossary (here). Therefore, in the few cases that a correction has been made to a proper name, the rationale for that correction has been provided. Corrections are listed below with the printed text (top) and corrected text (bottom):

love for her whom he does not know to he his sister (p. xi) love for her whom he does not know to be his sister

mediaeval (p. xiv) mediæval

Marte phalanges. (p. xxv) Marte phalanges.’

matters, came into England. (p. 23) matters, he came into England.

Now turn me unto Sir Launcelot (p. 127) Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot

said sir Tristram (p. 178) said Sir Tristram

wheresover (p. 207) wheresoever

Paymin (p. 280) Paynim

(based on 10 occurrences of p/Paynim(s) and on the fact that the alternate spelling would significantly change the pronunciation)

seige (p. 326) siege

Launclot (p. 364) Launcelot

(based on 2447 occurrences of Launcelot and only one occurrence of Launclot)

Pertipole (Index) Pertilope

Servause le Breuse (Index) Servause le Bruese

(both of the above alternate spellings occur only in the Index)

Duplicate words were removed in the following sentences (the duplicated word was always found at the end of one line and at the beginning of the next line):

p. 316 and gat the the horse

p. 392 for for so is our Lord’s will.

p. 413 Porte, to to take a poisoned apple.

p. 448 Sir Tristram the the noble knight

The last three chapters of Book Four were renumbered to match the Table of Contents.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us